Veteran Chat Project

Kyle Turner

Our goal is to reach as many Veterans as we can. We noticed a lot of the podcast personalities tend to be unrelatable to the every day joe. Not taking anything away from anyone just hoping to give more people a place to feel connected to something. KZ and Kyle are Army vets who deployed together for OIF 07-09 and OND. Now close to 15 years later we are finding a way to open up about our issues, and find a way to build a community.

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Salud y bienestar

Episodios

Exploring the Challenges and Rewards of Intentional Living
29-07-2023
Exploring the Challenges and Rewards of Intentional Living
Ever felt like life is just happening to you, like you're caught in a relentless current with little control over where you're headed? We know the feeling. This episode is a deep-dive into intentional living, a journey of making conscious decisions that align with our core values and goals. In a world that seems to be in stark contrast with our intentions, we explore how to create a sense of direction and infuse meaning into every action."To quit, or not to quit?" - that's the question. As someone who is currently grappling with the question around marijuana usage, I share my personal struggle and the intricate balancing act between wanting to quit and the need for acceptance. We also touch on other addictive habits like cigarettes and alcohol, and even take a stroll down the contentious political avenue of addiction. It's a candid conversation about the role of addiction in detracting from intentional living.In the pursuit of intentional living, setting clear goals and prioritizing tasks is paramount. We hand over practical tips on crafting achievable goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and staying motivated. We challenge the rigid view of goals and highlight the importance of adaptability. We also delve into the realm of relationships and the search for people who can both support and challenge us. Brace yourself for a heavy note as we delve into the reality of death, the difficulty in accepting it, and the pain of loss. It's a raw, challenging, and enlightening exploration of what it truly means to live intentionally.So here's our invitation to you: join us as we peel back the layers, challenge our own perceptions, and make a conscious choice to live intentionally. It's not always an easy journey, but we believe it's worth it. Because at the end of the day, only we have the power to reshape our lives in line with our deepest values and aspirations. Let's step into that power together.
From Promises to Reality: Accountability and Life's Trials
14-07-2023
From Promises to Reality: Accountability and Life's Trials
Ever had to field a pivotal call in the corner of your shared home office/bedroom while your partner tries to negotiate a zoom meeting in the background? Ever waited anxiously for a job interview feedback, feeling like the walls around you are closing in? Join us, Kyle and KZ, as we navigate through such moments, sharing our personal anecdotes about life's ups and downs. We bare it all - the challenges of family life, job searching, and managing a home office that also happens to be a bedroom. Tune in as we talk about the peaks of excitement and troughs of anxiety during job hunting, and how leaning on family keeps us anchored during uncertain times.Remember the adage 'commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality'? We, Kyle and KZ, are living proof of it. Drawing from our personal experiences, we delve into the importance of having a partner in crime to keep your motivation levels high, and the undeniable benefits of being held accountable for your actions. Join us as we talk about the trials and triumphs of hosting a podcast and how the journey instilled in us the very essence of discipline and self-awareness.Ever wondered how to transform your promises into realities? We share our insights on developing a system to keep yourself accountable for your goals and commitments. Listen in as we discuss the power of discipline, self-awareness, and internal drive that can drastically foster personal growth. From sharing our own stories on self-accountability to fostering family values through a card game, this episode is brimming with actionable tips and advice. We promise; this is not just another podcast episode. It is a stepping stone towards a disciplined and accountable life. Tune in now!
From Army Tanker to Online Guardian: A Veteran's Fight Against Child Exploitation
11-07-2023
From Army Tanker to Online Guardian: A Veteran's Fight Against Child Exploitation
Join us for a profound journey with our guest, Mike, who takes us from his days as an Army tanker to becoming a real-life hero in the fight against child exploitation online. Raised in a tough neighborhood, Mike's path to heroism was far from easy. We dive into his early struggles, his deployment to Iraq, and his transition into a family man. In a powerful conversation, he takes us through his recruitment into the Hero Child Rescue Corps and shares a heart-wrenching story of a student who fell victim to an online predator.Imagine a world where the front lines of protecting children from online predators are manned by an Army veteran. Mike, a former Army tanker, now uses his skills as a computer forensics specialist to fight the dark side of technology. We discuss the chilling reality of child exploitation online, the importance of monitoring children's online activity and the role technology plays in catching predators. Mike's tales from the trenches of online safety will leave you on the edge of your seat.Finally, we follow Mike's journey of personal struggle and triumphant recovery. From battling depression to becoming a beacon of hope for children, Mike's story is both harrowing and inspiring. We venture into his life beyond the army, his remarkable transition into acting, and his impactful journey teaching children about online safety. We also wander into the scenic landscapes of Reno, Nevada and get a glimpse into Mike's life post-retirement from the army. Join us for a truly compelling exploration of Mike's journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a real-world hero.
