Warriors Unmasked

Latest Episodes:

60. The Power Of Keeping One Foot In Front Of The Other with Joe Roberts Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

"There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time." - Desmond Tutu

When Joe Roberts was living day-to-day in the streets of downtown Vancouver, he never thought that he would end up where he is today. Turns out, he didn't need to look that far, all he needed to do was take the next step….

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! This week we welcome Skidrow CEO, honorary doctorate, and mental health advocate Joe Roberts to the show. We dive into Joe's journey from addiction and homelessness, to the words that changed his life one day on a park bench, and the new life he is living today.

Join us as Joe talks about the weeks he contemplated taking his life and the moment that made him reconsider it all. Listen in as he tells the heroic story of knowing when it was time to go home and the support he had from family and from God. Joe talks about the power of taking it one step at a time as well as the passion he has for the youth in Canada and those who have struggled like him.

This story is one of heartbreak, grit, hope, and victory. So hit play, sit back, and relax as you hear how the place you're in is exactly where you need to be.

For more resources or to connect with Joe, check out the links below!

More Of What's Inside:

How Joe left homelessness
Staying vigilant on your mental health journey
Growing up with a traumatic childhood
Finding the freedom of sobriety
Doing things outside of your comfort zone
The impact of community
Joe's advice for the younger generation
How adversity brings change into your life
Crossing the country with a shopping cart
The words that changed Joe's life
Meeting the REAL you
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: http://www.skidrowceo.com/
Website: http://www.thepushforchange.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skidrowceo/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
2:22 - Welcome Joe Roberts
8:06 - The unresolved issues
12:51 - Stepping out in faith
15:32 - Joe's story with trauma
18:30 - I just wanted to fit in
23:45 - Seeing through the mask
25:30 - The catalyst for change
27:53 - The inspiration for Joe's book
31:45 - Pushing a shopping cart across Canada
36:18 - How a man named Gus changed Joe's life
42:17 - Where to connect with Joe
44:08 - Joe's advice for you
45:55 - Closing thoughts

59. Activating Hope Through Connection with David Bartley Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

August 31, 2011, will be a day that David Bartley will remember forever. With the help of a nameless first responder, he stepped away from the bridge where he planned to end his life. Now ten years later, he has made a name advocating for those struggling with depression and mental illness.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! As Clint and I keep marching on this journey together we are just blown away by the people we have had the privilege to speak with. Today's guest is no different, David Bartley is a staunch mental health advocate, TEDx speaker, and counselor. Join us as he shares his journey, from attempted suicide to finding a tiny seed of hope and growing into something new.

Listen in as David talks about the importance of connection, whether through a call, a conversation, or even a handwritten note. You'll learn the power that connection has to activate hope in those who are struggling with mental illness. As well as practical tips to support those exhibiting signs of suicidal tendencies, why it's important to express yourself, and finding your purpose even after tragedy.

This is a powerful episode with a message from David just for you, so hit play and relax because you may just find that seed of hope right here. For more resources or to get in touch with David, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

The day David tried to kill himself
Two things that saved David that night
Why mental illness has to be explained
Hiding behind the velocity of your life
Practical questions for those who are struggling
What not to say
Planting a seed of hope
David's experience in a psych ward
The power of your name
Fighting fear with understanding
Creating hope with connection
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://www.davidwoodsbartley.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-woods-bartley-96325512/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.w.bartley.5
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFEo9TcsIGCcQgBiihgXdrg/videos
TEDxTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Nro1B9OchM

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
2:18 - Welcome David Bartley
4:24 - August 31, 2011
8:33 - Learning the signs of someone who is suicidal
12:41 - Being able to hurt out loud
16:38 - Rethinking suicide
22:24 - After the first responder saved his life
25:01 - How trauma ignites mental illness
29:54 - Activating hope with connection
35:13 - The power of expression
40:15 - How handwritten noes make a difference

58. Your Story Isn't Finished: The Journey To Sobriety with Jewels A. Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

What happens when a coping mechanism starts causing more damage than help? For many addicts, this is the exact struggle they deal with every day. Our guest today is someone who has not only struggled with addiction but came out on the other side with a fresh start and a powerful outlook on life.

