Warriors Unmasked

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Here! If you're new here, one of our taglines is "It's not just a goalie thing." This tagline is near and dear to myself and my co-host Clint Malarchuk's heart because we truly believe that mental health is something that everyone should be aware of. Today's guest is an NHL star but what makes him a true warrior is what he did off the ice.

Scott Kelsey grew up in Clark Mills, NY where he found a love for hockey from there he graduated college playing professionally for almost 10 years before stepping into the mortgage business. In 2018 Scott suffered a traumatic injury after falling down the stairs in his home, since then Scott has been an advocate for mental health, with a focus on self-discovery and continual learning while leveraging experiences both good and bad to help others out their live more meaningful and happy lives.

We have an open conversation with Scott about his time in the NHL and being diagnosed with anxiety and depression and how that affected his later years. You'll hear how Scott handled the aftermath of his injury and how he realized the importance of choosing every day to take new steps towards growth and healing. Learn how Scott changed the mindsets that had him growing from victim to victory, and how he manages to stay on top of his mental health every single day!

You are not alone, to learn more or to connect with Scott and to hear more from Warriors Unmasked follow us on Instagram or connect with us on Facebook.

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck

More of What We Talk About:

• How Scott got started in hockey
• The advice Scott would give his younger self
• Paying attention to those who are growing faster than you
• The incident that changed his life
• Leaving a legacy through a book
• The importance of gratitude in every part of your life
• Slowing life down to appreciate what it offers
• Acknowledging that mental and physical health go hand in hand
• Why you need to find someone to talk to
• Tips Scott uses every day to keep a healthy mind
• Changing perspective with wins and losses
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kelsey-0aba01
• Movement Mortgage Website: https://movement.com/lo/scott-kelsey/
• Website: http://www.shareapy.com/
• E-mail: [email protected]
• E-mail: [email protected]

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 1:58 Meet Scott Kelsey
• 2:56 What childhood was like for Scott
• 5:58 Scott's college years at home
• 7:16 Scott's journey to league hockey
• 8:05 How one 'no' changes everything
• 11:22 Scott's memories in professional hockey
• 15:35 The fateful day that changed everything for Scott
• 19:52 The hard road to recovery
• 27:26 What life after a traumatic brain injury is like
• 29:24 Learning how to enjoy the simple things
• 34:39 Dealing with depression and anxiety
• 41:14 The importance of finding someone you trust to talk to
• 42:21 What Scott's life life is like today
• 49:55 Closing thoughts and where to find Scott

Welcome back, Chuck here again! As you know, at Warriors Unmasked our core values are courage, perseverance, and mental health. Specifically today we want to talk about perseverance and the resilience needed to keep going. Let's face it, we all have our bad days rights? Well, imagine growing up with an alcoholic father, being diagnosed with multiple chronic medical issues, having two heart attacks, getting a divorce, and losing your mom all before the age 45?

Getting through just one of these devastating situations displays what a truly unbreakable human spirit looks like.

On today's episode, we have 14 year professional Hockey equipment manager, 3 time professional Hockey champion, a good samaritan award winner, a former colleague, and my good friend Greg Sieg on the show. Listen in as we talk about Greg's incredible journey and how he fought off the darkness through each of the above mentioned scenarios and how he remains resilient and persevered through all of these trials and tribulations.

This story is an amazing representation that even when it seems like everything is going wrong, it all works together for our good. From alcoholism at a young age to crohn's disease and an opioid addiction, we have an open conversation on just how hard it was as a professional athlete to find support in some of the toughest moments of his life. You'll learn how Greg pushed past the hardships to come out sober, healing, and ready to live life with as much compassion and support as possible.

Around the 15 minute mark, I get really honest about the importance of reaching out to those who are struggling at a young age. We all know someone who looks like they might be struggling with something bigger than themselves, take courage and don't be afraid to ask the questions that could find them healing and hope quicker. For Greg, it could have changed his whole life, reach out to those who need help today. Have you ever had the need for extreme resilience in your life? We'd love to hear your stories, feel free to DM or private message us in the links below.

Always in your corner,

Chuck

More of What We Talk About:

• The start of Greg's struggle
• How someone saved Greg's life
• Why you should ask the tough questions
• Being diagnosed with Chron's disease
• How Greg was introduced to Percocets
• Dealing with no support in the past
• When Greg was diagnosed with PTSD
• Making peace with his father
• How Greg reached out and found help

• And much more!

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 Welcome back
• 1:21 A special thanks to our sponsors
• 1:40 Meet Greg!
• 4:13 What childhood was like for Greg
• 8:06 How Greg processed trauma as a kid
• 11:18 Greg's surgery
• 14:48 How Greg killed the pain
• 26:44 How Greg dealt with his anger
• 33:20 When Greg's career started to take off
• 35:58 How Greg's mother passing triggered past pain
• 39:03 The story of Greg's first heart attack
• 47:28 If Chuck could go back in time, this is what he would say to Greg.
• 51:10 What it felt like to reach out for help
• 54:50 Greg's advice for anyone who is struggling today

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Chuck here, this week it is just you, me, and our amazing guest. Clint was out busy changing the world in other ways. ;) LOL

Regardless, this conversation is one you can't miss!

In this episode, I have an incredible conversation with Mike Molinski, award-winning business owner and photographer, ultra-endurance athlete, decorated U.S. Marine, and wonderful husband and father. Mike has a great outlook on life he values resilience born of hardship and believes that true happiness is the result of overcoming the many obstacles life throws at us each day. One look at his bio and you know that Mike has pushed through adversity and persevered through challenges that not many have experienced.

You'll hear about the moment that changed Mike's life and the unexpected anxiety, stress, and isolation that crept in until it overwhelmed his everyday thought process. From physical injuries to the pressure of taking care of his family during a crisis, Mike speaks on how he kept it all pushed down until he realized he couldn't do it alone. Mike gives some great insight into how he stepped out of the hole he was living in, coming back stronger and more resilient than ever.

If you are struggling with damaging thoughts, shame, or fear I want you to know that you do not have to go this alone. Pick up a phone, call, text, reach out for someone in your life who will support you through this hard time. You have the power and courage to push through and create victory through adversity.

Always in your corner,

Chuck Thuss

PS: Be sure to message Clint on Instagram and tell him you missed him!

More of What We Talk About:

• Mike's time in the Marines
• Graduating top of his class with a dislocated elbow
• The fire that changed their lives
• How anxiety and stress crept in unexpectedly
• Moving past mental pain and finding peace
• Finding an identity in physical activities
• How Mike keeps moving forward now
• Why it's important to ask for help
• Persevering even when a crisis hits
• Laying down your ego to find help
• Creating a mantra for your life
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/Molinski
• Insta: @EnduranceNinja
• Website: http://www.molinskiphotography.com

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, if you haven't taken a moment to celebrate how far you've come in your journey we want to just acknowledge how amazing you are!

We have a really special guest today, Steven McGrinder is someone that we think boldly and happily embodies the message of Warriors Unmasked. A native of Ontario Canada Steven grew up with a passion for hockey pursuing it even when others suggested he stopped. He's played for Miami University where he gained a BS in Mass Communications with a minor in Marketing and Coaching, from there he played for the Cincinnati Cyclones and set the record for most points by a defensive man.

Steven has an incredible story of perseverance and courage that took him from the bottom of the register to setting records that weren't passed until almost a decade later. You'll hear from Steven as he talks about all the 'no's in his life and how he refused to let them stop him from making his dreams a reality. Steven discusses maintaining a perspective that will have you reaching for your goals and dreams no matter what the circumstances, and how you can always take ownership of your situation.

Join us for this inspiring and open conversation, that we both have had the honor of being a part of. We hope that you gain encouragement for whatever challenges you face today!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

• Why you can be successful at what YOU are doing
• How Steve wouldn't take no for an answer
• Living your life expecting success
• Changing your perspective to learn and grow
• How Steve enabled himself to succeed in challenges later in life
• Staying ready so you can seize your opportunity
• Staying in control of yourself when you have no control over the situation
• Taking ownership of your situation
• Taking quiet time to become congruent with yourself
• Being purposeful with your actions in the present
• And much more!

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What to expect today

1:27 Welcome to Steven

5:10 Why do we let people's opinions of us stop us?

8:04 How Steven's story began

14:22 When Steven first felt rejected

20:06 How Steven displayed extreme courage

25:25 you can handle anything

31:00 When Steven won his spot back

42:22 What are your habits going to be?

46:54 Steven's advice for anyone who is in an unfair situation

51:47 How Steven gets through every day

Trigger Warning: This episode talks about graphic trauma and abuse with guns, if this is overwhelming for you right now try listening to another episode and come back when you're ready!

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, today we have a very special guest Keith Mundee, owner of American Hat Company.

Keith is a husband, father, and businessman who really exemplifies what it means to live his life with courage and perseverance. We have an open and honest conversation about a traumatic moment that would set the stage for the rest of his life.

Listen in as Keith talks about this and other traumatic events that he wasn't even aware of until much later. It wasn't until after he read Clint's book and took a closer look within that Keith was able to address and begin the healing process of living with severe PTSD. You'll gain encouragement as you listen to Keith's story and his journey to grow and become mentally healthy.

If you're currently dealing with trauma or PTSD we hope this encourages you to keep moving forward, and for those who may not even realize they have PTSD, we hope this episode helps to shed some light for you and gives you the courage to step out and accept healing.

Always In Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

• A moment that changed Keith's life
• How Keith realized he had PTSD
• When Keith began his mental health journey
• How the trauma affected his family
• The importance of working on your trauma
• The point Keith decided to move out of California
• How Keith adapts to his life today
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: https://americanhat.net/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americanhatcompany/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanhatco/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanhatco
• Pinterest??: https://www.pinterest.com/americanhatco/_created/

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 1:36 Clint's adoration for
• 7:49 How Keith's story of PTSD started
• 18:28 the story of Keith's second attack
• 19:46 How many times Keith avoided death
• 22:08 What was running through Kieth's mind post robbery
• 23:47 Keith's on the work injury that affects his mental health
• 30:23 How Clint's book affected Keith
• 35:20 How Keith has felt with his PTSD
• 43:44 What Keith's life looks like today
• 48:17 What to do if you think you have PTSD

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, today we have an incredible friend and Air Force veteran on the show Corey Christman.

You might have noticed that we have more military personnel on our show than normal, but we know the individual stories and messages from each veteran are so unique.

Corey is the owner of Bravery Wines, a company dedicated to celebrating the heroes in our lives, he is a retired Supervisory Special Agent, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We have an open discussion about Corey's experience while in the military and being diagnosed with PTSD when retiring, and how he managed to work towards healing.

Corey shares his struggles of coming to terms with having PTSD and the journey he took to accept help from those around him. Pulling himself up and out of mental illness to pursue winemaking and in turn creating Bravery Wines, a wine company that helps celebrate and donate to retired veterans, first responders, and everyday heroes.

We hope you find encouragement, hope, and maybe just that little extra push to reach out and grab the hands that are extended to you in help. You have the courage to overcome any struggle, and start your own journey.

Always in Your Corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

• How to gain a strong foundation of communication and trust
• The transition from military service to civilian life
• The moment that started a spiral for Corey
• How Corey found out he had PTSD
• The journey of overcoming PSTD and mental trauma
• How Corey got into the winemaking business
• The story behind Bravery Wines
• The heroes that shape our world
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: www.bravery.wine
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraveryWines
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BraveryWines
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braverywines/
• Purchase Wine Website: https://vinoshipper.com/shop/bravery_wines?list=
• Purchase Wine Phone number: 315-536-2182
• Yellow Ribbon Fund: https://yellowribbonfund.org/

Guest Bio:

Corey M. Christman is the owner and winemaker at Bravery Wines, LLC. He's a retired Supervisory Special Agent, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On occasion, he works with select CEO's, leadership teams, and business leaders to guide them in creating robust people strategies and growing their workplace and team cultures. He's currently enrolled as a doctoral student at Drexel University where he's studying Educational Leadership with a concentration in Human Resource Development. He's an Adjunct Professor for Business Leadership and Criminal Justice at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and is the recipient of numerous awards for human resource strategy, innovation, and leadership. He's a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program, Cornell University, and holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and BA in Criminal Justice. He's completed advanced business-related studies at Syracuse University, Washington State University and Texas A&M University.

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 1:20 Welcome Corey Christman
• 5:58 How Corey protects the people on the front line
• 9:30 What put Corey in a fight or flight mode
• 17:15 Developing life or death trust
• 21:04 How Corey transitioned to civilization living
• 26:42 When Corey felt like the wheels started to come off
• 36:15 The story behind Corey's wine career
• 43:43 How to get a bottle of Corey's wine
• 48:35 A funny story about Clint
• 52:14 Corey's advice

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked, we had the honor of talking with 6-year army reserve veteran and mental health advocate, Shane Pettis!

Growing up one would describe Shane's childhood as fairly normal. Some would even go so far as to say that it was actually a good environment to grow up in. That was the case until one night when Shane was 14 years old, eager to fit in with his peers Shane attended a party that would prove to be a life-changing event that would influence the next 10 years of his life.

Listen to his story as he talks about the event and how this trauma took him from having it all to fighting against addiction and almost losing his life. Shane's story of courage and perseverance is an inspiring journey of how he was able to overcome all that pushed against him and is now learning to not only live but thrive in life.

Shane's story of hope and healing is one that we can relate to and we think you might relate to it too. So if you're joining us this week and struggling we want you to know that your story is far from over and that there is great power in sharing it with others! Let Shane lead by example and listen in as he authentically owns and tells his story.

Never forget, the best is yet to come for all of us.

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

• The event that changes Shane's life forever
• How mental illness manifested as a teenager
• How Shane's trauma started coming out in college
• The struggle with alcohol and medication addiction
• When Shane hit rock bottom
• How Shane gained hope and started moving forward
• What Shane's life is like today
• The importance of asking for help
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shane.pettis.7
• Twitter: @ogp_actual

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 1:12 Meet Shane
• 5:59 How Shanes mental health journey started
• 8:12 The day everything changed for Shane
• 11:08 Why Shane started to show interest in the military
• 17:11 When Shane started to have a substance abuse problem
• 26:56 When Shane hit rock bottom
• 33:50 Where Shanes illness took him
• 43:15 Shanes evidence of a higher power
• 51:13 Our favorite guest to have on Warriors Unmasked
• 55:28 Closing remarks

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today you are in for a treat. We had a chance to sit down with Colin Wilson.

If you've listened to us from the beginning you know that our three pillars are perseverance, courage, and mental health. Our guest today is someone that we think really embodies what we strive for here on Warriors Unmasked.

Colin Wilson is a former NHL player for the Nashville Predators and he has played in almost 700 NHL games, with 130 goals, 189 assists, 319 points, and 142 PIMS. If you don't know anything about hockey, take it from us, these are impressive stats. It takes one tough cookie to be knocked around that much!

We aren't surprised that Colin has had the strength and courage to handle his mental health struggles like OCD, anxiety, and depression. He has battled through addiction, the pressure of performing at a professional level, and even two hip surgeries, finding healing through spirituality while embracing self-growth.

We have an open conversation about our own struggles with mental health issues as kids, young adults, and professional athletes, and how Colin has sometimes even used what he calls the "double-edged sword" of OCD.

Hear Colin's journey from rock bottom to healing and gain encouragement whether you or a loved one is struggling with mental health that there is hope, help, and healing around the corner. You are not alone in this journey, and you have everything within you to change your life!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

• How Colin learned about his OCD
• The struggle of playing professionally while dealing with mental illness
• Colin's journey from "rock bottom" to healing
• The danger of self-medicating
• The correlation of mental illness and addiction
• How having two hip surgeries exposed Colin's struggle
• Dealing with things out of our control
• How Colin has embraced self-growth
• Finding the alignment that works best for you
• And much more!

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 1:00 Welcome Collin!
• 1:30 Get to know Colin Wilson
• 4:29 Clint, Chuck, and Colin's journey with OCD.
• 11:30 How Colin felt when being diagnosed
• 13:54 How OCD is a double edge Soward
• 16:18 When Colins OCD started to weigh on him
• 21:49 How Colin manages his OCD today
• 22:51 How self-medicating and meant heath go hand in hand
• 34:36 What self-growth looks like after rock bottom
• 38:31 How spirituality played a role in Colin's journey
• 45:36 Colin's final piece of wisdom today

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today is going to be a good one. We are excited to introduce you to our guest and good friend Ken Falke.

A 21-year veteran of the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community and retired Master Chief Petty Officer. He has founded two for-profit and two nonprofit companies, and is an award-winning business owner as well as an author of the book "Struggle Well". Ken has a passion for taking care of his fellow combat veterans and their family members and spends the majority of his time educating the public and private sectors on the issues surrounding the long-term care of our returning military personnel and their families from the last 19-years of war.

We honor Ken not only for the incredible service he has done for North America but also for all that he has accomplished afterward. Looking at his list of accomplishments would be daunting for anyone but for those who have experienced trauma or deal with PTSD and anxiety it may seem downright impossible.

The leading cause for veterans and first responders is death by suicide, learn how Ken battles this statistic every day with his program Boulder Crest, and partners around the country to help warriors heal from the service they have provided. Find encouragement as Ken talks about how it's possible to not only live after trauma but to THRIVE.

Whether you are someone who has gone through service related trauma, you know someone who has, or you just have had a different trauma of your own, we hope this episode will give you the courage to reach out for help or check out the resources below. It is never too late to grow, and we KNOW that you can do it too.

Always in your corner,

-

Chuck and Clint

More of What We Talk About:

• The silent killer of military and first responders
• The company that changed Ken's life
• How Boulder Crest started
• The importance of PTG (Post Traumatic Growth)
• The future of Boulder Crest
• How to partner with Boulder Crest
• How "Struggle Well" came to be
• How the Boulder Crest program was adapted for civilians
• And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

• bouldercrest.org
• "Struggle Well" Book
• Boulder Crest Foundation Facebook

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:02 What to expect today
• 1:11 Meet Ken Falke
• 2:17 What really happens when you dismantle a bomb
• 7:19 How Ken got into the military
• 12:02 Life after the military
• 15:51 Kens entrepreneurial journey
• 23:00 How Ken's outreach has expanded
• 31:06 How Ken plans to serve more people
• 36:15 How to donate
• 39:24 Who Ken's book is written for

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Have you looked in the mirror yet today and told the face looking back at you how awesome you are? If not, let us be the first to say it today, YOU ARE AWESOME!

If you have listened to any of our past episodes you know that we love talking to warriors who display courage and perseverance in their day to day life along with highlighting the stories that make you say "Wow! If they can do this, maybe I can too", and today is no different! We got a chance to sit down and chat with our friend and Army Veteran Jared Lemon.

Jared is a warrior in the truest sense of the word. Not only did he selflessly serve our country for two tours, but he is also is courageously overcoming mental health challenges after two near-death experiences. Trust us, this guy is the real deal and embodies toughness.

Listen in as we have an open and honest conversation about what war is like, what happens when you have an out of body experience, why you should always listen to your intuition, what integrating back into society is like and so much more.

If you feel like the dark clouds have been rolling in lately, we know this is the perfect episode to brighten up your day and give you the boost of perseverance you need.

Trigger warning: Out of respect to our veterans and active military listeners, if this content hits a little too close to home, we invite you to listen to one of our past episodes and join us when you are ready.

Always in your corner,

-

Chuck and Clint

More Of What We Cover

• What they don't tell you about war
• Integrating back into 'normal life' after war
• How Jared lost his saw gunner
• How spiritually played a role in Jared's story
• What every human needs deep down
• What helps Jared fight off suicidal thoughts
• Why it's important to help each other
• And much more!

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book
• malarchuk.com
• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:18 Welcome to the episode!
• 0:51 What to expect today
• 1:17 The quote of the day
• 2:10 You have consistency choose the hard path
• 3:26 The difference between you and your heroes
• 4:30 What Dr. Ram learned from
• 6:44 The concept of the day
• 8:03 Creating others leader
• 12:02 The best learning opportunities
• 15:17 The relatability factor
• 18:08 The four-step process to handling mistakes
• 19:53 Chris' concept of the day
• 31:51 Episode recap