Warriors Unmasked

What do the Bible and medical journals have in common?

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We promise that the question above is not the opening to a bad joke. But it is something our guest today has researched extensively, and the answer? It's more than you think. Today we sit down and talk with Sgt. Aaron Quinonez, or Sgt. Q, about his journey of heartbreak and hopelessness that by the grace of God he was able to face head-on and overcome his trauma.

From growing up on a marijuana farm in northern California to enlisting in the Marines Sgt. Q has endured some unique hardships that not many can say they've experienced. He talks about what it was like coming home after his service and how he struggled with major PTSD to the point of homelessness and attempted suicide.

But the story doesn't end there, in a life-changing moment Aaron was able to see that, just maybe, there was more to life than what he had experienced. It's been said that the Bible and science are at odds but through his journey of healing Sgt. Q has found the parallels between medical journals and scripture. Listen in as he talks about the science of trauma and how the bible has been giving us the answers to healing for generations. You'll learn all about Sgt. Q's process to overcoming trauma, how he found healing through serving others, and why no matter what you've been through you can find the silver lining.

Join us for this powerful conversation and learn how you can start overcoming trauma in your own life, today. This episode will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and a little more hopeful for the future so hit play and let Sgt. Q show the way to healing.

To check out the resources we talked about today look into the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up in a family that farms pot
• The slingshot principle
• What you can do to use your hardship for good
• How you can practically find the silver lining
• Refocusing on what's valuable
• How your subconscious filters your thoughts
• The importance of challenging your beliefs
• Life after the military
• Taking back control of his mental health
• The moment that changed his life for good
• Creating a program to help with trauma
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: https://sgtq.net/
• Book: https://redemption-press.com/featured-authors/aaron-quinonez/
• Suicide Prevention Community and Mobile App: https://operationpopsmoke.com/
• Website: https://www.qmissions.org/
• Website: https://healing-thru-service.thinkific.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Y9MfP8bA-VavBdQiTFxaA

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
• 1:42 - Introducing Sgt. Aaron Quinonez
• 7:55 - Why your hardship is holding you back
• 13:06 - Choosing to join the military
• 18:11 - How hardship prepared Sgt. Q for the Marines
• 23:11 - A look into the brain and subconscious
• 27:56 - The moment Aaron started to turnaround
• 32:58 - Attending church and applying science
• 37:43 - Creating a program for vets and civilians
• 42:43 - A look into Aaron's upcoming app
• 47:34 - Aaron's advice for you
• 52:21 - Closing thoughts

What do the Bible and medical journals have in common?

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We promise that the question above is not the opening to a bad joke. But it is something our guest today has researched extensively, and the answer? It's more than you think. Today we sit down and talk with Sgt. Aaron Quinonez, or Sgt. Q, about his journey of heartbreak and hopelessness that by the grace of God he was able to face head-on and overcome his trauma.

From growing up on a marijuana farm in northern California to enlisting in the Marines Sgt. Q has endured some unique hardships that not many can say they've experienced. He talks about what it was like coming home after his service and how he struggled with major PTSD to the point of homelessness and attempted suicide.

But the story doesn't end there, in a life-changing moment Aaron was able to see that, just maybe, there was more to life than what he had experienced. It's been said that the Bible and science are at odds but through his journey of healing Sgt. Q has found the parallels between medical journals and scripture. Listen in as he talks about the science of trauma and how the bible has been giving us the answers to healing for generations. You'll learn all about Sgt. Q's process to overcoming trauma, how he found healing through serving others, and why no matter what you've been through you can find the silver lining.

Join us for this powerful conversation and learn how you can start overcoming trauma in your own life, today. This episode will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and a little more hopeful for the future so hit play and let Sgt. Q show the way to healing.

