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31. From Substance Abuse To Social Work with Daniel Hearn

Release Date: 08/03/2021

216: Never Out of the Fight — Healing Trauma, Identity, and Addiction After Military Service with Anthony Dyer

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Anthony Dyer for an honest, deeply human conversation about military service, accumulated trauma, identity loss, addiction, and the long road to healing. Anthony shares his 21-year career in the United States Air Force, including high-risk missions, elite rescue operations, and the emotional weight that followed him home long after the uniform came off. From the quiet moments that haunt servicemen and women to the stigma around asking for help, Anthony opens up about how suppressed trauma and alcohol nearly cost him everything. What followed was a...

215: Healing Unresolved Trauma and Learning to Accept Yourself with Dr. Brian Alman

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Dr. Brian Alman for a deeply insightful conversation about trauma, self-acceptance, and what it truly takes to heal unresolved pain. Drawing from decades of clinical work and research, Dr. Alman explains why so many people struggle despite “doing everything right” and how trauma often sits at the root of emotional, physical, and relational challenges. From childhood neglect and adverse experiences to adult stressors like loss, divorce, and identity struggles, this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical tools for anyone who feels stuck. Dr....

214: Surviving the Holocaust, Finding Purpose — The Extraordinary Life of Charles Van Kessler

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Charles Van Kessler for a deeply moving conversation about survival, faith, resilience, and purpose. Born in Amsterdam during World War II, Charles survived the horrors of the Holocaust, losing his family, enduring abuse in a state-run orphanage, and spending years alone on the streets as a child. Against all odds, Charles’s life became a story of hope. Through faith, perseverance, and an unshakable belief that his life had meaning, he found his way to America, rebuilt his life, and devoted himself to helping others live healthier, more empowered...

213: Healing Head Trauma, Finding Hope — The Journey of Team USA Bobsledder William Person

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode, Chuck Thuss welcomes former Team USA bobsledder William Person for a raw and deeply revealing conversation about life after elite sport, the hidden toll of repeated head trauma, and the unexpected therapy that helped pull him back from the brink. William spent nine seasons competing at the highest level, enduring extreme G-forces, repeated impacts, and the emotional strain that so many athletes carry in silence. When the symptoms of CTE began to take over his life, William found himself in a dark, isolated spiral — until one piece of information, and one unexpected...

212: Finding Freedom After Addiction — The Inspiring Journey of Mary Beth O’Connor

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Mary Beth O’Connor for a candid, eye-opening conversation about survival, healing, and long-term recovery. After surviving a childhood marked by emotional neglect and severe abuse, Mary Beth fell into addiction at just twelve years old — eventually becoming a daily meth user by her teens. But her story didn’t end there. Through determination, trauma therapy, and a recovery path she crafted for herself, Mary Beth rose from years of substance use disorder to graduating from Berkeley Law and ultimately serving as a federal administrative law...

211: From Underground Hacker to Healing: The Remarkable Journey of Ryan Merket

Warriors Unmasked

In this powerful episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Ryan Merket, a former underground hacker turned Silicon Valley tech leader, author, angel investor, and man of deep faith. Ryan’s journey is one of addiction, depression, betrayal, healing, and a spiritual awakening that transformed his entire life. From early bullying and hiding behind a computer screen, to running international piracy groups, to spiraling into addiction, to being pushed out of his own startup, Ryan’s redemption story is raw, inspiring, and filled with hope. Today he works at Microsoft helping founders build...

210: Unbroken: Adrienne Caldwell on Surviving Trauma, Finding Peace, and Rewriting Her Story

Warriors Unmasked

In this inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Adrienne Caldwell — a survivor, author, and advocate whose journey proves that even the darkest beginnings can lead to a life filled with purpose, peace, and hope. Adrienne opens up about a childhood marked by trauma and instability, but also the powerful turning point that set her on a path toward healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming her voice. Today, she uses her story to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered in their own healing. This conversation is emotional, courageous, and ultimately uplifting — a...

