PTSD and Beyond

Episode 76: Share My Story with Mark Gruesbeck, M.A.

Leaders talk about being mindful, authentic, and leading from the heart but is this what we see in today's leaders in the world?

Today's PTSD and Beyond Podcast Episode 30 Stories in 30 Days features one of our leaders and Board Members at PTSD and Beyond, Mark Gruesbeck, M.A.

Equipped with a graduate degree in Mindful Leadership, over 25 years in various leadership roles within Major League Baseball for the Giants and Tigers, Mark Gruesbeck knows what it means to embody mindful, authentic, and heart-based leadership. Being part of 3 World Series, Mark's leadership on the medical side as a trainer and mentor cultivated long-lasting relationships with some of the most vulnerable people in situations most only witnessed on television. He shares his own story of mental health challenges from some of those experiences as well as how he embraced mindfulness as a way to reflect, be present, grow, and continue growing while being a wounded-healer helping others on their healing journey.

To connect with Mark, find him on Twitter @GatcMark and LinkedIn

BONUS Episode with Dr. Paul Wong

Who else knows the phrase, "no pain, no gain? Dr. Paul Wong, registered psychologist  adds to that phrase with "no suffering, no healing." The Founding President of the International Network on Personal Meaning (INPM), Fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association, and author of more than 120 scholarly journal articles, 60 invited chapters, and 7 books, Dr. Wong continues his quest for contemplation, connection, and shared humanity and community.

In a world untouched by suffering, Dr. Wong joins the PTSD and Beyond podcast to talk about the importance of embracing our shadow self as well as the pain, suffering, and grieving of life. "Have you ever talked to your 'evil twin?' Your 'evil twin' gives you the guts to be rejected," states Dr. Wong. Through the delicate balance of the soul and the shadow, that balance and harmony leads to wisdom and freedom. Deep wisdom and freedom lies on the the other side of darkness. 

"It takes courage, determination, promise, and consistency to see the light through the lens of darkness," Dr. Paul Wong.

To learn more about Dr. Wong or to attend the 11^th Biennial International Meaning Conference, connect at:

Web: DrPaulWong.com

Web: Meaning.ca

Twitter: @PaulTPWong

Instagram: @INPMeaning

 

 

Episode 75: Share My Story with Laki Nua

“Remember the smaller things you’ve done,” Laki Nua

Fellow podcaster and PTSD advocate, Laki Nua, joins PTSD and Beyond to share their stories of childhood, anxiety, depression, and how he overcame panic attacks. Laki’s mission is to help others feel connected, find ways to get help, and to remember that there’s a superpower in overcoming the odds! Give a listen to Laki’s lived-experience and stories.

For more information about Laki, connect:

Instagram: @MentalHealthCasual

Podcast: Mental Health Casual

YouTube: Mental Health Casual

Episode 74: Share My Story with Dr. Phyllis Kahaney

“Compassion made me more empathetic,” says author and lived-experience PTSD survivor, Dr. Phyllis Kahaney, MSW

Big crowds still make Dr. Kahaney nervous. After experiencing bombing while in Israel and developing PTSD, she found that mental imagery helped overcome challenges and ways to make things ok. Dr. Kahaney appeared on a previous PTSD and Beyond Podcast episode and in this episode, she shares with us her strength, growth, and how seeing a problem can be a good thing.

For more information about Dr. Kahaney, connect:

Web: ReversingTheWarOnTruama.com

Book: Reversing the War on Trauma

Episode 73: Share My Story with Elena Breese

“I’ve learned to listen to myself,” says Elena Breese. To many in the United States, April 15^th is known as “Tax Day.” However, on April 15, 2013 that day will be forever known as the terrorist bombing of the Boston Marathon. Meet Elena Breese, Boston Marathon Terror Attack survivor. Elena was at the finish line waiting for her husband when both bombs exploded. Elena shares her story of life with PTSD, how that moment changed her life as a person, wife, and mother forever, and how she became the CEO of her own healing.  Listen to her and learn to listen to yourself!