To check out the resources we talked about today look into the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up in a family that farms pot
• The slingshot principle
• What you can do to use your hardship for good
• How you can practically find the silver lining
• Refocusing on what's valuable
• How your subconscious filters your thoughts
• The importance of challenging your beliefs
• Life after the military
• Taking back control of his mental health
• The moment that changed his life for good
• Creating a program to help with trauma
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: https://sgtq.net/
• Book: https://redemption-press.com/featured-authors/aaron-quinonez/
• Suicide Prevention Community and Mobile App: https://operationpopsmoke.com/
• Website: https://www.qmissions.org/
• Website: https://healing-thru-service.thinkific.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Y9MfP8bA-VavBdQiTFxaA

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
• 1:42 - Introducing Sgt. Aaron Quinonez
• 7:55 - Why your hardship is holding you back
• 13:06 - Choosing to join the military
• 18:11 - How hardship prepared Sgt. Q for the Marines
• 23:11 - A look into the brain and subconscious
• 27:56 - The moment Aaron started to turnaround
• 32:58 - Attending church and applying science
• 37:43 - Creating a program for vets and civilians
• 42:43 - A look into Aaron's upcoming app
• 47:34 - Aaron's advice for you
• 52:21 - Closing thoughts

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! If you listened to our last episode with Mac Scotty McGregor you know he left us with a fascinating process that brought him healing and breakthrough. Today we take a dive into Mac's letters to his younger self and how he continues to live life like a champion. If you haven't heard our first interview with Mac, check out episode 39 before starting this one!

Mac takes us on his journey of writing letters to his younger self, as well how he managed to find compassion for the people who neglected him. He talks about the importance of forgiveness not just for others but for yourself as well. Learning to compartmentalize at a young age, martial arts was essential to Mac facing his fears and dealing with his emotional past.

Join us as we discuss the intense process Mac had to go through to become a master of combat chi and how this next-level art has only given him more insight into how you can heal from the inside out. You'll learn about toxic masculinity and why Mac is so passionate about breaking the cycle and setting men free.

This episode is a wild ride from start to finish and we hope you feel encouraged, empowered, and inspired to start your own journey of healing if you haven't already. To find more resources or to connect with Mac, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• The practice that helped Mac Heal
• Finding compassion for his family duing hard times
• The power of forgiving yourself
• Learning to compartmentalize at a young age
• How Mac became a Champion martial artist
• Becoming a master of combat chi
• Mixing martial arts and healing
• The compound effect on sharing your story
• Toxic masculinity and its dangers
• How vulnerability shows power not weakness
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: Positive Masculinity | About Us
• Twitter: mckick
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macsmcgregor/
• Facebook: Positive Masculinity

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 App Compassion Connection

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 - What we cover today
• 1:54 - Introducing Mac Scotty McGregor
• 4:29 - How Mac started to heal
• 9:45 - Visiting his younger self more
• 14:24 - What keeps you from forgiving
• 18:34 - Keeping success and chaos separated
• 22:21 - Mac's success in martial arts
• 27:28 - The development of combat chi
• 31:05 - How facing Mac's fears helped heal him
• 36:02 - Mac's journey today
• 40:16 - How you can learn more about toxic masculinity
• 46:27 - The power of being vulnerable
• 53:19 - Mac's advice for you
• 54:03 - Closing thoughts

The battle with mental illness may not go away forever, but there is a confidence that comes with having the right tools to handle it. Today Clint and I sit down to talk about the things we are currently struggling with and the victories we've had along the way.

Join us as we sit down and do a check-in with our lives and mental health journeys. We have had some amazing guests on our show, with backgrounds and stories from all over. But we want you to get to know Chuck Thuss and Clint Malarchuk a little bit better. We not only share our stories but expand on how we're doing now and the tools we've acquired over our journey. You'll learn the practices and tips that help us during our times of struggle, as well as the lessons we've learned about ourselves so far. Listen in as we discuss the self-analysis practice that helps us to re-evaluate where we stand, replacing bad habits with good ones, and even how you can become more self-aware. Your journey may have the power to drag you down at times but with these tools, you can learn how to handle them more effectively. Our hope is that our stories will give you the encouragement and support to either reach out to others for help or to maybe be that shoulder for someone you love.

