205. A Navy SEAL's Redemption: Dr. Tony Dice on Overcoming Addiction and Helping Others
Release Date: 11/04/2025
216: Never Out of the Fight — Healing Trauma, Identity, and Addiction After Military Service with Anthony Dyer
Warriors Unmasked
In this episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Anthony Dyer for an honest, deeply human conversation about military service, accumulated trauma, identity loss, addiction, and the long road to healing. Anthony shares his 21-year career in the United States Air Force, including high-risk missions, elite rescue operations, and the emotional weight that followed him home long after the uniform came off. From the quiet moments that haunt servicemen and women to the stigma around asking for help, Anthony opens up about how suppressed trauma and alcohol nearly cost him everything. What followed was a...
info_outline
215: Healing Unresolved Trauma and Learning to Accept Yourself with Dr. Brian Alman
Warriors Unmasked
In this episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Dr. Brian Alman for a deeply insightful conversation about trauma, self-acceptance, and what it truly takes to heal unresolved pain. Drawing from decades of clinical work and research, Dr. Alman explains why so many people struggle despite “doing everything right” and how trauma often sits at the root of emotional, physical, and relational challenges. From childhood neglect and adverse experiences to adult stressors like loss, divorce, and identity struggles, this episode offers clarity, hope, and practical tools for anyone who feels stuck. Dr....
info_outline
214: Surviving the Holocaust, Finding Purpose — The Extraordinary Life of Charles Van Kessler
Warriors Unmasked
In this episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Charles Van Kessler for a deeply moving conversation about survival, faith, resilience, and purpose. Born in Amsterdam during World War II, Charles survived the horrors of the Holocaust, losing his family, enduring abuse in a state-run orphanage, and spending years alone on the streets as a child. Against all odds, Charles’s life became a story of hope. Through faith, perseverance, and an unshakable belief that his life had meaning, he found his way to America, rebuilt his life, and devoted himself to helping others live healthier, more empowered...
info_outline
213: Healing Head Trauma, Finding Hope — The Journey of Team USA Bobsledder William Person
Warriors Unmasked
In this episode, Chuck Thuss welcomes former Team USA bobsledder William Person for a raw and deeply revealing conversation about life after elite sport, the hidden toll of repeated head trauma, and the unexpected therapy that helped pull him back from the brink. William spent nine seasons competing at the highest level, enduring extreme G-forces, repeated impacts, and the emotional strain that so many athletes carry in silence. When the symptoms of CTE began to take over his life, William found himself in a dark, isolated spiral — until one piece of information, and one unexpected...
info_outline
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_outlineIn 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 enforcement through his company, Bishop and Dice Defense. He emphasizes the importance of connection in overcoming addiction and offers heartfelt advice to those still struggling. Discover Dr. Dice's inspiring story of transformation and service in this compelling episode.
You’ll Hear About
-
Dr. Tony Dice’s journey from Navy SEAL to therapist and recovery advocate
-
The battles of addiction, recovery, and rebuilding after hitting rock bottom
-
How vulnerability and connection became his keys to healing
-
The creation of his Holistic Change Model for veterans and first responders
Guest Bio
Dr. Tony Dice is the CEO of Bishop & Dice Defense LLC, empowering veterans, law enforcement, and first responders through tactical and mental health training. A former Navy SEAL, therapist, and firefighter, he’s lived both chaos and transformation, overcoming addiction to rebuild his life on truth and service. His memoir, After the Trident, shares his journey and the Holistic Change Model he created to help others heal and thrive.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:52 Dr. Tony Dice's Early Life and Military Inspiration
03:07 Journey to Becoming a Navy SEAL
05:29 The Price of Service and Transition Challenges
10:51 Struggles with Addiction and Recklessness
17:24 Hitting Rock Bottom
19:06 A Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Change
20:03 First Days in Rehab: Struggles and Realizations
20:48 The Fight to Stay in Rehab
22:33 Embracing Vulnerability and Connection
27:17 Life After Rehab: Achievements and Reflections
37:38 A Message of Hope and Connection
Chuck’s Challenge
This week, focus on discipline and connection. Strengthen your daily habits and lean into your support system, because real growth happens when consistency meets community.
Connect with Dr. Tony Dice
Website: https://bishopdicedefense.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.dice.5
Connect with Chuck
Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/
Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked
Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we’re breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.