MindForce: Mental Fitness, Leadership & Life Stories

I would love to hear from you! Imagine navigating the turbulent waters of life-threatening health crises and emerging with a renewed sense of purpose and leadership. That's my story, which I share alongside Jack Glennon, the inspiring founder of Glennon Pete Coaching, who has faced his own set of formidable challenges. In our candid conversation, we explore themes of resilience, the power of...

I would love to hear from you! Can a coffee break save a life? This episode of MindForce features Demetrius Pagan, an inspiring suicide prevention trainer who brings nearly two decades of military experience to the table. We explore how simple acts of connection, like sharing a cup of coffee, can play a crucial role in fostering supportive environments for mental health. Demetrius shares his effec...

I would love to hear from you! What if your greatest struggles could become your superpowers? Join us on MindForce as we explore this transformative idea with our inspiring guest, Troy Fontana. Troy shares his journey through life's toughest challenges—business collapse, divorce, and a harrowing near-death experience—and how they forged a path to self-discovery and resilience. As your host, I...

I would love to hear from you! What does it take to rise from the depths of addiction and homelessness to a place of healing and purpose? Join us on Mindforce as Mariah Pettry candidly shares her story of resilience and transformation, marking seven years of sobriety from heroin. Mariah offers powerful insights into the importance of healthy relationships, both in her recovery journey and in her a...

I would love to hear from you! Gregory Taylor, co-host of the popular podcast Seat 41A, joins us for an enlightening conversation about the twists and turns of life, and how his Air Force career catapulted him into the world of personal development and mentoring. We reminisce about unexpected career paths, such as my pivot from aspiring pilot to podcaster, and reflect on the definitions of success...

I would love to hear from you! How can a career in fitness transform not only your body but also your mind? Join us as we explore this fascinating question with Joe Rodonis, a fitness coach who made the bold move from a successful career in healthcare sales to follow his passion for human movement. Joe shares his inspiring journey, deep insights into preventative health, and how physical fitness c...

I would love to hear from you! What if we could break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health in the military? Join us in this deeply moving episode as we bring to light the critical issue of suicide awareness, particularly within the military community. I had the privilege of sitting down with Clifton Hanson, our wing chaplain, who brings a wealth of experience and insight into suicidal...

I would love to hear from you! What if you could transform from a rebellious young adult to a respected leader in the Air Force? Meet Jason Lookabaugh, the Enlisted Optimist, who shares his transformative journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. From his early struggles with authority in Dayton, Ohio, to finding a mentor who shifted his perspective on leadership, Jason's story...

I would love to hear from you! Is your leadership style truly effective, or are you unknowingly leaving a trail of disengaged and discontent staff? Discover the eye-opening journey of retired Army officer Dan McKay as he transitions from a self-focused mindset to an us-focused approach, reshaping his leadership and the well-being of his subordinates. Through candid examples from his military caree...

I would love to hear from you! What happens when you discover a life-altering diagnosis in your late 30s? In this episode of MindForce, we hear from Courtney Carini, an inspiring ADHD advocate and coach, who learned she had ADHD at the age of 38. Courtney shares her heartfelt journey from being mislabeled as lazy and scatterbrained to finding empowerment through proper diagnosis and treatment. Wit...

I would love to hear from you! Unlock the secrets of resilient leadership as we sit down with a distinguished military veteran who has dedicated 25 years to serving his country. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore his remarkable journey from a military brat to a pivotal role as Command Chief in Japan during the COVID-19 crisis. Our guest shares how showcasing the human side of leadership...

I would love to hear from you! Ever wondered how a decorated Air Force Chief adapts to civilian life? Join us as Hope Skibitsky, a retired Air Force Chief, takes us on her compelling journey from military service to civilian success. From starting with just a toothbrush to achieving high-ranking positions, Hope’s story is one you won't want to miss. She shares invaluable insights on the impor...

I would love to hear from you! Ever wondered how authentic communication can transform your life? Join us in this enlightening episode of Mindforce, featuring Dr. Fred Moss, a life optimization specialist who has turned his chaotic childhood experiences into a mission for authentic living. Dr. Fred takes us on a journey through his early passion for communication, the challenges he faced within th...

I would love to hear from you! What happens when you combine two decades of military leadership with the nuanced world of healthcare administration? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Colonel Gloria Walski, an Air Force officer whose career spans supporting the United States Space Force, handling disaster response, and homeland defense planning. Gloria dives into her extensive experienc...

I would love to hear from you! Support the show https://mindforcepodcast.buzzsprout.com

I would love to hear from you! Embark on a mission through the tough terrains of mental and physical survival with SERE specialists Micah Gillette and Steven Drakes. Their tales of resilience in the face of adversity guarantee to equip you with an arsenal of strategies for life's most demanding battles. From their gripping narratives of military Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape train...

I would love to hear from you! Embark on a profound journey with me, Nate Scheer, as I sit down with Josh White from the HeroFront Podcast, whose life lessons from a 19-year Air Force career have blossomed into a beacon of humor, motivation, and transparency. Reflecting on the power of genuine stories, we unearth the soul-stirring narratives that lurk behind the curtain of podcasting—a world where...

I would love to hear from you! When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade—or so the saying goes. Michael Runyan, the "Runin’ Onion," has a recipe that involves a dash of personal suffering, a sprinkle of expectation management, and a whole lot of resilience. Join us on a journey through Michael's lens as he shares his wisdom on the Mindforce podcast, providing a riveting narrativ...

I would love to hear from you! Exploring the intricate dance of organizational culture and mental health, Shannon Sutton joins me for a conversation that's both enlightening and deeply personal. Together, we dissect the Culture Lotus Framework—a model for nurturing a vibrant workplace, with petals representing clarity, expectation, competency, empowerment, fortification, and assessment. Drawi...

I would love to hear from you! Embark with us on an insider's exploration of Air Force contracting, where the stakes are high and the popcorn machines are just as crucial as mission-critical supplies. From the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan to the corporate boardrooms after service, our guests, Beavers and Matt, share their compelling stories of resilience, adaptability, and the often-un...

I would love to hear from you! Walking alongside someone through their darkest times can reveal the profound impact of empathy and understanding. In a candid and moving conversation with my mother, we navigate the tumultuous seas of grief and mental fitness, sharing our deeply personal experiences of loss. This episode isn't just about sorrow; it's an invitation to comprehend the silent...

I would love to hear from you! When Emma Stonehill, affectionately known as a 'missileer', pivoted from her dreams of flight to the world of nuclear missile operations, her career took a sharp turn towards a realm she had never envisioned for herself. Our conversation with Emma not only peels back the curtain on the life of a 13N nuclear missiles operator but also tracks her journey of a...

I would love to hear from you! When life threw me curveballs I never saw coming, it was the power of resilience that caught each pitch. Maurice Arnold, a retired Senior Master Sergeant, joins me to unpack the essence of mental fitness and resilience, particularly within the crucible of military life. Our heartfelt conversation traverses the landscape of mental health's impact on families, urg...

I would love to hear from you! As I sat with Emily Grace, a seasoned psychologist who took the scenic route to her expertise, it became clear that her journey was as much about the mind as it was about the heart. With Colonel retired Robert Swanson sharing riveting tales from the front lines of military psychology, we traversed the realms of mental health, culture, and personal development in a co...

I would love to hear from you! When we peel back the layers of society, we're often confronted with a raw, untouched narrative of personal challenges and mental fitness. That's where our guest, Russell Lewis, comes in. His journey from navigating a single-parent household and a gang lifestyle to advocating for mental health is the inspiring story you never knew you needed to hear. We unp...