Podcast Notes: Surviving the Explosions, Inside and Out

• Trigger Warning: This episode discusses explosions, loud noises, and the stress of military training. Please listen with care.

• Navigating a System Not Built for Me:

• The story of my grenade training and the sensory overload that nearly broke me.

• How autism shaped my experience in the trenches, amplifying fears and resilience.

• Lessons in Resilience:

• Resilience is not about invincibility; it’s about trying, failing, and moving forward despite fear.

• Surviving systems and challenges that weren’t designed for neurodiverse minds.

• Takeaways for Listeners:

• You’re not defined by your worst moments—keep going, even if progress is slow.

• Healing and growth happen in community; find your people and lean on them.

• Closing Thoughts:

• My grenade didn’t fly far enough, but I’ve come further than I thought possible.

• Stay odd, stay strong—together, we can face life’s explosions.

Thank you Sgt Fairchild for saving my life. I didn’t see it all until now.