Join us as we talk with recovering alcoholic, author, and competitive national bodybuilder, Jewels A. Jewels tells her heroic journey of enduring trauma and abuse at a young age to finding comfort at the bottom of a bottle. You'll hear how even when she pulled herself into what could be considered a successful adult life the hold of alcoholism continued to cause some major damage.

Listen in as Jewels talks about the day she decided to quit for good and how she began her process of recovery and ultimately a brand new life. We talk about the source that keeps Jewels grounded, her go-to morning practices to stay on top, and the advice she has to remind herself of all the time. Your recovery comes one step at a time, and if Jewels' story is anything to go by then there is a rich life waiting for you on the other side.

To connect more with Jewels or for more resources, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

Growing up with a traumatic childhood
Losing the connection to her mother at an early age
Coping with the disease of alcoholism
Why Jewels never took a sip of alcohol again
Staying connected to the source that grounds you
How you can start your day right
Gaining perspective on bad and good times
Learning to forgive yourself and others
Bodybuilding at 40 years old
Why you may need to stay away from boredom
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Connect With Jewels:

Website: https://themakingofawoman.com
Shop Website: https://www.themakingofjewels.com
Join our Affiliate Program: https://themakingofjewels.com/pages/vip-club
Email: jewels@themakingofawoman.com
Press: media@themakingofawoman.com

Books:

Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Woman-Jewels/dp/1737268507/
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095L9JBNS/
Kindle Digital: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096G9WX9D/

Social Media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/jewelsthemakingofawoman/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/makingofjewels/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jewelsthemakingofawoman?
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvmtpgWqE33CwRZl83R6Vg

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today
2:20 - Welcome Jewels!
3:11 - Jewels' story
8:03 - Making the best decision you can
11:54 - Becoming an adult at 14
16:15 - The moment that Jewels knew it was time to stop drinking
21:05 - Finding connection and understanding around the world
23:10 - What life was like after alcohol
26:54 - Finding the source of unconditional love
31:53 - What Jewels does today to stay focused
37:55 - The power of forgiveness in Jewels' life
39:40 - How Jewels got into bodybuilding
43:50 - Where to connect with Jewels
45:24 - Jewels' advice for you
48:14 - Closing thoughts

57. The Path To Healing: Body, Mind and Spirit with Theoren Fleury Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Our guest this week is living proof that there is hope for your future and that you can overcome trauma, hardship, and a broken home to live a life that is full of purpose and meaning.

Join us as we sit down with former NHL player, Olympic gold medalist, author, and mental health advocate Theoren Fleury. Theo's story is one that covers a multitude of painful instances that any human would struggle to endure. From the stress of being a professional athlete to sexual assault, drug addiction, and childhood trauma, there was a point where he was ready to end all the pain.

Fortunately, Theo's story doesn't end there.

Listen in as Theo talks about the hope, peace, and motivation he gained when he decided to live his life with a new purpose. We discuss his journey of healing and the practices that have helped him the most, as well as the three areas you should look to start your own healing journey and the key of vulnerability that connects you with those who can help.

We hope this episode empowers you to reach out and seize your own healing and purpose for the future. To connect with Theo and find more resources, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

Finding purpose after hockey
Using hockey as a platform
Leaning into powerful leadership
Connecting to those who have trauma
The 3 step journey to healing
Staying dialed into what grounds you
The gift of adversity
Taking sobriety one day at a time
How to get out of your head
Breaking the trauma loop
Rewiring your brain and trauma
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofleury14/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theofleury14
Website: http://www.theofleury.life/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
2:25 - Welcome Theoren Fleury
5:44 - The importance of your role
8:48 - Gaining perspective from the past
11:18 - What helped Theo tell all in his book
15:43 - Taking the ego out of addiction
20:05 - Missing the first step to healing
25:30 - Getting to the core of your issues
29:13 - Theo tells his story
34:30 - Getting back to your heart
38:50 - Why we protect ourselves with anger
42:08 - A story of forgiveness
49:45 - Being willing to let go
51:32 - Understanding the journey of mental illness
55:40 - How to get in touch with Theo
57:03 - The importance of advocates in mental health
1:02:18 - Celebrating the healing others achieve
1:08:13 - Theo's advice for you
1:13:53 - Closing thoughts

56. Healing From Loss And PTSD with Veteran Scott DeLuzio Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

There are some things we don't question when it comes to our health. Like going to the emergency room with a broken bone or getting an annual check-up to make sure we're still in good health. What if we did the same for our mental health?

