Anchored Podcast Ep. 167: Chad Brown On Battling PTSD With Fly Fishing

Chad Brown is a decorated US Navy veteran who struggles with PTSD. A failed suicide attempt eventually led Chad to found a non-profit organization called Soul River Inc. Soul River brings together at-risk youth and veterans who act as mentors. Together they visit threatened wild spaces and embark on mission-driven experiences based around advocacy and outdoor education. In this episode of Anchored, Chad and I discuss his remarkable story, the realities of PTSD, and what it’s like to be a black man in fly fishing.

Team up with Soul River here. You can donate to Soul River here.

Outline of This Episode

[3:15] Fishing came later in his life

[8:22] Fish more was his new prescription

[17:33] Joining the military was the beginning of the roller coaster ride

[19:54] Chad describes PTSD

[26:45] PTSD looked different in each different war era

[36:57] He didn’t even know what fly fishing was

[42:07] How did Soul River start?

[49:47] How does a troubled youth find Soul River?

[1:00:22] How can people help?

[1:03:44] Should we see colour?

[1:13:19] How to get involved without tokenizing the situation?

[1:20:25] What is the best way to connect on the river?

[1:25:27] A challenge for the listener

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