In this episode of Alone and Unafraid, Thad and Tyler sit down with Benjamin Lee, a former Air Force EOD technician turned founder of Solar Security Net, a nonprofit aimed at reducing energy costs for disadvantaged communities by leveraging solar energy. Benjamin shares his journey from military service and combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to battling addiction, confronting the loss of purpose after leaving the Air Force, and ultimately finding a new mission. He discusses the complexities of military life, including the psychological challenges faced by EOD technicians, and how those experiences led him to develop Solar Security Net. The conversation dives into the power of community, personal resilience, and how clean energy can be a force for positive change.

Links

Home - Solar Security Net

Go fund Me for Solar Security Net

Key Takeaways

1. Resilience and Recovery: Benjamin’s story is a testament to confronting trauma head-on, tackling addiction, and regaining purpose by serving others.

2. Solar Security Net: The nonprofit seeks to alleviate the energy burden for low-income families by constructing utility-scale solar farms, funded through corporate tax offsets.

3. Combat and Mental Health Benjamin shares firsthand insights into the psychological toll of being an EOD tech and the struggles veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

4. Community Focused Solution: Solar Security Net is designed to build infrastructure that benefits communities, providing free or reduced-cost energy while fostering local partnerships.

5. Purpose Through Service: Benjamin emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from living a life of service to others, a lesson he's carried from his military career into his nonprofit work.

Chapters

03:01 From Military to Nonprofit: A New Mission

05:51 Understanding EOD: The Unsung Heroes

08:45 The Evolution of IED Tactics in Iraq and Afghanistan

12:06 The Psychological Toll of War

14:55 Finding Purpose in the Aftermath

17:48 The Birth of Solar Security Net

21:08 Building a Sustainable Future

24:00 Community Impact and Energy Independence

26:51 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Clarity

30:09 The Role of Service in Personal Growth

33:04 Advice for Those Struggling with Purpose

36:03 The Importance of Community and Connection

39:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Keywords:

Solar energy, renewable energy, nonprofit organization, military transition, energy independence, community solar, EOD technician, Iraq, Afghanistan, addiction recovery, purpose after military, green energy, disadvantaged communities, personal resilience, combat PTSD, sustainability.

In this special Wing It Wednesday episode, Thad and Tyler take a break from the heavier topics to reflect on their personal experiences surrounding September 11th and the events that followed. After the intensity of the last episode, this conversation acts as a palate cleanser of sorts, providing a mix of deep reflection and lighthearted banter. They recall where they were on 9/11, how it changed their lives, and the global shifts they witnessed—from the DC sniper to the invasion of Iraq and the stop-loss policy. The two hosts also open up about their own military challenges, from extended deployments to unexpected personal hurdles, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of military life during this era. The conversation takes a turn toward conspiracy theories, including speculation about an inside job on 9/11, before reminding listeners of the importance of moving forward while honoring past sacrifices. Wrapping up on a lighter note, Thad and Tyler dive into fun discussions about Bigfoot, Stonehenge, and teasing future podcast episodes, providing a refreshing balance of humor and reflection.

Links Check out Flow State Endurance's team fundraising page for Guardian Revival

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The Impact of September 11th

05:06 Military Experiences and the Wars

10:16 Confusion and Uncertainty

19:02 Personal Stories and Emotions

32:16 The Challenges of Military Life and the Impact on Families

33:10 The Controversial Stop-Loss Policy and its Effects on Soldiers

36:02 The Existence and Influence of the Military-Industrial Complex

43:12 Different Perspectives on Conspiracy Theories about September 11th

01:01:30 Preview: A Retired EOD Tech's Nonprofit Solar Energy Company

Keywords

September 11th, memories, experiences, impact, invasion of Iraq, DC sniper, stop-loss policy, military, September 11th, deployments, pregnancies, stop-loss, conspiracy theories, moving on, Bigfoot, Stonehenge

In this powerful episode, Thad and Tyler are joined by Jeremy Thibodeaux, a former 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment MH-47 Flight Engineer and Silver Star recipient, who is now pursuing a doctorate in psychology. Jeremy opens up about his personal journey, reflecting on how both his childhood and military service impacted his mental health. From battling serious childhood illnesses to confronting the emotional toll of combat, Jeremy’s story is a testament to the deep connection between physical and mental health.

