Warriors Unmasked

Chuck Thuss and Clint Malarchuk

Warriors Unmasked is a show that will take a deep dive into the life journeys of athletes, both professional and amateur, coaches, military personnel as well as first responders and the people next door. You will hear many stories of tremendous courage and perseverance. Some of these stories will also have an element of dealing with mental illness while overcoming the odds. Your hosts and mental health advocates, Clint Malarchuk and Chuck Thuss, will incorporate their own personal journeys/ experiences as they speak to their guests on a very intimate level. read less

102. Loving and Losing A Child with Addiction Issues with Barbara Legere
Yesterday
102. Loving and Losing A Child with Addiction Issues with Barbara Legere
Hey there! Welcome to another episode of Warriors Unmasked. Today we're excited to sit down with Barbara Legere, a mother, author, Tip volunteer, and advocate who has faced some of life's toughest challenges head-on. Barbara's journey began when she became a single mother at the age of 30. Through this experience, she learned what it truly meant to love unconditionally. However, her life took a difficult turn when she noticed her son struggling with depression in the third grade. As he got older, he became an addict and eventually went to prison. Unfortunately, her son ultimately lost the battle he was fighting. Despite these tragic circumstances, Barbara has used her experience to help others going through similar situations. Her book, Keven's Choice, A Mothers Journey Through Her Son’s Mental Illness, Addiction and Suicide, has been widely read and is an inspiration to many. Additionally, she is a co-author of the bestselling book The Epiphanies Project. Barbara has become a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders, mental health issues, and grief. She has been featured in popular publications such as Prevention Magazine, Salon, and The Huffington Post. Currently, Barbara resides in Southern California with her sister, a cat, a tortoise, and three dogs. Her inspiring story is sure to evoke a range of emotions, from compassion and empathy to heartbreak and sadness. However, her unwavering dedication to helping others will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful, aware, and encouraged. We're excited to have Barbara join us today, so sit back and enjoy another amazing episode of Warriors Unmasked as we delve into her incredible journey.   GUEST LINKS:   Website: Heroin Fentynal | Loving And Learning Through Loss Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Kevens-Choice-Mothers-Journey-Addiction-ebook/dp/B09WL1QP6G/ref=zg_bsnr_156546011_1/143-9873159-2727761?pd_rd_i=B09WL1QP6G&psc=1&pldnSite=1 Facebook: Barbara Legere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaralegere925/ Liked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralegere/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barbaralegere925?lang=en   LINKS:   malarchuk.com/book  malarchuk.com  www.thecompassionateconnection.com www.warriorsunmasked.com  Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTube My Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 3:14 Welcome author, mother, volunteer and activist Barbara Legere 5:15 The story of Barbara and Kevin 11:07 How honest and open was Kevin about his addiction? 15:38 Here’s what rehab looked like for Kevin 17:24 Prison itself was not enough to separate him from the addiction 31:00 What the moment when Kevin passed away was like 34:04 What Barbara has taken this situation and turned it into 41:13 How to get involved with TIP yourself and let’s make mental health a mainstream issue 48:58 A heartfelt message form Barbara to anyone who is struggling with addiction or a loved one’s addiction
101. Breaking the Chains: Josh Stone's Inspiring Path to Recovery
Mar 21 2023
101. Breaking the Chains: Josh Stone's Inspiring Path to Recovery
Today’s story is one of heartbreak, hope, and ultimately, redemption. Hit play and get ready for another powerful episode that will inspire and remind you that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. In this episode, we get to know Josh Stone, a 41-year-old father, grandfather, and recovering addict. Josh has faced numerous challenges throughout his life, starting with a tumultuous childhood being raised by a single mom who worked three jobs and served as a prison guard. He didn't meet his father, a lifelong drug trafficker, until he was seven or eight years old. Josh recounts the harrowing memory of witnessing his dad chase his mom out the front door with a knife, setting the stage for a turbulent life ahead. Despite being brought up in the church by his grandparents, Josh started following in his father's footsteps as early as seventh grade, when he began experimenting with drugs and eventually spiraling into addiction. Throughout his adult life, Josh has faced multiple stints in jail and battled addiction for over 25 years on and off. He has held various jobs, ranging from working in restaurants and factories to construction and becoming an OTR semi-truck driver. Josh's journey with faith has been a complicated one, as he has known the Lord on a deep level for 17 years, all the while struggling with addiction and compulsive behaviors. In the episode, Josh shares how his most recent battle with addiction took a significant toll on him - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He talks about the heart-wrenching experience of watching friends and loved ones die from overdosing on drugs like fentanyl and heroin, and seeing others end up in prison - many of whom he once dealt drugs to or with. Josh himself has overdosed twice and believes that he is alive today because God wants to use his story to help others. After putting himself through detox and a six-month faith-based drug rehab program, Josh has been sober for 11 months. He acknowledges that the road to recovery is an uphill battle and a daily struggle, but he remains committed to walking that path. His heart's desire is to be surrounded by others who are also on the journey to recovery. Josh's story serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the potential for redemption. From heartbreak and sadness to hope and empowerment, this episode of Warriors Unmasked is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration or a deeper understanding of the complexities of addiction!   LINKS: malarchuk.com/book  malarchuk.com  www.thecompassionateconnection.com www.warriorsunmasked.com  Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTube My Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s inside today’s episode  3:00 Welcome and introduction of Josh Stone 4:38 The impact, memories and traumas from Josh’s father 12:33 Josh’s path begins to follow his father’s and leads to homelessness and addictions 22:17 How josh’s children, grandchild motivate him to stay sober 28:32 What has 11 months of rehab looked like for Josh 34:35 Others often see qualities in us that we don’t see in ourselves 40:15 What Josh is dreaming about in 2023 and beyond  45:12 If you have ever thought, why me? Because it’s about who you can reach  50:18 Josh’s last piece of advice to someone broken and hurting
100. From Playboy Model to Mental Health Advocate: Finding Empowerment with Deborah Driggs
Mar 14 2023
100. From Playboy Model to Mental Health Advocate: Finding Empowerment with Deborah Driggs
Welcome to episode 100 of Warriors Unmasked! We have loved every second we have been able to spend on the microphone serving you, the listener. We couldn't kick off this episode without a proper thank YOU! For our big episode, we have a special guest, the amazing Ms. Deborah Driggs. She's a published author, actress, model, life coach, and mental health advocate, who has overcome many challenges throughout her life. Today, Deborah shares her story with us, from growing up in a broken family to experiencing financial insecurity and rehab, to finding healing and empowerment Deborah's journey has been a rollercoaster ride, but she never let the challenges defeat her. She pursued her interests and passions, from cheerleading for the US Football League to modeling for Playboy. Her hard work and dedication led to numerous opportunities in the entertainment industry, including appearances in rock videos and hosting for the Playboy Channel's Hot Rocks show. But life wasn't always glamorous for Deborah. She faced personal struggles, including a divorce and financial insecurity  She hit rock bottom and sought help through rehab. Her healing journey began, and she emerged stronger and more determined than ever before.Deborah's story is one of resilience, hope, and empowerment. She inspires others to break through negative self-talk and take on any challenge. Her motto is, "If there is a struggle, then there is a problem, and in that problem there is a beautiful, simple solution for complicated souls!" This episode is packed with emotion and insight. Deborah's journey will take you from feeling sadness, compassion, and empathy, to feeling hope, happiness, encouragement, and complete empowerment. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this incredible episode of Warriors Unmasked. Thank you for listening!   GUEST LINKS: HOME | Deborah Driggs deborah@deborahdriggs.com Facebook: Deborah Driggs https://www.instagram.com/debsdencoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdriggs/ Twitter: deborahdriggs Pinterest: Deborah Driggs (deborah_driggs) - Profile | Pinterest Tiktok: Deborah Driggs's Creator Profile LINKS: malarchuk.com/book  malarchuk.com  www.thecompassionateconnection.com www.warriorsunmasked.com  Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTube My Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What it’s inside to today’s episode 1:26 Thank you to today’s sponsors  3:23 This is our milestone 100th episode! 4:29 A life lesson from Deborah 7:52 How Deborah came to a place of healing and riding the waves 11:20 Losing the codependency of fame 15:00 What it was like for Deborah growing up in the entertainment world 19:03 The problem with substances and not being in your right mind 26:07 Some tools to stay sober and keep your balance in life 31:38 Did Deborah have an aha moment? Or were there several? How about God Shots? 37:00 What life on a healing journey looks like today and Deborah’s upcoming book 42:04 Here’s how to connect with Deborah, find access to coaching and her book 46:30 Deborah’s words to someone contemplating a permanent decision to a temporary situation
99. Just Take The Next Step: How To Move Forward with Paul Laberge
Mar 7 2023
99. Just Take The Next Step: How To Move Forward with Paul Laberge
Welcome to Warriors Unmasked! Today, we have an incredible guest, Paul Laberge, a mental health advocate, multi-sport athlete, and founder of One Step Forward. His journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a kid, Paul had a speech impediment that made him afraid to speak. But as he got older, he found his voice, and it got him in trouble for talking too much at school. High school wasn't easy, but college was better, and he started achieving success in his sports career. But then, tragedy struck. Paul noticed his father acting differently, and he started experiencing anxiety but didn't know why. His aunt passed away, and he regretted not spending more time with her. Then his father was investigated for fraud, and he attempted suicide. A month later, Paul tried to take his own life too. Things got even harder when Paul's dad went to jail. Then, after regaining his freedom, his father passed away just three days after being set free from prison. But instead of giving up, Paul decided to turn his pain into a force for good. In 2019, he embarked on a walk from Saskatoon to Lloydminster to raise awareness about mental health. He called it Project Little Bear and collected toys to donate to children in need. The community support was overwhelming! Now, Paul is getting back into public speaking and continuing his advocacy work, changing one life at a time! His story is one of resilience and hope, and it's a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there's always a way forward. Thanks for tuning in to Warriors Unmasked. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and stay tuned for more incredible stories of triumph over adversity! LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on InstagramLike us on FacebookSubscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 Get to know today’s guest1:34 Thank you to today’s sponsors 2:39 Growing up as Paul Laberge7:00 Paul’s time in public school 12:00 The phone call that changed everything for Paul18:16 Walking with someone post a suicide attempt 21:42 When Paul hit rock bottom 24:00 When Paul started to feel hope again28:26 How Paul handled watching his Dad go to jail34:09 The aftermath of losing a loved one40:12 Keep moving forward: How Paul found his message50:10 The importance of remembering how far you have come53:28 Never forget you have a purpose!
98. The Journey To Contentment and Wholeness with Evan Johnson
Feb 28 2023
98. The Journey To Contentment and Wholeness with Evan Johnson
Welcome to the world of Warriors Unmasked, a podcast that brings to light the stories of warriors who have faced their demons and come out stronger. This podcast provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in life. In this episode, Chuck sits down with Evan Johnson, a survivor of 20+ suicide attempts and now a mental health advocate. Evan's story is one of resilience, courage, and hope. Growing up in a tough home, Evan faced abuse from his father, both physically, emotionally, and mentally, and was neglected by both parents. These traumatic experiences led him to develop suicidal thoughts at a young age, but he never attempted until he lost his mother to suicide. The day felt like too much, and Evan found himself struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite all the challenges, Evan did not give up. He channeled his pain into purpose, and today, he is a mental health advocate, working towards helping others who are  struggling with similar experiences. Through his podcast appearance, Evan takes us on a journey from sadness, hurt, heartbreak, and sorrow to feeling love, hope, understanding, and great compassion. He shares his experiences and how he found hope in the darkest of times. Evan's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. Despite facing unimaginable difficulties, he has emerged stronger, more determined, and more compassionate. He is a true warrior, and his story is bound to inspire and motivate listeners to never give up, no matter what life throws their way. In conclusion, Warriors Unmasked provides a platform for individuals to share their stories and experiences, and this episode is no exception. Evan Johnson's story is a reminder that no matter how tough life gets, there is always hope and that we can always find the strength to persevere. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy another amazing episode of Warriors Unmasked!   More Of What’s Inside: Growing up in an abusive environmentHelping people before they go into a crisis The power of a ripple effect How Evan is bringing a light to the world How Evan is dreaming bigger and pursuing a higher education You can stop the unhealthy patterns in your family lineOvercoming the wounds of physical and mental abuse The pain of losing your Mother And much more! LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on InstagramLike us on FacebookSubscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact  Episode Minute By Minute: 4:43 The first traumatic memory Evan can remember5:05 Breaking generational patterns of abuse6:47 How Evan protected himself growing up10:00 When Evan’s parents got divorced14:26 Living with parents with substance abuse22:24 What life is like for Evan in 202327:01 The desire to give back and help others31:03 How all things work together for the good35:11 What contentment looks like for Evan38:11 Evan’s advice for everyone listening today
