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Today, I sit down with Ronni Robinson to explore her powerful story of binge eating disorder, the emotional roots behind it, and her recovery. She begins by describing how her disordered eating started in early childhood, triggered by feelings of being overlooked, unimportant, or emotionally unsupported. As she walks me through her earliest memories of sneaking food, hiding wrappers, rearranging food on plates, and developing secretive eating patterns, she explains how coping mechanisms can form long before someone understands why they need comfort in the first place. 

As our conversation continues, Ms. Robinson shares how these patterns followed her into adulthood, eventually shaping her self-worth, relationships, and identity. She discusses the moment she realized that binge eating was not a lack of discipline but a trauma response—an attempt to find safety, numb stress, and fill emotional voids that had never been addressed. We talk about the misconceptions surrounding binge eating disorder, how shame keeps people silent, and why many individuals struggle privately for years before seeking help. She also explains how writing her book allowed her to confront the layers of her story and offer hope to others who feel trapped in similar cycles. 

We then shift into the turning points that led Ms. Robinson toward healing. She describes the importance of therapy, accountability, pattern recognition, and the willingness to speak honestly about struggles that many people hide from the world. We explore the connection between childhood experiences and adult coping mechanisms, the role of faith and community in recovery, and the reality that healing is rarely linear. Throughout our conversation, she offers practical insight into managing triggers, reframing self-talk, and rebuilding a sense of identity that isn’t defined by shame or secrecy. 

https://www.ronnirobinson.com/coaching-info

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Jay Setchell to explore the arc of his life—growing up on a working farm in Illinois to enlisting in the Marine Corps at seventeen, surviving near-death experiences, and eventually becoming an entrepreneur and author. 

Mr. Setchell begins by describing his upbringing, work ethic, and unexpected path into the Marine Corps. He walks me through his experience during the Vietnam era, including a unique assignment in criminal intelligence that exposed him to the darker realities of drug use, undercover operations, and the political complexities surrounding the war.

As our conversation continues, Mr. Setchell opens up about witnessing the divide between public perception and military reality. He shares how veterans returning from Vietnam were treated, how media coverage affected morale and public opinion, and why rules of engagement cost countless American lives. We also dive into broader topics such as physical fitness standards, modern military recruitment practices, DEI concerns, and societal shifts in work ethic, responsibility, and gratitude. Throughout these discussions, we reflect on generational softness, cultural privilege, and the consequences of lowering standards in institutions designed for readiness and resilience.

We then transition into Mr. Setchell’s book, The Strength Within You: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit. He explains how surviving death in the Marine Corps, enduring over seventy surgeries, and facing major life challenges shaped the principles he teaches today. His book outlines how individuals can tap into inner strength drawn from upbringing, faith, pain, and lived experience. We discuss topics such as perseverance, mindset, grit, leadership, and the importance of asking questions and learning from those ahead of you. Mr. Setchell details how he has started multiple companies, supported young adults, and embraced the belief that helping others is the surest way to grow.

neverquittrying.com

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Dr. Oluwole Babatunde to explore how faith, hardship, and intentional growth shape our ability to adapt and advance in life. Dr. Babatunde begins by sharing the defining tragedies of his childhood—losing his mother at seven and his father at thirteen. He explains how these early experiences forced him to confront grief long before he understood it, and how they later became the foundation for his empathy as a psychiatrist. Growing up in Nigeria, he navigated cultural expectations, educational limitations, and a tightly knit family structure, all while developing a resilience that would carry him into adulthood.

As our conversation moves forward, Dr. Babatunde discusses his transition to the United States to pursue a PhD, eventually becoming a U.S. board-certified psychiatrist. We examine the cultural misconceptions surrounding Nigeria, the realities of faith practice in different regions of the country, and his personal experience with American culture and perceptions of racism. He describes the blend of opportunity, struggle, and community support that guided his path and ultimately strengthened his commitment to using his pain to serve others.

