In this episode of Full Mental Bracket, we continue our powerful conversation with Seargent Major David Spencer as he opens up about his journey with PTSD recovery and the strategies that helped him heal.

👉 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What PTSD really is and how to recognize its triggers
• Why community and support systems are essential for recovery
• How journaling can process emotions and reduce stress
• David’s three circles model of friendship for mental health
• The healing power of emotional support animals, including his dog Charlie
• Why facing trauma directly is key to long-term growth

This episode is packed with practical tools, inspiring stories, and mental health strategies for veterans, families, and anyone navigating trauma recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and actionable insights.  

Chapters:
(00:00) – Welcome & David Spencer’s PTSD recovery journey begins
(01:04) – What PTSD feels like and how triggers show up in daily life
(05:56) – Why community and support are crucial for healing trauma
(08:01) – Using journaling to process emotions and reduce stress
(10:44) – David’s “three circles” model for building healthy friendships
(17:37) – How Charlie the support dog became part of David’s healing
(27:01) – Facing trauma head-on and finding strength in recovery
(30:17) – Taking responsibility and moving forward after PTSD
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#004 – Find Your Tribe - Because No One Succeeds Alone - https://tinyurl.com/397ktndr
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Join the Tribe
IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket
YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket
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Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

When the earthquake hit, I was in the shower. Fifteen seconds of violent shaking, fifteen seconds of relief… and then panic. Was my wife safe? What followed was a desperate race home through steep hills and broken roads, and into a moment that changed my marriage, my mindset, and my definition of resilience forever. In this episode, I share my true earthquake survival story — not just about escaping danger, but about how one terrifying day became the foundation for a stronger, more connected relationship. You’ll hear how we turned a life-threatening disaster into a lifelong reminder that if we could survive that, we could survive almost anything.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How a sudden crisis changes the way you see your partner and your priorities
• Why survival stories are powerful tools for encouragement
• How to use your own moments of adversity to strengthen your resilience
• The mindset shift that makes everyday problems feel smaller

If you’ve ever faced hardship, fear, or loss — and come out stronger — this conversation will resonate.

Resources & Links:

• Share your survival story with me at: [email protected]

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EP#012 - Marriage of Growth: Beyond Happily Ever After - https://tinyurl.com/yrfv8upt  
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Join the Tribe 
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YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket 
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Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

In this special episode of the Full Mental Bracket Podcast, Brent sits down with U.S. Army Sergeant Major (Ret.) David Spencer, a third-generation veteran who served in Desert Storm, Iraq, and more. David shares his firsthand experiences from over 30 years in the military and opens up about the mental health challenges veterans face, including combat-related PTSD.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Real stories from a retired Army Sergeant Major
• The stress and trauma of military deployments
• Understanding the different types of PTSD in veterans
• The long-term impact of combat and military service
• Why veterans need more mental health support

🎧 Whether you're a veteran, a family member of someone who served, or just want to understand the psychological effects of war, this interview sheds light on the invisible wounds of service and the importance of healing.

Chapters:
(00:00:00) – Intro
(00:02:15) – David Spencer’s Military Journey
(00:05:15) – Understanding Military Stress
(00:06:52) – The Reality of Military Life
(00:09:37) – The Onset and Evolution of PTSD
(00:13:20) – Defining PTSD
(00:16:31) – Gut Instincts and Awareness
(00:22:42) – The Military Mental Health Gap
(00:27:36) – Suicide Rates Among Veterans
(00:30:37) – Closing Thoughts on Support for Veterans
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#012 – “Happily Ever After” is a Lie? - Marriage, Growth & Lasting Love - https://tinyurl.com/yrfv8upt
#005 – Embrace the Struggle - Lean In and Level Up - https://tinyurl.com/sfs32k9v
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Join the Tribe
IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket
YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket
Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

In this nostalgic, funny, and deeply relatable episode, we travel back to the 1980s—a time of questionable parenting, dangerous toys, and a golden fiberglass skateboard known only as The Yellow Peril.

What starts as a childhood story about learning one flashy but useless trick turns into something much more meaningful: a reflection on the habits we cling to, the ways we try to feel powerful, and what it takes to grow beyond what's familiar.

