Finding Strength Podcast

Join us in this profoundly inspiring episode of "Finding Strength" as we delve into the life of our host, Brindy. Discover how she transformed generational trauma into personal triumph and emerged as a formidable force of resilience and empowerment.

In this intimate conversation, Brindy shares her transformative journey through therapy and self-discovery, revealing how these experiences helped her understand herself better and thrive beyond decades of inherited challenges. She and her co-host Matt open up about their serendipitous meeting, their swift fall into love, and how they navigated the complexities of an unexpected pregnancy with strength and grace.

This episode also explores:

• Overcoming unhealthy relationships and religious trauma
• The impact of first-time pregnancy and facing mental health struggles
• The life-altering power of therapy and leaving their church to find a new path

Tune in to learn how Brindy is using her story to inspire and assist others in healing and thriving. This is an episode for anyone looking to find strength in their own stories of struggle and renewal.

Join us as we bring you Jerry Lund, a seasoned firefighter, paramedic, law enforcement officer, and the host of the Enduring the Badge Podcast. Jerry fearlessly dives into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of mental health in the first responder community. You will hear Jerry share his journey of battling the silent struggles that come with the demanding and often traumatic nature of the job.

Having experienced the harrowing cycle of suffering, including grappling with suicidal ideation, Jerry understands firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health within the responder community. But he didn't stop at seeking help for himself—now, he's on a mission to break down the barriers preventing others from accessing the support they need.

Jerry, Brindy and Matt shed light on the challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting others. They boldly challenge leadership and administrators in the First Responder Community to make the changes necessary to better support their responders. The needless suffering from PTSD, burnout, addiction, depression, and other issues must end. It is time to demand a greater commitment to fostering a culture of wellness within the first responder community.

This episode offers invaluable insights, support, and hope for those navigating the complex intersection of duty, resilience, and self-care. Tune in to join in on our mission to ensure that no first responder suffers in silence.

In this episode, we explore the latest research on happiness, sharing data-driven techniques, information, and knowledge that will help you become happier. We answer important questions like... Does having more money make you happier? You'll be surprised at the answer. And, how important are relationships? We made this episode to help you find the happiness you desire! Give it a listen and learn how.

This week on the podcast we have the amazing trauma therapist Alisa Sanford, the talented and wise Clinical Director from Deer Hollow Recovery.

Alisa's path to becoming the Clinical Director at Deer Hollow was not without its challenges. In this intimate podcast episode, Alisa opens up about her own experience with trauma, revealing how her struggles became the foundation of her expertise as a therapist. Through her candid narrative, listeners gain insight into the transformative power of adversity and the profound impact it can have on shaping our futures.

As Alisa shares her journey from darkness to enlightenment, we're reminded that even in our darkest moments, there lies the potential for growth and healing. Discover how one woman's resilience and determination turned her trauma into triumph, inspiring hope and empowerment for the thousands of people she has helped over the course of her career.

In this episode, we meet Brad Waldron. Brad shares his story of being born with a rare kidney disease and how resorting to drugs to cope with his medical challenges resulted in severe addiction. Today, Brad is an enthusiastic participant in the Addict II Athlete community and has been sober for 12 years. He is savoring life as he persists in his quest to secure a new kidney. If you wish to support Brad in any way, please follow the link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1448506645704025/?ref=share&mibextid=K35XfP

If you are interested in being a donor follow this link:

https://healthcare.utah.edu/transplant/living-donor/kidney

Susan Peterson lost her son to a drug overdose and refused to let his memory fade. Instead, she started the Sobriety Foundation. Today, the Sobriety Foundation provides residences for people in the early stages of recovery. She is a pillar of light in the dark world of addiction and she stands head held high as a beacon of hope for families who can't seem to find any. Her story will move you, her insight and wisdom will change you. Please share this episode with your friends and family who need to hear Susan's incredible message.

If you would like to help the Sobriety Foundation is always looking for donations. To give visit: https://www.sobrietyfoundation.org/

Embark on a laughter-filled journey with Adam Broud, a seasoned stand-up comedian who's mastered the art of finding humor in the complexities of faith transitions. Formerly a devoted member of the Mormon church, Adam navigated his way through leaving behind his childhood faith, emerging with a newfound purpose. In this podcast, he shares his personal evolution and explores how he discovered the healing power of laughter in the face of profound change.

