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  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website

    In this week's episode we get to speak with Scott A. Huesing, retired USMC Major who was the Company Commander for Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, during the second battle for Ar Ramadi, Iraq in 2006-2007. Scott's most recent book, Echo in Ramadi, details the accomplishments and sacrifices of the men and women under his command.

    Highlights:

    Scott's journey from enlisted Marine to commissioned officer. Leadership struggles in combat and how to keep combatants focused. Accepting the costs of combat. How to support those in need.

    Resources:

    Link to Echo in Ramadi at Amazon.com (Note: this is an affiliate link, which means that GTG will get a small kickback from Amazon for referring you. You are welcome to purchase the book through other means.) Link to Save the Brave.org Link to Scott's Facebook page.
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website

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    In this week's episode we get to speak with Corbett Barr, CEO and co-founder of Fizzle Co. The team at Fizzle help people like you and me earn an independent living doing something they love. Yup, this week we dive into entrepreneurship. Why? Because those who are, or were, in uniform have powerful engines, and they've seen a lot of problems that need to be solved.

    Some of the highlights from today's conversation:

    When is entrepreneurship right for you? Characteristics that are a good fit for entrepreneurship. The need for setting your own structure and self-discipline. Mechanisms and tools that can help with maintaining structure and discipline. How to work with your friends when you decide to go into business together. The CEO's role and critical thoughts on leadership. Why you need to get your idea out into the market with a minimal viable product. Financial security, the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship, and the stress that it puts on your family. Why entrepreneurship can be worth the struggle. The services, tools, and community that Fizzle offers to those looking to start their own business.

    RESOURCES:

    Fizzle Co. Homepage Fizzle's About page Fizzle Co. Facebook page Fizzle email: [email protected] The Lean Startup by Eric Ries*

    *This is an Amazon affiliate link, which means that if you decide to buy using this link, then GTG will get a small kickback for referring you. You are more than welcome to buy the book through other channels.

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  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

    In this week's episode we get to speak with one of my EOD brothers, Dan McGuinness, and his wood working instructor Rob Cosman. Dan spent 9 years in the Navy EOD community with several combat deployments that left him with a variety of physical and mental wounds. Dan eventually linked up with Rob through Rob's Purple Heart Program that sponsors wounded veterans through a week-long wood working course and equips the vets with a tool loadout as part of the course. Tune in to hear why a Canadian wood working instructor started organizing these therapeutic courses for wounded veterans.

    Some of the highlights from the conversation:

    Struggles with chronic pain from deployments overseas and being over-medicating by the military and the VA. How Rob got into teaching wood working and developing wood working tools. How the inspiration for Rob's Purple Heart Program was a young wounded and disabled US Marine who couldn't afford a full set of tools. How the generosity of several civilians formed the financial basis for Rob's Purple Heart Program that provides the active therapy of wood working for disabled veterans. The way that detailed hand-tool wood working can provide therapy for those who have been wounded. The positive impact that Dan experienced in going through Rob's Purple Heart Program. The reason that Rob ensures that his programs are always a mix of veterans and civilians. Examples of communities giving back to those who protect them.

    RESOURCES:

    Rob's veterans page for those wounded veterans looking for free access to his video tutorials. YouTube video showing Rob's plea to help raise funds for his Purple Heart Program. YouTube video where Rob shows some of the work the vets in his program have done. Rob's GoFundMe page for any donations. Rob's YouTube channel. Dan's nonprofit enabling combat veterans to share their wartime experiences on film, or through writing, achieving relief of emotional trauma.
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    In this week's episode we get a unique look into bomb squad work inside the United States. Our guest, Jon Vaala, is a 21-year veteran of law enforcement and has been on the bomb squad for 18 years. In addition to being a bomb squad team leader, Jon is the co-founder and president of the US Bomb Tech Association (USBTA).

    The USBTA's mission is to bring military and law enforcement bomb techs together to share information and training so that those who protect their communities and countries can be more effective. Join us for today's conversation. Some of the highlights:

    How the Columbine High School shooting permanently changed the landscape for all of law enforcement. Some of the lessons that lead to improved integration between SWAT team members and bomb techs so that they can achieve a truly integrated assault capability. The challenges that come with being a bomb tech who is also assault team capable. The primary duties that often take away time and attention from police officers who also have specialized roles, like SWAT and bomb squad. The health impacts that affect the well-being of those on the police force. Struggles associated with working night shifts. Why it's absolutely necessary to network when you're in law enforcement and the tips for doing it without being fake. The purpose of the USBTA and what it's doing to make bomb techs better at protecting their communities. Some of the threats that Jon fears will strike here at home. The shocking number of bomb calls that happen in the US.

    RESOURCES:

    US Bomb Tech Association website USBTA Facebook page USBTA Twitter page @USBTA2016 International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators website EOD Warrior Foundation website
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

    In this week's episode we explore how functional fitness can mesh with clinical treatment to give you excellent fitness, better advice on avoiding injury, and better treatment for the times when you hit too hard.

    My guests this week are Shane Miller (CSCS, SCCC, CrossFit Level 1) and Steve Capobianco (Doctor of Chiropractics). They, along with a couple friends, own and operate Project MOVE near Denver, Colorado, a 17,000 sq ft facility that is both gym and sports injury treatment and nutrition lab. Project MOVE is unlike any gym I've seen, and I wanted to highlight the story because they are having tremendous success in getting people back to healthy movement and high levels of performance. I know because I've seen the results personally in my treatment plan at Project MOVE.

    Some of the highlights from the conversation:

    How the vision of combining a premiere fitness and sports performance facility with top notch clinical practitioners and nutritionists came to be in a fast casual restaurant. How the team at Project MOVE combines its various expertise areas to best serve its clients in fitness programming, injury prevention, and injury treatment. What the hand-off process looks like when a client-athlete needs to go to the clinical side, or vice versa, and internal communications methods that the Project MOVE team uses to accurately track its client-athletes progress. The initial movement screening and software application that the Project MOVE team uses to ensure that their client-athletes get off to an injury-free start in their workouts. The challenges of adapting workouts for athletes who have movement dysfunction and/or injuries. The balancing point between getting enough rest and still throwing the hammer down in the gym. How the functional movement experts at Project MOVE write the 'pre-hab' programming that the fitness side of the team incorporates into the daily workouts to help prevent injuries. The problems the Project MOVE team is seeing in present day society that's affecting our health and our children's lives.

    RESOURCES:

    Project MOVE website Dr. Capobianco's Instagram page @fasciadoc Coach Miller's Instagram page @shanemiller3 Project MOVE Instagram page @projectmoveco Project MOVE Facebook page
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    This week we get to speak with Rex Laceby, a retired US Marine Captain who continually keeps his prior enlisted roots at heart and still thinks of himself as his old "Lance Criminal" self. After Rex retired, he came back to Colorado and found a job as an Employer Development Specialist focusing on veterans at CU Boulder.

    In his spare time, Rex is president of, or otherwise serves on, numerous boards for organizations designed to improve veteran lives and their opportunities for advancement.

    Tune in for some of this week's highlights:

    Rex's transition from an enlisted US Marine to a commissioned officer and why he made the decision to go to the "dark side." How Rex lost his sight in one eye when a bullet ricocheted off his rifle in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Rex's struggles with the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) and how he got back into operational status despite being blind in one eye. Why networking is so critical to success whether you're in uniform or not. Why veterans and those in uniform are often so bad at networking and actionable tips for improving your networking skills, even if you're affected by TBI or PTS. Areas where those who are or were in uniform are selling themselves short when it comes to looking for a job outside the uniform. Being strategic with developing your job opportunities and career. Resources that exist to help you determine what type of job you want to pursue once you've put the uniform down.

    RESOURCES:

    Paradox Sports website Team Red White and Blue website Team Rubicon website United Veterans Committee of Colorado website The Mission Continues website Valor Bridge website Colorado Advisory Council on Military Education
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    Today we get another opportunity to absorb the teachings of James Butler. James was our guest in episode GTG032 where he bombarded us with tips and exercises for how give ourselves more compassion by letting go of the baggage that we drag around with us. I had a coaching call with James after we recorded GTG032. In that call we started talking about the root of all evil...money.

    After hearing James's thoughts on money and providing value for people, I knew that I had to share this topic with you because there are so many of our brothers and sisters who struggle with the concept of money and worth. Tune in to this week's show to learn more about:

    The concept that money is fundamentally a fabricated idea of value that can change based on our perceptions The primal fears that form the basis for our modern day worries and self limitation Why, despite more evolved brains, we still suffer from those primal fears How we judge ourselves as people based on those fears and why that limits us Ways to reshape your association with money and the judgments that come with it How to begin the process of pursuing something that you love or that you think will be valuable for others

    RESOURCES:

    Reclaiming Warrior website James's email: [email protected] James's Expedition to Patagonia James's Facebook page James's LinkedIn page for the Patagonia expedition James's talk in episode GTG032
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    Today we have the privilege of speaking with Mike Steadman president of Ironbound USA and Ironbound Boxing. Mike is a 2010 graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. While at the Naval Academy, Mike was introduced to the sport of boxing. As a member of the Navy Boxing Team, Mike won Three National Championships as light-heavyweight.

    Mike's relationships with his coach and teammates solidified his love for sport and created an eternal bond. Upon graduation, he accepted a commission as an officer in the United States Marines. As Infantry Officer in the Marines, he deployed to Afghanistan, Japan, and the Philippines. In April of 2015, Mike left active duty, relocating to Newark to accept a directorship position as the head of Residential Life St. Benedict’s Preparatory School and then started Ironbound Boxing.

    Join us as we discuss:

    What it's like to come up from nothing and how Mike escaped his impoverished childhood. The lessons he learned from his mom on exceeding his initial low performance standards. What life at the Naval Academy was like for a black Midshipman. How a savage beat down in the boxing ring ultimately led to a turnaround in his confidence and drive. Hard lessons from the battlefields of Afghanistan. Valuable insights on transitioning out of uniform. How he continues to serve the community. Why he wants to teach kids in the worst neighborhoods the art of boxing.

    RESOURCES:

    Mike's non-profit Ironbound USA If you can, please support the non-profit with donations, your time, or whatever else you can think of. The boxing page of Ironbound USA Mike's Instagram account with tons of pictures from the gym. @ironmikesteadman Mike's LinkedIn profile Mike's Facebook page Carol Dweck, Ph. D.: Mindset **If you click this link, it will take you to my affiliate page with Amazon. If you buy the book using that link, I'll get a small slice of the transaction that will not cost you extra.**
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    Today we speak with Doug Nordman, a retired US Navy Submarine Officer who has taken his financial life in his own hands and achieved a life of financial independence. While Doug doesn't need to work ever again, he still fills his days helping others manage their personal finances to also achieve financial independence. In this episode, Doug shares:

    How he and his spouse ended up learning more about financial independence (see Resources below). How he went from full time naval officer to surf bum who travels and spends his free time still providing meaning and value. The ways in which financial independence is affected by your spending. What the 4% Safe Withdrawal Rate is and how it impacts your financial freedom. The biggest hurdles to achieving financial independence (lookin' at you young guns!), and whether you need to be a brilliant investor to achieve it. Low cost options for investing that will keep costs down, allowing you to keep more of your money. How "Decision Fatigue" ruins people's efforts at achieving financial independence and why automation can save the day. Why simply tracking your expenses can be one of the most powerful tools in getting your financial life together. How mimicking the military training process can help you if you have a partner who isn't supportive of trying to achieve financial independence. For those in the US military, the resources that exist to help keep your ass out of financial trouble. Why it's not necessarily a good idea to buy a house while you're on active duty.

    RESOURCES:

    Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez, and Monique Tilford The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey Doug's Information: Doug's Website: The Military Guide Doug's Book: The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement The Military Guide Facebook Page Doug's LinkedIn Page Email: [email protected] Thrift Savings Plan Website Financial Independence Websites: Bogleheads Wiki Mr. Money Moustache Website Mad Fientist Website Ryan Guina's - The Military Wallet Website Kate Horrell's - The Paycheck Chronicles on Military.com
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    This week I had the privilege of speaking with Spencer Milo, Director of Veteran Program and Community Outreach for the University of Colorado Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH). The MIBH is a top level care facility treating veterans and former professional athletes who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).

    Tune in to the conversation with Spencer and learn about:

    The antics that go into the enlistment recruiting process and Airborne Infantry school (for those who have been enlisted, you'll get a good laugh). Spencer's deployment experiences and the events that ultimately led to his medical retirement, including an initial misdiagnosis that said he only had a few months to live. How those in uniform can be so mentally compartmentalized and why it's both good and bad. His treatment for TBI, PTS, and co-morbid injuries at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) and how without that treatment Spencer would likely have killed himself. The signs and symptoms of Spencer's TBI and PTS, including the self-destructive habits that he adopted and how it affected his family. How Spencer choose to continue helping military and veterans after he separated from active duty. How the MIBH was started and how it treats veterans and retired athletes free of charge. The mechanics involved with TBI. How the MIBH uses a total comprehensive treatment method to get you back to being healthy and functioning, including unconventional therapy methods.

    RESOURCES:

    Marcus Institute for Brain Health Homepage NICoE Homepage Hire Heroes USA Homepage Parkers Platoon Homepage
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    This week's guest is James Butler, a veteran of the Canadian military. He deployed to Afghanistan as a combat engineer and made it back from his deployment to then volunteer for training as an explosive clearance diver. After an accident during dive training almost killed him and permanently impaired his lungs, James's life came apart. After struggling for months to attempt to re-enter clearance diver training, James learned that he was ultimately medically disqualified. Reeling from the loss of his calling, James eventually realized his potential by separating from the military and learning how to help others achieve their individual mission.

    Listen in as we discuss:

    Overcoming feelings of uselessness, including how to adapt to a new identity. The process James used to completely rebuild and restructure his life. How numbing yourself to your current reality is a sure path to mediocrity and unhappiness. How we adapt to civilian life once we put the uniform down. The fact that being in uniform trains you to see life as an emergency and what that costs you. The way in which our thoughts manifest themselves into our reality. Why you need compassion in your life, even when you're badass and bulletproof. Practical exercises that you can use today to gain greater clarity about what's holding you back from achieving your mission.

    RESOURCES:

    Reclaiming Warrior website Reclaiming Warrior Facebook page James's Facebook page
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    In this episode we're getting back on the mic with Lauren DiCredico, a Master Resilience Trainer Performance Expert and practicing member of the US Army's CSF2 performance optimization program. After we shut things down last week we realized that we still had a lot of topics to examine. So, this episode is going to dive right into the heart of the exercises that Lauren and her colleagues use to get soldiers to achieve their top level performance at home and on the job. Specifically, we'll be talking about:

    How to overcome communication problems. A surprising factor that can destroy friendships and relationships. A good way to prepare your friends and family for how they should communicate with you when you're deployed. How do you achieve greater self-awareness and how that improves your communication and relationships. How our unspoken beliefs can warp how we view our teammates. The best ways to establish connection with your family, teammates, and superiors. The way that our unrecognized beliefs sabotage our relationships. How to identify your hidden triggers that set you off. The power of gratitude journaling in improving your mindset. How proper breathing techniques can help reduce stress. The effects that visualizing has on your performance.

    RESOURCES:

    The Dad's Edge by Larry Hagner How to improve your health through better breathing. Dr. Yuri L. Hanin is Professor & Senior Researcher at KIHU-Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland. - Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning Click here to access the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness website. Lauren DiCredico's email address: [email protected], [email protected]. Click here to access The Daily Stoic website. Click here to access the Tim Ferriss blog on stoicism.
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    In this episode we speak with Lauren DiCredico, a Master Resilience Trainer Performance Expert and practicing member of the US Army's CSF2 performance optimization program. Lauren and her colleagues are tasked with helping soldiers achieve their top level performance at home and on the job using sports psychology principles. Specifically, we'll be talking about:

    Why Lauren chose working with soldiers instead of athletes. How sports performance psychology is different from other forms of psychology and why it matters for those in uniform. The tricky part of hitting your IZOF: Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning and how different tasks require different zones. The biggest adjustments that Lauren had to make in working with soldiers. The core aspects of the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) program. Master resilience. Optimal performance. How units can access the help that the CSF2 program provides. How the ATC (Activating Event, Thought, Consequence) model can help you perform better when life gets hard. Why soldiers and first responders need to be vulnerable in order to do the hard things that their jobs require.

