Beyond the Battlefield: Chris Engasser on Healing and Homecoming

Beyond the Battlefield: Chris Engasser on Healing and Homecoming

Join us for an insightful conversation with Chris Engasser as he shares his profound experiences from serving in Afghanistan. Chris delves into the realities of military life, discussing the challenges faced on the ground and the camaraderie among soldiers. He opens up about the mental health struggles that often accompany veterans upon returning home and the difficult transition to civilian life. Throughout the episode, Chris reflects on the cultural differences encountered in Afghanistan and the impact of these experiences on his worldview. He candidly discusses the importance of mental health support and the role of community in healing and reintegration. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by service members and the ongoing journey of finding purpose and connection after military service. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the personal stories behind military service and the resilience required to navigate life after the uniform. Coaching and Counseling with Miles [https://www.milesaheadcounselingandcoaching.com/] Podcast IG [https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod] YouTube Channel [http://www.youtube.com/@MilesAheadPod] Chris’s IG [https://www.instagram.com/chris_engasser?utm_source=qr] Work with Josh [https://www.joshsabraw.com/] Josh’s IG [https://www.instagram.com/joshsabraw/]

Connor Beaton: Facing Pain-A Journey into Men's Work

Can we truly find strength in the parts of ourselves we’ve spent a lifetime trying to hide? Welcome back to the show. Today, I’m sitting down with someone who has become a mentor and a guide for many men—including myself. Connor Beaton is the founder of Man Talks and the author of the powerful book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide to Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, and Find Freedom. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the "unspoken" side of the male experience. We explore why so many of us feel like we’re walking through life with cement blocks on our feet—carrying the weight of childhood hurt, career failures, and relational dysfunction—all while pretending we’ve got it under control.  Key themes we discuss include: * Alchemy of Suffering: How avoiding pain doesn't make you stronger; it makes you fragile. True strength comes from moving toward your suffering and learning to alchemize it into meaning. * The Powerlessness Journey: Why a man who hasn't experienced a journey of powerlessness will often grow up to abuse power. * Pseudo-Initiations: In the absence of traditional rites of passage, many modern men unconsciously "nuke" their lives—sabotaging jobs or marriages—just to see if they can survive the wreckage. * The Shadow & The Ego: Understanding that your ego is simply a collection of predictable patterns. Changing your identity requires questioning these patterns and making the "unconscious conscious." We also tackle a question I get constantly from women: How do I help the man I love without mothering him? Connor offers a perspective that is "jet fuel" for men. Instead of offering ultimatums or diagnosis, he explains how women are often a "permission card holder." Finally, we discuss the transition from the Logos (rational, black-and-white thought) to the Direct felt experience. Most men live from the neck up, but true emotional sovereignty lives in the body. We talk about how to bridge that gap and why it’s essential for high-performance—whether you're a father or a Wall Street trader. Takeaways for the "Work": 1. Confession is the first step: Admitting the dysfunction or pain you are carrying is the only way to stop it from directing your life. 2. Weakness isn't the enemy: In war and in psychology, ignoring your weaknesses is a surefire way to get "flanked." 3. Pattern Recognition: Your identity is just a mass of behavioral patterns. If they aren't serving you, you have the power to consciously choose new ones. YouTube Channel [http://www.youtube.com/@MilesAheadPod] Coaching and Counseling with Miles [https://www.milesaheadcounselingandcoaching.com/] Podcast IG [https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod] Work with Connor [https://mantalks.com/alliance/] 00:00 Introduction to Men's Work and Pain 07:07 The Role of Pain in Masculinity 10:55 Navigating Midlife Transitions 19:40 The Importance of Confession and Vulnerability 23:31Supporting Men in Their Journey 30:29 Connecting Mind and Body Through Breath 39:3 7 The Energy of Emotions 42:06 The Impact of Touch on Boys 44:57 Understanding Emotional Intensity in Boys 49:56 Generational Trauma and Emotional Resilience 52:58 The Tyler Durden Complex 58:59 The Collapse of the Archetypal Father 01:04:43 Navigating Modern Relationships 01:10:00 Emotional Labor and Connection 01:10:25 The Importance of Male Connection 01:11:12 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries 01:12:11 Embracing the Villain Archetype 01:16:58 Facing Hidden Aspects of Self 01:20:02 Understanding Grief and Moving Forward 01:24:40 Rebuilding Trust After Trauma 01:30:39 Choosing to Grieve 01:33:09 Overcoming Negative Patterns as a Parent 01:37:47 Managing Expectations and Disappointments

