Overcoming Childhood Trauma: A Combat Veteran’s Inspiring Story w/ Seth Gehle | Vinny Roc Podcast
Release Date: 01/17/2025
"I can’t walk away from these experiences" | My Survival Story w/ Lisa Regina
The VinnyRoc Podcast
On this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, I sit down with actor, writer, and advocate Lisa Regina—founder of A Write To Heal and creator of the veteran-driven TV project Heroic Episodes (EP: Joe Mantegna). Lisa opens up about surviving domestic violence, healing through writing, and how working with veterans reshaped her mission to employ vets on set, mentor at-risk youth, and tell authentic stories about trauma, resilience, and community. We get into: Lisa’s assault in 2005 and the road back through therapy, faith, and the page How a blind Army captain and amputee crushed an...
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“Both Sides Use Media to Sway Emotions” | Charlie Kirk, Media Narratives, & Free Speech
The VinnyRoc Podcast
In this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Vinny sits down with friend and author Zeke Stout to unpack a heavy week in America, the way media narratives get weaponized, and what it takes to keep your head and heart steady when the internet won’t let you look away. Zeke also unveils his new fiction novel “Exit to Now”, why he self-published, and how he used AI in the writing process. They dig into: The aftermath and discourse around the Charlie Kirk assassination and why celebrating violence is a societal dead end How both political sides exploit social media, attention, and...
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CBD, Kratom, and the Opioid Crisis: A Veteran’s Perspective
The VinnyRoc Podcast
On this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Vincent Vargas sits down with John Ramsey, Senior R&D Manager at Diversified Botanics, to dive into a powerful conversation about natural medicine, CBD, kratom, and the dangers of 7-hydroxy mitragynine (7-OH). John, a veteran and former Army medic, shares his journey from the military to the hemp and CBD industry, explaining how natural remedies like CBD and kratom helped him avoid the destructive cycle of pharmaceutical painkillers. Together, Vince and John explore: The truth about CBD isolate and why it became a breakthrough in non-psychoactive...
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“Speaking Out on ICE Cost Me Everything” w/ Angel Cortez on Immigration, Gang life and Community
The VinnyRoc Podcast
In this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Angel Cortez shares his incredible life story—growing up in gang culture, surviving violence, serving as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan, and transitioning into veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship. From getting stabbed on his fifteenth birthday to leading a Special Operations career, Angel opens up about resilience, purpose, and the parallels between gangs, the military, and community brotherhood. We also dive into his viral comments on ICE, the controversy that followed, and his perspective on immigration, law enforcement, and...
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"I Was Given 3 Months to Live..." Beating CANCER w/ Casey West
The VinnyRoc Podcast
In this deeply moving episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Vincent "Rocco" Vargas sits down with Casey (@transmute_that_innergy), a Marine Corps veteran, former Mongols MC member, and glioblastoma survivor. Casey shares his raw and transformative journey from war zones and outlaw brotherhoods to holistic healing and inner peace. Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given only 3 months to live, Casey defied all odds by rejecting conventional treatment and embracing alternative therapies including fasting, breathwork, plant medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and deep spiritual exploration. Now...
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“I Was Sitting in My Truck, Ready to END IT..." | How Making Knives Saved Me w/ Dustin Hill
The VinnyRoc Podcast
In this powerful episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Vincent "Rocco" Vargas sits down with Dustin Burkett, a former law enforcement officer turned custom gun grip artist and founder of Burkett Customs. Dustin Hill opens up about his 20-year career in law enforcement, his battle with PTSD, and the life-changing impact of the Warrior PATHH program through Boulder Crest. He shares how forging unique custom grips from rare and meaningful materials—like wooly mammoth tooth, meteorite, and even samurai armor—became both his business and his therapy. From addiction and suicidal thoughts to finding...
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Escaping the Past: One Man’s Journey from Trauma to Transformation w/ Mikey Horbaczewski
The VinnyRoc Podcast
In this deeply moving episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, host Vincent Vargas sits down with Mikey Horbaczewski, a Marine Corps veteran, father, and podcast host of Life Unlocked with Mikey. Together, they explore Mikey's emotional and transformative journey from the streets of Chicago and a life immersed in gang culture, to surviving a traumatic deployment in Afghanistan, and ultimately finding healing, leadership, and purpose. Mikey Horbaczewski opens up about his military experience, the devastating loss of a mentor, battling a severe injury, and struggling with mental health and addiction...
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"She made choose DRUGS or HER" | A Journey to Healing & Family Restoration w/ Keane Raley
The VinnyRoc Podcast
In this powerful episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, host Vincent Vargas sits down with Keane Raley, a husband, father, and member of the Light the Fuse brotherhood, to share his raw, inspiring journey of transformation. Raised in a small Colorado town, Keane opens up about his early struggles with substance abuse, financial hardships, and the challenges of stepping out of his grandfather’s shadow in the oil and gas industry. Keane speaks openly about losing everything, rebuilding his life, and finding purpose through fatherhood, marriage, and the Light the Fuse men’s wellness retreat. From...
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Living in a group home at the age of 5, MY story | w/ Jeremy Bracamontes
The VinnyRoc Podcast
In this powerful episode of The Vinny Roc Podcast, host Vincent Vargas sits down with Jeremy Bracamontes, a leader in business and personal development, to discuss the mindset, discipline, and perseverance required to achieve success. Jeremy shares his journey, from overcoming adversity to building a thriving career, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to elevate their life—whether in business, leadership, or personal growth. Throughout the episode, Vincent and Jeremy dive into what it takes to develop a winning mindset, push through challenges, and find purpose in both work and...
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The Truth About Addiction and Trauma with Therapist Kathy Kinghorn
The VinnyRoc Podcast
Welcome to the Vinny Roc Podcast, hosted by Vincent “Rocco” Vargas. In this episode, we dive into the world of mental health, addiction, trauma, and relationships with Kathy Kinghorn, a licensed therapist and founder of Therapy Utah. With nearly 20 years of experience, Kathy specializes in helping individuals navigate behavioral addiction, substance abuse, and trauma. In this powerful discussion, we explore: How to recognize addiction vs. obsession The role of childhood trauma in shaping addictive behaviors Why veterans and first responders often turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism How...
info_outlineWelcome to the Vinny Roc Podcast! In this powerful and deeply impactful episode, Vinny sits down with Seth, a combat veteran, public speaker, author, and advocate for mental health and resilience. Seth shares his journey through unimaginable adversity, including childhood trauma, abuse, and overcoming the odds to transform his pain into a purpose-driven life.
From his challenging upbringing with a single mother to enduring years of abuse, Seth’s story is one of resilience and hope. He opens up about how these experiences shaped his mission to help others break free from the shadows of their past. Seth discusses his recently published memoir, Streaked Beyond the Shadows, and how writing his story became part of his healing journey.
In this episode, Seth and Vinny explore topics like:
- The psychological impact of trauma and finding the strength to report abuse.
- Turning adversity into advocacy by helping others share their stories.
- Coping mechanisms like ultra-marathons and jiu-jitsu to reclaim control and channel personal struggles into growth.
- The societal stigmas surrounding men and mental health, and the importance of creating spaces for vulnerability and healing.
This conversation is unfiltered, raw, and emotional. It sheds light on the importance of speaking out and supporting those on their path to healing. Whether you're a survivor, a supporter, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will leave you moved and motivated.
Be sure to check out Seth’s book Streaked Beyond the Shadows on Amazon to dive deeper into his journey of resilience and redemption.
🔗 Links and Resources:
- Seth’s memoir: "Strength Beyond the Shadows"
- Learn more about Core Medical Group’s Veteran Programs: Core Medical Group
- Explore remote learning at Modern Gun School