To learn more about Elena, connect:

Web: StillBloomingMe.com

Twitter: @StillBloomingMe 

Instagram: @StillBloomingMe

Episode 72: Share My Story with Girish Dutt Shukla

“Once medical science says, ‘no,’ you start relying on other sources,”                Girish Dutt Shukla

Girish Dutt Shukla is a computer engineer by education, freelance digital marketer by profession, and author by lived-experience. Girish joins the PTSD and Beyond Podcast from Delhi, India and shares his story of medical trauma; one of his as a liver transplant patient and another of his sister (may her memory be eternal). His book, Maroon in a Sky of Blue, has readers opening up to the possibility that reality is an illusion and the illusion is real. Come walk with Girish as he brings light to his creative side that “needed to come out,” his wisdom that miracles are all around, and through moments of despair we learn to find opportunities that love will always be there.

To learn more about Girish, connect:

Web: Girishduttshulka.com

Twitter: @Girishdttshulka

Instagram: @GirishDuttShukla

Book: Maroon in a Sky of Blue

Episode 71: Share My Story with Jayson Miller

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a soldier in the U.S. Army who’s done 4 combat deployments and spent 12 months in Egypt? Meet retired Master Sergeant and podcaster, Jayson Miller! Jayson reveals his story of how for years he suppressed anxiety, depression, and trauma until one day he recognized the signs and accepted they are there. “You are the strongest person you probably know,” Jayson shares with PTSD and Beyond. “The willingness to be open to overcoming PTSD…it may have an negative connotation but let’s not be scared of it.”  Jayson brings insights of resilience, bravery, and recovery as he shares his story. Give a listen and hear the compassion and empathy of Jayson’s story!

For more about Jayson, connect:

Twitter: @Miller_ThatsMe

Podcast: Miller’s Military Moments

Website: MillersMilitaryMoments.com

Instagram: @MillersMilitaryMoments

Episode 70: Share My Story with Payton Lynch

“Grief is not a straight line,” says spouse to a 9/11 surviving child and author Payton Lynch. Payton found herself drawn to understanding how her husband, a 9/11 surviving child and other 9/11 surviving children seemed better equipped to handle life events and were more resilient to challenges. Payton decided to write a book, Rise from the Ashes: Stories of Trauma, Resilience, and Growth From the Children of 9/11 about how 9/11 surviving children found triumph from tragedy. A project manager for The Walt Disney Company, sharing stories is a part of Payton’s life stating, “The benefit of sharing outweighs the risk..and if you’re in hell, then keep going…why would you want to stay?”

During the time spent with Payton, she embodies the magical spirit of Walt Disney. Her bubbly personality and warmth emulate “I am here and we are here together.” She also shared a personal trauma and how exploring trauma and healing brought her and her husband closer. Grab some tissues for this episode and give a listen!

More about Payton, connect:

Book: Rise from the Ashes

Instagram: @paytonmeetsworld

Episode 69: Share My Story with G

Long-time PTSD and Beyond Community member, author, blogger, Red Sox Fan, and trans male….G….shares their story of their “survival career,” living a life of trauma and chronic pain, and healing journey. G brings raw and authentic emotions with keys to unlocking suicide behavior, long-term relationships with psychiatrists and therapists as well as the importance of belonging to a community. G inspires listeners with their wisdom, “If I can do it, you can do it too!”

In this episode, it was a true pleasure to finally meet G. We had been followers for quite some time and they’re part of the PTSD and Beyond Community. Their determination, wisdom, and kindness come through with what they say and how it is said. This session was deep and even philosophical. Give a listen and share in their strength.

More about G, connect:

Twitter: @MidnightDemon_

Blog: Midnight Demon

Book: Midnight Demon: My Suicidal Career with Mental Illness and Cauda Equina Syndrome

 

Episode 68: Share My Story with Dr. Ashley Perkins

“When you look different, you get bullied and if it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone,” Dr. Ashley Perkins

Ashley Perkins is a force in the mental health advocacy sphere. Founder of the non-profit, We Matter Too, she shares her story to inspire as well as to let people know that doing the work is hard in the moment and that difficulty is temporary.

What I learned from talking with Dr. Ashley is that people who share their stories have an enormous amount of empathy, grace, and give people hope. Her passion and conviction come through in the energy when she speaks as well as actions from Ted Talks to her presence on social media. Give a listen and be ready to be inspired!

More about Dr. Ashley Perkins, connect:

Web: WeMatterToo.org

Twitter: @BecauseIMatter

Instagram: @WeMatterTooInc