182. Overcoming Loneliness and Creating Deep Connections with Justin Jones-Fosu
Release Date: 03/25/2025
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_outlineWarriors 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_outlineWarriors 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_outlineWarriors 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_outlineWarriors 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_outlineWarriors 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_outlineWarriors 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_outlineWarriors 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_outlineWarriors 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_outlineWarriors 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 inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu, an award-winning speaker, author, and CEO of Work. Meaningful. Justin shares his powerful insights on resilience, meaningful engagement, and the importance of building real, lasting connections in a world that often feels divided.
Justin’s energy is contagious as he takes us on a journey through his upbringing, highlighting the lessons his mother instilled in him about resilience, inclusion, and the power of community. He shares how his experiences shaped his outlook on life, from growing up with limited financial resources to developing an abundance mindset that has propelled him forward.
Throughout the episode, Justin and Chuck dive into the importance of being intentional in our relationships, debunking the fear that often holds people back from forming deep connections. They discuss the silent epidemic of loneliness, the impact of social media on our sense of belonging, and practical strategies to create meaningful conversations in everyday life.
Justin also shares the concept of The Power of Three—a simple yet transformative communication technique to deepen conversations and cultivate curiosity. He challenges listeners to make one meaningful connection per week, offering a step-by-step approach to building stronger relationships at work, at home, and in our communities.
This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and real-life strategies that will leave you feeling empowered to embrace connection, seek understanding, and build a life filled with purpose and belonging. Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership skills, strengthen your personal relationships, or simply feel less alone, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
LINKS:
- www.thecompassionateconnection.com
- www.warriorsunmasked.com
- Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Guest Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iworkmeaningful
- FB: Justin Inspires!
- IG:
Instagram (@iworkmeaningful)
- Website:
Home - Justin Jones-Fosu and Work Meaningful
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:00 - Welcome to Warriors Unmasked
- 01:23 - Meet Justin Jones-Fosu: Energy, Leadership, and Meaningful Work
- 03:15 - Justin’s Upbringing: Lessons in Resilience and Connection from His Mother
- 06:42 - The Power of Mindset: How Perspective Shapes Our Lives
- 10:14 - Loneliness as a Silent Epidemic and How to Combat It
- 12:45 - The Illusion of Connection: How Social Media Impacts Our Relationships
- 16:30 - The Abundance vs. Deficit Mentality: What Can You Do Today?
- 20:10 - Creating Intentional Community: How to Build Meaningful Relationships
- 23:05 - One Meaningful Connection Per Week: The Simple Practice That Changes Lives
- 27:40 - Justin’s Journey: Overcoming Personal Loneliness Through Action
- 31:22 - The Fear of Connection: Why People Hesitate to Reach Out
- 34:50 - Turning Confrontation into Conversation: Justin’s Story of Forgiveness
- 40:12 - Finding Common Ground in a Divided World
- 45:08 - Cultivating Curiosity: How to Listen More Deeply and Learn from Others
- 50:02 - Intentionality in Relationships: Making Time for What Matters
- 54:20 - Final Thoughts: How to Take Action and Start Building Connection Today
If you’ve been struggling with loneliness, feeling disconnected, or want to learn how to foster deeper relationships in your life, this episode will equip you with the tools and mindset to make a real difference.
🎧 Tune in now to hear Justin’s powerful insights and take the first step toward a more connected, fulfilling life.