Drive On: Overcoming Military Trauma & Finding Success as a Veteran

Scott DeLuzio
  • 5.0 (83)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
Drive On: Overcoming Military Trauma & Finding Success as a Veteran

Are you a veteran grappling with PTSD, combat stress, or trouble adjusting to civilian life? Tired of feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for support? You deserve proven solutions from mental health experts, nonprofits, and fellow veterans who truly understand your challenges. Each week, host Scott DeLuzio—an Army veteran and Gold Star Brother—shares candid interviews and practical steps for regaining purpose, rebuilding confidence, and thriving after service. Replace frustration with hope, connect with a supportive community, and reclaim the direction you need to move forward.

  1. 4D AGO

    Surviving Suicide and Finding Purpose

    Sheridan Taylor, a Canadian Army combat veteran, former corrections officer, and suicide survivor, shares his raw and powerful story of survival, loss, and recovery. Sheridan reflects on the lessons learned from his military career, the struggles of transitioning to civilian life, and the emotional toll of losing his wife. He discusses how therapy and self-awareness helped him rebuild his life and how his book, Not Okay Okay A Roadmap Back from the Brink, serves as a guide for others navigating trauma and mental health challenges. Sheridan emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in community.00:00:00 - Introduction to Sheridan Taylor’s military and personal journey 00:06:30 - Transitioning out of the military and dealing with loss 00:15:00 - The emotional toll of grief and trauma 00:25:45 - Overcoming societal stigmas around mental health 00:40:00 - The pivotal moment of asking for help 00:55:20 - Lessons learned from therapy and rebuilding life 01:06:00 - Insights from Not Okay Okay A Roadmap Back from the BrinkLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Follow Sheridan Taylor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridantaylorauthor Follow Sheridan Taylor on Twitter/X: https://x.com/sheridanftaylor Follow Sheridan Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheridan-taylor-7759b282/TranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

    1h 9m

  2. 6D AGO

    Warrior Strong Helping Veterans Stay Fit and Connected

    Tom Tice, founder and CEO of Warrior Strong, shares how his organization helps veterans, first responders, and their families through free health and wellness programs. With offerings like yoga, breathwork, meditation, and fitness classes, Warrior Strong fosters camaraderie, combats loneliness, and encourages healthy lifestyles. Tom discusses the importance of building a supportive community and highlights the success stories of veterans who found purpose and strength through the program. Whether online or in-person, Warrior Strong is committed to improving the lives of those who serve and their families. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Warrior Strong and its mission 00:06:00 - The inspiration behind Warrior Strong 00:12:30 - Overview of health and wellness programs offered 00:18:45 - How Warrior Strong combats loneliness and obesity 00:25:15 - Success stories of veterans who found purpose 00:35:00 - Family-oriented programs and community support 00:40:00 - Upcoming events and how to get involvedLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.warriorstronginc.org/ Follow Warrior Strong on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorstronginc Follow Warrior Strong on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriorstronginc/ Follow Warrior Strong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warrior-strong Follow Warrior Strong on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorstronginc.9685TranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

    41 min

  3. FEB 27

    Mastering Breathwork for a Better Life

    Tim Thomas, founder of Breathwork in Bed and Australian Special Forces veteran, shares the life-changing benefits of proper breathing techniques. Drawing from his military experience and deep understanding of sleep and wellness, Tim introduces simple yet powerful breathwork exercises to improve sleep quality, boost energy, and enhance mental clarity. He explains how small, intentional actions-like mastering the first 10 minutes of your day-can lead to profound changes in your personal and professional life. This episode offers actionable strategies to help listeners break free from fatigue, find inner strength, and reconnect with their purpose. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Tim Thomas and Breathwork in Bed 00:06:30 - Lessons from Special Forces and redefining resilience 00:15:00 - Importance of sleep as the foundation of life 00:25:45 - Winning the first 10 minutes of your day 00:35:00 - Demonstration of three simple breathwork techniques 01:10:00 - How breathwork helps veterans and their families 01:25:30 - Tools to reduce stress and reconnect with yourself 01:35:00 - Offering free resources for lasting resultsLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 (US) Lifeline crisis support service is available 24/7: Dial 13 11 14 (Australia) Website: www.breathworkinbed.com.au Breathwork in Bed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breathworkinbed Breathwork in Bed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathworkinbed/TranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

    1h 36m

  4. FEB 25

    Fight Until the Lights Go Out

    Gary Pacelli, retired detective, Marine Corps veteran, and author, shares his gripping story of survival, recovery, and resilience after a life-changing skydiving accident left him paralyzed. Gary reflects on his military and law enforcement career, the harrowing moments after his accident, and the mental battle to rebuild his life. His journey illustrates the power of mindset, the importance of finding motivation, and the value of embracing life's challenges. From fighting self-doubt to re-learning basic tasks and eventually returning to the skies, Gary's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Gary Pacelli and his background 00:06:30 - The skydiving accident and its immediate aftermath 00:15:45 - Relearning basic tasks and fighting mental barriers 00:44:15 - Returning to skydiving and overcoming stigma 01:12:50 - Lessons learned and the importance of mindset 02:00:00 - Reflections on life, purpose, and resilienceLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: http://gpacelli.com Follow Gary Pacelli on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/min.diesel.106 Other links: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gary-Pacelli/author/B0C2N9JYG7TranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

