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39. A Fighting Spirit: How Mac Scotty McGregor Found Freedom

Release Date: 09/28/2021

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...

206. Reclaiming Purpose: Ryan Woodruff's Journey from Military Service to ClearPath for Veterans

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss interviews Ryan Woodruff, the CEO of Clear Path for Veterans. Woodruff shares his journey from enlisting in the military right out of high school to coping with the trauma of combat and transitioning to civilian life. He details how he found a new sense of identity and purpose by joining ClearPath for Veterans. He highlights the challenges veterans face, the importance of community, and the transformative power of the human-animal bond through ClearPath's canine program. The episode sheds light on the multidimensional support provided to...

205. A Navy SEAL's Redemption: Dr. Tony Dice on Overcoming Addiction and Helping Others

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss welcomes Dr. Tony Dice, a Navy SEAL veteran, therapist, paramedic, and author, to discuss his incredible life journey. Dr. Dice shares his experiences growing up, his drive to join the military, and his struggles with addiction post-service. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, his battles with substance abuse, and the key moments that led him to seek help and ultimately achieve sobriety. Dr. Dice elaborates on his holistic change model and his current efforts to support veterans, first responders, and law...

204. From Darkness to Redemption: The Journey of Garr Russell

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode, purpose-driven entrepreneur and visionary leader Garr Russell, founder and CEO of Fireside RV Rental, joins the show to share his powerful journey. From experiencing a life-altering moment in his youth, grappling with identity issues, and falling into drugs and crime, Garr recounts his radical transformation through faith. He discusses the pivotal moments that led to his redemption, his steadfast hope, and the role faith played in overcoming personal and entrepreneurial challenges. Garr also shares insights from his books, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God, finding...

203. Merging Sports and Mental Health with 'Kicking the Stigma'- Guest Brett Kramer

Warriors Unmasked

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Brett Kramer shares her journey of merging her passions for sports and mental health into her role as the Director of 'Kicking the Stigma' with the Indianapolis Colts. Brett discusses her personal experiences with anxiety as a student-athlete at Michigan State, the pressures faced by today's athletes, and the critical importance of addressing mental health in sports. She provides insights into the work being done to reduce stigma, the financial pressures on athletes, and the necessity of asking genuine questions about well-being. This episode is a valuable...

More Episodes

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Chuck here, this week I sit down with a powerful person both in and out of the dojo. Mac Scotty McGregor takes us along on his journey of pain, perseverance, and above all else, healing.

We take a deep dive into what it was like growing up with a mother who battled mental illness, and the responsibilities and stress Mac took upon himself. Including watching over his younger brother, and making sure their mom was taken care of. Mac talks about the moment he realized he wasn’t living in a normal home as well as the dojo he found refuge and family in. You’ll hear how he went from an unstable home to creating a life that was whole, happy, and free.

Listen in as we talk about life after high school and the many people Mac still remembers today who helped and supported him (even if it was little things). Though he hid his wounds through means of overachieving and staying busy Mac knew there was a time where he needed to confront his past to help his future. He talks about the letters he wrote to his younger self and how extending a hand, even if it was his own, was a turning point for him and his mental health. We discuss the courage it takes to be vulnerable and how practicing vulnerability can help you change the very reality you see.

For those of you who are struggling you are not alone, and for those who know someone struggling just remember a little goes a long way. We hope this episode gives you the encouragement to reach out for help or to reach out your hand to someone in need.

For more resources or to connect with Mac, check out the links below!

Always in your corner,

Chuck Thuss

More Of What’s Inside:

Growing up with a mentally ill parent
Finding a family through martial arts
Climbing the ladder to martial arts success
Stepping out of a life of silence
Being a seeker of knowledge
Writing letters to your younger self
Understanding that it’s ok to have emotions
Learning vulnerability from a strong role model
Taking off responsibility that is not yours
Changing your reality with healing
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://www.positivemasculinitynow.org/about-us
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mckick?lang=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macsmcgregor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Positivemasc/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today
1:47 - Introducing Mac Scotty McGregor
5:53 - Growing up in the south with a mentally ill parent
11:18 - Finding success in martial arts
16:39 - The importance of talking about issues
21:41 - Being different
25:24 - Life after high school
30:11 - Beginning the journey of self-healing
35:57 - Admitting your past trauma
39:43 - The power of coaches
43:57 - How Mac sees his mom now
48:17 - Doing it for yourself
51:10 - Mac’s advice for you
52:48 - Closing thoughts

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