Welcome back to The Stone Protocol! In this powerful episode, Light Stone sits down with Deke Latson, a combat veteran who turned his darkest moments into a life-saving mission. From wrestling alligators to battling the broken VA system, Deke shares his raw, unfiltered journey through delayed-onset PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), and coming back from the brink of suicide.

Discover how Deke found true healing—not through another prescription pill—but through clinician-guided Ketamine therapy, neuroplasticity, and the great outdoors. Today, his non-profit organization uses extreme adventure therapy to peel veterans off the couch, reconnect them with their families, and teach them how to thrive in the "Challenge Zone."

If you or a veteran you know is struggling, this episode is a must-watch. There is hope, there is community, and you are loved.

Main Topics Covered

🐊 Wrestling Demons (and Gators): Using high-adrenaline outdoor adventures to help veterans process trauma and step out of their comfort zones.

🏥 The Failures of the VA System: Deke’s harrowing personal journey of seeking help for PTSD and facing an 8.5-month wait time while in active crisis.

🧠 TBIs & Neuroplasticity: Discovering the hidden physical causes of mental overwhelm and how the Marcus Institute for Brain Health helped rewire his brain.

⛺ The Birth of a Nonprofit: How a community college business plan evolved into an organization that has served over 1,000 veterans and their families with free adventure therapy.

🍄 Psychedelics vs. Pharmaceuticals: The limitations of relying solely on pills to numb pain, and the profound, root-cause healing Deke experienced through Ketamine therapy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Multi-Generational Healing: Why integrating spouses and children into the veteran healing process is vital for breaking the cycle of trauma.

The S.U.C.K. Protocol

A survival acronym adapted by Deke for navigating mental health crises:

S - Stop: Recognize what's happening.

U - Understand: Know this is a normal trauma reaction. Your brain is just trying to stop the pain.

C - Change your scenery: Remove yourself from the trigger (Do an "Irish goodbye" if you have to!).

K - Know you are loved: Don't fix a temporary problem with a permanent solution.

Support the Mission

🎟️ Attend the Fundraiser: Join Deke's organization on June 13th at Battery 621 in Downtown Denver for a rooftop party, live band (Jubilingo), and an auction to support free veteran programs!

🤝 Get Involved: Whether you are a veteran looking for community, a family member, or a donor wanting to help sponsor these life-changing adventure trips, your support saves lives.

Connect with Deke Letson

Organization: Founder & Executive Director of Veterans Exploration Therapy (V.E.T.)

Website: vetxtherapy.org

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dekeletson

Instagram: @dekeletson

Fundraiser Event: Get tickets to the June 13th event at Battery 621 in Denver directly through the V.E.T. website!

Connect with Light Stone

Coaching & Protocols: stoneprotocol.com

Instagram: @lightstone.media

YouTube: @lightstonemedia

Guest Referrals: DM “STONE” to @LightStone.Media

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