97. Creating Modern Clarity: Positive Mindset Tips For Success with Andrew McConnell
Feb 21 2023
97. Creating Modern Clarity: Positive Mindset Tips For Success with Andrew McConnell
Hey everyone, it's Chuck, and I'm here to welcome you to the latest episode of Warriors Unmasked! While my partner Clint is out changing the world today, I got to chat with Andrew McConnell, the founder of rented.com and author of "Get Out of My Head - Creating Modern Clarity with Stoic Wisdom". This guy is seriously impressive - he graduated from Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and the University of Cambridge, won a Bronze Medal with Team USA's open water swim team, and has built a hugely successful company. And that’s just the beginning!   Andrew shared some incredible insights with us during our chat, including the importance of being present in the moment while still knowing where you're headed. He grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and learned early on that the world is big, but life is short. He's all about empowering others and encouraging them to take control of their lives. It's pretty incredible to think that even though we come from different backgrounds and walks of life, we're all struggling with the same things at the end of the day. Those negative voices and self-doubt can hold us back and stop us from living our best lives. That's why in this conversation, we're getting real about our own journeys and how we're working on improving our overall well-being every single day. And the best part is, you can do it too! This episode is packed with heart, warmth, and inspiration. I know you're going to feel hope, awareness, and enlightenment after listening to Andrew's story. And if you're feeling a bit lost or unsure of where you're headed, this episode will leave you feeling incredibly empowered. So kick back, relax, and enjoy another amazing episode of Warriors Unmasked! If you want to connect with us or if you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via the links below.    More Of What’s Inside: When Andrew became a international Bronze Medal winner with Team USA's open water swim teamAndrews time at Harvard and Cambridge Growing a company $200,000 in revenue to nearly $10 million in under three yearsWhy Andrew is so eager to share his messageThe importance of being in the moment Why the world is smaller than we thinkPrinciples of Stoicism to his business venturesThe power of a positive mindset Tips for overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goalsAnd much more!   GUEST LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandrewmcconnellAndrew McConnell | Homehttps://www.instagram.com/mandrewmcconnellMAMcConnell   LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on InstagramLike us on FacebookSubscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s inside today’s episode 1:37 That you to today’s sponsors3:00 Get to know Andrew McConnell7:29 The only power you have is in the moment11:13 The only way to get where you want to go15:20 Keys for slowing your brain down17:58 Navigating the noising modern world 20:08 Who owns your mind?23:55 You can decide who you want to be27:00 How to prioritize your well being more34:21 Andrew’s advice for everyone listening
96. The Keys To Lasting Personal Transformation with John David Latta
Feb 14 2023
96. The Keys To Lasting Personal Transformation with John David Latta
Are you ready for a transformative journey? In today's episode of Warriors Unmasked John David Latta takes us on a wild ride of personal transformation that will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the world. John was once a hard-driving, competitive man and successful CEO of a multi-million dollar consumer products company. But when his wife was diagnosed with cancer, his life took a drastic turn. He found himself on the brink of bankruptcy, facing a fear of death, and feeling deeply alone. Over the next few months things didn’t seem to get any better. All of a sudden, he was a single parent with health issues, newly divorced, John found himself facing some of life's greatest challenges. But it was through his journey of identifying and releasing tension in the body that he was able to access his spiritual side and find the true power of unconditional love.  Despite his initial fear and rigidity, John's journey shows that even the most logical people can transform in unimaginable ways. Today, he is a mystic, author, teacher, and husband living in Redmond, Washington with his wife, Wendy. This episode is bound to leave you feeling full of love, hope, and completely empowered. Hit play to hear John’s story and about the retreat that changed John's life forever where he found the true power of unconditional love. Through this transformative experience, John was able to access his spiritual side and find a new level of inner peace and abundance. We think it’s safe to say we can all use a little bit more of that in 2023! During our conversation you will also hear about his new book, "The Synchronicity of Love," where John shares his extraordinary stories of what happened when he threw himself into unconditional love with sincerity. His stories will shock, awaken, and transform you, with the potential to change habits, beliefs, and assumptions about what is possible. John shares a powerful message of embracing unconditional love and personal transformation. He encourages listeners to dive deep into this journey of personal transformation and make lasting changes in all areas of their lives. John’s journey and experiences are something we can all learn from. If this content resonates with you, we ask that you help us spread the word and share this episode with a friend! To connect with Chuck, Clint, or any of our guests on Warriors Unmasked, follow the links below!   More Of What’s Inside: The real power of unconditional loveFrom Bankruptcy to inner abundance Stories of spiritual encounters and experiences Chuck’s journey with learning how to love himself Life as a single parent with health issues Inside the retreat that changed John’s life forever How John learned how to access his spiritual side Identifying and releasing tension in the body How depression and anxiety can be apart of your spiritual journeyIs there a wild wide awakening happening?  And much more!   GUEST LINKS: www.johndavidlatta.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndavidlatta Facebook: John David Latta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-latta-006431232   LINKS: malarchuk.com/book  malarchuk.com  www.thecompassionateconnection.com www.warriorsunmasked.com  Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTube My Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02  What’s inside today’s episode 1:42 Thank you to today’s sponsors3:01 Welcome John David Latta5:07 When everything went wrong for John10:11 When everything started to change for the better16:37 John’s journey anxiety and depression20:44 Learning how to be vulnerable 24:44 The real power of unconditional love30:58 One book that can help you learn self-love34:40 What John’s spiritual experiences are like42:45 Depression can be apart of a spiritual journey 47:00 Honoring your own thoughts and feelings49:00 How to connect with John’s work 53:10 John’s advice for everyone listing today
95. Humor and Healing: Overcoming Generational Mental Illness with TEDx Speaker, Frank King
Feb 7 2023
95. Humor and Healing: Overcoming Generational Mental Illness with TEDx Speaker, Frank King
