Normalize PTSD podcast

48:19

Matt Sandoval is the CEO of Free Arts, a nonprofit organization in Arizona that provides trauma-informed expressive arts programs for children, teens, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, or homelessness. Social Media: Website Instagram Facebook Podcast: Canvas of the Heart Matt's LinkedIn Matt Sandoval is the spirited CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, where he channels his big heart and creative zest into helping kids heal from trauma through art and mentorship. An Arizona native with a knack for storytelling, he’s spent over 15 years leading nonprofits, wielding his Master’s degrees in Social Work and Educational Leadership like a superhero’s cape. Whether he’s hosting the Canvas of the Heart podcast, sharing wisdom on LinkedIn, or reminiscing about his dad’s days as a Phoenix police officer, Matt’s infectious passion for resilience and self-compassion lights up every room—proving that even in tough times, a splash of art and a dose of kindness can work wonders! I do not have an artistic bone in my entire body, but this was a great episode. I had the pleasure to chat with Matt Sandoval, the CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, who shares how art and mentorship work magic to build resilience in kids facing trauma. With humor and heart, Matt, an Arizona native shaped by his police officer father’s career and family challenges, dives into Free Arts’ mission to serve over 7,000 kids annually with trauma-informed programs, emphasizing the mantra “no mistakes in art.” From group mentoring to rigorous volunteer vetting, he explains how creative expression fosters safety and self-compassion, drawing parallels to the trauma experiences of veterans and first responders. Touching on systemic issues like poverty and his vision for statewide impact, Matt inspires with stories of hope and a call to join the movement. Resources Mentioned: Arizona ACEs SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona (Consultation and Programs) Book: Achilles in Vietnam We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference. DM me or comment below to connect. Thank you for being part of this mission! If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.…

Normalize PTSD

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71_Ageless Valor: Dr. Lanny Snodgrass on Military Mental Health 1:20:10

5 weeks ago1:20:10

1:20:10

Dr. Lanny Snodgrass, a veteran psychiatrist, became the oldest American to join the U.S. Army at 62. His book, The Ageless Call to Serve , challenges age-based military recruitment policies while advocating for psychological resilience and improved veteran mental health support. Contact Information: Book Website: agelesscalltoservebook.com Publisher's Website: https://www.casematepublishers.com/9781636244174/the-ageless-call-to-serve/ Media Inquiries: jpmark@icloud.com Dr. Lanny L. Snodgrass, MD, PhD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and U.S. Army veteran who made history as the oldest American to join the Army and complete Officer Basic Training at age 62 during the Iraq War. With over four decades of experience treating veterans and active-duty military personnel, he is a leading expert on PTSD and military mental health, having served as a Lieutenant Colonel and Gulf War veteran. His forthcoming book, The Ageless Call to Serve , published in 2024, challenges conventional military age restrictions and advocates for enhanced psychological resilience and mental health support for service members. Dr. Snodgrass’s unique journey from civilian psychiatrist to soldier at 63, coupled with his extensive expertise, offers profound insights into rethinking military recruitment and veteran care, making him a compelling voice in both military and mental health discussions. When Dr. Lanny Snodgrass invited me for an in-person podcast episode, I sounded like a cartoon character talking a big swallow, convinced I’d botch it—and yep, I fumbled the video! Thankfully, the audio was saved, and what a blast this turned out to be! Lanny and Dave were an absolute delight to meet and chat with. It was a thrill picking the brain of this psychiatrist and U.S. Army veteran, who, at the ripe young age of 62, joined the Army and later penned The Ageless Call to Serve . Lanny shared tales of his pre-military days as a civilian psychologist in Bangkok during the Vietnam War, his bold 2003 decision to enlist despite a heart condition, and the real-deal challenges of military mental health. He passionately called for better mental health screening, early PTSD treatment, and training for commanders to grasp trauma’s impact. Plus, he threw shade at military age limits, cheering for the wisdom of older recruits & stressed how resilience, mentorship, and tight-knit units can curb PTSD and spark post-traumatic growth, drawing from his work with veterans and first responders like nurses. What a wild, wonderful ride this episode was! Resources Mentioned: Screening: Pre-enlistment psychological interviews/tests Post-deployment one-on-one specialist interviews Therapies: EMDR for PTSD Music therapy (e.g., piano playing) Jiujitsu for focus Existential/maintenance therapy Programs: Pre-enlistment resilience training Commander mental health training Resilience Activities: Group classes for positive mindset Hobbies (meditation, golf) Intervention: Early PTSD treatment Crisis intervention for depression/anxiety We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. I’m always looking to connect with those who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.…

