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Matthew Glade: From Military Rescue to Mental Health Advocacy

In this episode of Probably Important, hosts Mariel and Josh are joined by the remarkable Matthew Glade for a candid conversation about his diverse career journey, from military rescue missions to his influential work in mental health advocacy.

Mariel introduces Matthew, praising his authenticity and influence in the field. Matthew graciously agrees to share his experiences and values with the audience.

Matthew takes us through his remarkable career, which includes over 2000 missions as a military rescue specialist and medic. He candidly discusses the toll of witnessing numerous fatalities, which eventually led to occupational stress injuries and PTSD. These experiences became the catalyst for his passion for mental healthcare reform.

As a proactive advocate for mental health, Matthew spearheaded initiatives to implement self-awareness training, combat stigma, and establish trauma support responses within agencies. His efforts normalized care and significantly improved readiness over his two decades of service.

Throughout his career, Matthew found immense value in connecting authentically with the public and his crew during high-stress rescues. He emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and shared experiences in sustaining him through challenging missions.

Matthew also discusses the power of narrative crafting in processing trauma. By helping others reframe their experiences with a focus on resilience and purpose, he has been instrumental in shifting the culture around mental health within agencies.

In his personal life, Matthew finds solace and balance through his interests in sailing and motorcycling. Engaging in these high-stakes activities allows him to stay grounded and connected during emotional lows resulting from his work experiences.

As the episode concludes, Josh and Mariel express their gratitude to Matthew for his impactful work in improving lives and systems through his advocacy. Matthew remains committed to promoting human well-being through his daily mindful practices and community connections.

Join us on Probably Important for more insightful conversations about mental health, well-being, and the human experience.

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