Warriors Unmasked Chuck Thuss and Clint Malarchuk

Trigger warning: In this episode, our guest shares her journey with abuse and suicide. Ifyou or someone you love has recently experienced the tragic loss to suicide, please feel freeto skip this episode during your healing process. We have 100+ other powerfulconversations to enjoy at www.warriorsunmasked.com
In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, we had the honor of sitting down with Kyomi O'Connor, a beacon of resilience and healing. Kyomi's journey began in the shadow of emotional abuse as a young child, a time marked by harsh verbal bullying and the painful witnessing of her mother's struggles. These early years laid a complex foundation for Kyomi, intertwining trauma with a deep-seated sense of self-blame and unworthiness.
Despite these challenges, Kyomi blossomed into an individual of remarkable strength and versatility. She excelled academically and professionally, pursuing a career in dentistry, yet never feeling truly aligned with her path. It was not until a pivotal moment in her early twenties, following a heart-wrenching suicide attempt, that Kyomi embarked on a transformative journey to reclaim her authentic self.
Her move to the United States marked a significant turning point. Here, Kyomi not only pursued advanced scientific research but also began to peel back the layers of her past traumas. She encountered love, marrying her late husband, Patrick, and together, they delved into spiritual healing and Dharma teachings. This spiritual exploration became a source of profound personal growth and healing.
Kyomi's story is one of courage in the face of adversity and the power of self-reflection and spirituality in healing deep wounds. Her narrative serves as a vivid reminder that no matter the darkness we face, there is always a path towards light and self-reconciliation.
To dive deeper into the profound insights and experiences of Kyomi O'Connor and learn more about her book, hit play on this episode of Warriors Unmasked and join us on a journey of healing, resilience, and the discovery of inner peace.
 
GUEST LINKS:
Website: https://kyomioconnor.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyomi-o-connor-a37bb7210 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KyomiOconnor 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memoir_writer2 
 
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book 
malarchuk.com 
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com 
Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
 
Episode Minute By Minute:
00:00 Introduction + Messages From Our Sponsors 
03:25 Kyomi's Journey of Emotional Abuse
08:26 Kyomi's Struggles in School and Home
09:10 Kyomi's Journey to Self-Realization
12:35 Kyomi's Struggles with Family and Relationships
18:31 Kyomi's Journey to the United States
20:16 Kyomi's Spiritual Journey and Healing
22:33 Kyomi's Life with Husband, Patrick
34:42 Kyomi's Transformation through Buddhism
38:48 Kyomi's Self-Care Practices
42:10 Kyomi's Book and Final Thoughts For Those Who Are Struggling
 

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, we welcome back J.R. Butler, a former NCAA hockey player, founder of Shift Group, an expert in post-athletic career transition, a mental health advocate, and a new dad. His journey is an inspiring story of transformation and resilience, filled with deep insights into the challenges athletes face when transitioning from their sports careers to everyday life.
J.R. dives into his personal experience of losing his identity as a hockey player and how it felt like mourning a lost loved one. This profound loss propelled him into a period of self-discovery, leading him to understand the importance of finding purpose beyond the rink. He emphasizes that purpose and passion are distinct yet interconnected aspects that drive our actions and decisions.
His narrative is a powerful example of how athletes can leverage their innate characteristics—resilience, coachability, teamwork, and competitiveness—in their post-sport careers. J.R.'s journey through these challenging transitions has equipped him with unique insights that he now shares through Shift Group, helping other athletes and military personnel find their path after their careers.
As a new father, J.R.'s purpose has evolved, yet his passion for helping others discover their potential remains constant. His story is a testament to the fact that while careers may end, the qualities honed during those careers can open doors to new, fulfilling endeavors.
This episode is more than a conversation; it's a guide to navigating life's transitions with grace, resilience, and an unwavering sense of purpose. It's a roadmap for anyone facing a crossroads in life, affirming that with self-reflection and determination, every end can mark the beginning of a new, exciting chapter.
If you're looking to explore the depth of J.R.'s insights and experiences or seeking guidance in their own journey of transition and self-discovery, press play on this episode and embark on a path of empowerment and transformation.
 
