Invisible Injuries - Podcast

Strap in for the concluding episode of host Andy's chat with Lex D Reilly, Army veteran (6RAR), survival expert, wellness coach and founder of "Compelled" as an international wilderness guide.⁠

Lex allows himself to be vulnerable by opening up and sharing a snapshot of his work, personal struggles what daily life was like at end of his military career, transitioning back to civilian life and toxic coping mechanisms of alcohol and substance abuse. At this point his purpose and self-care plan wasn't a 10 year plan, it was a minute to minute, day by day plan to survive.

Something had to give as Lex's life was unravelling around him. At this low point he made a life changing decision placing a challenge on himself to face adversity, reconnect to himself, surroundings and to survive in a primal state and  through nature. This was the perfect setting to reset.... which he achieved. It was to be the catalyst for the long road to personal, spiritual, emotional maturity and growth based on holistic and primal principles.

Fast forwarding to the present day Lex now shares his passion for nature, survival and hollisticaly wellness through Compelled expeditions, "to guide you in connecting further with nature, learning key wilderness skills through memorable experiences to bring a sense of inner peace".

Lex's story is inspirational, he's also part of a fast growing movement of men who believe and address the topics of masculinity, spirituality and growth.

Listen to the episode to find out more about his "Compelled" story.

Contact -  Lex D Reilly
Website: https://compelled.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this episode Andy speaks with with Lex D Reilly, Army veteran (6RAR), survival expert, wellness coach and founder of "Compelled" as an international wilderness guide.⁠
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Lex share's his military career and experiences whilst deployed in Afghanistan with 6RAR and openly shares his struggles reconnecting to family, friends and loved ones upon return to Australia.⁠
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We take a dive into his mindset and daily life when he was suffering most (internally and externally), the turning point and curiosity that led him to embark on his wellness journey, self-care and management of his PTSD.⁠
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Rounding off the episode with his learning and growth and touching on how connecting with nature and the lessons it teaches has led to the formation of "Compelled" and what he's doing now to contribute back to the community.⁠

Contact -  Lex D Reilly
Website: https://compelled.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the latest episode of the Invisible Injuries podcast we continue exploring evidence based holistic modalities building on chats on the topics of breathwork, connection with nature, emotional maturity and spiritual growth.

Tanya Cory is a Yoga teacher and Wellness coach, she's been in the wellness industry for over 20 years and brings a unique perspective and depth of knowledge having also instructed in personal training, pilates and nutrition.

In part one Tanya share's her story of how yoga found her when she was a young woman working on a luxury yacht looking to create some breathing space in between the demands of being in hospitality. Fast forwarding to how her self-practice of yoga played a big part in keeping her grounded when she was playing the role of immediate support / carer when her child was experiencing health issues.

Rounding off the episode the pair chat about the benefits of a consistent practice of yoga (thats not dictated by the length of time in the session), giving yourself permission to be non-judgemental and non-seeking, setting the scene for part 2.

Contact -  Tanya Cory
Website: https://www.homyogastudio.com.au/teachers
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the concluding episode of his chat with Shane Saunders, Navy veteran, co-founder of Breathe Me & Online Breathing Academy, author, mentor, hi-performance/wellness coach and entrepreneur.

The pair discuss how Breathwork (pranayama) found Shane through his curiosity,  passion for knowledge and by experiencing the benefits of a regular self practice there was potential that they could help thousands of people.

Moving forward Shane shares how he and wife, Angelina, co-founded Breathe Me and the Online Breathing academy, he also shares many nuggets of gold and a self-regulation technique that our audience can easily implement into their own self-care / daily life.

Contact -  Shane Saunders
Website: https://www.breatheme.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this episode Andy chats with Shane Saunders, Navy veteran, co-founder of Breathe Me & Online Breathing Academy, author, mentor, hi-performance/wellness coach and entrepreneur.

A great mate, colleague and breathwork mentor we're thrilled to have Shane share his military story, glimpses of his deployments and diverse opportunities in 2 different roles and trades as a Navy Communications Specialist and PTI.

Shane also shares how as a PTI he trained elite unit soldiers and clearance divers and openly shares his experience, disappointment and learning points from a sailors point of view of the SAS selection course.

Rounding off part one the pair talk about Shanes transition from Military to Civilian life, different roles to make ends meet and finding his purpose by being curious, having a thirst for knowledge and the entrepreneur mindset and how breathwork came into his life, setting the tone for part two of their chat.

Contact -  Shane Saunders
Website: https://www.breatheme.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the concluding episode of Barry's story we visit how he's continued to manage life living with his PTSD along with his role as a carer for his wife with PTSD and the amazing work he's also doing with Operation Soul Surf on the Mornington Peninsula, VIC

So moving forward, you’ve seen your specialist Barry, got a self care plan, what does that looks like now while still serving?  Barry’s plan has changed over the years but fitness, healthy lifestyle and surfing have featured heavily in his life.   He shares his love of sport and the benefits of releasing stress and tension even though he’s approaching 50 years of age.   Never a gym guy, trying to eat healthy, strictly a social drinker, he is aware of the first responder pitfalls.   

Barry uses the analogy of a car needing maintenance rather than major repairs.  He  prefers a independent  sounding board  rather than venting or overloading friends and family.   There’s  real value in having a few different people in your support network.  

Barry has more lived experience than most being married to an ex- Police Officer.  Pamela became a Detective specialising  in sex offenses and child abuse investigations.   Her career came to an end after witnessing a traumatic event in her job role.  Pamela is managing her own mental health journey and Barry is some times  her immediate support.  The Trauma was so significant it was a catalyst for a Mental Health Review and things are handled differently today, which is a positive.  

They turn to the conversation to Operation Soul Surf.   Such an amazing work that incorporates what you love out on the water.   A circle of friends Barry connected with bought him back to the ocean on the Mornington Peninsular.   He realised how much he missed it and how beneficial it was.  The seed for Barry’s program was planted by a Netflix documentary called “Resurface” filmed in California.    A program that supported military veterans, with significant physical injuries, many from Iraq & Afghanistan.  

A great antidote to social isolation, reconnecting loss of brotherhood and camaraderie that often follows illness within that group .  The list of job roles is extensive.  They come in “stand-off-ish” and leave with friends and smiles. The bonus being the sharing of treatment talk about their respective worlds through shared experiences in a safe space.  There is an anonymous survey and Psychologists attached to the program.   Lots of women have graduated too ladies.    Around a 60/40 ratio.  

Contact -  Barry Randal
Website: https://operationsoulsurf.com
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

"Routine Jobs With Big Consequences"

In this episode were thrilled to have Barry Randal, a career first responder of 30 years and excitedly our 1st police officer on the podcast join us to share his story and the inspirational work he's doing with Operation Soul Surf.

Casting back to his early days Barry remembered a strong sense of community at a young age.   Extended family and friends in the Police Force on the NSW  Coast, who were respected those days. He played Rugby League and Rugby Union and the usual things at a young age but once he started to focus on  recruiting a friend contacted him to say there was a heavy Police recruiting drive in Victoria.   So he left the sea and surf to move to Melbourne.  

Andy asks how Barry’s role in the Police Force was determined.    In Victoria they are trained as a General Duty uniformed officer.  After that 2 year foundation you may specialise in another area, then there is a  ballot process and you could go anywhere. He goes on to explain his posting to Aubury Wodonga after graduating in early 1995.   

It was a bit of shock for the staff there as well as Barry.   Them knowing how to do stuff quickly and a punk recruit knowing nothing in the middle of their well oiled rural station.  I did a lot of listening at 21 while my best mate there was 65 and a great mentor. 

At first it was a good lifestyle until my partner and I had a lethal force incident.  It began as a typical routine noise complaint but rapidly escalated.  Barry’s partner was a female with a good deal more experience than he did and the focus was resolve things in “Safeway” for all concerned but it didn’t pan out that way.  Barry walked the audience through the backend of a fatal shooting and the timelines starting with his night shift at 11pm and finishing 4:30pm the following day.  How that felt to be part of that process.  He expanded on the environment then around mental health and his conflicting advice as to when to return to work.  

First they discussed the merits/ pitfalls of early/delayed return and then move on to the GP presenting issues.  Mainly hyper vigilance causing  “maximum overdrive mentally” for every little job then a “dump” at the end of the day Barry volunteers, which is not good for your body and brain.   Insomnia, low energy, dulling it with a few bourbons was the progression.   Then a good friend of a similar age casually intervened and  eventually encouraged the GP visit which Barry is grateful for.  

Be sure to tune into Part 2 where Barry discusses his PTSD 30 years on,  his personal care plan, how he self manages and the upside that  “Water” provides as therapy for him and others.

Contact -  Barry Randal
Website: https://operationsoulsurf.com
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

Following "Tunnel Rat", Vietnam Veteran & author Brian Hopkins guest episode is a special series of 6 audio narrations of poems from his book "When Therapy Fails" (WTF!?  pardon the pun)

WTF 6 - Meltdown
Cover art - Brian Hopkins @ Hollywood Clinic

Contact -  Brian Hopkins
Books - When therapy fails via Pickawoowoo publishing group & by contacting Invisible Injuries - [email protected]
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

Following "Tunnel Rat", Vietnam Veteran & author Brian Hopkins guest episode is a special series of 6 audio narrations of poems from his book "When Therapy Fails" (WTF!?  pardon the pun)

WTF 5 - Night Watch
Cover art - Brian Hopkins @ Hollywood Clinic

Contact -  Brian Hopkins
Books - When therapy fails via Pickawoowoo publishing group & by contacting Invisible Injuries - [email protected]
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the concluding episode of Andy's chat with survivalist, corporate speaker, change leader and author Mike House the pair discuss how to create some kind of a certainty where none exists  such as losing your job (e.g around the context of discharge from military/first responder organisations on Medical Grounds or prior to the member being ready to move on)

A  key to creating a sense of purpose is looking at the broader picture than the job itself  Mike explains what that looks like and by  lifting a capacity to  deal with pressure and uncertainty helps address the  problem.  Individuals need to be able to answer what excites them. Mike expands on  this and how having a purpose has a huge impact on how you deal with tough periods citing conversation with the various workers he has met or observed over the years and their clarity around purpose even if their jobs aren’t exciting.

He talks at length about organisational dynamics.    Where workers might be doing well in their lane but the overview is lost as departments blame each other.   He outlines at length about exploring “purpose” when you may be questioning that.  People that survive against the odds usually have a greater reason than themselves to survive and  they discuss a wide range of what that might look like for our listeners and  questions to  ask yourself  to find  your purpose right now.   

A skill set doesn’t disappear it’s ready to repurpose at another time.   They talk about points of relevance and what problems can I solve with my knowledge?   Within the audience today are heaps of relatable experiences that you can deliver answers  to.    Solve  audience problems by writing, speaking , podcasts etc.   Mike comments draw from his public speaking experience and covers a lot of content.

“So putting all this together in survival context, someone in our audience today may be transitioning out of a first responder organisation, maybe feeling a bit lost, what are their steps to move forward?” Two processes generally cover duress which can be immediate or a window of days, weeks or months.

Tips to NOT get into the “why” of emotion but how to deal with ‘what” you are feeling.  Rabbit holes versus what you can control and how to pull that horizon forward, Mike gives clarity to the steps.

Mike is the author of two books, "Thrive and Adapt" about the line between circumstance and response and "Unshakeable" containing the tactics and mindsets of (un)shakeable leaders, also an amazing book.   

Contact -  Mike House
Website: www.mikehouse.com.au
Claim your FREE hard copy of the book (to the first 10 listeners who ask for it)
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show