208: Courage, Perseverance, and Mental Health: A Veteran’s Tale of Resilience
Release Date: 11/25/2025
208: Courage, Perseverance, and Mental Health: A Veteran’s Tale of Resilience
Warriors Unmasked
In this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck 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 attributes...
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207: 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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_outlineIn this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck 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 attributes his survival and ongoing resilience to the unwavering support of his wife. Now, through the Military Sherpa movement, Mark aims to help active military personnel and veterans develop the skills they need to avoid the pitfalls he once faced, ultimately striving to reduce the alarming rates of veteran suicides and divorces. This episode serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the critical importance of mental health support.
Guest Bio
Mark Tilsher, a 21-year Air Force veteran, has dedicated his career to developing resilient leaders across military, corporate, and community settings. He’s served on four continents, led leadership initiatives for the U.S. Congress, and now runs the Military SherpaMovement, helping leaders navigate the challenges of service and performance.
You’ll hear About
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Mark’s journey from a troubled childhood to a 21-year Air Force career
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The mentorship that changed his life and shaped his leadership philosophy
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His battle with mental health and the importance of seeking help
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The role of family and connection in overcoming life’s darkest moments
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Warriors Unmasked
01:10 Mark's Military Journey Begins
02:03 A Troubled Youth
04:57 Turning Point in the Air Force
11:09 The Power of Kindness
17:02 Struggles with Mental Health
27:46 Realizing the Problem Within
29:56 The Role of Support Systems in Military Life
31:43 Challenges Faced by Military Members
35:28 Mental Health in the Military
37:38 The Birth of the Military Sherpa Movement
43:34 Balancing Personal Life and Service
47:45 Words of Encouragement and Final Thoughts
Chuck’s Challenge
This week, focus on kindness and service. Look for simple ways to lift others up and make a difference, because every act of kindness creates a ripple of impact.
Connect with Mark Tilsher
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktilsher/
Podcast: https://www.marktilsher.com/home-page
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.