In this compelling episode, Jake is joined by Lt. Col. Quinn Gallagher, a veteran U.S. Air Force pilot with nearly 20 years of service. Gallagher's story is one of deep personal loss, resilience, and unwavering dedication to preserving life—both on and off the battlefield. From harrowing combat rescue missions in Afghanistan and Iraq to evaluating cutting-edge aircraft as an experimental test pilot, Quinn shares a raw and insightful look into military aviation, emotional endurance, and the pursuit of purpose through service.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome

Jake introduces the episode and welcomes Lt. Col. Quinn Gallagher to the show.

06:51 – Wheel of Stupid Questions: Can You Beat a Cheetah?

Kicking things off with a humorous debate about whether Quinn could beat a cheetah in a fight.

13:42 – Quinn's Childhood and Motivation for Service

Quinn recounts early childhood experiences that sparked his desire to serve others.

20:34 – Tragedy and Early Exposure to Loss

He shares tragic events that shaped his understanding of life and death from a young age.

27:25 – Firefighting vs. Military – Career Crossroads

Exploring the decision between firefighting and joining the military.

34:17 – Path to the Air Force Academy

How Quinn got into the Air Force Academy, including a unique presidential nomination.

41:08 – Air Force Training and Vision Waivers

Discussion of the challenges and special accommodations needed to become a pilot.

48:00 – Flight Training and Choosing Helicopters

An inside look at military flight school and why Quinn opted to fly helicopters.

54:51 – First Combat Deployment: Afghanistan

Stories from Quinn’s first deployment in Afghanistan and his early combat missions.

61:43 – Crew Composition and Helicopter Operations

Details about helicopter crew roles, mission dynamics, and technical aspects of flying.

68:34 – SERE School and Mental Preparation

Insights into SEER training and how it prepares pilots for survival and resistance.

75:25 – Second and Third Deployments: Iraq and Africa

Operations in Iraq and Africa, comparing the intensity and mission scope.

82:17 – Test Pilot Work and Evaluating Aircraft

Gallagher's role as a test pilot and what it’s like evaluating advanced military aircraft.

89:08 – Reflections on Service and Returning Home

Quinn reflects on combat, mental health, burnout, and transitioning to civilian life.

The Hazard Class Podcast takes a step back to reflect on one year of podcasting. Celebrating the show's first anniversary, he shares behind-the-scenes insights, the journey so far, mental health milestones, and exciting future directions. This episode offers a rare, personal look into the making of the podcast, the powerful impact of its guests, and what’s ahead—including a few intriguing curveballs like Bigfoot and ghost hunters.

• [00:00] Welcome & Introduction
• Reflecting on the anniversary and how it all began.
• [01:30] Gratitude to Listeners & Guests
• Expressing deep appreciation for the audience and highlighting iconic guests like John Norman, Dennis Lagear, Ray McCormick, and Coralie Moore.
• [04:50] Podcast Milestones & Guest Highlights
• A recap of some standout moments and interviews from the past year.
• [07:10] Mental Health Journey
• Personal update on visiting the IAFF Center of Excellence and how it’s impacted his life and the podcast.
• [09:25] Current Challenges & Behind-the-Scenes
• Discussing the grind of weekly production and the realities of running a podcast solo.
• [11:10] Upcoming Fire Fusion Conference & Medal of Valor
• Sharing the honor of receiving a national award and traveling to Charleston, SC.
• [14:00] Mason’s Deployment & Team Acknowledgment
• Recognizing his colleague Mason, currently deployed, and emphasizing the team effort behind the recognition.
• [16:30] Life Updates & Lighter Moments
• Talking about kayaking with dolphins, crocodile paranoia, and keeping the tone light and fun.
• [18:30] What’s Next for the Podcast
• Plans to diversify guest topics including Bigfoot, aliens, and ghost hunters. A sneak peek into a curious and expanded vision for future episodes.
• [21:00] Closing Remarks & Thank You
• A sincere thank-you to listeners and encouragement to continue supporting the show.

• “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd talk to these people.” – A moment of humility reflecting on conversations with industry legends.
• Honest insight into the emotional and logistical challenges of independent podcasting.
• Teaser for future content: From hazmat to the paranormal—because it’s his podcast, and he’ll do what he wants.

