November 17, 2025

222. Finding Purpose Through Public Speaking | Retired Army Sergeant and Trauma Survivor. Ernie Mariscal

1 hour 10 minutes

In Episode 222 of the Transition Drill Podcast, Ernie Mariscal’s story is one that grabs you early and stays with you. It’s a journey that speaks to veterans, first responders, and anyone fighting through trauma that started long before adulthood. Growing up with childhood abuse, identity confusion, and fear that controlled every decision, Ernie enlisted in the Army searching for structure, purpose, and a chance to rewrite who he was. What he found was discipline, belonging, pride, and the harsh reality of war. Iraq in 2004 changed him. Losing friends, surviving daily danger, and coming home with invisible wounds pushed him into a fight he never trained for.

His transition into civilian life wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t simple. It wasn’t the kind of story that fits into a clean motivational speech. Ernie struggled with drinking, broken marriages, emotional numbness, rage, job instability, and the crushing loss of identity so many veterans and first responders face after service. He went through depression that nearly cost him his life. He slept in his car. He battled medication that numbed him. He felt completely alone.

But the turning point came in a simple request to speak to a class of at risk students. Sharing his story cracked something open inside him and gave him purpose again. That moment started a slow, powerful rebuild. He joined Toastmasters, began speaking publicly, and used honesty instead of hiding to help others work through trauma, transition challenges, and the long road back to themselves. Today, he’s growing a speaking career, building brands around mindset and resilience, and giving people the voice he once needed.

This episode walks through Ernie’s entire life story, told openly and without filters. It’s emotional, gritty, and filled with moments every veteran, every first responder, and every survivor of childhood trauma or war related trauma will understand. It also shows how growth is possible when you refuse to quit on yourself. If you’re navigating transition, healing from trauma, or searching for purpose, this conversation will speak to you directly.

The best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life.

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