211: From Underground Hacker to Healing: The Remarkable Journey of Ryan Merket
Release Date: 12/16/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
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209: Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Navy Seal David Brown
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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...
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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...
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207: Basking in Grace: Marcia Earhart's Journey Through Grief, Healing, and Divine Strength
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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...
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206. Reclaiming Purpose: Ryan Woodruff's Journey from Military Service to ClearPath for Veterans
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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...
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205. A Navy SEAL's Redemption: Dr. Tony Dice on Overcoming Addiction and Helping Others
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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...
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204. From Darkness to Redemption: The Journey of Garr Russell
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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
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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 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 world-changing companies while openly sharing how faith and mental health practices saved his life.
If you’re seeking a story of resilience, honesty, and the courage to rebuild, this episode will move you deeply.
Guest Bio
Ryan Merket is a two-time founder with successful exits and a veteran of Facebook, Reddit, and Amazon. But behind the resume is a raw and honest story of addiction, anxiety, depression, betrayal, and a health crisis that forced him to confront the real cost of ambition. His memoir, Hacker’s Edge, chronicles his journey from the digital underground to rebuilding his life through faith, healing, and resilience. Today, Ryan shares openly about what it truly means to be a warrior, not just in business, but in the fight for your own life.
You’ll hear About
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How childhood bullying pushed Ryan into the digital underground
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The addiction spiral that nearly took his life
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The betrayal of being forced out of his own startup
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The health crisis that became a turning point
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How faith, healing, and mental health practices rebuilt his life
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:10 Ryan’s Early Life and the Mask He Wore
02:14 Bullying, Isolation, and Turning to Computers
04:39 Building Underground Piracy Networks
07:01 Addiction, Rock Bottom, and a Life-Changing Intervention
09:23 Moving Home and Starting the Healing Process
11:51 Faith, Church, and Mentorship Redirect His Life
13:50 College Years, Reinvention, and New Identity
16:41 Mental Health, Family History, and Ongoing Struggles
18:49 The Health Crisis That Changed Everything
20:53 Supplements, Lifestyle Changes, and Overcoming AFib
23:36 Meditation, Prayer, and Spiritual Grounding
26:07 Startup Journey, Betrayal, and Walking Away on Faith
28:30 Life Today at Microsoft and Investing in Founders
30:53 Writing Hacker’s Edge and Helping the Next Generation
33:20 A Message of Hope for Anyone in Darkness
35:42 Chuck’s Closing Reflections
Chuck’s Challenge
This week, take one step toward the version of you that God is calling forward. Put something down that is hurting you. Pick something up that is healing you. Lean into faith, even for a moment, and trust that you are not walking this journey alone.
Connect with Ryan Merket
Websites:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanmerket
Facebook:https://facebook.com/merket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merket
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
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