In this episode Greg speaks with Jasmin Hurley, a lawyer and fellow graduate of West Point. She shares her knowledge and experiences on various topics such as education, race and the military, and trauma and grief.Connect with Jasmin:E-Mail: jasminjhurley@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasmin.smithhurleyLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminjhurley/Get Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uKklh9H1s02b1IANQdvxg#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealthSupport the show

Greg Speaks with Patrick Mather, and they share their experiences of being in combat and dealing with the collateral damage of the grief afterwards. Check out this episode as Greg and Patrick break down the difference between guilt and shame and actionable steps you can take to improve your mental health.Connect with Patrick:E-Mail: patearlmather@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.mather.92Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mather-0328b072/Get Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uKklh9H1s02b1IANQdvxg#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealthSupport the show

Greg Speaks with David Hoffmaster where they both break down their passion for helping our veterans dealing with trauma and grief from their service and family life.Connect with David:E-Mail: davidhoffmaster@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.hoffmaster.9Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhoffmaster/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidhoffmaster11/Get Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uKklh9H1s02b1IANQdvxg#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-3:58] Opening Segment [3:58-19:47] David’s BackgroundDavid speaks about his military and family backgroundDavid and Greg discuss their views on how different cultures handle dealing with trauma and grief[19:47- 51:15] The Healing ProcessDavid speaks on healthy and unhealthy coping habits he picked up while dealing with his griefGreg and David discuss shame and how they were able to work through itWhat kind of support did you want?[51:15-54:03] ReflectionWhat advice would you give your younger self?Do you see your growth?[54:03-1:00:20] Closing SegmentHero HutSupport the show

In this episode Greg speaks with former Marine Stephen Colon. Stephen is able to share stories and advice from his past to give people hope while going through challenging times. Greg and Stephen touch on many topics from traumatic upbringings to transitioning out of the military.Connect with Stephen:E-Mail: stephen@knuckleheadpodcast.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.colon.52Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenjcolon/Website:  www.knucklehead.agencyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/knucklehead_mg/Get Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uKklh9H1s02b1IANQdvxg[0:01-3:25] Opening Segment [3:25-27:25] Stephen’s StoryStephen takes time to speak about his upbringing and family dynamicsDid anyone teach him how to cope from a young age?Stephen speaks about the collateral damage from his traumas from childhood and coming out of the military[27:25- 43:07] The Healing ProcessStephen discusses the signs he saw of trauma and grief in his lifeHow did he help himself? How did he want help from others?[43:07-59:33] ReflectionWhat was the toughest part of your journey?How do you make amends?What caused you to correct your destructive behavior and do you have to wait until your darkest hour to get help?Stephen gives some advice on transitioning out of the military[59:33-1:04:23] Closing Segment#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealthSupport the show

In this episode Greg speaks with Eric Upchurch, a military veteran and owner of Active Duty Passive Income. Eric speaks on transitioning out of the military and his efforts to add value to others and veterans.Connect with Eric:E-Mail: eric@activedutypassiveincome.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.upchurch.7Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericupchurch/Get Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-1:58] Opening Segment [1:58-12:45] Eric’s Organization and Transitioning out of the militaryEric takes some time to talk about his organization, Active Duty Passive IncomeHe describes what it does now and his further visions and goals to help veteransEric speaks about what it was like finding purpose after he got out of the military[12:45- 34:41] The Healing ProcessEric speaks on his family dynamic and if he dealt with loss at a young ageEric talks about healthy and unhealthy coping habits he developed and how did these things affect his lifeWhat were some of the signs you were dealing with grief?[34:41-49:43] ReflectionWhat was the toughest part of your journey?What kept you going?What caused you to correct your destructive behavior and do you have to wait until your darkest hour to get help?Eric gives his thoughts and advice on seeking professional help[49:43-53:03] Closing SegmentSupport the show

