Security Halt!

Josh Skovlund, opens up about his journey through military service, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and his personal battle with health issues. Originally aiming to become a PJ in the Air Force, Josh's path led him to the Ranger Regiment as a forward observer. His story takes a dramatic turn as he faces severe health problems, including a TBI and a brain cyst, which eventually resulted in his military discharge.

In this conversation, Josh shares how alternative approaches like meditation, yoga, and self-care have helped him manage his mental and physical health. He discusses how therapy played a vital role in coping with grief, and emphasizes the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms and avoiding unhealthy habits. Josh also highlights the need for veterans to focus on mental health and seek out effective ways to heal.

Additionally, Josh delves into his commitment to unbiased journalism, discussing his work with Security Halt Media, alongside Deny Caballero, and his collaboration with Task and Purpose. Through his experiences, he stresses the need for honest, thoughtful media coverage of veterans and their struggles, ensuring that their stories are told with truth and integrity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:48 Challenges and Discharge

13:12 Health Issues and Alternative Therapies

23:08 Addressing Mental and Physical Health

35:56 Therapy and Flashbacks

38:19 Finding Peace and Overcoming Grief

41:41 Prioritizing Self-Care and Healthy Habits

45:44 Alcohol vs. Marijuana

49:03 Being Fun Sober and Breaking Out of Your Shell

53:21 The Power of Unbiased Journalism

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Instagram: Joshua_skovlund

Website: taskandpurpose.com

Produced by Security Halt Media

Episode 189: Eloise Cherian Healing Trauma with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Security Halt!

06/10/24 • 54 min

Eloise Cherian is the Communications Coordinator at Sunstone Therapies. Which is one of the Nations top healing centers for both Psychedelic therapy and clinical trials. Join us as we explore the efficacy and healing potential of these powerful medicine. Inspired by her studies in neuroscience and Michael Pollan's "How to Change Your Mind," Eloise shares her research experiences with ketamine therapy at the Minneapolis VA, uncovering promising data on psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine. Discover why these substances could offer sustainable mental health solutions that go beyond traditional pharmaceuticals, and hear about the ongoing efforts to reschedule MDMA for therapeutic use.
Ever wondered how MDMA can foster empathy and social engagement crucial for trauma healing? In this episode, Eloise explains the neurochemical mechanisms behind MDMA and discusses its potential FDA approval for PTSD treatment. With extensive clinical trials showcasing its efficacy and safety, we delve into why MDMA-assisted therapy requires careful preparation, dosing, and integration with a therapist. We also broaden our discussion to other psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, emphasizing the importance of supervised use and the risks of unsupervised ketamine therapy.

Eloise Cherian attended Pomona College in Claremont, California where she studied Neuroscience. During the summer of 2022, she worked at the Minneapolis Department of Veteran Affairs as a research assistant on a clinical trial investigating the efficacy of ketamine and Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD. Currently, she is the Communications Coordinator for Sunstone Therapies, a mental health company dedicated to the research and delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy, located in Rockville Maryland.

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Produced by Security Halt Media

#230 Resilience and Transition: Dan Bradley's Journey from Air Force to Civilian Life

Security Halt!

11/15/24 • 56 min

Join Dan Bradley and Deny Caballero as they pull back the curtain on the hidden struggles of military life and the tough transition to civilian reality. This powerful conversation dives deep into the worlds of Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Combat Controller (CCT) operators, exploring the unique mental health challenges that veterans and first responders face post-service. Dan shares his raw, personal story of leaving the Air Force, facing identity struggles, and the power of vulnerability in his healing journey.

With deep insights on "Operator Syndrome," testosterone, and the critical role of community and support, this episode uncovers the pathways to resilience and empowerment for our military heroes. Hear how veterans can find strength in community, accountability, and shared experiences to navigate the toughest battles of mental health. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or mental health advocate, this conversation is packed with wisdom and real-life takeaways.

Listen now, and don't forget to follow, share, like, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Join us as we create a supportive space for veterans and amplify voices that need to be heard. Together, let's build awareness, spread support, and spark change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

02:53 The Importance of Sharing Military Stories

06:13 Dan's Journey into the Military

09:05 Understanding TACPs and CCTs

11:52 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

15:01 Navigating Post-Military Identity and Mental Health

17:55 Finding New Purpose in Civilian Life

24:56 Reconnecting with the Past

27:29 Navigating Mental Health Challenges

30:16 Understanding Operator Syndrome

32:35 The Importance of Community Support

34:14 Empowering Veterans and First Responders

39:25 The Journey of Healing

45:10 Choosing the Hard Path

52:20 The Power of Vulnerability

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbradley15/

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LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

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Produced by Security Halt Media

#229 John Wayne Walding’s Journey: From Green Beret to Sobriety & Veteran Advocacy

Security Halt!

11/13/24 • 66 min

Join John Wayne Walding, Green Beret and veteran advocate, as he opens up about his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a decorated Special Forces sniper and a respected voice in the veteran community. John dives into the transformative power of resilience, faith, and community support in overcoming the unique challenges veterans face. This episode is a powerful exploration of sobriety, friendship, and finding purpose beyond the battlefield. Walding and Caballero share their personal stories of breaking free from the societal pressures surrounding alcohol, embracing gratitude, and building authentic connections.

Hear their insights on navigating life’s transitions, from military to civilian life, with a renewed sense of purpose. This episode isn’t just for veterans—it’s a call for anyone seeking personal growth, mental well-being, and a supportive community. Discover how you can make meaningful changes in your own life. Don’t forget to follow, share, like, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to stay updated with impactful stories like this one!

Follow, share, like, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to support veteran mental health awareness!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of John Wayne Walding

04:58 Overcoming Adversity and the Role of Mindset

09:54 The Importance of Faith in Life's Challenges

15:07 Navigating Pain and Mental Health

19:59 The Impact of Alcohol on Veterans

25:05 Living Well for the Fallen and Personal Growth

35:18 The Illusion of Fun vs. Gratitude

37:09 The Journey to Sobriety

39:10 Confronting Alcohol's Role in Life

41:34 Building True Friendships

45:35 The Importance of Long-Term Sobriety

46:51 The Struggles of Substance Abuse

49:27 Finding God in Recovery

50:49 The Power of Community and Support

53:07 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

54:52 Entrepreneurship and Helping Veterans

01:00:07 The Healing Power of Nature

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwaynewalding-ba1a48b4/

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LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

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Connect with John today!

LinkedIn: John Wayne Walding

Website: JohnWayneWalding.com

https://www.johnwaynewalding.com/

Produced by Security Halt Media

Season 2 Episode 38 Mindful minutes R is for Resiliency

Security Halt!

11/29/21 • 38 min

Resiliency 101: How to bend, not break, when we are challenged

Resilience is a “Hot Topic” right now. For several years many advocates have been talking about its many benefits, including the Army!

Many define it as being able to adapt or recover quickly when life takes a turn for the worse.

By harnessing the tools Resiliency training you have a much better chance at bouncing back when facing the curve balls that life tends to throw at us.

There is no magic want that will remove pain, grief, stress, anxiety, or any of the other physical or psychological problems we may face, through resiliency training though, you will learn how to recover quicker and stay in a healthier mind state.

In order for us to become more resilient, we must strive to work on the following areas

RELATIONSHIPS: Develop strong and healthy relationships within your daily life. This will be the network that you will depend on when things get rough. This doesn’t have to just be immediate family and friends. Your support network can be your Church group or Community support group.

Goal setting and finding your purpose: It’s easier to deal with the bad and the negative when you know that you are engaged with accomplishing your goals and purpose. Finding your purpose and identifying your “Why” is a big factor in resiliency.

JOURNAL: Maintaining a journal allows you to reflect on the good, and keep track of the positives in your life. In times of stress and hardship it allows us to reflect back on how we have overcome greater problems. It can also provide valuable insight on how we can recover from similar problems.

SELF CARE: Get Intune with your feelings. Understand who you are and what you need emotionally. Take care of yourself physically as well. When you feel good about your physical and emotional wellbeing things don’t weigh us down as much. Maintain a healthy diet, practice good sleep hygiene, and stay physically fit.

STOP PROCRASTINATING: Face all tasks head on, and create order in chaos in order to stay on top of your daily tasks. Stay proactive, not reactive and know that no matter what the challenge or task is, it can be accomplished.

Developing resiliency in your daily life will take time and much like exercising your biceps will inevitably result in awesome beach muscles. Practicing these steps will make you a master at it!

Produced by Security Halt Media

#219 From Chaos to Leadership: Brandon Hayes’ Inspiring Military Journey

Security Halt!

10/16/24 • 52 min

Join Us for an Inspiring Journey in Veteran Leadership and Personal Growth! 🎙️

In this powerful episode of the Security Halt! Podcast, host Deny Caballero sits down with Brandon "Jackal" Hayes to uncover his remarkable story of resilience, from a turbulent youth to an accomplished military career. Brandon shares invaluable life lessons on mentorship, leadership, and how his time in the military shaped his path. This conversation dives deep into the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the strength needed to persevere through personal struggles, and how community and veteran support play a critical role in the journey toward success.

Whether you're navigating your own path after the military or looking for insights on entrepreneurship and personal growth, this episode has something for everyone. Brandon’s story is not just about his own transformation—it's about the ongoing mission to help others succeed.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation packed with practical advice and motivation. 🚀

🔔 Subscribe, share, and follow us on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts for more insightful episodes like this one!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:01 Military Journey and Transformation

06:00 Leadership and Mentorship in the Military

09:11 The Importance of Resilience and Hardship

12:00 Experiences in Afghanistan

18:02 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

23:55 Building a New Life and Business

30:07 Community Engagement and Mentorship

35:46 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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Connect with Brandon today!

LinkedIn: Brandon H.

Instagram: jackal_6_actual

Business Instagram: jackal_group

Produced by Security Halt Media

Episode 182: Dr. Gretchen McIntosh, Executive Director of SEALKIDS

Security Halt!

05/15/24 • 60 min

Dr. Gretchen McIntosh is the Executive Director of SEALKIDS, a nonprofit that is providing crucial educational support to our Naval Special Warfare professionals. On this episode we dive into the challenges that our military children fight every day – from the turmoil of deployments to the upheaval of frequent relocations. Our conversation peels back the curtain on how SEALKids is leading the charge in supporting these young heroes, especially those wrestling with learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD. Dr. McIntosh sheds light on the tailored interventions that provide solace and success in areas where schools often fall short, due to stretched resources.
The heart of our discussion beats to the rhythm of family – the military family, to be precise. We share stories that resonate with the familiar struggle of balancing service to country with nurturing the home front. Dr. McIntosh and I touch on the cathartic impact that academic support brings to children and how this ripples outwards, easing familial tensions. Our exchange reveals the essential nature of holistic care – affirming the notion that when we uplift the child, we empower the entire family.

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We greatly appreciate you and your support, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

Make sure that you follow Gretchen on LinkedIn and follow SEAL Kids on all of their social media channels!

The application window opens up on June 1st and closes on June 30th so please, go to SEALKIDS.ORG now to donate! Every dollar helps provide tutoring and educational support for these awesome kiddos!

LinkedIn: Gretchen McIntosh, Ph.D.

Follow SEALKIDS on Social Media:

Facebook- www.facebook.com/SEALKIDS

Instagram- www.instagram.com/sealkids

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Website: sealkids.org

Produced by Security Halt Media

Episode 188: Patrick Zeigler author of "Both ends of the barrel."

Security Halt!

06/05/24 • 54 min

Both Ends of the Barrel: From the Troop Surge to Fort Hood A Dozen Years in the Global War

Episode 188: Patrick Zeigler, author of “Both ends of the barrel.”

