What's Your Twenty Emily Zufelt

We don't need to wear a uniform to experience trauma. We're picking up with drive-by shooting survivor and founder of Hit The Ground Running, Brandon Peacock. Part II is the continuation of Brandon's recovery and mission to help other trauma survivors to not simply recover, but thrive. If you take intelligence, resilience, kindness, genuineness, authenticity, ambition, athleticism and survivorship - wrap them all up into a complete package - you'll have Brandon Peacock. Just being in the presence of someone of this calibre, I became a better person. At Such a young age, the deep conversations, vulnerability and impact that he is having on this world and the people in it not only shows that they are not alone, but he also exemplifies capacity, ability, and brings hope and the belief that recovery is possible for all of us.

Drive-by shooting survivor, Brandon Peacock is an incredible human whose resilience and determination have turned a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for many. On a fateful summer evening in 2020, Brandon's life was forever altered when he became the unintended victim of a drive-by shooting. Shot three times, a bullet that hit his femoral artery could have ended his life, but instead, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Brandon founded the charity Hit The Ground Running, an organization dedicated to supporting trauma survivors, helping them to reach their new 100%. The charity stands as a pillar of support, providing the tools and guidance necessary for trauma survivors to rebuild their lives and thrive. Brandon's story is one of triumph over adversity, and his charity is a reflection of his commitment to giving back and aiding others in their darkest hours. If the future is in the hands of people like him, I have hope. Through his actions, Brandon Peacock exemplifies the power of human spirit and the impact one person can have on the world.

Healing and mental health management does not have a one size fits all. In the ongoing quest to offer the most effective tools for managing mental health challenges, the conversation around medicinal marijuana consistently emerges. This podcast embarks on a journey to understand the therapeutic potential of cannabis, particularly in the context of those who have served in the military. While I'm not endorsing or advocating for the use of marijuana, I can't exclude it as it is imperative to remain open to treatment options and treat the subject with respect as it applies to the evolution of medical research and holistic healing. I invited this week's guests Corey Paris, Director of Veteran Relations, and Scott Atkinson, 25 year Canadian Armed Forces Vet and Veteran Ambassador, both of CannaConnect to shed light on the experience of veterans who advocate for medicinal marijuana as a catalyst for healing. This episode serves as an invitation to explore, educate, and engage in a dialogue about the possibilities that medicinal marijuana may hold for the mental and physical well-being of the men and women who serve our country.

Exploring the latest in brain health and trauma, Ryan Carey is a retired Captain of the Canadian Armed Forces and a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being. Not only did Ryan serve in the CAF, but he also played professional football in the Canadian Football League. Intimately knowing the connection between sport and military concussions and head injuries, he was thrown into the world of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated brain trauma. After retiring from the military, Ryan joined Project Enlist Canada, a research initiative that aims to accelerate critical research on traumatic brain injury (TBI), CTE, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. Ryan has pledged to donate his brain to Project Enlist Canada, hoping to contribute to the advancement of science and the improvement of the lives of those affected by brain trauma. He also raises awareness and educates others about the signs, symptoms, and treatments of CTE and related disorders. In addition, Ryan is the founder of Operation Brain Health, a program (and soon-to-be app) that helps veterans develop healthier habits. The program provides tools and guidance for exercising regularly, eating well, sleeping better, as well as peer support and social integration. Operation Brain Health is part of Ryan's mission to help veterans feel better and cope with the challenges of brain injury and their symptoms. Special thanks to Brendan Hynes and his coffee company, Your Daily Fix, for sponsoring this episode. Brendan is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as a proud Ambassador of Project Enlist.

Part II of II The Silver Cop Robin Ferrie of the Ottawa Police Service and I pick up on the day he found himself immersed in chaos at the National War Memorial on the day that Corporal Nathan Cirillo was gunned down standing sentry at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We discuss the infamous photo seen around the world and how Robin found his voice and moved forward in healing and advocacy for others through coaching and P3 Wellness. This episode being dropped on January 9th is dedicated to all lawn enforcement as today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Part I of II with The Silver Cop, Robin Ferrie of Ottawa Police Service and I discuss men not speaking up at the risk of being seen as weak, as well as the stigma and institutional betrayal when attempting to seek mental health supports. This episode was recorded on December 29th and is dedicated to Constable Ireneusz "Eric" Czapnik of OPS in honour of his service and sacrifice, as it was the 14th anniversary of his line-of-duty death and murder. We recall the day that Cst. Eric Czapnik lost his life and the roll that Robin took on.