Warriors Unmasked

Latest Episodes:

32. Somewhere Under The Rainbow: A Story Of Hope with Jason Deshaw Aug 10, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Oh boy, are you in for a treat today, we have a powerful episode for you.We sit down with country music singer/songwriter and mental health advocate Jason Deshaw. From growing up in a small town in Montana to becoming a renowned country singer and battling alcoholism and bipolar disorder. Jason offers songs of hope and inspiration to anyone fighting their own battle of mental illness. You'll hear about the events that lead up to Jason's diagnosis of bipolar disorder and the effects it had on his career and personal life. How he changed his perspective to hope and inspiration and how through his music he aims to leave that same impact across the world. Listen in as we discuss the keys to maintaining your mental health, and how Jason stays grounded with meditation, sobriety, and connecting with nature. We firmly believe that one of the best things you can do is to take a step back and allow yourself to be. So often are our problems put aside because they have no physical form. But Jason is working towards a world where mental illness is treated not with fear but understanding and knowledge. You'll hear all this and more when you hit play!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

To find Jason's music and follow him on social media, click the links below!

More Of What's Inside:

Dealing with alcoholism and bipolar disorder
Switching to a perspective of hope
The impact you can have through serving others
Creating hope with music
Maintaining your mental health with sobriety
The meaning behind mental health stigma
One of the best ways to get rid of fear around mental illness
The importance of touching the heart with music
Finding wisdom in the quiet
How focusing on the present can help ease anxiety
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: www.thecountryway.com
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/198907033?ref=em-share
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonLDeShaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasondeshaw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCslIfpEIqkNQkxs1UN9_zQ
Text Us: https://my.community.com/compassionateconnection

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today
1:48 - Introducing Jason
5:18 - Jason's story
9:55 - Finding strength through the struggle
15:02 - The journey of recovery and substance abuse
20:09 - stigma and discrimination
25:19 - Grounding in music and energy
32:21 - The importance of meditation
36:52 - The dangers of letting your head take over
38:15 - Where you can find Jason
41:45 - Jason's closing thoughts

31. From Substance Abuse To Social Work with Daniel Hearn Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

DISCLAIMER: During this story, Daniel shares facts and descriptions of personal events involving illegal drug use. Warriors Unmasked or any affiliated partners do not condone any sort of illegal drug use, creation or selling. If this episode is triggering in any way please check out past episodes and come back when you are ready!

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today's story is one of humbling honesty and inspiring perseverance.

We have the honor of talking with recovering addict, occupational health and safety professional, and creator of Hard Knox Talks, Daniel Hearn. In today's episode you'll hear Daniel's story of his substance abuse starting at the young age of thirteen, how it morphed into hard drug abuse, and the moment Daniel rededicated his life to help others through their own struggle.

Listen in as we discuss the escape drugs provided for Daniel and how that slippery slope caused him to move from a functioning addict to losing everything that was dear to him. Listen in as Daniel talks about the moment he stopped abusing substances for good, how he was able to regain custody of his son, and his new mission of carrying a message of experience, strength, and hope to those who need support to start their own recovery journey.

This episode is filled with empowering hope, and if you feel that you need even just a little bit of that, we encourage you to hit play and experience this amazing journey of recovery.

And remember you are not alone, and you can do this.

To learn more about Daniel and Hard Knox Talks, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

Using alcohol and drugs to fit in
Being a functional addict
The cliff of crystal meth
The moment things started falling apart for Daniel
Trusting your gut feeling
Being held hostage in your own home
The last time Daniel used a mind altering substance
How Daniel's mother helped with his recovery
Life as a sober single dad
The opportunity of getting an education
And Much More!

GUEST LINKS:

Youtube: Hard Knox Talks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hard-knox-talks
Facebook: Hard Knox Talks
Website: www.hardknoxapparel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardknoxtalks/
TikTok: Daniel Unmanageable (@hardknoxtalks) TikTok | Watch Daniel Unmanageable's Newest TikTok Videos

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

1:57 - How Daniel started his substance abuse
6:21 - Gaining approval from outside sources
9:34 - Moving to hard drugs
12:26 - Recovery and relapse
17:51 - Daniel's divine intervention
23:32 - After social workers picked up his child
29:01 - How Daniel uses his story to help others
33:27 - Regaining custody of his son
38:09 - Going back to school
41:11 - Where to connect with Daniel
43:32 - Daniel's closing advice

30. Life After An Alcoholic Spouse, A Journey Of Healing and Joy with Tanya Pluckrose Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

What happens when your dream life falls apart? This is the crucial question we tackle in today's episode, and you may find that the biggest thing holding you back may not be your situation, it's your perspective.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! In this week's episode, we talk with Australian-born thought leader, and client experience consultant, Tanya Pluckrose. Tanya speaks about her journey of coming to the U.S., marrying the man of her dreams, and how she went from happily married to starting over at rock bottom. You'll hear how Tanya reevaluated her life and made the commitment to change it for the better no matter what.

Listen in as we talk about how Tanya found the courage to walk away, the biggest threat to your future, and how sometimes the best thing to do is to let it go. You'll learn about the power of thoughts and how they shape how we view the world around us. Tanya talks about her "aha!" moment where she realized that her current situation was a product of her past and present thoughts and how she was able to turn that around and create a life that was truly designed for her. There's greatness within all of us, and if we take the time to stop and listen, it will show us which way to go.

Hit play and enjoy this fantastic episode filled with hope, courage, and maybe even a new perspective on life.

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

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

How Tanya came to the U.S.
Listening to your hunches
Confronting alcoholism in a loved one
Finding the courage to walk away
The number one cause for relapse
Changing your mindset and your future
Finding miracles in surrender
An interesting life VS an extraordinary life
You chance at living your dream life
Being engineered to be successful
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Email: Tanya@tanyapluckrose.com

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

2:13 - Tanya's story
6:50 - Clipping her wings
12:37 - The Godshot
16:27 - The disease of alcoholism
20:25 - Starting a new journey
24:37 - Dealing with resentment
28:40 - What Tanya does today
32:44 - Being built for success
37:19 - How to get in touch with Tanya
40:52 - Tanya's parting advice

29. A Journey Of Forgiveness: Finding Peace After Trauma with Tyler Pelke Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." – Paul Boese

Trigger Warning: This shares minor graphic details of violent traumatic events. If this is overwhelming or hits a little too close to home for you, we encourage you to check out another episode and come back when you're ready!

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! If you've been listening since the beginning then today's guest may be familiar. Tyler Pelke is the Deputy Chief of Operations, Training & Logistics with Red Deer Emergency Services in Alberta, Canada. In this week's episode, we talk about forgiveness and how Tyler's journey with forgiveness brought him face to face with the man who tried to kill him. He talks about the importance of forgiveness, and how crucial it is, not for the offender but for you to forgive and live a life free from your past.

Listen in as we walk through Tyler's process of forgiveness and how he stepped into a life that was fearless, compassionate, and happy. You'll learn about that fateful day in Canada, dealing with survivor's guilt, and Tyler's "aha" moment on knowing that forgiveness was the best route for him to heal. We discuss the struggle people have with injustice and how it can hinder us from making real headway in forgiving those who have wronged us. As well as understanding that forgiveness does not care about the size of the offense, the importance of support, and how you can stay out of the "why" and take action towards a better life.

We are so honored to hear and learn from someone like Tyler and know you will find so much value in this conversation.

PS: To hear more of Tyler's story, go back to episode 3 wherever you are listening and dive in!

More Of What's Inside:

The importance of forgiveness
Why forgiveness is for you, not the other person
Overcoming trauma and forgiving
Dealing with survivor's guilt
The correlation of offense and forgiveness
Working with a missing puzzle piece
How Tyler worked through the process of forgiveness
Why you should stop asking why
The power of purpose and faith
Avoiding the victim loop by practicing gratitude
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://www.tylerpelke.com

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

1:46 - Tyler's second introduction
5:04 - A traumatic experience
10:10 - Finding your purpose
14:24 - Facing his attacker
18:06 - The struggle with injustice
22:50 - Learning forgiveness from others
27:01 - How faith played a role in Tyler's journey
31:51 - Tyler's impact
35:54 - The trouble with a victim mindset
40:22 - Where you can find Tyler
42:26 - Tyler's advice on forgiveness

28. Nothing Is Permanent (That includes the bad) with Anthony Kelsey Jul 13, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Have you ever had a dream that almost seemed impossible? Or maybe you feel as you missed your one shot? Maybe these are true...or maybe the story isn't over yet.

When you hit play, you'll join us as we have an open conversation with Anthony (Tony) Kelsey. Anthony is a retired army veteran, defense foreign language institute graduate, Target operations manager, husband, and father of two. We dive into Anthony's journey from collegiate hockey to the rigorous training of army Major and how he managed to persevere through the challenges and disappointments of life. You'll gain new tools to help you overcome the challenges of your life and push you towards your goals no matter what.

Listen in as Anthony talks about his time in college, the mistakes that cost him his dream, and how a new passion formed when he joined the army. You'll learn how Anthony dealt with the pressure of leading, how he survived the most difficult time in his life, and what it took for him to rise through the ranks and make his dream a reality. Anthony has some crucial advice on how to persevere and take the good with the bad so that you can stay strong and cross that finish line.

