Mental Health

Ray Linbaugh | The Walking Dead Marines

Ray Linbaugh is one of the few survivors of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines of the U.S. Vietnam War. They were called The Walking Dead—not from Hollywood, but from the hardened jungles of Vietnam, where the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines earned one of the highest casualty rates of any unit in U.S. military history. In this powerful episode, we sit down with a veteran of this fabled battalion to explore what it truly means to walk through fire and come out the other side. It’s a conversation about grit, sacrifice, and survival—one that echoes far beyond the battlefield. Through the lens of lived experience, we unpack how these Marines carried the weight of their legacy, how war shaped their minds, and how they continue to serve in silence today. Perspective is earned in the trenches of life—and this story is no exception.

Tyler Kindred | The Role of the Artist in a World of Influence

Hollywood Film Producer Tyler Kindred leads the Light Shop LA, a production studio that crafts commercials for brands across the globe and music videos for major record labels and stars like Beyonce. Tyler recently released Abbey Gate, a short film born from the harrowing real-life escape of his wife during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Dr. Eric Abbott | Stroke and Mental Health

Dr. Eric Abbott is an Air Force Veteran and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently working as a board-certified family medicine physician with Optum Medical. Mental health is a common subject these days, but a less common topic of discussion are the detrimental effects that not taking care of your mental health can have on your overall well-being. We are all busy, we are all stressed out, and things don’t seem to be getting easier. So, let’s learn about how we can lower our stress levels while maintaining our busy schedule and, understand the dangers if we don’t.

Tom Francis, Psy.D. | From Creativity to Cognitive Biases

Dr. Tom Francis is a seasoned psychologist, educator, and executive coach whose career bridges the academic, corporate, and creative worlds. Holding a Psy.D. in Organizational Leadership and an M.A. in Psychology from the University of the Rockies, he has spent over a decade teaching undergraduate and graduate psychology courses at institutions such as Pikes Peak Community College and CSU-Pueblo. Known for his engaging, inclusive teaching style and consistently high student evaluations, Dr. Francis brings humor, empathy, and intellectual depth to subjects ranging from Abnormal Psychology to Leadership Ethics. Outside the classroom, Dr. Francis is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and a longtime facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership, where he has guided hundreds of senior leaders through transformative coaching engagements.

Sam Westfall | Healing Through Archery

Sam Westfall is an Army Veteran and passionate bow hunter. After being medically retired from the military following a debilitating injury as a tank mechanic, Sam struggled to find his place. It wasn’t until a friend put a bow in his hand for the first time that Sam started to feel the vivaciousness of life again. Sam tells us about one of his bear hunts, as well as why he made the morally driven decision to switch from rifle to bow hunting.

Nicole Weis, MA, LPC, LAC | Psychology of PTSD

Nicole Weis is a licensed professional counselor and licensed addiction counselor. She manages the Milestones mental health clinic, a resource center located within the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Nicole is also the founder of the Greater Resilience Toolkit, or GRIT program, an online course that she describes as basic first aid for social support.

Kirsten Belaire, LPC | PTSD in Relationships pt. 2

Kirsten Belaire is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor.  Her role is the Director of Behavioral Health at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center where she provides therapy to Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Veterans, and their families. In this episode we talk about how to navigate difficult relationships with those we love. Issues like differing personalities, needs, and expectations, along with the need for constant communication and compromise can complicate relationships.

Scott Wilson | Am I real? Or am I not?

Scott Wilson is a pastor of 32 years, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, and a father of four. In this intimate discussion, we talk through the importance of fostering a community and loving one another while working through dilemmas that may come up along the way. How can I love others when I don’t even love myself? Where do I vent my emotions when it seems like everyone else is dumping theirs onto me? How do I know God is real? These answers, as well as an abundance of wisdom, ahead in the episode.

Jonny Benton | Wild Warrior Adventure

Jonny is the Executive Director of Wild Warrior Adventure, a non-profit organization dedicated to healing our nation's warriors through fly fishing. After partaking in some of the most violent 15 months ever documented during the war on terror in Afghanistan, Jonny struggled to stay grounded while transitioning back into civilian life. "The Valley of Death", formally known as the Korangal Valley, is located in Dara-I-Pech District of Kunar Province, eastern Afghanistan. Jonny Benton, a former Army Airborne Infantryman, shares his intimate story with this valley and paints a picture of how this place earned its nickname.

Kirsten Belaire, LPC | PTSD in relationships pt. 1

Kirsten Belaire is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor.  Her role is the Director of Behavioral Health at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center where she provides therapy to Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Veterans, and their families.  In this episode, we try to answer the question "how do we understand PTSD?" It starts with understanding your emotions.
 

Billy Jack & Anne Barrett | The Roots of Equine Therapy

Billy Jack Barrett and his wife Anne Barrett helped found the non-profit The Remount Foundation, an equine therapy program that helps veterans struggling with PTSD. Billy Jack Barrett, a legend in the equine industry, and former Manager for 35 years at the USAF Academy Stables. Anne Barrett is a World Champion Dressage Rider, trainer and educator who attended and ran Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center.