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Chuck here, this week while Clint is out changing the world, I sit down with National Guard Veteran, author, podcaster, and mental health advocate Scott DeLuzio. Listen in as Scott tells his journey of following in his brother's footsteps and serving in Afghanistan, losing his brother in a firefight, and how he leaned on God for the peace to keep moving forward.

We talk about the struggle soldiers face when losing someone on the battlefield, how this affected Scott after he returned home, and the moment he realized he couldn't do this on his own. Join us as Scott talks about how he began to process the loss of his brother, finding the right help for him, and his routine check-ups to make sure his future is one of growth and healing.

This episode is full of heartbreak and comfort, struggles and victory, but most of all hope that you have what it takes. Not to just heal, but to discover the new you who has overcome all that's stood in your way. For more resources or to connect with Scott, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck Thuss

More Of What's Inside:

Thank you to our veterans
The real-life superheroes of our day
Losing his brother in Afghanistan
Struggling with grief and PTSD
Learning to accept the situation
Trusting that God's plan is good
Doing the necessary hard things
Breaking the pattern of self-medicating
Routine mental health checks
Pursuing the 'new' you
Finding all the options for therapy
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Podcast: https://driveonpodcast.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Son-Afghanistan-Nightmare-Becoming/dp/0578977443/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=afghanistan+veteran&qid=1630606878&s=books&sr=1-2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/driveonpodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driveonpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/driveonpodcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkO9JA_H1z2A8zbvadyhglQ

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
2:26 - Welcome Scott DeLuzio
4:07 - How Scott got into the Military
9:17 - The day Scott's life changed forever
15:58 - Dealing with grief on the battlefield
20:42 - A moment of calm clarity
24:19 - Finding peace in God
28:19 - Struggling at home after deployment
31:50 - When it's time to find help
37:05 - The importance of mental care
42:28 - Telling the stories of heroes
46:18 - Where to find Scott's book and podcast
52:57 - Scott's message for you
54:13 - Closing thoughts

55. How Laughter Can Help Heal with Greg Kettner Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

They say that laughter is the best medicine in the world, well, when it comes to mental illness it's not just medicine, it's a door to reconnecting with those around you.

Welcome back to another Warriors Unmasked episode! Today, Clint and I talk with key-note speaker, virtual business coach, mental health advocate, and all-around stand-up guy, Greg Kettner. He takes us on his journey of mental health when, two years ago, he was deemed along with thousands of others around the U.S. as "non-essential". What started off as a devastating blow ended with the realization of a dream and a heart for those who are struggling.

Join us as we talk about Greg's passion for helping others who are battling mental illness and the power of laughter that helps him. You'll learn why it's so important for us to laugh, how to make powerful connections with others, and how the gift of vulnerability can change your life for the better. Plus! Greg's practical tips and tricks for adding laughter into your life every day, and the self-care he practices to keep "working happy".

We hope this episode brought you as much joy as it did us, to learn more about Greg or to connect with him, check out the links below!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

3 things that Greg does to stay happy (And they're free!)
Taking advantage of being laid off
The power of letting go and moving forward
Permission for round-the-clock self-care
An emergency stand-up comedy show in Vegas
Serving others and chasing happiness
Why you should start sending gratitude texts
The gift of vulnerability
Laughing your way to a better mindset
Making a genuine connection with those around you
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://www.gregkettner.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkettner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregkettner/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/gregkettner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregkettner
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregkettner

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
2:20 - Welcome Greg Kettner
4:39 - Greg's 3 free tips for self-care
7:58 - Being deemed "non-essential"
12:38 - The kick that Greg needed
17:03 - How Greg did a stand-up show in Vegas
22:44 - The lonely life of a stand-up comedian
24:47 - What does working happy look like?
27:21 - The impact and power of vulnerability
30:49 - Creating a connection with laughter
35:26 - The power of laughter
41:37 - How to connect with Greg Kettner
43:29 - Greg's advice for you
46:47 - Closing thoughts

