Alone and Unafraid

In this episode, Thad and Tyler chat with Joey Johnson, an aviation professional with an inspiring and deeply personal story. Joey grew up in rural Louisiana, inspired by his uncle, a crop duster pilot, to pursue a career in aviation. He started flying with American Eagle and eventually became an FAA Designated Examiner and an American Airlines captain. Beyond his remarkable aviation career, Joey is a father and a man of many talents, from beekeeping to playing musical instruments.

However, the most important part of Joey's story is the Ashton Johnson Memorial Cloud Dancer Scholarship, which he founded to honor his middle son, Ashton, who tragically took his own life in October 2021. Joey reflects on the grief he experienced and how the scholarship became his purpose, providing financial support to veterans transitioning into aviation careers by bridging the gap in funding for their private pilot license training.

Links

Ashton JohnsonMemorial CloudDancer ScholarshipAshton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship Donations

Veteran To Aviation Charity| Veteran-Run Non-ProfitOrganization | RTAG

Get your tickets for the Black Tie and Boots Gala on October 12th at the River RanchStockyards in Fort Worth, TX

Follow Cloud Dancer Scholarship on Instagram, LinkedIn,

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss

02:42 A Journey Through Aviation

09:51 The Impact of 9/11 on Pilots

16:56 The Struggles of Commuting Pilots

23:03 Mental Health in Aviation

30:44 Ashton's Journey to the Army

39:45 Ashton's Military Experience

52:42 The Impact of Purpose and Loss

01:04:09 Creating the Cloud Dancer Scholarship Foundation

01:18:40 Finding Purpose in Grief

01:30:18 Navigating the Scholarship Process

01:40:44 The Gala and Future Aspirations

aviation, mental health, airline pilots, Joey Johnson, Ashton Johnson, Wingman Program, aviation career, challenges, family, military, military transition, mental health, aviation scholarships, veteran support, Ashton Johnson, Suicide awareness, Cloud Dancer Scholarship, community impact, legacy, grief, purpose

In this episode of Alone and Unafraid, Thad and Tyler sit down with Benjamin Lee, a former Air Force EOD technician turned founder of Solar Security Net, a nonprofit aimed at reducing energy costs for disadvantaged communities by leveraging solar energy. Benjamin shares his journey from military service and combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to battling addiction, confronting the loss of purpose after leaving the Air Force, and ultimately finding a new mission. He discusses the complexities of military life, including the psychological challenges faced by EOD technicians, and how those experiences led him to develop Solar Security Net. The conversation dives into the power of community, personal resilience, and how clean energy can be a force for positive change.

Links

Home - Solar Security Net

Go fund Me for Solar Security Net

Key Takeaways

1. Resilience and Recovery: Benjamin’s story is a testament to confronting trauma head-on, tackling addiction, and regaining purpose by serving others.

2. Solar Security Net: The nonprofit seeks to alleviate the energy burden for low-income families by constructing utility-scale solar farms, funded through corporate tax offsets.

3. Combat and Mental Health Benjamin shares firsthand insights into the psychological toll of being an EOD tech and the struggles veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

4. Community Focused Solution: Solar Security Net is designed to build infrastructure that benefits communities, providing free or reduced-cost energy while fostering local partnerships.

5. Purpose Through Service: Benjamin emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from living a life of service to others, a lesson he's carried from his military career into his nonprofit work.

Chapters

03:01 From Military to Nonprofit: A New Mission

05:51 Understanding EOD: The Unsung Heroes

08:45 The Evolution of IED Tactics in Iraq and Afghanistan

12:06 The Psychological Toll of War

14:55 Finding Purpose in the Aftermath

17:48 The Birth of Solar Security Net

21:08 Building a Sustainable Future

24:00 Community Impact and Energy Independence

26:51 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Clarity

30:09 The Role of Service in Personal Growth

33:04 Advice for Those Struggling with Purpose

36:03 The Importance of Community and Connection

39:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Keywords:

Solar energy, renewable energy, nonprofit organization, military transition, energy independence, community solar, EOD technician, Iraq, Afghanistan, addiction recovery, purpose after military, green energy, disadvantaged communities, personal resilience, combat PTSD, sustainability.

