Warriors Unmasked

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Boy, do we have an incredible episode for you. When most people think of addiction they think of illegal substances. But what happens when you get hooked on legal medication that your therapist prescribed at eleven years old?

Join us today as our guest Jay Shifman takes us through his harrowing journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at eleven years old, the path that led him to substance abuse, two attempts at suicide, and his inevitable hit at rock bottom. Jay's remarkable journey doesn't end there though, he has lived despite all odds and has now dedicated his life to helping others who struggle with mental illness and substance abuse.

Jay started his company "Choose your struggle" with two important goals in mind. Ending stigma and promoting honest and fact-based education around the topics of Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, and Drug Use & Policy. Listen in as Jay talks about the moment his life changed forever, and how it all started with telling his story. You'll learn the best way to support those who are struggling and other great tips when it comes to handling medication safely. His perseverance and courage will inspire you, whether you are struggling or know someone who is, that a full turnaround is possible.

This episode is sure to open your eyes to the world of prescription drugs and their part in addiction, but also to the hope that every one of us has a purpose and place in this life. For more resources and to connect with Jay, check out the links below!

More Of What's Inside:

• Being diagnosed with ADHD as a preteen
• The dangers of Adderall
• The obstacles to understanding addiction
• How the treatment of ADHD can be harmful
• Getting a second opinion when it comes to your mental health
• Understanding the medical definition of addiction
• Being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder
• Signs that you're on too many medications
• How mental illness and addiction go hand in hand
• The step-down method to detoxing
• How telling his story changed Jay's life
• The start of "choose your struggle"
• How to reach people who are struggling
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: https://jay.campsite.bio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CYS_Jay
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayshifman/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayshifman/

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:

• 0:02 - The amazing story you'll hear today!
• 1:42 - Introducing Jay Shifman
• 5:58 - The treatment of ADHD and its ties to addiction
• 10:13 - The issue of Adderall on campuses
• 13:53 - A perfect storm of adolescence and medication
• 19:28 - The importance of diligence with medication
• 24:09 - Taking six medications by the age of 22
• 27:41 - Living out of his car and attending music festivals
• 33:31 - The moment Jay hit rock bottom
• 40:29 - Choosing life and slowly detoxing
• 45:40 - Getting sober and starting a new life

It's official, the holiday season is in full swing! We have Thanksgiving under our belt and Christmas and New Year's are just days away. We thought it was only right to sit down and talk about the blessings and gifts we have already been given this Christmas season and share a few more gifts with you, our amazing and valued listeners!

We know that for some, the holiday season isn't always bright lights and laughter. In fact, it can be a really hard time for those struggling with mental illness. If you can relate, you're not alone. Listen in as we talk about how we approach the holiday season and how we stay in a routine that helps keep the holiday stress and anxiety at bay. It's easy to get caught up in the commercialism and expectations that this season brings, but we're here to remind you don't get too wrapped up in the traditions if it's at the expense of your own mental health.

When you hit play you'll also be joining us on our walk down memory lane to revisit the past Christmases that brought us love, laughter, and joy, as well as the moments that were not so easy for us. We are sure you will pick up tips along the way that could help bring you out of any holiday slump.

We hope this episode encourages and inspires you to take the pressure off this season and helps fill your heart and put it in the right place to feel the real true reason for the season.

We would love to connect with you, you can find our information in the links below!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Keeping the stress out of Christmas
• Taking extra time to care for yourself
• How to celebrate Christmas if you have anxiety
• A simple Christmas and its benefits
• Giving yourself the opportunity to stay in a good place
• Leaning into the real spirit of Christmas
• Why it's ok to say 'No' this season
• The joy of sharing the spirit of Christmas with others
• Looking back at the Christmases we enjoyed
• The gift our listeners have given to us
• Our tips to get through this season successfully
• And much more!

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:

• 0:02 - What we shared today!
• 1:32 - Why this season is so important
• 3:09 - Go the extra mile for your mental health
• 4:45 - If the Holiday season is hard for you, try this
• 6:30 - Finding joy in the simple things
• 8:46 - The importance of staying in your routine
• 10:51 - Creating magical moments with our families
• 13:49 - The wonderful memories that we grew up with
• 17:44 - What we're thankful for this season
• 19:13 - The time of year to take care of YOU
• 20:41 - Closing thoughts

We believe that sharing your story is one of the most powerful things you can do for many reasons.

