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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.

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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.

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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.

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What happens when a decorated military career transitions into civilian life? Join us as we unpack this challenging journey with Nigel Fisher, whose candid reflections on mental health and the overwhelming influx of resources faced by veterans provide a heartfelt focus for the episode. Nigel, along with insightful contributions from Donald Dunn and Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann, shares the importance of mental resilience, the necessity of seeking help, and the power of sharing personal stories to navigate the emotional hurdles of leaving military service.

Through vivid personal anecdotes and expert insights, we uncover the vital importance of cognitive health, sleep, and self-care for veterans. From innovative treatments to holistic approaches, our discussion explores strategies to improve long-term well-being. Hear firsthand how multidisciplinary teams and non-pharmaceutical interventions can combat cognitive decline and aid in recovery. Dr. Mark Gordon's groundbreaking methods and the crucial role of proper nutrition and sleep hygiene are just a few of the impactful topics covered.

Finally, discover the transformative power of music and community with the Guitars for Vets program. We highlight the therapeutic benefits and emotional healing experienced by veterans who embrace new passions such as music and bow hunting. Listen to stories of personal growth and find inspiration in the unique approaches to post-traumatic growth provided by organizations like Nodens Outdoors. This episode is a rich tapestry of personal experiences, expert advice, and practical tips designed to support veterans in their journey towards a fulfilling civilian life.

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Check out Dr. Mark Gordons website too!!

www.tbimedlegal.com

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Eloise Cherian is the Communications Coordinator at Sunstone Therapies. Which is one of the Nations top healing centers for both Psychedelic therapy and clinical trials. Join us as we explore the efficacy and healing potential of these powerful medicine. Inspired by her studies in neuroscience and Michael Pollan's "How to Change Your Mind," Eloise shares her research experiences with ketamine therapy at the Minneapolis VA, uncovering promising data on psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine. Discover why these substances could offer sustainable mental health solutions that go beyond traditional pharmaceuticals, and hear about the ongoing efforts to reschedule MDMA for therapeutic use.

Ever wondered how MDMA can foster empathy and social engagement crucial for trauma healing? In this episode, Eloise explains the neurochemical mechanisms behind MDMA and discusses its potential FDA approval for PTSD treatment. With extensive clinical trials showcasing its efficacy and safety, we delve into why MDMA-assisted therapy requires careful preparation, dosing, and integration with a therapist. We also broaden our discussion to other psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, emphasizing the importance of supervised use and the risks of unsupervised ketamine therapy.

Eloise Cherian attended Pomona College in Claremont, California where she studied Neuroscience. During the summer of 2022, she worked at the Minneapolis Department of Veteran Affairs as a research assistant on a clinical trial investigating the efficacy of ketamine and Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD. Currently, she is the Communications Coordinator for Sunstone Therapies, a mental health company dedicated to the research and delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy, located in Rockville Maryland.

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Episode 188: Patrick Zeigler, author of “Both ends of the barrel.”

Surviving a terrorist attack at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009, changed Patrick Ziegler’s life, but it didn't break him. Join us as we explore his incredible story of resilience and survival. Hear firsthand about the harrowing day that left lasting scars and the journey that followed. Patrick opens up about the powerful bonds of camaraderie he experienced on a recent healing trip to South Florida, touching on the evolving nature of mental health support for veterans.

What happens when the act of writing becomes a lifeline? Discover the transformative journey of an author who spent five years battling physical and mental hardships to pen a deeply personal book. Learn how storytelling served as a coping mechanism for trauma, leading to unexpected financial support and a profound experience of peace and forgiveness during a visit to Israel. This chapter sheds light on the spiritual healing found through human connections and the significant impact of such encounters on the path toward forgiveness and understanding.

Mental health recovery is a winding path, often marked by profound lessons and unexpected friendships. Hear about the narrator's multiple stays in psych wards, the invaluable lessons learned through group therapy, and the poignant tattoos memorializing 26 lives. The episode underscores the healing power of humor and camaraderie, especially at Bethesda Walter Reed Medical Center, where veterans use humor to cope with their injuries. From generational differences in handling adversity to the potential of new treatments like psilocybin and neural implants, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, purpose, and the enduring bonds formed among those who serve.

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Make sure that you get Patrick’s book! Click the link below to get it on AMAZON!

Both Ends of the Barrel: From the Troop Surge to Fort Hood A Dozen Years in the Global War

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Discover the compelling journey of Daniel Carcillo, a former NHL player, as he reveals his battles with multiple concussions and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Daniel shares his heart-wrenching experiences from his athletic career, the despair he faced upon retirement, and his inspiring path to regaining his life. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and hope, offering solace and motivation to those grappling with similar health challenges.

Explore the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine as Daniel takes us through his personal experiences with psilocybin and other natural remedies. Learn about the clinical trials and retreat centers like Sunstone Therapies, which are pioneering new ways to address mental health issues. This episode sheds light on the intelligence of natural medicines and the importance of vulnerability and seeking help, especially for high-performing professionals.

Daniel's journey is a powerful reminder of finding purpose through alternative medicine and using past traumas to help others. We highlight organizations like Heroic Hearts Project and No Fallen Heroes, which provide hope and healing to veterans and first responders. Join us for an episode filled with hope, resilience, and the transformative power of healing.

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We have been getting a lot of questions and now it's time that Deny sits down and answers them.

This episode is all about you, the audience, and your questions! So sit back and listen to our very first Q and A session!

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Make sure that you follow Leonard on LinkedIn and check out his website too!

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