Life After The Military: General (Ret.) Mike Eastman
Do you know that over 200,00 men and women exit the military every year? Do you know that problematic transitions are the #1 cause of veteran suicide?
Do you know that the likelihood of a veteran committing suicide increases 2-3 Xs in the first 12 months of exiting the military? The Department of Veterans aAfairs has labeled this 12-month period the “deadly gap!”
In this week’s episode of Life After the Military, Lee and Howie interview BG (Ret) Mike Eastman, the Executive Director of the Army ETS Sponsorship Program.
Mike talks candidly about the harsh realities and challenges of navigating the rough waters of the transition process if a transitioning service member waits too long to plan, prepare and execute like he did.
Mike provides valuable context about the vision and mission of the Army’s ETS Sponsorship Program. He describes how this program helps transitioning service members, their spouses and family members land more softly, successfully and with less stress as they start their post-military careers.
Show Notes
00:00 Lee opens the show, introducing General (Ret.) Mike Eastman to the PMM audience
1:44 General (Ret.) Mike Eastman tells us his transition story and discusses his role as the Executive Director of the Army ETS Sponsorship Program
3:24 Mike discusses the harsh realities of transitioning, and how the Army ETS Sponsorship program connects local, community-based sponsors to transitioning service members through its various unit-based offerings across the country
13:58 Lee points out how major or even seasonal transitions can affect the human psyche
16:44 Lee asks the question, would service members be negatively impacted if they began the transition process on the first day of service?
21:39 Howie reflects on Mike’s story, outlining some important additions to the Soldier for Life program
26:29 Mike Eastman explains the ingenious and complex way that the ETS Sponsorship program connects veterans to Veteran Service Orgs (VSO’s)
32:31 Lee and Mike discuss the “silent partner” in the military transition – veteran families
43:26 The group has a serious discussion about military transitions and military deaths
46:15 Howie describes his experience training to become an ETS sponsor
48:49 Lee presents Mike’s book title
50:37 Using the movie “300” as a reference, Mike encourages a healthier perception of service members
52:12 Mike tells the audience how he practices mental fitness on a daily basis
55:13 Lee, Howie and Mike close the show
Understanding The Mind/Body Connection with Beth Shaha & Jen Hampton
Beth Shaha and Jen Hampton return to the Her Journey Told Podcast to talk about the mind-body connection.
In this episode, Beth explains how the body has many more receptors to process information than the mind and the importance of being able to listen to your body. Jen discusses the need for routine in order to be able to pick on the signals the body is sending and to start the healing process from experienced traumas. They share with us their own journey while weaving in key insights to help drive your own mental health journey.
WIN: Championship Traits For Life - Tackling Barriers and Blazing Trails With Carly Helfand
Carly Helfand is setting the example for women to always have a seat at the table in the sports industry. A table in which 84% of athletic scouts’ seats are occupied by men.
During her time as a scouting assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carly won a Super-Bowl ring, served as a recruitment specialist with UPENN football, and is a graduate of Drexel University’s top-level Sports Management program. She currently works for NBC Universal and is the founder and co-host of the Next Woman Up podcast, which highlights the journey of women in sports and the role that we all play in evolving that medium.
In this episode we explore the mentality it takes to pave the way for a career in the sports industry as a woman, the gender stigmas that still exist, and the resilience of the champion that is Carly Helfand.
How Gen-Z is Shaping Mental Health Coverage with Elizabeth Burns
“My definition of mental fitness is when my thoughts, ideas and actions all align.” Jenn welcomes Elizabeth Burns, a rising senior in journalism at Texas Christian University and host of the “Bubble Wrapped” podcast, to the show.
She discusses what brought her to this major and how that pursuit connects to her personal mental fitness journey. As a part of Gen-Z and future member of the media, Elizabeth also examines how the younger generation is shaping the progression of reporting and communication around mental health.
SHOW NOTES/”KEY TAKEAWAYS”:
00:00 Jenn introduces Elizabeth Burns, a rising senior at Texas Christian University and host of the “Bubble Wrapped” podcast
1:45 Elizabeth explains the title of her podcast, discussing her roots in St. Louis and living in a “bubble”
4:12 Jenn asks Elizabeth, “what led you to decide to study journalism”?; they go on to discuss the importance of writing in modern times
6:45 As a part of gen-z, Elizabeth explains how her approach to journalism is different from that of journalists in previous generations
9:11 The discussion shifts to the legitimacy of “street” journalism versus mainstream media, and the role of mental health in future journalism
14:58 Elizabeth defines mental fitness on her terms
18:36 Jenn and Elizabeth discuss how exposure to mental health and mental fitness themes much earlier in life has affected gen-z journalists
22:21 Jenn talks about how current audiences gravitate toward smaller, “micro” news outlets for authenticity, rather than large news corporations
27:04 Elizabeth leaves parting words for the PMM audience – how journalists can provide positive mental health content
QUOTES MENTIONED:
“I like to do things that make me happy.” – E
“Everything I do, I try to have it aid in my mental fitness journey.” – E
“Being able to set yourself up for success… [and] be really in tune with yourself is important.” – J
“Once I became passionate about journalism, I realized that was something I thought would be fun for me for the rest of my life; which was really important to me.” – E
“…writing is something that a lot of folks don’t really have these days.” – J
“We just need to smash the generational stereotypes.” – J
“Journalists aren’t just competing with news organizations down the street, anyone can be a journalist these days.” – E
“How can we bring authenticity and authority back to the media as well?” – J
“I think the future of journalism in the way we’re taught is very unpredictable.” – E
“My definition of mental fitness is when my thoughts, ideas and actions all align…” – E
“Alignment is where a lot of us get caught up…. Having the alignment of all your senses is important.” – J
“…understand how to quiet the voices that are out of alignment.” – J
“We’re aware of so much and we’re exposed to so much information… it can feel so disconnected…” – E
“Protecting your own light throughout your journey is like the most important thing.” – J
Life After the Military: Pete Tingstrom, LTC (Retired)
If you are a transitioning service member getting ready to exit the military, check out our latest episode of Life After The Military with LTC (Retired) Pete “Aloha” Tingstrom.