Normalize PTSD

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70_The Kinetic Man Movement with Stuart Grazier 1:11:10

11 weeks ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Stuart Grazier is a retired Navy officer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Kinetic Man Mastermind, dedicated to helping men, military veterans, and Christian business owners flourish by aligning their lives with their highest purpose through faith, leadership, real estate, and personal growth. Social Media: Storehouse Mastermind - The Kinetic Man Movement: https://youtu.be/d4_E1Eq3W68 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fillingthestorehouse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/militaryinvestornetwork/ Stuart Grazier is a retired Naval Officer who served for 20 years, flying helicopters and C-40 aircraft before transitioning into entrepreneurship and leadership development. As a devoted husband, father, and Christian, he co-founded The Kinetic Man Mastermind , a community focused on helping men become better fathers, husbands, and leaders through intentional action and accountability. He also co-hosts The Kinetic Man Podcast , where he explores topics such as faith, service, financial literacy, real estate, and entrepreneurship, particularly for veterans and business owners seeking purpose and adventure. Recognizing the need to realign his own priorities, he pivoted his career to focus on building financial freedom through real estate investing, launching Storehouse 310 Ventures to fund nonprofit initiatives. With a passion for servant leadership, personal growth, and empowering others, Stuart continues to guide men toward discovering their best selves through mastermind retreats, real estate investment strategies, and purpose-driven living. Stu is a positive and inspiring person, and it was a great experience getting to pick his brain and hear his story. Born and raised in Texas, his childhood dream of flying led him to the Naval Academy, where he became a pilot, flying helicopters and later C-40s. After serving 20 years in the Navy, he transitioned into real estate, flipping houses and building a successful passive income stream. But despite financial success, he found himself feeling disconnected from his family, faith, and personal well-being. He co-founded The Kinetic Man Mastermind, a community dedicated to helping men become better husbands, fathers, and leaders through accountability, self-improvement, and faith-driven growth. Through retreats, coaching, and a structured curriculum, he empowers men to live intentionally, focusing on family, fitness, faith, and financial freedom. Now, with a thriving podcast and a strong community, Stu continues his mission of service, helping others find clarity, balance, and their highest purpose in life. Resources Mentioned: Community & Accountability Mental & Emotional Resilience Physical & Mental Wellness Faith & Spirituality Avoiding the “Hustle Trap" Key Takeaways: Build a strong community – Avoid isolation after military service. Prioritize mental & physical health – Exercise, mindfulness, and reflection. Have a structured routine – Stability leads to growth. Live with purpose – Success is more than financial gains. Stay accountable – Through masterminds, mentors, or partners. Outline: 00:00 Intro to Stuart Grazier 00:25 Military Background 15:40 The Road to Real Estate 10:29 Challenges and Changes 36:30 Daily Routines and Balancing Life 47:01 KineticMan Curriculum and Leadership 01:07:24 Impactful Stories and Testimonials 01:02:19 Retreats and Their Importance 01:10:42 Final Thoughts and Contact Info…

Normalize PTSD

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69_Sonny Gerber Patrol Sergeant 2:04:00

