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This podcast episode delves into the tragic events surrounding Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty Special Operations Soldier, who committed suicide and detonated a vehicle-born improvised explosive device (VBIED) outside Trump Tower on New Year's Day. The episode addresses Livelsberger's struggle with PTSD and perhaps traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and explores the military's handling of mental health issues among its service members. Tressa discusses Livelsberger's background, the conspiracy theories that have emerged following his death, and the psychological toll of war on veterans.

Tressa also examines the broader issue of veterans' vulnerability to radicalization and extremist groups. She highlights the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, their susceptibility to moral injuries, and the role of social media in fostering extremist ideologies. The episode emphasizes the need for mandatory mental health treatment for service members and calls for a reevaluation of the military's approach to mental health care to prevent further tragedies. The discussion is both a poignant reflection on the human cost of war and a call to action for better support for veterans and their families.

Sources from this episode:
 
UN Report find alleged drug facilities were not lawful targets - airtrikes caused significant civilian casualties | OHCHR

Matthew Livelsberger—More Messages Allegedly From Cybertruck Suspect Shared

Vegas cybertruck explosion outside Trump Tower. What we know so far.

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In this episode, Tressa explores the dichotomy of Hawaii as both a paradise and a challenging station for military personnel, highlighting the high cost of living and unique dynamics that can create stress, especially for lower-ranking service members with families. The discussion then shifts to a broader trend of young men, including teenagers, resorting to extreme violence and murder when faced with rejection, emphasizing the alarming rise in teen violence since the 90s and the impact of access to firearms and lack of emotional control.

The episode underscores the importance of teaching young people about healthy boundaries and coercive control to prevent teen dating violence. The host shares personal insights and expert opinions on instilling these values in children from a young age.

Tragic stories of two women, Ms. Kayla Holder and Ms. Laau Jordan Laulusa, who lost their lives to young service members, are shared to highlight the devastating impact of emotional abuse and lack of self-regulation in relationships.

The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to rate and review the show to help reach more people in similar situations and offering safety tips for those considering leaving abusive relationships.

Sources for today's episode:

Intimate Partner Homicide of Adolescents | Adolescent Medicine | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network

Family mourns victims of Ewa Beach double-homicide; suspect charged, bail set at $2M

Ex-gf of Mililani murder suspect speaks out | KHON2

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TW: Suicide and rape discussed in this episode:

In this episode, we delve into the dark and often hidden world of military corruption, domestic violence, military sexual trauma, and conspiracy theories.

Listeners will hear about the mysterious death of a military wife in Kaneohe Bay, the potential cover-ups of military deaths and sexual assaults, and the shocking stories of service members who have committed heinous acts.

Throughout the episode, Tressa shares personal anecdotes, listener emails, and detailed accounts of military-related murders and cover-ups, highlighting the systemic issues and the need for change. The episode concludes with a discussion on the increasing trend of young service members committing violent acts against their spouses, raising questions about the impact of military culture and the stresses of young marriages.

Join us for a deep dive into the hidden truths and untold stories of military life, as we uncover the secrets and scandals that the military would rather keep buried.

Sources for today's show:

10 years later, a soldier's family still grieves and questions the Army's version of her death | STLPR

Fort Hood Army Staff Sgt. Paul Norris Fatally Shot Spc. Kamisha Block in Murder-Suicide in Iraq; Family Calls for Congressional Hearings & Independent Investigations (August 16, 2007) | MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Bragg soldier gets nine months in prison for medic's death

Witness: Paratrooper tired of lying to cover up medic's death

Sailor admits killing wife, in-law | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Hawaii Marine Detained in Case of Dependent Death Amid Separate Search for Soldier's Missing Wife | Military.com

Pat Tillman: Remembering The NFL Player Turned Army Ranger Killed By Friendly Fire 12 Years Ago Today - Inquisitr News

Report: Choking, strangulation victims 750% more likely to be killed by offender - KOB.com

DEEP DIVE: MEGAN FOX & THE BLA - The First Degree - Apple Podcasts

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Dive into the unsettling realities of Hawaii's military bases, where a pattern of domestic violence and unexplained murders have gone alarmingly without major systemic changes. This episode unravels a chilling case that underscores the systemic failures of military leadership in safeguarding dependents, particularly women and children.

 As the story unfolds, listeners are guided through a series of shocking revelations involving deceptive schemes. By the end of the episode, like all the true stories on the TWTDNH podcast, we are left questioning the military's culpability and underscoring the urgent need for accountability.  

Join us as we uncover the depth of this crisis and demand action, exploring a story that will leave you questioning the very structures meant to protect those most vulnerable. Stay tuned for a series of episodes spotlighting these harrowing challenges that dependents on Hawaiin military instillations are facing.

Resources:

Michael Walker: Child Sex Predator Sentenced for Wife's Murder

Former Army medic sentenced to 35 years for his wife’s murder

Ex-Army medic pleads guilty in Hawaii love triangle murder | AP News

Catherine Walker: Wife told husband’s mistress she forgave her during stabbing | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

Dive into the unsettling realities of Hawaii's military bases, where a pattern of domestic violence and unexplained murders have gone alarmingly without major systemic changes. This episode unravels a chilling case that underscores the systemic failures of military leadership in safeguarding dependents, particularly women and children.

 As the story unfolds, listeners are guided through a series of shocking revelations involving deceptive schemes. By the end of the episode, like all the true stories on the TWTDNH podcast, we are left questioning the military's culpability and underscoring the urgent need for accountability.  

Join us as we uncover the depth of this crisis and demand action, exploring a story that will leave you questioning the very structures meant to protect those most vulnerable. Stay tuned for a series of episodes spotlighting these harrowing challenges that dependents on Hawaiin military instillations are facing.

Resources:

Michael Walker: Child Sex Predator Sentenced for Wife's Murder

Former Army medic sentenced to 35 years for his wife’s murder

Ex-Army medic pleads guilty in Hawaii love triangle murder | AP News

Catherine Walker: Wife told husband’s mistress she forgave her during stabbing | news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

Andre McDonald seemed to have it all—an Air Force Major with a successful wife and beautiful daughter. But behind the facade of this San Antonio power couple lay a dark reality of control, abuse, and ultimately, murder.

When 29-year-old businesswoman Andreen McDonald vanished in March 2019, those closest to her already knew who was responsible—she had warned them herself.

This episode examines how powerful positions and military status can shield abusers, the way society often protects those we view as heroes, and how success and strength don't make someone immune to domestic violence. Through Andreen’s story, we uncover the devastating impact of unchecked violence and the price of societal idolization of power and prestige.

What You’ll Learn:

• Who was Andreen McDonald?
• Warning signs Andreen shared before her death.
• How Andre’s military prestige shielded his abusive behavior.
• Horrifying events leading up to and following Andreen’s murder.
• Flaws in the legal system that allowed a lesser conviction and sentencing.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “It's a harsh reality when the person that you're married to is the villain in your story, but the hero in everyone else's.” - Tressa Brady
• “How convenient is it that we so often don't hear the woman's side of the story because she's dead. She's no longer here to tell it.” - Tressa Brady
• “By continuing to idolize the wrong people, we send a message that fame and talent are more important than justice and human decency.” - Tressa Brady

Resources:

From Casetext: Smarter Legal Research

• McDonald v. State, No. 08-23-00132-CR | Casetext Search + Citator
• Air Force major convicted of manslaughter blames wife for fight that led to her death - CBS News
• Andre McDonald gets 20 Years for killing wife
• Tyson: 'I Really Do Want to Rape Her' | Fox News

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This podcast episode is a heartfelt and intense reflection on the challenges and dangers that holidays can bring, especially for those in abusive relationships. Tressa shares personal experiences of abuse during holidays, highlighting how increased stress, alcohol consumption, and financial strain can exacerbate domestic violence. The episode also discusses how events like football games and other sporting events can trigger abusive behavior.

Tressa shares a poignant story about Keith Lewis, a soldier who sustained a traumatic brain injury during his military service. Despite his injuries, he continued to serve and later married Sarah Stewart Whitaker, a former military service member and paramedic. Tressa explores the potential connection between the domestic violence and Keith's military service, examining if his trauma and experiences in the military contributed to his abusive behavior. The story highlights the severe impact of untreated mental health issues and the importance of support for those affected.
The episode underscores the importance of safety and support for victims of domestic violence, especially during the holiday season. It also calls into question the military's handling of soldiers with PTSD and brain injuries, highlighting the need for better support and intervention.

Tressa's message is clear: while holidays can bring joy and togetherness, they can also be a time of increased danger and stress for some. It's crucial to prioritize safety and seek help if needed.

What You'll Learn: 

1. **Domestic Violence During Holidays**: The episode emphasizes that holidays can be especially difficult for those in abusive relationships. Increased stress, alcohol consumption, and financial strain can exacerbate domestic violence, and sporting events can be significant triggers for abusers.

2. **The Impact of Untreated PTSD and Brain Injuries**: The story of Keith Lewis highlights the severe consequences of untreated PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. It underscores the need for better mental health support and intervention for soldiers returning from combat.

3. **The Role of the Military in Supporting Veterans**: The episode criticizes the military's handling of mental health issues and brain injuries among soldiers. It calls for greater responsibility and better care for those who have served.

4. **The Importance of Safety and Support**: The episode highlights the critical need for safety and support for victims of domestic violence, especially during the holiday season. It also encourages awareness and vigilance in recognizing and addressing signs of abuse.

Overall, the episode is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human experiences during the holidays and the importance of empathy, support, and mental health care.

Resources:

Family says Army ignored unseen wounds of a former Sarasota man

Army combat medic and pregnant wife die in apparent murder-suicide

Ugly side of the beautiful game: the football world cup and domestic violence | The BMJ

Find Domestic Violence and Abuse Help, Information and Stats

SGB, Spravato, TMS & Ketamine Infusion | Treatment by Stella

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Kelly Wilkinson knew she was in danger. She had a code phrase ready—"I'm considering moving back to Ohio"—to signal to her family that her life was at risk. But before she could use it, her worst fears came true.

This episode delves into a story of domestic abuse, systemic negligence, and a preventable tragedy. We explore how societal and institutional failures contribute to these heartbreaking outcomes and why Australia, with its relatively smaller population, sees approximately one woman per week killed by an intimate partner.

How can we hold systems accountable for their role in failing victims? And what needs to change to ensure no other family endures this pain?

What You’ll Learn:

• Who was Kelly Wilkinson?
• Family code words and safety planning in domestic violence situations
• The role systemic failures played in Kelly’s preventable murder.
• The scheme behind Brian Earl Johnston's abuse of Kelly.
• How police negligence and judicial complacency left Kelly unprotected.
• The social and institutional issues of domestic violence in Australia.

Ideas Worth Sharing: 

• “If a mother is being abused, then guess what? So are the children. Even if it's just that they're witnessing their mother being abused, that's abuse.” - Tressa Brady
• “Australia is a country of about 26 million people, so less than Florida's population. And yet, approximately one woman a week is murdered by an intimate partner.” - Tressa Brady
• “Leave no trace. Don't warn them. Don't meet up with them to talk or give them closure. Don't give them one last chance because the best predictor of the future is the past. Get out, but do so safely.” - Tressa Brady

Resources

• Kelly Wilkinson's estranged husband jailed for life over her murder on the Gold Coast in 2021 - ABC News
• Kelly Wilkinson: Devastated family of 'beautiful soul' violently killed says justice was not served
• The legal process has ended, but Kelly Wilkinson’s family are still looking for answers - ABC News
• Bradley Bell pleads not guilty to the murder of Kelly Wilkinson, accused of 'aiding' husband - ABC News
• Bradley Bell acquitted of murder of Gold Coast woman Kelly Wilkinson - ABC News

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

Judge DaSean Jones had a chance to stop a violent man from causing more harm. Instead, his leniency led to tragedy—a mother of four, Jackelyn Wilson, was killed in front of her children by a man with a history of violence.

Despite clear warnings and previous convictions, Jackelyn's pleas for protection were ignored. Her story is just one of many tragic tales that show how broken the system is that is meant to shield victims of domestic abuse but often fails them instead.

In this episode, we talk about the consequences of judicial negligence and the disastrous ripple effect it has on families. Why are violent offenders allowed to walk free, and what needs to change in the way our courts handle domestic violence?

Could Jackelyn and her children have been saved if the system took her threats seriously? Should judges bear responsibility for the preventable deaths of victims like Jackelyn?

What You’ll Learn:

• Who Jackelyn Wilson was and her tragic story.
• The series of judicial failures that led to Jackelyn’s murder.
• The violent history of Jackelyn’s abuser, Howard Ruffin.
• The systemic failures in handling domestic violence cases.
• Judge DaSean Jones’ controversial leniency on violent offenders.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “We don't punish these men until they kill. They assault and assault and assault, and the judges look the other way, and when they kill, they go, ‘How'd this happen?’” - Tressa Brady
• “The legal system is not set up to favor women. Not by a long shot.” - Tressa Brady
• “It shouldn't be surprising that one of the most common reasons women stay with their abusers is because they know the court won't punish the abusers; they'll get away with it, and then they will retaliate for the woman trying to expose them.” - Tressa Brady

Resources

• Tina Swithin, author of Divorcing a Narcissist: Instagram
• How the Cash Bail System Endangers the Health of Black Americans
• 32-year-old mother of 4 murdered allegedly by her boyfriend, victim's mother blames Harris County judge
• Terran Green denied bail on attempted murder charges tied to shootings of law enforcement
• National Police Association
• Houstonians Grow Increasingly Impatient with Pro-Criminal Judges Like DaSean Jones

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

John Needham was a decorated soldier, an artist, and a man battling demons after serving in the Iraq War.

Despite surviving the horrors of war, his battle with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and moral injury led to a tragic outcome—taking the life of the woman he loved, Jacqwelyn Villagomez. Their story reveals the devastating failures in the military’s mental health care system.

This episode talks about the long-lasting impact of untreated mental health issues and the moral injuries that soldiers like John endure.

How did someone so full of potential end up in such a dark place? Could better mental health care have saved both John and Jackqwelyn?

What You’ll Learn:

• Who are John Needham and Jacqwelyn Villagomez?
• John’s military career and deployment to Baghdad.
• The mental health decline that led to tragedy.
• The concept of moral injury and how it affects soldiers.
• The tragic incident involving Jacqwelyn.
• How military failures contributed to John's fate.
• The ripple effects of trauma, both in John's life and for those around him.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “The military makes these combat warfighters weapons. They make them weapons and they don't care when they are broken because, quite frankly, it doesn't always affect their ability to be good in combat.” - Tressa Brady
• “What happens when these men don't get the help they need and the men stop compartmentalizing, and they come home and they can't turn off the war? Women die.” - Tressa Brady
• “Many warfighters experience moral injury when they're in combat, when they're involved in events that just go against their moral code while they're deployed.” - Tressa Brady

Resources

Podcast source:

• "48 Hours" Presents: Private Needham's War - CBS News

Articles referenced:

• John Needham & Jacque Villagomez: A tale of love and war (cbsnews.com)
• Troubled Iraq vet charged with murder dies (tucson.com)
• Iraq vet charged with killing girlfriend is found dead in Arizona - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

For Social Media Platforms/contact :

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthewounded13
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@healthewounded13
• Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@tressa.brady
• Email: [email protected]