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

Release Date: 09/28/2021

10 Life-Changing Lessons From Nearly 200 Warrior Stories

Warriors Unmasked

After nearly 200 episodes of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss takes the mic solo to reflect on the most powerful truths he's learned from the courageous athletes, veterans, survivors, and mental health warriors who’ve shared their stories on the show. From vulnerability to quiet courage, Chuck distills the top 10 takeaways that have forever shaped his view on healing, resilience, and connection. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode is packed with wisdom to remind you that you're never alone — and your story matters. Topics include: Why vulnerability is...

How Vulnerability Became His Superpower — David Shamszad’s Story

Warriors Unmasked

In this powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck sits down with entrepreneur and author David Shamszad, who opens up about his decade-long battle with untreated bipolar disorder and addiction, and how he rebuilt his life through treatment, community, and self-belief. From facing the darkest moments of mental illness to founding an 8-figure real estate company, David shares the real, raw, and redemptive story of what recovery can look like. You’ll hear how vulnerability became his greatest strength, why he wrote his memoir I Am Someone You Know, and what he wants others facing...

Living On Purpose — Shaun Murphy on Faith, Fatherhood & Finding Strength in the Storm

Warriors Unmasked

In this heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck sits down with Shaun Murphy, a father, entrepreneur, and man of deep faith, for an open conversation about grief, identity, and rediscovering purpose. After the unexpected loss of his father, Shaun found himself questioning everything—his path, his business, and even his faith. Through that pain, he discovered the power of presence, the importance of slowing down, and a deeper connection to his calling. If you’ve ever faced loss or felt called to pivot into a more intentional life, this conversation will remind you that growth doesn’t...

195. From Rock Bottom to “Make It Great”: Ian Fee’s Journey of Sobriety, Self-Worth, and Second Chances

Warriors Unmasked

What happens when you’ve burned every bridge, lost your family, and can barely look at yourself in the mirror… but you still wake up knowing there has to be more? In this honest and powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Ian—author of Wild Ride to Sobriety and founder of Make It Great—to explore what it truly takes to go from self-destruction to self-respect. Ian opens up about his early start with alcohol, the choices that cost him everything, and the moment he decided he was done being the villain in his own life story. With unflinching vulnerability, Ian...

194. Breaking the Cycle: Dustin Dunbar on Healing Addiction, Generational Trauma, and Choosing a New Legacy

Warriors Unmasked

What do you do when the very thing you swore you’d never become… becomes your reality? In this gripping and deeply honest episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes psychologist, coach, and former TV personality Dustin Dunbar for a raw conversation about the grip of generational addiction, the illusions of control, and the power of finally choosing freedom. Dustin shares his childhood story growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father and grandfather—and how he set out on a mission to never repeat their mistakes. For years, he seemed to succeed. With a doctorate in psychology, a...

193. Finding Faith on the Side Road: Link Forester on Fatherhood, Loss, and Loving What Matters Most

Warriors Unmasked

What if the unexpected turns in life weren’t detours—but the actual path to everything that matters? In this heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with financial advisor, husband, father, and author Link Forester to talk about the moments that redefined his life. From becoming a father while still in college, to taking a leap of faith and leaving a stable career, to enduring every parent’s worst nightmare—the loss of a child—Link’s story is one of resilience grounded in faith, family, and a healthy dose of humor. Link shares how he and his wife Carla...

192. From Chaos to Clarity: Dr. Lisa Nezneski’s Path to Healing, Resilience, and Mindful Living

Warriors Unmasked

What happens when your entire life crumbles in a matter of months? When the people you trust betray you, your health gives way, and you're left staring into a future you never expected? For Dr. Lisa Nezneski, that wasn’t a hypothetical—it was her reality. In this powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Dr. Lisa—pharmacist, poet, mindfulness teacher, and shamanic healer—to explore her extraordinary journey from heartbreak and upheaval to deep healing and transformation. Lisa opens up about the moment she learned her wages were being garnished, how that shock...

191. The Truth About Alzheimer’s: Caregiving, Cognitive Decline, and Compassion with Lisa Skinner

Warriors Unmasked

In this deeply educational and heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Lisa Skinner — a behavioral expert in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. With decades of experience as a community counselor, senior care director, and author of Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s: Its Secret Faces, Lisa brings powerful insight to one of the most complex and misunderstood diseases of our time. As someone who has helped thousands of families — and cared for eight of her own family members with dementia — Lisa offers compassionate, practical advice...

190. The Power of Intention and Human Performance with Dr. Toper Taylor

Warriors Unmasked

In this thought-provoking episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes Dr. Toper Taylor—a seasoned executive, media innovator, and now, intention researcher—on a mission to explore the scientific potential of human thought. With a career rooted in global brand building and entertainment leadership, Dr. Taylor now turns his curiosity toward how our minds shape reality and how intention can impact human performance, mental health, and our overall experience of life. Chuck and Dr. Taylor dive deep into what intention truly is—beyond casual goals—and how it exists as energy that can...

189. Healing from Infidelity: A Conversation with Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem

Warriors Unmasked

In this heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem—founder of The Infidelity Counseling Center and creator of Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART™)—to explore why infidelity happens, how it impacts both partners, and practical steps couples can take to heal and prevent future betrayal. Through candid anecdotes and evidence-based insights, Dr. Alsaleem walks listeners through the emotional aftermath of an affair, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and structured therapy. He delves into the nuances of rebuilding trust,...

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

TOPICS