216: Never Out of the Fight — Healing Trauma, Identity, and Addiction After Military Service with Anthony Dyer
Release Date: 01/27/2026
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...
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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....
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214: Surviving the Holocaust, Finding Purpose — The Extraordinary Life of Charles Van Kessler
Warriors Unmasked
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213: Healing Head Trauma, Finding Hope — The Journey of Team USA Bobsledder William Person
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212: Finding Freedom After Addiction — The Inspiring Journey of Mary Beth O’Connor
Warriors Unmasked
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211: From Underground Hacker to Healing: The Remarkable Journey of Ryan Merket
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210: Unbroken: Adrienne Caldwell on Surviving Trauma, Finding Peace, and Rewriting Her Story
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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
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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...
info_outlineIn 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 turning point shaped by accountability, faith, community, and the courage to finally take a knee and heal.
This episode is a reminder that healing is not weakness, identity can be rebuilt, and no matter how dark the night gets, you are never out of the fight.
Guest Bio
Anthony Dyer is a retired United States Air Force veteran with 21 years of service, including elite roles in combat search and rescue, special operations, and aerial gunship missions. A recipient of the Air Force’s Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, Anthony experienced firsthand the cumulative trauma that often follows long military careers. Today, he is a mental health advocate, author of Moonchild, and a voice for veterans navigating trauma, addiction recovery, identity loss, and life after service.
You’ll hear About
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The hidden emotional cost of elite military missions and long-term service
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Why trauma compounds when it is suppressed instead of addressed
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How alcohol became a coping mechanism and the ultimatum that changed everything
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Losing identity after military retirement and rebuilding purpose
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Why community, vulnerability, and telling your story can save lives
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction
02:00 Anthony’s Path Into the United States Air Force
04:30 Life-Changing Missions and Learning “Service Before Self”
07:20 The Trauma Civilians Rarely See
10:00 Suppression, Stigma, and Masking Mental Health Struggles
12:40 Alcohol, Identity Loss, and Hitting a Breaking Point
15:20 The Ultimatum That Forced a Choice
17:10 Transitioning Out of the Military and Losing Purpose
19:30 Why Veterans Feel Isolated After Service
21:50 Writing Moonchild and Facing the Accountability Mirror
24:20 Healing Through Storytelling and Community
26:20 Life Today: Fatherhood, Recovery, and Perspective
28:10 Anthony’s Message to Veterans Who Are Struggling
30:00 Chuck’s Reflections and Episode Closing
Chuck’s Challenge
This week, ask someone a deeper question. Not “How are you doing?” but “How are you really feeling?” Listen without trying to fix anything. Presence, curiosity, and care can make all the difference.
Connect with Anthony Dyer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marco_brolo21/
X: https://x.com/anthonyp_dyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Moon-Child-61574988895222/
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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