The Formidable Path

James Seastrom

The Formidable Path is a space for real conversations and honest reflection about what it means to live and lead from the inside out.  Where self-awareness fuels purpose, and purpose powers a life of meaning. Hosted by U.S. Navy veteran and now leadership and life coach James Seastrom, each episode invites you to tune in and explore the energy behind how you think, feel, and show up. Through a mix of authentic guest stories and candid self-talk sessions, James helps you uncover who you are beneath the noise and how to walk a path that feels truly authentic to you. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, intentional, and alive by turning obstacles into opportunities and rediscovering what’s possible when you align who you are with how you live.

Episodes

  1. 03/20/2025

    #003 Lindsey Schiro - Navigating Trauma and Advocacy in Military Life

    In this episode, Lindsey Schiro shares her journey from aspiring ballerina to pediatric nurse and ultimately to CEO of 51 Vets, a nonprofit supporting transitioning veterans. She discusses the challenges of military life, her personal experiences with trauma, and her advocacy work in the community. Lindsey emphasizes the importance of empathy, support for survivors of sexual assault, and her aspirations to run for political office to effect change. Contact Lindsey at: Lindsey@51vets.org https://www.51vets.org Resources RAINN Hotline: 800.656.4673 or CHAT online.rainn.org National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.7233 | thehotline.org Emergency Assistance: 911 State-Specific Resources: www.nsvrc.org/organizations Susan B Anthony project - https://sbaproject.org/what-were-you-wearing/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and St. Patrick's Day Celebrations 02:53 Lindsey's Journey: From Dance to Nursing 05:29 The Transition to Nonprofit Work and 51 Vets 08:18 Personal Life: Family, Sports, and Parenting 10:56 The Impact of Military Life on Relationships 13:56 The Call: Learning About Deployment and Casualties 16:28 Empathy in Crisis: Supporting Military Families 23:39 Founding the Green Beret Foundation Chapter 27:55 Navigating the Aftermath of Injury 33:22 The Reality of Military Spouse Life 39:00 Unexpected Family Dynamics 46:32 Advocating for a Child with Learning Disabilities 53:19 Lindsey's Journey Through Nonprofits 55:16 Advocacy and Community Involvement 58:10 Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose 01:04:26 Understanding PTSD vs. Complex PTSD 01:06:50 Victim Blaming and Societal Perceptions 01:08:51 Empowerment and Support for Survivors 01:11:31 Resources for Survivors 01:14:02 Addressing Human Trafficking 01:15:02 Aspirations in Politics and Advocacy 01:19:26 The Importance of Sharing Stories   ***DISCLAIMER*** Be Formidable Podcast may contain personal accounts and stories that may not reflect the full picture of events.  Be Formidable Podcast recognizes that the full truth can be complex-especially when it involves personal history, and there may be other perspectives not presented here. The goal is not to take sides, but to foster honest conversations that invite reflection and demonstrate mindfulness tools, strategies, and efforts for continued growth.

    1h 24m
  2. 02/27/2025

    #002 Matthew Rice - Navigating Mental Health in High-Stress Roles and Leadership Vulnerability

    Matthew shares his journey of self-discovery, military service, and personal challenges in this conversation. He discusses the importance of identity, the impact of leadership in the military, and the lessons learned from deployment experiences. Matthew also opens up about navigating personal loss, the significance of spirituality, and the challenges of family health issues. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and seeking help, reflecting on how these experiences have shaped his perspective on life and legacy. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership, the impact of mental health on personal and professional lives, and the significance of love and emotional connections in leadership roles. They explore the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, the importance of quality time in parenting, and the necessity of self-examination for personal growth. The dialogue emphasizes the need for supportive relationships and the role of servant leadership in fostering a positive environment.   ***DISCLAIMER*** Be Formidable Podcast may contain personal accounts and stories that may not reflect the full picture of events.  Be Formidable Podcast recognizes that the full truth can be complex-especially when it involves personal history, and there may be other perspectives not presented here. The goal is not to take sides, but to foster honest conversations that invite reflection and demonstrate mindfulness tools, strategies, and efforts for continued growth.

    1h 44m

About

The Formidable Path is a space for real conversations and honest reflection about what it means to live and lead from the inside out.  Where self-awareness fuels purpose, and purpose powers a life of meaning. Hosted by U.S. Navy veteran and now leadership and life coach James Seastrom, each episode invites you to tune in and explore the energy behind how you think, feel, and show up. Through a mix of authentic guest stories and candid self-talk sessions, James helps you uncover who you are beneath the noise and how to walk a path that feels truly authentic to you. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, intentional, and alive by turning obstacles into opportunities and rediscovering what’s possible when you align who you are with how you live.