As the Hazard Class Podcast wraps its first year, this episode offers gratitude, reflection, and a preview of what’s next. From tactical insights to unexplored curiosities, the host promises to keep conversations meaningful and the content evolving.

Enjoyed the episode?

• Subscribe on your favorite podcast app
• Share it with friends and colleagues
• Follow us on Social Media
• Leave a review – it helps more than you know

In this episode, we welcome Chief Corley Moore, retired battalion chief, author, podcaster, and the mind behind Firehouse Vigilance. Known for his thought leadership in fire service culture, leadership development, and his popular “Weekly Scrap” podcast, Corley shares his personal journey from a young father working dead-end jobs to becoming a leader and voice in the fire service.

This episode is packed with relatable stories, valuable leadership principles, reflections on organizational culture, and a deep dive into the importance of training, humility, and continual growth within the fire service.

0:00 – 1:04 | Introduction & Guest Welcome

Introduction to Chief Corley Moore, his background, and work with Firehouse Vigilance.

1:05 – 3:37 | Wheel of Stupid Questions

Corley reveals his nerdy side, including his love for sci-fi, D&D, and 80s fantasy trivia.

3:38 – 10:48 | Corley’s Firefighting Origin Story

From marrying young and raising three kids by 23 to joining the fire service by chance, Corley shares how he found his calling.

10:49 – 18:28 | Early Career & Moore FD Culture

What the Moore FD was like in the late ‘90s, from frat-house vibes to a lack of training, and the slow shift toward professionalism.

18:29 – 25:49 | The Culture Shift & Value of Training

Corley recounts the challenges and triumphs in shifting from complacency to a culture of excellence—and how training became the cornerstone.

25:50 – 33:03 | Leadership Journey & Writing Process

Corley discusses his passion for leadership, the origins of his “Nine L’s,” and how laying tile taught him to write books.

33:04 – 37:11 | First Fire & Lessons Learned

Corley recalls his first real fire, the adrenaline, the mistakes, and the lessons about preparedness and training.

37:12 – 44:00 | Promotions, Growth, and Self-Assessment

Reflections on career transitions—from firefighter to driver, to company officer, and eventually to BC—plus what skills matter at each step.

44:01 – 59:28 | Leadership Standards & Culture Creation

Deep dive into setting expectations, accountability, and servant leadership—plus the challenge of promoting healthy firehouse culture.

59:29 – End | Staying Engaged, Building Impact, and Final Reflections

How high-performing leaders stay motivated, the role of conferences, and why expectations at the top determine performance at the bottom.

Corley Moore’s Work:

• Firehouse Vigilance Website
• The Nine L’s of Leadership – Book
• Weekly Scrap Podcast: Interviews with fire service leaders
• 
  

Chief Corley Moore is a retired battalion chief from the Moore Fire Department in Oklahoma, with over 28 years of service. He is the founder of Firehouse Vigilance, host of the Weekly Scrap podcast, and author of The Nine L’s of Leadership. His mission is to fight complacency and raise the standard of fire service culture through training, accountability, and meaningful leadership.

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, the host sits down with Josh Shores, a Marine Infantry Combat Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, retired firefighter, and author of the raw and gripping memoir "Counting on Death." Together, they explore Josh's harrowing experiences during the Iraq War, his emotional return to civilian life, his time in the fire service, and his long journey through trauma, identity, and healing.

Whether you're a veteran, a first responder, or someone seeking to better understand the impact of trauma and the path to recovery, this episode offers profound insights and a deeply human story of perseverance.

0:00 – 1:31 | Introduction & Guest Welcome

Introduction to the podcast and guest Josh Shores, highlighting his military service and new book Counting on Death.

1:32 – 5:49 | Writing Through Trauma

Josh discusses how the book started as cognitive therapy and eventually became a published work despite pushback for its raw content.

5:50 – 8:50 | Writing for Self vs. Audience

The discussion explores how writing for himself allowed Josh to dig deeper emotionally and share more honestly.

8:51 – 12:51 | Counting on Death & Mental Weight of War

Josh expands on a haunting line from the book and explains how unclear missions and moral ambiguity left deeper scars than combat itself.

12:52 – 15:08 | Who Should Read This Book?