14 weeks ago2:04:00

2:04:00

26 years of law enforcement experience spanning corrections, probation, patrol, narcotics, SWAT, and detective work Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/punk_rock_son/ I’m honored to introduce a man cut from the same cloth as Steve Odom—another absolute warrior with an incredible journey. Meet Sonny Gerber, a patrol sergeant on the central coast of California with 26 years of law enforcement experience spanning corrections, probation, patrol, narcotics, SWAT, and detective work. A former instructor at a California police academy, Sonny is a court-recognized expert in defensive tactics and holds master instructor certifications in ARCON (arrest and control), baton, taser, tactical communication, active shooter response, and firearms. He’s also a BJJ black belt under Chris Lovato with Paragon BJJ in San Luis Obispo and has tested his skills in Muay Thai, boxing, and MMA. Beyond the fight, Sonny is a certified critical incident stress debriefing mentor and peer support specialist, dedicated to guiding fellow officers through high-stakes and high-stress careers. As Sonny approaches retirement from law enforcement, Sonny remains focused on pushing for better training and wellness in the profession. He has long advocated for incorporating BJJ fundamentals into defensive tactics programs, and after years of effort, departments across the country are finally adopting this essential training—though there is still much work to be done. He has also witnessed firsthand the lack of mental health resources and wellness support for officers, despite the overwhelming evidence on divorce rates, suicide, and addiction in law enforcement. Thankfully, change is happening, and departments, including his own, are beginning to implement officer wellness programs. Looking ahead, Sonny’s plans to retire healthy, open his own Paragon BJJ school specializing in training law enforcement, and continue mentoring young officers while remaining actively involved in officer wellness initiatives. His journey is one of resilience, dedication, and a relentless commitment to making law enforcement safer and stronger—both on the mats and in life. Today, we dive deep into the intersection of mental health and law enforcement with Sergeant Sonny Gerber , a 26-year veteran who’s seen it all—SWAT operations, high-stakes encounters, and the personal toll of a life dedicated to service. But this episode isn’t about war stories—it’s about resilience, growth, and breaking the stigma around mental health in policing. Sonny talks about his own struggles, the lessons he’s learned the hard way, and the powerful tools that helped him turn things around—everything from jiu-jitsu and peer support to breathwork, journaling, and faith-based programs like Mighty Oaks. Whether you’re a first responder, a veteran, or just someone looking to build a stronger mindset, this episode is packed with insights on how to train your body, sharpen your mind, and take back control of your well-being. Resources Mentioned: Mighty Oaks Warrior Program – A faith-based program for first responders and military personnel that provides tools for personal resilience and healing. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Tapping – Techniques used for processing trauma and reducing stress. Journaling – Used for processing thoughts, setting goals, and practicing gratitude. Biweekly Men’s Group (Mighty Oaks Outpost Meetings) – A support group for public safety professionals that includes Bible study and discussion. Breathing Techniques – Includes box breathing, four-count breathing, and guided breathing apps to manage stress and anxiety. Dr. Kevin Gilmartin’s Book: Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement – A recomme…

Normalize PTSD

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68_Operation Song with CEO Jon Foti 51:25

20 weeks ago51:25

51:25

Jon Foti is a U.S. Army Veteran and the CEO of Operation Song. Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfoti01/ Operation Song: https://linktr.ee/operationsong I’m honored to introduce an incredible guest who embodies leadership, resilience, and dedication. With over a decade of experience leading teams in government, non-profit, aviation, and military environments, he’s a natural mentor and communicator. Jon is U.S. Army Veteran and former helicopter pilot. Beyond his impressive military and leadership background, he’s now the CEO of Operation Song, an amazing organization using music to tell the stories of veterans, first responders, and their families. This was such a fun episode! If you have questions about opportunities for veterans or the organizations out there that support them, look no further. Jon Foti is truly a Yoda of knowledge. Even after recording, I’m still researching the incredible resources and insights he shared during this episode and in our previous conversations. Jon’s vision with Operation Song is nothing short of powerful. At a time when support for our veterans feels like it’s at an all-time low, this episode made me take a step back and really reflect on that reality. Operation Song is doing something extraordinary taking each individual, unique story and transforming it into something beautiful. This work shines a much-needed positive light on our veterans, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten and that a support structure is in place for the challenges of today and whatever the future holds. Resources Mentioned: Networking Get out of your comfort zone Dale Graham Veteran Foundation: https://www.dalekgrahamveteransfoundation.org Wounded Warrior Foundation: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org Supporting your fellow veterans We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.…

Normalize PTSD

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67_VET S.O.S. Podcast with Shawn Welsh 41:12