We then dive into his book, which introduces the MAP-LAMP framework—a step-by-step guide for finding meaning, taking action, forming alliances, maintaining mission, and anchoring life in prayer. Dr. Babatunde walks through how he integrates scripture, daily Bible study, and intentional reflection to help individuals navigate suffering without losing themselves in the process. We discuss spiritual warfare, false prophets, pornography addiction, and the urgency of grounding oneself in the Word of God as culture becomes increasingly chaotic. His emphasis on purpose, discipline, and faith-driven identity offers a practical and powerful roadmap for anyone struggling to understand their circumstances.

To close the episode, Dr. Babatunde shares who his book is written for—primarily young adults seeking purpose but applicable to anyone facing hardship. He explains how adversity becomes a teacher, how God uses suffering to bless others, and why adapting and advancing is a daily decision made through prayer and intentionality. This conversation is a deep, faith-centered reminder that every challenge we face can be transformed into someone else’s hope if we allow God to direct our steps.

https://oluwolebabatunde.com/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Ashlea Dillard to explore the realities of life as a firefighter and paramedic, the pressures placed on women in first responder roles, and the mental health battles that often remain hidden behind the uniform. Ms. Dillard begins by walking us through her unexpected path into firefighting after initially pursuing nursing. Once she stepped into fire culture, she discovered a tight-knit community defined by teamwork, problem-solving, and high-stakes decision-making. She shares stories from her early years on the ambulance, the transition to the firetruck, and the unique challenges she faced as one of the few women in a male-dominated field.

As our conversation continues, Ms. Dillard describes the subtle and overt pressures that come with being a woman in the fire service—from constant performance scrutiny to the emotional toll of proving oneself capable in a culture shaped by masculine norms. She explains how burnout developed not from large-scale emergencies, but from the accumulation of routine calls, constant sleep disruption, and never-ending administrative tasks. We also discuss the shift in fire and EMS work over the past several decades, how unpredictable calls can escalate instantly, and why the belief in being indestructible can put responders at risk.

We then transition into the turning point of Ms. Dillard’s career: confronting the emotional, physical, and spiritual effects of burnout while managing graduate school, clinical training, and a demanding 48-hour shift schedule. As she recognized the need to prioritize her own mental health, she made the difficult decision to step away from the fire service and complete her transition into counseling. Today, she works as a licensed professional counselor and clinical hypnotherapist specializing in first responders, military members, and their families. She shares how her podcast allows her to amplify stories, offer insight, and build community by helping individuals reconnect with their identity outside of their uniform.

To close the episode, I ask Ms. Dillard what young people should know before they enter the first responder field. Her reality check offers a grounded perspective on danger, complacency, training, and the need for intention behind the mission. 

https://sitaroundthefire.org/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Vanessa The Vivacious to explore the complex layers of humanity, mental health, creativity, and resilience. Ms. Vivacious shares how her early life shaped her worldview, beginning with a childhood marked by instability and self-reliance. We discuss how her college years became a turning point, where academic pressure, socioeconomic gaps, and a difficult long-distance relationship led to intense bipolar episodes that ultimately forced her to step away from school. She walks me through the reality of these experiences, highlighting the absence of support systems during a time when mental health resources were limited.

As we move deeper into the conversation, Ms. Vivacious explains her journey into AmeriCorps, her time in Seattle, and the mental health crisis that left her homeless. Her reflections on being both the person serving food in a soup kitchen and then the one receiving it days later provide a powerful look at the fragility of stability. She describes how public perception shifts dramatically when a person loses their home, and how navigating shelters, public programs, and survival taught her more about human behavior than any classroom could. Throughout this period, her mother and brother played pivotal roles in her survival, even as she continued to process the long-term effects of raising herself.

We then transition into her work interviewing strangers across the country, where Ms. Vivacious spent years documenting people’s stories, emotions, and definitions of happiness. She shares how family consistently emerged as the most common source of joy among the thousands of people she spoke with, and how one viewer’s admission that a single video stopped them from ending their life changed the trajectory of her own. This experience led her to create Humanity 2.0, a podcast and video series dedicated to showing the beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness of our lived experiences.

To close the episode, I ask Ms. Vivacious the same question she has asked thousands of strangers: “Are you happy?” Her answer is raw, real, and reflective of everything she has survived. We also discuss the deeper privilege of communication—our ability to connect across time, culture, and circumstance—and how one meaningful conversation can change or even save a life.

https://vanessathevivacious.com/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I read a chapter from my contributing chapter, titled “When Our Energy Isn’t Enough,” from the Book Of Frequency: Energy And Healing, where I break down what spiritual energy really is, why it fails us during life’s lowest moments, and how surrendering to a higher power becomes the turning point that many of us avoid until we’re forced into it. I explore the difference between daily willpower and deeper spiritual resolve, and I explain how our emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion often signals that our own energy simply isn’t enough anymore. In this chapter, I walk through the reality of burnout, trauma, and the heaviness that comes with moments where life feels impossible, and I share how I’ve personally learned to overcome those seasons through humility and surrender. 

Throughout the reading, I highlight why so many people remain stuck at the bottom of their “miry pit,” referencing King David, addiction recovery principles, and lived experiences from my own life. I talk about joining the military at seventeen, heartbreak, delayed transitions, and my father’s hospitalization—moments where I had nothing left to rely on except something greater than myself. I emphasize that pride, fear, and the desire for control often keep us from accepting help, whether human or divine, and I explain how surrender is not giving up, but aligning ourselves with a power source stronger and more sustainable than our own. 

As I read this chapter, I guide listeners through the process of recognizing their limitations, releasing the pressure to “power through,” and learning what it looks like to access healing beyond our own strength. I talk about how surrender leads to change, how change leads to progress, and how progress eventually leads to new levels of energy, maturity, and resilience.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redefining-love-in-a-loveless-culture-gratitude/id1657865479?i=1000717973425

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes

*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Joni Woods, a survivor of emotional, physical, and religious abuse whose story highlights how societal pressure, relationship expectations, and toxic conditioning can shape — and distort — a person’s entire life. I open the episode by exploring how culture pushes people into unhealthy relationships and how loneliness often forces individuals to lower their standards. Ms. Woods and I dig into how self-worth is eroded long before abuse becomes visible, and how that emotional vulnerability paves the way for long-term trauma.

As Ms. Woods shares her early life, she walks me through the religious pressure placed on her from childhood, the expectations laid on her identity, and the 15-year marriage that grew from insecurity instead of love. We talk about manipulation, abandonment, and how trauma bonds keep people trapped far longer than they realize. I also ask her about her children’s experiences, how she protected them through her divorce, and how she now raises them to understand consent, intimacy, boundaries, and emotional health in a world dominated by social media and distorted relationship models.

In this conversation, I examine how men and women alike face abuse that often goes unrecognized — especially for men who feel they must “tough it out.” Ms. Woods and I also discuss the cultural silence around male victims, the damaging effects of toxic masculinity, and why both sons and daughters must be taught about grooming, consent, and manipulation from a young age. We explore how marriages built on fear, pressure, or religious expectation create generational harm that can last decades if left unaddressed.

Today’s episode also highlights Ms. Woods’ book Burned, Blocked, and Better Than Ever, which began as a series of late-night journal entries during her divorce. She explains how meeting other people who were silently struggling inspired her to share her story publicly.

https://journeylifecoaching.life/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Diana Devi as she interviews me in celebration of the three-year anniversary of the Couple O’ Nukes Podcast. Ms. Devi guides me through a conversation about my personal growth, my transition from the military, and the evolution of the show from its early origins to the self-improvement platform it is today. Together, we explore the intense, unexpected, and often chaotic journey I’ve taken over the past few years as I learned how to build a podcast, build a business, and rebuild myself along the way.

I share how leaving the U.S. Navy’s nuclear community shaped everything about the way I work, think, and stay committed to long-term progress. Ms. Devi and I discuss the demanding pipeline of becoming a nuclear operator, the mental health battles within the military, and how those experiences became the foundation for the discipline, endurance, and mission that fuel Couple O’ Nukes today. We also talk through the major milestones—from traveling out of the country for the first time, to learning comedy, to navigating adulthood outside the structure of military life—highlighting how each step pushed me into deeper purpose and broader service.

Finally, I walk through why I shifted the podcast from a military-focused concept into a global, life-improvement resource for anyone feeling lost, isolated, or unheard. Ms. Devi and I explore the heart behind this show: reaching niche audiences, elevating hidden stories, confronting trauma, and helping others rebuild their dreams in the aftermath of chaos. 

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Robert Gaines, an Army veteran, entrepreneur, and author who has lived through some of the most unpredictable twists life can deliver. 

Mr. Gaines shares a timeline that almost sounds fictional — a recording studio burglary that ended his first major venture, the dot-com crash derailing his career path, 9/11 destroying a thriving restaurant launch, and the housing crisis shutting down his art gallery. Through each of these events, he developed a philosophy built on perseverance, adaptation, and rebuilding when life doesn’t go as planned. 

As we move deeper into the conversation, Mr. Gaines opens up about growing up in an alcoholic household, his early struggles with drinking, and the reality of blackouts by age fifteen. He breaks down how sobriety reshaped his entire life — not only removing alcohol but forcing him into radical self-accountability. We explore how his military career shifted from nuclear-capable artillery to radiology, and how he navigated the difficult transition into the civilian world while learning hard lessons about leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship. 

I also speak with Mr. Gaines about his journey into the insurance industry, storm work, fraud investigation, and how the rise of AI is changing the future of traditional jobs. From there, we explore his passion for podcasting, content creation, and writing — including the development of his book Scintilla, a guide that helps people generate business ideas from scratch. He breaks down why most aspiring entrepreneurs struggle, why the first idea is rarely the best, and why community, mentorship, and alignment matter more than ever. 

In this episode, Mr. Gaines shares life lessons forged by failure, recovery, reinvention, and the continuous pursuit of improvement. His insights on networking, humility, and building a supportive network of “battle buddies” are powerful reminders that success is rarely a solo mission. This episode is a resource for anyone facing setbacks, rebuilding their life, or searching for clarity in the middle of uncertainty. 

https://freetimemastermind.com/

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.

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Today, I sit down with Danny Johnson, a clean comedian whose career spans decades of performing, touring, and using humor as a form of mental health therapy— both for himself and others. 

In this episode, I explore Mr. Johnson’s personal journey into stand-up comedy — from growing up in a loud Long Island household, to battling body image struggles, to discovering that comedy wasn’t just a career but a therapeutic journey. We talk openly about introversion, anxiety, and the healing power of laughter in the darkest moments. 

As the conversation continues, I examine and ask about Mr. Johnson’s craft and the evolution of his material. We discuss the science of pacing, reading a room, and the strange unpredictability of what audiences find funny. He breaks down how vulnerability makes a joke more relatable, why he writes about his insecurities, and how clean comedy forces a higher level of skill and precision on stage. We also look at the balance between social media fame and real comedic skill, and why staying authentic matters more than chasing trends. 

I also explore the intersection of mental health and comedy — a topic that resonates deeply with both of us. Mr. Johnson shares how quitting drinking sharpened his creativity, strengthened his mindset, and improved his overall mental clarity. Together, we talk about addiction, dopamine traps, doom-scrolling, and the importance of reclaiming your time so you can rebuild your life. Whether you’re an aspiring comedian, a fan of stand-up, or someone navigating the hard parts of life, this episode offers connection, wisdom, and practical lessons to help you grow. 

Finally, we look ahead at what’s next for Mr. Johnson — from future specials, to new material, to continuing his mission of making people laugh in a world that desperately needs it. And if you're someone trying to figure out how to blend humor, healing, and identity, this conversation is a roadmap for creating a life built on truth, comedy, and personal resilience. 

Everything Bothers Me: https://youtu.be/3aZgNtk66Q8?si=ivMb1kJ93ZUQ9zXW

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My 1st Performance: https://youtu.be/yCVZJe-L_ek

My 2nd Performance: https://youtu.be/tgg5PZxD604

Podcast Movement Evolutions Talk: https://youtu.be/rd3rShdEDtI

Website: https://coupleonukes.com

Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/

Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007

Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes

*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.