Episode 192 - Post-Traumatic Growth w/ Cody Gillies
In this episode, I sit down with Cody Gillies — a career and volunteer firefighter, husband, father of two, and someone who’s walked through trauma, addiction, depression, and a near suicide attempt… and came out the other side with a completely different perspective on resilience.
What stood out to me most about Cody wasn’t just the adversity he’s faced — it was his willingness to talk openly about it.
We get into his childhood growing up with an abusive father struggling with addiction, how endurance sports became both an escape and a coping mechanism, and how years of unresolved trauma slowly built beneath the surface while he pushed harder and harder through life.
Cody shares how firefighting, lack of sleep, overtraining, alcohol, and constant stress eventually led him to a breaking point — and how stepping away from the job for 18 months ultimately became the beginning of rebuilding his life.
This conversation is really about post-traumatic growth.
Not just surviving hard things — but learning how to reframe them, learn from them, and use them to become a better human being.
We also dive deep into self-talk, vulnerability, the importance of reflection, and why many people mistake “pushing through” for actual resilience.
This one is raw, honest, and incredibly important.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:
* Growing up with addiction, abuse, and unpredictability
* How childhood experiences shape coping mechanisms later in life
* Using endurance sports as both therapy and escape
* The connection between sleep deprivation, stress, and mental health
* Why overtraining can become destructive instead of healthy
* Firefighter culture, trauma exposure, and emotional suppression
* The slow build into depression and suicidal ideation
* Why many first responders don’t recognize they’re struggling
* How podcasts and vulnerable conversations helped Cody seek help
* The role of therapy, sleep, nutrition, and movement in recovery
* The power of reframing trauma and changing internal language
* PTSD as an “injury” instead of a permanent identity
* Why vulnerability is actually one of the hardest things you can do
* How reflection creates growth after hardship
KEY TAKEAWAYS
* Resilience isn’t about avoiding struggle — it’s about learning from it
* You can’t heal while constantly running from yourself
* Sleep, nutrition, and movement are foundational to mental health
* The language you use shapes how you experience hardship
* Vulnerability creates connection, not weakness
* Reflection is where growth actually happens
ONE QUESTION TO REFLECT ON
Am I pushing through my struggles… or actually learning from them?
This conversation is a reminder that resilience isn’t about pretending you’re okay... it’s about having the courage to face what’s really going on and taking the next step forward anyway.
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As always, please like, share, and subscribe.
And if you want to dig deeper, or you’re looking for support—reach out. I’d love to help.
Connect with me!
📸 Instagram – @cfcoach_kevin [https://www.instagram.com/cfcoach_kevin]
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