Real stories, told by real people.

Deployment, PTSD, and mental health. A former infantryman, deployed twice to Afghanistan. Benjamin's experience first hand, the heavy cost of war. After spending time in combat zones, he began to have questions and concerns about the validity of the war. Benjamin shares some of the hardships he faced while abroad, and what it was like for him returning home.

Medically retired. Benjamin credits his wife for a big part of his recovery. He's now an author, publishing his first book Hero of Oria. Writing has been a wonderful source of comfort for Benjamin, with helping him deal with past trauma, and his PTSD. From hell and back in a hand basket, he refuses to play the victim card. A trait I'll always respect. In his own words - "we choose our own way."

We had ourselves a great conversation. And I'm happy to invite you all to the table. Medically retired, and now living with his wife whom he credits to be a big reason as to why he is where he is today (mentally and emotionally), along with their dog. He's also an author, publishing his first book Hero of Oria. Writing has been a wonderful source of comfort for Benjamin, with helping deal with past trauma, and his PTSD. From hell and back in a hand basket, he refuses to play the victim card. And that's a trait I'll always respect. In his own words - "we choose our own way."

You're gonna get it all in this one. Humor, reflections on war, writing as therapy, inspiring authors, building fictitious worlds with characters, and words, an unforgettable sunset, the presence of Alexander The Great, and his troops. Buckle up!! Ladies and Gents, I'm pleased to introduce another GIANT AMONGST US.

I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with this man. Benjamin, all the best to you and yours. Thank you once again for opening up your book, and sharing some of it with us.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

If you appreciate the connections and stories shared? Rate and review the show on any of the platforms you use. Let's spread the good word.

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Benjamin Osgood :

Linktree : https://linktr.ee/BenOsgood.Pub?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

Youtube Channel : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=nbTNcyvSL-n4N00u

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Good Monday all, hope this finds you well,

Pleased to be back for another sit down. Today, I'd like to share a bit of my experience with drinking Syrian Rue for the first time. This is another installment of 'In Between The Stories'. I recently returned from Cologne, Germany. About a 1 1/2 hour train ride from where I live. The reason for my visit? - I had a date with Mama Ayahuasca. If you haven't already, I encourage you to check out https://giantsamongstus.org/episode/healing-and-transformation-my-first-hand-experiences-with-ayahuasca-allan Allan, who's had a long history with Ayahuasca, and its usage in helping with addictions, trauma, and healing. Allan's spent plenty of time in Peru with lineage Shipibo shamans. And he does a great job with breaking down some of the stigma's regarding Ayahuasca, as well as the plants history, and why its considered so sacred amongst the Amazonians.

I also wrote about my personal experience with Syrian Rue (ayahuasca analogue) here https://giantsamongstus.org/blog/spirits-of-the-past feel free to dive in and share your thoughts or some of your own experiences with any plant medicines you've invited into your life.

A big "THANK YOU" to my wife for this wonderful gift. This is something I wanted to do for quite sometime, many moons ago. After speaking with Allan, my spirit was quickened and ready for a visit. And my wife, as an early birthday gift, granted me access and provided the means to make it all happen. I'm not trying to convince you of anything. This is merely my own personal account. A communion with a plant that has been part of antiquity and the lives of our ancestors, for survival, wisdom, healing, and a deep connection to earth, nature, soul, and spirit, for thousands, and thousands of years. This isn't about a brand new drug, "FDA approved" that just hit the shelves.

I only ask that you take this in with an open mind. Allowing yourself quality time, in solitude, to start exploring the inner dynamics that make up the constellation that is you. It's definitely a process worth pursuing.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Intro Song :

Gajumaru (Acoustic) - https://youtu.be/3AaDqQD_K40?si=tjYNUJhg-uiVPYNe

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GiantsAmongstUs?si=nbTNcyvSL-n4N00u

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music :

https://youtu.be/DnH8JECfaQc?si=7LWw4y2c2FJOq4AI

Real stories, told by real people.