Josh articulates the book’s purpose: as a tool for veterans and first responders to help others understand what they can’t say aloud.

15:09 – 19:51 | Humor, Irony, and the Bonds of War

A humorous anecdote about a malfunctioning rifle leads into a broader reflection on the camaraderie and absurdity found in war.

19:52 – 23:08 | From Warfighter to Firefighter

Josh shares his transition to the fire service, drawing parallels between combat and firefighting, and the eventual emotional and physical toll.

23:09 – 26:39 | Injury, Advocacy & Departure from the Fire Service

A serious injury and lack of institutional support led Josh to leave the fire service. He reflects on loss of identity and resilience.

26:40 – 29:33 | Judgment & Misconceptions

The hosts reflect on how people misunderstand mental health struggles and the fire service’s rumor mill.

29:34 – 36:06 | Mental Health in High-Stress Careers

A candid conversation on therapy, the compounding stress of first responder life, and the generational shift toward addressing mental health.

36:07 – 44:40 | Parenting, Perspective, and the Fragility of Life

Josh reflects on fatherhood, the importance of patience with children, and how his exposure to death reshapes his everyday decisions as a parent.

44:41 – End | Final Reflections & Where to Find the Book

Josh shares the core hope behind his book: helping others understand the mental toll of trauma and how to open conversations around it.

Counting on Death: A Marine Infantryman’s Journey from the Frontlines of Combat to the Fight for Peace

• Available on:
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Audible
• Casemate Publishers
• Podcast Mentioned:
• Nomadic Research Podcast with Dagan Van Oosten – an in-depth discussion on the book and Josh’s experiences.

Josh Shores is a Marine Corps infantry veteran with combat deployments to Ramadi, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After military service, he became a firefighter, only to later leave due to a debilitating injury and the emotional toll of accumulated trauma. His memoir Counting on Death is a candid, unfiltered look at war, loss, healing, and resilience.

Josh’s story is a raw testament to the unseen battles faced by veterans and first responders. His courage to share openly creates a space for others to find language for their own pain and paths to healing.

Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode, and continue the conversation around mental health, trauma, and recovery.

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake talks with Eric Guida, a retired Fire Captain from Sacramento Fire Department and now Sales Director at HEN Nozzles. With more than 30 years of experience, Eric opens up about his early inspirations, firefighting culture, leadership lessons, and why the future of fireground safety lies in innovation. It’s a candid conversation bridging tradition and technology, with advice that resonates far beyond the firehouse.

• (0:00–1:13) – Welcome & Guest Intro
• Host introduces Eric Guida and gives context to his 30-year career and current role with HEN Nozzles.
• (1:15–3:20) – Wheel of Stupid Questions: Talking Dogs
• Eric shares a lighthearted moment about the one animal he’d want to talk to if he could—his family dog.
• (3:20–12:44) – From Vet School Dreams to Fire Service Reality
• Eric recounts his unexpected journey into firefighting, including a pivotal moment with a bottle of ouzo and a phone book.
• (12:45–17:47) – Adjusting to Big City Firefighting
• From Fair Oaks to Sacramento, Eric discusses the cultural shift, increased call volume, and lessons from his early mentors.
• (17:48–20:36) – When Firefighters Should Start Speaking Up
• Exploring leadership from the backseat and the reality of who gets heard—and why.
• (20:37–27:03) – Promotion, Influence & the Value of Ideas
• Eric reflects on his motivation to promote and the challenges of filtering good ideas in a data-driven world.
• (27:04–30:39) – Engine Company Ops: What's Being Missed?
• Advice on fundamentals: line deployment, water application, and the importance of not rushing at the cost of effectiveness.
• (30:40–36:18) – Captain Lessons: If I Knew Then What I Know Now
• Eric shares what he would tell his newly promoted self about finding rhythm, style, and staying adaptable.
• (36:20–39:20) – Combating Pride in the Fire Service
• The importance of humility and asking questions, and why firehouse culture must be safe for learning.
• (39:22–42:15) – Saying Goodbye: The Reality of Retirement
• An emotional look at transitioning out of the fire service and what Eric misses the most about the job.
• (42:15–46:08) – Firehouse Marriage Advice from 37 Years
• Eric offers wise and empathetic advice on marriage, parenting, and showing up at home while serving the public.
• (46:08–50:59) – Joining Henn Nozzles: From Retirement to Reinvention
• A LinkedIn message leads to a second career helping shape the future of firefighting tools.
• (50:59–56:43) – The Bladed Stream: Rethinking the Fire Nozzle
• Eric explains the science and field testing behind Henn’s groundbreaking nozzle design.
• (56:43–End) – What’s Next for Henn & A Mission to Give Back
• New innovations, expanding reach, and Eric’s drive to make the fire service safer for the next generation.

