Warriors Unmasked

Welcome everyone, to another exciting episode of Warriors Unmasked. This is episode 112, and we have a guest who is no less than a living inspiration. The man of the hour is Mr. Eric Christiansen - an acclaimed documentarian, a recipient of the prestigious Southwestern Region Emmy Award seven times, an ambassador for Given Hour, and a champion for mental health.

Today, we're pulling back the curtain on Eric's life story. Strap in as we travel from a traumatizing event he experienced more than three decades ago, through a difficult period of substance abuse, and towards the transformative power of assistance and rehabilitation.

The crux of our conversation today is about the resilience and fortitude that springs from times of despair. About 30 years ago, Eric was an editor for music videos and commercials when his life took an unfortunate turn. On June 27th, 1990, the Painted Cave Fire Disaster consumed his house and everything in it, including his Super 8 films, marking the end of an era. Little did he know that this was also the prologue to a new, unexpected journey.

In the wake of the fire disaster, Eric found solace in substance abuse to numb his pain and loss. However, life had a twist in store. This was his initial stride towards healing from trauma, managing grief, and narrating stories of hope. Eric's journey was far from easy, but it equipped him with invaluable insights and experiences that he now uses to help others on similar journeys. His story is a testament to the human capability to rise from the ashes and discover a renewed sense of hope.

According to Eric, feeling lost is a common sentiment among trauma survivors, as if one's life story is abruptly interrupted. This leaves one in shock, often grappling with confusion. But the emphasis of our conversation is that it's perfectly alright not to have all the answers. The process of seeking help, reaching out, and enduring the struggle is often the first step towards recovery and reclaiming hope.

Eric's inspiring journey, his lessons learned, and his thoughts on resilience and hope in Episode 112 of Warriors Unmasked. Remember, no matter the odds, hope is always within reach. There is always a path forward and people willing to embark on the journey with you. Reach out to us via the links below if you need someone to talk to!

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 2:56 Unmasking Hope, 30 years in the making

• 8:36 What goes through your mind when you come home to find your house burnt down

• 11:24 The mental health battle that followed

• 14:10 The common question of, what's next?

• 15:51 A message for the lonely trauma survivor

• 19:42 The business card that changed Eric's life

• 25:19 Is the tragedy and trauma a blessing now?

• 28:40 How Unmasking Hope came together

• 33:25 Regaining just a little bit of control

• 36:56 The role of resiliency

• 41:33 We're not our trauma

• 43:40 Where you can learn more about Eric

• 46:07 Eric's message if you're short on hope and resiliency

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked. Today, we sit down with Mike Skrypnek, an international bestselling author, men's mental health advocate, CEO of Grow Get Give Coaching, and founder of the Unlimited Worth Project. Mike shares with us his transformative journey, from dealing with personal mental health struggles to becoming a beacon of hope and support for others.

Before turning to mental health advocacy, Mike spent decades as an entrepreneur in the financial industry, and coaching. However, he realized that something was missing - a deeper, personal connection with his clients. This realization led him to embark on his own mental health journey, which uncovered long-held traumas and subconscious patterns that were holding him back.

After undergoing intense therapy, Mike came out with a newfound sense of self-awareness and purpose. He discovered the power of vulnerability and the importance of sharing his weaknesses and personal struggles. This transparency, he found, allowed him to connect with others on a more profound level, and inspired him to extend his hand to help other men in similar situations.

The global pandemic served as a turning point for Mike. The shift from face-to-face coaching to a digital format put a strain on his business and mental health. Yet, it was this challenging period that ultimately forced him to confront his struggles head-on, leading to his profound transformation.

Now, Mike is dedicated to using his experiences to help others. Through his work with the Unlimited Worth Project and Grow Get Give Coaching, he's guiding men to recognize and harness their unlimited worth, leading them towards a life filled with happiness, success, and love. Hit play to hear Mike's inspiring journey and learn how you can start taking steps to the next level of freedom and hope in your own story!

GUEST LINKS:

• UNLimited WORTH | Project | Grow Get Give Coaching

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/growgetgive/

• Mike Skrypnek

• Instagram (@mikeskrypnek)

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 2:51 How Mike Skrypnek became passionate about mental health

• 10:02 Common struggles in a digital world

• 13:50 The connection of poor mental health and hidden trauma

• 17:53 Finding the strength to be vulnerable and recognizing patterns

• 28:18 The process of healing and a sense of urgency

• 37:27 The difference of doing business now post therapy

• 47:13 The men around us are suffering

• 50:37 Unlimited Worth Project and other resources from Mike

• 55:40 Make it your story and not your secret

Hey there, we're back with another exciting session of Warriors Unmasked. This time, we got to chat with Matt Zemon, an author, entrepreneur, and expert in psychedelic medicine, who also stands strong as an advocate for mental health.

Our talk with Matt took us deep into the intriguing world of psychedelic medicine, a topic that's relevant and mind-opening. It all began with Matt's personal experience that led him down this path, triggering an inspiring transformation in his life and mindset.

Matt's first encounter with psychedelic medicine wasn't just an experience, it was a revelation. It helped him understand the healing potential of these substances, and that led him to shift his perspective on his work and life.

But Matt didn't stop at experiencing. He delved deeper, keeping abreast of the latest research in the field. Matt cleared up some misconceptions and highlighted the therapeutic benefits, expanding our understanding of this fascinating subject.

Beyond psychedelics, we got a glimpse into Matt's views on mental health. He shared his struggles and journey towards wellness, inspiring all of us to strive for better mental health.

Lastly, we peeked into Matt's entrepreneurial journey, where his experiences with psychedelic medicine play a pivotal role. Matt shed light on his vision and the hurdles he's faced, showcasing how he's leveraging his platform for good.

We hope that this enlightening conversation with Matt helps to break down any stigma you may have around this type of treatment, just as it did for us. To connect with us or Matt follow the links below!

GUEST LINKS:

• happyy.me

• www.mattzemon.com

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 2:50 How Matt Zemon decided to help people with mental illness

• 7:08 Why it's so hard for athletes to leave their sport

• 12:30 Emotions are more than okay - even needed!

• 16:02 When Matt experienced his first medical psychedelic

• 18:58 What if there is too much trauma in a certain memory to uncover it?

• 23:34 How this method can help end PTSD

• 28:26 Legal psychedelics in the US and how to try them

• 32:29 How to learn more about psychedelics?

• 37:19 About Matt's book and the many things psychedelics can help with

• 44:29 Matt's statement to those who are tired and looking for a solution

Welcome to episode 109 of Warriors Unmasked where we dive deep into the life of Thomas Buckley, a man who has weathered the storm of addiction and emerged stronger on the other side.

Thomas has spent over three decades in the hospitality industry, wielding his contagious enthusiasm to inspire others. With a deep love for golf, a devout faith, and a rich family history, he has a myriad of life experiences that have shaped his views on life.

However, growing up in a large family with an alcoholic father was not without its hardships. Despite being naturally gifted, Thomas often felt that he was never good enough, a sentiment that shadowed his every achievement. Through these struggles, he found solace in sports. Excelling at baseball and golf, he found these solo sports provided him with an escape from his turbulent home life.

But when sports weren't enough, Thomas turned to drugs and alcohol in high school, marking the start of his battle with addiction. Despite the dire consequences, he remained in denial, refusing to take responsibility for his actions. It was only when his father intervened that he acknowledged the need for change.

A major turning point was when his father, who had himself found sobriety, decided to send Thomas away to get help. In a moment of God's grace, Thomas agreed, embarking on a journey to recovery that he chronicles in his first book.

Join us on this episode of Warriors Unmasked as Thomas shares his inspiring journey from being a struggling child to a successful man who now strives to make the world a better place. From tales of hardship and heartbreak to lessons of love, hope, and empowerment, this episode is bound to leave you feeling inspired and motivated.

GUEST LINKS:

• Grace and Golf Book: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Golf-Saving-Mans-Soul/dp/B0B7QDGN7V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3MWR3OIQXH0PC&keywords=grace+and+golf+thomas+buckley&qid=1681774642&sprefix=Thomas+Buckley+%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 2:50 Chuck and Thomas share a lot of things in common and early life for Thomas

• 5:59 Thomas' first love, sports

• 10:35 The other extracurricular activities, drugs and alcohol

• 13:26 How Thomas' siblings were or weren't there for him in addiction

• 16:46 You can't BS a BSer

• 20:53 When God acts anonymously

• 23:19 I can only take action, God is in the results business

• 33:00 Blessings and ego

• 42:44 Next thing you know, Thomas wins the Turkish Open

• 46:55 "Grace and Golf" available now

• 51:34 A message to anyone who doesn't believe God will greet them with open arms

In this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, we sit down with Sandy Phillips Kirkham, a wife, mother, and grandmother who has triumphed over trauma. Sandy bravely shares her journey, from growing up in a divorced family to finding solace in the church and her relationship with God, only to experience abuse by her youth pastor.

This conversation takes listeners from sorrow and sadness to compassion, understanding, and empowerment as we explore Sandy's lifelong journey of healing and forgiveness. Sandy's story is one of hope and overcoming trauma. At 16, she was sexually abused by her youth pastor, an abuse that continued for five years until his actions were discovered.

She wasn't his first victim, nor his last. After being told to leave the church due to her "behavior," Sandy hid her past from her husband, family, and friends for 27 years. A triggering event eventually forced her to confront her abuse, hiring a private investigator to locate her abuser and confront him. Sandy's journey isn't just about the abuse she endured, but also about how she overcame the trauma, learned to forgive, and reclaimed her life.

Sandy speaks candidly The pastor began grooming Sandy for abuse, starting with seemingly innocent gestures and escalating to sexual contact. He manipulated her guilt and devotion to the church, convincing her that their relationship was sanctioned by God. Trapped by his control and fearful of not being believed, Sandy suffered in silence for years.

Despite the damage done to her spiritual life and relationship with the church, Sandy has managed to find healing and forgiveness. She admits to still feeling uncomfortable in church at times but has learned to accept and understand her triggers. Through her healing journey, Sandy has become an advocate for victims of clergy abuse, serving on the board of the Council on Child Abuse and volunteering for The Hope of Survivor's Ministry. She has even spoken before the Ohio Senate!

Sandy Phillips Kirkham's story is a testament to the power of resilience, healing, and forgiveness. Her experiences offer invaluable insight and encouragement to others who may be struggling with similar traumas. Hit play to hear more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Sandy's Book: Let Me Prey Upon You - Sandy Phillips Kirkham, Author

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 2:52 The church started as a perfect place for Sandy

• 6:27 When the abuse started for Sandy

• 13:46 How to spot the many tools of manipulation and abuse

• 18:27 An eventual reckoning….yet without justice

• 24:58 The journey of confronting the truth

• 31:57 The motive for bringing the truth to light

• 34:56 When they made Sandy the villain of the story

• 39:56 When Sandy shared the truth with her husband

• 43:51 A look into Sandy's new book "Let Me Prey Upon You"

• 47:02 It's a much bigger issue than we can wrap our heads around

Today we're going to take a casual yet heartwarming dive into the life of Mr. Maverick Khan. He's a firefighter, husband, father, and mental health advocate who has been through some tough times but has come out even stronger on the other side. In this episode of

Warriors Unmasked, we'll explore his journey from a young boy with big dreams to the man he is today. Growing up, Maverick had always dreamed of riding on the back of a firetruck and being of service to his community. His passion for firefighting led him to join the department at the young age of 17, and he's been serving his community ever since. But in July of 2021, Maverick got a call that would change his life forever.

The call was about the unexpected loss of his best friend, and it shook him to his core. As he struggled to cope with his grief, Maverick realized that he needed to focus on his mental health and encourage others to do the same. He became a mental health advocate and started sharing his story with others, in hopes of inspiring them to take care of themselves too.

In this episode, we'll get to hear all about Maverick's journey from hurt and heartbreak to hope, encouragement, understanding, and empowerment. It's a story that's sure to touch your heart and leave you feeling inspired. So sit back, relax, and join us for another amazing episode of Warriors Unmasked.

Thanks for tuning in, and hit play to get started or follow the links below to reach out to you!

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 2:47 Welcome to the show Maverick Hann of Lloydminster

• 5:53 A great upbringing to realizing a dream of becoming a firefighter

• 13:27 The day it all changed for

• 17:48 How to get through: Second By Second

• 21:40 The 30 seconds switch that Maverick hope again

• 24:22 When and how things started to turn around for the better

• 31:03 The journey of getting help and healing

• 35:54 The fear of exposing your struggle

• 41:31 What people observe about Maverick now

• 45:27 There is help waiting for you!

