Warriors Unmasked

Latest Episodes:

202. Turning Pain into Power with Julio Rivera of Internal Jiu Jitsu Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

This week on Warriors Unmasked, Julio Angel Rivera, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu black belt, World Master Champion, author, and founder of Internal Jiu Jitsu, shares his incredible journey from witnessing trauma as a child to building a life of healing, mindfulness, and purpose.

At eight years old, Julio witnessed a murder that changed his life forever. What followed were decades of suppressed pain, anger, and depression, until he found his path through therapy, writing, bodybuilding, and the discipline of martial arts. Through his philosophy of Internal Jiu Jitsu, Julio shows how we can channel resistance into growth and find peace in the midst of chaos.

You'll hear about:

How a childhood trauma shaped Julio's mental health journey
The healing power of movement, writing, and community
Why facing pain requires faith, and why asking for help is the first step to strength
The connection between martial arts and mindfulness and how stillness can quiet a racing mind
Julio's two books (Broke Down Sensei and Internal Jiu Jitsu) and his mission to empower others through mental health awareness

Whether you're fighting battles on the mat or in your mind, Julio's story is a powerful reminder that healing takes courage, community, and the willingness to "just give it another day."

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: From Trauma to Triumph

02:15 – Growing Up in the Bronx: The Early Years

05:45 – Addiction, Incarceration & Military Life

09:30 – Finding Recovery Through Peer Support

13:10 – The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health

16:20 – Building Mental Health First Aid USA

20:00 – National Advocacy and White House Influence

23:30 – Challenges of Behavioral Health Policy

27:15 – Leading with Lived Experience

30:00 – Faith, Leadership, and Family

34:15 – Julio's Advice to Aspiring Changemakers

37:20 – Chuck's Challenge: Reclaiming Your Power Through Service

Chuck's Challenge:

When life feels too heavy, pause and breathe. Tell yourself to just give it one more day and take one step forward. Sometimes that's the bravest move you can make.

Connect with Julio Rivera:

Website: Internal Jiu Jitsu

Instagram: @InternalJiuJitsu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internaljiujitsu/

Medium: @‌julioangelrivera1

YouTube: Internal Jiu Jitsu

Connect with Chuck: Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

201. Why You Can't Separate Mental Health from Mental Performance Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

This week on Warriors Unmasked, Dr. Christine Silverstein, Peak Performance Coach, registered nurse, hypnotherapist, and author joins Chuck to explore the powerful connection between mental health and mental performance.

With decades of experience helping athletes, students, and professionals, Dr. Silverstein specializes in working with children, teens, and adults, offering her transformative program Winning Ways for Teens. Through her unique approach to mindful toughness, she equips people of all ages to heal from trauma, strengthen resilience, and perform at their highest potential.

From stories of Olympians like Simone Biles and Mikaela Shiffrin to her own childhood skating victory and deeply personal experiences of overcoming trauma, Dr. Silverstein shows how the mind can either hold us back or launch us forward.

You'll hear about:

Why mental health and performance are inseparable
How trauma and the "recency effect" can sabotage even elite athletes
The origin of mindful toughness and how it shifts stigma into strength
Dr. Silverstein's powerful personal journey of healing childhood trauma
Practical techniques anyone can use to build confidence, resilience, and performance

Whether you're an athlete, parent, or professional striving to show up fully, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you heal, grow, and perform at your best.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Chuck introduces the theme of mental health and performance

02:00 – Mental Health vs. Mental Performance: Dr. Silverstein explains why they can't be separated

03:30 – From "Mental Toughness" to "Mindful Toughness": Reframing the stigma

05:00 – Olympic Stories: Simone Biles, Mikaela Shiffrin, and the recency effect

10:00 – Childhood Lessons: Roller skating race and discovering inner strength

15:00 – Fear, Imagination, and Performance: How mindset shapes outcomes

17:00 – Defining Mental Health: Beyond diagnoses and stigma

22:00 – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): How early trauma affects performance

23:30 – Personal Story: Dr. Silverstein's eye surgery trauma and healing journey

30:00 – Helping Teens Heal: Wrestling stories and mindful toughness techniques

34:00 – Writing Wrestling Through Adversity: Why she wrote the book

37:30 – Mindful Toughness Tools: Practical skills in the book

40:00 – Hope and Healing for All: Final words of encouragement

Chuck's Challenge:

Reflect on an old wound or challenge that might still shape how you show up today. Take one small, intentional step this week to begin healing it.

Connect with Dr. Christine Silverstein:

Website: drchristinesilverstein.com

Website: idealperformance.net

LinkedIn: Dr. Christine Silverstein

Connect with Chuck: Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

200. Breaking Through Mental Health Barriers with Evan Jarschauer Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful milestone episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Evan Jarschauer, a licensed psychotherapist and nationally recognized mental health interventionist who's been on the frontlines of crisis for over two decades. From Las Vegas casinos and street corners in Detroit to celebrity homes in Calabasas, Evan shares what it takes to reach people at rock bottom, and how we can all play a role in raising the floor before they fall.

You'll hear about:

The real-life stories behind mental health interventions
Why "waiting for rock bottom" is outdated and dangerous
Evan's early work in community mental health and how it shaped his mission
The importance of a "strategically loving approach" in recovery
What Keeping Up with the Kardashians taught him about visibility and vulnerability

Whether you're facing personal battles or walking beside someone who is, this episode will open your eyes and offer a path forward filled with hope, compassion, and strategy.

Chapters

00:00 – Chuck's intro + celebrating 200 episodes 03:00 – Meet Evan Jarschauer: mental health interventionist & therapist 05:30 – What an intervention really looks like in 2025 08:45 – Breaking through resistance and denial 12:00 – Stories from the field: from courtrooms to Kardashians 17:20 – How untreated trauma becomes a barrier to recovery 20:50 – Why Evan believes in bringing help to the person, not waiting 25:10 – The problem with outdated mental health systems 28:45 – Advice for families trying to get loved ones help 32:00 – The quote that guides Evan's work 34:00 – Final message: it's never too late to step in with love

Chuck's Challenge:

Take 5 minutes today to think of someone in your life who may be struggling silently. Reach out — not to fix them, but to remind them they're not alone. You never know what wall your message might break through.

Connect with Evan:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-jarschauer-lmhc-ladc-mcap-icadc-mba-8639b5126/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behavehelp

Website: https://behavioralhelp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralhelpsolutions

X: https://x.com/behavehelp

Connect with Chuck: Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

199. He Was a Cop, a Leader, and in Pain — What PTSD Almost Cost Him Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

This week on Warriors Unmasked, retired police officer, author, and national speaker Glen Williams opens up about the silent toll of PTSD.

From leading others in uniform to quietly falling apart inside, Glen shares how he lost his marriage, isolated himself, and had to rebuild from the inside out. He spent three years alone in a cabin — and came back not only stronger, but more open, more honest, and more connected than ever before.

Now a speaker and the author of Bridging the Gap, Glen shares his hard-won insights on communication, accountability, healing, and rebuilding relationships — at home and at work.

Whether you're a first responder, a leader, or someone who's been pushing through instead of reaching out, this conversation is a reminder: you're not alone, and it's never too late to come back to yourself.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Glen Williams: Retired police officer, speaker, and author 03:10 – The hidden cost of untreated PTSD 06:30 – How shutting down destroyed his marriage 10:45 – What 3 years in solitude taught him about himself 14:15 – Learning to communicate without hiding 18:00 – Applying honesty and connection to leadership 22:40 – Why vulnerability creates stronger teams and relationships 26:15 – Glen's message to other first responders

Chuck's Challenge:

What part of Glen's journey spoke to you most? Reflect on where you're still holding back — and take one step this week to speak your truth.

Connect with Glen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-williams-a9095b43/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glen.williams.3150

Website: https://www.gdubauthor.com/

Connect with Chuck:

Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

198. 10 Life-Changing Lessons From Nearly 200 Warrior Stories Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

After nearly 200 episodes of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss takes the mic solo to reflect on the most powerful truths he's learned from the courageous athletes, veterans, survivors, and mental health warriors who've shared their stories on the show.

From vulnerability to quiet courage, Chuck distills the top 10 takeaways that have forever shaped his view on healing, resilience, and connection. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode is packed with wisdom to remind you that you're never alone — and your story matters.

Topics include:

Why vulnerability is your greatest strength
The myth of "loud" courage — and what it really looks like
How purpose fuels perseverance
The healing power of safe connection and storytelling

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 198 (No guest — Chuck goes solo!)

01:45 – Lesson #1: Vulnerability is strength, not weakness

02:55 – Lesson #2: Dark moments often precede bright transformations

04:15 – Lesson #3: Courage is quiet, consistent, and often unseen

05:20 – Lesson #4: You're never truly alone

06:10 – Lesson #5: Purpose gives power to perseverance

07:10 – Lesson #6: Real connection heals

08:10 – Lesson #7: You are not your label

09:00 – Lesson #8: Healing isn't linear — and that's okay

10:00 – Lesson #9: Mental fitness is as critical as physical fitness

11:00 – Lesson #10: Storytelling changes lives

12:15 – Final recap + Chuck's heartfelt gratitude

Chuck's Challenge

Which lesson resonated with you most?

Screenshot this episode, tag @warriorsunmasked on Instagram, and share the insight you're taking with you today.

Connect with Chuck: Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

197. How Vulnerability Became His Superpower — David Shamszad's Story Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with entrepreneur and author David Shamszad, who opens up about his decade-long battle with untreated bipolar disorder and addiction, and how he rebuilt his life through treatment, community, and self-belief.

From facing the darkest moments of mental illness to founding an 8-figure real estate company, David shares the real, raw, and redemptive story of what recovery can look like. You'll hear how vulnerability became his greatest strength, why he wrote his memoir I Am Someone You Know, and what he wants others facing similar struggles to understand.

This is an episode that proves healing is possible — and you're never alone.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet David Shamszad: entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate

03:45 – Living with untreated bipolar disorder and addiction

08:15 – What made recovery finally stick

12:30 – The mindset shifts that helped David rebuild

17:00 – From rock bottom to real estate: launching a new life

21:45 – Why he wrote I Am Someone You Know

25:00 – Vulnerability, stigma, and sharing your story

30:15 – David's message for anyone still struggling

33:00 – What recovery really looks like on the other side

Chuck's Challenge

Where in your life are you holding back from being fully seen?

This week, try sharing something vulnerable with yourself or someone you trust. You might be surprised by how freeing it feels.

Connect with David

Buy David's Book: https://davidshamszad.com/book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_shamszad

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shamszad-16236310/

Website: https://davidshamszad.com/

Business Website: https://sgreinc.com/

Connect with Chuck:

Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

196. Living On Purpose — Shaun Murphy on Faith, Fatherhood & Finding Strength in the Storm Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Shaun Murphy, a father, entrepreneur, and man of deep faith, for an open conversation about grief, identity, and rediscovering purpose.

After the unexpected loss of his father, Shaun found himself questioning everything—his path, his business, and even his faith. Through that pain, he discovered the power of presence, the importance of slowing down, and a deeper connection to his calling.

If you've ever faced loss or felt called to pivot into a more intentional life, this conversation will remind you that growth doesn't always come from force, but from surrender.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Shaun Murphy & how Chuck and Shaun connected

02:45 – The personal loss that changed everything

06:30 – Grieving with faith and parenting through pain

10:00 – Redefining identity after suffering

13:30 – Letting go of pressure and finding peace in presence

17:45 – The role of faith and friendship in healing

21:00 – From survival mode to intentional living

25:15 – Stepping into purpose and creating space for others

30:00 – Shaun's advice for anyone walking through grief or growth

Chuck's Challenge:

Where in your life are you being called to slow down and listen?
Take five minutes today to sit in silence—and notice what surfaces.

Connect with Shaun Murphy

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@misterm0tivati0n

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misterm0tivati0n

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mistermotivation492

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmurphy1/

Website: https://mister-motivation.com/

Connect with Chuck:

Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

195. From Rock Bottom to "Make It Great": Ian Fee's Journey of Sobriety, Self-Worth, and Second Chances Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you've burned every bridge, lost your family, and can barely look at yourself in the mirror… but you still wake up knowing there has to be more?

In this honest and powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Ian—author of Wild Ride to Sobriety and founder of Make It Great—to explore what it truly takes to go from self-destruction to self-respect. Ian opens up about his early start with alcohol, the choices that cost him everything, and the moment he decided he was done being the villain in his own life story.

With unflinching vulnerability, Ian shares what sobriety has really been like—how he learned to feel again, to parent with purpose, and to rebuild not just his relationships but his entire identity. He talks about the power of small steps, daily disciplines, and the one decision that changed everything: to own his story instead of run from it.

Whether you're struggling with addiction, recovery, or the nagging fear that it's "too late," Ian's story is a beacon of hope. This episode reminds us all: rock bottom isn't the end. Sometimes, it's the beginning of your greatest chapter yet.

Key Takeaways:

Sobriety isn't just about quitting alcohol—it's about finally facing your emotions and owning your worth.
Change begins the moment you take radical responsibility for your life.
Healing is possible even if you've made major mistakes; you are not beyond redemption.
Small daily habits and consistency are the foundation for long-term transformation.
Vulnerability is a strength that opens doors to deeper relationships and real growth.
Your past doesn't define your future—you can rewrite your story starting today.

LINKS:

Guest Links:

Email: ianwfee@hotmail.com
Website: makeitgreat.me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-fee-6391b112/
Facebook: Make It Great
Link to Book: Wild Ride To Sobriety: A Transformation from Drunken Oblivion to Profound Clarity

Episode Minute By Minute:

00:00 – Welcome to episode 195 with Ian
01:45 – Ian's early years and drinking from a young age
04:00 – Losing everything: marriage, family, and self-respect
06:15 – The breaking point that sparked real change
08:30 – What early sobriety looked like and how he stayed committed
11:00 – Rebuilding from the inside out: parenting, self-worth, and habits
14:15 – Launching Make It Great and the Wild Ride to Sobriety
17:30 – Learning to feel again: the role of emotions in recovery
20:00 – Why your inner story matters more than your past
23:00 – Tips for anyone ready to make a change
25:00 – Ian's message to anyone who feels broken: You're not alone
27:00 – Final thoughts: Choose today to make it great

194. Breaking the Cycle: Dustin Dunbar on Healing Addiction, Generational Trauma, and Choosing a New Legacy Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

What do you do when the very thing you swore you'd never become… becomes your reality?

In this gripping and deeply honest episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes psychologist, coach, and former TV personality Dustin Dunbar for a raw conversation about the grip of generational addiction, the illusions of control, and the power of finally choosing freedom. Dustin shares his childhood story growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father and grandfather—and how he set out on a mission to never repeat their mistakes.

For years, he seemed to succeed. With a doctorate in psychology, a thriving career in wellness media, and a reputation as a "moderate" drinker, Dustin was confident he had broken the cycle. But addiction, as he shares candidly, is cunning and quiet. It wasn't until age 48 that he realized alcohol had taken over—and it was time to get out before it was too late.

Today, Dustin is a coach with We Are The AFR, helping others find healing and hope in their own recovery journeys. He dives into the myths of moderation, the truth about high-functioning addiction, and what real healing looks like—especially for men who've been taught to hide their pain.

Whether you've struggled with addiction or love someone who has, this episode will remind you: healing is always possible, and it's never too late to change your story.

What's Inside This Powerful Conversation:

High-functioning individuals can still be battling serious addiction behind the scenes.
Breaking generational trauma requires deep honesty, inner work, and support from others.
The illusion of "moderate" drinking can be dangerous; awareness is key.
You don't need to hit rock bottom to get help—sometimes the soft whispers are enough.
Vulnerability and community are essential parts of healing from addiction.
You can rewrite your legacy—what runs in the family can stop with you.

GUEST LINKS:

LINKS:

www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com
Join Chuck's Text Community: 251-418-7966

Episode Minute By Minute:

00:00 – Welcome to episode 193 with Dustin Dunbar
02:00 – Growing up with generational alcoholism and trauma
05:00 – The promise to never become like his father and grandfather
08:00 – Getting a doctorate in psychology and working in the wellness space
10:45 – Moderate drinking that slowly turned into full addiction
13:30 – The moment he realized alcohol had control over him
15:00 – Getting sober at 48 and rebuilding his life
17:45 – Working with We Are The AFR to help others in recovery
20:00 – The myth of high-functioning addiction and why it's so dangerous
23:00 – The role of self-worth in addiction and healing
26:00 – Why vulnerability and accountability are non-negotiable
29:00 – The importance of having a safe space to process pain
31:30 – Parenting in sobriety and breaking the cycle for his daughters
34:00 – What recovery looks like today and the gift of presence
37:00 – Dustin's final encouragement: You're not broken—you're brave

193. Finding Faith on the Side Road: Link Forester on Fatherhood, Loss, and Loving What Matters Most Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

What if the unexpected turns in life weren't detours—but the actual path to everything that matters?

In this heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with financial advisor, husband, father, and author Link Forester to talk about the moments that redefined his life. From becoming a father while still in college, to taking a leap of faith and leaving a stable career, to enduring every parent's worst nightmare—the loss of a child—Link's story is one of resilience grounded in faith, family, and a healthy dose of humor.

Link shares how he and his wife Carla navigated early marriage while juggling studies and diapers, how they made it through heartbreak without losing each other, and how they continue to find joy on the other side of tragedy. You'll hear about his book The Side Road, inspired by his son's encouragement, and why he believes that life's most meaningful moments often come when things don't go according to plan.

If you're walking through grief, questioning your next step, or simply wondering how to build a life you love—even after the unthinkable—this episode will leave you deeply encouraged. Link's message is simple, powerful, and profoundly true: Relationships matter. Faith matters. And you are never alone in your story.

6 Key Takeaways:

Life's biggest challenges—like unexpected parenthood or career shifts—can shape your values and bring clarity to what really matters.
Grieving differently is normal in marriage; respecting each other's process is essential to healing together.
Faith doesn't erase the pain, but it gives purpose and peace in the middle of it.
Taking a leap into the unknown, like switching careers, can unlock joy and alignment with your purpose.
Humor, community, and commitment to daily progress can carry you through the darkest seasons.
You can survive loss—and even thrive afterward—if you hold tight to your relationships and trust the bigger plan.

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

00:00 – Intro and welcome to Link Forester
02:15 – Becoming a father in college and rethinking life
05:45 – How faith grew through early marriage and uncertainty
08:00 – Leaving IBM to pursue financial planning: a leap of faith
10:15 – The tragic loss of their son Tyler
13:00 – What helped Link and Carla survive the darkest season
15:45 – Faith, perspective, and grief: navigating life with eternity in mind
18:30 – Losing a parent and a pet: navigating recent loss
21:00 – Learning to live with grief and honor what you had
23:30 – Why Link believes everything we have is on loan from God
25:00 – The origin story of The Side Road and writing with humor
27:30 – A favorite dog story that still makes Link laugh
30:00 – What life looks like now: family, grandkids, and gratitude
32:00 – The importance of forgiveness and prioritizing relationships
34:00 – Where to find The Side Road and Link's website
35:15 – Encouragement for those grieving: "You will get through this"
37:00 – Final thoughts and a reminder that you're not alone

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