• “You can lead from all rungs of the ladder.”
• “Fail in training, not on the fireground.”
• “I wasn’t looking to retire—but it was time.”
• “This is the best firefighting nozzle ever made.”

• Former Role: Fire Captain, Sacramento Fire Department
• Current Role: Sales Director, Henn Nozzles
• Career: 30+ years in fire service

Jake sits down with Tanner Shipman, a seasoned law enforcement officer from Anoka County, Minnesota, who recently received national acclaim for his courageous actions while off duty during a gunfight in Sturgis, South Dakota. With 20 years of service under his belt, Tanner recounts the harrowing incident that earned him multiple "Officer of the Year" honors and reflects on his career, the evolving landscape of policing, and the deeply personal impact of that life-altering day.

0:00 – Introduction & Guest Bio

Meet Tanner Shipman: 20-year veteran, former FTO and apprehension deputy, two-time Medal of Valor recipient, and recent awardee for his off-duty heroism.

1:10 – The Jiu-Jitsu Champion

Tanner shares a lighthearted take on his recent jiu-jitsu victory and competing in the "Masters 4" division.

2:36 – Stupid Question Tradition

Jake asks: “Who would play you in the movie of your life?” Tanner's answer adds a humorous start to the episode.

3:35 – Why Law Enforcement?

Tanner talks about growing up in Anoka County and how a high school tour of a jail sparked his interest in law enforcement.

6:45 – Career Path & Early Struggles

Details about Tanner’s unconventional path to becoming a deputy, including setbacks and working his way through tech school.

9:00 – The Realities of Field Training

An inside look into the phases of field training and the “dog watch” night shift experience.

11:15 – Anoka County Demographics

An overview of the county Tanner serves: size, structure, and how deputies are assigned.

13:00 – The Evolution of Policing

How societal changes since 2014 have affected law enforcement recruitment and morale.

15:15 – Body Cams & Public Perception

Tanner discusses the pros and cons of body cameras and the importance of context in interpreting footage.

18:00 – Misconceptions About the Job

He shares how the public often underestimates the complexity and emotional intensity of law enforcement.

20:30 – Building Trust with the Community

The role of citizens' academies and reserve programs in improving public understanding.

Tanner recounts the harrowing moment he intervened in an active shooter situation while off duty in Sturgis, South Dakota:

• Witnessing a trooper in a gunfight
• Running unarmed toward danger
• Using his sister-in-law’s handgun
• Engaging the suspect
• Providing emergency medical aid
• Emotional aftermath with his family

This is a powerful, moment-by-moment retelling of bravery, faith, and instinctive action under life-threatening circumstances.

51:00 – Processing the Event

Tanner discusses the emotional toll on himself and his family and the unexpected waves of trauma post-event.

54:30 – Public Recognition & Awards

How the law enforcement community responded, and what it felt like to be celebrated for something he considered simply “the right thing to do.”

58:00 – Philosophical Reflections

A thoughtful discussion about good vs. evil, humanizing both the badge and the people law enforcement serves, and what true service means.

• “There was no hesitation. I knew I had to act.”
• “Wouldn’t any cop do that?” — a question Tanner asks himself until others tell him, “No, not everyone would.”
• “Even these people... the only thing they’re left with is their dignity.”

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we chat with Bobby Salvesen, a retired FDNY Hazmat One member, co-founder of the Hazmat Guys, and former ultramarathon runner. Bobby shares his journey from growing up in Levittown, NY, to becoming a leading hazmat instructor. He discusses his time in FDNY, the origin of the Hazmat Guys podcast, and his passion for educating others in hazmat operations.

In this episode, Bobby discusses:

[2:06] – Wheel of Stupid Questions

• AI’s future and whether it could become sentient and destroy humanity.