For example, some of the happiest people you can imagine may be struggling with a mental illness and you'd never know…It's not until vulnerability gives them the courage to open up and share their story that we know what's going on in their life.

This moment can be scary for the one opening up for the first time, but the burden that is lifted when you're done is like nothing else. If you're on the listening side of the conversation you are probably thinking "I thought I was the only one!"

When we come together and share our story we realize that the human experience has its ups and downs and we are all on the same journey. When we find similarities in our stories and struggles, the power of healing is within your grasp.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today we sit down with former NHL player, coach, and owner of the Monkey Mind Podcast, Danny Perez. Talking with Danny today you wouldn't guess that his past is riddled with anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. But he reveals all about his time in college and how he ignored the anxiety that start to compound as he pushed himself to the breaking point. We discuss the importance of managing your mental health and how passion can sometimes put more pressure on us than we're prepared to deal with.

It wasn't until Danny started opening up that he realized he wasn't the only one struggling and how that led him to the path of healing and taking back control of his life. If hindsight is 20/20, then Danny has perfect vision, you'll get amazing insight into taking ownership of the past and turning dark times into valuable learning experiences. He talks about the lessons he's learned and how he still uses them to this day as well as the practices that keep his mind happy, healthy, and whole. These days you'll find Danny coaching both on and off the ice, helping athletes open up and overcome the struggles of athletic life.

We hope this episode empowers you to face your past and learn from your experiences but most of all we hope it encourages those struggling to reach out and open up to someone near you today. For more resources or to connect with Danny, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up as a first-generation American
• The moment Danny got hooked on hockey
• How Danny's parents fed his love for hockey
• Taking off the pressure and enjoying the journey
• The importance of managing your mental health
• How therapists helped Danny shift his perspective
• Owning up to the past and being self-aware
• Looking at the learning experiences of life
• The most important thing you need to start healing
• Practices Danny does to keep a healthy mind
• The power of taking responsibility
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Podcast: https://monkeymindathletes.com/episodes
• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/monkeymindathletes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonkeyMindAthletes
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/podmonkeymind
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monkeymindathletes/?viewAsMember=true

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:

• 0:02 - What we cover today!
• 1:39 - Introducing Danny Perez
• 6:34 - Bonding through hockey
• 9:49 - Going all in for the NHL
• 13:01 - Drinking to cope with anxiety
• 17:08 - How pressure makes mental illness worse
• 22:17 - How opening up brings validation
• 25:09 - When Danny realized it was time to change
• 30:00 - Danny's life as a pro athlete
• 36:01 - Practical tips to help your mental health
• 40:43 - Where to find the Monkey Mind Podcast
• 43:28 - Danny's advice for you
• 44:48 - Closing thoughts

For many elite athletes, life after sports isn't on their radar until it's too late. When you are performing at your best, focusing on winning games, trying to stay disciplined with your practice and training schedule, getting to know new people and places...all while trying to keep your contract (aka your job) going with your team.

While most people may not relate to being traded to a different team, or losing your starting position, the pandemic left millions without a job...or a sense of identity.

Join us as we take a look at purpose, identity, and the question that comes after every fall.

"What do I do now?"

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Our guest today has shown incredible courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. George Hughes is a retired professional hockey player and co-founder of "Next Shift" a platform designed to help hockey players find direction in life after they've stepped off the ice. George takes us on his journey of struggling with alcohol and nicotine addiction at just fourteen to overcoming all obstacles and finding purpose and hope after hockey.

Michael Jackson said, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror" and that is exactly what George did. Listen in as he talks about the moment he had to sit down and take responsibility for what he wanted to do with his life. And how vulnerability and believing in himself helped change his perspective, overcome addiction, manage his depression, and reduce his anxiety. We talk about the importance of proactively taking steps for "after" and why waiting for it to end will only set you up for disappointment.

