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This episode is for anyone who’s faced the darkness and found the courage to seek the light. It’s for the warriors, the wounded, and anyone who believes in the power of second chances. Today’s guest is the ultimate comeback kid, Rocco Besednjak—a retired cop and Navy vet who stared down the barrel of despair and came out the other side swinging.

Rocco’s story isn’t just a tale of survival; it’s a saga of transformation. After being medically retired due to severe injuries, Rocco faced the gut-wrenching loss of his identity as a first responder. Depression and PTSD tried to knock him out, but Rocco found his therapy in the wild. He bought a slice of paradise nestled in national forest land and turned it into a sanctuary for wounded warriors and first responders. Welcome to Camp Hero, where nature does the healing.

On today’s show, Rocco talks about the creation of Camp Hero and the Nature Immersion Mental Health Maintenance Program. This isn’t just a retreat; it’s a lifeline for those who’ve been through hell and back. At Camp Hero, heroes get to decompress, relax, and reconnect with nature. Rocco’s philosophy? Treat everyone with respect and understanding, even if they’ve stumbled. Help them stand up, dust off, and find a new purpose.

We dig deep into the importance of seeking support and the power of community. Rocco shares his personal battle with depression, his journey through therapy, and the eye-opening realizations that helped him regain control of his life. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal—finding the right therapist is crucial. Rocco’s candid discussion on this underscores the need for specialized mental health support tailored for first responders and veterans.

We also tackle the tough topics: addiction, trauma, and the relentless fight to overcome them. Rocco’s mission with Camp Hero goes beyond just offering a getaway; it’s about creating a space where broken spirits can heal and transform.

Join us as Rocco F. Besednjak shares his incredible journey and the powerful message that even after the darkest storms, there’s a way to rise from the ashes.

Learn more about Camp Hero!

Watch Rocco's Episode:
ID Channel (Investigation Discover) "High Stakes" Season 1 Episode 8 

DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
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• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
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