Hope all is well on your end. I'm pleased to share another sit down with you all. Today, Rick joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Unfiltered and raw. This about one's journey towards enlightenment. How is one able to find forgiveness, healing and freedom, in the midst of chaos? From drug addiction to drug rehab. To having his whole world turned upside down. A chain of events devastating Rick. Eventually, he was unable to sleep, and stayed awake for 5 days straight. What exactly tipped him over the edge? Rick breaks it down for us, in detail.

In and out of a behavioral hospital, and emergency rooms, to having an out of body experience, intuitively writing, laying face down on his bed. Rick shares a vision he had while in trance, and the catalyst to help him produce his first book 'Bye-Polar Enlightenment: A Personal Memoir With Philosophical Depths Into The Unknown.'

The quest for self discovery, and the courage to work from the inside-out. Exploring human consciousness, false personas, emotions, truths, fears, philosophies and an honest pursuit towards healing and understanding. I'm pleased to welcome another GIANTS AMONGST US, with Rick Sharbau.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

Rick Sharbau :

Rick Sharbau's Book : https://www.amazon.com/Bye-Polar-Enlightenment-Personal-Memoir-Philosophical/dp/B0DDJNMZ4P/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1T8LMCPR5MRN3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.INszQ_pKIjRbbnJzNxRYdkavaQubvPSF9ug_Ides2FI.zKUwi__M9EJVrzDwt0jsiB3x_2QMQWt5yT021GuZ6N8&dib_tag=se&keywords=bye+polar+enlightenment&qid=1729624077&sprefix=bye+polar%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website :https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=nbTNcyvSL-n4N00u

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Hope this finds you all in good spirits. We're back with another installment, and pleased to bring another story to light. Today Margaret joins us and she's got a story to tell.

Living twenty years with an undiagnosed autoimmune disease, she explains the utter anguish of it all. Her concerns were dismissed by eight doctors. They insisted she see a psychiatrist instead. Holding steadfast to her faith, it's a miracle Margaret was able to hold on long enough to find the help.

Margaret Mary O’Connor has made it her life's mission to stand on truth. Thankful, and grateful she's been given a second chance at life. And an author of two books Scandal In The Shadows, uncovering threads of early Church history and hidden truths regarding women priesthood in the catholic church. Her second book Journey of a Celiac's Soul: A Second Chance at Life, is meant to act as a vehicle for encompassing the present changing realities within the Catholic Church. Two issues near and dear to Margaret's heart, and after listening to this talk you'll have a clear understanding as to why. Welcoming another GIANTS AMONGST US, hope you enjoy this conversation.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

Find more about Margaret Mary O’Connor :

Website : https://yourradicaltruth.com/

Linkedin : www.linkedin.com/in/yourradicaltruth

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website :https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

We're back, and I sure hope things are lovely on your end? It's a new day, and new week, so let us take in that fresh breath of life and reflect in thanksgiving on all the things we do have. There's a lot to appreciate. From the smallest to tallest.

Another installment of 'In between the Stories'. Something weighing on my heart, and with a cozy set up (studio space), thanks to my wonderful wife. I decided to have a sit down and shoot the breeze. Feel free to check out the blog and inspiration behind this talk https://giantsamongstus.org/blog/the-golden-in-silence let me know how you feel about it. You're all welcome to join the conversation.

Some topics touched on :

• The New Digital Age and outsourcing our humanity to technology
• Importance of Solitude
• Examples from historical figures about the power of silence and solitude
• Healthy ways to use technology
• Exploring your inner world

We have more stories on the way. Be safe, be sane, and may we all get to experience what Ralph Emerson spoke of regarding solitude - it is there, where we can "hear the whisper of the gods."

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Intro Song Played :

https://youtu.be/3AaDqQD_K40?si=ydNAx1sxpluWCRrW

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

To Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music :

https://youtu.be/DnH8JECfaQc?si=7LWw4y2c2FJOq4AI

Real stories, told by real people.