No matter if you're an elite athlete, corporate worker, student, mother, or father, this episode has lessons that will help with any stage of life. If you'll only steel your courage, and know that it is good on the other side. For more resources or to connect with George, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• The power of understanding your story
• Learning how to deal with failure
• The moment that anxiety started creeping in for George
• Looking at the bigger picture to help forgive yourself
• Using old talents to accelerate your new purpose
• Taking responsibility for how you respond to disappointment
• Why you should be proactive with your path
• Setting yourself up for success
• Creating connections that last a lifetime
• Applying life lessons to everything
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Article: https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/sports/2020/09/18/on-to-the-next-shift-needhams-sean-and-ryan-coffey-start-podcast-about-life-after-hockey/114517524/
• Article: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2013/11/24/hockey-huge-deal-for-hughes-family-westwood/jIwhVORjYL3OatVwgbF30L/story.html
• Website: https://nextshifthockey.com/
• Podcast: https://www.nextshift.biz/podcast
• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/next_shift_hockey/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-shift-hockey/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/NextShiftPod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Next-Shift-Hockey-103888868032180/

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:

• 0:02 - What we cover today!
• 1:44 - Introducing George Hughes
• 6:01 - Where it all started
• 10:16 - Being shaped by adversity
• 12:58 - Drinking and smoking at 14 years old
• 18:13 - Life after hockey
• 23:03 - Finding a new purpose in life
• 28:26 - Picking yourself back up after failing
• 33:07 - How to manage your transition well
• 37:52 - Where to connect with George
• 39:57 - George's advice for you
• 41:03 - Closing thoughts

Have you ever heard the phrase "you're too much." before? Chances are if you have, it came from a teacher, a parent, or someone you held in high regard...for those living with undiagnosed mental illness, words like this can be damaging. Even if the person who said it didn't mean any harm or have malicious intent. Hearing these words as a youngster can make you feel like who you are is somehow flawed.

Hearing these words and overcoming the limitations that come with it is how the journey of today's guest begins.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today's guest has a journey that is so impactful and uplifting you won't want to hit the pause button. From overcoming cancer at just two years old to facing death from substance abuse multiple times, Eric Rogers has lived despite all odds. We take a look into Eric's childhood of growing up in an emotionally abusive household while dealing with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Battling mental illness is not an easy thing, but for eight-year-old Eric, it was painful enough for him to seek normalcy in pills from his parent's medicine cabinet.

Listen in as Eric tells his journey of addiction, soberness, and all the lessons in between. We have an honest conversation on the struggles of addiction, how Eric found a new perspective with sober eyes, and the practical steps he takes today to maintain a healthy mind and body. His story has touched not just us, but so many who have also struggled with addiction, and the label of being "too much". Join us as we learn how Eric came to shed his crippling self-doubt, love who he is, and use his gifts to change the world around him.

We hope this episode encourages, and gives you the courage to reach out for help. For more resources or to connect with Eric, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up with undiagnosed mental illness
• How Eric was ashamed of being "too much"
• Escaping reality through substance abuse
• Finding a new perspective in jail
• The signs of hope that kept Eric going
• How you can overcome self-doubt
• The power of believing in your future self
• Learning the process of healing and sharing it with others
• Daily habits that help keep Eric sober-minded
• Finding hope in everyday pain and discomfort
• Understanding the gift of being human
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: http://www.rogersfitnessacademy.com/
• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_ericrogers
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8P3lVjMfbTxYn549IW-fSA

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:

• 0:02 - What we cover today!
• 1:36 - Introducing Eric Rogers
• 5:59 - Dealing with emotional abuse at a young age
• 10:27 - Putting energy into the wrong places
• 16:07 - Sobering up in jail and life after
• 21:34 - Surviving despite all odds
• 24:19 - The struggle of self-doubt
• 28:22 - How Eric Rogers found his purpose
• 34:23 - What Eric's life looks like today
• 40:53 - Where to connect with Eric
• 44:17 - Eric's advice to you
• 44:47 - Closing thoughts

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! If you are like us, Thanksgiving and this time of year is about more than just turkey, traveling, and family traditions. It's a time to reflect on all the things we're thankful for in this life.