• 47:59 A final reminder to always advocate for yourself

Welcome to Warriors Unmasked! Today we had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Justin Goldman.

Born and raised in a non-traditional hockey market of Dallas, Texas, Justin's passion for the sport was ignited at a young age when he watched his first NHL practice. From that moment, he was hooked and knew he wanted to pursue a life in hockey, specifically in the goaltending position.

Justin's journey led him to become an NHL Emergency Backup Goaltender (EBUG) for the Colorado Avalanche from 2017-2022. But his commitment to the sport didn't end there. In 2009, Justin founded The Goalie Guild, a nonprofit organization focused on educating and supporting goalies at all levels. One of the foundation's key programs is Lift The Mask, which was created in 2018 to address the mental health of goaltenders.

Throughout our conversation with Justin, we were struck by his warmth, curiosity, and awareness. He shared the importance of understanding and encouraging mental health support for athletes and detailed how his work aims to empower every goalie he comes into contact with.

Justin's experience in the hockey world is vast, having worked with USA Hockey, the USNTDP, NHL.com, NetWork Goaltending, Elite Goalies, and Mitch Korn Goalie Schools. He's also a published author, with a collection of goaltending mindset books available on Amazon, including The Power Within I and II, Embracing The Grind, and Between Two Worlds.

We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation with Justin Goldman as much as we enjoyed speaking with him. His dedication to making the world a better place for goalies is truly inspiring, and we encourage you to check out his work with The Goalie Guild and Lift The Mask.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and take a moment to explore the extraordinary journey of Justin Goldman!

GUEST LINKS:

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 2:58 When Justin met hockey and how it led to the Goalie Guild

• 18:16 Goalie, the most pressure filled position in sports

• 22:12 Suddenly dealing with loss and mental health

• 32:15 There are solutions to every kind of problem and you cannot walk this path alone

• 38:00 There are horses in Heaven

• 40:07 What Justin does every day to stay balanced

• 46:52 Justin can be in service of and help others more now because of what he experienced

• 49:29 How to find more from Justin

• 54:26 Final words of encouragement from Justin Goldman

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today, we have a really special guest with us, Mr. Eric McCoy. Eric has a unique story to share with us, one that's bound to take you on an emotional rollercoaster.

Eric spent most of his life around substance abuse, trying every drug he could get his hands on, with methamphetamine being his preferred choice. In 2001, he found himself facing 15 years in prison after his tenth arrest, four of which were within a six-month period. But, Eric was given a miracle sentence and that's when he decided to turn his life around. He became a substance abuse counselor in 2003 and has been working in the field ever since, as a counselor, program director, clinical director, and executive director.

Today, Eric teaches at a school and has written a book titled "Pain, Failure, and Misery are the Stepping Stones to Success". He also hosts two podcasts, "High While Clean" and "Walk a Mile in My Shoes", where he shares his experiences and works to understand things that he doesn't really understand. And that's not all, Eric also hosts an online radio show called "Hot Topics" on Johnny Rock and Roll Radio.

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Eric is going to take us on a journey through his life, starting from his childhood, where he never allowed himself to get close to people due to moving a lot, to his addiction to methamphetamine, to his miracle sentence that changed his life forever. Eric's story is sure to bring out a range of emotions in you, from heartbreak and sadness to empathy, education, and understanding.

So, sit back, relax and join us as we listen to Eric's story and learn more about his journey to becoming the person he is today. Don't forget to tune into episode 105 of Warriors Unmasked!

GUEST LINKS:

• www.highwhileclean.org

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 3:00 Growing up as Eric McCoy

• 8:00 Not the moving, but connection with other people led Eric down this path

• 12:23 Was the path he was on concerning for him or his parents?

• 15:56 How methamphetamines entered the picture and the damage done

• 24:11 The man lows and criminal happenings while believing 'place' was the problem

• 48:07 The miracle sentence that lead to spiritual interest

• 1:02:03 What does life look like now for Eric and how can we connect with him

• 1:11:58 Eric's message to anyone going through these same sorts of things right now

Welcome to another episode of Warriors Unmasked! Where we chat with amazing people who have overcome all sorts of challenges to make a difference in the world.