Get ready for a powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked! Today Chuck sits down with professional speaker and comedian, Mr. Frank King. Born in North Carolina, Frank has always had a talent for making people laugh and he's using that talent to raise awareness about mental health. With his journey from telling jokes in fourth grade to becoming an eight-time TEDx speaker, former writer for the Tonight Show, and mental health advocate, Frank's story is one you won't want to miss. Frank is passionate about promoting mental health and helping prevent suicide, which he believes is the most preventable Mental health issues. He'll share a look into his most popular TEDx talks, how to overcome the darkest of days, how to tell your loved ones you're struggling, a practical daily health routine and so much more!  Frank's journey is a testament to the power of laughter and the role it can play in our mental health. He also shares his experience dealing with suppressed memories and the importance of giving your power to things you can control. Frank's message is clear: mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated with the same level of care and attention. In this episode, Frank also explores the idea that mental health issues could actually be physical issues and how depression can be passed down from generation to generation. He provides practical tips for maintaining a better mental state, including the importance of self-care routines and seeking professional help when needed. So hit play, get comfy, and join us for this inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked with Mr. Frank King! You'll laugh, you may cry, and you'll come away with a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health. Get ready to be inspired!    More Of What’s Inside: Why suicide is the most preventable health issueA look at Frank's most popular Tedx Talks How to overcome the darkest of days When a loved one dies by suicide  Frank’s experience dealing with suppressed memoriesGiving your power to things you can controlHow to tell your loved ones you are snuggling Could your mental issues actually be physical issues?Understanding your DNA and generational depressionThings we can all do to have a better mental state The process of finding someone who died by suicide  And much more!   GUEST LINKS: www.TheMentalHealthComedian.comwww.YourTEDxCoach.comThe Mental Health Comedianwww.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedianTwitter: theMHcomedianThe Mental Health Comedianwww.linkedin.com/in/frankkingthemhcomedianBorn to Be Funny: Born to Be Funny: The Mental Health ComedianMental With Benefits: The Evolutionary Advantages of Mental IllnessA Matter of Laugh or Death: A matter of laugh or deathSuicide, The Secret of My Success: Suicide, The Secret of My Success; Dead Man Talking | Frank King LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s inside today’s episode 1:36 Thank you to today’s sponsors2:56 Let’s start our conversation with a laugh3:56 What life was like for Frank growing up7:40 When Frank became the “mental health comedian.”12:42 Reliving traumatic childhood events21:00 Why Frank wanted to write mental health for men31:20 How to Frank stays in a good mental state39:40 How Frank's weaknesses are now his biggest strength 46:55 Franks tips anyone struggling today
94. Winning The Mental Battle: Sharing Morgan's Message with guest Kat Zempolich
Jan 31 2023
94. Winning The Mental Battle: Sharing Morgan's Message with guest Kat Zempolich
We all struggle. Read that again…We all struggle.  Everybody is going through something in their life and everyone has a story to tell. It can be easy to feel like we are the only ones feeling the way we do. The next thing we know, those feelings have turned into reality because we tell ourselves there is nowhere to turn.  In those moments, it is important to remember that help is just a phone call away. On the other side of that experience, it’s equally as important to be the person on the other side of the phone who can listen and remind your loved one who’s struggling that everything will be okay.  We had an amazing chat with Kat Zempolich on this week's episode of Warriors Unmasked! If you haven't heard of her, she's the Co-Founder, Board Member, Co-Host of The Mental Matchup, and Director for Morgan's Message. During our conversation, we discuss our journey with mental health and how to support others who make be facing depression and suicidal thoughts. Hit play to hear Kat’s sports journey, how she decided on lacrosse, and what led to Duke. It was there she met her friend and teammate Morgan, that would change her life forever. After Morgan suddenly passed, Kat embarked on a heroic mission, sharing “Morgan’s Message” and is now helping young people win their mental health battles.  Trust us, this conversation was filled with so much wisdom and insight. Kat shared her thoughts on why some people struggle to reach out for support and what we can do to overcome those barriers. We also delved into the topic of college athletics and mental health. With the pressures and demands placed on college athletes, it's no secret that this can take a toll on their mental well-being. Kat shared her experiences and offered practical advice for anyone navigating these challenges. This episode is packed full of good reminders we can all return to when times get tough. If you enjoy this conversation, help us spread the word! Send this episode to a friend that you think would benefit from it and follow the links below to reach out to us and connect more.    More Of What’s Inside: The emotional journey through mental health strugglesThe feeling of being lost post-collegeMental health among student-athletesHow Kat is building a safety net for young peopleThe importance of checking in on your friendsWhen physical injuries turn into mental battlesWhen Kat’s teammate Morgan passed away unexpectedlyWhen Kat walked off the field Kat’s experience with lacrosse and field hockey Growing up with two siblings on the spectrumOvercoming the pressure to perform and please othersAnd much more!   GUEST LINKS: Website: Morgan's MessagePodcast: The Mental Matchup Podcast — Morgan's MessageApple: The Mental Matchup on Apple PodcastsInstagram: Morgan's Message (@morgansmessage)Email: info@morgansmessage.org LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s inside to today’s episode1:35 Thank you to today’s sponsors 3:06 Get to know Kat Zempolich13:03 When Kat became a college athlete 16:55 How Kat became a lacrosse player31:19 Kat’s mental health journey 37:38 The pressure of playing at Duke43:03 The story behind Morgan's Message51:09 How to join Kat’s community 54:22 Kat’s advice for everyone listing
93. Breath Better, Feel Better: Overcome Stress and Anxiety with Komuso Creator Todd Steinberg
Jan 24 2023
93. Breath Better, Feel Better: Overcome Stress and Anxiety with Komuso Creator Todd Steinberg