22 weeks ago41:12

41:12

Shawn Welsh is the Founder and Co-Host of the VET S.O.S. Podcast. Social Media: Website YouTube LinkedIn Facebook X Instagram TikTok Podcast Platforms RSS.com Spotify Apple Shawn is a retired U.S. Army veteran with over twenty years of experience as an intelligence professional. As a senior noncommissioned officer, he was dedicated to taking care of his Soldiers and continues that mission today with VET S.O.S. Shawn holds several advanced degrees including a master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma. A member of the Maxwell Leadership Team, Shawn is also a certified resiliency trainer who lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and their two children. Their mission at VET S.O.S Podcast is to educate veterans, service members, and spouses about the various resources available to them to assist with life’s transitions. They offer a military transition focused podcast and have now added a Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight and Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight to highlight those resources for our community. We are working to launch a nonprofit organization to capture every veteran and veteran spouse’s transition story and create a sortable database that can be sorted by demographic and psychographic to enable our community to find and watch the stories that will directly help them. I have no idea how Shawn keeps up, but he’s absolutely crushing it with Vet S.O.S.! It was such a pleasure having him take time out of his busy day to talk about his podcast and the incredible direction it’s heading. If you’re a veteran or first responder navigating a life transition, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss—they’ve got an episode for just about every challenge you might face. I’m especially excited about the nonprofit they’re launching, Veterans Sharing Our Stories . It’s going to be a powerful collection of stories by veterans for veterans. Your journey is uniquely yours, but how great would it have been to have had a roadmap or even just a few shortcuts along the way? I hope this episode brings you something valuable, and as always, thank you for your continued support. Resources Mentioned: The Master Resilience Training (MRT) course in the U.S. Army Positive Psychology Program Hunt the Good Stuff Keeping a positive mindset Do challenging things and get out of your comfort zone Good support group Operation Song https://www.operationsong.org Veteran’s last patrol https://www.veteranlastpatrol.org 988 and Kristen Christy Don’t be afraid to ask for help We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.…

Normalize PTSD

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66_Happy Holiday Season from Normalize PTSD Podcast 22:48

25 weeks ago22:48

22:48

2024 has come and gone, and what an incredible year it has been. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing people and collaborating with truly inspiring individuals. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about the opportunities to continue building these connections and growing together. To everyone who has been a part of this journey—whether you’ve listened, subscribed, shared an episode, connected me with a guest, donated, or simply shared something positive you gained from the podcast—I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. Your support has meant the world to me and has been a constant reminder of why I started this podcast in the first place. This year has been not only a fun and fulfilling adventure but also a deeply meaningful exploration of my own mental health journey. Sharing that with all of you has been an honor, and I wouldn’t be here without the incredible support of so many people along the way. As we move into the holiday season, I hope you have a blessed and joyful time filled with love, connection, and peace. Thank you for being a part of this community and for inspiring me to keep going. 2025 is going to be amazing, and I can’t wait to see what it brings. Let’s keep building, healing, and growing together. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and here’s to an incredible new year! Lessons learned this year: Listen to your intuition. It often knows the right path even when your mind is full of doubts. Keep challenging yourself. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Consistency builds discipline. Small, steady efforts lead to big changes over time. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better. The right environment can shape your mindset and your future. Don’t sweat criticism from those you wouldn’t seek advice from. Trust your instincts and focus on feedback that truly matters. Trust yourself. You’re capable of more than you think. Do hard things. Facing challenges head-on prepares you for when life throws something truly difficult your way. Be ready for opportunities. If you’re not prepared when they come, they’ll pass you by. Find balance and have fun. Life isn’t all about grinding, joy and presence matter too. I’ve struggled with living in the moment, often chasing a “perfect” life just around the corner that never seems to arrive. Take time to live now. No one knows the best way to live your life. Only you can figure that out. We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.…

Normalize PTSD

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65_What Is TBI with Dr. Mark Gordon 1:49:56