This week in honor of the Holiday we decided to take a different approach to our episode. Instead of introducing you to another incredible guest, we want to invite you to grab your favorite Thanksgiving snack or drink and join us at "the table" for a conversation about gratitude and thankfulness.

Looking back at our past guests there's a recurring theme that we've noticed. No matter how down and out, how much they struggled, or the trauma that our guests had experienced, they were always thankful for where their journey led them. In our opinion, this isn't a coincidence. Gratefulness is one of the strongest tools you have in your mental toolbox! Listen in as we share our own experience with thankfulness and how taking as little as ten minutes a day to focus on gratitude has changed our lives.

We also want to take a moment today and honor the people who have helped mold us into the men we are today, the gift this show has given us, and the amazing guests we've had the honor of talking to. You'll hear about comparison and the joy it can rob you of, as well as some tips to find thankfulness in any scenario you find yourself in. We know the holidays are not easy for everyone, but our hope is that this episode can give you just a little comfort, companionship, and encouragement to find something you are grateful for in your life.

So hit play, pull up a chair (or an earbud), sit back, and join the conversation.

PS: Creating this show for our listeners, for YOU, is one of the things we are most grateful for.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Why you should start a gratitude journal
• Intentionally taking time to give thanks
• Shedding the mask of being "strong"
• Being thankful for the small things
• The importance of staying away from comparison
• Finding thankfulness no matter what
• Becoming vulnerable to help serve others
• Why kindness is so important
• Being grateful for the people in your life
• Our gratitude towards YOU
• And much more!

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:

• 0:02 - What we cover today!
• 1:31 - The power of gratitude
• 3:20 - How gratitude journaling changed our lives
• 5:47 - A great way to change perspective
• 7:28 - The magic of Thanksgiving in the U.S.
• 9:57 - Finding gratefulness during the holidays
• 13:20 - How comparison kills gratitude
• 17:50 - Gratitude's impact on making tough decisions
• 20:51 - The people who got us here today
• 26:13 - Closing thoughts

From the outside looking in, today's guest had it all…

He was the heir to a world-renowned candy company, working with his grandpa, uncle, and father, he had a future set up with everything he could want. All he had to do was follow the path laid for him.

But Nello had a different dream, and nothing could keep him from achieving his goals. Can you relate?

Today on Warriors Unmasked Nello Ferrara takes us on his journey of defying the odds and traveling his own path. Listen in as Nello talks about growing up as the heir to his family's candy company and the guilt he felt as a teenager who wanted to pursue a career in hockey instead.

Growing up in a tight-knit Italian family had its own challenges, but when divorce split their family apart Nello began to spiral. Leaning on coping mechanisms he wasn't even aware of until a couple of trusted friends pointed it out. You'll hear how he turned his mindset around and the moment his life changed forever when he got the chance to play hockey six years after he had quit.

Join us as Nello talks about the escape that hockey gave him and the lessons he learned from the Game that would make him a better man, role model, and ultimately help him reconnect with his father, healing major wounds in the process. Nello's story is the epitome of what Warriors Unmasked is all about, his courage, perseverance, and focus on mental health has been crucial not only for his healing but for the many young men who come into his gym, needing support through the struggles of life.

We are inspired and empowered by the resilience that Nello has cultivated in his own life. When you hit play you too will see how his determination has created a better life for him and all those that have the blessing of meeting him. For more resources check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• The real cost of success
• Why you shouldn't be ashamed of struggle
• Growing up in a family company
• The power and danger of anger
• How your parent's shape your beliefs
• Finding an escape in Hockey
• Being a role model for kids
• The moment he left the family candy company
• Lessons from the Game of Hockey
• How Nello reconnected with his dad
• Learning to roll with the punches
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: https://www.ferrarapanfitness.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ferrarapanfitness/?ref=py_c
• Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ferrarapanfitness/

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:

• 0:02 - What we cover today!
• 1:30 - Introducing Nello Ferrara
• 4:24 - Changing the perspective on struggle
• 10:08 - Hockey and the family business
• 15:31 - Divorce's damage and how Nello coped
• 20:56 - The men who helped Nello get back on track
• 26:01 - Learning unhealthy habits from his parents
• 33:05 - How Nello got back into Hockey
• 38:21 - Trying out for the ECHL
• 42:44 - The moment that changed Nello's life
• 47:52 - What the game of Hockey taught Nello
• 51:51 - How Hockey helped during his dad's sickness
• 58:18 - Nello's advice for you
• 1:00:49 - Closing thoughts

If you think mental illness or disorders are just affecting a small group of people…here is a stat to put things into perspective. 42% of the global workforce has experienced a decline in their mental health since the beginning of the pandemic.

