E43: The Challenges of Returning From War w/Mike Waldron and Brandon Harding
Episode 43 of We are Open Circle’s Beyond Listening Podcast saw Mike Waldron of 23rd Veteran join Adam and Brandon to talk about his personal experiences as a former Marine - how he answered a calling to found 23rd Veteran, dedicating himself to improving the lives of veterans across America.
For the full podcast, check out the episode here.
In this episode, we cover...
Rediscovering our tribe - how 23rd Veteran’s approach builds human connections.
The power of wilderness adventure and campfire in encouraging vulnerability.
Mike’s sense of vocation and calling after he discovered his own path to healing.
Mike Waldron is the Executive Director of 23rd Veteran, an organisation set up to provide happier, healthier lives for veterans living with trauma. Serving in the Marine Corps in early adult life, Mike drew from his own experiences of post-service difficulty to devise a program based on psychological, psychotherapeutic and physical fitness principles.
Here are some of the key insights from the conversation...
23rd Veteran’s adventures provide the opportunity for vulnerability and connection.
”The beauty of the wilderness portion is it gives the veterans, the civilians, anybody who comes out there... it really brings out the core of who that individual is. You are a person of value and worth, regardless of whatever title you are. And sitting around the fire, for the first time people really begin to be seen for who they are and to be cared for and even, I'll use this word that you don't use too often in the Marine Corps, ‘loved’... as a human.”
Deep conversation and sharing is vital for fulfilment.
”To be able to connect on a human level like that, after a hard day's work, around the fire and to sit down and actually be able to listen and ask questions... deep questions and drill into what people are sharing is something that I believe humanity should have.”
If you want to change your life, you have to change your environment.
”If you're one of those people that are just generally living an unhappy life, the program's absolutely for you. The easiest way for me to explain, motivate... just taking that leap and trying something different... this is something different, is if you really like the way your life is going, don't change a thing. If you don't want your life to change, then don't change a thing. If you do want your life to change, you're going to have to change something. You're gonna have to try something different, something new.”
The best place to find Mike Waldron and the work of 23rd Veteran is here.
See you next week!