164. Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery with Neil Markey
Release Date: 11/12/2024
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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188. Why Coaches Need Mental Health Support Too with Carly Baker
Warriors Unmasked
In this important and timely episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes Carly Baker, head coach of the Women's Rugby program at Endicott College and Assistant Director of the Graduate Sport Leadership Program. Carly brings a powerful and honest voice to a topic that often goes overlooked—the mental health and wellbeing of coaches. As a former multi-sport athlete turned professor and coach, Carly shares a unique, dual perspective. She opens up about the pressure to win, the relentless expectations placed on coaches, and the emotional toll it can take behind the scenes—even in...
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187. How Somatic Stillness Can Heal the Mind with Will Johnson
Warriors Unmasked
In this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes author, teacher, and embodiment pioneer Will Johnson—founder of the Institute for Embodiment Training and author of Breathing Through the Whole Body. Will shares his groundbreaking approach to meditation, one that breaks from rigid posture and invites the full sensation of the body and breath into the practice of stillness. Together, Chuck and Will explore how awakening to the body can help quiet the mind, heal anxiety, and bring us into greater alignment with our truest selves. Will explains the importance of...
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186. Adrenaline Dominance: The Root Cause of So Many Health Issues with Dr. Michael Platt
Warriors Unmasked
In this jaw-dropping episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with internationally known wellness physician Dr. Michael Platt, author of Adrenaline Dominance. What starts as a conversation about adrenaline quickly becomes a transformative discussion that challenges everything we’ve been told about modern medicine, mental health, and the real causes behind conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even weight gain. Dr. Platt explains how adrenaline dominance is an often-ignored root cause behind many chronic health and emotional issues—and how simple, natural...
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184. Societal Dropout & the Power of Stillness: A Conversation with D.C. Copeland
Warriors Unmasked
In this deeply reflective episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with poet, playwright, and soon-to-be author D.C. Copeland. Known for her literary achievements and her fierce voice for mental health and self-expression, D.C. shares a candid and powerful conversation about what it means to truly find yourself—especially in a world that expects conformity at every turn. From her early days writing poems as a child to becoming a Yale-educated writer mentored by Harold Bloom, D.C. takes us on a journey through creativity, personal awakening, and deep healing. Her upcoming book...
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183. Behind the Badge: Captain Adam Meyers on Trauma, Recovery, and Speaking Out
Warriors Unmasked
In this deeply personal and courageous episode, Chuck welcomes Captain Adam Meyers, a law enforcement veteran with over two decades of service. Adam shares his powerful story — from dreaming of becoming a police officer as a young boy to the critical incident in 2016 that changed everything. After using deadly force in a life-threatening situation, Adam faced years of mental health struggles, addiction, and eventually, an identity crisis that nearly cost him everything. What makes Adam’s story so compelling is not just the tragedy he endured, but the triumph that followed. Through raw...
info_outlineIn this week’s episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Neil Markey, a former Captain in the U.S. Army Special Operations and now the co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats. Neil's journey from a soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan to a leader in the field of mindfulness and psychedelics for healing is an inspiring story of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. Through personal struggles with depression and PTSD, Neil discovered the power of meditation, mindfulness, and psychedelic therapy, which eventually led him to create Beckley Retreats—an innovative program designed to help individuals find peace, purpose, and healing.
In this episode, Neil shares his path to finding balance and clarity after experiencing the challenges many veterans face, including isolation, trauma, and anger. He opens up about the importance of connecting with oneself through practices like meditation and his belief in the potential of psychedelics as tools for personal growth and mental well-being. With deep insights on the intersection of science and spirituality, Neil’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the ways we can tap into our inner strength to overcome adversity and embrace a more fulfilling life.
Key Takeaways from Neil’s Journey:
- The Healing Power of Meditation and Mindfulness: Neil credits his recovery and emotional resilience to the consistent practice of meditation, which helped him reconnect with himself and develop a more peaceful outlook on life. His story highlights the importance of daily mindfulness routines in maintaining mental wellness.
- Exploring Psychedelic Therapy: At Beckley Retreats, Neil provides a safe, research-backed environment where individuals can explore psychedelics for healing. He emphasizes the importance of a structured approach that blends ancient traditions with modern science, creating transformative experiences that help people gain new perspectives on life.
- Finding Purpose in Service: From military service to his work with Beckley Retreats, Neil’s journey reflects a deep commitment to helping others heal. His insights remind us that true healing comes from within but is often sparked through the support and guidance of a community.
About Beckley Retreats
Neil’s mission with Beckley Retreats is to provide a unique approach to healing that integrates the wisdom of global traditions with cutting-edge science. With programs designed to foster growth and self-discovery, Beckley Retreats supports participants through meditation, psilocybin sessions, and practices that encourage positive habit formation. For Neil, these retreats are not just about recovery; they’re about tapping into our full potential and living a life of purpose and compassion.
Listen to the full episode to hear Neil’s inspiring story and his vision for mental health and well-being. Discover the profound ways meditation, mindfulness, and psychedelics can help us reconnect with our inner selves and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and peace.
Stay Connected with Warriors Unmasked
If this episode resonates with you, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit from Neil’s insights. To learn more about Chuck’s work or explore previous episodes, visit Warriors Unmasked.
GUEST LINKS:
LINKS:
- www.thecompassionateconnection.com
- www.warriorsunmasked.com
- Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 0:02 - Get to know Neil Markey
- 03:04 – Neil’s military background and inspiration for joining the U.S. Army
- 06:42 – Deployment experiences and the impact on Neil’s mental health
- 12:08 – Returning to civilian life: Challenges and transition struggles
- 16:30 – Discovering meditation and the path to mindfulness
- 20:47 – Insights into Neil’s spiritual journey and beliefs
- 26:09 – Founding Beckley Retreats: A mission to help others heal
- 31:25 – The power of psilocybin and structured psychedelic experiences
- 36:45 – Practical tips for daily mindfulness and staying grounded
- 41:32 – Final reflections on healing, growth, and the path forward
- 45:50 – Closing thoughts and ways to connect with Beckley Retreats