Warriors Unmasked

If you've been listening to Warriors Unmasked for a while you know that trauma and mental illness doesn't pick favorites. We don't always get to choose the paths we travel in life but that doesn't mean we don't have the power to change our lives. Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Chuck here, while Clint is out changing the world I sit down with incredible soccer player, coach, and master's gradua...

  "There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time." - Desmond Tutu When Joe Roberts was living day-to-day in the streets of downtown Vancouver, he never thought that he would end up where he is today. Turns out, he didn't need to look that far, all he needed to do was take the next step…. Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! This week we welcome Skidrow CEO, honorary doctorate, and menta...

August 31, 2011, will be a day that David Bartley will remember forever. With the help of a nameless first responder, he stepped away from the bridge where he planned to end his life. Now ten years later, he has made a name advocating for those struggling with depression and mental illness.   Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! As Clint and I keep marching on this journey together we are just blown...

What happens when a coping mechanism starts causing more damage than help? For many addicts, this is the exact struggle they deal with every day. Our guest today is someone who has not only struggled with addiction but came out on the other side with a fresh start and a powerful outlook on life. Join us as we talk with recovering alcoholic, author, and competitive national bodybuilder, Jewels A. J...

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Our guest this week is living proof that there is hope for your future and that you can overcome trauma, hardship, and a broken home to live a life that is full of purpose and meaning.  Join us as we sit down with former NHL player, Olympic gold medalist, author, and mental health advocate Theoren Fleury. Theo's story is one that covers a multitude of painful ins...

There are some things we don't question when it comes to our health. Like going to the emergency room with a broken bone or getting an annual check-up to make sure we're still in good health. What if we did the same for our mental health?  Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Chuck here, this week while Clint is out changing the world, I sit down with National Guard Veteran, author, podcaster, and m...

They say that laughter is the best medicine in the world, well, when it comes to mental illness it's not just medicine, it's a door to reconnecting with those around you.  Welcome back to another Warriors Unmasked episode! Today, Clint and I talk with key-note speaker, virtual business coach, mental health advocate, and all-around stand-up guy, Greg Kettner. He takes us on his journey of mental he...

Hey, Chuck here, while Clint is out with other speaking engagements I'll be taking over the helm this week! Over the past two years, we think it's safe to say that we have all experienced the feeling of loss in one way or another… Loss of sleep, loss of normal routines, loss of in-person connection and community, and unfortunately, many of us have lost loved ones. If you can relate or if you've ev...

A recent study in the U.S. has shown that nearly 10 million Americans struggle with compulsive gambling every year. While it may not have physical effects like drug abuse or other addictions, it's still something that can damage your relationships, finances, and life.  Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today we have an incredible conversation with father of two, professional speaker and mental he...

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Boy, do we have an incredible episode for you. When most people think of addiction they think of illegal substances. But what happens when you get hooked on legal medication that your therapist prescribed at eleven years old?  Join us today as our guest Jay Shifman takes us through his harrowing journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at eleven years old, the path t...

It's official, the holiday season is in full swing! We have Thanksgiving under our belt and Christmas and New Year's are just days away. We thought it was only right to sit down and talk about the blessings and gifts we have already been given this Christmas season and share a few more gifts with you, our amazing and valued listeners! We know that for some, the holiday season isn't always bright l...

We believe that sharing your story is one of the most powerful things you can do for many reasons. For example, some of the happiest people you can imagine may be struggling with a mental illness and you'd never know…It's not until vulnerability gives them the courage to open up and share their story that we know what's going on in their life. This moment can be scary for the one opening up for th...

For many elite athletes, life after sports isn't on their radar until it's too late. When you are performing at your best, focusing on winning games, trying to stay disciplined with your practice and training schedule, getting to know new people and places...all while trying to keep your contract (aka your job) going with your team.  While most people may not relate to being traded to a different...

Have you ever heard the phrase "you're too much." before? Chances are if you have, it came from a teacher, a parent, or someone you held in high regard...for those living with undiagnosed mental illness, words like this can be damaging. Even if the person who said it didn't mean any harm or have malicious intent. Hearing these words as a youngster can make you feel like who you are is somehow flaw...

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! If you are like us, Thanksgiving and this time of year is about more than just turkey, traveling, and family traditions. It's a time to reflect on all the things we're thankful for in this life. This week in honor of the Holiday we decided to take a different approach to our episode. Instead of introducing you to another incredible guest, we want to invite you to...

From the outside looking in, today's guest had it all… He was the heir to a world-renowned candy company, working with his grandpa, uncle, and father, he had a future set up with everything he could want. All he had to do was follow the path laid for him. But Nello had a different dream, and nothing could keep him from achieving his goals. Can you relate? Today on Warriors Unmasked Nello Ferrara t...

If you think mental illness or disorders are just affecting a small group of people…here is a stat to put things into perspective. 42% of the global workforce has experienced a decline in their mental health since the beginning of the pandemic.  42% isn't a number to shake a stick at… It begs the question, why is there still such a strong stigma around topics regarding mental health? With more peo...

All of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Whether you've been diagnosed yourself, know someone who has, or lost a loved one there is no doubt that this devastating disease sometimes leaves us with more questions than answers... There is one side of cancer that is not often talked about or thought about until you find yourself in the aftermath of a diagnosis. That side is the em...

It took one phone call to change Mike Cameron's life forever. After losing his girlfriend to gender-based violence Mike went on a journey of grieving and healing. What he learned has become a crucial ability in his life, using this expertise he lends his voice to help eradicate violence against women.  Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We are blown away by Mike's story and the amount of courage a...

What do the Bible and medical journals have in common?  Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We promise that the question above is not the opening to a bad joke. But it is something our guest today has researched extensively, and the answer? It's more than you think. Today we sit down and talk with Sgt. Aaron Quinonez, or Sgt. Q, about his journey of heartbreak and hopelessness that by the grace of...

What do the Bible and medical journals have in common?  Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We promise that the question above is not the opening to a bad joke. But it is something our guest today has researched extensively, and the answer? It's more than you think. Today we sit down and talk with Sgt. Aaron Quinonez, or Sgt. Q, about his journey of heartbreak and hopelessness that by the grace of...

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! If you listened to our last episode with Mac Scotty McGregor you know he left us with a fascinating process that brought him healing and breakthrough. Today we take a dive into Mac's letters to his younger self and how he continues to live life like a champion. If you haven't heard our first interview with Mac, check out episode 39 before starting this one!  Mac...

The battle with mental illness may not go away forever, but there is a confidence that comes with having the right tools to handle it. Today Clint and I sit down to talk about the things we are currently struggling with and the victories we've had along the way.  Join us as we sit down and do a check-in with our lives and mental health journeys. We have had some amazing guests on our show, with ba...

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Chuck here, this week I sit down with a powerful person both in and out of the dojo. Mac Scotty McGregor takes us along on his journey of pain, perseverance, and above all else, healing.  We take a deep dive into what it was like growing up with a mother who battled mental illness, and the responsibilities and stress Mac took upon himself. Including watching over...

Trigger Warning and Depictions of Violence: This episode shares graphic details of child abuse, war explosions, and other traumatic events. We do not recommend this content for children. If this is overwhelming or hits a little too close to home for you, we encourage you to check out another episode and come back when you're ready!   You've heard the term 'hindsight is 20/20', but sometimes when w...