Be Crazy Well

Finding agency and his purpose is how he rolls. Dustin Belusack, U.S. Army National Guard Veteran and Merging Vets and Players Virtual Program Manager, is Suzi's guest today. 

"I'm a proud native of the burbs of Cleveland, Ohio, and a veteran of the Army National Guard. After being activated, I lost myself and my drive, and eventually, I lost everything, I took the time to reflect on my life and make the necessary changes to become the best version of myself. It hasn't been easy, but I'm determined to keep learning and growing every day. I'm excited to see what the future holds and am committed to making a positive impact in the world." ~ Dustin

Dustin Bio

Dustin served in the Army National Guard from 1999 to 2006. His motivation to join the military came from a desire to understand his father's service in Vietnam. Dustin served as a mechanized mortarman until 9/11, and then even though he was at school at the time, he was placed on active duty. In 2016, Dustin ended up in transitional housing while looking to change his life. He decided to start saying 'yes' to healthy changes.

Dustin was then offered a job at a non-profit that helps stray animals, and when Covid hit, his team adjusted the mission to help low-income communities, increasing outreach. Because of a more robust need for systems, Dustin created a process of ordering, packaging, and delivering pet food to over 32,000 animals, which is still in use. 

Dustin first heard about MVP while living in veteran transitional housing and he decided to give MVP a try. Dustin loved the organization and was motivated by the team to keep showing up and hold himself accountable...and it changed his life forever. 

Contact: [email protected]

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Trauma needs no invitation to appear in a person's life. 

Suzi is talking about trauma and why it can feel so normal. In today's episode Suzi dives deeper into Dr. Gabor Mate's book The Myth of Normal and the Big T Trauma and the Little t Trauma. The Little t Trauma is the more hurtful and prevalent as it takes tiny bites out of a person's mental health and wellbeing.

As part of investigating your wellbeing, Suzi introduces a self inquiry exercise by Dr Mate to shed light on where, how and why your trauma may feel normal. So grab your pen or pencil and a piece of paper and let's start you on your journey of self awareness and wellbeing to BE CRAZY WELL!

What to read Dr. Gabor Mate's book click here

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Speaking your truth is a practice! 

In today's episode Suzi is joined by Matt Shepherd, US Navy Veteran for part 2 of his story. Matt is very honest and candid about his struggles to learn how to cope without alcohol or substances. He learned that sobriety brought a renewed joy for life and allowed him to explore not only the good but also tackle the bad in order to be crazy well. 

Matt learned to sit in his trauma, to understand the learned behavior from childhood, and how to pull himself out of the cycle so he could not only help himself but help others as well. 

Never be afraid to move forward. Find your courage and face your storm knowing you will come out on the other side. 

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Perseverance - The persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. A word that could describe Suzi's guest today as he has continued to persevere through the obstacles.

In today's episode Retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Doc Jacobs joins Suzi as he talks about his desire to join the Navy, deployment and the moment life's journey gave him a new mission.

Doc served eight years and two months in the United States Navy. He has served six-years and six months of this service as a combat wounded Corpsman. Doc was sent to 3 rd Battalion 7 th Marine Regiment just weeks prior to their deployment to Ramadi, Iraq in September of 2005. Doc was in combat for six and a half months on a seven- month deployment when his “gun truck” was struck by an I.E.D (improvised explosive device) that consisted of three 155mm artillery rounds. Up until that point, Doc had over 225 Combat Patrols.

After two full years of full physical, mental, and spiritual recovery which included losing his left leg (below the knee), three toes from his right foot, and three partial fingers from his left hand, Doc returned to the Fleet Marine Force and became one of the few in the Navy to do so. Not only was Doc one of the few amputees to return to the Fleet Marine Force for the Navy, but he also made US Naval and Marine Corps history by being the first amputee in Naval history (especially Corpsman rating) to EVER be assigned to an infantry unit.

Doc did more than just his job as a Corpsman: he has done 25 world marathons (9 as half marathon runner), most recent being the San Diego Rock and Roll Half Marathon on June 2, 2019 with a modest time of 2 hours and 50 minutes and Detroit’s International Half Marathon on October 17, 2021 in 2 hours and 58 minutes. He has recently competed in his first team triathlon on October 24, 2021 (the run portion). All marathons were completed as an amputee. Doc is planning to be one of the few amputees to ever run a half marathon on all seven continents.

