Warriors Unmasked

Latest Episodes:

50. Turning Negative Experiences Into Positive Lessons with Danny Perez Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

We believe that sharing your story is one of the most powerful things you can do for many reasons.

For example, some of the happiest people you can imagine may be struggling with a mental illness and you'd never know…It's not until vulnerability gives them the courage to open up and share their story that we know what's going on in their life.

This moment can be scary for the one opening up for the first time, but the burden that is lifted when you're done is like nothing else. If you're on the listening side of the conversation you are probably thinking "I thought I was the only one!"

When we come together and share our story we realize that the human experience has its ups and downs and we are all on the same journey. When we find similarities in our stories and struggles, the power of healing is within your grasp.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today we sit down with former NHL player, coach, and owner of the Monkey Mind Podcast, Danny Perez. Talking with Danny today you wouldn't guess that his past is riddled with anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. But he reveals all about his time in college and how he ignored the anxiety that start to compound as he pushed himself to the breaking point. We discuss the importance of managing your mental health and how passion can sometimes put more pressure on us than we're prepared to deal with.

It wasn't until Danny started opening up that he realized he wasn't the only one struggling and how that led him to the path of healing and taking back control of his life. If hindsight is 20/20, then Danny has perfect vision, you'll get amazing insight into taking ownership of the past and turning dark times into valuable learning experiences. He talks about the lessons he's learned and how he still uses them to this day as well as the practices that keep his mind happy, healthy, and whole. These days you'll find Danny coaching both on and off the ice, helping athletes open up and overcome the struggles of athletic life.

We hope this episode empowers you to face your past and learn from your experiences but most of all we hope it encourages those struggling to reach out and open up to someone near you today. For more resources or to connect with Danny, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

Growing up as a first-generation American
The moment Danny got hooked on hockey
How Danny's parents fed his love for hockey
Taking off the pressure and enjoying the journey
The importance of managing your mental health
How therapists helped Danny shift his perspective
Owning up to the past and being self-aware
Looking at the learning experiences of life
The most important thing you need to start healing
Practices Danny does to keep a healthy mind
The power of taking responsibility
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Podcast: https://monkeymindathletes.com/episodes
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/monkeymindathletes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonkeyMindAthletes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/podmonkeymind
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monkeymindathletes/?viewAsMember=true

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
1:39 - Introducing Danny Perez
6:34 - Bonding through hockey
9:49 - Going all in for the NHL
13:01 - Drinking to cope with anxiety
17:08 - How pressure makes mental illness worse
22:17 - How opening up brings validation
25:09 - When Danny realized it was time to change
30:00 - Danny's life as a pro athlete
36:01 - Practical tips to help your mental health
40:43 - Where to find the Monkey Mind Podcast
43:28 - Danny's advice for you
44:48 - Closing thoughts

49. Life After Hockey: How George Hughes Found Purpose Again Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

For many elite athletes, life after sports isn't on their radar until it's too late. When you are performing at your best, focusing on winning games, trying to stay disciplined with your practice and training schedule, getting to know new people and places...all while trying to keep your contract (aka your job) going with your team.

While most people may not relate to being traded to a different team, or losing your starting position, the pandemic left millions without a job...or a sense of identity.

Join us as we take a look at purpose, identity, and the question that comes after every fall.

"What do I do now?"

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Our guest today has shown incredible courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. George Hughes is a retired professional hockey player and co-founder of "Next Shift" a platform designed to help hockey players find direction in life after they've stepped off the ice. George takes us on his journey of struggling with alcohol and nicotine addiction at just fourteen to overcoming all obstacles and finding purpose and hope after hockey.

Michael Jackson said, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror" and that is exactly what George did. Listen in as he talks about the moment he had to sit down and take responsibility for what he wanted to do with his life. And how vulnerability and believing in himself helped change his perspective, overcome addiction, manage his depression, and reduce his anxiety. We talk about the importance of proactively taking steps for "after" and why waiting for it to end will only set you up for disappointment.

