THE RESILIENCY PODCAST

Refilling the Purpose Void — Chad Spivack

Summary Chad Spivack shares his journey from military service to writing a novel addressing mental health, purpose, and transition challenges faced by veterans. Discover insights on finding purpose, the importance of authentic connection, and strategies for mental resilience. Guest Links Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-a-spivack/] Now What? [https://www.amazon.com/Now-What-Novel-Chad-Spivack-ebook/dp/B0FSFYY7VB] - On Amazon Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Writing 'Now What?' 10:05 Understanding Mental Health in the Military 18:24 The Purpose Void After Service 24:19 Transitioning Out of the Military 28:12 The Importance of Being Seen 29:33 The Impact of Leadership on Personal Growth 30:25 Personal Experiences with Empathetic Leadership 32:51 The Balance Between Military and Family Life 33:45 Finding Mindfulness and Hobbies for Transition 36:28 The Importance of Healthy Escapes 38:34 The Creative Process and Its Benefits 40:33 Navigating Distractions in Modern Life 43:35 Understanding the Need for Information 45:43 The Importance of Self-Compassion 54:47 Embracing Imperfection and Community Support 56:19 Introduction to Mission 22 and Resiliency Podcast 56:21 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth Initiatives   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here [https://mission22.org/make-a-donation/#donationform]. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Complex PTSD and Other Fictions — Dr Michael Scheeringa

Summary Dr. Scheeringa critically examines popular trauma narratives, exploring the scientific validity of concepts like ACEs, complex PTSD, and the impact of trauma on the brain. He discusses the influence of ideology, the complexity of genetics, and the importance of personal agency in understanding trauma and mental health. Guest Links Michael Scheering's Website [https://www.michaelscheeringa.com/] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@michaelscheeringa102] X Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Dr. Scheeringa's research focus 02:34 The origins of trauma research and misconceptions 04:01 What does 'brain damage' from trauma really mean? 07:20 The influence of ideology and funding in trauma science 09:38 Symptoms versus human development: what trauma does and doesn't do 12:10 Genetics vs. environment in mental health 15:17 The complexity of genetic research in PTSD and depression 19:35 Concept creep and the broadening of trauma definitions 21:43 The importance of prospective studies in trauma research 24:13 Why some people develop PTSD and others don't 26:29 Current state of genetic research in trauma resilience 29:46 Inflammation, metabolism, and trauma: emerging hypotheses 33:19 The epistemology of trauma science and the role of worldview 36:44 Recalibration and growth after trauma 38:29 The cultural and political influence on trauma narratives 42:05 The importance of personal agency and choice 44:10 The political landscape of trauma policy 47:05 Harm caused by trauma policies and narratives 50:16 The role of genetics in individual differences in trauma response 52:54 The paradox of certainty and human resilience 53:59 Closing remarks and resources     To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here [https://mission22.org/make-a-donation/#donationform]. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Finding Resilience in Transition: From NFL to Community Leadership — Cornelius Edison

In this episode, Cornelius Edison shares his inspiring journey of navigating life's shifts—from running a half marathon untrained to transitioning out of professional football—highlighting the importance of resilience, faith, and systemic impact beyond the game. Guest Links * Cornelius Edison - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelius-edison-8a02b7323/] * Mission 22 - Official Website [https://mission22.org/] * The Art of Hustle Podcast [https://www.corneliusedison.com/podcast] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cedison_]   Main Topics:   * The mental and physical lessons learned from running a half marathon with minimal training * How humility and community shape the coaching journey and personal growth * Transitioning from NFL athlete to community builder and systemic thinker * The role of faith, discipline, and purpose in overcoming life's setbacks * Building long-lasting systems that outlive individual effort and foster legacy * The importance of a beginner’s mindset, vulnerability, and humility in reinvention * Balancing intensity and grace within leadership, parenting, and community service * Practical strategies for NFL players and athletes to retool their identity and emotional intelligence * The significance of systems, routines, and continuous improvement over fleeting motivation Timestamps:   00:00 - Introduction: Navigating life’s major transitions with resilience 00:28 - Cornelius shares his experience running the Bend Half Marathon 00:55 - Coaching others through mental barriers and humility 01:23 - The diverse community within his gym and the power of shared effort 02:22 - Patterns and similarities among gym members and why community is vital 03:21 - The process of self-discovery through hard challenges and seasons of life 04:43 - From childhood to NFL, the sacrifices, and joyful suffering 05:11 - Rebuilding identity post-football and the importance of faith 06:23 - Motivation versus discipline, and the reconfiguration of purpose over time 06:52 - The necessity of systems and long-term planning for sustainability 07:50 - Lessons from endurance challenges and pushing through discomfort 08:18 - The importance of testing your reservoirs to discover inner strength 08:48 - Post-career struggles, resilience, and turning adversity into impact 09:18 - Managing personal and professional setbacks: pivoting and re-strategizing 10:16 - Building systems that outlast individual effort and foster legacy 11:06 - The role of creative thinking and adaptability in professional reinvention 11:34 - Recreating oneself at any stage, especially after sports or military service 12:03 - Advocating for purpose-driven, intentional living and connecting with authentic self 12:33 - Learning from failures and engineering success through mentorship and humility 13:02 - The importance of a beginner’s mind to stay humble and open to growth 13:29 - The value of slowing down, reflective practice, and intentionality 14:56 - Developing emotional intelligence post-career and managing new challenges 15:25 - The power of tracking emotions and seeking mentorship for continued growth 16:07 - The challenge of taking the first step into new arenas and retooling identity 17:03 - The significance of connecting with community and the role of vulnerability 17:32 - Lessons from sports about handling wins and losses, and building team cohesion 19:00 - The paradox of winning and losing: learning and growth through both 19:27 - Understanding the balance of positive and negative interactions in relationships 20:26 - Reflection on a pivotal loss and its role in deepening bonds and growth 22:52 - Comparing sports seasons to life lessons about belief, perseverance, and grace 24:14 - The importance of purpose, belief, and managing expectations in life and sports 24:55 - How discipline outperforms motivation and creates sustainable habits 25:32 - The evolution of motivation into obsession, driven by purpose and discipline 26:28 - Turning motivation into ingrained habits and the role of “action” in results 28:22 - The significance of systems over emotions for consistent performance 28:50 - The power of action, intensity, and execution in achieving success 29:19 - Building supportive, flexible systems that nourish community and sustain effort 29:49 - The balance of intensity and grace in leadership and parenting 31:26 - The integration of tough love and tenderness—lessons from notable figures like Gordon Ramsay 32:19 - Differentiating between tough love and bullying in leadership styles 33:18 - The importance of grace, boundaries, and adaptive parenting 34:14 - Nurturing conversations and real community connection in a digital age 36:12 - Teaching kids the value of sitting with themselves and embracing imperfection 37:39 - The power of intentionality in cultivating purpose and legacy 38:07 - The critical role of community, mentorship, and ongoing influence in youth development 39:39 - The importance of timeless principles and the dangers of distraction 40:07 - Recognizing one’s unique purpose and the influence of internal calling 41:01 - Learning to filter information and focus on impactful work 42:12 - The need to reduce noise, verity, and over-focus on problems to create effective solutions 43:13 - Developing systemic solutions to community issues and small-scale problems 44:41 - Education, delay of gratification, and the importance of incremental development 45:41 - Transitioning from grand visions to small, meaningful actions with big impact 46:40 - Moving at the right pace: understanding the different speeds of public and private sectors 47:39 - Creating sustainable systems that withstand change and adversity 48:21 - Building legacy through systemic design and team empowerment 49:28 - The joy of seeing systems and people grow and thrive beyond individual effort 51:22 - The importance of resilient systems, day-tight compartments, and managing life’s punctures 52:19 - Connecting with the community and sharing ongoing journey   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here [https://mission22.org/make-a-donation/#donationform]. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

From Biohacking to Cancer Cure: How Environment and Systems Approaches Are Changing Medicine — Phillip Levasseur

