Guards Down - Overcoming Complicated Grief and PTSD through Culturally Sensitive Therapy Hosted by Greg Washington

In this episode Greg speaks with Jasmin Hurley, a lawyer and fellow graduate of West Point. She shares her knowledge and experiences on various topics such as education, race and the military, and trauma and grief.

Connect with Jasmin:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasmin.smithhurley
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminjhurley/

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uKklh9H1s02b1IANQdvxg

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

Support the show

Greg Speaks with Patrick Mather, and they share their experiences of being in combat and dealing with the collateral damage of the grief afterwards. Check out this episode as Greg and Patrick break down the difference between guilt and shame and actionable steps you can take to improve your mental health.

Connect with Patrick:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.mather.92
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mather-0328b072/

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uKklh9H1s02b1IANQdvxg

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

Support the show

Greg Speaks with David Hoffmaster where they both break down their passion for helping our veterans dealing with trauma and grief from their service and family life.

Connect with David:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.hoffmaster.9
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhoffmaster/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidhoffmaster11/

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uKklh9H1s02b1IANQdvxg

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

[0:01-3:58] Opening Segment

[3:58-19:47] David’s Background

• David speaks about his military and family background
• David and Greg discuss their views on how different cultures handle dealing with trauma and grief

[19:47- 51:15] The Healing Process

• David speaks on healthy and unhealthy coping habits he picked up while dealing with his grief
• Greg and David discuss shame and how they were able to work through it
• What kind of support did you want?

[51:15-54:03] Reflection

• What advice would you give your younger self?
• Do you see your growth?

[54:03-1:00:20] Closing Segment

• Hero Hut

Support the show

In this episode Greg speaks with former Marine Stephen Colon. Stephen is able to share stories and advice from his past to give people hope while going through challenging times. Greg and Stephen touch on many topics from traumatic upbringings to transitioning out of the military.

Connect with Stephen:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.colon.52
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenjcolon/
Website:  www.knucklehead.agency
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knucklehead_mg/

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9uKklh9H1s02b1IANQdvxg

[0:01-3:25] Opening Segment

[3:25-27:25] Stephen’s Story

• Stephen takes time to speak about his upbringing and family dynamics
• Did anyone teach him how to cope from a young age?
• Stephen speaks about the collateral damage from his traumas from childhood and coming out of the military

[27:25- 43:07] The Healing Process

• Stephen discusses the signs he saw of trauma and grief in his life
• How did he help himself? How did he want help from others?

[43:07-59:33] Reflection

• What was the toughest part of your journey?
• How do you make amends?
• What caused you to correct your destructive behavior and do you have to wait until your darkest hour to get help?
• Stephen gives some advice on transitioning out of the military

[59:33-1:04:23] Closing Segment

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

Support the show

In this episode Greg speaks with Eric Upchurch, a military veteran and owner of Active Duty Passive Income. Eric speaks on transitioning out of the military and his efforts to add value to others and veterans.

Connect with Eric:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.upchurch.7
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericupchurch/

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

[0:01-1:58] Opening Segment

[1:58-12:45] Eric’s Organization and Transitioning out of the military

• Eric takes some time to talk about his organization, Active Duty Passive Income
• He describes what it does now and his further visions and goals to help veterans
• Eric speaks about what it was like finding purpose after he got out of the military

[12:45- 34:41] The Healing Process

• Eric speaks on his family dynamic and if he dealt with loss at a young age
• Eric talks about healthy and unhealthy coping habits he developed and how did these things affect his life
• What were some of the signs you were dealing with grief?

[34:41-49:43] Reflection

• What was the toughest part of your journey?
• What kept you going?
• What caused you to correct your destructive behavior and do you have to wait until your darkest hour to get help?
• Eric gives his thoughts and advice on seeking professional help

[49:43-53:03] Closing Segment

Support the show

On this episode Greg brings on his old friend Jerome Myers, and they discuss how a serious accident can cause a ripple effect in your life. Jerome also is able to take lessons from his accident and apply it to everyday life.

Connect with Jerome:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: Www.jeromemyers.co
Linkedin: Www.linkedin.com/in/jeromemyers

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth



[0:01-4:05] Opening Segment

[4:05-22:45] The Car Accident

• Jerome details the day where he got into a serious car accident 
• Jerome describes how he had the feeling of nothing he could do to avoid the accident
• Jerome recalls arguing with a bystander and getting someone to call his Dad to come

[22:45- 21:57] The Aftermath of the Accident

• Jerome speaks on the aftermath of the accident and facing the realities of his injuries and wondering if he was going to wake up again
• Jerome discusses how he was able to get through the valley and then also learn that he just needed to surrender to the process at some point

[21:57-56:46] Reflection

• Jerome reflects on how the accident impacted his life and relationships while he went into the recovery process
• Jerome talks about the recovery process and what his thoughts on success is
• What advice would you give someone else that has gone through a serious accident?