    2h 16m

  5. FEB 20

    Honor Guard Coffee Supporting Veterans and Service Dogs

    Steven Ferguson, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Honorguard Coffee, shares his journey from deployment to navigating the challenges of civilian life. He discusses how his service dog and alternative therapies helped him find healing and purpose. Inspired by his own struggles, Steven created Honorguard Coffee to break down barriers for veterans seeking service dogs and support. By combining entrepreneurship and advocacy, Steven is addressing the veteran suicide crisis and empowering grassroots organizations to make a real difference. This episode highlights resilience, the power of community, and innovative solutions to tackle mental health challenges. 01:00 - Steven's Marine Corps journey and deployments 05:30 - Challenges transitioning to civilian life after a medical retirement 12:00 - Finding healing through a service dog and alternative therapies 20:45 - The birth of Honor Guard Coffee and its mission 30:00 - Supporting grassroots organizations in combating veteran suicide 36:15 - Advice for veterans finding community and purposeLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://honorguardcoffee.com Follow Honorguard Coffee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Honorguard-Coffee/61550838926220/ Follow Honorguard Coffee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honorguard_coffee/ Follow Honorguard Coffee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honor-guard-inc Follow Steven Ferguson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sferguson0352/TranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

    47 min

  6. FEB 18

    Go for No Turning Rejection Into Success

    Andrea Waltz, co-author of Go for No, shares the transformative power of embracing rejection as a pathway to success. In this conversation, Andrea explores how shifting perspectives on failure can lead to resilience, personal growth, and professional achievement. Drawing from her book, she outlines how hearing "no" can be a stepping stone rather than a roadblock and how military veterans, professionals, and anyone looking to push past barriers can apply this mindset to their lives. From career transitions to overcoming mental hurdles, Andrea highlights actionable strategies to turn setbacks into valuable learning experiences. 01:00 - Introducing Andrea Waltz and Go for No 04:30 - The concept of "Yes is the destination, No is how you get there" 08:15 - Lessons from failure and embracing a growth mindset 15:00 - Applying the Go for No mindset to career transitions 22:45 - Building resilience and confidence through rejection 30:00 - Practical advice for practicing persistenceLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.goforno.com/ Follow Andrea Waltz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoforNo Follow Andrea Waltz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GoforNo Follow Andrea Waltz on Twitter/X: https://x.com/GoforNo Follow Andrea Waltz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goforno/TranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

    50 min

  7. FEB 13

    Connecting Rural Veterans to Vital Support

    Michelle Lang, Executive Director of Operation Honor: Rural Salute, shares how the organization connects rural veterans and their families to essential resources that are often hard to access in remote areas. Michelle discusses the unique challenges veterans face in rural communities, such as isolation and difficulty finding reliable support. Through in-person events and an online resource hub, Operation Honor: Rural Salute creates a trusted network of services that empower veterans to improve their mental health, access benefits, and connect with their communities. Michelle reflects on impactful stories from their events and provides insight into how rural veterans can discover the resources available to them. 01:00 - Michelle's journey and the founding of Operation Honor: Rural Salute 05:30 - Challenges faced by veterans in rural communities 11:15 - How in-person events foster connections and build trust 19:30 - Stories of impact from rural veteran events 26:00 - Online resources and building trust with rural veterans 34:45 - Advice for rural veterans and how to access benefitsLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://ohruralsalute.org Follow OHRS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OHRuralSalute Follow OHRS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohruralsalute/ Follow Michelle Lang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-baker-langTranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

    45 min

  8. FEB 11

    Building a Community for Veterans Through Golf

    Joshua Sears, retired Army Sergeant First Class and founder of the 100FORE22 Foundation shares his journey from combat deployments and personal struggles with mental health to creating a nonprofit supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. Joshua explains how golf became his therapy and inspired the foundation's mission to raise awareness and funds for mental health resources through marathon golf events. By combining camaraderie, competition, and community, the 100FORE22 Foundation significantly impacts the lives of those who have sacrificed so much. Learn how you can support their mission and join the fight to reduce veteran suicide. 01:00 - Joshua's military background and personal struggles 05:30 - The inspiration behind the 100FORE22 Foundation 10:15 - Using golf as a form of therapy and connection 15:45 - The impact of marathon golf events 22:30 - Stories of lives changed through the foundation's efforts 30:00 - How to support the 100FORE22 Foundation and upcoming eventsLinks & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://100fore22foundation.org Follow 100Fore22 Foundation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089301522721 Follow 100Fore22 Foundation on Instagram: https://instagram.com/100fore22_foundationTranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

    41 min
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5
out of 5
83 Ratings

About

Are you a veteran grappling with PTSD, combat stress, or trouble adjusting to civilian life? Tired of feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for support? You deserve proven solutions from mental health experts, nonprofits, and fellow veterans who truly understand your challenges. Each week, host Scott DeLuzio—an Army veteran and Gold Star Brother—shares candid interviews and practical steps for regaining purpose, rebuilding confidence, and thriving after service. Replace frustration with hope, connect with a supportive community, and reclaim the direction you need to move forward.

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