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45. Fighting The Stigma with Compassionate Education with Michelle E. Dickinson

Release Date: 11/09/2021

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...

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...

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If you think mental illness or disorders are just affecting a small group of people…here is a stat to put things into perspective. 42% of the global workforce has experienced a decline in their mental health since the beginning of the pandemic.

42% isn’t a number to shake a stick at…

It begs the question, why is there still such a strong stigma around topics regarding mental health? With more people than ever experiencing it now, we have an amazing opportunity to enter into compassionate conversation and end the stigma once and for all.

Our guest today is working towards this goal with fierce passion. Michelle E. Dickinson is a Wellbeing Strategist and passionate mental health advocate. She sees herself as the bridge that helps people get comfortable with their mental health. Allowing them to reach out and get the support they need before a crisis hits. Michelle takes us on a journey through her childhood from growing up with a mom who had severe bipolar disorder to shedding her anger and learning to heal with compassion and understanding.

It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with depression that Michelle really dove into therapy. There she would learn through extensive self-discovery and patience that her childhood was more than distant memories. You’ll hear how Michelle has shaped her life for the better, not in spite of her mom’s abuse, but by using it as motivation to create psychological resilience and mental health strategies that cultivate cultures of compassion. Listen in as we discuss the importance of bringing this into the workplace and how leaders can set an example and create a safe place for their employees.

If you are struggling with your mental health, chances are you aren’t the only one. This episode will leave you feeling empowered to take a step out and have that brave conversation. It may just change the course of your life for good.

Always in your corner,

Chuck and Clint

For more resources or to get in touch with Michelle, check out the links below!

More Of What’s Inside:

Growing up with a mentally ill parent
Finding support outside of home
The journey of forgiving her mom
Changing the perspective on Bipolar Disorder
Repeating patterns based on your childhood
Being diagnosed with depression
The power of your relationship with your parents
Educating the corporate space on mental illness
How you can support the people you lead
Normalizing conversation on mental illness
Setting the tone as a leader
Using self-awareness to root out bias
And much more!

GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://www.careforyourpeople.com/
Website: https://www.michelleedickinson.com/
Website: https://breakingintomylife.com/
Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6Yaq3AqLUebGmfZoRdB4Q
Instagram: @michelledickinson71
Twitter: @mdickinson13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.dickinson.146?ref=bookmarks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-e-dickinson-7882013
Free Book Exerpt: http://breakingintomylife.com/excerpt
Website: http://www.mantherapy.org/

LINKS:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today!
1:38 - Introducing Michelle E. Dickinson
6:23 - Navigating a difficult home life
11:45 - The road to forgiveness and healing
16:15 - Gravitating towards familiar people
20:51 - Pushing through pain to find healing
24:13 - How Michelle shaped her life today
27:35 - Where to find Michelle
30:42 - Breaking through stigma in corporations
36:12 - Building trust as a leader
40:33 - The effect society has had on men
45:32 - Michelle’s advice for you
47:26 - Closing thoughts

TOPICS