[5:52] – Bobby’s Origin Story

• Growing up in Levittown and his love for running, which shaped his competitive mindset.

[8:49] – Early Firefighting Days

• Joining the fire service at 18, and transitioning from EMS to FDNY.

[11:39] – Joining FDNY and Special Operations

• His transition to FDNY, becoming part of Special Operations after 9/11.

[23:19] – Moving to Hazmat One

• His move to Hazmat One after 12 years with Squad 288 and leveraging his chemistry degree.

[26:08] – The Beginning of Hazmat Guys

• How the Hazmat Guys podcast started and the challenges of building a hazmat education platform.

[31:22] – Teaching and Mentorship

• Bobby’s journey into teaching, from training officer in the volunteer fire service to FDNY's department-wide instructor.

[37:37] – The Future of Hazmat Guys

• Upcoming projects and collaborations with states and countries.

[40:39] – Hobbies and Life Outside of Hazmat

• His involvement in ultramarathons, owning a trophy shop, and competitive bagpiping.

[43:27] – Looking Back and Looking Forward

• Bobby’s reflections on his career and his excitement for the Southern Most Hazmat Conference.

Follow us on Social Media.

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Mike Monaco—co-founder of The Hazmat Guys, retired FDNY Hazmat One specialist, and one of the leading hazmat instructors in the world. From growing up in Texas and ballet studios to battling dyslexia, his experience during 9/11, and building a global hazmat education platform, Mike shares his remarkable story. Along the way, we dive into personal quirks, firehouse culture, hazmat training, and the unexpected path that led to starting one of the most impactful hazmat podcasts out there.

This conversation is equal parts funny, raw, and inspiring—and yes, it begins with a 10-minute debate on the “right way” to wipe.

[0:00] – Welcome & Introduction

• Host sets the stage: why this show is about the people behind the uniform.
• Introduction of guest Mike Monaco and his reputation as a brilliant instructor, terrible speller, and all-around great guy.

[4:15] – The Wheel of Stupid Questions (Bathroom Debate)

• Standing vs. sitting: the age-old wiping debate.
• Cultural shame, bidets, and why “rub, squirt, rub” might just be the ultimate method.
• A lighthearted (and hilarious) start that reveals Mike’s humor.

[14:00] – Mike’s Early Life & Background

• Growing up in Tomball, Texas before moving to New York.
• German roots, Italian family culture, and a childhood spent in ballet studios.
• His mother’s career as a ballet dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.
• Battling dyslexia, ADHD, and defiance disorder in school.
• How Catholic school and a switch in majors got him through education.

[28:45] – College, 9/11, and the FDNY Path

• Studying chemistry, physics, and ultimately biology/neurophysiology at Stony Brook.
• Volunteering in the fire service during college.
• His 9/11 experience as part of Northern Brookhaven Tactical Rescue, working at Ground Zero for a week.
• Joining the FDNY less than a year later (July 2002).

[40:30] – Hazmat One: Baptism by Fire

• Transitioning from Engine 233 in Brooklyn to Hazmat One.
• The house culture post-9/11 and tensions between Hazmat and Squad 288.
• The grueling spin-up process: 1,500+ hours of training and equipment sign-offs.
• Why hazmat techs often know more than incident commanders—and the responsibility that carries.

[55:10] – Teaching, Learning, and the Origin of The Hazmat Guys

• Why teaching is the best way to learn in hazmat.
• How Bobby pitched the idea of a hazmat podcast.
• The first “atrocious” recordings in the dining room.
• Turning real-world calls into podcast episodes.
• When they realized people were actually listening—and recognizing them at conferences.

[1:08:30] – Growing Beyond the Podcast

• Moving from podcast to training and conference teaching.
• Building a global hazmat education brand.
• Balancing passion for firefighting with the career opportunities hazmat provided.

[1:19:00] – The Future: Training, Conferences, and Games

• Plans for The Hazmat Guys: podcasting, training, books, and the new Hazmat board game.
• Preview of the upcoming Southernmost Hazmat Conference in Key West.
• How they’re rethinking conferences to integrate vendors, hands-on training, and student engagement.

