The Warrior’s Ascent Podcast: From Healing to High-Performance

“Bent, Not Broken: One Warrior’s Path from Recon to Recovery”

In this raw and riveting episode, we sit down with Steve Svetzka—a Marine Force Recon veteran, former SWAT officer, and Warriors’ Ascent alumnus—whose journey spans combat zones, city streets, and inner battles with trauma. Steve opens up about the silent wounds he carried for decades, the cost of unresolved pain, and the pivotal moment he chose vulnerability over suppression. From surviving the darkest valleys of PTSD to discovering peace through intentional living, therapy, and brotherhood, Steve's transformation is a testament to resilience and the power of community.

You’ll hear firsthand how tools like EMDR therapy, yoga, breathwork, and support networks helped Steve shift from survival mode to purposeful living. If you’ve ever felt “bent” by life’s weight—this episode will show you it’s possible to realign and rise stronger.

🎧 "Bent, Not Broken" is a masterclass in warrior healing, personal accountability, and the courage it takes to truly face yourself.

#WarriorsAscent #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #LawEnforcementSupport 

In this raw and riveting episode, we sit down with Steve Svetzka—a Marine Force Recon veteran, former SWAT officer, and Warriors’ Ascent alumnus—whose journey spans combat zones, city streets, and inner battles with trauma. Steve opens up about the silent wounds he carried for decades, the cost of unresolved pain, and the pivotal moment he chose vulnerability over suppression. From surviving the darkest valleys of PTSD to discovering peace through intentional living, therapy, and brotherhood, Steve's transformation is a testament to resilience and the power of community.

You’ll hear firsthand how tools like EMDR therapy, yoga, breathwork, and support networks helped Steve shift from survival mode to purposeful living. If you’ve ever felt “bent” by life’s weight—this episode will show you it’s possible to realign and rise stronger.

🎧 "Bent, Not Broken" is a masterclass in warrior healing, personal accountability, and the courage it takes to truly face yourself.

#WarriorsAscent #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #LawEnforcementSupport 

In this powerful episode, Matt and Mike sit down with Major Marissa Barnes of the Kansas City Police Department—board member, leader, and 22-year veteran of the force. Marissa shares hard-won insights into the emotional toll of policing, the unique challenges officers face balancing trauma and family life, and why Warriors’ Ascent’s mission is personal for her. From bridging social work and law enforcement to advocating for mental health within the ranks, Marissa’s story is a must-hear for first responders, supporters, and anyone who believes in protecting those who protect us.

#WarriorsAscent

In this powerful episode, Matt and Mike sit down with Major Marissa Barnes of the Kansas City Police Department—board member, leader, and 22-year veteran of the force. Marissa shares hard-won insights into the emotional toll of policing, the unique challenges officers face balancing trauma and family life, and why Warriors’ Ascent’s mission is personal for her. From bridging social work and law enforcement to advocating for mental health within the ranks, Marissa’s story is a must-hear for first responders, supporters, and anyone who believes in protecting those who protect us.

#WarriorsAscent

In this insightful episode, Board Member Siobhan Rudicille—former police officer, military spouse, and financial advisor—joins Matt Hastings to unpack why Warriors’ Ascent is more than a retreat. They discuss the program’s unique mix of evidence-based tools, no-nonsense culture, and lasting community support. Siobhan shares personal stories of how healing ripples through entire families and why mental health care must be seen as strength, not stigma. Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, or ally, this episode challenges assumptions and inspires action for lasting change.

#WarriorsAscent #WhyItWorks #HealingInCommunity #WarriorEthos #PTSDRecovery #FirstResponderSupport #VeteranHealing #MindfulnessInUniform #BreakTheStigma #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #PeerSupportNetwork #ResilienceTools #NotBroken #TransformativeHealing #SuicidePrevention #VeteranWellness #FirstResponderMentalHealth #StrongerTogether #HealingGenerations

In this insightful episode, Board Member Siobhan Rudicille—former police officer, military spouse, and financial advisor—joins Matt Hastings to unpack why Warriors’ Ascent is more than a retreat. They discuss the program’s unique mix of evidence-based tools, no-nonsense culture, and lasting community support. Siobhan shares personal stories of how healing ripples through entire families and why mental health care must be seen as strength, not stigma. Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, or ally, this episode challenges assumptions and inspires action for lasting change.

#WarriorsAscent

In this inspiring episode, Warriors’ Ascent welcomes two new Board Members, Mike Pinnell and Matt Panther, to share what fuels their commitment to the mission. From personal family histories of military service to firsthand experiences at Warriors’ Ascent events, Mike and Matt offer powerful insights into why they serve—and how they plan to help the organization grow. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, strategy, and vision driving Warriors’ Ascent forward into a bold new chapter of healing and hope.

#WarriorsAscent #MissionDriven #VeteranSupport #FirstResponderWellness #LeadershipWithPurpose #BoardOfDirectors #NonprofitLeadership #ServiceBeforeSelf #HealingOurHeroes #WarriorEthos #BehindTheMission #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocacy #VeteranNonprofit #BrotherhoodInHealing #VeteranMentalHealth #StrategicLeadership #GrowthMindset

In this inspiring episode, Warriors’ Ascent welcomes two new Board Members, Mike Pinnell and Matt Panther, to share what fuels their commitment to the mission. From personal family histories of military service to firsthand experiences at Warriors’ Ascent events, Mike and Matt offer powerful insights into why they serve—and how they plan to help the organization grow. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, strategy, and vision driving Warriors’ Ascent forward into a bold new chapter of healing and hope.

#WarriorsAscent #MissionDriven #VeteranSupport #FirstResponderWellness #LeadershipWithPurpose #BoardOfDirectors #NonprofitLeadership #ServiceBeforeSelf #HealingOurHeroes #WarriorEthos #BehindTheMission #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocacy #VeteranNonprofit #BrotherhoodInHealing #VeteranMentalHealth #StrategicLeadership #GrowthMindset

In this episode, Mike Kenny sits down with Brett and Seth—two alumni-turned-mentors whose journeys from trauma to transformation embody the warrior ethos. They reveal what led them to Warriors’ Ascent, how mentorship amplified their healing, and why the “special sauce” of the program is its community of brotherhood and unconditional support. Whether you're on the fence about attending or curious about the power of peer-led healing, this episode is a raw, inspiring look inside.

#WarriorsAscent #WarriorEthos #MentorshipMatters #VeteranSupport #FirstResponderWellness #PostTraumaticGrowth #PTSDRecovery #HealingThroughBrotherhood #MindfulnessInAction #InnerWarrior #ResilienceInUniform #PeerSupport #FromTraumaToTriumph #CommunityHealing #PayItForward #VeteranMentalHealth #FirstResponderSupport #SuicidePrevention #StrengthThroughService #HealingIsPossible

In this episode, Mike Kenny sits down with Brett and Seth—two alumni-turned-mentors whose journeys from trauma to transformation embody the warrior ethos. They reveal what led them to Warriors’ Ascent, how mentorship amplified their healing, and why the “special sauce” of the program is its community of brotherhood and unconditional support. Whether you're on the fence about attending or curious about the power of peer-led healing, this episode is a raw, inspiring look inside.