42% isn't a number to shake a stick at…

It begs the question, why is there still such a strong stigma around topics regarding mental health? With more people than ever experiencing it now, we have an amazing opportunity to enter into compassionate conversation and end the stigma once and for all.

Our guest today is working towards this goal with fierce passion. Michelle E. Dickinson is a Wellbeing Strategist and passionate mental health advocate. She sees herself as the bridge that helps people get comfortable with their mental health. Allowing them to reach out and get the support they need before a crisis hits. Michelle takes us on a journey through her childhood from growing up with a mom who had severe bipolar disorder to shedding her anger and learning to heal with compassion and understanding.

It wasn't until she was diagnosed with depression that Michelle really dove into therapy. There she would learn through extensive self-discovery and patience that her childhood was more than distant memories. You'll hear how Michelle has shaped her life for the better, not in spite of her mom's abuse, but by using it as motivation to create psychological resilience and mental health strategies that cultivate cultures of compassion. Listen in as we discuss the importance of bringing this into the workplace and how leaders can set an example and create a safe place for their employees.

If you are struggling with your mental health, chances are you aren't the only one. This episode will leave you feeling empowered to take a step out and have that brave conversation. It may just change the course of your life for good.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

For more resources or to get in touch with Michelle, check out the links below!

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up with a mentally ill parent
• Finding support outside of home
• The journey of forgiving her mom
• Changing the perspective on Bipolar Disorder
• Repeating patterns based on your childhood
• Being diagnosed with depression
• The power of your relationship with your parents
• Educating the corporate space on mental illness
• How you can support the people you lead
• Normalizing conversation on mental illness
• Setting the tone as a leader
• Using self-awareness to root out bias
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: https://www.careforyourpeople.com/
• Website: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/
• Website: https://breakingintomylife.com/
• Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6Yaq3AqLUebGmfZoRdB4Q
• Instagram: @michelledickinson71
• Twitter: @mdickinson13
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.dickinson.146?ref=bookmarks
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-e-dickinson-7882013
• Free Book Exerpt: http://breakingintomylife.com/excerpt
• Website: http://www.mantherapy.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:

• 0:02 - What we cover today!
• 1:38 - Introducing Michelle E. Dickinson
• 6:23 - Navigating a difficult home life
• 11:45 - The road to forgiveness and healing
• 16:15 - Gravitating towards familiar people
• 20:51 - Pushing through pain to find healing
• 24:13 - How Michelle shaped her life today
• 27:35 - Where to find Michelle
• 30:42 - Breaking through stigma in corporations
• 36:12 - Building trust as a leader
• 40:33 - The effect society has had on men
• 45:32 - Michelle's advice for you
• 47:26 - Closing thoughts

All of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Whether you've been diagnosed yourself, know someone who has, or lost a loved one there is no doubt that this devastating disease sometimes leaves us with more questions than answers...

There is one side of cancer that is not often talked about or thought about until you find yourself in the aftermath of a diagnosis. That side is the emotional side of the cancer journey. This part of the rollercoaster affects not just the patient but spreads into the entire family and community connected to the patient. It leaves you wondering...what can you even do to support them?

Today we share the story of someone who has been through this first hand. When David Richman lost his sister to brain cancer, he began a journey of not only bettering his health but eventually biking almost 5000 miles cross country to connect the dots between those who have experienced cancer and their emotional journey with it.

If you were to ask a patient what they need, their first answer may be something more practical. But through intentional questions, conversations, and offering up a safe space David has been able to record the emotional side of what it's like to live with cancer.

No two experiences are alike, and not just with cancer. David talks about the importance of the past and how someone's life experience can determine how they react. You'll hear about the lessons he's learned through connection, how someone may react to their diagnosis, and why creating a safe space is one of the best things you could do to help.

