The Conflict Doctor

Spooks, Suicide, & Spirituality: A Green Beret’s Inner Conflict

In this deeply personal episode of The Conflict Doctor Podcast, host Dr. Rebecca Nicholson explores one of the most challenging topics we face: navigating the shadows of suicidal thoughts and finding the strength to move forward, one day at a time. Joining Dr. Nicholson is Dave Fielding, a former U.S. spy and Green Beret whose extraordinary career brought him face-to-face with danger and adversity. Yet, his most harrowing battles were fought within. Dave opens up about his experience living under the weight of suicidal thoughts and shares his journey to recovery, inspired by his book, “Into the Darkness: A Journey of Love, War, and Emotional Freedom.” In this candid conversation, Dave reveals how he survived his darkest moments, what he told himself to keep going, and how he ultimately chose life. His story offers a lifeline to those grappling with despair, showing that hope and healing are possible. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the invisible battles many endure and the profound impact of love, acknowledgment, and vulnerability in overcoming them. About the Guest: Dave Fielding is a former Special Forces Green Beret and intelligence officer whose life was inspired by his WWII veteran grandfather. While he pursued a life of adventure and achievement, he faced personal struggles that eventually overwhelmed him. In “Into the Darkness: A Journey of Love, War, and Emotional Freedom,” Dave shares his emotional journey with raw honesty, offering solace and validation to others, especially men, facing similar challenges. Tune in for a conversation that sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of connection in our darkest hours. Contact Dave Fielding:  * Hire him for Consulting & Wellness: https://www.davefielding.com/ [https://www.davefielding.com/] * Connect on Instagram: davefielding.dol *  Get his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962341321/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaao9ZLFTm6APrdZ4IyvkxkvFtB5ExYgtTcOHXEjXsp34c0_Qka6o87Pils_aem_KcyA93vWZh0vRc5tDRIiTA [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962341321/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaao9ZLFTm6APrdZ4IyvkxkvFtB5ExYgtTcOHXEjXsp34c0_Qka6o87Pils_aem_KcyA93vWZh0vRc5tDRIiTA] Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson: Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor [https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor] Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/ [https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/] If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at ConflictDoctorPodcast@Gmail.com __________________________________________________________ The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to: (1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

SEALs, Suicide, and Service: Beyond the Brotherhood

SEALs, Suicide, and Service: Beyond the Brotherhood    Jimmy May is a retired Navy SEAL Commander with over 22 years of distinguished service. In this episode, Commander May explores the unique journey Navy SEALs undertake as they transition from military life to the civilian world. To address the high rate of suicide among Navy SEALs transitioning to civicial life, May created a nonprofit called Beyond the Brotherhood, that offers personalized career guidance, mentorship, and a focus on purpose beyond the battlefield. Beyond the Brotherhood provides a roadmap for SEALs to leverage their exceptional skills in new arenas. Drawing from his extensive experience—including seven combat deployments to the Middle East, earning three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and leading combat leadership and ethics curriculums—Jimmy shares invaluable insights on resilience, leadership, and camaraderie. As CEO of three companies, including the non-profit Beyond the Brotherhood, Jimmy brings his passion for helping veterans build fulfilling careers post-service. Join us for candid conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories from a leader committed to doing good things for good people. Get involved or contact Jimmy May: Beyond the Brotherhood: https://www.beyondthebrotherhood.org/ [https://www.beyondthebrotherhood.org/] Jimmy May on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-may/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-may/] Mayday Executive Services: https://www.maydayexecutive.com/ [https://www.maydayexecutive.com/] Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson: Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor [https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor] Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/ [https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/] If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at ConflictDoctorPodcast@Gmail.com __________________________________________________________ The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to: (1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

