Chad Spivack on Veteran Transition, Mental Health, and Finding Purpose After Service | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 433

Chad Spivack on Veteran Transition, Mental Health, and Finding Purpose After Service | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 433

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new]     Security Halt’s Med Group - https://zcform.com/QA5Qs [https://zcform.com/QA5Qs] Click the link for a FREE consultation with My Med Team to see how we can help. What happens after the uniform comes off? In this powerful episode of the Security Halt! Podcast, Chad Spivack—military veteran, author, and mental health advocate—opens up about the realities of combat, the weight of transition, and the internal battles that follow service. This conversation dives deep into veteran mental health, identity loss, and the path toward healing. Chad shares how storytelling, vulnerability, and intentional self-work became the foundation for rebuilding his life—and how other veterans can do the same. If you’re navigating transition, struggling with purpose, or supporting someone who is, this episode delivers real, actionable insight grounded in lived experience. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Why veteran stories matter and the power of shared experience  01:17 – Chad’s background and why he wrote Now What 02:18 – Early life, military service, and defining moments 05:08 – From enlistment to pursuing psychology 06:58 – Airborne school challenges and training experiences 09:18 – Deployment to Afghanistan during COVID and transition insights 10:39 – Depression, suicidal thoughts, and mental health awareness 12:33 – Post-military life and the struggle with identity loss 14:02 – Inspiration behind the book and storytelling approach 15:24 – Themes of purpose, struggle, and resilience 17:41 – Vulnerability as a tool for healing 20:18 – Why sharing stories matters in the veteran community 22:34 – Fear, honesty, and writing authentically 24:21 – Opening up to family and loved ones 26:49 – Journaling as therapy and reflection 30:29 – Identity, purpose, and resilience after service 32:17 – Transitioning during COVID and life changes 35:47 – Reintegration struggles and redefining goals 39:24 – Community, fitness, and mental health strategies 43:32 – Goal setting and avoiding external distractions 45:41 – Practical transition and mental health advice 50:36 – The importance of self-care and support systems 56:00 – Where to find Chad and his book 57:31 – Final thoughts on storytelling, healing, and growth Sponsored by: Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ [https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/] Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ [https://purelibertylabs.com/] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25  Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/] SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ [https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/] Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/] Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/]   Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/] Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media

Resource Monday: The Special Forces Foundation

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new]    This episode highlights the impactful work of the Special Forces Foundation, focusing on their programs supporting Green Berets and their families, and how listeners can contribute to their mission, especially through the Fighting Season fundraiser and recurring donations. Chapters 00:00  Introduction to the Special Forces Foundation 01:59  Programs and Support Offered by SFF 03:08  Project REACH: Tackling Veteran Suicide 04:58  Fighting Season Fundraiser and Community Engagement 07:13  Call to Action: Support and Get Involved Sponsored By Security Halt's Med Group FREE consultation with the Med Team — see how we can help. Link: https://zcform.com/QA5Qs Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy. Referral: http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero Pure Liberty Labs Promo Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ Precision Wellness Group Promo Code: Security Halt Podcast 25 Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ Special Forces Foundation Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ Security Halt Media Website: https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ Instagram: @securityhalt — https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/ X: @SecurityHalt — https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt TikTok: @security.halt.pod — https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod LinkedIn: Deny Caballero — https://www.linkedin.com/in/denycaballero/ Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast Project REACH — Five Moves. One Standard. No One Left Behind. Project REACH is the Foundation's direct response to the veteran suicide epidemic. The call to action is simple: reach out to five friends today, and every day after. R  RECOGNIZE — when something is off. E  ENGAGE — instead of assuming they're fine. A  ACT — before silence becomes crisis. C  CONNECT — them to people and support. H  HOLD — the line until they're back on their feet.   You can't expect what you don't inspect. Reach out to five friends today. Security Halt Monthly Giveaway Every monthly recurring donor, at any tier, who signs up between today and October will be entered into the Security Halt monthly giveaway. Recurring donors stay in the pool the entire drive — the longer you give, the more entries you accumulate. Prize Pool •      Stroup Knives •      Nomadic Research jackets •      Eberlestock bags •      Rogue Fitness equipment •      Concept2 rower •      Whoop straps How to Enter (read carefully — this is required) 1.     Go to https://givebutter.com/donatetoSFF 2.     Select Monthly (not one-time) 3.     Choose your tier (any level qualifies, including the lowest) 4.     In the note / comment field on the donation form, type: Security Halt Gang 5.     Submit your donation Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media

Liam Cogan on AI, Microplastics, and Veteran Activism That Actually Works | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 432

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new]   Security Halt’s Med Group - https://zcform.com/QA5Qs [https://zcform.com/QA5Qs] Click the link for a FREE consultation with My Med Team to see how we can help. Most veterans leave service ready for the next mission but unsure where to point it. Liam Cogan, Navy SEAL and founder of 3Bravo, lays out a clearer path: use AI as a force multiplier, take your health seriously (starting with what's leaching into your body), and channel your fight into community work that actually moves the needle. About the Episode This conversation moves fast and covers ground most podcasts skip. Liam and host Deny Caballero get into how AI tools are changing the game for content creators and small business owners, the growing health concerns around plastics and what to do about it, the real work of veteran advocacy, and why activism without follow-through is just noise. Stories, specifics, and zero filler. Key Topics Covered * How AI is reshaping content creation and business workflows * Microplastics, hidden health risks, and what veterans should know * The veteran transition and finding the next mission * Building a business with purpose after service * Real activism vs. performative activism * Community as the foundation for resilience and change Why This Matters Veterans are leaving service into a world moving faster than ever. The tools, threats, and opportunities are different. This episode gives you working knowledge on three fronts: build smarter, live healthier, and show up where it counts.  Chapters: [00:00] Intro: Cinema, Nostalgia, and What Shapes a Mission Mindset  [05:59] How AI Is Changing Content Creation for Veterans and Entrepreneurs  [20:26] Microplastics, Hidden Health Risks, and What Veterans Need to Know  [34:40] Veteran Advocacy: Finding Purpose and Direction After Service  [54:45] Real Activism vs. Noise: Building Community That Actually Moves    SUPPORT 3BRAVO Sponsored by:  Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ [https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/] Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ [https://purelibertylabs.com/] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25 Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/] SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ [https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/] Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/] Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/]   Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/] Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] X: @SecurityHalt [https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt] Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod] LinkedIn: Deny Caballero [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denycaballero/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media

From Green Beret to Lieutenant Governor: A Veteran's Roadmap to Purpose After Service | Security Halt! Podcast Ep. 431

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new]   Most veterans hit a wall when the uniform comes off, lost without a mission, a team, or a clear next move. In Episode 431, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Green Beret and 21st Lieutenant Governor of Florida, breaks down how he turned a combat injury, an amputation decision, and a 23-year Special Forces career into the highest civilian post in his state. If you're searching for purpose after service or weighing whether to run, lead, or build, this episode gives you the blueprint.  Key Topics Covered * Why most military transitions fail and how to set yourself up to win * Rebuilding identity after a career-ending combat injury * The decision to amputate and what it taught him about control * Leadership lessons from Special Forces that translate to civilian life * Why veterans need to run for office at every level * Florida's priorities on security, economy, and agriculture  Listen now, follow Security Halt! Podcast wherever you get your shows, and share this episode with a veteran who's looking for the next mission.  Chapters: 00:00 Intro: From Combat Veteran to Florida's Lieutenant Governor  03:07 Special Forces Selection and the Leadership That Shaped Him  05:58 The Combat Injury That Ended His Military Career  08:57 Why He Chose Amputation and Took Back Control  11:58 Rebuilding Identity After a Career-Ending Injury  15:04 How Community and Brotherhood Saved His Transition  25:11 The Decision to Run for Office After Service  32:20 Why America Needs More Veterans in Public Office  39:14 Leadership Lessons That Translate from the Team Room to the Statehouse  44:05 Florida's Priorities: Border Security, Economic Strength, and Community  50:19 Defending Florida Agriculture and the Families Who Feed America  55:40 How Leaders Protect Their Mental Health While Serving Others Sponsored by:   Transcend  Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy  http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] Pure Liberty Labs Use Code: SECURITY_HALT_10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/ [https://www.instagram.com/purelibertylabs/] Website: https://purelibertylabs.com/ [https://purelibertylabs.com/] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25 Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/] SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ [https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/] Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/] Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/ [https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/] Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/] Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] X: @SecurityHalt [https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt] Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod] LinkedIn: Deny Caballero [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denycaballero/]  Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/ [https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/] Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com [https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media

Resource Monday: Frontline Healing Foundation

Let us know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1113407/fan_mail/new]  A lot of veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers never start treatment for PTSD, TBI, or substance dependency for one reason: they can't afford it. Frontline Healing Foundation exists to remove that financial barrier and fund the therapies that actually work, including magnetic e-resonance therapy. This episode breaks down who qualifies, how to access support, and how listeners can help fund recovery for the people who served. About the Foundation Frontline Healing Foundation is a nonprofit that pays for evidence-based treatment for active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance dependency. Funded therapies include magnetic e-resonance therapy (MeRT) and other proven brain health protocols. The foundation also supports reintegration so recovery doesn't end at discharge from a program. Key Topics Covered * Why financial barriers stop military and first responders from getting care * What treatments Frontline Healing Foundation funds, including MeRT * Who qualifies (hint: you don't have to be special operations) * Reintegration support after treatment * How individuals can fund recovery for warriors Why This Matters The system has gaps. Insurance denies, VA waitlists stretch out, and private treatment runs into five and six figures. While the bureaucracy moves, the warrior doesn't. Foundations like this are the bridge between what the system covers and what actually saves lives. Call to Action Listen, follow Security Halt! Podcast, and share this episode with one veteran, first responder, or family member who needs to hear it. Donate or learn more at frontlinehealingfoundation.org. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes. Chapters: 00:00 Why Cost Stops Veterans From Getting PTSD and TBI Treatment  03:34 How to Apply for Funded Treatment Through Frontline Healing Foundation  04:43 How to Support Warrior Recovery and Donate   Sponsored by:  Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero [http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero] PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25 Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ [https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/]     Security Halt Media https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/ [https://www.securityhaltmedia.com/]   Instagram: @securityhalt [https://www.instagram.com/securityhalt/] X: @SecurityHalt [https://twitter.com/SecurityHalt] Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod [https://www.tiktok.com/@security.halt.pod] LinkedIn: Deny Caballero [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denycaballero/]    Resources: Frontline Healing Foundation - https://frontlinehealingfoundation.org Veterans Crisis Line - https://www.veteranscrisisline.net Police Cop Line - https://www.policecops.org Warrior's Heart - https://warriorsheart.com   Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/ [https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/] Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/ [https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sechaltpodcast] Produced by Security Halt Media