27 weeks ago1:49:56

1:49:56

Social Media: New YouTube Channel: Mark L. Gordon On-Line 7-part TBI Lecture Series www.MillenniumHealthStore.com Latest Podcast with Montel Williams Latest Podcast with Joe Rogan and Andrew Marr (700, 1056, 1589, 438, 574) Quiet Explosions; Healing the Brain – The documentary film http://www.tbimedlegal.com Dr. Mark Gordon has spent over 35 years pioneering the use of natural ingredients to enhance memory, mental energy, cognition, and physical performance—all without the use of banned or restricted substances. A true thought leader, he has been instrumental in advancing the fields of Interventional Endocrinology and Neuroendocrinology, particularly in addressing the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). His work has had a profound impact on conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, dementia, Parkinson's, post-concussion syndrome, and more. As the founder of Millennium Health, Dr. Gordon leads a team of experts in Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition, Endocrinology, and Complementary Medicine, offering natural, clinically tested products designed to support healthy brain function and psychological well-being. These products are non-GMO, gluten-free, and crafted with natural ingredients, utilizing Liposomal technology for enhanced absorption. Through the sale of these products, Millennium Health funds the Millennium-Warrior Angels Foundation TBI Project, a groundbreaking initiative that provides critical support to veterans suffering from symptomatic traumatic brain injury. This episode was especially meaningful for me. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is something that impacts my life every single day, and I know it’s a challenge many in my EOD community face as well. It was an absolute honor to have Dr. Mark Gordon join me to discuss TBI and share his expertise. This conversation with Dr. Gordon was incredible because I finally had the chance to ask someone knowledgeable about TBI. It was a much-needed dialogue, and I’m excited to share it with you. Resources Mentioned: Neuroinflammation, Oligodendrocytes and Multiple Sclerosis: https://youtu.be/m5GTF9E6q28 Peptides for Health Series: https://youtu.be/0uM77nPq9Wc Quiet Explosions TBI Therapies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X35-SjnJ0ZE&t=681s&authuser=0 Free TBI Lecture Having a healthy lifestyle. (alcohol is horrible for brain health) Meditating at least 3x a week for at least 15mins Exercising No drugs Some SSRIs and injectable testosterone can negatively impact your body’s ability to naturally produce hormones. We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. &…

Normalize PTSD

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64_ You Can’t Fix A Problem That You Don’t Know Exists with Dr. Cherylynn Lee 1:29:30

33 weeks ago1:29:30

1:29:30

Dr. Cherylynn Lee is a First Responder Psychologist specializing in Police Psychology. Social Media: Website: https://thecounselingteam.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cherylynn-lee-6a1420120 Dr. Lee is a Police Psychologist and a full-time employee of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, overseeing the Behavioral Sciences Unit (BSU). The BSU houses four mental health co-responder teams, provides Crisis Intervention Training, engages in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM), and oversees the department’s wellness unit and peer support team. Dr. Lee serves on the crisis negotiation response teams for both the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Barbara Police Department, and she is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). Dr. Lee is contracted with The Counseling Team International as both the Clinical Operations Director for the Tri-Counties and as a practitioner. She offers individual counseling and emergency response services across the state of California and has led dozens of critical incident stress debriefings for officer-involved shootings (OIS), line-of-duty deaths (LODD), and natural disasters for local and state agencies. Dr. Lee maintains a private practice in the Santa Ynez Valley, where she exclusively works with first responders, specializing in trauma and post-traumatic stress injuries. Dr. Lee is a subject matter expert with California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST), teaches officer wellness in the basic academy, and is a volunteer instructor for the FBI's 40-hour negotiators course. Dr. Lee was named one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 40 Under 40 award recipients for 2023, and she has been recognized as Crisis Intervention Training International’s (CIT) Behavioral Health Practitioner of the Year for 2024. I absolutely loved this conversation with Dr. Lee. She is so busy out there making a positive impact in our first responder community. So much of what we discussed is being integrated into how I now think about mental health challenges for first responders. If you’re not yet implementing some of her recommendations into your wellness programs, I encourage you to reach out to her. I really appreciated how real Dr. Lee is. She has a realistic viewpoint on how trauma will—not can—impact the lives and mental health of police officers. We can’t expect our police and first responders to be superhuman. It really resonated with me when Dr. Lee spoke about being purposeful with exercise and lifting. That, along with eating healthy, were the two most important and impactful things I did for my mental health journey. I feel like those two habits gave me the emotional space to then address the deeper struggles in my mind that needed to be resolved. I hope you all find something rewarding in this episode. Resources Mentioned: Educate yourself on mental health Resilience building Keep realistic benchmarks for mental health Working out and having physical standards Healthy eating - Fuel your body properly Wellness checks are working Only way you fail is if you stop showing up Discipline Lift heavy shit Invest in yourself first Spend time in a world that has nothing to do with your job, detach. Writing and journaling Helping others I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.…