209: Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Navy Seal David Brown

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss welcomes former Navy SEAL David Brown. David shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Wilkesboro, Pennsylvania, to becoming a Navy SEAL despite his small stature and initial skepticism from others. Throughout the conversation, David discusses the lessons learned from persistent bullying, the importance of resilience, and never letting adversity define him. He also delves into his transition from military life to federal law enforcement and personal battles, including a tough period marked by divorce and personal loss. Despite...

208: Courage, Perseverance, and Mental Health: A Veteran’s Tale of Resilience

Warriors Unmasked

In this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss welcomes Mark Tilsher, a 21-year Air Force veteran and founder of the Military Sherpa movement. Mark shares his transformative journey from a troubled childhood, marked by constant upheaval and exposure to a negative culture, to finding a lifeline in the U.S. Air Force. Despite initial disciplinary struggles, the mentorship of a new supervisor helped him alter his path. Mark candidly discusses his mental health challenges, including a two-year battle with suicidal ideations following his transition to civilian life. He...

207: Basking in Grace: Marcia Earhart's Journey Through Grief, Healing, and Divine Strength

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes Marcia Earhart, a certified life, grief, and trauma coach, along with being a trained educator and mental health first responder. The deeply personal and emotional interview reveals Marcia's arduous journey through chronic illness, the loss of loved ones including her two sons, and how she found healing and purpose through her faith. Discussing her roles as a mother, wife, and coach, Marcia elaborates on the importance of trust, surrender, and abiding in God's presence. Her ministry, the Sterling Rose Sanctuary, and her book 'Gripping...

More Episodes

DISCLAIMER: During this story, Daniel shares facts and descriptions of personal events involving illegal drug use. Warriors Unmasked or any affiliated partners do not condone any sort of illegal drug use, creation or selling. If this episode is triggering in any way please check out past episodes and come back when you are ready!

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today’s story is one of humbling honesty and inspiring perseverance.

We have the honor of talking with recovering addict, occupational health and safety professional, and creator of Hard Knox Talks, Daniel Hearn. In today’s episode you’ll hear Daniel’s story of his substance abuse starting at the young age of thirteen, how it morphed into hard drug abuse, and the moment Daniel rededicated his life to help others through their own struggle.

Listen in as we discuss the escape drugs provided for Daniel and how that slippery slope caused him to move from a functioning addict to losing everything that was dear to him. Listen in as Daniel talks about the moment he stopped abusing substances for good, how he was able to regain custody of his son, and his new mission of carrying a message of experience, strength, and hope to those who need support to start their own recovery journey.

This episode is filled with empowering hope, and if you feel that you need even just a little bit of that, we encourage you to hit play and experience this amazing journey of recovery.

And remember you are not alone, and you can do this.

To learn more about Daniel and Hard Knox Talks, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

More Of What’s Inside:

Using alcohol and drugs to fit in
Being a functional addict
The cliff of crystal meth
The moment things started falling apart for Daniel
Trusting your gut feeling
Being held hostage in your own home
The last time Daniel used a mind altering substance
How Daniel’s mother helped with his recovery
Life as a sober single dad
The opportunity of getting an education
And Much More!

GUEST LINKS:

Youtube: Hard Knox Talks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hard-knox-talks
Facebook: Hard Knox Talks
Website: www.hardknoxapparel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardknoxtalks/
TikTok: Daniel Unmanageable (@hardknoxtalks) TikTok | Watch Daniel Unmanageable's Newest TikTok Videos

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

1:57 - How Daniel started his substance abuse
6:21 - Gaining approval from outside sources
9:34 - Moving to hard drugs
12:26 - Recovery and relapse
17:51 - Daniel’s divine intervention
23:32 - After social workers picked up his child
29:01 - How Daniel uses his story to help others
33:27 - Regaining custody of his son
38:09 - Going back to school
41:11 - Where to connect with Daniel
43:32 - Daniel’s closing advice

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