Introduction

Welcome to an engaging episode of The Observatory podcast! In this edition, we have the pleasure of introducing Jeff and Robyn Kirkham, an extraordinary couple who share their captivating journey, diverse experiences, and profound insights. Joined by your hosts LaRae and Scott Wright, who are dedicated to exploring the transformative journey of living life from the inside out, this episode delves into the Kirkhams' military backgrounds, entrepreneurial ventures, and the transformative power of drumming. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose.

Main Topics Unconventional Journeys and Military Experiences

• Jeff's unconventional journey in the military, from a young recruit to a Green Beret serving in special operations.
• Post-military ventures, including creating a successful business around a tourniquet invention.
• Robyn's surprising path from a Jewish New Yorker upbringing to joining the ROTC program and pursuing a military career.
• Challenges and experiences faced during their military service, including deployments and near misses.

Transitioning Careers and Building a Business

• Robyn's transition from military police officer to joining the Coast Guard and eventually finding her way into the intelligence community.
• Meeting Jeff in the DC area and their instant connection leading to engagement and marriage.
• Settling in Utah and deciding to take a break from their military careers to focus on business ventures.
• Robyn's involvement in the Bundy standoff and its impact on her career choices.

Purpose, Resilience, and the Three Pillars of Well-being

• Importance of purpose in people's lives, especially during significant life changes.
• Exploring the concept of rewilding and its relation to finding purpose and balance.
• Discussion on the three pillars of resiliency: physical, psychological, and emotional.
• Understanding the interconnectedness of these pillars and practical tools for managing reactions and emotions.
• Emphasizing the role of community in personal development and well-being.

Managing Triggers and Difficult Conversations

• Strategies for managing triggers and difficult conversations with certain individuals.
• Recognizing and understanding personal physiological responses to triggering situations.
• Reframing experiences and relationships to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Importance of teaching children about emotions, reactions, and resilience from an early age.
• Expanding the discussion to holistic approaches to well-being and the significance of the spiritual or energetic connection.

Drumming Circles and the Therapeutic Power of Music

• Benefits of drum circles and creating a safe space for participation.
• Overcoming initial hesitations and experiencing the joy of playing without worrying about synchronization.
• Importance of balance in life and using drum circles as a tool to manage stress and improve well-being.
• The transformative power of drumming and its communal and therapeutic aspects.
• Introduction to the handpan and its ability to add beauty and tranquillity to their lives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "So right as I finished nursing school that Hugh reached out to me and said, hey, I'm thinking about starting this mental health retreat and, you know, do you want to get involved? And I was like, yeah." - Jeff, 11:45
• "I had him on the rails a little bit stressing because I was like, called him out on a few things. And I was like, your life, I don't think you're being fully honest with me about what you do." - Robyn, 20:00
• "You know, addiction is so rampant everywhere, all different kinds and forms that that takes. And if you don't change your environment when you're stuck in that pattern of your life or that habit of your life, then it feeds itself, right? In so many different ways that we see that happening." - Scott, 37:50
• "But you have community, your family, your friends, or whatever that's around you. And everybody starts getting into sync. And so it's like, it's as therapeutic as hitting a heavy bag times a hundred." Jeff, 58:12
• "So the balance is really creating where those legs of the stool are all very strong versus one is strong and the other have, you know, not the same amount of strength. So it's creating tremendous balance in their life." LaRae, 01:00:34