[56:46-57:55] Closing Segment

Support the show

Greg speaks with Kimberly Spacek, the founder of the United States of Camo. Kimberly speaks about her family's rich military history and how it inspired her to start an organization to raise awareness for our veterans.

Connect with Kimberly:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.unitedstatesofcamo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitedstatesofcamo

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

[0:01-1:43] Opening Segment

[1:43-14:17] Kimberly’s Background

• Kimberly speaks about her brand, The United States of Camo and her mission
• She describes her military background as well as her families’

[14:17- 21:57] Military Tradition in Her Family

• Kimberly discusses the deep military tradition in her family
• Does she remember the veterans in her family dealing with any PTSD and grief at home?

[21:57-37:29] Not Every Man is Honored Equally

• Kimberly and Greg speak about how our veterans are not always honored as they should.
• Kimberly explains how our veterans volunteer to put their lives on the line to protect us, and are not always respected for that
• Kimberly discusses why she wants to do her part to raise awareness for vets and why she started the United States of Camo

[57:06-59:41] Closing Segment

Support the show

In this episode Greg speaks with Helene Rennervik and they discuss the power of hope as she had to go through her son getting diagnosed with cancer at a young age. 

Connect with Helene:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenerennervik/
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.helenerennervik.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014932537497
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenerennervik/

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

[0:01-2:05] Opening Segment

[2:05-11:07] Helene’s Background and Story

• Helene speaks about her upbringing and whether or not she was taught how to deal with trauma and grief
• Helene talks about her own experiences with trauma and grief
• Is there differences in the way different cultures cope?

[11:07- 28:08] Her Son’s Story

• Helene shares the story of her son being diagnosed with cancer at a young age
• What were some healthy and unhealthy coping habits that Helene developed during this time? 

[28:08-57:06] Reflection

• What kind of support did you want from others throughout all of this?
• How do you re-energize yourself?
• What was the toughest part of your journey?
• Helene speaks about the book that she wrote about her story?

[57:06-59:41] Closing Segment

Support the show

Greg chats with Colin Wells, an army vet about his story dealing with grief and trauma, and how he was able to turn it around and create a safe space for veterans to interact and explore alternative healing options.

Connect with Colin:
Instagram: @veteranswalkandtalk
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.veteranswalkandtalk.com

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

[00:01 – 4:47] Opening Segment

[4:47 – 34:45] Colin’s Story

• Colin talks about his background and whether or not he was taught how to cope
• Colin speaks about his snowboarding accident that led into some low points but also him joining the military

[34:45 – 45:20] The Military

• Colin shares the story of how he walked into an Army recruiting center
• Did basic training help at all?

[45:20 – 54:03] Healing Process

• How could you have helped yourself better?
• What kind of help would you have wanted?

[54:03 – 1:26:05] CBD and Psychedelics

• Colin talks about the positive effects of CBD and psychedelics
• Colin discusses some warnings and concerns that people may have with these products

[1:26:05 – 1:43:06] Reflection

• How to make amends to the people you hurt along the way
• Colin talks about what kept him going when he wanted to quit
• What advice would you give your younger self?
• Colin speaks on whether or not he sees his growth

[1:43:06 – 1:48:02] Closing Segment

• www.veteranswalkandtalk.com

@veteranswalkandtalk on Instagram

Support the show

Greg has an amazing talk this episode with Kimesha Coleman, a motivational speaker that speaks on her story of surviving domestic and teen violence along with molestation. Kimesha shares her story as well as what got her out of it and into a place to turn it around and to help others that may have similar experiences.  

Connect with Kimesha:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimeshacoleman/
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.coachingbykimesha.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimesha.coleman
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimesha-coleman-18747889

Get Connected with Guards Down:
Website: www.guardsdown.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareguardsdown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardsdown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guards-down/
Buzzsprout: https://693874.buzzsprout.com/693874

#guardsdown #PTSD #mentalhealth

[0:01-4:44] Opening Segment

[4:44-12:59] Kimesha’s Background and Story

• Kimesha’s talks about whether or not she was taught how to cope from a young age
• Are there cultural differences in how people cope?
• Kimesha shares her stories on deal with the trauma and grief in her life

[12:59- 28:20] The Healing Process

• Healthy and unhealthy coping habits
• Kimesha shares how she could have helped herself and how others could have helped her
• What has been the toughest part of your journey?

[28:20-47:44] Reflection

• How did you make amends?
• Kimesha talks about what caused her to start correcting of her destructive behaviors 
• Kimesha shares her experiences and advice on getting professional advice
• What advice would you give your younger self?
• Do you see your growth?

[47:44-50:18] Closing Segment

Support the show