Scars and Struggles Podcast

Episode 005 | Chief Peterson: Mental Health, Combat, and Taking Care of Sailors In this episode of Scars and Struggles , I sit down with Chief Peterson for an honest conversation about leadership, combat, and the unseen mental health battles many service members carry long after the mission ends. Chief Peterson shares what it was like growing up in rural Nebraska in a broken home, being raised by...

In this episode of Scars and Struggles , Dustin sits down with Chris Ramsey to talk about what life really looks like after the uniform comes off. Chris opens up about the invisible weight many service members carry long after their time in the military ends, including trauma, identity loss, and the long-term impact of experiences that never fully stay in the past. This conversation is raw, honest...

In this episode of  Scars and Struggles , Dustin sits down with Matthew Garcia, a Navy Veteran who transitioned to the Reserves and is still fighting daily battles with PTSD. Matthew speaks with raw honesty about what it feels like to be “in it” right now, how it impacts relationships and day to day life, and what helps him keep going when things get dark. This conversation is heavy, real, and nec...

This episode is an introduction to Scars and Struggles and to the voice behind it. Dustin shares his background, why these conversations matter, and why creating space for honest dialogue is so important. This podcast is for anyone who has been through hard seasons, worn invisible scars, or felt like their story was not worth telling.

In this first full episode of Scars and Struggles , Dustin sits down with Daniel Cooke to talk about a journey that many veterans quietly live through. Daniel shares his experience transitioning from a Naval Operations Specialist into civilian life, the mental health challenges that followed, and the difficult work of confronting struggles he once tried to push aside. This conversation explores id...

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges and personal trauma. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Scars and Struggles , Dustin sits down with Lara Wilkinson , a U.S. Army veteran who shares her deeply personal story of service, trauma, and resilience. Lara opens up about her time in the Army, the challenges she faced during and after service, and th...