178. Breaking Free and Finding Peace: Jennifer Kenny Smith’s Journey to Healing and Surrender
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Basking in Grace: Marcia Earhart's Journey Through Grief, Healing, and Divine Strength
Warriors Unmasked
In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck 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 Grace...
info_outline
206. Reclaiming Purpose: Ryan Woodruff's Journey from Military Service to ClearPath for Veterans
Warriors Unmasked
In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck 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 veterans and...
info_outline
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 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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
202. Turning Pain into Power with Julio Rivera of Internal Jiu Jitsu
Warriors Unmasked
This week on Warriors Unmasked, Julio Angel Rivera, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu black belt, World Master Champion, author, and founder of Internal Jiu Jitsu, shares his incredible journey from witnessing trauma as a child to building a life of healing, mindfulness, and purpose. At eight years old, Julio witnessed a murder that changed his life forever. What followed were decades of suppressed pain, anger, and depression, until he found his path through therapy, writing, bodybuilding, and the discipline of martial arts. Through his philosophy of Internal Jiu Jitsu, Julio...
info_outline
201. Why You Can’t Separate Mental Health from Mental Performance
Warriors Unmasked
This week on Warriors Unmasked, Dr. Christine Silverstein, Peak Performance Coach, registered nurse, hypnotherapist, and author joins Chuck to explore the powerful connection between mental health and mental performance. With decades of experience helping athletes, students, and professionals, Dr. Silverstein specializes in working with children, teens, and adults, offering her transformative program Winning Ways for Teens. Through her unique approach to mindful toughness, she equips people of all ages to heal from trauma, strengthen resilience, and perform at their highest potential....
info_outline
200. Breaking Through Mental Health Barriers with Evan Jarschauer
Warriors Unmasked
In this powerful milestone episode, Chuck sits down with Evan Jarschauer, a licensed psychotherapist and nationally recognized mental health interventionist who’s been on the frontlines of crisis for over two decades. From Las Vegas casinos and street corners in Detroit to celebrity homes in Calabasas, Evan shares what it takes to reach people at rock bottom, and how we can all play a role in raising the floor before they fall. You’ll hear about: The real-life stories behind mental health interventions Why “waiting for rock bottom” is outdated and dangerous Evan’s early...
info_outline
199. He Was a Cop, a Leader, and in Pain — What PTSD Almost Cost Him
Warriors Unmasked
This week on Warriors Unmasked, retired police officer, author, and national speaker Glen Williams opens up about the silent toll of PTSD. From leading others in uniform to quietly falling apart inside, Glen shares how he lost his marriage, isolated himself, and had to rebuild from the inside out. He spent three years alone in a cabin — and came back not only stronger, but more open, more honest, and more connected than ever before. Now a speaker and the author of Bridging the Gap, Glen shares his hard-won insights on communication, accountability, healing, and rebuilding relationships —...
info_outline
198. 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...
info_outlineIn this episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss welcomes Jennifer Kenny Smith, a powerhouse in executive sales leadership turned transformational life coach. Jennifer’s story is one of burnout, survival, and ultimately, surrender—learning to let go and let God guide her toward true healing.
For years, Jennifer thrived in her corporate career, but behind the success was a woman struggling with trauma, toxic relationships, addiction, and self-doubt. In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the cycles of self-abandonment she endured, how she found the strength to leave an unhealthy marriage, and the unexpected journey that led her to radical transformation through faith, yoga, and self-love.
Jennifer’s story is raw, real, and a testament to the power of surrender. If you've ever felt stuck, questioned your worth, or wondered how to finally break free from the past, this episode is for you.
The Road to Rock Bottom—and the Climb Back Up
Jennifer’s journey began with years of striving for external validation—the perfect career, a stable income, and an image of success. But inside, she was crumbling. From an emotionally and physically abusive marriage to seeking escape in work, alcohol, and relationships, she was doing everything possible to numb the pain.
Then came the moment that changed everything. After a volatile final confrontation in her marriage, Jennifer made the terrifying decision to leave. She knew she deserved better—but breaking free wasn’t the end of the battle; it was just the beginning.
Panic attacks. Anxiety. A relentless search for purpose. Jennifer found herself completely lost until she discovered yoga—not as a fitness routine, but as a spiritual awakening. One moment on the mat, a deep sobbing release, and a sudden realization—healing starts from within.
Lessons in Surrender and Faith
Jennifer shares the powerful lessons she learned on her journey to healing:
- Surrender is not weakness; it’s the strongest choice you can make.
- Pain doesn't mean you’re broken—it means you’re growing.
- Control is an illusion—peace comes from letting go and trusting God.
- True transformation happens when you stop running from yourself.
- You are worthy of love, and it starts with how you love yourself.
Through her work as a transformational coach, yoga instructor, and speaker, Jennifer now helps others reclaim their power, heal past wounds, and step into the life they were meant to live.
Finding Strength in Your Story
Jennifer and Chuck discuss the importance of facing our pain head-on, embracing faith in moments of darkness, and realizing that we don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re battling past trauma, struggling with self-worth, or feeling like you’re just surviving instead of thriving, this episode will remind you that:
- There is hope.
- There is healing.
- You are never alone.
Listen now for a deeply moving conversation on letting go, embracing faith, and stepping into the love and light you were made for.
GUEST LINKS:
LINKS:
- www.thecompassionateconnection.com
- www.warriorsunmasked.com
- Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:00 – Welcome to another inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked
- 02:19 – Jennifer’s journey from executive sales leader to transformation coach
- 03:34 – The toxic marriage that nearly destroyed her self-worth
- 05:14 – The terrifying moment that pushed her to finally leave
- 07:29 – The struggle with identity, addiction, and seeking validation
- 12:42 – The breaking point: Panic attacks, anxiety, and a loss of control
- 14:00 – Discovering yoga and the moment everything shifted
- 18:20 – Healing through surrender and faith in God
- 25:00 – How control kept her trapped—and how letting go set her free
- 30:10 – Learning to choose love over suffering
- 35:42 – The power of self-love and how Jennifer transformed her life
- 42:14 – Jennifer’s mission today: Helping others step into healing
- 47:48 – Final words of encouragement for anyone feeling stuck
- 50:35 – Chuck’s Challenge: Choose love, surrender, and step into your power