You'll hear:

• Why we stick with the "one trick" that once made us feel strong
• How failure and frustration shape our coping patterns
• The subtle difference between being good at something and it being good for us
• A reminder that growth often means letting go of what used to work

Whether you're stuck in a routine, repeating old patterns, or just love a great story that sneaks in some wisdom, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: What’s your version of the spinning skateboard trick?
 
Level up your life today. See: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/articles/ 

Show notes:
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#011 - Under the Spotlight: How to Stop Overthinking What Others Think- https://tinyurl.com/y3fpu4rr
#003 - Legacy and Return: A Hero's Reward - https://tinyurl.com/td2kexff 
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Join the Tribe 
IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket 
YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket 
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Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

What if a fairly-tale ending was only the beginning of your story together?

In this powerful episode of Full Mental Bracket, hosts Brent and Camille Diggs break down the fairytale myth of "happily ever after” and get real about what long-term relationships actually require: growth, communication, and resilience.

Featured Story: Brent opens up about his emotional return from Desert Storm and how it tested his marriage—shedding light on the messy, beautiful truth about partnership and healing.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why real love isn't instant—it’s built over time
• How to support personal growth within a relationship
• The role of accountability and open communication in lasting love
• The difference between hedonic vs. eudaimonic happiness (pleasure vs. purpose)

Whether you're married, dating, or reflecting on past relationships, this episode is for anyone curious about how to build something real—and keep it strong.

Subscribe for more on:

• Emotional intelligence
• Relationship psychology
• Personal transformation through storytelling

Chapters: 
(00:00:00) – Introduction – Reunion in the Airport 
(00:01:39) – The Myth of Happily Ever After
(00:04:11) – Adjusting to Life Together
(00:06:27) – The Satisfaction of Challenging Things - Hedonic vs. Eudaimonic
(00:09:08) – Changing Identities – “You’re Not the Man I Married”
(00:09:48) – Character Arcs in Relationships
(00:15:09) – Car-Seat or Car Stereo – the Struggle of Growth
(00:19:56) – Marriage: Small Investments Compounding Over Time (00:24:13) – Giving Grace – To Your Partner and to Yourself (00:28:20) – Practical Tips for a Marriage of Growth
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#010 – The Hero’s Journey of Marriage: Building a Life Story Together - https://tinyurl.com/539f7sbn #008 – Values and Purpose: A guide to a Meaningful Life - https://tinyurl.com/tndx9mmb
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Join the Tribe
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YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket
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Email – [email protected]



Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

It started with a discovery in the kitchen pantry—a seemingly ordinary bottle, a curious childhood question, and a gentle dismissal. Years passed. Life moved on. But some things have a way of waiting quietly in the background, untouched, unresolved, and full of meaning we don’t yet understand.

In this episode, I tell a personal story about something small that turned out to be anything but. It’s about what we delay, what we deem too special to use, and what happens when we hold on for “someday” that never comes. 

🎧 In this story, we explore:

• The hidden weight of deferred joy
• How small choices shape big regrets
• The myth of the perfect moment

If you've ever caught yourself waiting for the “right time,” this one's for you.   Don’t forget to check out our website, FullMentalBracket.com, for more resources, articles, and engaging content!

Level up your life today. See: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/articles/ 

Show notes: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/cost-of-waiting-for-someday/

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#007 - Legacy and Return: A Hero's Reward - https://tinyurl.com/td2kexff
#003 - Start Main Quest: Leaving the Comfort Zone for Your Life of Growth - ttps://tinyurl.com/mrytbc6h 

Join the Tribe 
IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket 
YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket 
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket 
Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

Feel like everyone’s watching your every move? You’re not alone—it’s called the spotlight effect.  

In this thought-provoking episode of Full Mental Bracket, hosts Brent and Aaron unpack why we often feel like we’re constantly under scrutiny. From brain biases like egocentrism to scenes in The Truman Show or The Lonely Guy, we explore how this illusion shapes self-perception, anxiety, and missed opportunities.  

What You’ll Learn:  
• Why our brain exaggerates how much others notice us
• How movies reflect our real-life social anxiety
• How the spotlight effect impacts risk-taking & personal growth
•  Actionable ways to reduce self-consciousness and take your power back  

🎯 Whether you're facing self-doubt, social anxiety, or just curious about human behavior, this episode brings practical tools and encouragement to help you own your narrative and grow with confidence.