Jeremy shares his experiences with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), not just as a result of his intense combat missions but also from the long-term effects of being bullied as a child due to his health conditions. He talks about the importance of addressing mental health in a community where it’s often stigmatized, and how his own journey to healing led him to pursue a career in psychology to help others. The episode dives deep into Jeremy's decision to break the cycle of silence around mental health and how he uses his personal experiences to help his son, who also faces health challenges.

Links

The Arcane Project

The Guardian Revival One Mile Challenge

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

13:49 Childhood Illnesses and Resilience

19:03 Joining the Military and Pursuing Dreams

22:30 Parenting and Teaching Kindness

27:37 Becoming a Crew Chief Mechanic in the 160th

37:08 First Deployment and Memorial

38:14 Recalling Military Experiences

44:49 Sharing Stories of Combat

51:33 Intense Firefights and Close Calls

58:36 Transitioning to Civilian Life

01:07:35 Struggles with Mental Health

01:10:29 Journey to Recovery

01:13:03 The Impact of Trauma

01:14:25 Pursuing a Degree in Psychology

01:15:53 Developing New Ways of Thinking

01:16:19 Cognitive Processing Therapy and Neuroplasticity

01:17:18 Faith and Spirituality in Healing

01:18:42 The Importance of Seeking Help

01:27:22 Jeremy's Work in Behavioral Health

01:30:23 Jeremy's Nonprofit Project for Veterans

Key Words

Resilience and Recovery Podcast, Breaking the Silence on PTSD, Mental Health Awareness Podcast, PTSD and Mental Health Recovery, Overcoming PTSD Podcast, Veteran Mental Health, Healing from Trauma, PTSD Resilience Stories, Mental Health Stigma Podcast, Military PTSD Recovery, Mental Health Conversations, First Responder Mental Health, Combat PTSD Awareness, Mental Health in the Military, Psychological Resilience Podcast

In this conversation, Thad, Tyler and Landon discuss their experiences in the military, including Special Operations Aviation. We dive into a wide-ranging conversation that touches on military life, leadership, personal growth, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. We talk about the importance of being true to yourself and not trying to be someone you think others want you to be.

• Military Experiences: Sharing stories from their time in the military, including backgrounds, the renaming of military bases, experiences at West Point, Ranger School, and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Language and Culture: Discussing the experience of learning Spanish, highlighting how it expanded opportunities and deepened cultural understanding.
• Leadership Insights: Emphasizing the importance of leaders investing in their team members, striving for excellence, and staying true to oneself.
• Transitioning to Civilian Life: Exploring the journey from military service to a civilian career, with insights on finding purpose and building a supportive network.
• Self-Care and Routine: Talking about the role of faith, fitness, and routine in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
• Entrepreneurship: Introducing the companies BreakTurn and The Legacy Project, and sharing the vision for their future.

This episode is filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a focus on personal and professional growth. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners!

Links

Breakturn

The Legacy Project

Allied Forces Foundation

Guardian Revival One Mile Challenge

Chapters

04:49 The History and Renaming of Military Bases

06:16 Lessons Learned from Ranger School and Language Immersion Programs

09:09 The Differences Between Iraq and Afghanistan

21:35 Joining the 101st Airborne Division and Assessing for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

39:48 The Importance of Financial Planning and Wealth Education for Veterans

45:05 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

53:45 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Good People

56:06 Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Work-Life Balance

01:10:04 The Power of Teamwork and Humility

01:14:22 Finding Purpose and Taking Initiative in the Transition Process

Keywords

special operations, aviation, military transition, financial planning, wealth education, Ranger School, military bases, language immersion programs, Iraq, Afghanistan, West Point, flight school, 101st Airborne Division, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, transition, military, civilian, career, airline pilot, teamwork, burnout, work-life balance, purpose, support, don't quit, take action, surround yourself with good people, transition, aviation industry, generational wealth, sleep, self-care, balance, success, risks, discipline, excellence

Andrew Eubanks, a Marine officer and former Naval Aviator, shares his journey of transitioning out of the Marine Corps and the challenges he faced with his mental health and substance abuse. He experienced an identity crisis and struggled to find purpose and meaning in his civilian life. Andrew emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with one's values and beliefs to avoid inner turmoil and emotional suffering. We also talk about the concept of living in alignment with one's authentic self and the impact of social media on mental health.