The Psychosocial Impacts of Whistleblower Retaliation

The Psychosocial Impact of Whistleblower Retaliation What happens when a person uncovers wrongdoing in an organization? Join me with guest Jackie Garrick as we discuss the realities of what whistleblowers face -Devaluing, Marginalization, Shunning, Gaslighting, Mobbing, Double Binding, Blacklisting, Accusations, Threats, Violence, and expensive court cases that drag out for a decade. Learn how one woman is uniting a global network of Whistleblowers to harness their collective wisdom and  strength to find justice and healing.    _______________________ Founder, Whistleblowers of America https://www.whistleblowersofamerica.org/ [https://www.whistleblowersofamerica.org/] Workplace Promise Institute https://www.workplacepromiseinstitute.org/ [https://www.workplacepromiseinstitute.org/%20] _______________________ Read the article: WHISTLEBLOWER RETALIATION CHECKLIST: A NEW INSTRUMENT FOR IDENTIFYING RETALIATORY TACTICS AND THEIR PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS AFTER AN EMPLOYEE DISCLOSES WORKPLACE WRONGDOING | Published in Crisis, Stress, and Human Resilience: An International Journal (crisisjournal.org) [https://www.crisisjournal.org/article/17219-whistleblower-retaliation-checklist-a-new-instrument-for-identifying-retaliatory-tactics-and-their-psychosocial-impacts-after-an-employee-discloses-w]  Get Jackie's book: The Psychosocial Impacts of Whistleblower Retaliation: Shattering Employee Resilience and the Workplace Promise [https://www.amazon.com/Psychosocial-Impacts-Whistleblower-Retaliation-Shattering/dp/3031190548/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EAM0442CJWZP&keywords=The+Psychosocial+Impacts+of+Whistleblower+Retaliation%3A+Shattering+Employee+Resilience+and+the+Workplace+Promise&qid=1693839097&sprefix=the+psychosocial+impacts+of+whistleblower+retaliation+shattering+employee+resilience+and+the+workplace+promise%2Caps%2C249&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc] Get WPI Certified: https://www.workplacepromiseinstitute.org/wpa-certification [https://www.workplacepromiseinstitute.org/wpa-certification] _______________________ About the Guest: Jacqueline Garrick, LCSW-C, BCETS, SHRM-CP, WPA Ms. Garrick founded Whistleblowers of America and developed the Whistleblower Retaliation Checklist© to identify negative psychosocial impacts on victimized employees and provide forensic testimony. She is on the Boards of Equideum and Parrhesia (devoted to whistleblower research) and Brighton Marine (a homeless program in Boston). She has taught at University of Southern California, School of Social Work and has supervised interns from the University of West Florida  Previously, she served as a US Army Officer and in executive positions at the American Legion and the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson: Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor [https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor] Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/ [https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/] If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at ConflictDoctorPodcast@Gmail.com __________________________________________________________ The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to: (1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

Psychics, Schizophrenics & Research Studies: Does Hearing Voices Make You Crazy?