Phil Horning: How To Create a Code to Live By

The Grounded Warrior is back! Miles and Phil Horning explore the significance of living by a personal code, emphasizing the importance of values, presence, and vulnerability in building meaningful connections. They discuss the concept of containerization and how it can hinder emotional expression, as well as the necessity of healthy boundaries to protect one's sovereignty. The dialogue also delves into the journey of finding purpose and values, the role of discipline in creating rituals, and the importance of walking a path with vision for personal growth. In this conversation, Miles and Phil explore the themes of materialism, gratitude, community, vulnerability, and the importance of deepening connections in relationships. They discuss the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability and the need for authentic connections. The conversation also delves into the significance of service and responsibility in building community, as well as the transformative power of rituals in processing grief and deepening the soul. 00:00 Living by a Personal Code 02:41 The Importance of Contact and Presence 09:36 Establishing Healthy Boundaries 16:07 Sovereignty and Self-Leadership 28:01 Courage from Integrity 30:38 Establishing Personal Codes and Boundaries 33:04 Discipline and Ritual in Daily Life 42:03 Walking a Path with Vision 58:09 Serving from Responsibility 01:06:13 Deepening the Soul 01:08:10 Exploring the Concept of Soul 01:11:07 Navigating Grief and Darkness 01:13:25 Finding Gifts in Grief 01:19:05 Rituals of Grief and Transformation 01:20:18 The Minnesota Men's Conference Experience 01:28:45 The Power of Community and Connection 01:34:34 Embracing Rituals in Modern Life YouTube Channel [http://www.youtube.com/@MilesAheadPod] Coaching and Counseling with Miles [https://www.milesaheadcounselingandcoaching.com/] Podcast IG [https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod] Work with Phil: thegroundedwarrior.com [https://thegroundedwarrior.com/] Tenets: thegroundedwarrior.com/tenets [https://thegroundedwarrior.com/tenets] YouTube: youtube.com/@groundedwarriorpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@groundedwarriorpodcast] Instagram: instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior [https://www.instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior]

Navigating ADHD & Neurodiversity: A Journey with Roxanne Turner

In this episode of the Miles Ahead Podcast, host Miles speaks with Roxanne Turner, a neurodiversity specialist and equine coach. They explore Roxanne's journey from professional equestrian to coaching, the therapeutic benefits of working with horses, and the complexities of ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on mental health, the challenges of parenting in the digital age, and the importance of patience and understanding in both coaching and personal development. Roxanne shares insights on how equine therapy can build confidence and emotional regulation, making it a powerful tool for individuals with neurodivergent diagnoses. In this conversation, Miles and Roxanne Turner explore the complexities of ADHD and neurodiversity, discussing emotional regulation, coping strategies, and the importance of self-compassion. They delve into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly in educational settings, and emphasize the need for supportive environments. The discussion also highlights the significance of recognizing triggers, managing procrastination, and fostering curiosity as essential components of personal growth and development.  YouTube Channel [http://www.youtube.com/@MilesAheadPod] Work with Roxanne [https://www.rbtcoaching.com/about/] Podcast IG [https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod] Miles’s IG [https://www.instagram.com/miles.graham.salisburyphd/] Coaching and Counseling with Miles [https://milessalisburylpc.com/] 00:00 Introduction to Roxanne Turner and Her Journey 02:52 Transitioning from Equestrian to Coaching 05:51 Understanding Neurodiversity and ADHD 08:57 The Intersection of ADHD and Anxiety 11:56 Coaching Strategies for Different Age Groups 14:57 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health 17:55 Parenting in the Digital Age 20:55 The Therapeutic Benefits of Working with Horses 26:11 Meeting People Where They Are 27:33 Normalizing Fear and Building Confidence 30:34 The Dance of Coaching and Therapy 33:13 The Power of Patience and Presence 35:15 Experiential Learning with Horses 38:48 Healing Through Connection with Horses 42:11 The Journey of Learning and Growth 44:43 Communication Styles in Relationships 49:11 Trusting the Process of Growth 50:48 Building Confidence in Neurodivergent Individuals 52:25 Understanding Projection Sensitivity and Feedback 53:5Coping Strategies for Emotional Reactions 56:29 Recognizing Triggers and Building Awareness 59:00 The Spectrum of Sensitivity in Neurodivergence 01:01:17 The Role of Environment in ADHD Management 01:03:15 Transitioning from School to Home Life 01:05:06 The Importance of Unstructured Play 01:07:16 Organizational Strategies for ADHD 01:10:03 Creating Supportive Living Environments 01:14:44 Navigating Working Memory Challenges 01:18:15 Harnessing Strengths in Neurodivergent Individuals 01:19:14 Understanding Student Motivation and Learning Styles 01:25:32 Procrastination and Overwhelm in Neurodivergent Minds 01:39:52 Self-Compassion and Support in ADHD Journeys

Josh and Dave go to Israel and Palestine

Josh is back on the podcast again, and we bring on our friend, Dave Smith, who is a well traveled and well read historian, and all around renaissance man. These two decided it would be fun to go against the state department's travel advisory and go into an active war zone. For Josh, this isn't new, except this time he had to pay for it vs being paid. For Dave, this also wasn't his first rodeo. We get into what they both saw firsthand prior to the recent cease fire deal, and what is different than the news outlets report vs what they experienced. What they thought of the culture, and the nuance upon nuance of a very complicated history, and the things that surprised them and left them in awe. Dave and josh also give their two cents on what could be done going forward to help peace last. We also get into the existential psychology of the human condition and other fascinating topics. Enjoy! YouTube Channel [http://www.youtube.com/@MilesAheadPod] Miles’s IG [https://www.instagram.com/miles.graham.salisburyphd/] Coaching and Counseling with Miles [https://milessalisburylpc.com/] Podcast IG [https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod] Work with Josh [https://www.joshsabraw.com/] Josh’s IG [https://www.instagram.com/joshsabraw/] Dave's contact: dwsmithtx@gmail.com