In this episode, Pete candidly admits that he waited way too long to start his planning to exit the military and what that cost him by creating unnecessary stress.
Pete shares how he leveraged the use of veteran services organizations to help him develop and execute his transition plan.
Learn how Pete used the power and value of networking, which not only helped him find his first job after military retirement, but also led him to start his own business as an entrepreneur.
Pete gives great insight on the different work experiences he had that included government contracting, entrepreneurship, and taking on the challenge offing the campaign manager for an Army veteran running for Governor of the State of Hawaii, Lynn Mariano.
Learn how Pete uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to strengthen his mental fitness and deal effectively with his challenges.
Aloha O’ahu Weddings:
Website: https://www.alohaoahuweddings.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alohaoahuweddings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlohaOahuWeddings
Personal Social Media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pete.tingstrom/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pete_aloha/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SFRangerAV8R
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petetingstrom/
Show Notes:
00:00 Pete details his transition history; how taking a chance on LinkedIN led to his first government contracting role
08:15 Howie recaps the very important details and the steps Pete took to land his first contracting role; the group discusses the problem with feeling overly-responsible for your work
13:34 The discussion shifts to highlight the immense value of veteran service organizations (VSO’s)
18:35 Pete has experience in a variety of fields including government contracting, consulting, and even acting – in this segment he shares how his additional careers began and some strong lessons he learned in business
28:53 Howie reiterates Pete’s points, offering excellent advice on negotiating offers and self-valuation in government contracting
36:35 Pete dives into his work as a campaign manager for Lynn Mariano, candidate for Governor of Hawaii
42:23 Lee gives Pete the title for his autobiography (unwritten), then asks the question, “How do you manage and strengthen your mental fitness?”
49:53 The group remarks on servant-leaders like Pete, imploring the audience to help others
54:39 Lee closes the show
Championship Traits For Life - Mental Fitness, Football, and Podcasting with Captain Cons
Today’s guest is one of the hosts from the extremely popular podcast, Zero-Pod-thirty, on Barstool Sports. Connor Crehan has also served in the US Army, having graduated from West Point, where he was a varsity Quarterback for the Academy – following a stellar High School football career. Above all, Captain Con, or Con as he’s known on Twitter, is clearly a mental fitness advocate, and we dove into that with him on WIN.
Finding Strength & Courage with Stacy Case
In this episode, Stacy Case shares her heart-wrenching journey from being diagnosed and then later un-diagnosed with MS as a result of a dental procedure. She speaks to the overwhelming fear of being told she only had 5 years to live and finding strength from her faith.
Stacy encourages the audience to never stop being an advocate for yourself and to never give up. The audience will be inspired by Stacy’s overcomer story and her unwavering faith where she found her strength and will to live.
Social Media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StacyCase_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacycase_/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058096778519
Show Notes
0:00 Sandy introduces Emmy-Award winning journalist and health advocate, Stacy Case, to the Pivotal Moments Media audience
2:52 Stacy tells us the heartwrenching story of her diagnosis and un-diagnosis with MS as a result of a dental procedure
9:25 The story continues, as Stacy details how her faith and journalistic background compelled her to find out how her sickness was connected to silver dental fillings
16:00 Stacy details how she was guided by her faith to seek out help through chance encounters
19:10 Sandy and and Stacy talk about pushing past the hesitancy to share their most difficult stories; Stacy talks going from being given only 5 years to live, to creating a full documentary on her story
26:10 Stacy answers the question, what would be your advice to someone who’s just been diagnosed with a serious disease?
29:51 What’s next in Stacy’s career?
34:30 Sandy closes the show
Shoshanna French – Intuition Expert, Coach, Trainer & Founder of Simple Spirit
“To me, intuition is a way to navigate all domains of life.” In this episode, Jenn chats with Shoshanna French, coach and founder of Simple Spirit.
She dives into the mentorship that led her to study the science of intuition and how she transformed that interest into a thriving coaching approach. From Intuitive entrepreneur workshops to executive consulting packages, Shoshanna has helped CEOs, NFL Coaches, TV personalities, business owners and non-profits develop deeper connections with their purpose. Now she is sharing a bit of that insight with us! Watch and/or listen to learn how to strengthen your intuition muscle.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Shoshanna’s Website: https://www.shoshannafrench.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoshannafrench
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoshannafrenchstokes/
Simple Spirit Website: http://www.sunshinemint.com/
Simple Spirit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplespirittips
SHOW NOTES/”KEY TAKEAWAYS”:
1:04 Shoshanna opens the show by giving us the details on her life and background, interests and family life
4:33 Shoshanna explains how she discovered a mentor within a metaphysical bookstore in rural Colorado and began her study of the science of intuition, and how she got started in business
9:00 The discussion shifts: using your gifts in business
13:35 Shoshanna explains how she learned to tap into her own intuition, beginning with metaphysical training in college and studying sociology
18:14 Jenn and Shoshanna discuss how as service-providers, client interactions help to shape and form business practices
22:57 Jenn speaks to mental fitness as a spectrum of neutrality and asks Shoshanna, how would you define mental fitness?
27:53 Shoshanna maintains her mental fitness by caring for all four parts of herself – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual
29:56 Shoshanna explains how intuition relates to mental fitness and everyday life through a client story, noting that “intuition is the way we navigate all domains of life”
32:16 Jenn gets curious about how intuition can be applied both professionally and personally; Shoshanna asks, where are the places where you don’t trust yourself?
34:25 Shoshanna details a process for flexing her mental fitness: observing how she reacts to the world
37:10 Shoshanna leaves the audience with an exercise to strengthen the intuition muscle; PAL – Pause, Ask questions, Listen
Life After the Military: Brad Thomas
What is your identity – how do you define yourself?
What is most important to you?
What can you do to stay true to your authentic self?
In this week’s Pivotal Moments Media Charlie Mike Channel episode of Life After the Military we talk with a combat veteran, 5-time Bronze Star awardee (one with a “V” Device for Valor), and former Ranger and Delta Operator, Brad Thomas.
In this very candid, open, and transparent discussion, Brad shares how he balanced his role as a combat veteran with his role as a rock musician.
A lover of music since his childhood, Brad never let his time in uniform completely define him. He always saw himself as a creative artist – whether writing and playing music or working on combat development projects to bring new, innovative equipment to the battlefield to make his combat colleagues more safe and more effective.
In this episode, Brad discusses
- Staying true to yourself while serving in the military
- Encourages veterans to see more in themselves than just their identity in a uniform
- How he conceived of and patented body armor to help his battle buddies
- Putting himself and his family first in his the decision-making process
- Giving back to the community from an intentional place
- How the late 80’s – 90’s rock era influenced his love for music and his career as a musical artist
- How his veteran rock band, Silence and Light, contribute directly to charity through their music sales
- The importance of contributing to the community and maintaining your mental health
Show Notes:
00:00 Howie and Lee introduce Brad Thomas, a five-time combat medal recipient and founding member of the all-veteran rock band Silence and Light
1:53 Brad shares his perspective on military service and self-preservation
9:45 An origami gift was developed into an innovative combat gear solution, eventually earning Brad a US patent for special ops armor
12:55 The conversation shifts to the importance of keeping a sense of community, including how Silence and Light’s music directly benefits military charities
16:48 Brad discusses his earliest memories and connections with music, and how the band formed
22:57 Brad explains how the American grunge rock sound from the late 80s to mid-90s became the soundtrack to his life during active combat duty
25:51 Lee brings back a favorite game, giving a new title to Brad’s potential autobiography; the conversation shifts to selflessness
28:20 Brad explains the flow state he and his bandmates achieve when making music, and how it serves as a crucial form of therapy
30:54 Wise words about finding what keeps you mentally fit
33:32 Howie discusses survivor’s guilt
35:13 Lee adds the final book title and closes the show
Championship Traits For Life - Ascending and Descending Mountains With Skier and Adventure Enthusiast, Ben White
When discussing life’s challenges, it’s common to hear metaphors about “climbing the mountain”, and reaching the “summit”. We also hear that reaching the peak of the mountain, while incredible, is just a moment and that we should enjoy the accent as much as the descent. We are told to soar toward our dreams and be humble in our approach. Ben White has done all of this literally and metaphorically.
Ben has been an adventurer since a young age. Ben hiked and skied all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4000-footers at the age of 17 with no backcountry ski knowledge. In 2011 Ben attended the University of Utah and graduated with a geology degree, an atmospheric science minor, and earned undergraduate researcher of the year in the college of mines and earth sciences for his work studying how natural arches vibrate and degrade over time. It was also during that time he also learned to rock climb, ice climb, and fly paragliders. Simply put – Ben LOVES this stuff.
But, like most journeys, Ben’s path had its fair share of adversity. In our episode today we will navigate through some of the challenges he has had to overcome, both mentally and physically, and learn how he has used his experience to help others, as they quest through the odyssey of life.