Scouts honor! This show will leave you with new levels of empowerment and determination. Sit back and join us in this fantastic conversation with Anthony Kelsey.

PS: You can now subscribe to us on YouTube! Find our channel link and other resources below.

More Of What's Inside:

How Anthony decided to join the army
Dealing with disappointment
The importance of your support system
Pushing through the demand of ranger school
Persevering despite all odds
Having a vision that keeps you motivated
Taking the good with the bad
The mental rigors of language school
Becoming an army major
Relying on your support system
And much more!

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:03 - Here's what we cover
3:25 - From hockey to the military
8:35 - Heading back to college
12:29 - Missing the shot to become a major
17:04 - Getting through the toughest times in life
21:52 - The phases of ranger school
26:33 - Finding the motivation to keep going
30:07 - Life after the military
34:54 - The homestretch of becoming a major
39:14 - Tony's advice for perseverance
40:55 - How you can get a hold of us

27. Living Proof That Recovery Is Possible with Nicole DePalma-Carson Jul 06, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Worries Unmasked! Wow, are you in for a power-packed episode today.

As soon as you hit play, we want to introduce you to a woman whose journey is unfortunately all too common in the world today...a story of how childhood sexual abuse led to a young life of self-medication, addiction, lies, and isolation.

However, the story doesn't end there.

In this episode, get to know our guest Nicole DePalma-Carson! Nicole is a recovering addict, sexual assault survivor, wife, and mother of two boys, and community recovery specialist at Dream Life Recovery.

Hear Nicole's incredible journey of going from a blur of drugs and drinking anything to numb the pain, to a life of service, gratitude and helping others get free. This episode will leave you with goosebumps from head to toe and the hope you need to get through any dark day on your journey.

If you know someone who has a similar journey to Nicole or anyone who needs to hear this story, please share this episode with them and be sure to check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

The results of growing up too fast
Numbing yourself from the good and the bad
Breaking free from the shame
Healing after sexual abuse
What happens when you choose self-forgiveness
Beating the inner voices and self chatter
The time commitment of sobriety
The importance of self-check ins
Getting to know yourself after addiction
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today
2:12 Conversation starts: Get to know Nicole
12:12 When Nicole had her first son
14:41 The journey of losing yourself
17:48 Why Nicole found it important to forgive
22:08 Winning the battle of your mind
28:47 What withdraws are actually like
31:23 When Nicole knew it was time to make a change
44:21 How to connect with Nicole
48:00 Finding your hobbies

26. Stopping The Stigma: Working Towards Better Mental Healthcare with Jennifer Christman Jun 29, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back! If you've been listening, you know mental health is a pillar of what we here at Warriors Unmasked believe is crucial. But, to this day, there is still a negative stigma around mental illness, leading many people who struggle to feel isolated.

So how can we, as friends and family help?

Our guest today is President of Three Wire Systems and mental health professional Jennifer Christman. Jennifer is working to improve access to reintegration services in wellness, behavioral health, navigational advocacy, financial and career transition coaching. Having served in the military, Jennifer has witnessed the stressors and hardships of not only being a veteran but also everyday life.

Listen in as we discuss the stigma of mental illness and how Jennifer is working to eliminate barriers for those who would not have access to mental healthcare otherwise. She talks about the importance of dropping the stigma within your own life and even how you can best support those who are struggling. You'll learn the best tips and tricks to keep your own mental health steady and how making your health, a priority will only strengthen those around you as well.

This episode is such a great reminder of how important our connection with each other is and how if you just reach out and ask, there is always help for you.

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

More Of What's Inside:

The importance of reducing isolation for those reintegrating into society
Working against the stigma of mental illness
How you can start dropping the stigma mental health
Healing from the isolation of a pandemic
Working with military and veterans
The 5 areas that can help stop stigmatizing
Working with family who have been in the military
Tips on how you can take care of your mental health
Why you should put your own health first
Upgrading the crucial skill of self-awareness
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: http://www.threewiresys.com/myadvisor
Email: info@threewiresys.com
Phone: 814-241-9328

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

3:23 - How Jennifer got started in mental health care
5:26 - Eliminating barriers that keep those from mental healthcare
10:00 - How you can best support those who are struggling
12:46 - Dealing with the mental effects after the pandemic
17:45 - Jennifer's time in the military
21:17 - The five key areas Jennifer starts with to create a connection
25:50 - How Jennifer keeps her own mental health strong
33:03 - Tips on how to care of your mental health
37:30 - How you can transition after working remotely
40:53 - Taking care of yourself so you can give more
42:17 - How to connect with Jennifer
45:21 - Jennifer's parting advice for listeners

25. Healing Through Your Passion with Brad Dempsey Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Sometimes the best action is to take a step back and realign. Can you relate?