Discover how environment, nutrition, and modern biohacks can amplify your resilience and health span. In this episode, Marcus Ferris chats with biohacker and health strategist Philip Lavasser about the science and philosophy behind optimizing human biology in a modern world. Resources & Links: * Biohacking Techniques and Tools [https://bengreenfieldlife.com/] * Quantum Biology Overview [https://paulchek.com/] * The Sacred Cow by Robb Wolf [https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Cow-Better-Well-Raised-Planet/dp/1953295797/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DLusaiQiwgyPDZbt4Q-njvl1g5NAj_zDW9Fy09flnE_dP4YrO4QhIf9kALxCknrDn7tk5mM9S1PNk-Sg1Ho1OD9xSSN12Lq-NKt1osVoEKROXsmnkiOwg7TbJA7Dx1OiDPb7NKHiak_oCPTtuat9rDqe0potXl0oAPLFtwygJZwjgffImai2nnFgNJl1qGvLgA_aiOZMThGP3FrBWldoHLILgoe4_dcr7bk1GR6851w.xeXk8KZv5IfzfGpQiVM4fDSE5rdzSuTEJWkUFx4-bzM&dib_tag=se&keywords=sacred+cow+book&qid=1777049812&sr=8-1] * Biggest Little Farm Documentary [https://www.biggestlittlefarmmovie.com/] * Michael Pollan's Food Research [https://michaelpollan.com/] Connect with Philip Lavasser: * Website and Newsletter [https://healthspan-hacks-tldr.beehiiv.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/philthy50/] Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest  00:15 - Exploring the cathedral effect and environment's role in cognition  00:45 - Rethinking traditional health strategies through biohacking  01:01 - The impact of room size and lighting on focus and creativity  02:11 - Moments that shifted perspectives on health and longevity  02:27 - The unconventional tools improving performance and efficiency  03:23 - The influence of structured water and quantum biology on health  04:25 - Understanding ownership of health versus outsourcing to systems  04:52 - Tools and data empowering self-care and early intervention  05:22 - The importance of individual variability in health and nutrition  06:58 - How cravings can indicate nutrient needs and body wisdom  07:51 - The potential limitations of infrared sauna and red light therapy  09:07 - The significance of seasonality, regional eating, and understanding local food systems  10:53 - The importance of intuitive regulation over reliance on devices  12:17 - Balancing health optimization with mental well-being  13:04 - Avoiding dogmatism and embracing adaptable health principles  14:47 - The dangers of overcomplicating health practices and the value of subtraction  15:26 - The impact of environmental toxins like glyphosate on cellular communication  17:12 - Learning from nature and historical practices about food and health  18:37 - The concept of food as information and its influence on biology  19:47 - Quantum biology and the role of light, water, and electromagnetism in health  20:58 - The significance of light in food and circadian biology  22:24 - Challenges around structured water and water structuring techniques  23:48 - Exploring old and new paradigms in medicine and healing  25:14 - Systems thinking in ecology and agriculture as a blueprint for health interventions  26:44 - Practical advice for staying resilient amidst modern environmental and health challenges  27:04 - Resources, newsletters, and community engagement with Philip Lavasser To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here [https://mission22.org/make-a-donation/#donationform]. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Building Modern Men — Ted Phaeton

Summary In this special episode of The Resiliency Podcast, Marcus steps onto The Modern Man Podcast with host Ted Phaeton for a powerful conversation on suffering, purpose, and what it truly means to be a resilient man. Ted and Marcus dive into the idea that suffering isn’t something to avoid—but something to move toward with intention. Drawing from Marcus’s experience as a veteran, endurance athlete, and advocate with Mission 22, the conversation explores how pain, adversity, and challenge can become the very tools that shape identity and unlock purpose. They unpack the modern struggle many men face—feeling disconnected, chasing validation, and lacking meaningful community—and offer a different path: one rooted in service, connection, and honest self-examination. This episode challenges listeners to rethink how they approach hardship—and invites them to step into a life built on resilience, not avoidance. Guest Links * Podcast: The Modern Man Podcast * Website: https://themodernmanpodcast.com [https://themodernmanpodcast.com] * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tedphaeton Chapters 00:00 – Intro & setting the stage 01:30 – Why Marcus chooses suffering on purpose 04:00 – The connection between endurance and mental resilience 07:15 – Life after the military: losing structure & identity 11:00 – Why men today feel disconnected 15:20 – The danger of chasing validation 18:45 – Suffering as a pathway to purpose 22:30 – How physical challenges translate to mental growth 26:10 – Building resilience through intentional discomfort 30:00 – The importance of brotherhood and community 34:20 – From isolation to connection 38:00 – Service as the foundation of meaning 42:15 – Advice for men feeling stuck 46:00 – Final reflections and takeaways To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here [https://mission22.org/make-a-donation/#donationform]. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22