Listen in as David shares the stories of some of the people he's met along the way and how they have impacted his perspective on life. Like we said before there are not many of us who have not been affected by cancer. But with intense vulnerability, compassion, and listening you can make their journey a little easier.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Why David started living life on purpose
• Learning how to address the emotional side of cancer
• Finding the silver lining and closure
• Creating connection through relays
• Why people self-isolate during their cancer journey
• Allowing each other to be our authentic selves
• A redefinition of what strength is
• How to show up for those diagnosed with cancer
• Understanding gratefulness in a deeper way
• Taking one step forward no matter what
• The effect of cancer on our doctors
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: https://david-richman.com/
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cycleoflives/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cycleoflives
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrichman/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidrichman_cycleoflives/
• Website: http://cycleoflives.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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 - What we cover today!
• 1:43 - Becoming a Philanthropist
• 2:50 - The start of David's journey
• 7:56 - Unveiling the mystery of cancer
• 11:24 - Cross country biking and emotional understanding
• 13:50 - The power of your past before cancer diagnosis
• 18:17 - Learning vulnerability through Bobby's story
• 22:52 - Creating a safe place for cancer patients
• 26:00 - Two conclusions that helped David heal
• 29:06 - How David chose which stories were told
• 32:05 - Dominic's story and its ripple effect
• 36:19 - A look into resilience with Karen and Patricia
• 43:07 - Sharing a new perspective on life through his book
• 47:28 - How to find David's resources
• 50:04 - David's advice for you
• 51:10 - Closing thoughts

It took one phone call to change Mike Cameron's life forever. After losing his girlfriend to gender-based violence Mike went on a journey of grieving and healing. What he learned has become a crucial ability in his life, using this expertise he lends his voice to help eradicate violence against women.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We are blown away by Mike's story and the amount of courage and perseverance he has shown in the face of tragedy. Mike is a leadership coach and uses his S.O.A.R framework to help leaders reconnect with their passions and purpose in life. He is the co-founder of the Ignore No More Run for Respect, an event designed to raise awareness around gender-based violence and specifically engage men and boys in the conversation.

Listen in as Mike recounts the day his life changed forever and the time around the moment he learned Carissa had died at the hands of her ex. This achingly honest account is the start to Mike's dedication, you'll hear how he found the strength to move forward and the people and resources he is still thankful for to this day.

Join us as Mike talks about his coaching and the work he's doing to dismantle the harmful beliefs that cause men to suppress their emotions and erupt on the people in their lives. You'll hear him talk about the importance of starting at the foundation and equipping men and boys alike to learn how to healthily handle their feelings. As well as the unexpected friend he found in vulnerability.

This episode is one of tragic heartbreak and comfort. Our hope is that you feel inspired and empowered to make your own mark and create a better future for our world. For more resources or to connect with Mike, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• The day that changed Mike's life
• Being aware of traumatic anniversaries
• Finding beauty and joy in feeling
• The letter that gave Mike a new perspective
• Why Mike keeps his heart open despite the grieving
• The realization of having to find forgiveness
• Honoring Carissa by fighting against gender-based violence
• Changing the world by walking through trauma
• Getting to the bottom of the gender violence problem
• Helping men connect to their feelings
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.cameron.315
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axiommike/
• Twitter: @axiommike
• Instagram: @axiommike
• Web: mikecameron.ca
• Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Becoming-Better-Man-Somethings-Change/dp/1999249003

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• A letter to Rachel
• The Little Soul And The Sun

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook
• Subscribe To Our YouTube

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 - What we cover today
• 1:44 - Introducing Mike Cameron
• 7:23 - The moments around the bad news
• 12:16 - What it was like questioned for murder
• 18:00 - Finding the courage and strength to move forward
• 23:15 - Using anniversaries as moments of gratitude
• 28:19 - Being willing to explore your feelings
• 33:29 - Creating hope out of tragedy
• 37:50 - Exercising your emotional fitness
• 43:24 - The definition of a true warrior
• 47:21 - Mike's advice for you
• 49:47 - Closing thoughts