Thomas J. LaGrave Jr. joins Something For Everybody this week. Tom is a licensed clinical social worker who served as a medical corpsman with the U.S. Navy SEALs. Over a span of 30 years Tom has been focused on the physical and mental health of young adults and adolescents, along with their healing and personal development.

In this conversation, Thomas shares his profound journey through addiction, recovery, and the search for identity after losing his military career. He discusses the challenges of recognizing addiction in youth, the importance of emotional growth, and the redefinition of masculinity through the concept of the 'warrior poet.' LaGrave emphasizes the power of love and connection, the significance of myths and the hero's journey, and his drive to advocate for youth through writing and personal experience. He concludes with a message of hope for the future.

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Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:06 The Journey from Adversity to Purpose

05:58 Understanding Youth in Today's Society

08:58 The Importance of Community and Role Models

12:00 Initiation and Transition to Adulthood

15:05 Proactive Approaches to Mental Health

18:03 The Role of Failure in Growth

20:50 The Collective Responsibility for Youth

23:47 Personal Story and Military Experience

27:14 Identity and Loss: The Military Experience

29:17 Emotional Growth and Self-Acceptance

30:54 Redefining Masculinity: The Warrior Poet

34:43 The Power of Love and Connection

35:51 Myth and the Hero's Journey

39:21 Writing as a Form of Legacy

44:13 Hope and the Future of Youth

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Tom’s Links:

Website: https://thehonorboundacademy.org/

iG: https://www.instagram.com/thomasjlagravejr/

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Get my free guide of 4 things to quit to transform your life here: https://aaronmachbitz.com/quit/

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To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/AaronMachbitz

(Recorded on February 14th, 2025)

Edited by Ben Rogerson (@BenRogerson_)

Intro music by Residual Audio (Residualaudio.com)

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#320 - Exploring Youth Identity, Gender Affirming Care & Mental Health - Sasha Ayad, LPC

https://everybodyspod.com/ayad/

#338 - How to Create a Life You Are Excited About - Joanna Horton McPherson

https://everybodyspod.com/joanna/

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