A Leap of Faith: Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Spirituality
07-07-2023
A Leap of Faith: Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Spirituality
What does it take to trade an alcohol-fueled life in the tattoo industry for a life of sobriety, spirituality, law enforcement, and coaching? Our guest, Stu from the Guild Fellowship, has done just that, and he shares his transformative journey with us in this episode. Stu candidly discusses the social pressures to drink he faced, especially in the tattoo industry, and how he cleverly navigated them. Stu's journey didn't stop at sobering up. He also delved into spirituality and found a profound connection with God that led him to create the Guild Fellowship. As he narrates his inspiring journey, Stu elucidates the power of aligning one's goals and actions with their spiritual mission, leading to greater clarity and fulfillment in life. He also touches on the emotional struggles common among men and introduces us to the concept of 'Yanu' (You Are Not Unique), which helps combat feelings of isolation and uniqueness in our sufferings.Wrapping up our discussion, we tackle the often overlooked need for support among first responders dealing with trauma. Stu shares his experiences and emphasizes the importance of shared experiences for mentoring and healing. He also reflects on how the divine has worked in his life and the synchronicity that led him to his mission. Join us as we journey through Stu's inspiring transformation, exploring a range of topics from sobriety and spirituality to male struggles and support for first responders.
Finding Resilience in the Depths of Despair
28-06-2023
Finding Resilience in the Depths of Despair
What does it take to rise above adverse circumstances and come out stronger on the other side? Our guest, Pam Barragan, an inspiring member of the 2200TAPS podcast and organization, has certainly got some answers for you. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Pam's journey from joining the Coast Guard and being stationed in Maine, to her present position as a mental health advocate and podcaster, is a testament to her resilience and relentless spirit.In her candid conversation with us, Pam leaves no stone unturned. Recounting her experiences with harsh winters, boating safety, and being part of something bigger than herself, she strikes a chord. But it's her openness about her mental health struggles and her brush with suicidal thoughts that truly highlights her strength. She underlines the importance of being proactive, advocating for oneself, and having a robust support system, whilst navigating the often frustrating bureaucracy of Veterans Affairs to access the care she needs.Venturing beyond her military experiences, we also explore Pam's foray into podcasting, music, and mental health advocacy. She paints a vivid picture of her journey from strumming her first guitar to finding her voice through podcasting, illustrating the transformative power of self-expression and passion. Reflecting on her faith, unconditional love, and the healing power of laughter, music, and human connection, Pam leaves us with a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and resilience. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey, and hopefully, find your own sparks of resilience and growth.
From Distress to Healing: The Power of Community for Veterans with Marcus Brewer
26-06-2023
From Distress to Healing: The Power of Community for Veterans with Marcus Brewer
Can you recognize the signs of a veteran in distress? Join us for a powerful conversation with Marcus Brewer from Nine Line Veterans Services, a Washington state-based veteran-founded nonprofit. Marcus shares the incredible work they do, such as providing transitional housing to homeless veterans, refurbishing respirators in partnership with Boeing, and engaging in suicide prevention initiatives through the Staff Sergeant Fox grant. We also discuss how to recognize signs of suicide and how to help those in need.Through our discussion, we explore the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces for all veterans, regardless of their backgrounds. Marcus shares how Nine Line Veterans Services encourages fellow veterans to connect with each other and discover their unique paths to healing, whether it's through outdoor activities, crafting, or other forms of self-care. We also delve into the power of community, rituals, and tribes in helping veterans cope with their experiences.Finally, Marcus opens up about his personal journey of navigating identity and finding his place within the LGBTQ+ community, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ military personnel. We discuss the need for understanding and acceptance within the community, and the resilience and strength that can be found in embracing life's challenges and supporting one another. Don't miss this heartfelt and insightful episode that truly highlights the importance of being open and honest with ourselves and others.