54. Self-Care in the Midst of Traumatic Situations with Nicki Pike Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

Hey, Chuck here, while Clint is out with other speaking engagements I'll be taking over the helm this week! Over the past two years, we think it's safe to say that we have all experienced the feeling of loss in one way or another…

Loss of sleep, loss of normal routines, loss of in-person connection and community, and unfortunately, many of us have lost loved ones. If you can relate or if you've ever experienced loss, then you might be interested in today's guest. I sit down with Nicki Pike who has shown incredible courage, perseverance, and strength through some major losses in life.

Nicki's journey is one of growth and loss, loss and growth to the point sometimes it feels like she is stuck on repeat. Listen in as Nicki talks about her close walk with loss and grief, filing for divorce, the diagnosis and eventual loss of her mother to dementia, and the unexpected and hard loss of her brother not long after. Life has knocked her down more than once these last few years but these challenges, these struggles, led to her finding her way to the person she is today.

Join us as she talks about navigating the different types of grief and how she realized self-care was more than just massages and spa days. We talk about the selfless act of putting yourself first because if she's not taking care of herself, there is no way she's taking care of her mother,

there's no way she's raising her daughter, and there is certainly no way that she is still running her business. You'll learn practical tips for processing grief and Nicki's own encouragement that no matter how hard it seems, you can get through this.

My hope is that this episode encourages you to keep putting one foot in front of the other so that you can find healing and peace in your life. For more resources, or to get in touch with us, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck Thuss

More Of What's Inside:

Dealing with the loss of divorce
Losing her mother to dementia
Learning to accept help
When you should take a step back
Surrendering to the space of growth
The freedom of releasing your emotions
Grieving the loss of her brother
Finding gratitude in grief
Creating habits that start your day off right
Seeing the hope at the end of the day
And much more!

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
2:13 - Welcome Nicki Pike
3:57 - Nicki's journey through loss
8:14 - The progression of dementia
13:19 - Taking care of yourself during hard times
18:07 - The moments that grow us the most
23:04 - Listening to what your body and mind need
26:30 - When Nicki's brother passed
29:13 - Grieving differently for different people
32:29 - The two choices that helped Nicki move forward
37:05 - Learning to accept all of you
40:54 - The practices Nicki won't do without
44:02 - Nicki's advice for the holidays and loss
47:13 - Nicki's encouragement for you
48:37 - Closing thoughts

53. Life As A Recovering Gambling Addict with Patrick Chester Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

A recent study in the U.S. has shown that nearly 10 million Americans struggle with compulsive gambling every year. While it may not have physical effects like drug abuse or other addictions, it's still something that can damage your relationships, finances, and life.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today we have an incredible conversation with father of two, professional speaker and mental health advocate, and recovering gambling addict, Patrick Chester. If the statistic previously shared hits close to home, you're going to want to stick around for this episode. Patrick lets us into his journey of how innocent bets on football games became an insatiable addiction to gambling. Eventually, leaving Patrick with no job, a marriage on the rocks, and sitting in jail.

Listen in as Patrick opens up about the moment he hit rock bottom, as well as how he found the strength and hope to continue living in recovery. The day he stepped out of jail was the first day he experienced freedom, not just in the physical, but from the overwhelming monster that a gambling addiction brings. You'll hear the best steps to begin the process of recovery, the support system you can find no matter where you are, and what life looks like free of addiction.

This story is sure to bring you to the edge of your seat as you listen to Patrick's struggle and eventual victory over addiction. For more resources, or to connect with Patrick, check out the links below!