No matter if you're an elite athlete, corporate worker, student, mother, or father, this episode has lessons that will help with any stage of life. If you'll only steel your courage, and know that it is good on the other side. For more resources or to connect with George, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

The power of understanding your story
Learning how to deal with failure
The moment that anxiety started creeping in for George
Looking at the bigger picture to help forgive yourself
Using old talents to accelerate your new purpose
Taking responsibility for how you respond to disappointment
Why you should be proactive with your path
Setting yourself up for success
Creating connections that last a lifetime
Applying life lessons to everything
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
1:44 - Introducing George Hughes
6:01 - Where it all started
10:16 - Being shaped by adversity
12:58 - Drinking and smoking at 14 years old
18:13 - Life after hockey
23:03 - Finding a new purpose in life
28:26 - Picking yourself back up after failing
33:07 - How to manage your transition well
37:52 - Where to connect with George
39:57 - George's advice for you
41:03 - Closing thoughts

48. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Believing In Your Future Self with Eric Rogers Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever heard the phrase "you're too much." before? Chances are if you have, it came from a teacher, a parent, or someone you held in high regard...for those living with undiagnosed mental illness, words like this can be damaging. Even if the person who said it didn't mean any harm or have malicious intent. Hearing these words as a youngster can make you feel like who you are is somehow flawed.

Hearing these words and overcoming the limitations that come with it is how the journey of today's guest begins.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today's guest has a journey that is so impactful and uplifting you won't want to hit the pause button. From overcoming cancer at just two years old to facing death from substance abuse multiple times, Eric Rogers has lived despite all odds. We take a look into Eric's childhood of growing up in an emotionally abusive household while dealing with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Battling mental illness is not an easy thing, but for eight-year-old Eric, it was painful enough for him to seek normalcy in pills from his parent's medicine cabinet.

Listen in as Eric tells his journey of addiction, soberness, and all the lessons in between. We have an honest conversation on the struggles of addiction, how Eric found a new perspective with sober eyes, and the practical steps he takes today to maintain a healthy mind and body. His story has touched not just us, but so many who have also struggled with addiction, and the label of being "too much". Join us as we learn how Eric came to shed his crippling self-doubt, love who he is, and use his gifts to change the world around him.

We hope this episode encourages, and gives you the courage to reach out for help. For more resources or to connect with Eric, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

Growing up with undiagnosed mental illness
How Eric was ashamed of being "too much"
Escaping reality through substance abuse
Finding a new perspective in jail
The signs of hope that kept Eric going
How you can overcome self-doubt
The power of believing in your future self
Learning the process of healing and sharing it with others
Daily habits that help keep Eric sober-minded
Finding hope in everyday pain and discomfort
Understanding the gift of being human
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: http://www.rogersfitnessacademy.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_ericrogers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8P3lVjMfbTxYn549IW-fSA

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
1:36 - Introducing Eric Rogers
5:59 - Dealing with emotional abuse at a young age
10:27 - Putting energy into the wrong places
16:07 - Sobering up in jail and life after
21:34 - Surviving despite all odds
24:19 - The struggle of self-doubt
28:22 - How Eric Rogers found his purpose
34:23 - What Eric's life looks like today
40:53 - Where to connect with Eric
44:17 - Eric's advice to you
44:47 - Closing thoughts

47. The Gift Of Gratitude: A Conversation with Chuck and Clint Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! If you are like us, Thanksgiving and this time of year is about more than just turkey, traveling, and family traditions. It's a time to reflect on all the things we're thankful for in this life.

This week in honor of the Holiday we decided to take a different approach to our episode. Instead of introducing you to another incredible guest, we want to invite you to grab your favorite Thanksgiving snack or drink and join us at "the table" for a conversation about gratitude and thankfulness.

Looking back at our past guests there's a recurring theme that we've noticed. No matter how down and out, how much they struggled, or the trauma that our guests had experienced, they were always thankful for where their journey led them. In our opinion, this isn't a coincidence. Gratefulness is one of the strongest tools you have in your mental toolbox! Listen in as we share our own experience with thankfulness and how taking as little as ten minutes a day to focus on gratitude has changed our lives.

We also want to take a moment today and honor the people who have helped mold us into the men we are today, the gift this show has given us, and the amazing guests we've had the honor of talking to. You'll hear about comparison and the joy it can rob you of, as well as some tips to find thankfulness in any scenario you find yourself in. We know the holidays are not easy for everyone, but our hope is that this episode can give you just a little comfort, companionship, and encouragement to find something you are grateful for in your life.

So hit play, pull up a chair (or an earbud), sit back, and join the conversation.

PS: Creating this show for our listeners, for YOU, is one of the things we are most grateful for.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

Why you should start a gratitude journal
Intentionally taking time to give thanks
Shedding the mask of being "strong"
Being thankful for the small things
The importance of staying away from comparison
Finding thankfulness no matter what
Becoming vulnerable to help serve others
Why kindness is so important
Being grateful for the people in your life
Our gratitude towards YOU
And much more!

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
1:31 - The power of gratitude
3:20 - How gratitude journaling changed our lives
5:47 - A great way to change perspective
7:28 - The magic of Thanksgiving in the U.S.
9:57 - Finding gratefulness during the holidays
13:20 - How comparison kills gratitude
17:50 - Gratitude's impact on making tough decisions
20:51 - The people who got us here today
26:13 - Closing thoughts

46. Finding The Courage To Pick Your Own Path with Nello Ferrara Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

From the outside looking in, today's guest had it all…

He was the heir to a world-renowned candy company, working with his grandpa, uncle, and father, he had a future set up with everything he could want. All he had to do was follow the path laid for him.

But Nello had a different dream, and nothing could keep him from achieving his goals. Can you relate?

Today on Warriors Unmasked Nello Ferrara takes us on his journey of defying the odds and traveling his own path. Listen in as Nello talks about growing up as the heir to his family's candy company and the guilt he felt as a teenager who wanted to pursue a career in hockey instead.

Growing up in a tight-knit Italian family had its own challenges, but when divorce split their family apart Nello began to spiral. Leaning on coping mechanisms he wasn't even aware of until a couple of trusted friends pointed it out. You'll hear how he turned his mindset around and the moment his life changed forever when he got the chance to play hockey six years after he had quit.

Join us as Nello talks about the escape that hockey gave him and the lessons he learned from the Game that would make him a better man, role model, and ultimately help him reconnect with his father, healing major wounds in the process. Nello's story is the epitome of what Warriors Unmasked is all about, his courage, perseverance, and focus on mental health has been crucial not only for his healing but for the many young men who come into his gym, needing support through the struggles of life.

We are inspired and empowered by the resilience that Nello has cultivated in his own life. When you hit play you too will see how his determination has created a better life for him and all those that have the blessing of meeting him. For more resources check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

The real cost of success
Why you shouldn't be ashamed of struggle
Growing up in a family company
The power and danger of anger
How your parent's shape your beliefs
Finding an escape in Hockey
Being a role model for kids
The moment he left the family candy company
Lessons from the Game of Hockey
How Nello reconnected with his dad
Learning to roll with the punches
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://www.ferrarapanfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ferrarapanfitness/?ref=py_c
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ferrarapanfitness/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
1:30 - Introducing Nello Ferrara
4:24 - Changing the perspective on struggle
10:08 - Hockey and the family business
15:31 - Divorce's damage and how Nello coped
20:56 - The men who helped Nello get back on track
26:01 - Learning unhealthy habits from his parents
33:05 - How Nello got back into Hockey
38:21 - Trying out for the ECHL
42:44 - The moment that changed Nello's life
47:52 - What the game of Hockey taught Nello
51:51 - How Hockey helped during his dad's sickness
58:18 - Nello's advice for you
1:00:49 - Closing thoughts

45. Fighting The Stigma with Compassionate Education with Michelle E. Dickinson Nov 09, 2021

Show notes

If you think mental illness or disorders are just affecting a small group of people…here is a stat to put things into perspective. 42% of the global workforce has experienced a decline in their mental health since the beginning of the pandemic.

42% isn't a number to shake a stick at…

It begs the question, why is there still such a strong stigma around topics regarding mental health? With more people than ever experiencing it now, we have an amazing opportunity to enter into compassionate conversation and end the stigma once and for all.

Our guest today is working towards this goal with fierce passion. Michelle E. Dickinson is a Wellbeing Strategist and passionate mental health advocate. She sees herself as the bridge that helps people get comfortable with their mental health. Allowing them to reach out and get the support they need before a crisis hits. Michelle takes us on a journey through her childhood from growing up with a mom who had severe bipolar disorder to shedding her anger and learning to heal with compassion and understanding.

It wasn't until she was diagnosed with depression that Michelle really dove into therapy. There she would learn through extensive self-discovery and patience that her childhood was more than distant memories. You'll hear how Michelle has shaped her life for the better, not in spite of her mom's abuse, but by using it as motivation to create psychological resilience and mental health strategies that cultivate cultures of compassion. Listen in as we discuss the importance of bringing this into the workplace and how leaders can set an example and create a safe place for their employees.

If you are struggling with your mental health, chances are you aren't the only one. This episode will leave you feeling empowered to take a step out and have that brave conversation. It may just change the course of your life for good.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

For more resources or to get in touch with Michelle, check out the links below!

More Of What's Inside:

Growing up with a mentally ill parent
Finding support outside of home
The journey of forgiving her mom
Changing the perspective on Bipolar Disorder
Repeating patterns based on your childhood
Being diagnosed with depression
The power of your relationship with your parents
Educating the corporate space on mental illness
How you can support the people you lead
Normalizing conversation on mental illness
Setting the tone as a leader
Using self-awareness to root out bias
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://www.careforyourpeople.com/
Website: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/
Website: https://breakingintomylife.com/
Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6Yaq3AqLUebGmfZoRdB4Q
Instagram: @michelledickinson71
Twitter: @mdickinson13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.dickinson.146?ref=bookmarks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-e-dickinson-7882013
Free Book Exerpt: http://breakingintomylife.com/excerpt
Website: http://www.mantherapy.org/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
1:38 - Introducing Michelle E. Dickinson
6:23 - Navigating a difficult home life
11:45 - The road to forgiveness and healing
16:15 - Gravitating towards familiar people
20:51 - Pushing through pain to find healing
24:13 - How Michelle shaped her life today
27:35 - Where to find Michelle
30:42 - Breaking through stigma in corporations
36:12 - Building trust as a leader
40:33 - The effect society has had on men
45:32 - Michelle's advice for you
47:26 - Closing thoughts

44. Cancer: Persevering Through The Physical and Emotional Rollercoaster with David Richman Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

All of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Whether you've been diagnosed yourself, know someone who has, or lost a loved one there is no doubt that this devastating disease sometimes leaves us with more questions than answers...

There is one side of cancer that is not often talked about or thought about until you find yourself in the aftermath of a diagnosis. That side is the emotional side of the cancer journey. This part of the rollercoaster affects not just the patient but spreads into the entire family and community connected to the patient. It leaves you wondering...what can you even do to support them?

Today we share the story of someone who has been through this first hand. When David Richman lost his sister to brain cancer, he began a journey of not only bettering his health but eventually biking almost 5000 miles cross country to connect the dots between those who have experienced cancer and their emotional journey with it.

If you were to ask a patient what they need, their first answer may be something more practical. But through intentional questions, conversations, and offering up a safe space David has been able to record the emotional side of what it's like to live with cancer.

No two experiences are alike, and not just with cancer. David talks about the importance of the past and how someone's life experience can determine how they react. You'll hear about the lessons he's learned through connection, how someone may react to their diagnosis, and why creating a safe space is one of the best things you could do to help.

Listen in as David shares the stories of some of the people he's met along the way and how they have impacted his perspective on life. Like we said before there are not many of us who have not been affected by cancer. But with intense vulnerability, compassion, and listening you can make their journey a little easier.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

Why David started living life on purpose
Learning how to address the emotional side of cancer
Finding the silver lining and closure
Creating connection through relays
Why people self-isolate during their cancer journey
Allowing each other to be our authentic selves
A redefinition of what strength is
How to show up for those diagnosed with cancer
Understanding gratefulness in a deeper way
Taking one step forward no matter what
The effect of cancer on our doctors
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://david-richman.com/
E-mail: info@david-richman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cycleoflives/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cycleoflives
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrichman/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidrichman_cycleoflives/
Website: http://cycleoflives.org/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
1:43 - Becoming a Philanthropist
2:50 - The start of David's journey
7:56 - Unveiling the mystery of cancer
11:24 - Cross country biking and emotional understanding
13:50 - The power of your past before cancer diagnosis
18:17 - Learning vulnerability through Bobby's story
22:52 - Creating a safe place for cancer patients
26:00 - Two conclusions that helped David heal
29:06 - How David chose which stories were told
32:05 - Dominic's story and its ripple effect
36:19 - A look into resilience with Karen and Patricia
43:07 - Sharing a new perspective on life through his book
47:28 - How to find David's resources
50:04 - David's advice for you
51:10 - Closing thoughts

43. The Sign Of A True Warrior: Why Vulnerability Matters with Mike Cameron Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

It took one phone call to change Mike Cameron's life forever. After losing his girlfriend to gender-based violence Mike went on a journey of grieving and healing. What he learned has become a crucial ability in his life, using this expertise he lends his voice to help eradicate violence against women.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We are blown away by Mike's story and the amount of courage and perseverance he has shown in the face of tragedy. Mike is a leadership coach and uses his S.O.A.R framework to help leaders reconnect with their passions and purpose in life. He is the co-founder of the Ignore No More Run for Respect, an event designed to raise awareness around gender-based violence and specifically engage men and boys in the conversation.

Listen in as Mike recounts the day his life changed forever and the time around the moment he learned Carissa had died at the hands of her ex. This achingly honest account is the start to Mike's dedication, you'll hear how he found the strength to move forward and the people and resources he is still thankful for to this day.

Join us as Mike talks about his coaching and the work he's doing to dismantle the harmful beliefs that cause men to suppress their emotions and erupt on the people in their lives. You'll hear him talk about the importance of starting at the foundation and equipping men and boys alike to learn how to healthily handle their feelings. As well as the unexpected friend he found in vulnerability.

This episode is one of tragic heartbreak and comfort. Our hope is that you feel inspired and empowered to make your own mark and create a better future for our world. For more resources or to connect with Mike, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

The day that changed Mike's life
Being aware of traumatic anniversaries
Finding beauty and joy in feeling
The letter that gave Mike a new perspective
Why Mike keeps his heart open despite the grieving
The realization of having to find forgiveness
Honoring Carissa by fighting against gender-based violence
Changing the world by walking through trauma
Getting to the bottom of the gender violence problem
Helping men connect to their feelings
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.cameron.315
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axiommike/
Twitter: @axiommike
Instagram: @axiommike
Web: mikecameron.ca
Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Becoming-Better-Man-Somethings-Change/dp/1999249003

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today
1:44 - Introducing Mike Cameron
7:23 - The moments around the bad news
12:16 - What it was like questioned for murder
18:00 - Finding the courage and strength to move forward
23:15 - Using anniversaries as moments of gratitude
28:19 - Being willing to explore your feelings
33:29 - Creating hope out of tragedy
37:50 - Exercising your emotional fitness
43:24 - The definition of a true warrior
47:21 - Mike's advice for you
49:47 - Closing thoughts

42. Healing Through Service: Practical Tips to Upgrade Your Mental Health with Sgt. Aaron Quinonez Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

What do the Bible and medical journals have in common?

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We promise that the question above is not the opening to a bad joke. But it is something our guest today has researched extensively, and the answer? It's more than you think. Today we sit down and talk with Sgt. Aaron Quinonez, or Sgt. Q, about his journey of heartbreak and hopelessness that by the grace of God he was able to face head-on and overcome his trauma.

From growing up on a marijuana farm in northern California to enlisting in the Marines Sgt. Q has endured some unique hardships that not many can say they've experienced. He talks about what it was like coming home after his service and how he struggled with major PTSD to the point of homelessness and attempted suicide.

But the story doesn't end there, in a life-changing moment Aaron was able to see that, just maybe, there was more to life than what he had experienced. It's been said that the Bible and science are at odds but through his journey of healing Sgt. Q has found the parallels between medical journals and scripture. Listen in as he talks about the science of trauma and how the bible has been giving us the answers to healing for generations. You'll learn all about Sgt. Q's process to overcoming trauma, how he found healing through serving others, and why no matter what you've been through you can find the silver lining.

Join us for this powerful conversation and learn how you can start overcoming trauma in your own life, today. This episode will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and a little more hopeful for the future so hit play and let Sgt. Q show the way to healing.

To check out the resources we talked about today look into the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside: