Warriors Unmasked

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14. Everyday Resilience: Taking Whatever Comes Your Way with Mike Molinski Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Chuck here, this week it is just you, me, and our amazing guest. Clint was out busy changing the world in other ways. ;) LOL

Regardless, this conversation is one you can't miss!

In this episode, I have an incredible conversation with Mike Molinski, award-winning business owner and photographer, ultra-endurance athlete, decorated U.S. Marine, and wonderful husband and father. Mike has a great outlook on life he values resilience born of hardship and believes that true happiness is the result of overcoming the many obstacles life throws at us each day. One look at his bio and you know that Mike has pushed through adversity and persevered through challenges that not many have experienced.

You'll hear about the moment that changed Mike's life and the unexpected anxiety, stress, and isolation that crept in until it overwhelmed his everyday thought process. From physical injuries to the pressure of taking care of his family during a crisis, Mike speaks on how he kept it all pushed down until he realized he couldn't do it alone. Mike gives some great insight into how he stepped out of the hole he was living in, coming back stronger and more resilient than ever.

If you are struggling with damaging thoughts, shame, or fear I want you to know that you do not have to go this alone. Pick up a phone, call, text, reach out for someone in your life who will support you through this hard time. You have the power and courage to push through and create victory through adversity.

Always in your corner,

Chuck Thuss

PS: Be sure to message Clint on Instagram and tell him you missed him!

More of What We Talk About:

Mike's time in the Marines
Graduating top of his class with a dislocated elbow
The fire that changed their lives
How anxiety and stress crept in unexpectedly
Moving past mental pain and finding peace
Finding an identity in physical activities
How Mike keeps moving forward now
Why it's important to ask for help
Persevering even when a crisis hits
Laying down your ego to find help
Creating a mantra for your life
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/Molinski
Insta: @EnduranceNinja
Website: http://www.molinskiphotography.com

LINKS:

13. Don't Let The Word 'No' Crush Your Dreams with Steven McGrinder Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, if you haven't taken a moment to celebrate how far you've come in your journey we want to just acknowledge how amazing you are!

We have a really special guest today, Steven McGrinder is someone that we think boldly and happily embodies the message of Warriors Unmasked. A native of Ontario Canada Steven grew up with a passion for hockey pursuing it even when others suggested he stopped. He's played for Miami University where he gained a BS in Mass Communications with a minor in Marketing and Coaching, from there he played for the Cincinnati Cyclones and set the record for most points by a defensive man.

Steven has an incredible story of perseverance and courage that took him from the bottom of the register to setting records that weren't passed until almost a decade later. You'll hear from Steven as he talks about all the 'no's in his life and how he refused to let them stop him from making his dreams a reality. Steven discusses maintaining a perspective that will have you reaching for your goals and dreams no matter what the circumstances, and how you can always take ownership of your situation.

Join us for this inspiring and open conversation, that we both have had the honor of being a part of. We hope that you gain encouragement for whatever challenges you face today!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

Why you can be successful at what YOU are doing
How Steve wouldn't take no for an answer
Living your life expecting success
Changing your perspective to learn and grow
How Steve enabled himself to succeed in challenges later in life
Staying ready so you can seize your opportunity
Staying in control of yourself when you have no control over the situation
Taking ownership of your situation
Taking quiet time to become congruent with yourself
Being purposeful with your actions in the present
And much more!

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today

1:27 Welcome to Steven

5:10 Why do we let people's opinions of us stop us?

8:04 How Steven's story began

14:22 When Steven first felt rejected

20:06 How Steven displayed extreme courage

25:25 you can handle anything

31:00 When Steven won his spot back

42:22 What are your habits going to be?

46:54 Steven's advice for anyone who is in an unfair situation

51:47 How Steven gets through every day

12. Overdue Healing: Acknowledging Past Trauma with Keith Mundee Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

Trigger Warning: This episode talks about graphic trauma and abuse with guns, if this is overwhelming for you right now try listening to another episode and come back when you're ready!

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, today we have a very special guest Keith Mundee, owner of American Hat Company.

Keith is a husband, father, and businessman who really exemplifies what it means to live his life with courage and perseverance. We have an open and honest conversation about a traumatic moment that would set the stage for the rest of his life.

Listen in as Keith talks about this and other traumatic events that he wasn't even aware of until much later. It wasn't until after he read Clint's book and took a closer look within that Keith was able to address and begin the healing process of living with severe PTSD. You'll gain encouragement as you listen to Keith's story and his journey to grow and become mentally healthy.

If you're currently dealing with trauma or PTSD we hope this encourages you to keep moving forward, and for those who may not even realize they have PTSD, we hope this episode helps to shed some light for you and gives you the courage to step out and accept healing.

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

A moment that changed Keith's life
How Keith realized he had PTSD
When Keith began his mental health journey
How the trauma affected his family
The importance of working on your trauma
The point Keith decided to move out of California
How Keith adapts to his life today
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://americanhat.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americanhatcompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanhatco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanhatco
Pinterest??: https://www.pinterest.com/americanhatco/_created/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today
1:36 Clint's adoration for
7:49 How Keith's story of PTSD started
18:28 the story of Keith's second attack
19:46 How many times Keith avoided death
22:08 What was running through Kieth's mind post robbery
23:47 Keith's on the work injury that affects his mental health
30:23 How Clint's book affected Keith
35:20 How Keith has felt with his PTSD
43:44 What Keith's life looks like today
48:17 What to do if you think you have PTSD

11. Honoring The Heroes That Protect Us with Corey Christman Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, today we have an incredible friend and Air Force veteran on the show Corey Christman.

You might have noticed that we have more military personnel on our show than normal, but we know the individual stories and messages from each veteran are so unique.

Corey is the owner of Bravery Wines, a company dedicated to celebrating the heroes in our lives, he is a retired Supervisory Special Agent, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We have an open discussion about Corey's experience while in the military and being diagnosed with PTSD when retiring, and how he managed to work towards healing.

Corey shares his struggles of coming to terms with having PTSD and the journey he took to accept help from those around him. Pulling himself up and out of mental illness to pursue winemaking and in turn creating Bravery Wines, a wine company that helps celebrate and donate to retired veterans, first responders, and everyday heroes.

We hope you find encouragement, hope, and maybe just that little extra push to reach out and grab the hands that are extended to you in help. You have the courage to overcome any struggle, and start your own journey.

Always in Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

How to gain a strong foundation of communication and trust
The transition from military service to civilian life
The moment that started a spiral for Corey
How Corey found out he had PTSD
The journey of overcoming PSTD and mental trauma
How Corey got into the winemaking business
The story behind Bravery Wines
The heroes that shape our world
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: www.bravery.wine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraveryWines
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BraveryWines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braverywines/
Purchase Wine Website: https://vinoshipper.com/shop/bravery_wines?list=
Purchase Wine Phone number: 315-536-2182
Yellow Ribbon Fund: https://yellowribbonfund.org/

Guest Bio:

Corey M. Christman is the owner and winemaker at Bravery Wines, LLC. He's a retired Supervisory Special Agent, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On occasion, he works with select CEO's, leadership teams, and business leaders to guide them in creating robust people strategies and growing their workplace and team cultures. He's currently enrolled as a doctoral student at Drexel University where he's studying Educational Leadership with a concentration in Human Resource Development. He's an Adjunct Professor for Business Leadership and Criminal Justice at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and is the recipient of numerous awards for human resource strategy, innovation, and leadership. He's a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program, Cornell University, and holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and BA in Criminal Justice. He's completed advanced business-related studies at Syracuse University, Washington State University and Texas A&M University.

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today
1:20 Welcome Corey Christman
5:58 How Corey protects the people on the front line
9:30 What put Corey in a fight or flight mode
17:15 Developing life or death trust
21:04 How Corey transitioned to civilization living
26:42 When Corey felt like the wheels started to come off
36:15 The story behind Corey's wine career
43:43 How to get a bottle of Corey's wine
48:35 A funny story about Clint
52:14 Corey's advice

10. How Trauma Leads To Addiction: But You Don't Have To Follow with Shane Pettis Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, we had the honor of talking with 6-year army reserve veteran and mental health advocate, Shane Pettis!

Growing up one would describe Shane's childhood as fairly normal. Some would even go so far as to say that it was actually a good environment to grow up in. That was the case until one night when Shane was 14 years old, eager to fit in with his peers Shane attended a party that would prove to be a life-changing event that would influence the next 10 years of his life.

Listen to his story as he talks about the event and how this trauma took him from having it all to fighting against addiction and almost losing his life. Shane's story of courage and perseverance is an inspiring journey of how he was able to overcome all that pushed against him and is now learning to not only live but thrive in life.

Shane's story of hope and healing is one that we can relate to and we think you might relate to it too. So if you're joining us this week and struggling we want you to know that your story is far from over and that there is great power in sharing it with others! Let Shane lead by example and listen in as he authentically owns and tells his story.

Never forget, the best is yet to come for all of us.

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

The event that changes Shane's life forever
How mental illness manifested as a teenager
How Shane's trauma started coming out in college
The struggle with alcohol and medication addiction
When Shane hit rock bottom
How Shane gained hope and started moving forward
What Shane's life is like today
The importance of asking for help
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shane.pettis.7
Twitter: @ogp_actual

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today
1:12 Meet Shane
5:59 How Shanes mental health journey started
8:12 The day everything changed for Shane
11:08 Why Shane started to show interest in the military
17:11 When Shane started to have a substance abuse problem
26:56 When Shane hit rock bottom
33:50 Where Shanes illness took him
43:15 Shanes evidence of a higher power
51:13 Our favorite guest to have on Warriors Unmasked
55:28 Closing remarks

9. The Journey To Healing Through Acceptance and Humility with Colin Wilson Mar 02, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today you are in for a treat. We had a chance to sit down with Colin Wilson.

If you've listened to us from the beginning you know that our three pillars are perseverance, courage, and mental health. Our guest today is someone that we think really embodies what we strive for here on Warriors Unmasked.

Colin Wilson is a former NHL player for the Nashville Predators and he has played in almost 700 NHL games, with 130 goals, 189 assists, 319 points, and 142 PIMS. If you don't know anything about hockey, take it from us, these are impressive stats. It takes one tough cookie to be knocked around that much!

We aren't surprised that Colin has had the strength and courage to handle his mental health struggles like OCD, anxiety, and depression. He has battled through addiction, the pressure of performing at a professional level, and even two hip surgeries, finding healing through spirituality while embracing self-growth.

We have an open conversation about our own struggles with mental health issues as kids, young adults, and professional athletes, and how Colin has sometimes even used what he calls the "double-edged sword" of OCD.

Hear Colin's journey from rock bottom to healing and gain encouragement whether you or a loved one is struggling with mental health that there is hope, help, and healing around the corner. You are not alone in this journey, and you have everything within you to change your life!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

How Colin learned about his OCD
The struggle of playing professionally while dealing with mental illness
Colin's journey from "rock bottom" to healing
The danger of self-medicating
The correlation of mental illness and addiction
How having two hip surgeries exposed Colin's struggle
Dealing with things out of our control
How Colin has embraced self-growth
Finding the alignment that works best for you
And much more!

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today
1:00 Welcome Collin!
1:30 Get to know Colin Wilson
4:29 Clint, Chuck, and Colin's journey with OCD.
11:30 How Colin felt when being diagnosed
13:54 How OCD is a double edge Soward
16:18 When Colins OCD started to weigh on him
21:49 How Colin manages his OCD today
22:51 How self-medicating and meant heath go hand in hand
34:36 What self-growth looks like after rock bottom
38:31 How spirituality played a role in Colin's journey
45:36 Colin's final piece of wisdom today

8. Post Traumatic Growth: How You Can Thrive After Trauma with Ken Falke Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today is going to be a good one. We are excited to introduce you to our guest and good friend Ken Falke.

A 21-year veteran of the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community and retired Master Chief Petty Officer. He has founded two for-profit and two nonprofit companies, and is an award-winning business owner as well as an author of the book "Struggle Well". Ken has a passion for taking care of his fellow combat veterans and their family members and spends the majority of his time educating the public and private sectors on the issues surrounding the long-term care of our returning military personnel and their families from the last 19-years of war.

We honor Ken not only for the incredible service he has done for North America but also for all that he has accomplished afterward. Looking at his list of accomplishments would be daunting for anyone but for those who have experienced trauma or deal with PTSD and anxiety it may seem downright impossible.

The leading cause for veterans and first responders is death by suicide, learn how Ken battles this statistic every day with his program Boulder Crest, and partners around the country to help warriors heal from the service they have provided. Find encouragement as Ken talks about how it's possible to not only live after trauma but to THRIVE.

Whether you are someone who has gone through service related trauma, you know someone who has, or you just have had a different trauma of your own, we hope this episode will give you the courage to reach out for help or check out the resources below. It is never too late to grow, and we KNOW that you can do it too.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

The silent killer of military and first responders
The company that changed Ken's life
How Boulder Crest started
The importance of PTG (Post Traumatic Growth)
The future of Boulder Crest
How to partner with Boulder Crest
How "Struggle Well" came to be
How the Boulder Crest program was adapted for civilians
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today
1:11 Meet Ken Falke
2:17 What really happens when you dismantle a bomb
7:19 How Ken got into the military
12:02 Life after the military
15:51 Kens entrepreneurial journey
23:00 How Ken's outreach has expanded
31:06 How Ken plans to serve more people
36:15 How to donate
39:24 Who Ken's book is written for

7. From War to Peace: Persevering Through Every Obstacle with Jared Lemon Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Have you looked in the mirror yet today and told the face looking back at you how awesome you are? If not, let us be the first to say it today, YOU ARE AWESOME!

If you have listened to any of our past episodes you know that we love talking to warriors who display courage and perseverance in their day to day life along with highlighting the stories that make you say "Wow! If they can do this, maybe I can too", and today is no different! We got a chance to sit down and chat with our friend and Army Veteran Jared Lemon.

Jared is a warrior in the truest sense of the word. Not only did he selflessly serve our country for two tours, but he is also is courageously overcoming mental health challenges after two near-death experiences. Trust us, this guy is the real deal and embodies toughness.

Listen in as we have an open and honest conversation about what war is like, what happens when you have an out of body experience, why you should always listen to your intuition, what integrating back into society is like and so much more.

If you feel like the dark clouds have been rolling in lately, we know this is the perfect episode to brighten up your day and give you the boost of perseverance you need.

Trigger warning: Out of respect to our veterans and active military listeners, if this content hits a little too close to home, we invite you to listen to one of our past episodes and join us when you are ready.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What We Cover

What they don't tell you about war
Integrating back into 'normal life' after war
How Jared lost his saw gunner
How spiritually played a role in Jared's story
What every human needs deep down
What helps Jared fight off suicidal thoughts
Why it's important to help each other
And much more!

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:18 Welcome to the episode!
0:51 What to expect today
1:17 The quote of the day
2:10 You have consistency choose the hard path
3:26 The difference between you and your heroes
4:30 What Dr. Ram learned from
6:44 The concept of the day
8:03 Creating others leader
12:02 The best learning opportunities
15:17 The relatability factor
18:08 The four-step process to handling mistakes
19:53 Chris' concept of the day
31:51 Episode recap

6. Warriors Unmasked Conversation With Curtis Anderson Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

Chuck and Clint sit down with Mr. Curtis Anderson to discuss how in 2002, his life changed forever in less than eight seconds. After sustaining an extremely severe traumatic brain injury and spending one week short of a year in therapy, Curtis is living proof that anything is possible, with hope, hard work, courage and determination.

LINKS:

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Meet Curtis Anderson!
When everything changed for Curtis
What life was like after Curtis' ascendent
When Curtis met the people who saved his life
The true test of any recovery
Curtis' journey to physical therapy
How Curtis remained mentally tough through the recovery
What motivates Curtis
How to overcome a bad day
A poem by Curtis
Curtis' advice for anyone who needs hope

5. Warriors Unmasked Conversation With Corey Hirsch Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

Chuck and Clint sit down with former NHL goaltender, Olympic Silver Medalist, Professional Speaker and Mental Health Advocate, Corey Hirsch to discuss his journey, the challenges he has faced and how he now lives a life dedicated to serving others.

LINKS:

CONNECT WITH COREY:

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Welcome, Corey!
What growing up was like for Corey
Corey's hockey background
When Corey started to experience anxiety and depression
When Corey went to the Olympics
The difference between OCD or and depression
You are not alone
The turning point in Corey's journey
Sneek peek into Coreys new book
How Corey wants to bring mental health education to the public school festival
Knowledge is power, secrets are toxic.
The best advice Corey can give you today

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