Psychics, Schizophrenics & Research studies:  Does Hearing Voices Make You Crazy? Psychiatrists at Yale University developed an international research project aimed at understanding atypical perceptual experiences: such as hearing, seeing, and feeling things that others might not be. The Yale COPE Project studied people who hear voices (auditory hallucinations) and see things (visual hallucinations) - those with and without a mental health diagnosis. They wanted to learn - from those who have positive experiences - how to help those having negative experiences. Why is this important?  Because we unconsciously repeat unhealthy patterns, whilst simultaneously thinking we are doing something different and better. This episode explains how we unknowingly repeat unconscious programming that has been passed through generations before us. We also discuss the importance of healing from these patterns, how to stop them, and what life looks like on the other side of unconscious dysfunction. About the Guest: Brittany Quagan, M.S., LPC https://www.brittanyquagancounseling.com/ [https://www.frontierops.com/] https://www.spirit.research.yale.edu [https://www.spirit.research.yale.edu/] * Brittany Quagan served as co-director of the Yale COPE Project - an international research project aimed at understanding atypical perceptual experiences such as hearing, seeing, and feeling things that others might not be. She worked alongside neuroscientists, therapists, psychic/mediums, spiritual healers, parapsychologists, advocates, and other persons with lived experiences to learn  strengths and skills to help those who might be struggling with distressing experiences. As a person with lived experience and with deep roots in spirituality and spiritual healing, Brittany has worked in the mental health and healing field for over a decade and works as a anti-racist and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.  Brittany has a a Masters Degree of Science in Clinical Counseling and Human Services, as well as a License in the State of Connecticut as a Professional Counselor, and trained at Yale University School of Medicine's PRIME Clinic where I served as the Associate Clinic Coordinator and as a clinician for kids and young adults who were identified as being at high risk of developing a more serious mental illness due to a variety of experiences such as voice-hearing experiences and distressing thoughts.  About the Host: Dr. Rebecca Nicholson, Founder 8th House Elan https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/ [https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/] * Dr. Rebecca Nicholson is a podcast host, consultant, trainer, researcher, and author working with leaders across sectors and cultures. Her expertise is in the areas of violent and political conflict, purposeful leadership, and impactful relationships. Her cross-functional field experience was developed in West Africa, Sout Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson: Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor [https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor] Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/ [https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/] If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at ConflictDoctorPodcast@Gmail.com __________________________________________________________ The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to: (1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.

Amnesty, War Crimes & Cartel NGOs: The War in Ukraine

Episode 2: Amnesty, War Crimes & Cartel NGOs: The War in Ukraine  * What is life like in a war zone? This episode explores what is happening on the ground in Ukraine: the war crimes, and the essentially nonexistent humanitarian response, and the systems that keep it all in place. We critique the recent report published by Amnesty International, and we explore the concept of misapplied neutrality.  Richard also talks about the human toll - the injury and trauma - and what people can do to help.  About the Guest: Richard Sharp , CEO Frontier Operations https://www.frontierops.com/ [https://www.frontierops.com/] * Frontier Operations is a Ukrainian based joint venture by British and American companies. It is run by people with strong humanitarian backgrounds who wanted to create something that will assist Ukrainians in a meaningful way. By establishing a Ukrainian company, we want to provide a platform that employs and empowers Ukrainians to help rebuild their country, offering international expertise when necessary. We are committed fully to the people of Ukraine and want to stand side by side and work with them through this most devastating time. We look to harness expertise from within Ukraine and around the world to help as many people in the country as we can. Frontier Operations’ platform will provide services to the Ukrainian government, humanitarian organisations, international donors and private companies looking to re-enter the region to stimulate the economy, opening new business verticals to respond to the needs of these clients. About the Host: Dr. Rebecca Nicholson, Founder 8th House Elan https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/ [https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/] * Dr. Rebecca Nicholson is a podcast host, consultant, trainer, researcher, and author working with leaders across sectors and cultures. Her expertise is in the areas of violent and political conflict, purposeful leadership, and impactful relationships. Her cross-functional field experience was developed in West Africa, South America, Far East, MENA, and Europe, in initiatives that included military special forces, indigenous populations, private companies, NGOs, policy makers, media outlets, and tribal leaders. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience working in complex roles that include conflict, strategic communication, and behavioral intelligence. Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson: Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor [https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor] * If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at ConflictDoctorPodcast@Gmail.com Contact Dr. Rebecca Nicholson: Publications & Business Inquiries: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor [https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor] Website: https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/ [https://www.drrebeccanicholson.com/] If you have an idea for a show or would like to be a guest, e-mail me at ConflictDoctorPodcast@Gmail.com __________________________________________________________ The Conflict Doctor Podcast is sponsored by 8th House Elan Ltd., a Public Benefit Company formed to: (1) Improve human health and wellness by teaching conflict resolution skills and peace building techniques. (2) Promote attitudes and behaviors that favor expanded communication, learning, tolerance, and acceptance. (3) Advance knowledge of applied peace building, specifically in relation to international affairs, society & culture, and public policy.