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today's guest is a former principal, former athletic director, founder of Mindset Sports, and proud father of three Brad Dempsey. Brad has a passion for coaching athletes of all ages and establishing a healthy balance in their Mind, Body & Spirit by empowering them to become the best version of themselves through their sport. You'll hear about Brad's personal journey with mental illness after surviving a horrific car crash leaving him a significant brain injury in 1995.

Listen in as Brad openly shares about his struggle with depression and anxiety as a teenager and how he came to the realization that good health was more internal than he thought. We have an honest discussion about the trouble of mental pain as a teenager and only being treated for physical injuries. You'll hear the moment Brad connected the importance of mental and physical health, escaping overmedication, and why he never thinks of his failures as holding him back. Brad talks about what he does now to combat mental illness and how faith in God has given him the confidence to keep moving forward.

We hope this episode gives you hope and understanding for the different kinds of trauma and the healing that can happen when you are brave enough to reach out and take a hand.

For more resources or to Connect with Brad, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

How a brain injury changed Brad's life
Dealing with depression as a teenager
The cost of pushing down your feelings
The moment Brad realized he needed to change for the better
How Brad handles his mental health now
The dangers of overmedication
The importance of living life with gratefulness
How you can "fail forward"
Why following your passion can change your life
Finding the balance of mental health and sports
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

https://www.mindsetsports.life/'
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mindset-sports/about/?viewAsMember=true
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetsports_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindsetSportsLife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2n4_Sn0_A68RIQgfLMAuxg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindsetsports_

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today
1:40 Welcome Brad
4:03 When everything was great but it didn't feel like it
7:35 How Brad handled his inner wounds as a teenager
10:25 Brad's pill addiction and recovery
16:04 The spiritual side of Brad's journey
19:54 When Brad said "enough is enough"
22:16 How Brad brad keeps a heart of gratitude
27:28 Finding out what you really want in life
38:02 How to connect with Brand and Mindset Sports
40:49 Finding someone you trust

25. Healing Through Your Passion with Brad Dempsey Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Sometimes the best action is to take a step back and realign. Can you relate?

We hope this episode gives you hope and understanding for the different kinds of trauma and the healing that can happen when you are brave enough to reach out and take a hand.

For more resources or to Connect with Brad, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

How a brain injury changed Brad's life
Dealing with depression as a teenager
The cost of pushing down your feelings
The moment Brad realized he needed to change for the better
How Brad handles his mental health now
The dangers of overmedication
The importance of living life with gratefulness
How you can "fail forward"
Why following your passion can change your life
Finding the balance of mental health and sports
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

https://www.mindsetsports.life/'
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mindset-sports/about/?viewAsMember=true
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mindsetsports_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindsetSportsLife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2n4_Sn0_A68RIQgfLMAuxg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindsetsports_

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today
1:40 Welcome Brad
4:03 When everything was great but it didn't feel like it
7:35 How Brad handled his inner wounds as a teenager
10:25 Brad's pill addiction and recovery
16:04 The spiritual side of Brad's journey
19:54 When Brad said "enough is enough"
22:16 How Brad brad keeps a heart of gratitude
27:28 Finding out what you really want in life
38:02 How to connect with Brand and Mindset Sports
40:49 Finding someone you trust

24. Winning The Battle Against Depression, Anxiety, and Cancer with Matt Loughran Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

When your back is against the wall, you have no choice but to move forward. It can be the hardest thing you have ever done, but you never know where that first step will take you.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today's guest is a father of two, member of the 1994 Stanley cup champions, a champion of the 2004 Kelly cup, and cancer survivor Matt Loughran. Matt has served in several leadership roles for more than thirty years in the professional hockey industry in which his highlight was the eleven seasons he spent as the Director of Team Operations for the New York Rangers. Listen in as Matt talks about growing up with depression and anxiety, his time in the NHL, and the moment his life changed when he was diagnosed with esophagus cancer at the age of 52.

Matt talks about the struggle of growing up with depression and anxiety, how it continued on into his professional career, and the moment he knew he needed help dealing with his mental illness. Matt gives his own wisdom about reaching out for help and allowing those who support you to help you along your journey. You'll hear about his surprise diagnosis of esophageal cancer, the emotions that came along with it, how his support system rose up to help him and his family, and how he maintains his mental health now.

Matt embodies everything that Warriors Unmasked stands for, he has lived and WON with courage, perseverance, and battling his own mental illness. We believe this episode will fill you with hope and courage to take the next step in your journey and continue persevering through any and all odds.

To get in touch with us or follow us on social media check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside: