There’s No Better Person to Talk to a Veteran Than Another Veteran” — Dr. Julie Elledge on Coaching and Community

Building Hope: Governor Gordon on Conversations that Matter

Host Kent Corso interviews Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon about the state’s “WY We Care” initiative and the "WY We Talk Survivors Campaign. They discuss the importance of talking openly about mental health and suicide prevention. Gov. Gordon shares how the small-town community support he experienced, drove him to encourage the same approach in every community state-wide. The Governor reminds us that loved ones and neighbors can be crucial first supports alongside professionals. In describing the “WY We Talk Survivors” campaign, Dr. Corso and Governor Gordon emphasize how survivors offer unique perspective, hope, and practical insight without glorifying attempts. They mention one tagline: "Suicide is not the answer. Just ask an attempt survivor" and share other reseources such as training that the state is offering. Takeaways: * The importance of community support in addressing mental health and suicide prevention cannot be understated. * Initiatives like We Care are essential in promoting open conversations about mental health across the state. * Survivor stories provide unique insights into the struggles of suicidal thoughts and the hope that follows. * Educating families about mental health is crucial, especially in light of recent tragedies within communities. * Seeking help for mental health should be viewed as an act of courage and not a sign of weakness. * Programs that focus on preventative maintenance for mental health can significantly reduce suicide attempts. For more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For more information on Prosper, go to the website [https://www.prospertogether.net]

The Sunrise of a New Life: 'You Are Not Broken

Sometimes, the most powerful words are the simplest. In this deeply human episode, Will Wagner shares how small mindset shifts, support systems, and honest conversations helped him rebuild his life after a suicide attempt. This is more than a podcast—it’s a reminder that even in your darkest moments, your story isn’t over. This episode features a compelling dialogue with Will Wagner, a master electrician and suicide attempt survivor, who shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey through mental health struggles. Wagner's narrative is a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between personal hardship and societal expectations, as he reflects on the toxic relationships, substance abuse, and financial pressures that contributed to his emotional turmoil. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the warning signs of mental health crises and destigmatizing discussions around suicidal thoughts, thereby fostering a culture of openness and support. Takeaways: * The critical importance of open conversations surrounding suicide and mental health issues. * We explore the significant factors that lead to suicide attempts, highlighting the social context of these experiences. * Will Wagner shares his poignant journey from a suicide attempt to finding purpose in helping others. * The discussion reveals that many individuals facing suicidal thoughts often seek an escape from their emotional pain rather than a desire to die. * Listeners are encouraged to recognize the subjective nature of pain, acknowledging that each person's experience is unique and valid. * The episode underscores the necessity of seeking help, as mental health struggles can be overwhelming and isolating, yet support is available. For more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For more information on Prosper, go to the website [https://www.prospertogether.net]

There’s No Better Person to Talk to a Veteran Than Another Veteran” — Dr. Julie Elledge on Coaching and Community

A NEW APPROACH TO HELPING VETERANS THRIVE In this episode of One Minute Can Save a Life, Dr. Julie Elledge shares how coaching—not therapy—can unlock motivation, resilience, and performance for veterans and their families. Drawing on decades of experience as a therapist and master certified coach, she explains how programs like Veterans Talking to Veterans empower veterans to support one another and build community-based solutions to mental health and life challenges. Takeaways: 1. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between therapy and coaching, particularly in the context of mental health support. 2. The utilization of nature as a therapeutic medium for veterans is a remarkable approach that fosters healing and connection. 3. Veterans talking to veterans creates a unique support system wherein shared experiences can facilitate understanding and empathy among peers. 4. The episode underscores the critical need for effective suicide prevention strategies and highlights the role of trained coaches in this endeavor. Links referenced in this episode: 1. mentoragility.com [https://mentoragility.com] 2. Veterans Talking To Veterans [https://www.mentoragility.com/vttv-coach-training-program-copy-1] For more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For more information on Prosper, go to the website [https://www.prospertogether.net]

Strength is not silence. It’s connecting

Carrie Bollock shares how one of the most painful periods of her life became the foundation for a deeper sense of purpose. In this episode, she reflects on her journey through suicidal ideation, treatment, and recovery—and how restoration didn’t come from erasing the past, but from learning how to live alongside it with support and intention. This conversation centers on hope, resilience, and the power of using lived experience to help others. If you’ve ever wondered whether your hardest moments could still lead to something meaningful, this episode offers a reminder that restoration is possible—and that pain doesn’t have to be the end of the story. BIO Carrie Bollock is a Jesus loving, wife, stepmom, and mom who serves as the reigning Mrs. Wyoming America. She is a licensed real estate consultant and transaction coordinator, the host of Wellness Wednesdays on 102.7 The PEAK, and the founder of Restored by Faith, a platform rooted in her personal journey of resilience and faith. Passionate about mental-health awareness and suicide prevention, she uses her testimony to remind others that restoration is possible and help connect individuals and families with life-saving resources across Wyoming and beyond. You can follow or learn more about her @carrieinwyoming on Instagram or Carrie Bollock on Facebook. Takeaways: * In our discourse, we emphasize the critical importance of community support when confronting mental health challenges. * Carrie's journey illustrates that healing is not a linear process, but rather an ongoing commitment to restoration and connection. * The conversation highlights the reality of suicidal ideation, particularly in regions like Wyoming, where mental health resources are crucial. * Faith emerges as a pivotal element in the healing process, providing individuals with purpose and strength during difficult times. * We reiterate that individuals struggling with mental health should not face their challenges in isolation, but rather seek help actively. * The episode underscores the necessity of therapy as a vital resource for individuals grappling with emotional pain and mental health issues. For more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For more information on Prosper, go to the website [https://www.prospertogether.net]

Faith, Veterans, and Suicide Prevention: A Conversation with Dr. Silas Sessions

In this powerful episode of One Minute Can Save A Life, Dr. Kent Corso speaks with Dr. Silas Sessions, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Veteran Services, about the critical intersection of faith, veteran mental health, and suicide prevention. The conversation explores how faith communities, public policy, and clinical resources can work together to support veterans, reduce suicide risk, and strengthen protective factors across communities. This episode offers meaningful insight for veterans, faith leaders, clinicians, and anyone committed to saving lives. LINKS: HearNowHelp App [https://herenowhelp.com/] TAKEAWAYS: In this podcast episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of personal development and growth. We discuss the importance of setting clear and achievable goals to foster motivation. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of cultivating resilience in the face of adversity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace lifelong learning as a fundamental aspect of personal enrichment. We examine the role of mentorship in guiding individuals towards their aspirations and ambitions. The episode highlights the value of self-reflection in understanding one’s own motivations and behavior. For more information on mental health support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For more information on Prosper, go to the website [https://www.prospertogether.net]