In this special Wing It Wednesday episode, Thad and Tyler take a break from the heavier topics to reflect on their personal experiences surrounding September 11th and the events that followed. After the intensity of the last episode, this conversation acts as a palate cleanser of sorts, providing a mix of deep reflection and lighthearted banter. They recall where they were on 9/11, how it changed their lives, and the global shifts they witnessed—from the DC sniper to the invasion of Iraq and the stop-loss policy. The two hosts also open up about their own military challenges, from extended deployments to unexpected personal hurdles, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of military life during this era. The conversation takes a turn toward conspiracy theories, including speculation about an inside job on 9/11, before reminding listeners of the importance of moving forward while honoring past sacrifices. Wrapping up on a lighter note, Thad and Tyler dive into fun discussions about Bigfoot, Stonehenge, and teasing future podcast episodes, providing a refreshing balance of humor and reflection.

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The Impact of September 11th

05:06 Military Experiences and the Wars

10:16 Confusion and Uncertainty

19:02 Personal Stories and Emotions

32:16 The Challenges of Military Life and the Impact on Families

33:10 The Controversial Stop-Loss Policy and its Effects on Soldiers

36:02 The Existence and Influence of the Military-Industrial Complex

43:12 Different Perspectives on Conspiracy Theories about September 11th

01:01:30 Preview: A Retired EOD Tech's Nonprofit Solar Energy Company

Keywords

September 11th, memories, experiences, impact, invasion of Iraq, DC sniper, stop-loss policy, military, September 11th, deployments, pregnancies, stop-loss, conspiracy theories, moving on, Bigfoot, Stonehenge

In this powerful episode, Thad and Tyler are joined by Jeremy Thibodeaux, a former 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment MH-47 Flight Engineer and Silver Star recipient, who is now pursuing a doctorate in psychology. Jeremy opens up about his personal journey, reflecting on how both his childhood and military service impacted his mental health. From battling serious childhood illnesses to confronting the emotional toll of combat, Jeremy’s story is a testament to the deep connection between physical and mental health.

Jeremy shares his experiences with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), not just as a result of his intense combat missions but also from the long-term effects of being bullied as a child due to his health conditions. He talks about the importance of addressing mental health in a community where it’s often stigmatized, and how his own journey to healing led him to pursue a career in psychology to help others. The episode dives deep into Jeremy's decision to break the cycle of silence around mental health and how he uses his personal experiences to help his son, who also faces health challenges.

Links

The Arcane Project

The Guardian Revival One Mile Challenge

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

13:49 Childhood Illnesses and Resilience

19:03 Joining the Military and Pursuing Dreams

22:30 Parenting and Teaching Kindness

27:37 Becoming a Crew Chief Mechanic in the 160th

37:08 First Deployment and Memorial

38:14 Recalling Military Experiences

44:49 Sharing Stories of Combat

51:33 Intense Firefights and Close Calls

58:36 Transitioning to Civilian Life

01:07:35 Struggles with Mental Health

01:10:29 Journey to Recovery

01:13:03 The Impact of Trauma

01:14:25 Pursuing a Degree in Psychology

01:15:53 Developing New Ways of Thinking

01:16:19 Cognitive Processing Therapy and Neuroplasticity

01:17:18 Faith and Spirituality in Healing

01:18:42 The Importance of Seeking Help

01:27:22 Jeremy's Work in Behavioral Health

01:30:23 Jeremy's Nonprofit Project for Veterans

Key Words

Resilience and Recovery Podcast, Breaking the Silence on PTSD, Mental Health Awareness Podcast, PTSD and Mental Health Recovery, Overcoming PTSD Podcast, Veteran Mental Health, Healing from Trauma, PTSD Resilience Stories, Mental Health Stigma Podcast, Military PTSD Recovery, Mental Health Conversations, First Responder Mental Health, Combat PTSD Awareness, Mental Health in the Military, Psychological Resilience Podcast

In this conversation, Thad, Tyler and Landon discuss their experiences in the military, including Special Operations Aviation. We dive into a wide-ranging conversation that touches on military life, leadership, personal growth, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. We talk about the importance of being true to yourself and not trying to be someone you think others want you to be.

This episode is filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a focus on personal and professional growth. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners!

