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In this powerful episode of the Wounds to Wisdom podcast, host Sara Correll sits down with Lana Spisso, co-author of Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives. Lana shares her inspiring journey, revealing how her military background shaped her fierce determination and leadership coaching career. She opens up about the deep challenges she faced, including the devastating loss of a fellow officer in Afghanistan and the pain of betrayal and manipulation in her marriage. Through her personal stories, Lana explores the path to healing, emphasizing self-care, forgiveness, and the incredible empowerment that can come from overcoming trauma. If you're a veteran, first responder, or someone who’s experienced similar hardships, this episode will resonate with you.

Join us as we explore how to transform wounds into wisdom and find strength in the face of life's greatest challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:25 Lana's Military Service and Leadership Coaching

09:06 Challenges and Loss: Rattling Lana's Confidence and Foundation

26:21 Coping Strategies: Breathing Exercises, Counseling, and Helping Others

33:05 Reframing the Story: Freedom Through Forgiveness

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Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives

"Wounds to Wisdom" is produced by Security Halt Media.

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In this episode of Wounds to Wisdom, host Sara Correll interviews Michelle Collier, a retired 911 dispatcher supervisor, who shares her powerful journey of healing after experiencing a traumatic call that deeply affected her mental health. Through the Power of Our Stories community, Michelle found the courage to confront her past and begin healing from both her experiences in dispatching and her unresolved childhood trauma.

Michelle opens up about the emotional challenges that come with working in high-stress environments and emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself before entering such intense professions. She also sheds light on the profound impact of childhood trauma on adulthood and how it shaped her life.

Michelle encourages others to seek healing, explore different methods, and find what works for them on their journey. Her story is a testament to the power of sharing and embracing personal growth through the support of others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:17 Becoming a 911 Dispatcher and Hitting a Breaking Point

07:44 The Power of Our Story: Opening Up and Sharing

11:00 Gaining Insight and Reflecting on the Past

15:30 The Role of Dispatching in Michelle's Life

20:10 Taking Time Off and Reflecting on Control

23:20 The Power of Our Stories: Empowering Others

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Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives

"Wounds to Wisdom" is produced by Security Halt Media.

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In this powerful episode, host Sara Correll interviews Lakeydra Houston, a retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant, who shares her inspiring journey from her time in the military to finding healing after hitting rock bottom. Lakeydra recounts her love for travel and the pride she felt upon her promotion in the Air Force, before bravely opening up about the sexual assault she experienced during her service, and the mental health struggles that followed.

Lakeydra's candid storytelling sheds light on the emotional toll of shame, victim shaming, and the challenges of seeking help, especially within the military. She emphasizes the importance of therapy and the steps she took towards healing and empowerment. Her story underscores the critical need for systemic change in addressing military sexual trauma.

This episode is a testament to courage and resilience, offering hope for the future and inspiring others to seek healing. Lakeydra Houston’s journey serves as a reminder that sharing your story can be a powerful tool in overcoming trauma and embracing empowerment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Lakedra's Air Force Experience

03:41 Hitting Rock Bottom: Lakedra's Trauma and Struggles

11:08 Overcoming Shame and Seeking Help

14:33 The Power of Sharing: Lakedra's Story of Empowerment

20:43 Lakedra's Future and Continued Healing

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Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives

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Barry Zworestine, a combat veteran and psychologist, shares his story of growing up in Southern Rhodesia and fighting in the Rhodesian Bush War. He discusses the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life and the importance of understanding the veteran experience. Barry emphasizes the need for allied health professionals to be familiar with the veteran territory and to approach therapy with a mission-oriented mindset. He provides practical steps for veterans to begin their healing journey, including identifying perimeter defenses and implementing weapon maintenance protocols. Barry's hope is that his book and story will provide support and understanding for veterans and help professionals better serve them.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Wounds to Wisdom book and interview series

02:24 Barry's backstory and childhood in Southern Rhodesia

06:02 Barry's experience in the Rhodesian Bush War

11:14 Life after the military and the challenges of transition

14:33 Barry's passion for helping veterans and the purpose of his book

24:38 Connecting with Barry and the Power of Our Story community

26:30 Encouragement for veterans to seek support and join a tribe

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Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives

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Discover how Todd Stewart, known as Chappie, transformed immense suffering into a beacon of hope. In this episode, we explore Todd's journey from a young firefighter to a chaplain, helping others navigate their darkest times. After witnessing a traumatic event early in his career, Todd was forced to suppress his emotions due to the "suffer in silence" culture. This led to a downward spiral of identity loss, substance abuse, and homelessness after a career-ending injury. A suicide attempt in 2003 was halted by a vision of his daughters, but true recovery began with a friend's intervention in 2020. Through therapy and faith, Todd found his calling in helping other first responders. His story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and community support.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Overview

01:19
Todd Stewart's Background and Childhood

08:56
Suffering in Silence: Todd's Downward Spiral

26:02
Helping Others: Todd's Mission as a Chaplain

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Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives

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#13 Mary Millsaps: From Trauma to Triumph

Have you ever wondered how someone can rise from the depths of unimaginable hardship to become a beacon of hope and healing for others? Join us in this emotional and transformative episode as we sit down with Mary Millsaps, co-founder of Operation Angel Wing. Mary shares her incredible journey from a tumultuous childhood marked by severe trauma, including sexual assault and homelessness at just 13, to her current role as a neuro-linguistic practitioner dedicated to healing veterans and first responders. Raised by her grandparents, including a World War II combat veteran, Mary's story is one of extraordinary resilience and unyielding determination.
 
 This episode also brings to light the gripping testimony of a domestic abuse survivor, recounting her harrowing experiences and the profound toll it took on her both physically and emotionally. Through these powerful narratives, we explore the impact of inherited trauma and the critical importance of community and support in overcoming such adversity. Mary’s unwavering commitment to helping others heal is highlighted, along with insights into her ongoing work and the upcoming book "Wounds to Wisdom Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives." Prepare to be deeply moved and inspired by these stories of courage and survival.

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What does it take to find purpose after serving in the military? Join us as we hear from Michael, a Navy veteran whose story is both inspiring and deeply human. Growing up in a Navy family, Michael's 15-year service journey took him from San Diego to Virginia Beach, where he worked with special operators. After leaving the uniform behind, Michael faced profound emotional and spiritual challenges, leading him to establish a church for those who feel out of place in traditional religious settings. Now, as an advocate with Stop Soldier Suicide, Michael is committed to providing free, confidential crisis care to veterans and service members, creating safe spaces for those in need.
 
 From navigating the tumultuous transition from military to civilian life, to battling a cancer diagnosis during the pandemic, Michael's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of support systems. We dive into the significance of human connections, the importance of a solid plan, and the impact of acknowledging pre-service traumas. Hear his heartfelt narrative about the roles of a supportive spouse and the comforting presence of a dog in overcoming obstacles. Michael's contribution to "Wounds to Wisdom Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives" offers practical advice and a beacon of hope for those struggling, reminding us all that we are never truly alone. Tune in for an episode full of wisdom, empathy, and inspiration.

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“Wounds to Wisdom” the book comes out in August 2024!

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What if the toughest experiences of your life could transform into your greatest wisdom? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Scott Duncan, a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Marine Corps, as he opens up about his journey from a tumultuous childhood to an illustrious military career. Scott shares the emotional impact of his parents' separation and the frequent relocations during his youth, as well as the powerful influence of his grandfather—a World War II Marine and fireman—on his decision to join the Corps. Through personal anecdotes, Scott highlights the camaraderie and relationships that defined his military service and underscores the essential role of servant leadership in achieving mission success and ensuring the well-being of fellow Marines.
 
 Transitioning from military to civilian life presents unique challenges and rewards, as Scott candidly discusses. Drawing on the resilience he built during his formative years, Scott finds fulfillment in supporting other veterans and emphasizes the profound sense of purpose that comes from helping others. In this episode, we explore the universal and gratifying nature of altruism and how meaningful acts of service can heal and nourish our spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. Don’t miss this powerful episode filled with heartfelt stories and insights that highlight the journey from wounds to wisdom and encourage us all to engage in acts of kindness and support.

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“Wounds to Wisdom” the book comes out in August 2024!

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What happens when a retired Police Officer channels his experiences into a narrative of resilience and recovery? Join us for a compelling conversation with David Berez, who takes us through his remarkable transformation from a troubled childhood to a dedicated career in law enforcement. You'll hear about the moment that shifted his dreams from becoming a doctor to serving as a police officer, and how these decisions shaped his personal and professional life. David's candid reflections on his college years and the influential figures who guided him offer a unique perspective on the journey to find one's true calling.
 
 Ever wondered how to find joy amidst struggle and redefine your purpose after a career setback? This episode offers a deep dive into David's experience with organizational betrayal and the steps he took to rebuild his identity. Learn about the tools of positive psychology and resilience that aided his recovery and how service to others became a cornerstone of his newfound happiness. David's heartfelt gratitude for the support he received, including three pivotal individuals, underscores the importance of collective support and the power of storytelling in healing. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating career transitions or searching for true happiness. 

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A Resilient Life: A Cop's Journey in Pursuit of Purpose 

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“Wounds to Wisdom” the book comes out in August 2024!

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How does a young, uncertain mother transform into a pivotal member of one of the world's most renowned police forces? Janet Wiszowaty, our remarkable guest and retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police Dispatcher, takes us through her deeply personal journey. Janet describes the unexpected opportunity that led her into a demanding yet crucial profession, her initial lack of confidence, and the profound emotional challenges she faced—including the traumatic calls and the devastating suicide of a colleague. Her story is a powerful reminder of the unseen struggles that dispatchers endure and the paramount importance of mental health support in emergency services.
 
 Imagine being told by your psychologist that your journey together has reached its end. What would you do next? We explore this pivotal moment and the paths toward continued personal growth. From engaging in university courses and personal development seminars to training with self-help guru Jack Canfield, we discuss the essential practices that can keep you moving forward. Discover how journaling, meditation, and self-care can serve as vital tools for healing and growth. Reflecting on past experiences, we offer insights and advice that could provide guidance during challenging times, and emphasize the importance of finding passion and support systems.
 
 Our episode concludes with a heartfelt look at the transformative power of sharing personal stories. Janet shares her experience of contributing to the book "Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran First Responder Narratives," demonstrating how even seemingly ordinary stories can provide immense inspiration and healing. We stress the importance of listening without judgment and recognizing the uniqueness of every healing journey. Encouraging proactive steps to foster a healthier and more joyful life, this episode celebrates the courage and generosity of individuals like Janet who open up their lives to foster connection and change through storytelling.

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“Wounds to Wisdom” the book comes out in August 2024!

"Wounds to Wisdom" is produced by Security Halt Media.