    RESOURCES:

    Dr. Yuri L. Hanin is Professor & Senior Researcher at KIHU-Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland. - Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning Click here to access the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness website. Lauren DiCredico's email address: [email protected], [email protected]. Click here to access The Daily Stoic website. Click here to access the Tim Ferriss blog on stoicism.
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    This week we are joined by one of my best friends. Nick served 20 years in the United States Navy, and started his career in the Special Boat Units (SBU) only to later join the Explosive Ordnance Disposal ranks. In addition to his deployments in SBU, Nick served 4 combat deployments between Iraq and Afghanistan. Join us as he shares the wisdom that he gained after so many years and challenging situations. Specifically, we'll look at:

    What it's like going into your first combat deployment. Do combatants become superstitious because of the actions that occur in combat. What Ramadi, Iraq was like during one of the worst periods of the IED war. Brotherhood and why we fight. Does support from back home really matter? How we lose the brotherhood when we put the uniform down. How combat brings combatants to tribal levels and why that's good. The personal development that comes from combat. What role do morals play in combat. How combat depletes your emotional responsiveness. How to keep pushing when you're best friend is killed in action, and you still have to continue combat operations. Tips for the out-process when separating from the military. The struggles of identity and purpose when you put the uniform down.

    RESOURCES:

    Click here to be taken to the best selling book that Nick references, Tribe by Sebastian Junger.
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Facebook - Guard the Guardians Instagram - Guard the Guardians @guardtheguardians Twitter - Guard the Guardians @GuardGuardians_

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    This week we're speaking with Simon Rook, a former US Marine who has been devoting his time to creating a shared living space for those looking for cheaper housing options and a regained sense of camaraderie. Specifically, we'll be looking at:

    How enlisting can be a saving grace for many. What the transition from civilian life to preparing for a combat deployment is like. The nostalgia of being pulled over by base security while you're deployed. Yeah, you can still get a traffic ticket even when you're in a combat zone. Whether shifting to reserve status makes it easier to transition to civilian life. The stresses that we bring with ourselves when we transition to civilian life and how it can affect our future friendships and jobs. What shared living spaces can offer those in need of camaraderie and to local communities. Why making civilian friends can help transition your mindset and help you better integrate once you take off the uniform. How co-living spaces can be constructed to develop friendships, inspire trust, and increase a person's access to jobs while saving money. The issues that keep veterans from truly reintegrating in a post-service world.

    RESOURCES:

    Simon Rook's Instagram Page, @sgt_rook; click to see updates on The Rookery Click to see the Rookery Dallas Facebook page. The Rookery is partnered with Sophie Crash Properties, click to see The Crashpad, another Dallas co-living house.
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website Guard the Guardians Facebook Guard the Guardians Instagram @guardtheguardians Guard the Guardians Twitter @GuardGuardians_

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    This week Americans celebrate the 4th of July and the independence of the United States of America. As I look back at the character that was required for the US to become a free-standing country, it forces me to look at my character and the character of those who put themselves in harm's way.

    Over the last few weeks I've had conversations that have made me think about the unifying theme for this podcast and what the episodes seek to accomplish. Ultimately, I want you to be able to incorporate what you learn to live a better life. However, underlying that is the idea that I want you to be resilient.

    There is no guest today, but I hope that you will join me as I discuss the insights that I've gained from reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson and Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. Both books have impacted me and shaped my thoughts on developing greater resilience so that I can be happier tomorrow than I am today.

    As the US celebrates the 4th of July, I hope that no matter where you are that you get to laugh and be with friends and family.

    RESOURCES:

    The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians Website
    Guard the Guardians Facebook Page
    Guard the Guardians Instagram @guardtheguardians
    Guard the Guardians Twitter @GuardGuardians_

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    In this episode I was given an eye-opening education from Dr. Justin Brink on how we can improve our movement patterns and behaviors to deal with, and hopefully avoid, injury. The men and women in our community have jobs that routinely push them to the physical edge and beyond. I hope that this episode gives you new insight on how your body works so that you can live healthier. Specifically, we cover:

    What is injury. Why one person can be asymptomatic whereas another person is riddled with pain despite having similar injuries. Why the movement therapist doesn't care about your pain and focuses on your dysfunction instead. The flaws of rehabilitating injury based on pain. The three most common injury areas and what causes dysfunction. How lose connection with our own bodies as we age and why it doesn't have to be that way. How good connectivity from our feet can impact stability that affects running and lifting. The problems associated with modern breathing mechanics. The inherent problems that come with military and first responder operational lifestyles and what could help. Tips for finding a therapist. Tips for maintaining healthy movement patterns.