Want to read Doc' story? Follow the link

Here and Back Again: Stories from a Combat Navy Corpsman

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Suzi is joined today by Isaac Salvidar, US Marine Veteran and Program Manager at Merging Vets and Players Las Vegas Chapter. Isaac shares his journey of healing and his determination not to be his diagnosis. As a first generation American in his family Isaac began to pave his way to success through many diverse routes of achievement. As one of those routes Isaac joined the Marine Corps to solidify his toughness and satisfy a feeling of belonging, but this journey of growth came with a price. 

Listen in to Isaac's story and how he took the initiative to find his path of healing. 

Isaac's Bio

Isaac was in the ROTC and was the first vice president of his high school when he enlisted with the US Marines at 18 before graduation. He left for boot camp in September 2005, two days after his sister’s wedding. His first duty station was at 29 Palms M.C.A.G.C.C. in the California desert for three and a half years with 1st Marines Division 2nd Battalion 7th Marines. He deployed to Iraq from January-August of 2007. During this time, he served as the Radio Operator for his squad. 

In the third year of his first enlistment in 2008, he deployed to Helmand Province Afghanistan. He was injured from I.E.D’s. blasts resulting in a concussion, torn shoulder, fractures, inflamed bulging discs, and compressed nerves in his back. Upon returning from his 2nd deployment, he was placed on limited duty and was prescribed opioids for the pain leading to addiction. “I was numb to the world. I had gone from being athletic to someone with no emotion and a lot of anger, pain, and barely able to move without the pain meds. I only slept a few hours at night and was also self-medicating with alcohol.”

While in Afghanistan he re-enlisted to become a Marksmanship Instructor at Camp Pendleton, in San Diego County and executed orders in 2009 for his new duty station. In 2012 he was medically separated from the Marines. 

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

It is hard sometimes for us to give ourselves grace and recognize that we are all human. We all make mistakes and hit roadblocks that challenge our decision making. It is how we recover! It is how we explore empowering ourselves with knowledge to success and finding the love for ourselves to recognize we are allowed to make mistakes so we can learn and grow.

Suzi talks with Matt Shepherd in this episode about his challenges, finding strength and learning to let go. Recognize your accomplishments and Thrive in your SUCCESSES no matter how big or small. Live the life you so DESERVE!!

Matt Bio

Matt is a US Navy Veteran, personal chef, fitness coach and member of #mergingvetsandplayer. Matt enjoys giving professional hugs and spreading smiles and is always willing to accept a challenge to a starting match. In addition to spreading the joy Matt enjoys knitting and is the 1983 Cow Calling Champion. Matt is a supporter to those struggling and his own vulnerability and transparency helps to shine the light ahead for those trying to find their path forward.

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Real Relatable and Raw

Suzi talks with John David "J.D." Morris, Retired US Army Special Forces, Professional Shooting and Tactics Instructor, and Wellness Mentor about the real struggles, relatable stories and raw details of his life. Trauma is an individual and unique reality for each of us and when we know we are not alone, we can then stand strong knowing we have many hands holding us up and helping us to move forward. 

We all deserve to be mentally healthy and stacking your team with those like minded members will create a tribe you can lean on and go to for support. 

Live the Life You Deserve!

John's Bio

In 1986, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and everything started to make sense. I found connection with other like-minded people and purpose in serving our country. I started out in the Airborne Combat Engineers at Ft. Bragg, NC, and served there from 1987-1991. Three overseas deployments; two to Honduras, Central America, and one to Operation Desert Storm would be the highlights of my MOS-12B career. During those years at Ft. Bragg, NC, I was always impressed with the “other guys” across the street on Smoke Bomb Hill. They were Green Berets. Upon returning from Desert Storm, I immediately went to Special Forces Assessment and Selection-SFAS. After completing selection, I attended and completed the Special Forces Engineer Course and Special Forces Qualification Course in 1992. In December 1992, I reported to B/3/5th SFG(A) at Ft. Campbell, KY. I had no way of knowing then, I would stay there until retirement in April 2008. I spent 13 years on Operational Detachments in 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group(A). Over those 13 years, I served as the Engineer Sergeant, Intelligence Sergeant, and Operations Sergeant (Team Sergeant) on Special Forces A-Teams. I deployed five times under long term combat conditions from 1991-2006. We also deployed for numerous contingency operations in the Middle East during the 1990’s.