More Of What's Inside:

The addiction to gambling
Understanding the disease of addiction
Finding hope during recovery
Why your story matters
Falling into the cycle of rationalizing addiction
How gambling affected Patrick's loved ones
The moment he hit rock bottom
Life after recovery as a gambling addict
The last bet Patrick ever made
Finding freedom from addiction
The support system that helped Patrick recover
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/@patrickchester9
Phone number: 425-492-0556

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - A look into the episode!
2:13 - Introducing Patrick Chester
7:26 - Finding hope in the struggle
10:37 - How the gambling addiction started
14:54 - The anxiety of hiding an addiction
18:39 - When Patrick's business fell apart
21:47 - Struggling with mental illness after
25:07 - How gambling became a high for Patrick
26:53 - The moment Patrick changed his thinking
32:02 - Faith that helped Patrick find recovery
34:10 - Rebuilding trust with his family
38:58 - Dealing with the aftermath of a gambling addiction
43:34 - Feeling thankful for the struggles of life
48:42 - Patrick's advice for you
50:07 - Where to connect with Patrick
50:35 - Closing thoughts

52. Hope After Addiction: Choosing Life and Purpose with Jay Shifman Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Boy, do we have an incredible episode for you. When most people think of addiction they think of illegal substances. But what happens when you get hooked on legal medication that your therapist prescribed at eleven years old?

Join us today as our guest Jay Shifman takes us through his harrowing journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at eleven years old, the path that led him to substance abuse, two attempts at suicide, and his inevitable hit at rock bottom. Jay's remarkable journey doesn't end there though, he has lived despite all odds and has now dedicated his life to helping others who struggle with mental illness and substance abuse.

Jay started his company "Choose your struggle" with two important goals in mind. Ending stigma and promoting honest and fact-based education around the topics of Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, and Drug Use & Policy. Listen in as Jay talks about the moment his life changed forever, and how it all started with telling his story. You'll learn the best way to support those who are struggling and other great tips when it comes to handling medication safely. His perseverance and courage will inspire you, whether you are struggling or know someone who is, that a full turnaround is possible.

This episode is sure to open your eyes to the world of prescription drugs and their part in addiction, but also to the hope that every one of us has a purpose and place in this life. For more resources and to connect with Jay, check out the links below!

More Of What's Inside:

Being diagnosed with ADHD as a preteen
The dangers of Adderall
The obstacles to understanding addiction
How the treatment of ADHD can be harmful
Getting a second opinion when it comes to your mental health
Understanding the medical definition of addiction
Being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder
Signs that you're on too many medications
How mental illness and addiction go hand in hand
The step-down method to detoxing
How telling his story changed Jay's life
The start of "choose your struggle"
How to reach people who are struggling
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://jay.campsite.bio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChooseYourStruggle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CYS_Jay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayshifman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayshifman/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - The amazing story you'll hear today!
1:42 - Introducing Jay Shifman
5:58 - The treatment of ADHD and its ties to addiction
10:13 - The issue of Adderall on campuses
13:53 - A perfect storm of adolescence and medication
19:28 - The importance of diligence with medication
24:09 - Taking six medications by the age of 22
27:41 - Living out of his car and attending music festivals
33:31 - The moment Jay hit rock bottom
40:29 - Choosing life and slowly detoxing
45:40 - Getting sober and starting a new life

51. How Chuck and Clint Overcome Holiday Stress and Anxiety - Merry Christmas! Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

It's official, the holiday season is in full swing! We have Thanksgiving under our belt and Christmas and New Year's are just days away. We thought it was only right to sit down and talk about the blessings and gifts we have already been given this Christmas season and share a few more gifts with you, our amazing and valued listeners!

We know that for some, the holiday season isn't always bright lights and laughter. In fact, it can be a really hard time for those struggling with mental illness. If you can relate, you're not alone. Listen in as we talk about how we approach the holiday season and how we stay in a routine that helps keep the holiday stress and anxiety at bay. It's easy to get caught up in the commercialism and expectations that this season brings, but we're here to remind you don't get too wrapped up in the traditions if it's at the expense of your own mental health.

When you hit play you'll also be joining us on our walk down memory lane to revisit the past Christmases that brought us love, laughter, and joy, as well as the moments that were not so easy for us. We are sure you will pick up tips along the way that could help bring you out of any holiday slump.

We hope this episode encourages and inspires you to take the pressure off this season and helps fill your heart and put it in the right place to feel the real true reason for the season.

We would love to connect with you, you can find our information in the links below!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside: