This week the Shadows Podcast has the honor of welcoming a United States Marine Corps veteran, author of “Can I Speak?” and host of the Purpose Pod, Allen Levi Simmons, to the show.

During this episode, Allen walks us through his upbringing and is vulnerable, talking about a void he felt due to his relationship with his mother. He also opens up about a traumatic event he witnessed as a child. What difficult decision did he face at a young age that forced him to join the United States Marine Corps? Allen then takes us through the moments in Afghanistan leading up to and the aftermath of discovering an improvised explosive device, survived a rocket-propelled grenade blast, and his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you’d like to book a meeting with Allen, check out the Purpose Pod, or read one of his blogs, head to www.allenlevisimmons.com.

Grab a copy of his book Can I Speak? https://www.amazon.com/Can-Speak-Allen-Levi-Simmons/dp/0578596180

This powerful episode is available on any podcast platform and www.theshadowspodcast.com.

Please note that this episode contains the following trigger warnings: childhood trauma, abortion, violence, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Next week the Shadows Podcast returns with episode 91: The Chronicles of Bill Brown. Bill is a former Navy SEAL, featured in David Goggins “Can’t Hurt Me” book, and founder of the Navy SEAL Hudson River Swim.