Today, we have the pleasure of talking to Andy Lipman - an author, advocate, and all-around badass cystic fibrosis warrior!

Andy's story is incredible. He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth and lost his sister to the same disease just a few years before. But he never let that hold him back. In fact, he used it as motivation to become the most improved athlete in fourth grade - how cool is that?!

Andy has written five books about cystic fibrosis, including his latest one, The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community. It's a memoir dedicated to his mom, who inspired him to become an advocate for the cystic fibrosis community. Through his work, he's been featured on national news channels and publications, like the Today Show and CNN.

But what's really amazing about Andy is his tireless efforts to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis. His foundation has contributed over $4.5 million towards finding a cure for this genetic disease. He's created a community of warriors who support each other and fight for their dreams, no matter what life throws their way.

And if all that isn't impressive enough, Andy also carried the Olympic torch! Talk about living life to the fullest!

So, join us for this inspiring conversation with Andy Lipman. We guarantee you'll walk away feeling hopeful, encouraged, and empowered to tackle whatever challenges come your way!

More Of What's Inside:

• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• www.cfwarriorproject.org

• Twitter @cfwarriorproj

• Instagram @cfwarriorproject

• YouTube: CF Warrior Project

• TikTok: @cf_warrior_project

• Facebook: Andy-Lipman

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Show introduction and messages from our sponsors

• 2:54 Introducing Andy Lipman and the idea of doing your best without comparison

• 8:55 Andy opens up about being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at an early age

• 16:42 Life as a young man in high school and college dealing with CF

• 25:18 What Andy's mental health was like at his lowest point before he really began to get strong

• 30:05 The 5 books Andy has written starting with "Alive at 25"

• 35:16 Andy does not want to be defined by Cystic Fibrosis

• 41:17 What does life look like for Andy Lipman these days?

• 45:03 Andy's key to making sure life has more ups than downs

• 48:16 If you're struggling in a similar way to what you've heard today, here's a message from Andy

Hey there, Warriors Unmasked fans! Today's episode is an incredibly special one, as we sit down with Mr. Bob Taylor, a veteran, author, and founder of the Patriot Promise Foundation.

Bob takes us on a journey from his senior year at Michigan State University to being deployed halfway around the world during Operation Desert Storm as a B-52 navigator in the United States Air Force. He shares his experience of flying 11 combat missions and receiving the Air Force's Air Medal, followed by serving as a KC-135 navigator, eventually rising to the rank of Major.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bob held various positions in the medical device industry, eventually becoming CEO of Alliant Healthcare Products. His company helped sell over $110 million of high-tech medical products to the VA and military hospitals last year alone. Alliant is also a verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, which was recognized by the Small Business Administration as the Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year for 2019.

Bob's writing of From Service to Success is a cornerstone of the Patriot Promise Foundation, which he founded to help reduce the rate of suicides among veterans and provide a clear path forward as they transition into civilian life. The foundation is a non-profit organization that is establishing non-profit ventures run by veterans, offering them the ability to learn new skills in the workplace while enhancing their lives through a training program based on Bob's book. The foundation's first priority is to get 100,000 copies of From Service to Success into the hands of veterans through donations from the public.

We hope you'll sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Warriors Unmasked as we take a deep dive into Bob's journey and how he is making a difference in the lives of our servicemen and women every single day. It's bound to be a fascinating and heart-warming conversation filled with understanding, love, and compassion. So, without further ado, hit play to meet Mr. Bob Taylor to the show!

GUEST LINKS:

• Patriotpromise.org

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-taylor-8b07887/

• Facebook: The Patriot Promise

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Follow us on Instagram

• Like us on Facebook

• Subscribe To Our YouTube

• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 What's inside today's episode

• 1:40 Thank you to today's sponsors

• 3:02 Welcome and Introduction to Bob Taylor and the path from school to the Air Force

• 6:56 Some of the incredible things Bob's seen in the Air Force

• 13:24 What are your nerves and emotions like in combat situations?

• 19:40 What retiring from the military was like for Bob

• 27:48 Some coping skills that Bob still uses for depression and irritability

• 34:57 Struggling Veterans don't need to struggle alone and the Patriot Promise Foundation

• 43:35 A challenge from Chuck to the listeners and a message from Bob to veterans