Welcome to Warriors Unmasked! Today's show is all about wellness, self-care, and calming your mind and body. Did you know that most people in 2023 are over-breathing? Short, shallow breaths can trigger your "fight or flight" response, increasing stress and anxiety. It can even cause a high heart rate, high blood pressure, and an increase in stress hormones. But the good news is, when you breathe better, you feel better and we are about to show you how! We had the honor of sitting down with a special guest, Todd Steinberg, the President of Komuso Design. Todd and his wife, Vanessa, created a necklace concept that helps people slow their breathing and create healthy breathing habits that transform their lives one breath at a time. Their goal is to lead the "fashion wellness" movement and impact as many lives as possible. The device is so simple and powerful. It helps slow people's exhale to 8+ seconds, calming the entire nervous system. Trust us, the "shift" necklace is not just a fashion statement, it's a game changer for reducing stress and anxiety! During our conversation, Todd shared his incredible entrepreneurial journey from co-founding a student travel company called Xtreme Trips, to entering the wellness space with his invention and everything in between. But even more impressive than his business's success is the progress and triumphs he has experienced in his own mental health journey. After losing his Dad at a young age due to health complications caused by stress, Todd knew that self-care was important, but he didn't know how to achieve peace of mind for himself. He shares how he started to take back his mental space by recognizing his triggers, how he learned to listen to his body, and how he discovered the power of breathwork and so much more. You'll also learn how the Komuso and breathing techniques are not just something new agey or gimmicky, it's based on the breathing techniques used by 17th-century Japanese monks who used to wear similar necklaces to help them focus on their breath and quiet their minds. If you're looking for a new tool to add to your self-care arsenal, be sure to check out Komuso Design via the links below! And as always, thanks for listening -  If you need someone to talk to or if you have any feedback for our show don’t hesitate to reach out to us.   More Of What’s Inside: Tips for how to handle your everyday anxiety The common state of mind most people are in 2023How to identify stress in your bodyMen - you don’t have to be tough Unhealthy habits that make stress worseHow Chuck would have used the Komuso in his hockey daysHow to increase awareness and start transforming your lifeThe first step to calming your mind and bodyHow your phone is causing your anxiety The true power of meditation How Todd overcame ​​high-functioning anxietyAnd much more!   GUEST LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-steinberg-7740265Komusō (@komusodesign)Komusō DesignThe Organic Way to Calm Your Anxiety   LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:09 What’s inside today’s conversation 1:30 Thank you to today’s sponsors2:48 Get to know Todd Steinberg5:14 The power of sitting in silence 9:15 When Todd’s Dad died from stress11:48 An example of healing vulnerability17:40 Being aware of your physical reactions 21:18 The tech addiction epidemic 25:00 Todd’s first experience with break works32:07 How to better handle daily stress35:55 A beginners guide to breath work 40:33 How Todd started a wellness business46:06 Why the Komuso is so powerful 52:11 How to get your own Komuso
92. Honoring Our Heroes: How To Love The Veteran In Your Life Well
Jan 17 2023
92. Honoring Our Heroes: How To Love The Veteran In Your Life Well
Welcome to Warriors Unmasked! If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that sitting down with military veterans and hearing their stories of service and beyond is one of our favorite topics on the show. The mental and physical battles each veteran overcomes are stories we can all learn from on our journey to freedom and health.  In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tony Aubrey, a United States Air Force veteran and co-founder of Operation Vet Now. Tony shared his personal journey of deciding to join the military straight out of high school as a way to get a job and leave his hometown of Pittsburgh. However, during his time in the military, he developed deep relationships with his “teammates” that changed his life forever. After experiencing the loss of a fellow soldier who did not die in combat, Tony’s life hit a turning point. This event made him realize the need for support for veterans dealing with mental health issues. Hit play to hear Tony share his story and reflect on the emotions he felt when filling out a will before deployment and how it was hard to navigate a situation where there was no end in sight. Tony's story is a reminder of the importance of having a purpose in life and staying in a place of gratitude despite what life throws at you. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. We walked away with a game plan on how we can start to listen better and love those we know who have experienced war, trauma and the highs or lows of mental health.  If you're a military veteran or know someone who is, we highly recommend checking out Operation Vet Now for the support and resources they provide. Reach out to our guests or us by following the links below!  More Of What’s Inside: Tony's decorated career in the United States Air Force His incredible journey from enlisting in the military to co-founding Operation Vet Now, How Tony is changing the lives of military veterans every dayTony'smost life-altering momentsWhen Tony suffered extreme pain and lossHow to stay in an attitude of gratitude Why you should call an old friend todayWhat time in war is really likeHow professional athletes and veterans have a lot in commonAnd much more! GUEST LINKS: https://opvetnow.org LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s in today’s episode1:36 Thank you to today’s sponsors2:56 Get to know Tony Aubrey4:50 When Tony went into the Military 12:55 Emotionally and mentally handling war 17:00 Transitioning back to civilian life and the stress that comes with it22:14 A look into Operation Vet Now 27:30 Recognizing when friends are struggling 33:00 How Tony is supporting veterans 38:36 The real power of listening 45:07 Tony’s advice for everyone listening today
91. Becoming Above Average with Travis Crutcher
Jan 10 2023
91. Becoming Above Average with Travis Crutcher
This episode has been a long time coming!    A few years ago, Chuck attended a MasterMind event for coaches. At the event, he became fast friends with today’s guest! We knew we had to have him on the show so we could introduce you to him. Hit play to meet Travis Crutcher!   Travis is a certified Master Trainer with over twenty years of experience in instruction and facilitation. Travis has worked with key leaders from organizations such as Google, Amazon, The Tillman Foundation, and the United States Army, as well as with entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide. During our conversation, Travis shares with us his powerful story of overcoming the pain and trauma of his childhood. Growing up, Travis faced several challenges, including physical and emotional abuse, neglect and more. Despite these challenges, he was able to break free from the cycle of pain and trauma and create a better life for himself. Now he is helping others do the same! Whatever the situation is, we want to encourage you things can always change for the better. In this episode, Travis shares the advice he believes is essential to having a clear vision and getting “unstuck.” Travis also talked about his time in the military, which helped him to build resilience and focus on his goals. Later, he attempted to climb the corporate ladder, which ultimately revealed to him that his purpose in life was to coach and train others. You’ll quickly understand why we think his story has something for everyone! Regardless of where you are in your life, we all have the ability to reach higher and become a greater version of ourselves. By the end of this show, you’ll have the practical tools, mindset shifts, and new levels of self-awareness that you need to live Above Average. Travis also emphasized the importance of having allies and connecting with others. If you don’t have someone in your life to talk to, let us be that person! Reach out to us via the links below to connect with Chuck, Clint, or Travis! More Of What’s Inside: Identifying what you don’t want for your futureThe right place at the right timeHow to make a greater impactWhen you’re in the middle of something that doesn’t workThe type of people you need to surround yourself withEmpathy is relative to the circumstancesWhen Chuck started to discover his purpose Don't let fear keep you from becoming the person you are meant to beAnd much more!   GUEST LINKS: TravisCrutcher.com AAP with Travis and Jesse on Apple PodcastsTravis Crutcher LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 1:39 Thank you to today’s sponsors2:58 Get to know Travis Crutcher7:05 What life was like for Travis growing up10:08 How to get “unstuck” in life15:01 When Travis joined the Military 18:03 Anyone can change at anytime23:55 Training your brain to see the good 33:33 When Travis left corporate to follow his passion36:00 Why we all need allies and connection 44:17 When we get to the core of who we are48:27 What Travis is doing with his life now53:04 The #1 thing Travis wants you to know today
