On this edition of Reset and Rise To The Unbreakable With Amanda Moore, we welcome the Host of "Coffee Talk With Bryan and Marie", former US Marine Bryan Roof to the show! Here's his bio in his own words : Born and raised in Lancaster, California, I graduated high school in May 1999. Shortly after, in February 2000, I made the pivotal decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. I served as a 3051 Supply Marine and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in January 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, with my unit participating in the initial ground offensive. My time in service was not without personal hardship, including receiving a Red Cross message informing me of my grandmother's passing. Upon my honorable discharge in February 2004, I immediately transitioned into a demanding role within the aerospace industry, joining Northrop Grumman in Palmdale, California. That same year became a period of intense personal ambition and upheaval: I got married, became a father, embarked on a college degree, coached high school football, and even played semi-professional football. In hindsight, it's evident I placed an unsustainable burden upon myself during a critical post-military adjustment phase. Predictably, this frantic pace led to a rapid decline: my marriage faltered, ultimately ending in divorce. This period initiated a profound personal tailspin, forcing me to confront significant mental health challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of failure. My coping mechanisms at the time were destructive, characterized by excessive partying and drinking, which eventually led me to hit rock bottom. Amidst these struggles, I met my current wife, a truly remarkable woman who was raising three young boys, one of whom is non-verbal and autistic. Our connection was immediate and profound, leading to a quick marriage and the subsequent birth of our shared son, bringing our blended family to six children – five boys and one girl. It was after marrying her that I truly began to confront my mental health, recognizing the immense burden of unaddressed trauma I had carried for years. While the realization came swiftly, actively working through it became a multi-year journey of healing. My path took an unexpected turn in July 2018 when, after finally achieving full transparency about my struggles, the Veterans Administration deemed me "Unemployable." This designation was profoundly challenging, particularly as I had earned a business degree, achieved multiple promotions, and was thriving in my preferred role as a Project Manager, having finally attained substantial financial stability. To experience such a dramatic drop from a six-figure income to a quarter of that was devastating. This forced me to innovate and explore new avenues. I initially pursued various small business ventures, but my lifelong passion for talk radio sparked a new idea: to launch my own podcast. The podcast began simply: armed with a gaming microphone and my phone, I started recording personal reflections on what I considered my "interesting life." The process proved incredibly cathartic, prompting me to expand its scope. I soon began inviting fellow veterans to share their unique stories of service and the often-complex transition back to civilian life. This evolution led to "Heal Out Loud," a platform dedicated to openly discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly realities faced by military personnel and first responders. Last year, we launched a vital segment called "Coffee Talk," designed to delve deeper into issues frequently emerging from our interviews. This initiative connected me with Marie, whose courageous journey through addiction and sexual trauma resonated deeply. Her presence as co-host has been instrumental in creating a more inclusive space, particularly for female service members, encouraging them to share their experiences. Together, we champion the message that it’s okay not to be okay, offering a platform to "heal out loud" and normalize conversations around personal struggles. Our aim is to foster a community where we learn from our pasts, not allowing them to define us, but rather to shape us into stronger, more compassionate individuals. I am now in my fourth season, three and a half years into this fulfilling journey, and I eagerly anticipate sharing more of this mission with your audience. Follow Amanda on Instagram : @BackupBowler83 Follow the show on Instagram and Tik Tok : @ResetandRisePodcast Send us an email with your questions and comments : resetandrisepodcast@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reset-and-rise-to-the-unbreakable--6690676/support.