Discover the story behind Adam's creation, "Comedy Church," a satirical sanctuary where individuals who've left their faith can find solace and hope. Adam's unique perspective not only sheds light on the intricacies of religious upbringings but also showcases the value of humor in navigating such transformative experiences.

Join us for a delightful conversation that is bound to bring laughter while deepening your understanding of Adam and his compelling message. Tune in to this podcast for a dose of comedy, wisdom, and an exploration of doing what you love in the face of life's twists and turns.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the subject of depression—what it is, how it can affect you, and practical tools to navigate its challenges. Join us in exploring the complexities of this often-misunderstood condition, with a focus on love, grace, and awareness.

In this conversation, we'll shed light on the signs of depression and share valuable insights for those experiencing it or those supporting loved ones. With 5% of the population affected, our mission is to foster understanding and provide a sense of community. Let's embark on this journey together, armed with knowledge and compassion, as we navigate the waters of depression and emerge stronger.

In this episode, we meet Jordan Snow. Jordan's life appeared ordinary until oxycontin entered the picture, derailing him into a decades-long struggle with addiction.

The turning point came when a friend's death created a moment of clarity. Hear the story of how Jordan summoned the courage to confess his double life and false identities to his parents and family and found hope by attending treatment.

Now with the weight lifted, he has an unbreakable bond with his family. A successful health and fitness coach, Jordan teaches us throughout the episode how he channels discipline and has become a major figure in the bodybuilding and fitness community. Join us as he shares his journey – a story of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of discipline.

Prepare for an emotionally charged journey as we unravel the extraordinary story of Tyler Hansen, a true testament to resilience and redemption. In this gripping episode, Tyler opens up about his harrowing descent into the grips of opioid addiction, leading him to an unexpected chapter behind bars. Fast forward to today, and Tyler stands tall as the proud owner of Steps Recovery, a leading force in the realm of drug rehabilitation.

Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as Tyler shares tearful and profoundly vulnerable moments that will not only tug at your heartstrings but also ignite a spark of inspiration within you. His story is a beacon of hope, urging us all to strive for better and offering a profound understanding of the intricate web of addiction.

We don't just stop at personal narratives—this episode delves deep into the opioid crisis, shedding light on the latest cutting-edge treatments shaping the landscape of addiction recovery. Tyler's journey is not just a story; it's a call to action, prompting us to confront the challenges of addiction with empathy, awareness, and the pursuit of innovative solutions.

Tune in to be moved, enlightened, and empowered. This is more than a podcast episode; it's a narrative of triumph, resilience, and the transformative power of choosing a path of purpose.

Join us in our latest episode of Kevin Thacker's powerful journey through the depths of resilience as we explore one individual's courageous tale of triumph over childhood trauma and addiction. From growing up with a mother battling addiction to discovering at just 10 years old that life isn't the same for everyone, our guest takes us through the challenging path of navigating embarrassment, rebellion, and the haunting allure of substance abuse.

This podcast is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a beacon of hope for those facing their own battles. Get ready for an emotionally charged exploration of resilience, recovery, and the extraordinary power of redemption.

In this enlightening episode we delve deep into the profound impact of sleep on both mental and physical health. We explore how a good night's rest is much more than just a period of inactivity; it's a critical time for our bodies and minds to heal, rejuvenate, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Our journey begins with an exploration of the mental health benefits of sleep. We discuss how adequate sleep plays a vital role in mood regulation, cognitive functions, and overall mental well-being. Everything in this episode comes from the latest research linking sleep quality with reduced anxiety, enhanced memory, and even resilience against depression.

Moving to physical health, we examine how sleep is intricately tied to various aspects of bodily function. From the strengthening of the immune system to the regulation of metabolism and the prevention of chronic diseases, sleep emerges as a key player in maintaining physical health. We also discuss groundbreaking studies that reveal the rejuvenating effects of sleep on the cardiovascular system and its role in weight management.

In a special segment, we share practical tips on improving sleep quality, debunk common sleep myths, and address listener questions. Whether you're struggling with sleep issues or just curious about optimizing your sleep for better health, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you unlock the full potential of your nightly slumber.

In the second installment of our compelling two-part series featuring Maui Jimenez, we delve deeply into the intricate journey of grief recovery and the quest for mental health stability. This episode explores the profound questions that arise in the wake of losing a loved one: How does one embrace such a loss? What strategies can we employ to find significance amidst the pain that echoes in their absence? Which methods are most effective for healing? Join us for an extraordinary episode brimming with fresh perspectives and valuable tools designed to assist you in navigating life's challenging moments.

In this profoundly moving two part series, we delve into a heart-wrenching journey of grief, resilience, and love. Four years ago, Maui experienced the unimaginable - the violent loss of his son, Kyruss. Through his story, we explore the uniquely personal and complex process of grieving. Maui opens up about navigating this tumultuous path, offering insights that are as deeply touching as they are enlightening. This episode is a tapestry of raw emotions, where sorrow and hope intertwine. You'll find yourself moved to tears, yet inspired by the strength of the human spirit. As Maui shares his journey of surviving and eventually finding a new sense of meaning, listeners will encounter laughter, tears, and invaluable lessons. This isn't just an episode; it's an emotional odyssey that promises to touch every listener deeply. A must-listen for anyone seeking understanding and compassion in the face of loss. Content warning: This episode contains graphic depictions of violence.

*If you want to reach out to Maui or have him tattoo you reach him on social media @hawaiianhavoc and @hawaiianhavoctattoo

**The Finding Strength Podcast is sponsored by Avantikul Cold/Hot Plunges. These deluxe plunges will change your life. Visit: https://avantikul.com/. Use code: strength24 for 25% off your order.

***The Finding Strength Podcast is sponsored by Deer Hollow Recovery. Deer Hollow is the Nation's premier treatment option for recovery from trauma, addiction, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and many mental health issues. Call 888-5WE-KNOW. Or visit: https://deerhollowrecovery.com/. 

In this compelling episode, Sergeant Major Clint Markland unveils his inspiring story of discipline, grit, resilience, and overcoming suffering.

He narrates his thrilling experiences in the army and his close call with a drunk driver, showcasing his dedication to a life of meaning and purpose. Clint's journey is not just about enduring hardship but transforming suffering into strength for himself and his family.

This episode offers a powerful blend of personal anecdotes and practical wisdom, emphasizing the importance of balancing self-improvement with family obligations. Engaging and deeply moving, it provides valuable tips and heartfelt advice.

Join us to discover how Clint navigates the challenges of life with courage and commitment, making it an unforgettable lesson in resilience, values, and turning suffering into triumph.

Wanna learn how a recovering addict and a police chief got together and decided to change the world? In the latest episode of the Finding Strength Podcast we hear how two men who started on completely different paths found a way to heal their own traumas through embracing vulnerability and helping others along the way. Jordan Lee and Chief Josh Adams have found a unique and powerful way to help thousands of men and women heal from their trauma.

Jordan gives us his fascinating story of overcoming a alcohol and drug addiction that started at 13 years old. His story is truly incredible and inspiring. Jordan is the co-founder of Deer Hollow Recovery in Draper, UT.

Josh tells us how he became the Chief of Police for Orem UT. He shares how he was able to create a wellness program that changed everything for his department. A program that is designed to put an end to the deeply embedded culture of silence that exists in the law enforcement community.

An episode you don't want to miss!

Meg and the Behind the Badge Foundation have been the support system for hundreds of families of officers who have died in the line of duty in the state of Washington. Meg lost her fiancé in a line of duty death and has a found a beautiful way to find meaning in his passing. Her story is inspirational and healing. Everyone needs to hear Meg's incredible story. You will leave this episode with some new perspectives on life and the inspiration you need to make some of those changes you've been hesitant to make. We hope you enjoy another great episode!

Contact Meg and the Behind the Badge Foundation at https://behindthebadgefoundation.org/

Deer Hollow Recovery is a sponsor of the podcast. If you want more information on Deer Hollow and all the amazing work they do find them at https://deerhollowrecovery.com/ or call 888-5WE-KNOW.

Sean is a certified badass. He has completed five tours overseas as a Marine and is a highly decorated Veteran. However those many years took a toll on Sean leaving him with the unbelievably difficult task of overcoming the addiction he found to cope with all the pain and trauma of war. War trauma and the experiences many enlisted men and women go through leave tens thousands helpless to the addictions they developed to cope. Sean's story is a special story, similar to so many others and it is incredible. Matt met Sean several years ago in a treatment setting and they recently re-connected. Sean has put his life back together and it is remarkable how he has done so. In this episode he tells his powerful story of overcoming addiction and trauma.

If you or someone you know is a Veteran suffering from PTSD, trauma, or addiction please reach out to Deer Hollow Recovery. Deer Hollow specializes in healing Veterans and helping them gain their lives back. Call (888) 5WE-KNOW or visit the website https://deerhollowrecovery.com/ to get the help you need.

The Finding Strength Podcast is Sponsored by Deer Hollow Recovery

Jeremy "Woody" Wood has spent his life dedicating himself to the service of others. As a distinguished police officer, SWAT officer, and all-around badass Woody lives to serve. In this episode Woody shares his grueling story of overcoming trauma and PTSD. This episode has lots of tears, lots of emotion, lots of power, and lots of wisdom. We are very excited for you to hear his story.

Woody is also the co-founder of the Brothers in Healing. Together with his fellow brother in healing, Chris, they have helped hundreds of first responders, veterans, and others get the help they need. And they do it with incredible courage. It's unbelievably challenging to speak out against the stigma that surrounds mental health in the first responder culture. They are a prominent voice for change and what they do is nothing short of incredible. It really is an amazing organization, one that is worthy of your hard earned money. Please, donate if you can. More information on the Brother's in Healing can be found at their website: https://brothersinhealing.com/.

If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, trauma, or addiction please reach out to Deer Hollow Recovery. Deer Hollow specializes in healing Veterans and helping them gain their lives back. Call (888) 5WE-KNOW or visit the website https://deerhollowrecovery.com/ to get the help you need.

The Finding Strength Podcast is Sponsored by Deer Hollow Recovery

In this episode we invite Jacki Briggs and Sierra Tucker on to the show to tell their stories and give us the low down on what Courageous Survival is all about. Matt has known Jacki for many years, they have worked together on many projects and in many different capacities. Jacki founded Courageous Survival in an effort to help "ALL First Responders, Military service members, Veterans and their families learn to recognize the signs of trauma exposure and Post Traumatic Stress Injuries in themselves and others; and then have the courage to reach out for help." And they have done just that, saving the lives of thousands.

The Courageous Survival mission is to "Connect everyday heroes and their families with resources for mental health and wellness." Jacki and her team have pioneered an incredible program in Idaho that has helped countless First Responders, Military service members, Veterans and their families to get the help they need. If you want to learn more about Courageous Survival contact them through their website: https://courageoussurvival.org/.

If you've every wondered why all these crazy people are jumping into ice baths and taking cold showers, we've got all the answers for you. On today's episode we explore what cold exposure is, how cold exposure works, why cold exposure works, and when to do it. Cold exposure is an incredible and simple way to change your life. The mental and physical benefits are very clear, you can add years to your life, change your mood, improve your health, get energy and increase focus in just minutes. Sound too good to be true? Its not. We have loads of research summarized in this short episode and we give you the ins and outs of the best way to get started. Best of all, you get to meet Liam, Matt and Brindy's 9 year old son, who loves the cold! He tells us all about how it has helped him and challenges everyone to get into the cold so you can see for yourself just how beneficial it is.

Jeffrey is Matt's Yoga teacher. Matt invited him on the show to get to know him and learn from him, he is wise beyond his years. What follows is a knowledge packed and insightful conversation that ranges from talking about the amazing benefits of Bikram Yoga to pondering the meaning of life and spirituality to struggling with coming out to his family and much more. In this episode you'll learn better ways to be open and less judgmental, how to overcome shame, and hear Jeffrey's incredible story of overcoming adversity. But most importantly you'll learn how to better experience joy in your life. Enjoy!

The Finding Strength Podcast is sponsored by Deer Hollow Recovery. If you want more information on the revolutionary work Deer Hollo is doing in the mental health arena visit their website https://deerhollowrecovery.com/.

