In this deeply personal episode of The Conflict Doctor Podcast, host Dr. Rebecca Nicholson explores one of the most challenging topics we face: navigating the shadows of suicidal thoughts and finding the strength to move forward, one day at a time.

Joining Dr. Nicholson is Dave Fielding, a former U.S. spy and Green Beret whose extraordinary career brought him face-to-face with danger and adversity. Yet, his most harrowing battles were fought within. Dave opens up about his experience living under the weight of suicidal thoughts and shares his journey to recovery, inspired by his book, “Into the Darkness: A Journey of Love, War, and Emotional Freedom.”

In this candid conversation, Dave reveals how he survived his darkest moments, what he told himself to keep going, and how he ultimately chose life. His story offers a lifeline to those grappling with despair, showing that hope and healing are possible.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the invisible battles many endure and the profound impact of love, acknowledgment, and vulnerability in overcoming them.

About the Guest:
Dave Fielding is a former Special Forces Green Beret and intelligence officer whose life was inspired by his WWII veteran grandfather. While he pursued a life of adventure and achievement, he faced personal struggles that eventually overwhelmed him. In “Into the Darkness: A Journey of Love, War, and Emotional Freedom,” Dave shares his emotional journey with raw honesty, offering solace and validation to others, especially men, facing similar challenges.

Tune in for a conversation that sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of connection in our darkest hours.

Contact Dave Fielding: 

• Hire him for Consulting & Wellness: https://www.davefielding.com/
• Connect on Instagram: davefielding.dol
•  Get his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962341321/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaao9ZLFTm6APrdZ4IyvkxkvFtB5ExYgtTcOHXEjXsp34c0_Qka6o87Pils_aem_KcyA93vWZh0vRc5tDRIiTA

Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor
Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at [email protected]

__________________________________________________________

The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to:

(1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

SEALs, Suicide, and Service: Beyond the Brotherhood
  
Jimmy May is a retired Navy SEAL Commander with over 22 years of distinguished service. In this episode, Commander May explores the unique journey Navy SEALs undertake as they transition from military life to the civilian world. To address the high rate of suicide among Navy SEALs transitioning to civicial life, May created a nonprofit called Beyond the Brotherhood, that offers personalized career guidance, mentorship, and a focus on purpose beyond the battlefield. Beyond the Brotherhood provides a roadmap for SEALs to leverage their exceptional skills in new arenas.

Drawing from his extensive experience—including seven combat deployments to the Middle East, earning three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and leading combat leadership and ethics curriculums—Jimmy shares invaluable insights on resilience, leadership, and camaraderie. As CEO of three companies, including the non-profit Beyond the Brotherhood, Jimmy brings his passion for helping veterans build fulfilling careers post-service.

Join us for candid conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories from a leader committed to doing good things for good people.

Get involved or contact Jimmy May:

Beyond the Brotherhood:
https://www.beyondthebrotherhood.org/

Jimmy May on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-may/

Mayday Executive Services:
https://www.maydayexecutive.com/

Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor
Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at [email protected]

__________________________________________________________

The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to:

(1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

The Psychosocial Impact of Whistleblower Retaliation

What happens when a person uncovers wrongdoing in an organization? Join me with guest Jackie Garrick as we discuss the realities of what whistleblowers face -Devaluing, Marginalization, Shunning, Gaslighting, Mobbing, Double Binding, Blacklisting, Accusations, Threats, Violence, and expensive court cases that drag out for a decade. Learn how one woman is uniting a global network of Whistleblowers to harness their collective wisdom and  strength to find justice and healing.   

_______________________

Founder, Whistleblowers of America
https://www.whistleblowersofamerica.org/
Workplace Promise Institute
https://www.workplacepromiseinstitute.org/

_______________________

Read the article:
WHISTLEBLOWER RETALIATION CHECKLIST: A NEW INSTRUMENT FOR IDENTIFYING RETALIATORY TACTICS AND THEIR PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS AFTER AN EMPLOYEE DISCLOSES WORKPLACE WRONGDOING | Published in Crisis, Stress, and Human Resilience: An International Journal (crisisjournal.org) 

Get Jackie's book:
The Psychosocial Impacts of Whistleblower Retaliation: Shattering Employee Resilience and the Workplace Promise

Get WPI Certified:
https://www.workplacepromiseinstitute.org/wpa-certification

_______________________

About the Guest:
Jacqueline Garrick, LCSW-C, BCETS, SHRM-CP, WPA

Ms. Garrick founded Whistleblowers of America and developed the Whistleblower Retaliation Checklist© to identify negative psychosocial impacts on victimized employees and provide forensic testimony. She is on the Boards of Equideum and Parrhesia (devoted to whistleblower research) and Brighton Marine (a homeless program in Boston). She has taught at University of Southern California, School of Social Work and has supervised interns from the University of West Florida 

Previously, she served as a US Army Officer and in executive positions at the American Legion and the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD

Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor
Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at [email protected]

__________________________________________________________

The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to:

(1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

Psychics, Schizophrenics & Research studies:  Does Hearing Voices Make You Crazy?

Psychiatrists at Yale University developed an international research project aimed at understanding atypical perceptual experiences: such as hearing, seeing, and feeling things that others might not be. The Yale COPE Project studied people who hear voices (auditory hallucinations) and see things (visual hallucinations) - those with and without a mental health diagnosis. They wanted to learn - from those who have positive experiences - how to help those having negative experiences.

Why is this important?  Because we unconsciously repeat unhealthy patterns, whilst simultaneously thinking we are doing something different and better. This episode explains how we unknowingly repeat unconscious programming that has been passed through generations before us. We also discuss the importance of healing from these patterns, how to stop them, and what life looks like on the other side of unconscious dysfunction.


About the Guest:
Brittany Quagan, M.S., LPC
https://www.brittanyquagancounseling.com/
https://www.spirit.research.yale.edu

• Brittany Quagan served as co-director of the Yale COPE Project - an international research project aimed at understanding atypical perceptual experiences such as hearing, seeing, and feeling things that others might not be. She worked alongside neuroscientists, therapists, psychic/mediums, spiritual healers, parapsychologists, advocates, and other persons with lived experiences to learn  strengths and skills to help those who might be struggling with distressing experiences. As a person with lived experience and with deep roots in spirituality and spiritual healing, Brittany has worked in the mental health and healing field for over a decade and works as a anti-racist and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.  Brittany has a a Masters Degree of Science in Clinical Counseling and Human Services, as well as a License in the State of Connecticut as a Professional Counselor, and trained at Yale University School of Medicine's PRIME Clinic where I served as the Associate Clinic Coordinator and as a clinician for kids and young adults who were identified as being at high risk of developing a more serious mental illness due to a variety of experiences such as voice-hearing experiences and distressing thoughts. 

About the Host:
Dr. Rebecca Nicholson, Founder 8th House Elan
https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

• Dr. Rebecca Nicholson is a podcast host, consultant, trainer, researcher, and author working with leaders across sectors and cultures. Her expertise is in the areas of violent and political conflict, purposeful leadership, and impactful relationships. Her cross-functional field experience was developed in West Africa, Sout

Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor
Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at [email protected]

__________________________________________________________

The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to:

(1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

Episode 2: Amnesty, War Crimes & Cartel NGOs: The War in Ukraine 

• What is life like in a war zone? This episode explores what is happening on the ground in Ukraine: the war crimes, and the essentially nonexistent humanitarian response, and the systems that keep it all in place. We critique the recent report published by Amnesty International, and we explore the concept of misapplied neutrality.  Richard also talks about the human toll - the injury and trauma - and what people can do to help. 

About the Guest:
Richard Sharp , CEO Frontier Operations
https://www.frontierops.com/

• Frontier Operations is a Ukrainian based joint venture by British and American companies. It is run by people with strong humanitarian backgrounds who wanted to create something that will assist Ukrainians in a meaningful way. By establishing a Ukrainian company, we want to provide a platform that employs and empowers Ukrainians to help rebuild their country, offering international expertise when necessary. We are committed fully to the people of Ukraine and want to stand side by side and work with them through this most devastating time. We look to harness expertise from within Ukraine and around the world to help as many people in the country as we can. Frontier Operations’ platform will provide services to the Ukrainian government, humanitarian organisations, international donors and private companies looking to re-enter the region to stimulate the economy, opening new business verticals to respond to the needs of these clients.

About the Host:
Dr. Rebecca Nicholson, Founder 8th House Elan
https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

• Dr. Rebecca Nicholson is a podcast host, consultant, trainer, researcher, and author working with leaders across sectors and cultures. Her expertise is in the areas of violent and political conflict, purposeful leadership, and impactful relationships. Her cross-functional field experience was developed in West Africa, South America, Far East, MENA, and Europe, in initiatives that included military special forces, indigenous populations, private companies, NGOs, policy makers, media outlets, and tribal leaders. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience working in complex roles that include conflict, strategic communication, and behavioral intelligence.

Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor

• If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at [email protected]

Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor
Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at [email protected]

__________________________________________________________

The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to:

(1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

Episode 1: Arms Dealers, Ancestors, and Trauma Healing: The Traditional  Liberian Mourning Feast
The Liberian Civil War lasted for 14 years. Arms dealers, warlords, and those vying for power  terrorized the population and wreaked havoc on the political, ecological, social, and spiritual infrastructure. In this episode, Liberian Elder Bill Saa discusses how the war devastated the land and traumatized the people. He also talks about post war peacebuilding through the traditional Liberian Mourning Feast, a community ritual that acknowledges the deceased ancestors and brings disputing tribes together to address and resolve their conflict. We discuss warlords, arms dealers, disputing tribes, indigenous peacebuilding, the physical relationship between the ancestors and the living, and how the zos (traditional Liberian Seers) communicate between realms. 

About the Guest:
William F. Saa. As a direct victim himself of the civil war in his home country Liberia (1989 – 2003), William has dedicated himself to post-war re-building. For over twenty years, William has worked in peacebuilding and conflict engagement. William contributes extensively to reconstruction and peacebuilding in Liberia and neighboring countries, as well as in other parts of Africa, Europe, Asia, and USA. His consultation history incorporates the complexity of issues necessary to foster professional peacebuilding practices; civil society strengthening; ecological restoration; conflict mediation; trauma recovery, and social reconciliation. William received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Citizenship Award by the US Embassy for outstanding contributions promoting the ideals of Dr. King. William holds an MA Degree in Conflict resolution from the University of Massachusetts, USA, an undergraduate degree in sociology and several other certifications in the field.

About Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Dr. Rebecca Nicholson is a podcast host, consultant, trainer, researcher, and author working with leaders across sectors and cultures. Her expertise is in the areas of violent and political conflict, purposeful leadership, and impactful relationships. An expert-level critical thinker and agile communicator, Rebeca helps clients articulate multifaceted conflict issues clearly and succinctly, decode subtle points of negotiation, and discover hidden possibilities for growth, learning, and expansion. Her cross-functional field experience was developed in West Africa, South America, Far East, MENA, and Europe, in initiatives that included military special forces, indigenous populations, private companies, NGOs, policy makers, media outlets, and tribal leaders. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience working in complex roles that include conflict, strategic communication, and behavioral intelligence.


Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor
Website:

Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor
Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at [email protected]

__________________________________________________________

The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to:

(1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

Conflict…You know you have it.

Sex, politics, war, money, gender, social dominance, relationships, work, family, race: All the conversations we dread, but desperately need to have.

Who you are. matters in the world. So, we look at the complicated intersections of identity and conflict:

• What are the top five stressors in your life, this week? 
• How do you make peace with you brother’s murderer? 
• Is it crazy to look through your partner’s phone if you think they’re cheating? 
• What happens when your family is divided religiously or politically, or both?

Conflict occurs at all levels – mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical – and we are affected by what goes on around us. 

I show you how conflict is created, and how conflict is resolved. I will be joined by world-renowned guest experts, and I will be coaching people through their conflict. You can expect real life answers to real life problems.

Conflict is complicated, but it can also be deeply rewarding. Stop feeling lost in the fog of conflict! Learn how to recognize it, organize it, and take control how you show up in your life and relationships. 

 Hit subscribe and listen to the world premiere of the Conflict Doctor Podcast.


About the Host: 

 I’m Dr. Rebecca Nicholson. I am an expert in conflict – at all the complex levels it originates, exists, and affects us – mental, emotional, spiritual, bodily. 

 I show you how to go beyond containing and controlling conflict, to leveraging its power to drive personal, relational, and team growth.

​I am the author and editor of three books on conflict resolution:

1. ·     Natural Healing as Conflict Resolution
2. ·     Executive Sexism
3. ·     How Donors Experience Conflict in the Grantmaking Process

I also host "The Conflict Doctor" Podcast. 

​I have a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis & Resolution. My work has been featured in The Miami Herald, Invictus Magazine, and Valka-Mir Human Security training material for US Military Special Operations Forces.

I have worked in human trafficking, philanthropy, politics, child solder reintegration, and sustainable development. I also write training material military special forces, and educate people about spiritual experiences. I see conflict from many vantage points, because conflict affects us at every level. 

Contact Information:

Business Inquiries: If you would like to work with me [email protected] 

Podcast Inquiries: Contact me if you would like to be a speaker or guest [email protected]

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor  

Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:
Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor
Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/

If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at [email protected]

__________________________________________________________

The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to:

(1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.