On this episode Greg brings on his old friend Jerome Myers, and they discuss how a serious accident can cause a ripple effect in your life. Jerome also is able to take lessons from his accident and apply it to everyday life.Connect with Jerome:E-Mail: jerome@d3v3loping.comWebsite: Www.jeromemyers.coLinkedin: Www.linkedin.com/in/jeromemyersGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-4:05] Opening Segment [4:05-22:45] The Car AccidentJerome details the day where he got into a serious car accident Jerome describes how he had the feeling of nothing he could do to avoid the accidentJerome recalls arguing with a bystander and getting someone to call his Dad to come[22:45- 21:57] The Aftermath of the AccidentJerome speaks on the aftermath of the accident and facing the realities of his injuries and wondering if he was going to wake up againJerome discusses how he was able to get through the valley and then also learn that he just needed to surrender to the process at some point[21:57-56:46] ReflectionJerome reflects on how the accident impacted his life and relationships while he went into the recovery processJerome talks about the recovery process and what his thoughts on success isWhat advice would you give someone else that has gone through a serious accident?[56:46-57:55] Closing SegmentSupport the show

Greg speaks with Kimberly Spacek, the founder of the United States of Camo. Kimberly speaks about her family's rich military history and how it inspired her to start an organization to raise awareness for our veterans.Connect with Kimberly:E-Mail: kimberly.spacek@gmail.comWebsite: https://www.unitedstatesofcamo.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitedstatesofcamoGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-1:43] Opening Segment [1:43-14:17] Kimberly’s BackgroundKimberly speaks about her brand, The United States of Camo and her missionShe describes her military background as well as her families’[14:17- 21:57] Military Tradition in Her FamilyKimberly discusses the deep military tradition in her familyDoes she remember the veterans in her family dealing with any PTSD and grief at home?[21:57-37:29] Not Every Man is Honored EquallyKimberly and Greg speak about how our veterans are not always honored as they should.Kimberly explains how our veterans volunteer to put their lives on the line to protect us, and are not always respected for thatKimberly discusses why she wants to do her part to raise awareness for vets and why she started the United States of Camo[57:06-59:41] Closing SegmentSupport the show

In this episode Greg speaks with Helene Rennervik and they discuss the power of hope as she had to go through her son getting diagnosed with cancer at a young age. Connect with Helene:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenerennervik/E-Mail: enquiries@helenerennervik.comWebsite: http://www.helenerennervik.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014932537497Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenerennervik/Get Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-2:05] Opening Segment [2:05-11:07] Helene’s Background and StoryHelene speaks about her upbringing and whether or not she was taught how to deal with trauma and griefHelene talks about her own experiences with trauma and griefIs there differences in the way different cultures cope?[11:07- 28:08] Her Son’s StoryHelene shares the story of her son being diagnosed with cancer at a young ageWhat were some healthy and unhealthy coping habits that Helene developed during this time? [28:08-57:06] ReflectionWhat kind of support did you want from others throughout all of this?How do you re-energize yourself?What was the toughest part of your journey?Helene speaks about the book that she wrote about her story?[57:06-59:41] Closing SegmentSupport the show

Greg chats with Colin Wells, an army vet about his story dealing with grief and trauma, and how he was able to turn it around and create a safe space for veterans to interact and explore alternative healing options.Connect with Colin:Instagram: @veteranswalkandtalkE-Mail: colin@veteranswalkandtalk.comWebsite: www.veteranswalkandtalk.comGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[00:01 – 4:47] Opening Segment [4:47 – 34:45] Colin’s StoryColin talks about his background and whether or not he was taught how to copeColin speaks about his snowboarding accident that led into some low points but also him joining the military[34:45 – 45:20] The MilitaryColin shares the story of how he walked into an Army recruiting centerDid basic training help at all?[45:20 – 54:03] Healing ProcessHow could you have helped yourself better?What kind of help would you have wanted?[54:03 – 1:26:05] CBD and PsychedelicsColin talks about the positive effects of CBD and psychedelicsColin discusses some warnings and concerns that people may have with these products[1:26:05 – 1:43:06] ReflectionHow to make amends to the people you hurt along the wayColin talks about what kept him going when he wanted to quitWhat advice would you give your younger self?Colin speaks on whether or not he sees his growth[1:43:06 – 1:48:02] Closing Segmentwww.veteranswalkandtalk.com@veteranswalkandtalk on InstagramSupport the show