Chapters (00:00:00) – Introduction to the Spotlight Effect
(00:03:57) – Understanding Egocentric Biases
(00:11:21) – The Impact of Humiliation and Failure
(00:13:26) – The Truman Show and Real-Life Implications
(00:14:17) – The Emperor's New Groove: A Lesson in Perspective
(00:19:14) – The Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
(00:22:31) – David Foster Wallace's Breakthrough
(00:29:47) – Strategies to Overcome the Spotlight Effect   

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#009 - The Psychology of Gratitude: Why It’s Hard, Why It’s Important & How to Improve It - https://tinyurl.com/578fud4y     

Join the Tribe 
IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket 
YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket 
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Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

What happens when you move to a new place hoping for a fresh start—only to find yourself falling into the same old patterns?

In this mini-episode, Brent shares a personal story from his senior year of high school: a move across town, a new school, and an unexpected lesson in identity. What began as an opportunity to reinvent himself quickly turned into a wake-up call—revealing that true change doesn’t come from new surroundings but from a new mindset. 💭 You’ll learn:

• Why we unconsciously recreate our social roles
• How your beliefs teach others how to treat you
• The hidden reason “fresh starts” often fail
• What it really takes to grow into a new version of yourself

Whether you're moving, changing jobs, or just trying to level up in life, this episode is your reminder that lasting transformation starts from within.

🎧 Hit play if you’re ready to break the cycle and become the version of yourself you know you’re meant to be.

Don’t forget to check out our website, FullMentalBracket.com, for more resources, articles, and engaging content!

Level up your life today. See: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/articles/ 

Show notes: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/what-a-feral-cat-taught-me-about-letting-go-of-toxic-habits/

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#002 - Main Character Energy - Becoming the Protagonist of a Great Life Story - https://tinyurl.com/43dtwxxh

Join the Tribe 
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YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket 
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Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

In this episode of the Full Metal Bracket, hosts Brent and Camille Diggs dive deep into the concept of the hero's journey and its profound impact on marriage. With 35 years of experience together, they explore how viewing life as an epic story can enhance your relationship and personal growth.

Join them as they discuss:

• The importance of recognizing multiple protagonists in your life story, especially within a marriage.
• How to support each other through challenges and celebrate victories together.
• The significance of making intentional decisions over emotional reactions in a partnership.
• Strategies for effective communication and accountability in your relationship.
• The legacy you build together and how it shapes your journey.

Whether you're navigating the ups and downs of marriage or simply looking to strengthen your relationship, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that reminds us all that love is a journey best traveled together!  
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Chapters: 
(00:00:00) - Introduction – High-School Sweethearts
(00:01:36) – Protagonists in a shared story
(00:06:57) - Grit and Perseverance in Marriage 
(00:08:50) – Emotional Regulation in Decision Making
(00:11:09) – Your Quest and its Ripple Effect 
(00:12:18) – There are No Solo Quests
(00:18:52) – Seasons of Marriage – Highs and Lows
(00:20:10) – Validation and Emotional Support
(00:22:10) – Direct Assistance and Coaching
(00:25:50) – Loving Accountability  
(00:26:28) – Legacy of Marriage
(00:28:18) - Practical Tips for Living in a Shared Story  
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- 
Join the Tribe 
IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket 
YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket 
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket 
Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life

In this mini-episode, we dive into a humorous yet poignant story about a feral cat encounter in a warehouse that leads to a deeper reflection on letting go of toxic habits and relationships.

Join me as we explore the importance of recognizing what truly matters in life, distinguishing between what’s worth fighting for and what needs to be released.

With a mix of personal anecdotes and insightful advice, this episode encourages listeners to heal and move forward.

Don’t forget to check out our website, FullMentalBracket.com, for more resources, articles, and engaging content!

Level up your life today. See: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/articles/ 

Show notes: https://www.fullmentalbracket.com/what-a-feral-cat-taught-me-about-letting-go-of-toxic-habits/

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#003 - Start Main Quest -Leaving the Comfort Zone for Your Life of Growth - https://tinyurl.com/mrytbc6h 
#009 - Cultivating Gratitude: Overcoming Cognitive Biases for a Happier Life- https://tinyurl.com/578fud4y     

Join the Tribe 
IG - https://instagram.com/fullmentalbracket 
YT - https://www.youtube.com/@FullMentalBracket 
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fullmentalbracket 
Email – [email protected]

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life