90. You Are Your Own Super Power! With X-Men's Lenore Zann
Dec 13 2022
90. You Are Your Own Super Power! With X-Men's Lenore Zann
As kids, we all dream about having superpowers and achieving great things like our favorite cartoon heroes. As we grow older, we realize that life on TV shows or in a comic book is much easier than living in the real world… Life can be hard and downright unfair, but that doesn’t mean your childhood self had it all wrong. You can still be superhuman and achieve levels of greatness you didn’t know were possible! But don’t take our word for it; why don’t you hear it from a real-life superhero? Hit play to meet Lenore Zann! Lenore Zann is an award-winning actress and first burst onto the entertainment scene at 19 with an unforgettable performance as Marilyn Monroe in the rock opera HEY MARILYN! This led to a long career as a professional actress and singer in Film, TV, Theatre, and Radio. Her voice has become synonymous with the iconic Rogue of the 90’s X-Men animated series, which she is currently bringing back to life in Marvel Studios' new X-Men 97 series scheduled for release on Disney + in 2023. In our opinion, what really makes Lenore a real-life superhero is not the characters she plays on tv, but the battles she has won and the giants she has slain behind the scenes in her own life. As the story goes for many young people in the Hollywood limelight, Lenore found herself addicted to alcohol and unable to love herself. During our conversation, you’ll hear how Lenore Zann turned her life around, how she is helping others do the same, what it was like in the early days of her career, her experience growing up in a foreign land, how she fell into drugs and alcohol and so much more! This rare look into Lenore’s story is bound to take you from happiness, empathy, compassion, and sadness to feeling hope, encouragement, love, compassion, and completely empowered. If you enjoy this conversation, send this episode to a friend that you think would benefit from it!   More Of What’s Inside: The real power of empathy Asking for help is the only wayThe healing power of AAHow Lenore Zann learned to love herselfLenore Zann’s upcoming albumLife lessons Lenore’s late niece taught herThe best thing you can be is YOUHow to unleash your superpowers How Lenore creatively processesAnd much more!   GUEST INFO: Instagram: @lenorezannTwitter : @zannlenoreFacebook (to follow): Lenore Zann LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 A look into today’s episode  1:42 Thank you to today’s sponsors3:26 Get to know Lenore10:00 When Lenore decided to get sober16:41 When Lenore just wanted to end her life22:34 The importance of helping others26:01 Learning how to love yourself is a journey 31:56 The 3 steps you can take to transform your life38:12 When Lenore’s success story started45:20 A look into Lenore's new book53:23 Lenore's advice for everyone listening
89. Divine Transformation Is Available To Everyone! With Rob Lohman
Dec 6 2022
89. Divine Transformation Is Available To Everyone! With Rob Lohman
Anyone can transform their life. Yes, including the most messed up addict you can think of.  Welcome to episode 89 of Warriors Unmasked! Today Chuck sits down with suicide survivor, recovering addict, professional coach and speaker, bestselling author, radio and podcast host, and mental health advocate Mr. Rob Loman. Rob has a powerful testimony that only a supernatural intervention could start to explain. In this episode, Rob share his journey of drinking from the age of 14, being a full-blown addict at 21, to now being sober for 21+ years. How does something like this happen? Hit play to find out.  As many addiction stories go, unfortunately, substance abuse isn’t the only problem that the addict deals with when they are reaching for a drink or grabbing for a needle. More often than not, they are struggling with darker underlying issues like suicidal thoughts and actions, depression, and more. After finding himself at rock bottom, he attempted suicide one evening in an effort to make the pain all go away. Thankfully, the attempt was interrupted by his loving dog and Rob made the decision to live and find healing.  Rob would agree that DOG spelled backward being GOD is no coincidence in his story. During our conversation, Rob will share why he believes that God is the answer to our problems and why He is the real reason why he was able to turn his life around.  Fast forward to today, and Rob is helping people worldwide find hope, identity, and purpose. There is so much waiting for you in this episode, we hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! To reach out to us here at Warriors Unmasked or any of our guests, check out the lists below!    PS: We know this time of year can be hard for many. If you ever need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out.  More Of What’s Inside: How addiction can start at a young age New age medication and why more questions need to be askedSteps Rob started to take to get cleanA look into Rob’s business “Lifted From The Rut.”How some people are addicts just because of the friends they keepRob’s experience with marriage and divorceThere is someone who can take away the painFree recourses for sobriety and turning your life around How Rob got into Podcasting and mediaAnd much more!   GUEST LINKS: www.LiftedFromTheRut.com@roblohman | Linktreewww.AddictionInterventionBook.comwww.RobLohmanSpeaks.comrob@LiftedFromTheRut.com LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 1:37 Thank you to today’s sponsors4:16 Get to know Rob Lohman8:47 How bad habits start to develop17:00 The true importance of finding purpose19:37 The three things in life that matter24:35 When Rob hit rock bottom32:00 How God transformed Rob's life37:28 All things in your story will work out44:11  How to find who you really are52:38 The #1 thing Rob wants you to hear Guest Bio:  Sober since 2001 after a suicide attempt, Rob helps peoplefind FREEDOM from substance abuse and feeling "stuck in a rut" to living a transformed life. He does this by sharing his testimony, Interventions, Coaching, Speaking, and being the host of both Beyond The Bars Radio and Addiction,Freedom & Faith Podcasts. Rob has been through the wringer, AND continues to press on! A true overcomer. His life transitions include alcohol and drug addiction, gambling addiction, divorce, bankruptcies, mental health, suicide ideation, prison, recovery entrepreneurship, and life transformation. Rob’s drinking career started at age 14 which lead to some very dark places in his life. The climax of Rob’s drinking career happened on June 7, 2001, with a suicide attempt interrupted by the compassion of his dog Jake. Upon a divine intervention, Rob was freed from his substance abuse addiction which began a rollercoaster ride in recovery…to which Rob has yet to take another drink or drug since that day. Rob invests in the lives of those wanting to see positive change, whether it is coming out of addiction, life transition, or just wanting more for their lives. He is a dynamic speaker who shares an extremely powerful journey of persistence, faith, and inspiration. Rob is also the Bestselling Author of The Addiction Intervention Book.