Normalize PTSD

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63_Psilocybin Assisted Therapy with Dr. Zelfand 1:16:33

35 weeks ago1:16:33

1:16:33

Dr. Erica Zelfand specializes in integrative mental health and functional medicine. Dr. Zelfand is a ketamine prescriber, facilitator of therapeutic psychedelic experiences, trainer of psychedelic facilitators, acclaimed international speaker, and medical writer. Social Media: Website: https://ericazelfand.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzelfand/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrZelfand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLf-uE2JAoUVRVoXMy26LCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drzelfand/ Dr. Erica Zelfand is the CEO of Right to Heal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering people around psychedelic healing and other life-saving techniques that conventional medicine has ignored. Dr. Zelfand's expertise covers a wide range of both conventional and natural medical approaches. She treats patients of all ages, from newborns to those in their final stages of life. Her family practice focuses on areas such as autoimmunity, endocrinology, and integrative mental health with a strong dedication to patient-centered, root-cause-oriented, and nature-based healing methods. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Zelfand facilitates therapeutic psycho-spiritual experiences and is a frequent lecturer on psychedelic science at medical institutions worldwide. She also offers in-person and online training for practitioners and has been recognized by the Portland Business Journal as a pioneer in psilocybin therapy. Dr. Zelfand enjoys sharing her knowledge, her deep respect for nature, and her lively sense of humor with colleagues, patients, and global audiences. A lover of dark chocolate and group hugs, you can learn more and connect with her at www.DrZelfand.com . Dr. Zelfand is so much fun to talk to. I love how she is able to simplify the complexities of the science in a way that makes it digestible for those out there like myself who are just beginning to get more curious about psychedelics and their positive impact on those with PTSD and other mental health challenges. I feel like my favorite part of this episode is when she is speaking about crosstalk. I really enjoyed how she broke that down. It was fun being able to apply more context to my personal experiences and those my friends have expressed. I used to always try and explain how it would remove my ego and I was able to see the stories I was telling myself. Almost like playing a hidden object puzzle but only the items you are looking for have color. It helped me see there were very obvious things in my life I was lying to myself about to justify why I should change. And it also showed me that the change would only provoke challenge and change. It did, and now I’m slowly moving toward my goal and purpose. Resources Mentioned: Stament Stacking Stacking (combining positive mental health practices with microdosing) ‘A Really Good Day’ by Ayelet Waldman Hikes or being outdoors https://psychedelic.support/education/ Meditation, mindfulness practice Religious or spiritual practice Therapy, group therapy T’ai chi, yoga, qi gong Joyful movement, exercise Journaling Making, appreciating art Volunteering, helping others We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully sh…

Normalize PTSD

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62_Peace Officer and Psychotherapist Trained in Psychedelic-assisted Therapy, Lt Sarko Gergerian 1:26:54

39 weeks ago1:26:54

1:26:54

Lieutenant Sarko Gergerian is a distinguished member of The Winthrop Public Safety and Health Departments and holds a pivotal role as the outreach, peer support, and health & fitness officer. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarko-gergerian-818967233/ Email: Speakers@LawEnforcementAction.org Email: Media@LawEnforcementAction.org Website: http://www.lawenforcementaction.org I'd like to introduce Lt. Sarko Gergerian, an individual deeply committed to reimagining the structure of law enforcement within their community. Lt. Sarko aspires to become a Deputy Chief, where they envision a police department that balances both enforcement and guardianship. Their innovative approach includes an enforcement arm connected to the courts and a guardianship arm integrated with the public health department. This dual structure aims to create lasting, systemic changes that outlive their initial implementation, ensuring that the benefits remain accessible to all who need them. At the heart of Lt. Sarko’s work is a mission to humanize every individual involved—both civilians and officers. They recognize that the systems we operate within often dehumanize, objectify, and commoditize suffering. Lt. Sarko reminds us that behind every call for service, there is a human being in need, and behind every badge, there is a human being responding. As Massachusetts prepares to vote in November on joining Oregon and Colorado in reforming certain laws, Lt. Sarko is actively involved with grassroots and national groups working to correct injustices that have been ingrained in the system for decades. They are a strong advocate for MDMA-Assisted Therapy, believing it will profoundly impact how we serve those struggling with PTSD by enhancing therapeutic engagement and enabling deep psychological processing of trauma. It’s not every day you meet a psychotherapist trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy who also happens to be a peace officer. Chatting with Lt. Sarko Gergerian was a real eye-opener and honestly, a lot of fun. I never thought of police departments as potential hubs for mental health information, but Lt. Sarko really made me rethink that. One of the wildest stats they shared—something they mentioned in a previous conversation—is that 60-70% of all 911 calls are related to mental health issues. That really highlights just how widespread our society’s mental health challenges are. Lt. Sarko brought up the idea of being proactive, suggesting that law enforcement could start proactively helping people with possible mental health struggles before things escalate to an emergency. It got me thinking—if I’m all about being proactive with mental health for first responders and veterans, why not extend that same approach to everyone else? Lt. Sarko made a strong case for why we should, and I think it is an awesome idea. Resources Mentioned: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Understanding your spirituality Martial Arts Blue Courage Learning where your baseline is and how to come back to it Educate yourself, challenge your mind Find your purpose Observation based therapy Meditation I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.…

