Full Mental Bracket

Brent Diggs

Does your life have a purpose? What is the best way to harness your emotions? How do you recognize biases in your thinking? Is there a way to step outside the polarized “either-or” mindset that shapes so much of our society? Host Brent Diggs explores these and other mysteries twice a month in search of the tools to learn, and level up your life. Join Brent as they share stories and laughter in a lighthearted yet impactful exploration of narratives, psychology, and creativity. Full Mental Bracket - Discovering the tools for success hidden in everyday life

  1. 9月1日

    PTSD Recovery Secrets | Healing Journey, Triggers & Coping Strategies

    In this episode of Full Mental Bracket, we continue our powerful conversation with Seargent Major David Spencer as he opens up about his journey with PTSD recovery and the strategies that helped him heal. 👉 What you’ll learn in this episode: What PTSD really is and how to recognize its triggersWhy community and support systems are essential for recoveryHow journaling can process emotions and reduce stressDavid’s three circles model of friendship for mental healthThe healing power of emotional support animals, including his dog CharlieWhy facing trauma directly is key to long-term growthThis episode is packed with practical tools, inspiring stories, and mental health strategies for veterans, families, and anyone navigating trauma recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and actionable insights.   Chapters: (00:00) – Welcome & David Spencer’s PTSD recovery journey begins (01:04) – What PTSD feels like and how triggers show up in daily life (05:56) – Why community and support are crucial for healing trauma (08:01) – Using journaling to process emotions and reduce stress (10:44) – David’s “three circles” model for building healthy friendships (17:37) – How Charlie the support dog became part of David’s healing (27:01) – Facing trauma head-on and finding strength in recovery (30:17) – Taking responsibility and moving forward after PTSD - Recommended Episodes #013 – Battle of the Mind: The Invisible Wounds of War - https://tinyurl.com/et2scc39 #004 – Find Your Tribe - Because No One Succeeds Alone - https://tinyurl.com/397ktndr - Join the Tribe IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket Email – contact@fullmentalbracket.com Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

    36 分钟
  2. Turning Survival into Strength - Lessons From the Loma Prieta Earthquake - FMB mini

    8月17日 · 附赠内容

    Turning Survival into Strength - Lessons From the Loma Prieta Earthquake - FMB mini

    When the earthquake hit, I was in the shower. Fifteen seconds of violent shaking, fifteen seconds of relief… and then panic. Was my wife safe? What followed was a desperate race home through steep hills and broken roads, and into a moment that changed my marriage, my mindset, and my definition of resilience forever. In this episode, I share my true earthquake survival story — not just about escaping danger, but about how one terrifying day became the foundation for a stronger, more connected relationship. You’ll hear how we turned a life-threatening disaster into a lifelong reminder that if we could survive that, we could survive almost anything. What you’ll learn in this episode: How a sudden crisis changes the way you see your partner and your prioritiesWhy survival stories are powerful tools for encouragementHow to use your own moments of adversity to strengthen your resilienceThe mindset shift that makes everyday problems feel smallerIf you’ve ever faced hardship, fear, or loss — and come out stronger — this conversation will resonate. Resources & Links: Share your survival story with me at: contact@fullmentalbracket.com Recommended Episodes  Mini 003 - Don't Waste Your Life: The Karo Syrup Story - https://tinyurl.com/5ecsn7wf EP#012 - Marriage of Growth: Beyond Happily Ever After - https://tinyurl.com/yrfv8upt   - Join the Tribe  IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket  YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket  FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket  Email – contact@fullmentalbracket.com Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

    4 分钟
  3. 8月3日

    #013 - Veteran PTSD & Mental Health | Sgt Major David Spencer Interview

    In this special episode of the Full Mental Bracket Podcast, Brent sits down with U.S. Army Sergeant Major (Ret.) David Spencer, a third-generation veteran who served in Desert Storm, Iraq, and more. David shares his firsthand experiences from over 30 years in the military and opens up about the mental health challenges veterans face, including combat-related PTSD. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Real stories from a retired Army Sergeant MajorThe stress and trauma of military deploymentsUnderstanding the different types of PTSD in veteransThe long-term impact of combat and military serviceWhy veterans need more mental health support🎧 Whether you're a veteran, a family member of someone who served, or just want to understand the psychological effects of war, this interview sheds light on the invisible wounds of service and the importance of healing. Chapters: (00:00:00) – Intro (00:02:15) – David Spencer’s Military Journey (00:05:15) – Understanding Military Stress (00:06:52) – The Reality of Military Life (00:09:37) – The Onset and Evolution of PTSD (00:13:20) – Defining PTSD (00:16:31) – Gut Instincts and Awareness (00:22:42) – The Military Mental Health Gap (00:27:36) – Suicide Rates Among Veterans (00:30:37) – Closing Thoughts on Support for Veterans - Recommended Episodes #012 – “Happily Ever After” is a Lie? - Marriage, Growth & Lasting Love - https://tinyurl.com/yrfv8upt #005 – Embrace the Struggle - Lean In and Level Up - https://tinyurl.com/sfs32k9v - Join the Tribe IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket Email – contact@fullmentalbracket.com Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

    33 分钟
  4. When One Trick Isn’t Enough: Breaking Free from Old Habits That No Longer Serve You - FMB mini

    7月21日 · 附赠内容

    When One Trick Isn’t Enough: Breaking Free from Old Habits That No Longer Serve You - FMB mini

    In this nostalgic, funny, and deeply relatable episode, we travel back to the 1980s—a time of questionable parenting, dangerous toys, and a golden fiberglass skateboard known only as The Yellow Peril. What starts as a childhood story about learning one flashy but useless trick turns into something much more meaningful: a reflection on the habits we cling to, the ways we try to feel powerful, and what it takes to grow beyond what's familiar. You'll hear: Why we stick with the "one trick" that once made us feel strongHow failure and frustration shape our coping patternsThe subtle difference between being good at something and it being good for usA reminder that growth often means letting go of what used to work Whether you're stuck in a routine, repeating old patterns, or just love a great story that sneaks in some wisdom, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: What’s your version of the spinning skateboard trick?   Level up your life today. See: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/articles/  Show notes: - Recommended Episodes  #011 - Under the Spotlight: How to Stop Overthinking What Others Think- https://tinyurl.com/y3fpu4rr #003 - Legacy and Return: A Hero's Reward - https://tinyurl.com/td2kexff  - Join the Tribe  IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket  YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket  FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket  Email – contact@fullmentalbracket.com Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

    5 分钟
  5. 7月7日

    #012 - “Happily Ever After” is a Lie? - Marriage, Growth & Lasting Love

    What if a fairly-tale ending was only the beginning of your story together? In this powerful episode of Full Mental Bracket, hosts Brent and Camille Diggs break down the fairytale myth of "happily ever after” and get real about what long-term relationships actually require: growth, communication, and resilience. Featured Story: Brent opens up about his emotional return from Desert Storm and how it tested his marriage—shedding light on the messy, beautiful truth about partnership and healing. What You’ll Learn: Why real love isn't instant—it’s built over timeHow to support personal growth within a relationshipThe role of accountability and open communication in lasting loveThe difference between hedonic vs. eudaimonic happiness (pleasure vs. purpose)Whether you're married, dating, or reflecting on past relationships, this episode is for anyone curious about how to build something real—and keep it strong. Subscribe for more on: Emotional intelligenceRelationship psychologyPersonal transformation through storytellingChapters:  (00:00:00) – Introduction – Reunion in the Airport  (00:01:39) – The Myth of Happily Ever After (00:04:11) – Adjusting to Life Together (00:06:27) – The Satisfaction of Challenging Things - Hedonic vs. Eudaimonic (00:09:08) – Changing Identities – “You’re Not the Man I Married” (00:09:48) – Character Arcs in Relationships (00:15:09) – Car-Seat or Car Stereo – the Struggle of Growth (00:19:56) – Marriage: Small Investments Compounding Over Time (00:24:13) – Giving Grace – To Your Partner and to Yourself (00:28:20) – Practical Tips for a Marriage of Growth - Recommended Episodes #010 – The Hero’s Journey of Marriage: Building a Life Story Together - https://tinyurl.com/539f7sbn #008 – Values and Purpose: A guide to a Meaningful Life - https://tinyurl.com/tndx9mmb - Join the Tribe IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket Email – contact@fullmentalbracket.com Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

    33 分钟
  6. The Cost of Waiting for “Someday” - FMB mini

    6月16日 · 附赠内容

    The Cost of Waiting for “Someday” - FMB mini

    It started with a discovery in the kitchen pantry—a seemingly ordinary bottle, a curious childhood question, and a gentle dismissal. Years passed. Life moved on. But some things have a way of waiting quietly in the background, untouched, unresolved, and full of meaning we don’t yet understand. In this episode, I tell a personal story about something small that turned out to be anything but. It’s about what we delay, what we deem too special to use, and what happens when we hold on for “someday” that never comes.  🎧 In this story, we explore: The hidden weight of deferred joyHow small choices shape big regretsThe myth of the perfect momentIf you've ever caught yourself waiting for the “right time,” this one's for you.   Don’t forget to check out our website, FullMentalBracket.com, for more resources, articles, and engaging content! Level up your life today. See: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/articles/  Show notes: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/cost-of-waiting-for-someday/ Recommended Episodes  #007 - Legacy and Return: A Hero's Reward - https://tinyurl.com/td2kexff #003 - Start Main Quest: Leaving the Comfort Zone for Your Life of Growth - ttps://tinyurl.com/mrytbc6h  Join the Tribe  IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket  YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket  FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket  Email – contact@fullmentalbracket.com Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

    4 分钟
  7. 6月2日

    #011 Under the Spotlight: How to Stop Overthinking What Others Think

    Feel like everyone’s watching your every move? You’re not alone—it’s called the spotlight effect.   In this thought-provoking episode of Full Mental Bracket, hosts Brent and Aaron unpack why we often feel like we’re constantly under scrutiny. From brain biases like egocentrism to scenes in The Truman Show or The Lonely Guy, we explore how this illusion shapes self-perception, anxiety, and missed opportunities.   What You’ll Learn:   • Why our brain exaggerates how much others notice us • How movies reflect our real-life social anxiety • How the spotlight effect impacts risk-taking & personal growth •  Actionable ways to reduce self-consciousness and take your power back   🎯 Whether you're facing self-doubt, social anxiety, or just curious about human behavior, this episode brings practical tools and encouragement to help you own your narrative and grow with confidence. Chapters (00:00:00) – Introduction to the Spotlight Effect (00:03:57) – Understanding Egocentric Biases (00:11:21) – The Impact of Humiliation and Failure (00:13:26) – The Truman Show and Real-Life Implications (00:14:17) – The Emperor's New Groove: A Lesson in Perspective (00:19:14) – The Fixed vs. Growth Mindset (00:22:31) – David Foster Wallace's Breakthrough (00:29:47) – Strategies to Overcome the Spotlight Effect    Recommended Episodes   #005 - Embrace the Struggle - Lean in So You Can Level Up - https://tinyurl.com/sfs32k9v  #009 - The Psychology of Gratitude: Why It’s Hard, Why It’s Important & How to Improve It - https://tinyurl.com/578fud4y      Join the Tribe  IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket  YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket  FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket  Email – contact@fullmentalbracket.com Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

    36 分钟
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Does your life have a purpose? What is the best way to harness your emotions? How do you recognize biases in your thinking? Is there a way to step outside the polarized “either-or” mindset that shapes so much of our society? Host Brent Diggs explores these and other mysteries twice a month in search of the tools to learn, and level up your life. Join Brent as they share stories and laughter in a lighthearted yet impactful exploration of narratives, psychology, and creativity. Full Mental Bracket - Discovering the tools for success hidden in everyday life