Links

Breakturn

The Legacy Project

Allied Forces Foundation

Guardian Revival One Mile Challenge

Chapters

04:49 The History and Renaming of Military Bases

06:16 Lessons Learned from Ranger School and Language Immersion Programs

09:09 The Differences Between Iraq and Afghanistan

21:35 Joining the 101st Airborne Division and Assessing for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

39:48 The Importance of Financial Planning and Wealth Education for Veterans

45:05 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

53:45 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Good People

56:06 Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Work-Life Balance

01:10:04 The Power of Teamwork and Humility

01:14:22 Finding Purpose and Taking Initiative in the Transition Process

Keywords

special operations, aviation, military transition, financial planning, wealth education, Ranger School, military bases, language immersion programs, Iraq, Afghanistan, West Point, flight school, 101st Airborne Division, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, transition, military, civilian, career, airline pilot, teamwork, burnout, work-life balance, purpose, support, don't quit, take action, surround yourself with good people, transition, aviation industry, generational wealth, sleep, self-care, balance, success, risks, discipline, excellence

Thad King and Tyler discuss the significant impact of what we consume on our mental and emotional well-being. They explore how emotional contagion—where emotions spread from one person to another—can be influenced by media, social interactions, and ideas. The conversation also touches on the law of conservation of energy, emphasizing how energy is transferred and transformed through these interactions.

They discuss how social media platforms are designed to trigger dopamine releases, leading to addictive behaviors. The importance of being mindful of the content we consume and the people we associate with is highlighted, as these can greatly influence our thoughts, behaviors, and overall happiness. The concept of karma and samskaras is introduced, illustrating how negative inputs lead to negative outcomes, while positive inputs foster growth and peace.

Thad and Tyler also delve into the power of self-talk, stressing the importance of being kind to ourselves and avoiding negative self-talk. The conversation concludes by reminding us to surround ourselves with positive influences and to be mindful of our mental and physical consumption.

Episode #008 Ben Channels

Episode #010 Doug White

Episode #005 Rick Klauer

Reveille Guitar Project

Polestar Coffee Company

Hatfield, E., Cacioppo, J. T., & Rapson, R. L. (1994). Emotional Contagion. Cambridge University Press: Available on the Cambridge University Press website. Link​

Montag, C., Lachmann, B., Herrlich, M., & Zweig, K. (2019). "Addictive Features of Social Media/Messenger Platforms and Freemium Games against the Background of Psychological and Economic Theories." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(14), 2612: Available on the journal's website. Link.

Twenge, J. M. (2019). "The Sad State of Happiness in the United States and the Role of Digital Media." World Happiness Report: Available on the World Happiness Report website. Link.

Asch, S. E. (1951). "Effects of Group Pressure Upon the Modification and Distortion of Judgments." In H. Guetzkow (Ed.), Groups, Leadership and Men: Summaries and references available via PsycNet.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences

17:52 The Impact of Consuming Media and Ideas

25:32 The Law of Conservation of Energy and Emotional Energy

32:30 Emotional Contagion and Social Media

35:19 The Impact of Social Media

37:18 Negative Influences and Addiction

45:28 Lack of Control in Social Media

49:22 The Influence of Surroundings

57:26 Surrounding Yourself with Winners

01:09:16 The Power of Thoughts and Inner Dialogue

01:11:05 The Power of Self-Talk

01:13:05 Loving Yourself and Passing it On

01:15:19 The Influence of Thoughts on Reality

01:18:10 The Impact of Media and Consumption

01:23:04 Protecting Our Mental Health

01:29:15 Consistency and Growth

01:33:41 Shaping Our Emotional and Mental Landscape

Keywords

mental health, emotional well-being, emotional contagion, media consumption, social interactions, ideas, energy, law of conservation of energy, social media, dopamine, addiction, mental well-being, emotional well-being, karma, samskaras, negative influences, positive influences, self-talk, negative self-talk, media influence, social circles, positive influences, mental well-being, emotional well-being

Music Attribution:

"Continent" by ANBR, used under license. All rights reserved.

Andrew Eubanks, a Marine officer and former Naval Aviator, shares his journey of transitioning out of the Marine Corps and the challenges he faced with his mental health and substance abuse. He experienced an identity

