Episode 18 (Part 1): Warriors' Wounds: From Combat to Conspiracy, the story of Matthew Livelsberger

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01/10/25 • 35 min

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This podcast episode delves into the tragic events surrounding Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty Special Operations Soldier, who committed suicide and detonated a vehicle-born improvised explosive device (VBIED) outside Trump Tower on New Year's Day. The episode addresses Livelsberger's struggle with PTSD and perhaps traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and explores the military's handling of mental health issues among its service members. Tressa discusses Livelsberger's background, the conspiracy theories that have emerged following his death, and the psychological toll of war on veterans.

Tressa also examines the broader issue of veterans' vulnerability to radicalization and extremist groups. She highlights the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, their susceptibility to moral injuries, and the role of social media in fostering extremist ideologies. The episode emphasizes the need for mandatory mental health treatment for service members and calls for a reevaluation of the military's approach to mental health care to prevent further tragedies. The discussion is both a poignant reflection on the human cost of war and a call to action for better support for veterans and their families.
Sources from this episode:
UN Report find alleged drug facilities were not lawful targets - airtrikes caused significant civilian casualties | OHCHR Matthew Livelsberger—More Messages Allegedly From Cybertruck Suspect Shared
Vegas cybertruck explosion outside Trump Tower. What we know so far.

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Previous Episode

Episode 17 (Part 2): Cults, Collusion, Coverups and the Hawaii Military Lore

Do you have a story you’d like to share on TWTDNH or are you a subject matter expert who would like to shed light on any of the topics I cover? Shoot me a message!

In this episode, Tressa explores the dichotomy of Hawaii as both a paradise and a challenging station for military personnel, highlighting the high cost of living and unique dynamics that can create stress, especially for lower-ranking service members with families. The discussion then shifts to a broader trend of young men, including teenagers, resorting to extreme violence and murder when faced with rejection, emphasizing the alarming rise in teen violence since the 90s and the impact of access to firearms and lack of emotional control.
The episode underscores the importance of teaching young people about healthy boundaries and coercive control to prevent teen dating violence. The host shares personal insights and expert opinions on instilling these values in children from a young age.
Tragic stories of two women, Ms. Kayla Holder and Ms. Laau Jordan Laulusa, who lost their lives to young service members, are shared to highlight the devastating impact of emotional abuse and lack of self-regulation in relationships.
The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to rate and review the show to help reach more people in similar situations and offering safety tips for those considering leaving abusive relationships.
Sources for today's episode:
Intimate Partner Homicide of Adolescents | Adolescent Medicine | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network Family mourns victims of Ewa Beach double-homicide; suspect charged, bail set at $2M Ex-gf of Mililani murder suspect speaks out | KHON2