[1:30:00] – Closing Reflections

• Mike’s pride in building something bigger than himself.
• Host and guest share laughs about ballet, dyslexia, and life lessons.

CONTACT DILLION:

[email protected]

In this heartfelt episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, the host opens up about their personal journey through mental health struggles, culminating in a transformative stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence (COE). This solo episode offers a raw, honest look at the importance of vulnerability, seeking help, and normalizing conversations around mental health within the fire service. Listeners are encouraged to embrace vulnerability, seek support, and prioritize their well-being.

[0:00 - 0:28] Introduction to the Episode

The host introduces a different format for this episode, focusing on their personal story after a stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence. The tone is reflective, with a commitment to share the experience to help normalize mental health struggles.

[0:56 - 1:35] The Need to Share and Normalize Struggles

The host reflects on the importance of being open about mental health, especially in the fire service, where stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. They express a desire to share their story to inspire others to be open and vulnerable.

[1:36 - 4:19] The Struggle of Self-Loathing and the Desire for Change

The host discusses their inner battle with self-hatred, feelings of being unlovable, and the sense that no matter how much they accomplished, they never felt content. They acknowledge that the desire to “outwork” depression led to further dissatisfaction and despair.

[4:21 - 5:15] Decision to Seek Help at the IAFF Center of Excellence

The host explains the process of reaching out for help and checking into the COE. They highlight the supportive role of their union and city in facilitating this decision. This section touches on the support they received and the relief in finally seeking professional help.

[5:18 - 7:52] The Struggles Before Seeking Help

Before attending the COE, the host describes feelings of worthlessness and the overwhelming cycle of striving to be better without feeling any relief. They reflect on their efforts to achieve success in various areas of their life without gaining happiness.

[7:53 - 9:28] Childhood Trauma and Feeling Unwanted

The host explores the trauma from their childhood, including bullying, and how it shaped their feelings of being unwanted, both within social groups and even among friends. They express how this isolation led to self-doubt and difficulty connecting with others.

[9:32 - 13:44] Acknowledging Trauma and Striving for Self-Acceptance

Further elaboration on how childhood experiences created barriers to self-acceptance. The host shares how they tried to hide behind masks, believing that no one would like them if they knew the real story, further deepening their struggle.

[13:48 - 18:59] Healing and Transformation at the COE

After 39 days at the COE, the host describes feeling "incredible" and discusses how the experience allowed them to open up, build connections, and gain a fresh perspective on life. They express gratitude for the supportive environment and how healing comes from vulnerability.

[19:04 - 22:58] The Struggles of Public Recognition During a Personal Crisis

The host reflects on a particularly difficult period when they received awards for their work in a rescue operation, but the external recognition only deepened their internal struggles. They share the disconnect between public accolades and their private pain, and how this contributed to their depression.

[22:59 - 24:15] Reaching Peace and Accepting the Fire Service Awards

The host discusses their internal transformation, being able to accept the awards without feeling undeserving. They reflect on the value of teamwork and their pride in their colleagues, and how they finally reached peace with both their achievements and struggles.

[24:17 - 28:02] The Power of the Fire Service and Personal Growth

The host reflects on how the fire service gave them a sense of identity and achievement that they hadn’t experienced before. This section also touches on the all-consuming nature of their work and how it affected their personal life.

[28:02 - 28:45] The Importance of Talking About Mental Health

The host emphasizes the need for people to speak up about their struggles, especially the importance of normalizing the act of asking for help. They encourage listeners to push through the fear of reaching out for support.

[28:45 - 30:06] The Relief of Seeking Help

The host shares how, once they admitted they needed help, the process became more accessible, and the emotional burden lightened. This section encourages listeners to take the first step in seeking support when they’re struggling, emphasizing that help is available.

[30:06 - 31:10] Final Thoughts and Gratitude

The host wraps up with a message of hope and encouragement, expressing their gratitude for the support they received at COE, as well as their peers and clinicians. They reflect on their ongoing commitment to share their journey with others, with the hope of normalizing these important conversations.

• The pivotal moment when the host realizes that seeking help is essential for healing and growth.
• The message that "secrets keep us sick" and the power of vulnerability in recovery.
• A profound shift from internal pain to a sense of peace and acceptance, showing that brighter days are ahead even after struggling for years.