Links

Contact Andrew Eubanks

Koa Strategies

Why we Sleep Book

Chapters

00:00 Identity Crisis and Mental Health Decline

08:05 Living in Alignment with Values and Beliefs

14:52 The Link Between Depression and Substance Abuse

19:04 The Challenges of Job Satisfaction

28:18 Seeking Help and Personal Growth

30:10 The Difference Between Executive Coaching and Life Coaching

32:06 Finding the Right Coach and Living in Alignment with Your Authentic Self

39:08 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

47:21 Creating a Nonprofit Organization to Improve Mental Health Care

54:32 Actionable Tips for Improving Mental Health

Keywords

transitioning out, mental health, substance abuse, identity crisis, values, beliefs, purpose, alignment, job satisfaction, fulfillment, executive coaching, life coaching, difference, personal experience, finding the right coach, authentic self, social media, mental health, nonprofit organization, Koa Strategies, mental health care, service members, dependents, actionable tips, sleep, exercise, relationships

In this episode of Alone and Unafraid, Thad is joined by Tyler and Katie Huckett, along with TJ Jason, for the first-ever segment of 'Gripes and Grinds'. This segment is all about airing out frustrations and venting about everyday annoyances. Today, they dive into the contentious topic of tipping, expressing their frustration with the increasing expectations and automatic gratuity at restaurants. The group discusses how these practices reduce the incentive for exceptional service and create pressure to tip even for basic tasks. The conversation also explores other tipping scenarios, such as valet parking and retail, highlighting the inconsistencies and confusion surrounding tipping etiquette. Additionally, they voice their annoyance with extra fees for credit card payments and suggest the need for standardized tipping practices to make things fairer for everyone.

Takeaways

• Tipping practices in America have become excessive, with automatic gratuity and pressure to tip even for basic tasks.
• There is a lack of incentive for exceptional service when tipping is already expected.

Chapters

00:00 The Excessive Nature of Tipping

03:02 The Lack of Incentive for Exceptional Service

10:31 The Need for Standardized Tipping Practices

13:26 Annoyance with Additional Fees for Credit Card Payments

15:02 Focusing on Mental Health and Seeking Help

Polestar Coffee Company

In this episode, we delve into the life and career of Doug White, exploring his extensive service in both the military and law enforcement. We discuss his experiences, challenges, and the personal journey that led him to advocate for mental health awareness among veterans and first responders. Doug's story emphasizes the importance of owning your problems and seeking help. If you are in a dark place, hoping and praying for someone or something to show you a way out, this episode is for you. Listen now.

Key takeaways

• The Cateran Yomp in Scotland had a profound impact on Tyler Huckett and Doug White, creating a strong bond among participants.

• Veterans and first responders face unique challenges and stigma surrounding mental health, and it is important to break the silence and seek support.

• The culture of toughness and self-reliance in these communities can make it difficult to ask for help, but it is crucial to prioritize mental well-being.

• Open dialogue and understanding are essential in addressing the mental health needs of veterans and first responders.

• Participating in challenging experiences can provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. First responders often witness traumatic events that can have a lasting impact on their mental health.

• Journaling can be a helpful tool for processing emotions and experiences.

• Support from loved ones is crucial for first responders dealing with mental health challenges.

• It is important to show understanding and empathy towards first responders and the difficult work they do. Asking for help is crucial, but many people struggle to do so.

• Trauma and stress can have long-lasting effects on mental health.

• Owning one's mistakes and seeking support is essential for growth and healing.

• Sharing stories and being vulnerable can create connections and support networks.

• Finding a supportive community is important for overcoming challenges and finding healing.

Doug White | LinkedIn Allied Forces Foundation Guardian Revival

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background

04:20 Participating the Cateran Yomp

12:30 The Impact of Traumatic Events

22:18 The Importance of Open Conversations

32:40 The Need for Mental Health Resources

39:34 Sharing Personal Stories

49:05 Responding to a Horrific Car Accident

01:00:59 The Power of Journaling

01:15:06 Reaching a Breaking Point

01:26:52 The Support of a Loved One

01:33:59 The Importance of Asking for Help

01:51:20 Redefining Post-Traumatic Stress as an Injury

01:57:52 Owning Mistakes and Personal Growth

02:10:00 The Power of a Supportive Community