Create Your Own Light

In this episode I discuss leadership being 24/7 and not just during business hours. I also get into how living in a constant state of hypervigilance can be extremely exhausting and damaging to both our personal and professional lives. I also get into our WAR ZONE and walking the walk when it comes to Peer Support and more. Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with...

In this episode I discuss living too far in the future or too far in the past while missing what's right in front of us. I go on to talk about resourceful leaders stepping up to the plate and how a few simple words about your life can help ignite a fire inside of someone else. Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourweld...

In this episode I discuss conquering re-occurring anxious moments vs letting them escalate. I also get into crossing boundaries and managing expectations along with finding inspiration when you are mentally and physically exhausted. I also tell the story of a young Police Officer and Stripper directing traffic. Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on soci...

In this episode I sit down with my best friend Randy where we talk about the Marine Corps, Life and Finances. We also talk about what it's like watching a friend circle the drain of life from the effects of PTSD and also skim the surface of some fun times from the past. Enjoy! Follow Randy on Instagram: Randy Tappen (@randytappencova)   Pick up a copy of Randy's book Why Rent?: Tappen, R...

In this episode I discuss how hurt people hurt people and how happy people do not hurt anyone. I also open up about a time when I didn't apply myself and how it cost me later in life. I go on to talk about the importance of getting out of your element from time to time to allow more personal growth and a little bitching about people on social media. Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www...

In the episode I sit down with my good friend Dr. David Griffin, Battalion Chief with the Charleston, SC Fire Department. Dr. Griffin was the first engine on scene to the Sofa Super Store Fire that claimed the lives of 9 Charleston Firefighters June 18, 2007. On his conquest to find purpose Dr. Griffin forged his path as a professional body builder, professional MMA fighter, triathlete and author...

In this episode I sit down with Jeff Foxworthy and discuss his career, talking fatherhood, trauma, life on the road and coleslaw wrapped in fried chicken thigh skin. We further delve into taking people out and bringing them into this world during live events, catheter necklaces and so much more! You don't want to miss this one. Enjoy!  Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or co...

In this episode I talk about having to put down my beloved Turkey Sue, the best friend I have ever known. This was by far the hardest thing that I've ever had to do and you'll hear why in this episode. I go on to talk about quality of life and just how important it is. Rest well Turkey Sue. Until we meet again. Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on s...

In this episode I talk to Police Officer Jennifer Samples, widow of Captain Dustin Samples of the Cleveland, Tennessee Fire Department who took his own life December 11, 2020. Jennifer explains the highs and lows of PTSD and substance abuse from a spouses point of view. She goes on to talk about triggers, behavioral traits and red flags during her husbands final days.  Aside from being an incredib...

In this episode I discuss competing with yourself to become better every day by not focusing on your short comings, rather, celebrating your victories.  I go on to talk about displacing negative energy and being more encouraging in the You vs You arena.  Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourwelder   and instagram.com/yourw...

In this episode I discuss finding inspiration when it seems impossible at times. This is my shortest episode to date because I too feel uninspired at times and crave inspiration. I also go on to talk about forward progress.  Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourwelder   and instagram.com/yourwelder Grab My Book "Creat...

In this episode I discuss the time we spend living vs merely existing. I also tell a few stories and have to cut this episode short due to covid complications. My apologies but thank you for the support. Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourwelder   and instagram.com/yourwelder Grab My Book "Create Your Own Light" : htt...

In this episode I discuss how  often times the most peaceful and stress free moments in our lives can actually be some of the most dangerous times. I take a further look into therapy and how and why many of us may never truly open up to those whom we trust with out darkest secrets. I also tell the story of almost amputating both of my toes, James Brown, crazy Julie and much more. Buckle up and Enj...

In this episode I discuss the struggle within the growth process and how lonely it can become along the way. I also talk about failure and how failing does not have to be permanent. I go on to talk about separation of service and how difficult it can be to transition from things that potentially define us while addressing the ugly truth of First Responder Veteran Suicide. Visit our Sponsor's...

In this episode I talk about making bullshit resolutions that we never live up to and why.  I also go more in depth with First Responder suicide and what it will take to make a real change in order to see these numbers come down. Further more and more importantly, I discuss how many of our First Responders are being sold short when it comes to mental wellness training. I Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor&a...

In this episode I discuss how our presence may affect others. I go on to talk about the holidays and how those affected with PTSD may not be inclined to be in the holiday spirit. I also talk about loneliness and smooth country butter.  Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourwelder   and instagram.com/yourwelder Grab My Book...

In this episode I encourage those suffering with PTSD issues to OWN THEIR SHIT and stop abusing those around them by  using their problems as a crutch and an excuse. I also talk about my recent conversation with Jeff Foxworthy,  gratitude and pride along with posers and grudges. Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourwelder...

In the episode I have a casual conversation with my father about life, growing up and what its like as a parent watching your child struggle with Post Traumatic Stress and all that comes with it. This episode was hap hazardly thrown together in my farm house where we only had one microphone to record on.  The sound may be low in areas but I really enjoyed having my father on. Enjoy! Visit our Spon...

In this episode I place emphasis on how we communicate with our loved ones. Do we allow them to walk on Rose Petals or do we make them walk on Egg Shells in our presence? I further discuss how difficult it can be for first responders to let their guard down when trying to live in the moment along with reflecting on the previous episode after losing someone very dear to me, Mrs. Melinda Gibbs. Rest...

In this episode I discuss not being able to cash promised rainchecks and ask the question on where do leaders go to seek help? I may tell an ass of a story too. Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourwelder   and instagram.com/yourwelder Grab My Book "Create Your Own Light" : https://www.amazon.com/dp/b0892dp6qj/ F...

In this episode I discuss how our children perceive  us through our words, our behavior and our actions. I go on to talk about seeing the world differently and why letting our children see us fail is important. Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourwelder   and instagram.com/yourwelder Grab My Book "Create Your Own Light&quot...

In this episode I discuss finding the good from the bad moments in life. What makes your story unique? What kind of life do you want to live? I go on to talk about how we can come back even stronger even when we think we are broken beyond repair.  Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them on social media facebook.com/yourwelder   and instagram.com/yourwelder Grab My...

In this episode I discuss the difficulty of understanding those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress. I go on to talk about creating resources for others who may be struggling by utilizing your story to connect with them. I also talk about taking a step back from things before becoming overwhelmed so you can regain your composure and come back hitting harder.   Visit our Sponsor's website ww...

In this episode I discuss how the Phony Tough mask their problems while enabling not just themselves but others who depend on them and how to disable that enable button. I further discuss owning our circumstances and pressing on towards a better life. Emotionally, this is by far the hardest episode I have recorded to date.  Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them o...

In this episode I discuss carrying the emotional weight of others and the exhaustion that ensues. I go on to discuss helping vs enabling, setting boundaries and peer support programs. I also talk the misconception of suicide being the easy way out, how I thought the word RESONATE had a G in it and my friend Ben Jones. Enjoy! Visit our Sponsor's website www.yourwelder.com or connect with them...