Normalize PTSD

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61_How Many Officers Struggle with Mental Health Challenges with Dr. Nick Carleton 55:36

47 weeks ago55:36

55:36

Dr. Nick Carleton is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Regina whose work focuses on supporting first responders and other public safety personnel. Links: Website: http://www.rcmpstudy.ca/ Dr. Carleton works to build evidence-based solutions that can help mitigate the impact of the numbers and varied stressors on the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and other public safety personnel. This episode resonated with me. I appreciated the extensive data provided in the study and admired the proactive approach to mental health. Normalizing it from the outset, like any other skill—starting with the basics and gradually advancing—reminded me of my early days in my EOD career. Just as I didn’t begin by learning about IEDs but first had to grasp the fundamentals like explosives, switches, and triggers, there’s a necessary progression in understanding and addressing mental health. The episode presented numerous striking statistics, one of which stood out: while an average civilian might experience five or fewer potentially traumatic events in their lifetime, police officers and other first responders may encounter hundreds, even thousands, of such events throughout their careers. Resources Mentioned: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/ https://div12.org/psychological-treatments/disorders/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/ https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/ Approaching mental health is like learning a new skill. (crawl, walk, run) Evidence based coping skills Practice skills before you need them Mindfulness Cognitive challenging Go to a mental health professional like you would a physician. Don’t wait until there is a problem, be proactive. Exercise Meditation or stop and take a 60 second break Stopping internal dialogue and challenge if there’s truth to it. Identify if you are using avoidance coping strategies (alcohol abuse, denying an emotional response, behavior avoidance) We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.…

Normalize PTSD

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60_What is MDMA Assisted Therapy with Gina Gratza 1:26:14

50 weeks ago1:26:14

1:26:14

Gina Gratza, MS, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator, and Psychedelic Educator and Researcher. Social Media: Websites: www.ginagratza.com & www.lookingglasscounselingpdx.com Instagram: @gina.gratza Affiliated Websites: https://www.chrisstauffermd.com/ , https://www.innertrek.org/ , & https://www.coracenter.org/ Gina is the owner of Looking Glass Counseling, which supports individuals with complex trauma and eating disorders. She also operates a coaching practice where she practices legal psilocybin facilitation and leads women's empowerment groups supporting preparation and integration practices. Gina teaches at InnerTrek, a psilocybin facilitator education program. And she also supports psychedelic research as a study therapist with the Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy Lab. Gina works with the Cora Center, InnerTrek Services, and Chariot in offering psilocybin facilitation in Portland, Oregon. One of the coolest things that jumped out to me about MDMA assisted therapy was how it removes the fear aspect of historical trauma or memories and allows you to go into those spaces with compassion and love. That’s probably as hard to read for some of you as it was for me to write. I am not a super lovey-dovey or overly expressive person. I will often say a dumb joke to avoid direct expression of my deeper feelings. I have talked to several people now who have first-hand experience with this therapeutic practice, and they all said the same: so much love and compassion. I know for me I went a decade without feeling those kinds of feelings. I went so long that I began to think that how I felt was normal. Dark, irritated, uncomfortable, easily annoyed, numb, and so on. If I could have tried this type of therapy, I believe it would have expedited my healing process. I would have been more motivated because it would have been more obvious that I was not okay. I feel like the changes within myself were so subtle that I wasn’t aware how bad it had gotten. I was so far off baseline and for so long that when I began to heal the good feelings coming back felt wrong. I would pick fights or create problems to have those negative feelings come back. I felt uncomfortable when I was not in a dysfunctional state. Resources Mentioned: Somatic psychotherapy (sensorimotor psychotherapy) Internal Family Systems Therapeutic Relationship ‘The Language of Emotions’ - Karla McLaren ‘Trauma and Recovery’ - Dr. Judith Herman ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ - Dr. Bessel van der Kolk ‘Waking the Tiger’ - Dr. Peter Levine ‘How to do the work’ - Dr. Nicole LePera ‘The Myth of Normal’- Dr. Gabor Mate 'My Grandmother's Hands’ - Resmaa Menakem ‘In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts’ - Dr. Gabor Mate Psychedelic assisted therapy EMDR Meditation Learning to trust yourself and building that self-trust Be in relation with your nervous system Painting Inner healing intelligence Self-compassion practices Socializing Support structure Human interaction Developing your internal dialogue Kundalini yoga We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.…

