183. Behind the Badge: Captain Adam Meyers on Trauma, Recovery, and Speaking Out
Release Date: 04/01/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
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 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...
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 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...
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_outlineIn 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 honesty and vulnerability, he opens up about how PTSD, anxiety, and depression crept into his life after the incident, and how support from his family, faith, therapy, and the decision to speak openly about mental health led him to a new mission: helping others heal.
Adam is the founder of Stop the Threat – Stop the Stigma, a platform dedicated to law enforcement wellness and reducing the stigma around mental health in high-stress professions. His story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible — and that no one is ever alone in their struggle.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in law enforcement, first responders, or anyone carrying the weight of past trauma and looking for a path forward. Adam’s transparency is refreshing, his message is filled with hope, and his comeback is nothing short of inspiring.
LINKS:
- www.thecompassionateconnection.com
- www.warriorsunmasked.com
- Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:00 – Introduction + Chuck sets the stage
- 02:26 – Welcome to Captain Adam Meyers
- 03:43 – Adam’s childhood dream to become a police officer
- 06:09 – The critical incident in April 2016
- 10:00 – Processing the trauma and the immediate aftermath
- 17:00 – Returning home and the emotional impact
- 23:00 – Coping mechanisms and how they led to destructive habits
- 30:00 – The stigma around asking for help in law enforcement
- 34:38 – Adam’s breaking point and beginning the journey to healing
- 38:00 – Therapy, diagnosis, and termination from his department
- 42:00 – Being silenced and facing rejection from leadership
- 44:38 – Launching Stop the Threat – Stop the Stigma
- 47:45 – Messages of hope and support from those he’s helped
- 50:00 – Rebuilding his life and career, finding purpose again
- 53:00 – Final thoughts: You are not alone, it’s okay to ask for help
- 56:00 – Chuck’s reflections and call to action for listeners