After my third tour in Iraq during the Global War on Terror in 2006, I was very sick and confused. I suffered from PTSD and TBI; but couldn’t recognize it myself. After a medical retirement in 2008 at 21 years of service, I was lost in life after the military. It would take six more difficult years before the healing started. I am transparent about this part of my life in an attempt to give back and help others with the same post military and combat injuries. I offer the same support to local Law Enforcement and First Responders. I have also decided to dedicate my time after retirement to training others in local communities. My time spent over four decades in special military operations, combat operations, and specialized law enforcement operations will enhance and benefit all levels of training in our current society.

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

In today's episode we are revisiting Season 1 Episode 20 Everyone Has A Different Story. 

If you think you know it all, then how will you grow?

The ancient Masters didn’t try to educate the people, but kindly taught them to not-know. When they think that they know the answers, people are difficult to guide. When they know that they don’t know, people can find their own way. ~ Tao Te Ching translated by Stephen Mitchell

In this episode Suzi talks about "knowism" and how it can be hazardous when it comes to diagnosing. For a person who is struggling with trauma and trying to manage symptoms, concerns need to be heard! More often than not a one-fits-all approach is not the best practice. It is important for the person who is struggling to express what is working and what is not working! And as a healthcare professional there needs to be an openness to finding what works best for their patient's health, mindset and overall well being. 

 Watch the full episode on our YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/Ptq7Y6Q1Wuo

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

What is your internal dialogue of the word LOVE?

One of the first words we learn is Love and understanding the physical sensations of pleasant and unpleasant. We teach our children about the words that represent emotions. 

In this episode, Suzi explores deeper how we are taught through our exposure to family and those around us how we define emotions and actions with words. We are taught the expectations and the definitions of how love is expressed and this can get very confusing as we grow. 

Listen in to how Suzi explains the primary emotions of joy, fear and sadness and how they can make up all the other emotions. Learn how to zero in on how "you are loving someone or how someone is loving you"

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Suzi and Nate continued the conversation and dive into the importance of Veterans being able to have choices of where and who care for their needs through the VA especially if they are not local to a VA Medical Center. CV4A lays the grassroots of policies to move through legislation to give Veterans more control over their healthcare. Nate touches on some of those bills and policies, the Mission Act and how folks can assist through surveys and volunteering. 

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio or your favorite podcast platform. Watch the full episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/VxN1S24H3oY

Learn more about the Concerned Veterans for America by visiting cv4a.org

Follow CV4A on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ConcernedVetsForAmerica/

Interested in volunteering for CV4A? Sign up at https://cv4a.actcentr.com/Signup/register

Seven Years After The Phoenix Veteran Affairs Scandal

https://cv4a.org/seven-years-after-phoenix-scandal-va-is-failing-veterans-by-not-fully-implementing-the-mission-act/

NATE BANKS Bio

Nate Banks is the strategic director for Concerned Veterans for America in Colorado and a veteran of the United States Navy.

Nate enlisted in the Navy in 1999. He is a plank owner, meaning he was an original crew member stationed aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). He was preparing for an upcoming training deployment on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) when the September 11th attacks took place. That training deployment turned into a combat deployment, and Nate served on the first carrier battle group deployed after the September 11th attacks. This deployment set a post WWII Record (and pre-pandemic record) for most consecutive days at sea, without a port call at 159 days.

After returning to the USS Ronald Reagan, Nate was again asked to deploy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, also known as America’s Big Stick. The USS Theodore Roosevelt was the first carrier battle group surged, ahead of her deployment schedule, for the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Theodore Roosevelt was a launching point for air assaults at the beginning of the war in Iraq.

Nate was transferred to shore duty in 2004 and served at Naval Air Station Lemoore California until his honorable discharge in 2007. After leaving the Navy, Nate spent years working in the energy industry in multiple capacities and in law enforcement, while also attending school. Nate joined CVA in 2018.

Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast’s theme song “Bee Your Best Self”

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Contact Suzi at [email protected] or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.

suzilandolphi.com

vetsandplayers.org

wildhorserescue.org

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!