    RESOURCES:

    Dr. Brink's Website at Premiere Spine and Sport Dr. Brink's email: [email protected] Instagram @premiere_spine_sport Facebook @PremiereSpineAndSport Dr. Andreo Spina Functional Range Conditioning Animal Flow Workshops
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Guard the Guardians website
    Guard the Guardians Facebook page
    Guard the Guardians Instagram page; @guardtheguardians

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    This week we're talking with Peter Thoshinsky, a retired San Francisco Police Department Lieutenant who was the Executive Officer of San Francisco's Specialist Tactical (aka, SWAT) Team that was responsible for enforcing the peace in San Francisco's infamous "Tenderloin" district. Join Pete and I as we discuss:

    The firsthand perspective of a 31-yr veteran of the SFPD on the struggles that come with leaving one's unit. What inspires people to serve. What creates confidence in the men and women who serve with you. What it's like to face life-and-death situations inside a major city in a country that's not at war. How police officers seek to serve their communities, and why successful cops figure out creative solutions. What causes someone to join a specialized unit. Why tactical responses are sometimes required and how a police force can best serve its community. The mindset and threat assessment needs of those who serve. The social impact that being a cop has on individual police officers. The problems adjusting to new identity.

    RESOURCES:

    Official photography website of the SFPD Pete's personal photojournalism website Official Instagram of SFPD Media Official Twitter of SFPD Media
  • Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

    Website: http://www.guardtheguardians.com/
    GTG Facebook Page
    GTG Instagram @guardtheguardians
    GTG Twitter @GuardGuardians_

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    In this episode I joined the boys from Mind Pump Media in their San Jose studio to dive into the flaws that they see in the fitness industry and what they see as the solution. I'm personally interested in sharing their message because I'm one of their paying customers and have benefitted from their programs and free tutorials. Additionally, their podcast Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth is hilarious (if you don't mind rough language) and challenging.

    Listen in as we discuss:

    How and why the fitness industry takes advantage of people's physical insecurities. Why most effective physical transformations are a result of measured progress, day in, day out. The best way to incorporate fitness supplements. Why those of us who exist in "beast mode" should incorporate restorative activities (like meditation) to further improve performance. Why there is still benefit to "beast mode" for those who put themselves in harm's way and how to do it better. Why balancing physical and mental stimulation is critical to increased performance. How mobility and full range of movement is so vital in preventing injury in the gym and on the job. How components of cannabis can be useful for healing, reducing inflammation, and down-regulating stress.

    RESOURCES:

    Mind Pump Media website Mind Pump TV - YouTube Mind Pump - Facebook Instagram Mind Pump Media @mindpumpmedia Adam Schafer @mindpumpadam Justin Andrews @mindpumpjustin Sal Di Stefano @mindpumpsal Dr. Layne Norton's website Axon Fit
  • Tim Kolczak is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran with the soul of an artist. Having served his time outside the wire in Iraq, Tim came home with the desire to continue his previous life. He started back up with college and took an interest in photography. He now shoots pictures instead of bullets and captures the lives of veterans from around the world. Listen in to hear about:

    How Tim came to experience the military and combat despite never intending to join the military. Tim's key observations about maintaining a positive mental perspective even during long combat deployments. How we sometimes deploy units for up to 18 months and what impact that has on families. How Tim avoided a lot of the common post-combat transition pitfalls. What prompted Tim to start The Veterans Project. The impact that The Veterans Project is having on the military/veteran community and civilians. How reintegration into society can be better. What is driving Tim to continue capturing veteran stories. How the military changes lives and society.

    RESOURCES:

    The Veterans Project website. Instagram @theveteransproject Twitter @project_veteran Facebook @thevetsproject

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    Guard the Guardians with Sean Hansen is the show with one mission: help active military, veterans, first responders, and their families live better lives. You served us, now let us serve you. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family. You can reach out at:

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