Greg has an amazing talk this episode with Kimesha Coleman, a motivational speaker that speaks on her story of surviving domestic and teen violence along with molestation. Kimesha shares her story as well as what got her out of it and into a place to turn it around and to help others that may have similar experiences.  Connect with Kimesha:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimeshacoleman/E-Mail: kc@coachingbykimesha.comWebsite: www.coachingbykimesha.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimesha.colemanLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimesha-coleman-18747889Get Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-4:44] Opening Segment [4:44-12:59] Kimesha’s Background and StoryKimesha’s talks about whether or not she was taught how to cope from a young ageAre there cultural differences in how people cope?Kimesha shares her stories on deal with the trauma and grief in her life[12:59- 28:20] The Healing ProcessHealthy and unhealthy coping habitsKimesha shares how she could have helped herself and how others could have helped herWhat has been the toughest part of your journey?[28:20-47:44] ReflectionHow did you make amends?Kimesha talks about what caused her to start correcting of her destructive behaviors Kimesha shares her experiences and advice on getting professional adviceWhat advice would you give your younger self?Do you see your growth?[47:44-50:18] Closing SegmentSupport the show

In this episode, Greg speaks with Ranesha Cooper, as she shares her story of dealing with her parent's divorce at a young age. Ranesha lets us in on her amazing journey of learning how to give herself grace as she works through childhood traumas and focuses on her mental health as an adult.Connect with Ranesha:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_khaotikstyles/E-Mail: khaotikstyles@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranesha.cooperGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-2:02] Opening Segment [2:02-18:49] Ranesha’s Background and Dealing with Trauma and GriefRanesha talks about her family background and her dealing with her parent’s expectations and divorce from a young ageRanesha discusses whether or not she was taught how to cope at allHealthy and unhealthy coping techniques[18:49- 33:23] The Healing ProcessRanesha speaks about when she became self aware that something was off and that she needed helpRanesha talks about her background and gives advice on receiving professional helpRanesha discusses how she could have helped herself better and what kind of help she wanted from others[33:23-51:53] ReflectionWhat was the toughest part of your journey?What kept you going?A plan for others going through similar situationsWhat advice would you give your younger self?Do you see your growth?[51:53-56:12] Closing SegmentSupport the show

Greg speaks with Dr. Eboni Ervin, as she details her stories of wrestling with trauma and grief. Dr. Ervin talks about the tragic loss of her younger brother and how she was able to overcome the pain and how she is now able to help others.Connect with Dr. Ervin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_eb_erv/E-Mail: eervin1913@yahoo.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebony.ervin.7Website: www.drebcoaching.comGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874[0:01-5:01] Opening Segment [5:01-18:47] Dr. Ervin’s Background and Dealing with Trauma and GriefDr. Ervin gives a background on her family life and upbringingDr. Ervin shares a bit about the tragic loss of brotherDoes the more pain you go through make things easier later on?[18:47- 46:53] The Healing ProcessDr. Ervin discusses healthy and unhealthy coping habits that she developedDr. Ervin speaks about her faith and how it was strained in the middle of her pain but ultimately aided in copingWhat were the signs of trauma and grief in her life? What kind of support did she want?Dr. Ervin talks about what the toughest part of her journey was.[46:53-1:10:07] ReflectionWhat keeps you going when you want to give up?Dr. Ervin shares her thoughts and stories on getting professional helpDr. Ervin also shares her opinions on medications and CBD productsWhat advice would you give to your younger self and if she sees her own growth.[1:10:07-1:12:49] Closing Segment#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealthSupport the show

Greg speaks with an old West Point friend Seneca Vaughn, where they discuss their time together in school and the state of the world. Seneca also dives into the topics of trauma and grief and how she applies her studies of East Asian medicine to help others and herself.Connect with Seneca:Instagram: https://www.instvagram.com/senecaraevaughn/E-Mail: seneca.vaughn@gmail.comWebsite: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seneca.stephens.5Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seneca-vaughn-352a63126/Get Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-5:42] Opening Segment [5:42-33:57] Seneca’s Background and dealing with Trauma and GriefSeneca speaks about her family life and upbringingShe talks on why she has had to be intentional with her lifeWas she taught by anyone growing up how to deal with trauma and grief?[33:57-1:07:56] The Healing ProcessSeneca discusses her healthy and unhealthy coping techniques and how she handled her military friend’s deathsWhat were the signs of trauma and grief?[1:07:56-1:20:23] East Asian Medicine and AcupunctureSeneca goes into explaining her studies in East Asian medicineShe specifically speaks on acupuncture and answers some commonly asked questions about it[1:20:23-1:30:25] ReflectionAre there times you ever break down?Seeking professional helpWhat advice would you give your younger self?[1:30:25-1:35:04] Closing SegmentSupport the show

Greg speaks with Tanya Gauthier, as she shares her story of surviving a traumatic brain injury. Tanya was able to overcome her accident, graduate college and start a non-profit organization that helps out other people dealing with the repercussions of TBIs.Connect with Tanya:Instagram: @TBIncredibleE-Mail: gauthier.tanya@gmail.comWebsite: www.tbincredible.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/TBIncredibleGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth[0:01-3:53] Opening Segment [3:53-10:46] Tanya’s StoryWhy West Point?Family and religious background[10:46-28:47] The Accident and TBI’sTanya speaks about her accidentTanya breaks down what a TBI is, and the effects it has had in her life[28:47-50:48] Collateral DamageTanya speaks on her healthy and unhealthy ways of coping with the aftermath of dealing with a TBITanya also shares about her mental health during the recovery process with her thoughts of suicide[50:48-1:09:04] ReflectionWhat kind of support would she have wanted from people?What kept her going?Tanya tells us what advice would she give her younger self and if she sees her growth[1:09:04-1:11:30] Closing Segmentwww.tbincredible.comSupport the show

In this episode Greg speaks with Leslie Porter, a wholistic wellness expert and she speaks on how trauma and grief effects the body as well as ways to help yourself get out of it.[00:01 – 2:48] Opening Segment [2:48 – 24:55] Trauma, Grief and the Effects on the BodyGreg and Leslie discuss how trauma and grief can affect the body as well as shape your lifeGreg and Leslie also go over “collateral damage” and how it could be created because of your trauma and grief[24:55 – 1:03:57] Coping With Trauma and GriefLeslie speaks about her upbring and if she was taught how to copeLeslie goes over some coping skills and learning how to copeWhat are signs of people dealing with trauma and grief?Do different cultures cope differently?[1:03:57 – 1:24:26] Healing Process and ReflectionLeslie talks about how you can help yourself Leslie speaks about how isolation can be a common thing to happen to people that are copingHow can you help others going through trauma and grief?Leslie speaks on how to make amends to the people you may have hurt along your healing process[1:24:26 – 1:28:49] Closing SegmentConnect with Leslie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslie.porter.111/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-porter/E-Mail: hockegrrl@aol.comWebsite: www.leslieporter.netGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealthSupport the show

In this episode Greg has a conversation with Gabrielle Fernandez about trauma and grief and her experiences. She also goes into detail on how she uses dance to help herself and others through the coping process.Connect with Gabrielle:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.d.fernandez.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elladancefit/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-fernandez-4a37863a/E-Mail: gabyfernandez3@yahoo.comGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874Support the show

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In this episode Greg speaks with an expert on CBD and Cannabis, Dr. Mary Clifton. Listen to find out everything you need to know on healthy and safe usage. Connect with Dr. Clifton:Website: https://www.cbdandcannabisinfo.com; https://tiocm.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/instituteofcannabinoidmed/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaryclifton/E-Mail: marycliftonmd@gmail.comGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874Support the show

In this episode Greg brings in his close friend Mary Tobin, and that chat about a variety of topics. They range from leadership, to helping others with their trauma and grief, and encouraging veterans that they are more than their rank.Connect with Mary:Website: https://www.maryltobin.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisma715/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryTobin15Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryltobin/E-Mail: marytobin8@gmail.comGet Connected with Guards Down:Website: www.guardsdown.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdownLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874[00:01 – 5:14] Opening Segment [5:14 – 50:28] Background and Views on Coping with Trauma and GriefMary talks about her views on whether or not different cultures cope differently and specifically dives into Black culture and how they deal with trauma.Mary speaks of her background including her West Point and military experience, as well as her family life and the influence her step father had on her.Greg and Mary reflect on the memory of Emily Perez, a dear friend of them both that passed away while deployed[50:28 – 1:20:19] The Healing ProcessMary speaks about signs of trauma of grief that she has seen in others and herselfMary discusses what kind of support she looked for and how to make amends when you have hurt people along the way[1:20:19 – 1:37:18] ReflectionMary reflects on what kept her going and what caused her to turn and get helpDoes having a counselor with a similar background to you help?Mary gives advice to her younger self[1:37:36 – 1:42:31] Closing Segmenthttps://www.domore2gether.org/https://www.maryltobin.com/#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealthSupport the show

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