Links

Contact Andrew Eubanks

Koa Strategies

Why we Sleep Book

Chapters

00:00 Identity Crisis and Mental Health Decline

08:05 Living in Alignment with Values and Beliefs

14:52 The Link Between Depression and Substance Abuse

19:04 The Challenges of Job Satisfaction

28:18 Seeking Help and Personal Growth

30:10 The Difference Between Executive Coaching and Life Coaching

32:06 Finding the Right Coach and Living in Alignment with Your Authentic Self

39:08 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

47:21 Creating a Nonprofit Organization to Improve Mental Health Care

54:32 Actionable Tips for Improving Mental Health

Keywords

transitioning out, mental health, substance abuse, identity

In this episode of Alone and Unafraid, Thad is joined by Tyler and Katie Huckett, along with TJ Jason, for the first-ever segment of 'Gripes and Grinds'. This segment is all about airing out frustrations and venting about everyday annoyances. Today, they dive into the contentious topic of tipping, expressing their frustration with the increasing expectations and automatic gratuity at restaurants. The group discusses how these practices reduce the incentive for exceptional service and create pressure to tip even for basic tasks. The conversation also explores other tipping scenarios, such as valet parking and retail, highlighting the inconsistencies and confusion surrounding tipping etiquette. Additionally, they voice their annoyance with extra fees for credit card payments and suggest the need for standardized tipping practices to make things fairer for everyone.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 The Excessive Nature of Tipping

03:02 The Lack of Incentive for Exceptional Service

10:31 The Need for Standardized Tipping Practices

13:26 Annoyance with Additional Fees for Credit Card Payments

15:02 Focusing on Mental Health and Seeking Help

In this episode, we delve into the life and career of Doug White, exploring his extensive service in both the military and law enforcement. We discuss his experiences, challenges, and the personal journey that led him to advocate for mental health awareness among veterans and first responders. Doug's story emphasizes the importance of owning your problems and seeking help. If you are in a dark place, hoping and praying for someone or something to show you a way out, this episode is for you. Listen now.

Key takeaways

Chapters

04:20 Participating the Cateran Yomp

12:30 The Impact of Traumatic Events

22:18 The Importance of Open Conversations

32:40 The Need for Mental Health Resources

39:34 Sharing Personal Stories

49:05 Responding to a Horrific Car Accident

01:00:59 The Power of Journaling

01:15:06 Reaching a Breaking Point

01:26:52 The Support of a Loved One

01:33:59 The Importance of Asking for Help

01:51:20 Redefining Post-Traumatic Stress as an Injury

01:57:52 Owning Mistakes and Personal Growth

02:10:00 The Power of a Supportive Community

In this episode, we dive into Stefano Guadagnuolo's remarkable transition from an Italian Army officer to a USAF Combat Controller. Stefano served in the US Army in the Airborne infantry and Army Dive teams, then transitioned to the Elite USAF Special Tactics community as a Combat Controller. Hear about his unyielding determination to pursue his dreams despite facing the anxiety and trauma of war. Join us as we explore his extraordinary experiences, the bonds formed in combat, and the resilience that defines his journey.

Key Takeaways:

• His story highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in achieving one's goals.

• Transitioning from military to civilian life can be difficult, and finding a new career path can be a challenge.

• Combat controllers play a crucial role in coordinating air support and airfield operations in special operations missions.

• The pipeline for combat controllers is physically and mentally demanding, and the training focuses on developing self-sufficiency and the ability to operate in high-stress environments.

• Perseverance and not taking no for an answer are key qualities for success in the special operations community.

• The deployments had a profound impact on Stefano, leading to changes in behavior and relationships

• Seeking help for mental health issues can be challenging, but it is important to address the ongoing anxiety and hyper-vigilance

• Open conversations and finding a good therapist can be helpful in navigating the challenges of PTSD and anxiety.

• Finding purpose and reinventing oneself after leaving the military is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.

• Resilience and determination are key in overcoming challenges and pursuing new opportunities.

• Remembering and honoring those who didn't come home is an important part of the military experience.

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:32 From Italy to Central America

12:52 Arriving in the United States

19:59 Joining the US Army

31:34 Becoming an Airborne Paratrooper in Vicenza

42:32 The Grueling Physical Training of the Combat Control Pipeline

49:46 From the Dive Company to Special Tactics

56:31 Transitioning to the Navy and Facing Setbacks

01:04:38 Discovering Special Tactics and Overcoming Obstacles

01:14:20 Entering the Combat Control Pipeline at 35

01:25:12 The Power of Perseverance

01:32:03 Unconventional Missions of Special Forces

01:45:18 The Impact of Deployments on Mental Health

01:58:45 Challenges of Readjusting to Civilian Life

02:07:32 Navigating Anxiety and Trauma

02:13:39 The Challenges of Living in a Dark and Cold Environment

02:24:00 Reflecting on Fellow Military Colleagues

02:36:20 The Long and Ongoing Transition to Civilian Life