Send us a Text Message.

Today's guest is Seth Ewing, the heart and soul behind Operation Tabletop, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing veterans together through the magic of tabletop gaming. From his roots in the Shenandoah Valley to his enlistment in the Air Force, Seth's journey is marked by resilience and a love of gaming. Discover how limited Wi-Fi during deployments turned board games like "Zombies" into a lifeline of camaraderie and escape, contrasting sharply with the isolating effects of online gaming.

The path back from deployment is often fraught with challenges, a reality Seth knows all too well. Hear his raw and honest account of grappling with job loss, personal tragedy, and the search for a new purpose. Seth's transparency about masking his pain through Operation Tabletop and subsequent battles with video game addiction, alcohol, and pornography offers a sobering look at the hurdles many veterans face. The discussion underscores the risks of seeking comfort in unhealthy habits and highlights the critical need for recognizing and overcoming these vices to preserve mental well-being.

Yet, there's hope and healing in the therapeutic potential of tabletop games. Seth elaborates on the growth of Operation Tabletop, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into the culture of military alcohol consumption and the power of peer support. Learn about the positive impact of slower-paced games like Dungeons & Dragons, which foster deeper connections and self-improvement. As we wrap up, we celebrate the inspiring journey of finding purpose through tabletop gaming, with a special mention of an upcoming PTSD Awareness event, encouraging listeners to get involved and find support within this vibrant community. Join us for a heartfelt episode that champions the power of community and shared passions.

If you enjoy our content, sign up for our Patreon and get access to additional content, bonus episodes, and access each episode before they drop on Spotify or iTunes.

We greatly appreciate you and your support, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

Patreon: securityhaltpodcast

Instagram: @securityhalt

X : @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

Follow Operation Tabletop on Instagram and checkout there website today!

Website: www.operationtabletop.org

Instagram: operation_tabletop

Support the Show.

Produced by Security Halt Media

Send us a Text Message.

How do soldiers navigate the extreme pressures of special operations while maintaining their mental and physical health? Join us for a riveting conversation with Gordon Hurley, a former Canadian Special Operations Forces operator, as he shares his journey from light infantry airborne reconnaissance to becoming a special operator and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller. Gordon recounts the rigorous training, grueling selection processes, and his deployment to Iraq during the Battle of Mosul, all while emphasizing the critical role humor and authenticity play in surviving the intense demands of military life.

Throughout our discussion, we shine a light on the importance of proactive health management for soldiers and veterans. Gordon shares personal anecdotes that underscore the necessity of addressing physical and emotional burdens head-on to avoid long-term damage. We talk about the impact of poor diets, the significance of maintaining a healthy weight, and the broader lessons learned from his military career. The conversation doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of transitioning to civilian life, especially with injuries and inadequate healthcare support, stressing the need for mental resilience and reframing experiences to avoid bitterness.

Finally, we delve into Gordon's post-military initiatives, particularly his involvement with Heroic Hearts Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and treating veterans. Gordon's passion for giving back and his efforts to create a comprehensive package of up-to-date veteran healthcare information are truly inspiring. This episode is a celebration of living fully through hardships, embracing discomfort, and the empowerment that comes from taking ownership of one's life and capabilities. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights, compelling stories, and a heartfelt look at the resilience of those who've served.

We greatly appreciate you and your support, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

Patreon: securityhaltpodcast

Instagram: @securityhalt

X : @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

Follow Gordon on all of his Social Media channels to find out more!

Website: alltheway.team

LinkedIn: Gordon Hurley

Facebook: All The Way

Instagram: a.t.w.alltheway

Support the Show.

Produced by Security Halt Media

Send us a Text Message.

What does life look like after a career in special operations? Mike Stone, the Assistant Director of Development for Operation Healing Forces (OHF), shares his incredible journey from the battlefield to the nonprofit world, shedding light on the transformative power of service beyond military life. Mike opens up about his own experience attending an OHF retreat, an event that profoundly enhanced his well-being and relationships. He passionately encourages veterans to step beyond their comfort zones and explore new career opportunities, such as using LinkedIn to discover pathways they might not have considered before.

In this episode, we delve into the comprehensive support that the OHF program offers to special operations families. These efforts include therapeutic couples' retreats and immediate financial assistance for unforeseen crises. We discuss the crucial role of family in maintaining individual well-being and the importance of overcoming the stigma associated with seeking help. Hear firsthand accounts of how these interventions have made a significant difference, demonstrating the necessity of a holistic approach to sustaining the mental and emotional health of those in high-stress roles.

Lastly, we confront the pervasive issue of PTSD and chronic stress within the military community. Mike shares his personal experiences and insights into various treatments, including the stellate ganglion block procedure, which has provided immediate relief for many. He discusses the profound impact of community support, and how connection and timely intervention can help veterans overcome crises. Join us for this heartfelt episode that highlights the indispensable resources available through Operation Healing Forces and the lasting impact they have on the lives of veterans and their families.

If you enjoy our content, sign up for our Patreon and get access to additional content, bonus episodes, and access each episode before they drop on Spotify or iTunes.

We greatly appreciate you and your support, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

Patreon: securityhaltpodcast

Instagram: @securityhalt

X : @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

Follow Mike on LinkedIn and click the links below to find out more about Operation Healing Forces.
Website: operationhealingforces.org

Instagram: operationhealingforces

X: @OHF_Actual

LinkedIn: Mike Stone

Support the Show.

Produced by Security Halt Media