Hi Friends, I am back with another great episode to share with you today. In this interesting conversation, I am joined with Michael Sugrue, a United States Air Force Veteran, Retired Law Enforcement Officer and an International best selling author.

Michael shares parts of his story, but he also generously shares about his journey back from an event that changed the trajectory of his career and ultimately his life. He also explains that it's not always just one event that can lead us in a different direction in life, but it can be a series of events that lead up to a journey of improving our mental health and I can relate to that completely.

Michael also shares a lot of resources that were helpful to him. There are many ways to embark on a healing journey and like I always say, you have to find the methods and tools that work for you.

I 'm excited for you to hear Michaels story and I appreciate you being here. Thank you for listening!

Resources Mentioned:

Nucalm.com (Meditation App)

West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (With the First Responder Support Network)

Book: Relentless Courage - Winning The Battle Against Frontline Trauma - Also with Dr. Shauna Springer, PHD

If this podcast episode has inspired you in some way, please consider subscribing so you don't miss future episodes.

Outro Music created and provided by: Dominic Cretacci - US Navy Veteran

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only.

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified medical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Hi Friends, In the past few years, some friends have encouraged me to share my story and I felt ready to share it.

We all come from different backgrounds and different places and the history of our family can be very different, but when we go through stressful experiences in life and if we did not know how to process those experiences, it can affect our mind and body and not in a good way.

Honestly, I did not know I had trauma from my childhood. Stress and anxiety became the new baseline for my mind and body and I did not know any different.

However, we can only go through life that way for so long and then the mind and body let us know that something is not right. Sometimes in the form of unexplained symptoms.

Thankfully, there are ways we can get through the past experiences in a healthy way, but we first have to acknowledge those experiences and how they affected us and still affect us. After that, the real work toward balance can begin.

It is a process and even though it does not have to be hard, it is hard work. We have to heal ourselves, but we need to learn how to do that. Once we learn what works for us in this journey, we just need to be dedicated and consistent and that is where we start to find our own personal Pathway To Wellness.

Thank you for listening to my story and if you would like more information on my coaching services, please visit my website at: www.pathwaytowellnesswithrobin.com.

If this podcast has inspired you in some way, please consider subscribing and please feel free share this podcast with someone who may need a little inspiration.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified medical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Outro Music created and provided by: Dominic Cretacci - US Navy Veteran

Hi Friends, I hope you are doing well. I have been taking a little break from the podcast, but I wanted to check in to share some ways I support my mind and body through the Holidays and beyond.

This time of year is so exciting, but it can also be busy and tiring. That's why I wanted to share some ways I support my mind and body that could help inspire you to do the same.

Starting a new routine can be tough at first, but once you get used to it, it can become something you look forward to. I feel that taking time for myself is one of the most important parts of my daily routine and although it may change from time to time, it helps to support me so I can be an even better and healthier version of myself.

I hope you find this helpful and as always, thank you for listening and I hope you have a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season!

If this podcast has inspired you in some way, please consider subscribing so you will not miss an episode!

Outro Music Created and Provided By: Dominic Cretacci, US Navy Veteran

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Anyinformation on this podcast is for informational purposes only.

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualifiedmedical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delayseeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Hi Friends! I hope you are doing well. I have a new episode to share with you! In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with Nicole Zettlemoyer, Owner and Creator of Wreaths By Nicole P.

Nicole is a US Air Force and US Marine Corps Veteran and she started her own business of making custom handmade wreaths out of Military and First Responder uniforms. What started as a small "under the table" business quickly grew into an official small business and it is growing thanks to her dedication and creativity that goes into the making of every wreath.

Nicole explains about her time in the Military and how starting her small business was a way to ease her transition back into Civilian life and how it also became a way to keep connected to the Community and Country she is passionate about. It is her way to serve and give back in meaningful ways with every wreath she creates for her customers.

If you would like to see the wreaths (and ornaments) she creates, please go to: www.wreathsbynicolep.com. There you will find the pricing and idea gallery of different wreaths for some of the different branches of the Military and also First Responders. There is no limit to the creativity and customization and they make a great gift for honoring the Heroes you love!

As always, thank you for listening and I hope you have a great day!

Outro Music Created and Provided by: Dominic Cretacci, US Navy Veteran.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice,diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualifiedmedical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delayseeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Hi Friends, I am excited to share a new episode with you featuring Vance Row. He is now a retired First Responder who through his lengthy career of service, fell out of balance in work and life. Thankfully, he has regained that balance and he is also teaching others to do the same through yoga.

We had a great conversation. He explained how he got started in Law Enforcement and a few projects he worked on while in that profession. He also explained how in time, the long hours and stress of the job started to burn him out and he turned to alcohol to cope. Thankfully, his caring and compassionate wife brought this to his attention and Vance was able to find his way back to balance in his relationship, work and life and is still working on maintaining that balance.

This journey led him to explore Yoga and it really helped him! It inspired him to become a Yoga teacher so he could teach it to other First Responders as a way to relax and support their mental health. I admire Vance's path to finding balance because just like many of the stories I have had the honor to hear on this podcast, this is a great example of dialectical thinking. Out of something bad can come something good and that is exactly what Vance is sharing on this episode.

I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening!

Where to follow Vance:

www.yoga-rescue.com

Resources Mentioned:

Yoga With Adriene

Insight Timer - app (ios or android)

Jessica Hagy - Reiki Practitioner

Quote - "Follow Your Bliss" - Joseph Campbell

Outro Music created and provided by Dominic Cretacci, US Navy Veteran.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualifiedmedical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delayseeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Hi Friends, I have a new inspiring show to share! In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with Ryan Woodruff. He is a Marine Corps Veteran and he shares a little of what it was like when he was serving over seas and the toll it can take on the mind and body.

He also shares the bumpy road he experienced through his transition back into civilian life and what led to him becoming a CEO of a Non-Profit that helps Veterans find valuable resources (including service dogs) and a thriving sense of community.

I appreciate Ryan's willingness to share his story. I really got a glimpse of what a soldier can go through when they are serving on battlefield and when they come back home. The mind and body adapts to the stress of always being on high alert. The transition back seems lonely, confusing and frustrating and I am thankful we have people like Ryan to help bring more awareness to this challenging time. However, just like he went through his battle overseas and the battle in his mind, he found his way through it and is now helping others find their way through also. That is very inspiring!

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Wild At Heart - John Eldredge

https://www.clearpath4vets.com/

If this podcast has inspired you in some way, please consider subscribing so you will be the first to receive new episodes when they are released.

Thank you for listening and I hope you have a great day!

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified medical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Outro Created and Provided By Dominic Cretacci - US Navy Veteran.

Music Outro Created and Provided by: Dominic Cretacci - US Navy Veteran

Early Release!

Hi Friends! Have you ever gone through a life changing event and then wondered how to start moving forward from there? My guest on this episode had that happen and he explains his journey and how he moved forward from a motorcycle accident that caused him to lose his eyesight.

Kijuan is an Author, Motivational Speaker and an Air Force Veteran. He shares so much inspiration in this episode. He also has so much passion and enthusiasm for life that is contagious as you will hear because he kept making me laugh!

I learned many things from my conversation with Kijuan, but one lesson that I really liked was his example of nurturing his passions even through adversity. When I asked Kijuan about his love of music and specifically the drums, I saw and heard the little child within him come to life and it was an amazing thing to see and hear.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did and I am releasing this a little early because Kijuan will be speaking at the Will To Overcome event in Carrboro, NC on May 3rd from 12-3pm est. Here is the link to learn more and for ticket information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/will-to-overcome-tickets-1258282289199

If you would like to also learn more about Kijuan and his story, please visit his website at: https://ameymotivation.com/ and he also has a book called Don't Focus On Why Me - From Motorcycle Accident To Miracle.

As always, thank you for listening and I hope you have a great day!

Outro Music Created & Provided by: US Navy Veteran - Dominic Cretacci

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualifiedmedical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delayseeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Hi Friends, I have a new inspiring episode to share with you today. In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with Michael Parker. He is a Marine turned Cowboy that has experienced a very frustrating, but rewarding health and life journey so far.

Michael explains about his time in the Military and he also explains about the trials and tribulations of integrating back into Civilian life. Through all the ups and downs, it led him to a place of faith, more balance and service for Veterans and First Responders.

Michael has created a retreat experience for Veterans and First Responders out in the place where he found balance and peace - in nature. He was also called to become a dog trainer and is now training canine companions with his girlfriend and co-founder of Devil Dog Canine.

It was an honor to hear Michael's story and I am inspired by some of the ways he found hope and resilience. I do want to add that Michael does explain his journey in depth so please listen at your own discretion.

If you would like to connect with Michael or learn more about his retreats or dog training opportunities, please see below:

www.2crranch.com

www.devildogcanine.com

Thank you for listening and I hope you have a great day.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified medical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Outro Music Created & Provided by: US Navy Veteran - Dominic Cretacci

Hi Friends, It's time for another healthy dose of inspiration! On this episode, I have the honor of interviewing Chad Bruckner.

He is a Veteran, First Responder, Published Author, Motivational Speaker and more! Chad generously shares his story and the life lessons he learned along the way.

He gives lots of good information on things he does to build and maintain his mental health and I learned a lot from him in the time we spent together. Chad also shares his thoughts on leadership and I also like his perspective.

In this episode, I found that I could personally relate to a lot of what Chad was saying. It is so interesting how the Veteran and First Responder communities have taught me that we really are all connected in one way or another.

I hope you enjoy this episode and if it has inspired you in some way, please consider subscribing so you will be the first to receive new episodes when they are released.

Here are some resources that Chad shared:

Book:

The Holy Trinity Of Successful And Healthy Police Organizations: Improving Leadership, Culture And Wellness - Chad Bruckner

Websites:

www.motivate-change.com

www.intercountyis.com

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice,diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualifiedmedical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delayseeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.

Hi Friends, I have another great episode for you today.

In this episode, I have the honor of talking with Richard T. Oakley. He is a retired DEA Agent and I have learned so much from him since I have known him. He has had quite a life and career journey and he has learned that in order to be the best version of himself for himself and for those around him, he has to take care of his health and wellness.

Rich also shares his thoughts on leadership and I think his approach is very much needed in work and life these days. He is a gentle soul with so much passion to help and I am thankful for the time we shared on this podcast episode.

Here are a few resources he shared:

Books:

Necessary Losses - Judith Viorst

The New Centurions - Joseph Wambaugh

Healthy Food Ingredient App:

Yuka

Online Bible Verses:(YouTube)

Verse Of The Day

*You can also learn more about Rich's story in the book Wounds To Wisdom - Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives.https://www.thepowerofourstory.com/

Thank you for listening and I hope you have a great day.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. Any information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice,diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualifiedmedical provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delayseeking it because of something you have heard or read about on this podcast.