This Sober Vet Podcast

ARMY SF SGM: Choosing sobriety early to help other Veterans now

Most veterans don’t realize that finding a trauma-competent therapist requires specific credentials and cultural understanding—missing this can prolong suffering. In this eye-opening episode, retired Army Sergeant Major Mark Baylis and Dr. T reveal how veterans can seek out specialized care that truly understands military trauma, combat hypervigilance, and moral injury. Discover the little-known directories and key questions to ask your therapist, ensuring they have the right military background and trauma therapy experience. Mark shares his journey from service in special forces to founding the Valor Clinic Foundation, where he’s helped thousands of vets rebuild their lives through unconventional approaches like community-based programs, Hobbies as therapeutics, and holistic recovery methods. We break down how trauma manifests differently depending on deployment roles—from the soldier on the front lines to the medic delivering care in chaos—and explain why traditional therapy often misses the mark for military-connected trauma. Gain insight into the importance of upstream interventions that address relationship stressors, substance abuse, and physical health issues before they escalate to crisis levels. This episode matters because the conventional mental health system often overlooks the unique trauma responses of military veterans, risking longer recovery times or even injury recurrence. Mark’s work with veteran-centered programs and his real-world success stories illustrate how understanding trauma’s roots can create lasting change, reduce recidivism, and save lives. Perfect for veterans seeking a fresh perspective, family members trying to understand their loved ones, or clinicians looking to improve their military trauma care, this conversation provides practical steps, inspiring insights, and hope. If you or someone you love struggles with scars from service—mental, emotional, or physical—this episode is essential listening. Mark Baylis is a retired Army Special Forces veteran, founder of the Valor Clinic Foundation, and a passionate advocate for innovative veteran care. His deep experience in military operations and trauma recovery empowers him to connect with vets and guide them toward healing beyond traditional therapy. Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]

ARMY Major: Battle Tested Sobriety Journey

Most veterans carry unseen scars, but few talk about the journey from trauma to sobriety with raw honesty. Army veteran Sam DeBold reveals how a decade of addiction, traumatic experiences, and unresolved pain finally led him to reclaim control — and how he’s now helping others do the same. If you're a veteran struggling in silence or someone who believes addiction has your life on hold, this episode will challenge your perspective on strength, resilience, and the power of honesty. Sam's story is a powerful testament to the reality many face but rarely share — from childhood struggles rooted in generational alcohol use to the chaos of war, and ultimately, the path to recovery. You'll discover how trauma, substance dependence, and self-medication intertwine, and what it truly takes to break free. Sam breaks down the science of addiction, explaining how alcohol rewires the brain’s chemistry, and shares profound insights from his time in rehab that could save your life or the life of someone you love. We break down the importance of self-awareness, honest conversations, and community in healing. Sam's journey through deployment, trauma, and hitting "rock bottom" provides tangible lessons for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s burdens. His message: no matter how deep you've fallen, recovery is possible, and the benefits extend beyond sobriety — bringing clarity, peace, and purpose. Why does this matter? Because the veteran community often masks its pain behind a brave face, risking everything — relationships, mental health, and lives — to self-medicate. But the opportunity to heal, to find meaning in the chaos, and to serve others from a place of strength is within reach. This episode is an essential listen for veterans, active service members, and anyone seeking hope amidst hardship. Sam DeBold, retired Army Major and now sober warrior, shares how embracing vulnerability and confronting trauma head-on transformed his life. His story is a beacon for those ready to silence the shame, prioritize their mental health, and lead a life of genuine purpose. If you’re tired of the lie that strength means suffering in silence, this episode will inspire you to take the first step toward healing — because your best days are still ahead. Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]

ARMY Vet: Her Mental Fortitude Conquers Alcoholism

Most veterans hide their pain behind alcohol and trauma—Marie Henriksen's raw storytelling shatters that illusion. In this episode, she takes us through her tumultuous journey from trauma, addiction, and PTSD to healing, faith, and hope. Her poetry reveals a raw human experience, showing that even in our darkest moments, resilience, connection, and God's love can guide us to true freedom. You'll discover how a combat medic turned poet used faith and vulnerability to transform her pain into powerful messages of healing. Marie shares her vivid deployment stories, struggles with substance abuse, and the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety. Her poems explore themes of shame, resilience, and spiritual awakening—reminding us that our most profound growth often begins after hitting rock bottom. We break down her unique approach to recovery—combining faith, therapy, community, and self-care—and why surrendering control, taking action, and saying "yes" to God's plan can change everything. Marie discusses the importance of compassion fatigue, setting boundaries, and how to honor your mental health while helping others. Her story proves that relapse isn't failure—it's part of the journey, and persistence is key. This episode is a must-listen for anyone battling addiction, trauma, or seeking meaning in their healing process. If you're tired of feeling alone in your struggle and ready for hope, Marie's courage and poetry will inspire you to embrace your own resilience and step into the light. Perfect for veterans, trauma survivors, faith seekers, and anyone craving authentic connection and transformation. Sliderbabe Poetry and Art [https://sliderbabe.com/] Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]

Navy Seal Veteran: Sober and Walking the Arete Path

Most veterans and high performers struggle with an inner battle—conquering addiction and redefining what true strength really means. Kevin Stark, a Navy SEAL turned purpose-driven mentor, shares how his journey from the battlefield to sobriety transformed his life and leadership.Discover the untold story behind Kevin’s humble warrior spirit—despite being a Navy SEAL BUD/S instructor, he’s one of the most relatable, authentic guides in the world of personal mastery. In this episode, Kevin opens up about his battles with alcohol, the ego-driven justifications that kept him stuck, and the pivotal moments that led to lasting change.You'll learn: how cultural myths of masculinity and camaraderie fuel destructive habits, why releasing ego is the key to genuine authenticity, and how ancient rites of passage can revolutionize your approach to leadership, character, and purpose. Kevin breaks down practical steps—like the power of community, faith, and discipline—that helped him shed his old self and step into a life of integrity and clarity.Why does this matter? Because many men are caught in a cycle of numbing pain with alcohol and ego, risking their health, relationships, and legacy. This episode offers a proven blueprint for breaking free, embracing vulnerability, and stepping into true confidence—no matter where you start.Whether you're a veteran, a high achiever, or someone ready to rewrite your story, Kevin’s story proves change is possible at any age. If you're tired of the chaos and searching for authentic strength rooted in character, this episode is your wake-up call.Join us to discover how the very things that threaten to hold you back—your ego, habits, and pain—can become the fuel for your greatest transformation. Guest Credibility: Kevin Stark is a former Navy SEAL, BUDS instructor, and founder of the Arete Path [https://www.aretepath.com/], a modern rite of passage dedicated to helping leaders and warriors forge excellence in mind, body, and spirit. His work has transformed the lives of thousands from elite military personnel to corporate leaders. Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]

Air Force Vet: Deployments = Drinking

Summary In this episode of the SoberVet podcast, host Joe Yurick and Dr. T engage in a deep conversation with Air Force veteran Wes Cornett, who shares his journey from military service to sobriety and writing. Wes discusses the challenges of alcoholism, the importance of therapy, and how he found healing through writing his novel 'Tumbling Dice' [https://www.amazon.com/Tumblin-Dice-Westley-B-Cornett/dp/B0FQQK2T85/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31Y0QWGVDHCDN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8Dbo7Sp_GjNTAjUsITasrg.Qz6rInc7_0IzdCRRlDgTy2gFDL4t1pT_318-W3qQAco&dib_tag=se&keywords=tumbling+dice+cornett+westley&qid=1773354030&sprefix=tumbling+dice+cornett+westley%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1]and participating in ultra marathons. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-forgiveness, the impact of alcohol on relationships, and the transformative power of sobriety. Check out his podcast here. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-vinyl-to-viral/id1870352431] Our mission is to normalize sobriety with Veterans. Web: www.thissobervet.com [https://thissobervet.com/] IG: @thissobervetpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/] FB: This Sober Vet Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567537590503]