Surviving a terrorist attack at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009, changed Patrick Ziegler’s life, but it didn't break him. Join us as we explore his incredible story of resilience and survival. Hear firsthand about the harrowing day that left lasting scars and the journey that followed. Patrick opens up about the powerful bonds of camaraderie he experienced on a recent healing trip to South Florida, touching on the evolving nature of mental health support for veterans.
What happens when the act of writing becomes a lifeline? Discover the transformative journey of an author who spent five years battling physical and mental hardships to pen a deeply personal book. Learn how storytelling served as a coping mechanism for trauma, leading to unexpected financial support and a profound experience of peace and forgiveness during a visit to Israel. This chapter sheds light on the spiritual healing found through human connections and the significant impact of such encounters on the path toward forgiveness and understanding.
Mental health recovery is a winding path, often marked by profound lessons and unexpected friendships. Hear about the narrator's multiple stays in psych wards, the invaluable lessons learned through group therapy, and the poignant tattoos memorializing 26 lives. The episode underscores the healing power of humor and camaraderie, especially at Bethesda Walter Reed Medical Center, where veterans use humor to cope with their injuries. From generational differences in handling adversity to the potential of new treatments like psilocybin and neural implants, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, purpose, and the enduring bonds formed among those who serve.

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Produced by Security Halt Media

#217 The Black Box Project: Analyzing Data for Suicide Prevention

Security Halt!

10/09/24 • 55 min

In this compelling episode, Kim Burditt opens up about her deeply personal journey through suicide loss and how it fueled her commitment to suicide prevention, especially among military and veteran communities. She shares the vital role of peer support in healing and finding renewed purpose after devastating loss. The conversation delves into the complex nature of grief, highlighting the importance of allowing individuals the space to navigate their unique grieving process. Emphasizing the healing potential of alternative therapies, such as art and music therapy, the episode sheds light on the evolving understanding of grief as a natural human experience. Kim’s story reinforces that pain and suffering, while profound, will gradually ease with time. A spotlight is placed on the Black Box Project, an innovative initiative by Stop Soldier Suicide, which analyzes digital data from service members lost to suicide to uncover behavioral trends. This project aims to improve interventions and provide targeted support to those at risk. The episode concludes with a powerful message of hope, underscoring the significance of seeking help and standing together to prevent future loss.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

02:05 The Impact of Suicide Loss

07:24 Post-Traumatic Growth and Finding Meaning

10:13 Navigating the Complexities of Grief

14:10 Allowing Yourself to Feel and Process Grief

17:46 Grief as a Connection and a Privilege

24:38 Intentional Work and Navigating the Waves of Grief

26:21 Embracing Grief and Understanding its Nature

32:10 The Black Box Project: Analyzing Data for Suicide Prevention

48:23 Seeking Help and Supporting One Another in the Fight Against Suicide

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Connect with Kim today!

LinkedIn:

X: @SoldierSuicide

Instagram: stopsoldiersuicide

Website: stopsoldiersuicide.org/blackboxproject

Email: [email protected]

Produced by Security Halt Media

#205 Abel Rodriguez : Saving Lives with Healing the Hero and Tactical Resiliency USA

Security Halt!

08/14/24 • 46 min

How can the scars of our past shape the heroes of today? Join us as Abel Rodriguez shares his transformative journey from anger to becoming a beacon of hope for military veterans and first responders. Through Healing the Hero, a faith-driven initiative co-founded by Dan Jarvis, Abel unveils how peer-to-peer support systems are breaking barriers to mental health assistance, rooted deeply in personal struggles and faith. Discover how Abel, guided by his newfound purpose, is helping others navigate their darkest moments and find solace in a higher power.
Explore the profound influence of childhood experiences on adult trauma with stories from a groundbreaking trip to San Antonio, where holistic methods and mindfulness exercises revealed significant brain activity shifts among senior enlisted personnel. Learn about the importance of active participation in the healing journey and the innovative approach of disconnecting negative emotions from traumatic memories. We also discuss Tactical Resiliency, a training company supporting Healing the Hero, and its mission to build resilient communities through peer-to-peer support. Abel and Dan's dedication is fostering mental well-being and reshaping lives, one hero at a time.

Instagram: @securityhalt