Real stories, told by real people.

Hope all is well. After a short hiatus, we're back with another one. Today Benjamin joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

A former infantryman, deployed twice to Afghanistan. Benjamin's seen it all. From the cost of war, with destruction, death, and the despair experienced by all involved. It's a heavy price to pay. And after spending time combat zones, he began to have his own questions and concerns about the validity of the war itself. An internal struggle, while externally at risk of harm or death. These were only some of the challenges faced while deployed. Along with the lack of support when finally returning home from family.

We had ourselves a great conversation. And I'm happy to invite you all to the table. Medically retired, and now living with his wife whom he credits to be a big reason as to why he is where he is today (mentally and emotionally), along with their dog. He's also an author, publishing his first book Hero of Oria. Writing has been a wonderful source of comfort for Benjamin, with helping deal with past trauma, and his PTSD. From hell and back in a hand basket, he refuses to play the victim card. And that's a trait I'll always respect. In his own words - "we choose our own way."

You're gonna get it all in this one. Humor, reflections on war, writing as therapy, inspiring authors, building fictitious worlds with characters, and words, an unforgettable sunset, the presence of Alexander The Great, and his troops. Buckle up!! Ladies and Gents, I'm pleased to introduce to you another GIANT AMONGST US.

I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with this man. Benjamin, all the best to you and yours. Thank you once again for opening your book up, and sharing some of your story with us, today.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

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Benjamin Osgood :

Linktree : https://linktr.ee/BenOsgood.Pub?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

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More of Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

Youtube Channel : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=nbTNcyvSL-n4N00u

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Good Monday all, hope this finds you well.

Pleased to be back for another sit down. Today, I'd like to share a bit of my experience with drinking Syrian Rue for the first time. This is another installment of 'In Between The Stories'. I recently returned from Cologne, Germany. About a 1 1/2 hour train ride from where I live. The reason for my visit? - I had a date with Mama Ayahuasca. If you haven't already, I encourage you to check out https://giantsamongstus.org/episode/healing-and-transformation-my-first-hand-experiences-with-ayahuasca-allan Allan, who's had a long history with Ayahuasca, and its usage in helping with addictions, trauma, and healing. Allan's spent plenty of time in Peru with lineage Shipibo shamans. And he does a great job with breaking down some of the stigma's regarding Ayahuasca, as well as the plants history, and why its considered so sacred amongst the Amazonians.

I also wrote about my personal experience with Syrian Rue (ayahuasca analogue) here https://giantsamongstus.org/blog/spirits-of-the-past feel free to dive in and share your thoughts or some of your own experiences with any plant medicines you've invited into your life.

A big "THANK YOU" to my wife for this wonderful gift. This is something I wanted to do for quite sometime, many moons ago. After speaking with Allan, my spirit was quickened and ready for a visit. And my wife, as an early birthday gift, granted me access and provided the means to make it all happen. I'm not trying to convince you of anything. This is merely my own personal account. A communion with a plant that has been part of antiquity and the lives of our ancestors, for survival, wisdom, healing, and a deep connection to earth, nature, soul, and spirit, for thousands, and thousands of years. This isn't about a brand new drug, "FDA approved" that just hit the shelves.

I only ask that you take this in with an open mind. Allowing yourself quality time, in solitude, to start exploring the inner dynamics that make up the constellation that is you. It's definitely a process worth pursuing.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Intro Song :

Gajumaru (Acoustic) - https://youtu.be/3AaDqQD_K40?si=tjYNUJhg-uiVPYNe

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More of Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@GiantsAmongstUs?si=nbTNcyvSL-n4N00u

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music :

https://youtu.be/DnH8JECfaQc?si=7LWw4y2c2FJOq4AI

Real stories, told by real people.

Hope all is well on your end. I'm pleased to share another sit down with you all. Today, Rick joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Unfiltered, authentic and genuine. There's a lot of layers to this one. And this about one's journey towards enlightenment. And how one was able to find forgiveness, healing and freedom, in the midst of chaos. From drug addiction to drug rehab. To having his whole world turned upside down. A chain of events devastating Rick, who eventually was unable to sleep, and was wide awake for 5 straight days. What exactly tipped him over the edge? - Rick breaks a lot of it down for us today.

In and out of a behavioral hospital, and emergency rooms, to having an out of body experience, intuitively writing, laying face down on his bed. Rick shares a vision he had while in trance. And the catalyst to help him produce his first book 'Bye-Polar Enlightenment: A Personal Memoir With Philosophical Depths Into The Unknown.'

This is about a man on a quest to find out who he truly is. Rick details his working from the inside-out. An exploration of human consciousness, false personas, emotions, truths, fears, philosophies and an honest pursuit towards healing and understanding. I'm pleased to welcome another GIANTS AMONGST US. And I'm sure you'll enjoy the conversation.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

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Rick Sharbau :

Rick Sharbau's Book : https://www.amazon.com/Bye-Polar-Enlightenment-Personal-Memoir-Philosophical/dp/B0DDJNMZ4P/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1T8LMCPR5MRN3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.INszQ_pKIjRbbnJzNxRYdkavaQubvPSF9ug_Ides2FI.zKUwi__M9EJVrzDwt0jsiB3x_2QMQWt5yT021GuZ6N8&dib_tag=se&keywords=bye+polar+enlightenment&qid=1729624077&sprefix=bye+polar%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1

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More of Giants Amongst Us :

Website :https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

Youtube Channel : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=nbTNcyvSL-n4N00u

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic