Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

Jessica grew up in the small town of Palestine, West Virginia with her parents, brother, and sister.

In 2001 after graduating from high school, she joined the U.S. ARMY. She was stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina for Basic Training and Fort Lee in Virginia for her Advanced Individual Training. Jessica then was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas. While stationed at Fort Bliss, Jessica met Lori Piestewa.

In February 2003, Jessica's unit was deployed to Iraq. On March 23, 2003, Jessica's unit the 507th Maintenance Company was ambushed. Jessica and Lori were both taken as Prisoners of War with only Jessica surviving. She was held in captivity until she was rescued on April 1, 2003. While in captivity, Jessica was seriously injured. She suffered a broken back, right arm, right foot, left femur, left tibia, a laceration to her head, and several cracked ribs.

After years of physical therapy, Jessica went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her Master's degree in Communication Studies. She continues to speak to audiences young and old about her experience as a P.O.W. She has delivered speeches to business corporations, veteran organizations, universities, colleges, schools, and youth groups.

Today, Jessica speaks to various groups around the United States about overcoming her obstacles and how perseverance helped her survive.

Follow Jessica:

~Facebook: Jessica Lynch

~Instagram: @pow_jessicalynch

Website: www.powjessicalynch.com

Follow me:

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast; Zimee Wellness Center and Indigenous Sovereignty

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk @zimeewellnesscenter

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast; Zimee Wellness Center and Indigenous Sovereignty

~Tiktok: @curly0815

~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

Jeff was born and raised in Vallejo, California. Being brought up in a military family, it was only a matter of time until Jeff enlisted at the age of 19. He left for his first tour in Iraq and eventually got “fed up” with his assignment and went AWOL, for which he was arrested and thrown in Army Jail for two months returning back home after wards. After the attacks on Sept. 11th, Barillo appealed to the Army and was allowed to re-enlist. He started leading convoys on missions in Iraq and experiences many ambushes, gunfights and explosions. After returning to base, most soldiers would work out or play computer games, but Barillo would return to his room and write/record raps about his time in Iraq, which is where his music career started.

Jeff Barillo aka Soldier Hard aka The Voice. Jeff Barillo is an Iraqi war veteran who has found solace through the expression of music. Under the stage name Soldier Hard, Jeff has grown into massive popularity not only in the military community, from which most of his audience hail from, but also with the general public. He was even given the title “The Voice for our Troops.” Barillo’s popularity seems to have no stopper as he turned down a contract with Sony Entertainment in hopes of “holding off for something better.” He has collaborated with many other veteran/military inspired acts, and founded his own record label REDCON-1 Music Group.

Jeff began his career on an Army base with a small microphone and a laptop. After returning home, he performed at some local bars and clubs, and putting his music out on social media, which eventually allowed his music gain more popularity. His songs tell stories of our soldiers and the hardships they face, which attracts a large crowd of military supporters and soldiers. Barillo was diagnosed with PTSD after returning home and a lot of his music is based around it and receiving treatment, particularly Group Therapy. After becoming fairly well known, Barillo founded DEFCON-1 Music Group. The group’s mission is to help control the symptoms of PTSD through the use of music therapy not only to help the veterans but also their families.

Follow Soldier Hard:

~Facebook: Soldier Hard; REDCON-1 Music Group

~Instagram: @official_soldier_hard

~YouTube: Soldier Hard; REDCON-1 Music Group

~Spotify: Soldier Hard

Follow me:

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast; Zimee Wellness Center and Indigenous Sovereignty

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk @zimeewellnesscenter

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast; Zimee Wellness Center and Indigenous Sovereignty

~Tiktok: @curly0815

~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

Billy Dunston, originally from silver spring Maryland is a prior service Army ranger, and Long-Range Surveillance team leader. He served 13 years in the army with 5 deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq before making the private sector. Billy earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise science with a minor in sports psychology at Portland State University. His areas of expertise are strength and conditioning, hypertrophy training, military prep, and injury prevention. Currently his an actor/model with Dangerfield talent and  he serves as an Active Defense instructor with Complete Threat Preparedness Academy. In his free time, he enjoys Brazilian jujitsu, Kick boxing and axe throwing.

Follow Billy:

~Facebook: Billy Dunston

~Instagram: @billyd275th

Follow me:

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Tiktok: @curly0815

~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

Dominique Brown aka Dom joined the United States Army in 1994. Dom joined the Army as Infantrymen 11B, Military Police 95B, Truck Driver 88M, Logistics 92A, Combat Veteran. He went to Basic at Fort Benning GA, first duty station in Washington DC where he did inauguration security, then was deployment was to Honduras, Germany, El Salvador, Yemen, Turkey, Jordan, Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, States: Washington, Montana, Virginia, Maryland, and finally Pennsylvania. Dom then was deployed to different countries and states throughout his career then was deployed to Iraq from 2003-2005, 2009-2010 with 189CSB 82 Airborne once all of his deployments was over he was stationed at Letterkenny Army Depot where it was his last duty station retired in 2012 in Chambersburg PA. Dom volunteers his time with Freedom Team Inc., Wounded Warrior Project – Peer support mentor volunteer, Semi-Pro football player with the Chambersburg Phoenix Team, Board member of the Scotland Community Association also ran for Borough Council 3rd Ward here in Chambersburg. Dom currently volunteering on WRGG 93.7FM as the host of “Warrior Empowerment Hour “where Dom speaks from a Combat Veterans Point of View on adapting into home life. As he works toward balancing their family and mental health they always make time for one another, in his constant battle to spread awareness about Combat PTSD, TBI, and Secondary PTSD and how we all can play a negative and positive part in achieving Mental Health Wellness. Follow Dom: #weh Warrior Empowerment Hour

#mrtooez Mr. Too EZ

Both on IG, YouTube, Twitter Follow me:

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Tiktok: @curly0815

~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

About Derrick,

"For me, fitness is not just about hitting the gym; it is also about an inner happiness and an overall well-being."

~ Rakul Preet Singh ~

​In high school, I wasn't physically active. I remember being in the gym, forcing and trying to motivate myself to be more active. The motivation was just not there at the time. As I got older, I constantly worked harder to be physically active and motivated myself to be more proactive. It was hard for me to understand why the passion for being physically active was not there during my youth. I was raised around people that were physically active. My mother was a nurse in the military during the Vietnam War. She stressed the importance of healthy living and exercise. My uncle, Jackson "Rock" Pinckney, who was my biggest role model, was extremely physically active. He was a U.S. Army Veteran (Ret), medically retired law enforcement officer, fitness trainer and national bodybuilding champion, author and actor. My uncle also won several bodybuilding competitions and held the title of Mr. Fayetteville through the National Physique Committee, and the NPC Middle and Light Heavy Division Championship

I attribute my passion for physical fitness to him. Before his death, he was helping me reach and achieve my fitness goals.

After my oldest daughter was born, I made the decision to join the United States Army. I worked in combat. Being a soldier in the U.S. Army somewhat forced me to become more active because there really wasn't anything else to keep me entertained. It also helped me cope with the stressors of life. In 2005, I became a little more serious about physical fitness and strength training. I started trying different strength and conditioning techniques to help improve my overall strength, power, and endurance. During this time, I was stationed in Iraq. While completing an 18 month tour in Iraq I was seriously injured during a suicide bomber attack. The injuries I sustained left me physically and mentally scarred. I was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI) and PTSD Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. It took me a while to heal but I eventually realized that I was responsible for my own well-being and happiness. Physical fitness and strength training became my coping mechanism. This is what eventually led me to opening up my first Sport and Nutrition Online store called Genetic Push Supplements. My motivation for the online store diminished and I decided to close it after the first year.

In 2016, I reopened the company under a new name, Warrior Genetics Lab. I came back motivated, stronger, and more attentive. My dreams for this company was much bigger. I plan to work harder to make sure this company develops and grows to its fullest potential. I want this company to be a success. Currently, the company is flourishing. It has twelve athletes represent my brand. We have started competing competitively in different states. my company also now have two sponsors; Community Awareness and Youth Boxing.

Warrior Genetics Lab have given to numerous charities and so far has done one fundraiser for Veterans. There are numerous fundraisers in the works. One will be coming up this spring to support veterans.

Follow me:

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Tiktok: @curly0815

~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

Jake McLaughlin joined the U.S. Army in 2002. He was part of the 3rd Infantry Division. His unit was one of the first to enter Baghdad. NBC reporter David Bloom died while embedded with McLaughlin's unit. He served in Iraq and was critically injured. For his efforts, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Army Achievement Medal four times for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was featured in Soldier of Fortune magazine. He is mentioned in David Zucchino's 2004 book Thunder Run.

After leaving the military, McLaughlin worked on a crab boat in Oregon and as a security guard at Universal Studios. He was living in Chico, California, doing concrete work and had only $200 in his checking account when he heard about the casting session for Paul Haggis's In the Valley of Elah. Being a former dismount infantry S.A.W. gunner in Iraq in real life, he thought he would read for the role after hearing that Haggis was auditioning actual vets for several parts.

After the success of his first movie, McLaughlin made cameo appearances in movies such as The Day the Earth Stood Still and Cloverfield. He appeared in episodes of The Unit and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. He got his first major role on TV in 2009, when he was cast in the television remake of the Oscar-winning film, Crash. In the following years he made many appearances on television. In 2011, he was cast in Warrior which was followed by a supporting role in Safe House.

In February 2013, McLaughlin was cast as the male lead in Believe, a television pilot by Alfonso Cuarón[5] which was picked to series in May 2013. The show premiered on NBC in March 2014.

In March 2015, he was cast in the television pilot, Quantico which was picked to series in May. Below is a list of his acting history

2007 In the Valley of Elah-Specialist Gordon Bonner

2008 Cloverfield-Helicopter Pilot

2008 The Day The Earth Stood Still-Soldier

2011 Super 8-Merrit

2011 Warrior-Mark Bradford

2012 Safe House-Miller

2013 Savages-Doc

2013 Forever-Tom

Television roles

Year Title Role Notes

2007 The Unit-Prison Guard 1 episode

2007 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation-Matt Bartley 1 episode

2012 CSI: Miami-Sam Laughlin 1 episode

2008 Leverage-Cpl. Robert Perry 1 episode

2008 Criminal Minds-Officer Tom Kayser 1 episode

2008 Heroes-Sligo 1 episode

2008 Criminal Minds Officer Tom Kayser 1 episode

2009 Cold Case James Addison 2 episodes

2009 Crash Bo Olinville Main role (season 2), 13 episodes

2009 Chasing a Dream John Van Horn TV movie

2010 NCIS: Los Angeles-Keith Rush 1 episode

2010 Grey's Anatomy-Aaron Karev 1 episode

2011 The Mentalist-Rowdy Merriman 1 episode

2011 In Plain Sight-John Shears/John Stills 1 episode

2012 The Frontier-Cooper Hale TV Pilot

2014 Believe-Tate(Main role) 13 episodes

2014 Scorpion-Lt. James Corbett 1 episode

2015–present Quantico- Ryan Booth (Main role)

Follow Jake:

~Instagram: Jake McLaughlin

Follow me:

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Tiktok: @curly0815

~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

Born in 1952, a product of the 60s. Growing up in New York learning about life in one of the most fabulous times our world has known. I learned at a young age that being left-handed and able to throw a baseball faster than anyone around would open doors in many avenues for me. My mother instilled in me the belief of self success. I worked very hard to perfect my athletic skills and academic skills. I graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook New York with a degree in psychology. I played professional baseball for almost 10 years with "cups of coffee" with the New York Yankees. My competitiveness still makes me play against players 30 years younger than me. Baseball is definitely one of the keys to keeping me going. I still play hard. I'm very fortunate because in a very young age I learned many other things that are important to me today.

Growing up I was deathly afraid of dogs, being bitten by a dog at an extremely young age. My mom got me my first dog, a Belgian Shepherd /boxer mix named Barkey. I love that dog. Since then I have had a few dogs. Everything from a shitzu, to German shepherds, to a very special one who was the first designer dog. Watson was part sheepdog and Labrador. He like to be known as a sheepador. Everyone else called him a mutt. It's amazing but, I really believe I had something special with Watson. Something like the same heartbeat. Something like nonverbal communication. Because of Watson's afflictions a business was born featuring the Bottom's Up Leash. Watson's disabilities were for reason. I truly believe that. Over 100,000 dogs and now being helped because of Bottom's Up Leash. I created it after watching a show on mountain climbing.

I still play baseball, I paint: watercolors and acrylics, and love to be outside. Scuba diving is one of my passions. I also write. Life is short and I do not know what is on the other side. I have my beliefs but I better cram as much as I can on this side. My favorite word is passion. Whatever you do if you have passion you are on the right track. Whatever you believe if you have passion you are on the right track. Even if we disagree and you and I are both passionate about our sides, if we respect each other the discourse will be awesome.

Growing up with my mom in New York, it was instilled on me to reach for the stars. My mom taught me that reaching for the stars is the way to go because while other people are reaching for the moon your higher attempts and expectations keep you in front. I love what I do and have a lot of fun doing it.

Follow Arnie:

~www.arniecostell.com

~Facebook: Arnie Costell

~Instagram: @arniecostell

~YouTube: Arnie Costell

Follow me:

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Tiktok: @curly0815

~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

Marcus landed on the Mission 22 team in January 2020 after serving as an Engineer Officer in Alaska for four years. He's passionate about all manner of endurance sports competitions and has spent a lot of his spare time working the the US Military Endurance Sports team, a non-profit dedicated to helping service members achieve their fitness endeavors.  

Marcus currently trains for ultra marathons while working for the 320th PSYOPS Company out of Clackamas, Oregon as a Reserve Officer. Through his research, field testing, and writing, he now serves Veterans through healthy living programs and digital content creation. 

-Follow Marcus:

~Facebook: Marcus Farris

~Website: www.mission22.com

-Follow me: 

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast

~Periscope: @curly815

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

Hi everyone! I Grew up in Vancouver, Wa. I joined the Army when I was 17. I Left for basic training to Ft. Lennerdwood, MO 2 weeks after graduating in 2001. I enlisted as a Military Police then 9/11 happened during my AIT. I then was given orders to Ft. Riley, KS. We went from Kansas to DC for about 7 months in support of Operation Nobel Eagle which was to guard the Pentagon during reconstruction. We then went back to Kansas to train and prepare for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I deployed from March 03 to April 04.

After deployment, I was laterally transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and took over as the NCOIC of the narcotics team for a year. I then got orders for a PCS to Korea April of 2005. I served there till January of 2006.

I left Army even though I was a lifer at heart. I was pregnant and getting divorced so I came home back to WA. I fell in love with the medical field in Iraq and had training as a CLS (Combat life saver). It was the most fulfilling part of my short Army career. I left as a SGT (P) acting platoon SSG.

I obtained my Associates Degree in Medical Assisting... hoping to become an RN one day. Having two little babies and being a single mom.... it was hard. Working 2 or 3 jobs, night school. And then no one would hire me for MA.

I Went back to school for massage therapy and became a healer and believer in naturopathic medicine now. I own a mobile massage business and work in a natural health clinic as a massage therapist. I'm a home owner, I'm a single momma to 3 beautiful, amazing children. I've survived a lot of heart break, losing loved ones, attempted suicide of ex husband, military sexual trauma, PTSD.... etc. I'm an open book and would love nothing more than to help my brothers and sisters in arms, my fellow Veterans and fellow healers. Thank you!!!

-Follow Robyn:

~Facebook: Robyn McClure

~Instagram: @realrobynmcclure

-Follow me:

~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk

~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast

~Periscope: @curly815

~Email: [email protected]

~Paypal: @erikcastillo815

~Venmo: @curly815

I joined the service in 2002 as a 25B Information Systems Technician. I went to Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. My first duty station was in Germany. I deployed with HHC DISCOM for 15 months to Iraq. Next I was on to Fort Campbell, KY. I got married and had a son and then I got divorced. Next up was Drill Sergeant school and being a Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson, SC!! DOPE!! Directly after that, I was stationed at Fort Gordon, GA as an Advanced Individual Training (AIT) instructor. I then went to Belgium as a Communications Security custodian (COMSEC)/S2 NCO.

My awards include FY14 FT GORDON INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR! I now am completing my healing from Breast Cancer

here at Fort Knox, KY. I also do social media skits and am excited to announce the launch of my podcast COMING SOON “The Real M.E. W/ Amuse!!

Follow SFC Muse:

~Facebook: Amuse

~YouTube: Army Amuse -Follow me: Erik Castillo: ~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast ~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk ~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast ~Periscope: @curly815 ~Email: [email protected] ~Paypal: @erikcastillo815 ~Venmo: @curly815