Some of the best work we can do is to be kind to ourselves and remember that the world is waiting to see who we really are. For more resources or to connect with us, check out the links below!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck Thuss and Clint Malarchuk

More Of What's Inside:

• Why we started doing "self-analysis"
• Looking at beliefs that may have started as children
• Replacing bad habits with good ones
• Tips to make you more self-aware
• Learning how to handle PTSD
• Finding the method that works for you
• Being the example for others
• Why struggling is not a weakness
• The power of sharing your story
• Connecting with those who understand you
• Finding peace in scary moments
• And much more!

LINKS:

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 - What we cover today
• 0:59 - A look into the episode
• 1:39 - Our journey so far
• 6:40 - Challenging beliefs that hinder you
• 12:49 - Becoming a product of your environment
• 17:17 - Understanding trauma and its anniversaries
• 23:10 - Seeing the plan of our lives
• 27:44 - The amazing moment of reaching out for help
• 32:19 - Dealing with the stigma of mental illness
• 36:50 - Finding people who understand your journey
• 41:04 - Our advice to you
• 42:26 - Closing thoughts

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Chuck here, this week I sit down with a powerful person both in and out of the dojo. Mac Scotty McGregor takes us along on his journey of pain, perseverance, and above all else, healing.

We take a deep dive into what it was like growing up with a mother who battled mental illness, and the responsibilities and stress Mac took upon himself. Including watching over his younger brother, and making sure their mom was taken care of. Mac talks about the moment he realized he wasn't living in a normal home as well as the dojo he found refuge and family in. You'll hear how he went from an unstable home to creating a life that was whole, happy, and free.

Listen in as we talk about life after high school and the many people Mac still remembers today who helped and supported him (even if it was little things). Though he hid his wounds through means of overachieving and staying busy Mac knew there was a time where he needed to confront his past to help his future. He talks about the letters he wrote to his younger self and how extending a hand, even if it was his own, was a turning point for him and his mental health. We discuss the courage it takes to be vulnerable and how practicing vulnerability can help you change the very reality you see.

For those of you who are struggling you are not alone, and for those who know someone struggling just remember a little goes a long way. We hope this episode gives you the encouragement to reach out for help or to reach out your hand to someone in need. For more resources or to connect with Mac, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck Thuss

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up with a mentally ill parent
• Finding a family through martial arts
• Climbing the ladder to martial arts success
• Stepping out of a life of silence
• Being a seeker of knowledge
• Writing letters to your younger self
• Understanding that it's ok to have emotions
• Learning vulnerability from a strong role model
• Taking off responsibility that is not yours
• Changing your reality with healing
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: ​​https://www.positivemasculinitynow.org/about-us
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mckick?lang=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macsmcgregor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Positivemasc/

LINKS:

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 - What we cover today
• 1:47 - Introducing Mac Scotty McGregor
• 5:53 - Growing up in the south with a mentally ill parent
• 11:18 - Finding success in martial arts
• 16:39 - The importance of talking about issues
• 21:41 - Being different
• 25:24 - Life after high school
• 30:11 - Beginning the journey of self-healing
• 35:57 - Admitting your past trauma
• 39:43 - The power of coaches
• 43:57 - How Mac sees his mom now
• 48:17 - Doing it for yourself
• 51:10 - Mac's advice for you
• 52:48 - Closing thoughts

Trigger Warning and Depictions of Violence: This episode shares graphic details of child abuse, war explosions, and other traumatic events. We do not recommend this content for children. If this is overwhelming or hits a little too close to home for you, we encourage you to check out another episode and come back when you're ready!

You've heard the term 'hindsight is 20/20', but sometimes when we look back at our journey, things aren't always so easily explained. Our guest today has an incredible story of courage, resilience, and making the best of what you have. But looking back at the trials and tribulations Bjorn Hermansen has gone through there is no doubt in our mind that nothing short of the grace of God could have kept him alive.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today we have the honor of hearing Bjorn Hermansen's story from growing up in an abusive household, to nearly being killed in Iraq, to now owning a gym and instilling life skills into the younger generation. Bjorn talks about the dread of spending summers with his father and the impact both physical and emotional abuse had on him and his younger brother. You'll hear about the moment he stood up to his father, ending the physical abuse, and how he navigates their relationship today.

Listen in as Bjorn talks about his time in the Marines as a radio operator and the moment he should have died in a C4 explosion. Bjorn attributes his life to God's protection both while dealing with physical abuse and his time in Iraq. We talk about where Bjorn is now and the lessons he's learned along that way that have given him the confidence to choose a life of happiness and healing.

We hope this episode encouraged and inspired you to make the best out of any situation you encounter. To connect with us, check out the links below!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up in an abusive household
• The moment Bjorn decided he had enough
• Choosing the right path for you
• Narrowly escaping death in Iraq
• How Bjorn has kept a healthy mindset
• Seeing God's hand in past situations
• Buying a gym in Mississippi after the military
• Teaching life skills through gymnastics
• Instilling courage into the younger generation
• 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 App Info

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 - What we cover today
• 3:11 - Growing up with an abusive dad
• 7:56 - How Bjorn decided enough was enough
• 12:14 - Bjorn's relationship with his dad now
• 16:57 - Learning to survive
• 20:29 - Bjorn's time in Iraq
• 25:09 - Caught in an explosion of C4
• 29:54 - Making a name as a radio operator
• 33:00 - How these experiences helped Bjorn
• 38:02 - Life after Afghanistan
• 42:33 - Buying a gym
• 48:52 - Bjorn's advice for you
• 50:16 - Closing thoughts

Trigger Warning: This episode talks about attempted and committed acts of suicide. If this is overwhelming or hits a little too close to home for you, we encourage you to check out another episode and come back when you're ready!

There's a moment in someone's life where one conversation can change the way they see themselves. Our guest Jesse Brisendine had this moment at just five years old. But how it starts isn't always how it ends and the journey to healing was just a part of unlocking the greatness that Jesse embodies today.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Jesse Brisendine is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and internationally known coach who helps individuals and organizations push past their limitations. We take a deep dive into Jesse's life and journey from experiencing divorce at five years old to internalizing emotions to the point of attempting suicide at nine. Jesse talks about his struggle with mental health as a teenager and how he managed to break away from the self-loathing and begin growing confidence while in college.

Listen in as we talk about the moment Jesse took his first step in healing and the difference a small change made to his mental health. Jesse talks about one of the hardest days of his life when he lost a friend and how that opened a new sense of consciousness that Jesse still lives with today. From a moment of divine awareness to gaining a new perspective on gratitude in another country, Jesse's story is full of heartbreak, hope, healing, and inspiration.

This episode is full of eye-opening and life-changing insight into the power of gratitude and mindset shifts. We hope you find encouragement and hope from this story to take that next step in your own journey. For more resources or to get in touch with Jesse, please check out the links below!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up too early
• What lead to Jesse's attempted suicide
• Accepting someone for who they are
• The moment Jesse realized he needed to change
• Making simple guidelines to keep you on your path
• How Jesse grew his self-confidence
• Losing a friend to suicide
• Holding multiple levels of consciousness
• Gaining a new perspective in life
• Not letting your trauma define you
• Finding gratitude in the small things
• How Jesse sets his day up for gratitude
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• 7 Essential Mindshifts: https://jessebrisendine.lpages.co/mindset-mastery-blueprint/
• Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCMnjXPdos
• Website: http://www.jessebrisendine.com/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-handful-of-hope/id1510146999
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessebrisendine
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessebrisendine/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/JesseBris
• Insta: https://instagram.com/jessebrisendine
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/JesseBrisendine

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 Jesse Brisendine
• 6:32 - The start of Jesse's journey
• 10:19 - Struggling with shame
• 15:53 - Communicating with the ones who hurt us
• 20:24 - Dealing with expectations of loved ones
• 25:05 - The first step to healing
• 30:15 - Taking on responsibility in relationships
• 35:29 - Living in multiple levels of consciousness
• 39:13 - Life after tragedy
• 44:55 - Carrying gratitude in everyday life
• 49:10 - Jesse's advice for you
• 52:29 - Where to find Jesse's book
• 53:36 - Closing thoughts

Trigger Warning: This episode talks about attempted and committed acts of suicide. If this is overwhelming or hits a little too close to home for you, we encourage you to check out another episode and come back when you're ready!

There's a moment in someone's life where one conversation can change the way they see themselves. Our guest Jesse Brisendine had this moment at just five years old. But how it starts isn't always how it ends and the journey to healing was just a part of unlocking the greatness that Jesse embodies today.

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Jesse Brisendine is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and internationally known coach who helps individuals and organizations push past their limitations. We take a deep dive into Jesse's life and journey from experiencing divorce at five years old to internalizing emotions to the point of attempting suicide at nine. Jesse talks about his struggle with mental health as a teenager and how he managed to break away from the self-loathing and begin growing confidence while in college.

Listen in as we talk about the moment Jesse took his first step in healing and the difference a small change made to his mental health. Jesse talks about one of the hardest days of his life when he lost a friend and how that opened a new sense of consciousness that Jesse still lives with today. From a moment of divine awareness to gaining a new perspective on gratitude in another country, Jesse's story is full of heartbreak, hope, healing, and inspiration.

This episode is full of eye-opening and life-changing insight into the power of gratitude and mindset shifts. We hope you find encouragement and hope from this story to take that next step in your own journey. For more resources or to get in touch with Jesse, please check out the links below!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Growing up too early
• What lead to Jesse's attempted suicide
• Accepting someone for who they are
• The moment Jesse realized he needed to change
• Making simple guidelines to keep you on your path
• How Jesse grew his self-confidence
• Losing a friend to suicide
• Holding multiple levels of consciousness
• Gaining a new perspective in life
• Not letting your trauma define you
• Finding gratitude in the small things
• How Jesse sets his day up for gratitude
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• 7 Essential Mindshifts: https://jessebrisendine.lpages.co/mindset-mastery-blueprint/
• Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCMnjXPdos
• Website: http://www.jessebrisendine.com/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-handful-of-hope/id1510146999
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessebrisendine
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessebrisendine/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/JesseBris
• Insta: https://instagram.com/jessebrisendine
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/JesseBrisendine

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 Jesse Brisendine
• 6:32 - The start of Jesse's journey
• 10:19 - Struggling with shame
• 15:53 - Communicating with the ones who hurt us
• 20:24 - Dealing with expectations of loved ones
• 25:05 - The first step to healing
• 30:15 - Taking on responsibility in relationships
• 35:29 - Living in multiple levels of consciousness
• 39:13 - Life after tragedy
• 44:55 - Carrying gratitude in everyday life
• 49:10 - Jesse's advice for you
• 52:29 - Where to find Jesse's book
• 53:36 - Closing thoughts

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today's episode is one filled with incredible perseverance. From a hyperactive child to a world-known Olympian our next guest will bring you encouragement, hope, and empowerment with his story.

Today we go on a journey with two-time Olympian and highly decorated gymnast Blaine Wilson. You'll get an inside look at how Blaine got into gymnastics and the perseverance that took him from letting out energy to competing in division one college tournaments and even into the Olympics. Blaine talks about the endurance that most gymnasts have to deal with not just physically but mentally and how when the going got tough, he just got tougher.

Listen in as we discuss the pressure of being a top athlete and how Blaine was able to use his struggles as motivation to persevere through physical injuries and negative commentary. He talks about the biggest pressure he faced as a gymnast and why keeping himself mentally healthy was the most important thing he could do. You'll learn about the impact and legacy that Blaine plans to leave his children and others who are willing to learn from him.

We hope this episode gives you the courage and the hope to follow and enjoy your own journey to becoming the best that you can be.

For more resources or to connect with Blaine, check out the links below!

