182. Overcoming Loneliness and Creating Deep Connections with Justin Jones-Fosu
Release Date: 03/25/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
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.