88. You Are Not Weak! A Journey of Mental Health and Toughness with Christy Warren
Nov 29 2022
88. You Are Not Weak! A Journey of Mental Health and Toughness with Christy Warren
You need to hear this today - Just because you struggle doesn’t mean you’re weak!  If we could shout this message from every rooftop we would. If you have listened to Warriors Unmasked for any amount of time, you know that Clint and Chuck have a passion for helping people regain their mental health and share powerful stories of mental illness, courage hope, and perseverance from incredible people around the world.  Every episode has something special but this episode has to be one of our favorite conversations to date. After over 80+ incredible episodes that may sound like a big statement, but we know you’ll feel the same way! Hit play to hear our conversation with the one and only Christy Warren. Christy Warren is a retired fire captain, retired professional paramedic triathlete, podcast host, and mental health advocate. During our conversation, Christy lets us in on her journey from hitting rock bottom, to being diagnosed with PTSD and feeling like a total failure, to transforming her life and becoming a greater Warrior.  Today is a special episode that is hard to fully capture in mere words. One of the things that makes Christy’s journey so impactful for us is that Christy’s life was changed and she found the will to live after finding Clint's book and realizing she wasn't alone.  Because Clint shared his story, Christy found the courage to share her story. This is what our show is all about! We truly believe that the more we share our stories and our struggles in an authentic way, the faster the world can start to heal.  To connect with and share your story, reach out to us via the links below!  More Of What’s Inside: Why most people drink alcohol to help alleviate painChrisy’s experience as a first responderWhat it’s like to have PTSD We are incredibly strong as humans Christy’s daily self-care routine How Clint’s book is impacting the world The ripple effect of telling your storyWhy we think this is one of our best episodesYou are not alone! And much more! LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s in today’s episode1:36 Thank you to today’s sponsors2:40 Get to know Christy Warren4:02 How Clint changed Christy’s life10:10 Christy’s time as a first responder 18:50 When Christy hit rock bottom24:49 Christy’s EMDR therapy 28:00 Mental health in the first responder world 32:12 PTSD is a physical injury41:40 A look into Christy’s new book45:45 All things work together for good
87. Training Your Brain To Withstand Almost Any Trauma with Brian Slade
Nov 22 2022
87. Training Your Brain To Withstand Almost Any Trauma with Brian Slade
Welcome to episode 87 of Warriors Unmasked! Today Chuck sits down with Mr. Brian Slate! Brian will take a deep dive into his journey of being deployed to Afghanistan, thinking he was getting a light deployment to his plane being hit twice by enemy forces on his first mission. His powerful story is nothing short of heroic. This episode is bound to take you from intrigue, and wonder to hope, understanding, and complete empowerment. Hit play to hear how his time in the Armed Forces equipped him with the mental framework and practical healing techniques anyone can use in their journey of overcoming trauma and PTSD.  Whether you are a veteran yourself or if you have never seen a day of combat, Brian's story is one we can all relate to. 5 months before he was deployed to Afghanistan, Brian married his first wife. It didn’t take long for their relationship to go south as Brian started to identify unhealthy mental health issues with his new bride.  Not even the traumatic time he spent in active war could have prepared him for the pain and trauma that awaited him during their impending separation and divorce. Relationship wounds are something we all deal with from a young age, but how we respond is what matters most.  During our conversation, Brian shares the “chair flying” technique and how you can use it to prepare for tough situations and avoid adding any potential or additional pain and trauma in your life and relationships. This one tip can start making the world a better place for everyone!  You’ll also hear our thoughts on the importance of gratitude, how to become a more empowered person, how Brian used strategic compartmentalization and so much more! To learn more about Brian, or any of the guests we have on the podcast, follow the links below! If you enjoy this conversation, send this episode to a friend that you think would benefit from it.    More Of What’s Inside: Brian Slade’s second string deployment to AfghanistanBrian’s exact thoughts during a near-death experience The Art of a Teflon Mind and posttraumatic stressHow do you focus on the enemy at hand?Life with a spouse with mental health issues The importance of ​​meditation and visualizationThe importance of strengthening your mental fortitudeDo you ever feel like there was a bigger purpose to your life?And much more!   GUEST LINKS: CLEARED HOT LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 3:00 Get to know Brian Slade8:20 Brian’s time in combat in Afghanistan13:30 How Brian responded to a near-death experience 16:50 Healing PTSD techniques Brian Discovered 21:30 Pain and trauma can happen to all of us24:28 Prepping for trauma and strategic compartmentalization 29:31 How to use the chair flying technique40:00 Stress inoculation and how to use it45:04 How to stay in an empowered state53:14 The importance of gratitude
86. A Guide To Self-Care and Self-Love with Happiness expert Rita Farruggia
Nov 15 2022
86. A Guide To Self-Care and Self-Love with Happiness expert Rita Farruggia
Welcome to episode 86 of Warriors Unmasked! In 2022, it’s clear to most people that self-care and finding ways to de-stress should be more of a priority for all of us. But where do you even start? This is a question many of our listeners and people we coach ask us on a regular basis. That’s why we wanted to take a full episode to find an answer!  Of course, we didn’t want to have such an important conversation alone, we had to go to the expert…the happiness expert! Hit play to meet the lover of life and CEO and founder of Happy Being Well,  Rita Farruggia! She is a self-care and happiness expert and mental health advocate. During our conversation, you’ll hear about her journey from growing up an innately spiritual kid with parents who struggled with PTSD and functional alcoholism, and how that led to her involvement in toxic relationships in her adult years.  Learn the practical steps she took to completely cleanse her life from toxic relationships, bad energy, negative soul patterns, and habits plus more. This episode is bound to take you from deep interest and curiosity to enlightenment, self-love, hope, and complete empowerment. You’ll also learn about how you can start meditating longer, tips and tricks for adding positive habits to things you’re already doing, an easy way to have less stress and anxiety plus so much more! Whether you feel like a self-development pro, or if all of this is totally uncharted territory for you, this episode is packed full of simple advice that can help transform your life!  If you enjoy this conversation, spread the good vibes! Send this episode to a friend that you think would benefit from it and follow the links below to reach out to us and connect more.    More Of What’s Inside: We can’t always just be all about our spiritual journey.Tolerating toxic relationships and normalizing itHow to better navigate the world and culture How to start enjoying spending time aloneThe benefits of self-care and self-loveRita’s #1 tips on how to have better mental healthThe effects of living with anxiety and confusion The mental health crisis on our hands Chuck’s journey with meditationAnd much more!   GUEST LINKS:   happybeingwell.com Meditation Made Easy E-Guide Resources LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 A look into today’s episode  1:37 Thank you to today’s sponsors 3:04 Get to know Rita Farruggia8:04 What life was life for Rita growing up16:00 How to cleanse from toxic people20:04 The importance of being in silence27:20 How to get better at meditation30:16 The positive results of self-care36:45 How Rita added positive habits to her day37:37 How to grow in higher levels of consciousness