We are back with another one. And right out the gate, hope you're doing just fine. Today Yvette joins us and she's got a story to tell.

Since the age of 9 years old Yvette has struggled with Mental Health. Her childhood was broken up by abuse, and bullying. Being so young, and without any outside support, Yvette talks about the struggles she had with trying to cope with the pain - self harm, cutting, and even suicide attempts. At fourteen years old her mental health and depression seemed to only get worse. Yvette tried therapy, but that was something at the time through no fault of the therapist that didn't work.

We're going to hear how Yvette came to find Therapy in writing. Journaling, and that wonderful tool known as 'writing' to express her emotions, experiences, dreams, passions, and past traumas has been a big part of her recovery. Rising out of a dark hole and inspired to help others by sharing her story, I'd like to welcome another GIANT AMONGST US. A big THANK YOU once again to Yvette for opening up a few pages in her story and sharing it with us.

Yvette also talked about her love for castles, cathedrals and the architecture behind them, the pyramids in Egypt, her plans on visiting Transylvania in the upcoming months, checking out a "smash room", and of course her book Mind, Music, Love, that's almost ready to be published.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

More of Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

Youtube : https://youtube.com/@GiantsAmongstUs?si=1ZUiC8zQNDcIsYKI

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Great to be back with another conversation. Today Allan joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Allan's taking us for a ride, sharing his first hand experience with Ayahuasca. He's sat through hundreds of ceremonies in Peru with lineage Shipibo shamans, and experienced healing from Dissociative Disorder. Allan's upbringing was far from ideal. Alcoholic parents. His mother in and out of mental institutions. When Allan was in the 1st grade, his brother was killed in a farming accident.

A chaotic childhood, losing his brother early on, Allan found himself battling with his own addictions. He started to drink heavy as a teenager. Using drugs, and struggling with the inner turmoil, and trauma from childhood. It was at the age of 29 that he decided, enough was enough. "It's time to get sober." Not long after his sobriety, he realized quitting the drugs and alcohol wasn't enough - "what about the emotional hangover?"

Dissatisfied with working for the Canadian government as a journalist, and in media. He left a good pension to start his own business. Which turned out pretty successful. But throughout the years, he had an obsession with the human condition -"what drives humanity?" A characteristic he later learned is very common among people with Dissociative Disorder. And this brings us to Ayahuasca, and Allan's very own experience with her healing touch. Allan does a great job sharing his knowledge and experience with plant medicine :

• The spiritual aspects, medicinal usage and intelligence of the plant
• The purpose of a shaman or facilitator during an Ayahuasca ceremony
• How did the Amazonians, with over 40,000 plus plants in the jungle, not only discover Ayahuasca, but learn how to prepare and brew it?
• For what purpose did the tribes in the South American Amazons use Ayahuasca?
• How safe is it?
• Its use for trauma (including generational) and addiction recovery around the world

plus a whole lot more. I'm happy to welcome another GIANTS AMONGST US.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

Allan Finney :

Website : https://ayahuascacanada.com/

Youtube : https://ayahuascacanada.com/

Book : https://www.amazon.ca/Ayahuasca-Gringos-Amazonian-Ceremonies-Facilitators/dp/0992044014/ref=monarch_sidesheet

_____

Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

_____

Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

It's nice to be back. Hope this finds you in good spirits. Today Kim joins us, and she's got a story to tell.

As a child, and through her early school years, Kim's family moved around quite a bit. That meant her having to adjust with living in different states, and changing schools. Being Asian-American, Kim dealt with racism, and being picked on and bullied by class mates. She talks about how that affected her as a young girl, and even as an adult.

Kim talks about the birth of her two children, and post partum depression. In 2020, Kim gave birth to her second child. As the lockdowns from covid ramped up, so did anxiety, and the uncertainty of the times. Kim's daughter suffered from reflux issues, for seven months. Worried about her daughters health, the state of the world, and business affairs. These combined factors, along with depression and anxiety. Kim found herself spiraling downward.