Normalize PTSD

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59_SWEL with Founder Rob Sanderson 52:36

52 weeks ago52:36

52:36

Rob Sanderson is the Founder and Director of SWEL which provides a positive setting for Veterans and First Responders to decompress, disconnect, and reinvigorate through the sport of surfing. Social Media: Website: https://www.theswel.org Facebook and Instagram: @theswelmission SWEL hosts free, all inclusive, weekend-long guided surfing “missions” for deserving first responders and veterans where participants learn how to surf as a new way to decompress, disconnect, and reinvigorate themselves away from the stressors of their demanding careers. For first responders and veterans, physical separation from a world of hyper-vigilance, high personal risk, adrenaline spikes, and unpredictable encounters is key to the ability to manage stress. SWEL uses a pairing of therapeutic sport, primarily surfing, and skills-based learning to promote healing through improving one’s self-efficacy. Travel, lodging, meal costs, and equipment associated with SWEL Surf Missions are fully funded through the generosity of donors, partners, and sponsors, allowing participants to be fully present without the worry of financial burdens often associated with traditional therapy programs. SWEL uses volunteers in the local community who are passionate about surfing to further create a robust and community-connected impactful program. Surf coaches are formally vetted prior to participation, and many have their own experience finding refuge in the ocean to relieve stress. Other SWEL Surf Mission volunteers include yoga instructors to teach and provide participants with another way to connect and align their bodies and minds, Chaplains who provide a supportive, participant-led listening ear, and other empathetic civilians who assist with mission logistics. I have no idea why I was so pumped in this episode. I think it has a lot to do with the passion of those I’ve been talking with behind the scenes. Rob is one of those. He is so passionate about what he is doing, and I just love seeing that and having the chance to talk to those like him, Matt, Steve, Abigail, John, and so many more. If you are a vet or first responder out there, get back in touch with the crew. There must be one or two of them that are on the right path that you can chat with. I isolated myself for so long. I just sat quietly in mixed groups or parties. Have you ever answered the questions too honestly? Haha I had one just the other day. The response, “Why do you suck the air out of every conversation? Everything is about death with you.” They were joking, but it feels true sometimes. I was speaking with an upcoming guest, and I mentioned to him that I loved those times me and the boys got together around a bar and just talked story. It was so nice to get those thoughts out and in an environment where death wasn’t a conversation stopper but the start of an even better story. He said, “That’s not all good and not all bad.” It’s healthy to have those chats. Rob has created a healthy environment where these hammers can get together and have those kinds of conversations again. The one he shared about the two officers that haven’t seen each other since the one saved the other after he was shot in the face still gives me goosebumps. I loved this episode, as I do most of them. I hope you find something rewarding in it also. Resources Mentioned: “The Impact of Ocean Therapy on Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” by Dr. Russell Crawford Surfing EMDR Meditation Eating right Hiking Tactile Meditation Physical fitness and staying fit Do challenging things We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.…

Normalize PTSD

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58_Warrior Mindset with Steve Odom 1:47:50

1 year ago1:47:50