GUEST LINKS:
 
Shift Group | Technology Recruiting & Training for Athletes: https://www.shiftgroup.io
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shift-groupllc 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftathlete 
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book 
malarchuk.com 
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com 
Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
 
Episode Minute By Minute:
00:00 Introduction + Messages from Our Sponsors 
00:15 The Journey of J. R. Butler: From Hockey to Career Transition Expert
03:29 Understanding Post-Athletic Career Transition
05:10 The Impact of Identity Loss in Athletes
07:34 The Importance of Purpose and Passion in Career Transition
09:11 The Struggles and Challenges in Career Transition
11:26 The Role of Self-Discovery in Career Transition
18:21 The Importance of Purpose in Finding Passion
26:38 The Mental Health Journey in Career Transition
36:11 The Formation and Mission of Shift Group
44:22 The Similarities Between Athletes and Military Personnel
47:53 Final Thoughts J.R. and Advice for Athletes in Transition
 

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, we dive into the life of Benjamin Ellis, a former high school wrestler and professional athlete, whose journey through mental health challenges and OCD is both inspiring and deeply moving. 
Raised in a large military family, Benjamin's external world seemed perfect, but beneath the surface, he struggled with intense anxiety and intrusive thoughts. His high school years amplified these issues, leading to self-harm and a harrowing suicide attempt, marking a period of profound loneliness and turmoil.
The pivotal moment in Benjamin's life came with the diagnosis of OCD, a revelation that brought clarity and direction to his struggles. He embarked on a transformative journey, engaging in targeted therapies and medication, which dramatically improved his condition. This breakthrough was a gateway to recovery and self-improvement, where he harnessed the discipline from his wrestling background to face and overcome his mental health challenges.
Today, Benjamin is a symbol of hope and resilience. He channels his energy and emotions into cage fighting and jujitsu, fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a professional athlete. His story highlights the significant role of support systems in mental health recovery, particularly through our very own, Clint Malarchuk, who provided guidance and wisdom during his journey. Benjamin's narrative emphasizes the crucial aspects of community, purpose, and determination in battling mental health issues.
Beyond his personal triumphs, Benjamin's story stands out for his dedication to helping others. He openly shares his experiences to support and motivate those facing similar struggles, focusing on the importance of being present, taking life one moment at a time, and maintaining an unwavering spirit of perseverance.
Benjamin Ellis's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. It shows that with understanding, support, and relentless determination, it is possible to navigate through the darkest of times towards a place of strength and fulfillment. For those looking to draw inspiration from his remarkable journey, hit play and listen to the full episode, where Benjamin's resilience shines as a guiding light for all.
 
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book 
malarchuk.com 
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com 
Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
 
Episode Minute By Minute:
00:00 Introduction + Messages from Our Sponsors 
03:00 Get to Know Benjamin and His Story 
10:30 The Impact of Mental Health on Family Relationships
13:03 The Turning Point: Suicide Attempt and Recovery
24:59 Finding Purpose and Community in Jiu Jitsu
27:40 The Desire to Help Others in Similar Situations
28:20 The Journey to an OCD Diagnosis 
29:27 The Moment of Diagnosis and Its Impact
31:18 Living with OCD: A Personal Perspective
32:27 The Importance of Living in the Present
37:30 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Regulation
41:09 The Role of Physical Activity in Mental Health
46:16 The Power of Mentorship and Support
48:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 

Welcome back to another episode of Warriors Unmasked. Today we step into the vibrant narrative of Tony Everett, the founder of My Personal Best Coaching. From England, to California, Tony has shaped a niche as a business coach with a unique clientele—athletes at the cusp of reinvention, poised to transition from competitive sports to the entrepreneurial world. But Tony's coaching transcends business; it's a journey to life transformation, where each session is a stroke that helps paint a new horizon.
Tony's passion for change began with the inception of PureGame in 2009, a sports-based youth development nonprofit rooted in the firm belief that every child deserves to flourish. With a mission to empower, collaborate, and achieve a milestone in both influence and revenue, Tony's coaching philosophy is about reaching personal pinnacles while ensuring his clients do the same.
The essence of Tony's approach is his holistic perspective on growth, his commitment to sparking curiosity, and his devotion to helping clients find new passion and purpose post-sports. His program, Warriors of Change, ingeniously incorporates the elements of water and flow, mirroring the adaptability and fluidity required to navigate life’s varied challenges. It's this unique methodology that sets Tony apart—a coach who sees beyond the scoreboard to the vast potential of the individual.
In our conversation, Tony shares his own transition story, reflecting on his move from England to America, a time when he felt adrift yet eventually found his calling in youth coaching. His focus shifted from athletic performance to the development of character, social engagement, and mental health support for teens. Tony's reflections offer a window into his philosophy: It's not about the wins and losses but about fostering a positive environment where children can truly thrive.
Join us as Tony dives into the profound impact of positive reinforcement and the danger of pressure and comparison that today's youth face in sports and beyond. For coaches and parents alike, Tony provides actionable insights—how to acknowledge effort, nurture self-esteem, and communicate effectively with the young athletes. 
This episode of Warriors Unmasked is more than just a podcast; it's a transformative conversation that challenges and changes our approach to youth sports and development. Press play and immerse yourself in the story of a man who's redefining the essence of coaching and transforming lives, one encouraging word at a time.

 
GUEST LINKS:
Instagram: mypersonalbestcoaching 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyeverett66/ 
Website: www.mpbcoaching.com 
Warriors of Change registration: https://my-personal-best-coaching.ck.page/warriorsofchange 
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book 
malarchuk.com 
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com 
Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
 
Episode Minute By Minute:
00:00 Introduction + messages from our sponsors 
02:55 Welcome to our special guest, Tony Everett 
03:33 Today’s conversation on transitioning from a life and career in sports 
04:00 Tony talks about his background and a passion to making a difference in kids lives 
05:20 Tony opens up about his passion for youth sports in America 
09:09 Young kids dealing with anxiety and depression in the pressure of competitive sports 
12:20 The constant struggle of comparison in our world today 
14:04 Tony talks about how parents and coaches can combat this fight to be perfect 
18:09 Tony shares how parents need to give their kids space to process 
21:25 The importance of expanding a kids comfort zone and taking it step by step 
23:27 The power of celebrating the little things as kids learn and the effects into adulthood 
27:23 Tony gives a challenge to parents on what th

Welcome back to another episode of Warriors Unmasked. Today, we delve deep into the transformative journey of Colorado native, Risa August. Not just a Gestalt practitioner, Risa stands out as a patient advocate for rare pituitary diseases. Beyond her academic achievements – a BA in geography and a certification in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy – Risa's story is a testament to human resilience, especially having lived with a pituitary tumor for over a decade.
Risa's roots trace back to Ohio, where she grew up in a military family. This nomadic childhood exposed her to the challenges of constant change, but the real battles lay within her home, an environment marred by the dark cloud of her alcoholic father's abuse. Despite the chaos, young Risa became the household's peacemaker. This role, while noble, brought with it the immense pressure of striving for perfection, a quest that she later realized was more about seeking validation and acceptance.
Fast forward to her adult years, Risa's pursuit of perfection saw her achieve significant milestones, such as competing as an Ironman athlete. However, her life took a turn in 2011 when she began to notice alarming changes in her body. Despite the physical prowess she showcased the previous year, a 500-mile bike tour proved to be an unexpected challenge. Multiple doctors were puzzled, and Risa began questioning her own sanity.
The mystery unraveled in the summer of 2018. Plagued by severe headaches and sleepless nights, Risa pushed for an MRI. The diagnosis was an enlarged pituitary, marking the beginning of her battle with a rare disease. This unexpected twist in her journey, however, became a platform for Risa to inspire countless others. With her past experiences and challenges, she's been a beacon of hope for many, underscoring the message that true strength, happiness, and peace come from within.
Risa's journey is not just about the battles she faced but also about the lessons she offers. From the significance of self-reliance learned in her youth to the insights garnered from a life-altering diagnosis, her story serves as a reminder of the human spirit's indomitable strength. If Risa’s journey resonates with you so far and you want to learn more, hit play to hear our full conversation!
 
GUEST LINKS:
Website: http://risaaugust.com/ 
Social Media: @RisaUnleashed
 
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book 
malarchuk.com 
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com 
Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
 
Episode Minute By Minute:
00:00 Introduction + messages from our sponsors 
03:01 Welcome special guest, former Ironman athlete Risa August
04:12 Risa starts off talking about her childhood 
06:29 Risa talks about most of her life was spent seeking for more 
10:00 Risa talks through her formative years of life, always having to work hard for something 
12:30 Risa opens up about her body not feeling normal and seeing physical changes in 2011 
15:59 Risa began to feel extreme anger and hopelessness while she was not feeling herself 
19:53 In 2018, Risa is diagnosed with a rare disease that was causing all her issues 
24:04 The struggle of battling her disease and her disconnected marriage 
27:04 Risa talks about her emotions going into the surgery 
28:44 What life looks like on the other side of surgery for Risa 
30:14 Risa talks about resting and having no energy for months after surgery in recovery 
31:20 Saying yes to preventative radiation treatments and the side effects to that 
34:00 What is a Gestalt practitioner and how this became a passion for Risa
41:00 Risa talks more about her coaching and book and how to keep in touch with her 
43:38 Risa shares her experience on a 41-day bike ride 
49:46 What would Risa say to someone who is walking a similar p

Trigger warning: In this episode, our guest shares her journey with abuse and suicide. Ifyou or someone you love has recently experienced the tragic loss to suicide, please feel freeto skip this episode during your healing process. We have 100+ other powerfulconversations to enjoy at www.warriorsunmasked.com
Welcome back to another episode of Warriors Unmasked. Today we go from the depths of despair to a beacon of hope, as we unpack the inspiring journey of Angela Williams. Angela's story commences with the challenges of being raised by a single mother after her biological father decided he didn't want children. The emotional scars left by such abandonment were only the beginning of the challenges Angela would face.
Angela recounts the feeling of not being wanted, which was instilled in her from a very young age when her father left her mother during her pregnancy. The pain deepened when she was told that her father, after holding her for a brief moment, decided he wanted nothing to do with her. Growing up in the 1960s, single motherhood was frowned upon, prompting her mother to quickly remarry a man she had met only two weeks prior. Little did they know, this man would bring unimaginable pain and trauma into their lives as Angela suffered rape and sexual abuse for years.
During her formative years, Angela often felt different from her peers. Despite her circumstances, she found solace in music, reading, and her vivid imagination. This coping mechanism allowed her to escape from her grim reality, if only for a moment. But as she grew older, the intensity of the abuse only worsened. The consistent trauma took a toll on Angela's mental well-being, culminating in a heart-wrenching suicide attempt. Yet, against all odds, she survived.
In the aftermath of that dark episode, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of a high school friend. This friend's father was a powerful attorney, who recognized the gravity of her situation and helped emancipate her. With newfound freedom, Angela embarked on a mission to heal and subsequently to help others.
Angela, now a passionate crusader for change, has dedicated years to raising awareness, prevention, and healing through her advocacy work. Her impactful voice has reached national and international platforms, contributing to legislative reform and national policy work. Angela's Voice, her organization, continues to provide healing and prevention programs.
Angela's narrative is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. If this inspiring story resonates with you, hit play now to hear our full conversation!


GUEST LINKS:
Angela’s Voice: https://www.angelasvoice.com/ 
Angela’s Resources: http://www.angelasvoice.com/resources 
Social Media: @‌angelasvoice 
 
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book 
malarchuk.com 
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com 
Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
 
Episode Minute By Minute:
00:00 Introduction + messages from our sponsors 
03:10 Welcome to special guest Angela Williams, mental health advocate and suicide survivor 
04:05 Angela shares her background and more about her story 
04:46 Angela’s father left when she was born and immediately was brought up feeling not wanted 
06:22 Angela opens up about living in extreme abuse from a young age through her step father 
10:08 The challenge Angela faced with having close relationships growing up 
11:02 Angela talks about finally snapping in highschool and attempting suicide to escape the pain 
13:32 After several attempts to take her life, Angela was met by the presence of God 
13:50 Angela’s turning point and emancipation 
18:05 The harsh reality of abused children in our world and how we can make an impact 
20:33 Angela encourages people to stand up and help those