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• How Blaine got started in Gymnastics
• Transitioning from high school gymnastics to college
• Blaine's best moment in gymnastics
• The decline of college gymnastics programs
• The biggest pressure you can face
• What it really takes to be in the Olympics
• Pushing through the mental battle of injuries
• Blaine's impact and legacy as a father
• The importance of believing in your potential
• Finding the motivation to keep going
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: https://www.integritygym.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (614) 733-0818
• Address: Integrity Gymnastics: 8185 Business Way Plain City, Ohio 43064

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
• 1:42 - Introducing Blaine Wilson
• 6:15 - The intense training of Gymnastics
• 10:40 - Pushing through negative feedback
• 14:26 - Transitioning into playing for the Olympics
• 19:21 - The role models Blaine looked up to
• 23:07 - Dealing with injuries and competing
• 29:13 - How Blaine dealt with the anxiety of being a top athlete
• 34:16 - The impact of Blaine's legacy
• 38:01 - Blaine's advice for those needing encouragement
• 39:02 - Closing thoughts and advice

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We think it safe to say that everyone has fallen into the comparison trap once or twice. Maybe you compared your outfits to the cool kids in school growing up, or maybe you compared your looks to people in magazines or social media, or maybe the thought "am I making enough money?" crossed your mind the last time your friend got a new car.

Whatever your comparison trap looked like we bet it left you feeling not good enough in one way or another. It was Theodore Roosevelt, who once said "comparison is the thief of joy." The truth in this quote probably rings true to our guest today more than most.

Welcome to the show, former division one hockey player, recovering addict, successful businessman, and mental health advocate JR Butler! After spending years seeking the attention of peers and leaders alike, comparing his skills gifts, and talents against others' accomplishments JR decided to try hard, work more, and try to outperform everyone in his path.

These efforts seemly were going to waste as his friends, and even younger brothers started to skate by him in life and sports. It didn't take long for this mentality to manifest as a substance abuse problem in his early twenties.

Listen in today as JR shares his powerful story of breaking free from the opinions of others, how he went cold turkey and overcame his addictions with one decision, and how he became a high-performing professional (and healthy) despite the odds.

This episode is going to leave you feeling completely inspired, totally empowered, and knowing that, regardless of what it is that you face in your life today, that you to have, what it takes inside of you to come out on the other side successfully, sit back, relax, and enjoy another amazing episode of warriors unmasked with Mr. Jr Butler.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What's Inside:

• Learning how to slow down
• When addiction became too much
• Competing against siblings
• Giving your parents grace at any age
• The M.A.V.R.I.C.K. morning routine
• How Clint and JR's story relate
• The importance of exercise
• When your dads the coach
• Aligning yourself with the right people
• The power of reaching out for help
• 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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 - What we cover today
• 1:45 - Conversation starts
• 2:53 Get to know JR
• 6:53 - JR's athletic journey
• 11:45 - JR's strong relationship with his Father
• 18:53 - When JR knew he had a problem
• 21:29 - The road to recovery
• 32:45 - JR's winning morning routine
• 36:37 - Managing social anxiety without substance abuse
• 38:32 - What JR is doing today
• 44:15 - Final thoughts and advice

More About JR Butler:

JR Butler was born and raised in the center of Hockey in New England, a mile up the street from North America's largest rink – the New England Sports Center. The oldest of 3 boys, JR's father was a hall of fame hockey coach at Marlboro High School. After playing four years at Cushing Academy along with dozens of future NHL'ers, JR attended the College of the Holy Cross where he played hockey for the 2006 team that upset the top-seeded Minnesota gophers in the Midwest regional. His Brother Alec played at UMASS Lowell and Salve Regina and his brother Bobby represented team USA in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea after several NHL, AHL, KHL, and SEL stints over a 10-year pro career. JR has been working in technology sales since graduation from Holy Cross, spending the majority of his career selling to large companies that are attempting to approach digital transformation and innovation leveraging cutting-edge automation and technology platforms. He was formerly head of Sales Strategy and Execution for Turbonomic – helping grow the company from 200 to 3000 customers and 30 to 650 employees and a recent $2B Acquisition by IBM. He now is the Chief Revenue Officer at an early-stage start-up based in Arizona. During his transition from lifelong "Hockey Player", JR struggled to find his identity. Even though he retired as a college player – his entire life was about hockey up to that point. He struggled for many years, battling with addiction to alcohol and drugs. It wasn't until his late 20's that JR was able to find a new path, and just celebrated his 9th sobriety anniversary this August.