In her darkest time, Kim reached out for help. Wanting to provide a supportive and loving environment for her children. Three ingredients that helped Kim with her recovery : her faith in God, a supportive husband, and therapy. In a much better place, Kim has been able to grow and establish her own photography business, based in San Diego, California.

Creating, performing, and striving, for her children, husband, and love for photography. She's now doing something she truly enjoys and has a passion for. I'd like to welcome another GIANT AMONGST US.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, GIVE US A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT.

_____

Kim :

Instagram : @Magersphotography

Website : www.magersphotography.com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/kimmagersphotography?mibextid=LQQJ4d

SD Voyager Magazine: https://sdvoyager.com/interview/community-highlights-meet-kim-magers-of-magersphotography

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

_____

Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Nice to be back with you all. Hope this finds you in good spirits. We've got another story to share. Today Justin joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

From a small town in Montana with a population of roughly 300 people. Justin enjoyed time as a child. Remembering the times his mother would take him up to the mountains in a jeep. But things would get a little shaky as he got older. As a teenager, rumors and false accusations began to spread about him. It turned ugly quick. And he was bullied because of it. Being harassed, and threatened in and out of school. And an angry mob of teens, attacking him, out of fear, Justin dropped out of school. He refused to go out in public, stayed inside, and completely out of sight.

Reflecting back as an adult, Justin talks with us about what he was going through as a child. As well as the emotions, pain, fears, and destructive habits that would follow-- heavy drinking, gambling, and depression. Destroying his health, relationships, and desire to live. Eventually he hit a wall, and became sick of the person he had become. And that's when things started to change. He's now enjoying life on his terms. With being creative, traveling, and enjoying a healthy relationship with both his daughters. We've got another GIANT AMONTS US folks, and I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

Justin :

Amazon Book : https://www.amazon.com/There-Are-Ghosts-These-Pages-ebook/dp/B0CWCKDF1B/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

Spotify Music : https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Z4airQQ1Vr1aI0eztnX1j

Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/7wgQYdYhV1YNzDayaop5tJ

Pillow Pals Podcast Linktree : https://linktr.ee/pillowpalspod?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYrZwW7YE87pQoXq4cXlRQ-9wgDAXNvDbEisn_etqVrrQfh52QW1YiWuPk_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

_____

Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

It's great to be back to share another story with you all. I certainly do hope this finds you in good spirits. Today Jonathan joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Originally from Ecuador. Life as a kid was pretty normal for Jonathan. He played soccer, hung out with friends, and enjoyed time with family. But at 12, life would completely change. Countless hospital visits, and huge medical cost with trying to find a treatment for his condition. Left no results. Eventually, with nothing, but the clothes on their back. Jonathan and his mother left for Canada. Seeking any kind of assistance, medically, that might help save his life. Having survived cancer twice. Jonathan recalls one of many, near death experiences.

He's also a recipient of a bone marrow transplant. 10 people underwent surgery at the same time as Jonathan, only 2 are still alive. Through the pain his body endured, the effects from chemo therapy and radiation, graft versus host disease, and a long list of other complications. He's still hopeful for the future, and doing much better.

Along with the medical staff and their support, his mother was a big reason he was able to keep fighting and stand strong. Talk about the unconditional and unwavering love a mother can have for their child. In his own words, "she was the only reason I kept fighting and held on." He also acknowledged gratitude (offline, after recording) towards the donor (from Germany) who was his perfect match. Making the transplant possible, and a success. Jonathan might be the first to give someone else credit before he gives it to himself.

But, today we're going to honor this man's courage, and resilient spirit. You're without a question, another GIANT AMONGST US. May the thoughts, well wishes, and prayers of those who listen to your story bring comfort to you, filling you with peace, and the promise of brighter days.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

Jonathan :

Email : [email protected]

_____

Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic