This week’s check-in comes straight from the road...literally. Erin recorded this one while driving back through the mountains of West Virginia after speaking at Operation Yellow Tape 4 in Virginia.

It’s raw, real, and full of reflection on what these gatherings truly stand for: grit, grace, and gratitude.

From a woman who showed up after losing her daughter to suicide, to a wheelchair-bound supporter who refused to stay home, to responders and spouses who said yes to connection despite their pain. This episode captures what resilience looks like in real life.

It’s not about perfect people doing perfect healing. It’s about ordinary people saying yes to uncomfortable, messy, life-changing moments and watching what happens next.

Erin also recaps last week’s conversation with Jim Burneka, who shared how retirement forced him to redefine his purpose and realize he’s not finished just repurposed. And she tees up this week’s guest, Keith Hanks, who opens up about recovery, fatherhood, and radical honesty after losing everything that once defined him.

This episode is your reminder: opportunities for growth don’t fall into your lap. You’ve got to spot them and have the grit to say yes.

IN THIS EPISODE

• The three words that define Operation Yellow Tape: grit, grace, gratitude
• Real stories of courage from the conference floor
• Why compassion is the thread that keeps this community together
• How saying yes can change the entire trajectory of your life
• A reflection on Jim Burneka’s “repurposed, not retired” journey
• A preview of this week’s guest, Keith Hanks, and his message of truth and transformation

MENTAL FIREPOWER

Say Yes to the Seat.
Growth rarely happens in comfort. Say yes to the things that scare you a little—and watch what unfolds.

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

• Responders craving connection and real community
• Spouses walking through grief or uncertainty
• Anyone who’s afraid to start over
• The ones who show up anyway—even when it hurts

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/needmospace/chill-power

License code: QUUZB4TP7STKMLJN