85. The Healing Power of Laughter and Comedy with Mike Cotayo
Nov 8 2022
85. The Healing Power of Laughter and Comedy with Mike Cotayo
They say the darkest of stories can have a silver (and hilarious) lining if the right comedian gets their hands on it…we think today’s guest would agree!  Welcome to episode 85 of Warriors Unmasked! Today we sat down with the one and only Mike Cotayo. Mike has been captivating audiences for over 20 years through his stand-up routines that are heavily centered around his own personal pain and story.  To this day, he struggles to use the left side of his body and, like many a suffering artist, has a voice textured by years of succumbing to the struggles of drug addiction, alcoholism, and an uncompromising diagnosis of HIV. He says that comedy and tragedy often go hand-in-hand so why not use his story to bring joy to others! Mike will take a deep dive into his journey from being in a car accident at 18 months and being diagnosed with cerebral palsy to winning the Apollo in New York City. You’ll also hear how contracting HIV at age 24 sent him into being a full-blown addict at age 25 to ultimately turning his life around one laugh at a time.  This episode features the ups and downs of addiction and how anyone can get sober if they are determined enough to make it happen. His style is the perfect blend of high-energy, quick wit, and genuine encouragement. We hope this show brings you joy and lifts your spirits. Mike has a beautiful way of allowing others to laugh at even the deepest pains or toughest moments in their lives. If this conversation brings you a new level of healing we would love to hear about it! Reach out to us or our guests via the links below.  More Of What’s Inside: How Mike became a stand up comedian Mike’s struggles with depression and anxiety.Mike’s first relapse in 2002Incorporating mental health/illness into stand up How anger is a secondary emotion, not a core emotion.Mike’s tips for managing angerMike’s tips for managing anxietyWhy we all need more laughter in 2022And much more!   GUEST LINKS: Website - Home | Funny Man Mike Twitter - https://twitter.com/FunnyManMike76 Facebook - Mike Cotayo-Comedy at its Crippling Best Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/funnymanmike76 Tiktok - Visit TikTok to discover profiles! LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 A look into today’s episode  1:25 Thank you to today’s sponsors 2:18 Get to know Mike Cotayo5:44 Everyone needs a little more laughter9:00 A look into Mike’s stand-up comedy journey 14:29 What made Mike get sober 21:35 Turning your personal pain into healthy comedy25:11 What typically triggers relapses 29:00 Mike’s tips for staying mentally healthy37:16 The power of taking a deep breath 42:48 Final thoughts and advice from Mike
84. Overcoming Breast Cancer and Finding Purpose with Marva Bailer
Nov 1 2022
84. Overcoming Breast Cancer and Finding Purpose with Marva Bailer
Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Fair warning, this episode could have gone on for at least four more hours. It feels like 40+ minutes is just scratching the surface of what today’s guest has to offer. When you’re left wanting more, don’t say we didn’t warn you! Be sure to check out the links below to find more ways to connect with anyone from our podcast episodes.  Today we welcome breast cancer survivor, successful Tech Executive, Technology Association of George's Leader of The Year for large enterprise, author, and mother, Marva Baylor Marvel! This episode will take you from sadness, heartbreak, compassion, and empathy to being transformed by hope, awareness, happiness, and complete empowerment. Marva infuses positive energy with her recent, real-world perspective gained through her career as a sales and marketing leader, from startups to blue chip brands, including IBM, Amazon, and Splunk. Currently, in her role at Twilio, Marva serves as vice president of revenue for the social impact company. She is a true professional and has wisdom everyone can learn from. However, what makes her journey even more inspiring is how she overcame breast cancer and is helping others find hope and real solutions who may find themselves in a similar situation. We can all agree that no one ever wants to hear the “C word” - Cancer. However, for Marva, this topic came with several past traumatic events. After losing her Mother, Father and many other loved ones to Cancer the diagnosis hit her hard.  Hear how she rose to the occasion, educated herself about treatment and options, and used her skill of asking great questions, and her gut feeling to find her best path for healing. Hit play to hear the full story!  More Of What’s Inside: How cancer changed every for MarvaWhat it’s like to have radiationA look into Marva’s professional history Why it’s so important to take the spotlight off yourselfMental health during the 45 days of radiation.Marva’s renewed purpose and risk profileHealing from past pain and trauma The importance of your existence Why the world needs YOU!And much more!   GUEST LINKS: Be Unexpected | Debut Book from Marva Bailer | DEI Coach & Speakerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marvabailer Marva Bailer   LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 A look into today’s episode  1:35 Thank you to today’s sponsor4:35 When Marva got the diagnoses 16:16 What makes cancer so complex 22:00 Marva’s treatment journey 29:47 Clairvoyant experience with radiation34:00 Life after healing for Marva 43:33 It’s time to take off your mask
83. The Facebook Narcissist: Understanding The Effects of Social Media with Lena Derhally
Oct 25 2022
83. The Facebook Narcissist: Understanding The Effects of Social Media with Lena Derhally
In 2022, it’s no secret that social media may not be all it’s cracked up to be… Today we are going to take a little bit of a different approach. Typically we highlight stories of people that have battled through mental health issues and come out the other side by great perseverance and courage. In this episode we're going to talk about some of the things in today's society as it relates to social media and the effects it has on our kids, young adults and even older generations.  We couldn’t imagine tackling such an important topic without the one and only Lena Derhally. Lena is a licensed psychotherapist certified in Imago Relationship Therapy and the author of the book “The Facebook Narcissist” where she takes a deep dive into narcissism and the role of social media and the decline in global mental health.  This episode is bound to take you from frustration, sadness and anger to feeling hope, a little more educated, completely aware, and totally empowered. If you have kids or know someone who is a parent, we invite you to share this episode with them! By the end of our conversation, you’ll see why we need to help spread the word to protect and serve the younger generations.  Even though there is a dark underbelly to social media, that doesn’t mean that using technology to connect with people is a bad thing. We are so thankful to have a podcast like this! We aren’t kidding when we say it’s a true honor to spend time with you each and every week. If you want to connect more, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us or Lena via the links below!  More Of What’s Inside: Important conversations you need to have with your kids What has changed most in the last 100 yearsLikes and comments have nothing to do with your personal worth Life is more than just what you look like physicallyThe definition of narcissism and how it shows up in cultureThe exodus of social media from the most secure and grounded adultsHow social media relate to people in their 40s and 50sAnd much more!     GUEST LINKS: www.lenaderhally.com The Facebook Narcissisthttps://www.instagram.com/therapywithlenahttps://www.facebook.com/LenaDerhallybooks   LINKS: malarchuk.com/book malarchuk.com www.thecompassionateconnection.comwww.warriorsunmasked.com Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTubeMy Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s inside this powerful conversation1:26 Thank you to today’s sponsors 3:16 Get to know Lena Derhally4:36 Why Lena started studying narcissism 10:15 Everyone wants to be loved 14:22 The unstable standard of beauty in 202221:40 How to navigate social media with your kids 27:55 The true effects of social media 43:00 Life is all about connection and relationships