Matt brings in guest hosts Jordan Lee and Jared Nesary to meet with Jared's good friend Ryan "Patches" Scellick of Young Officers of Fire. They dive into first responder culture and understanding what its like to be in the fire and police service. Also they take a birds eye approach and look at some of the socio-cultural issues that continue to contribute to the mental health issues that continue to plague the community. We also talk about the importance of maintaining and protecting the camaraderie culture within the community and how conferences play an important role for first responders. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Deer Hollow Recovery contact them at https://deerhollowrecovery.com/

If you'd like to connect with Ryan do so through is social media @youngofficersonfire on Facebook and Instagram.

Matt is a guest on the Enduring the Badge Podcast a highly successful podcast designed to give first responders support. But this episode isn't just for first responders theres tons of info for anyone who is working on improving their mental health. In the episode Matt and Jerry give us insight into how to improve our mental health, we more about the neurobiological effects of trauma, anxiety, and depression.  And best of all, we get new insight into how to better deal with the challenges that we all face in life. The Enduring the Badge Podcast is hosted by Jerry Dean Lund with 31 years of service behind the badge. He draws on his own personal experience of surviving dark times and thoughts of suicide. Jerry is dedicated to empowering his fellow man to take action on their own mental and physical health. It's a great episode, we hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, you will get to experience a small glimpse of Mason Sawyer and the incredible man that he is. Mason's story is unbelievably powerful. His wife, two of his children, his brother, and nephew were lost in a tragic accident after coming home from a family reunion. Mason courageously tells the story for us. He then teaches us how to face the pain that trauma creates and much more. Matt had the pleasure of working with Mason personally as Mason's therapist. Together they worked through the grief and loss that trauma creates and developed a special bond. Mason is now sharing his story with others. His message focuses on how to, not just keep moving forward, but more importantly how to find meaning in the pain of life. He does this by continuing to raise his amazing son who lived through the crash and also as the co-host of the 10 Ninety Podcast along with his good friend Sam Josie. (If you haven't heard the 10 Ninety Podcast yet, you're missing out! Click the link below to subscribe). We hope you enjoy this amazing episode, please share!

https://www.the10ninety.com/

What is Ketamine? How does it work? Does it work? Is it safe? What does it do? We answer all these questions and more in a very educational and important episode. To answer these questions we invited Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Kelly Hooton as our guest. Kelly has thousands of hours of experience working with Ketamine in many different environments. 

Ketamine is not new, it has been used safely in the medical industry since the 1960's. Today it is a very effective method used in palliative care for easing patients as they transition into accepting death. It also now used for anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health illnesses. A recent study reported that an astonishing 82% of patients report significant improvement and reduction in symptoms. Ketamine has also recently been heralded as treatment for suicidal ideation, reducing suicidal thinking with incredible efficacy eliminating ideation in 62% of patients who used Ketamine treatments. Ketamine is incredibly effective, safe, and its here to stay and it's only going to get better! Listen to this episode and begin to find out if Ketamine is right for you. 

Here's a link to a great article on Ketamine and its efficacy: https://www.wondermed.com/blog/how-ketamine-affects-brain/

The Finding Strength Podcast is sponsored by The Brighton a Day Foundation https://www.facebook.com/brightonaday/ and Deer Hollow Recovery https://deerhollowrecovery.com/.

*Disclaimer: The Finding Strength Podcast provides information only. It is not intended to replace competent medical advice. Please consult your physician before making any medical decisions. 

A trauma is "any negative life event occurring in a state of relative helplessness - a car accident, the sudden death of a loved one, a frightening medical procedure, a significant experience of rejection- can produce the neurophysiological changes in the brain as do combat, rape, or abuse. What makes a negative life event traumatizing isn't the life-threatening nature if the event, but rather the degree of helplessness it engenders and one's history of prior trauma," Dr. Robert Scaer, neurologist and traumatologist. 

This episode is all about trauma. What is it? How does it affect me? Should I care? What is an ACE? Matt and Brindy answer all these questions and more. Alongside getting vulnerable and sharing their own experiences in dealing with and healing from trauma. This is an episode you don't want to miss. 

Resources for learning more about trauma:

The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk, MD. 

The Myth of Normal, Gabor Maté, MD. 

What Happened to You?, Bruce Perry, MD, PhD and Oprah Winfrey. 

https://www.pacesconnection.com/. 

Joe Rogan Experience Episode #1869 with Gabor Maté. 

The Finding Strength Podcast is sponsored by The Brighton a Day Foundation https://www.facebook.com/brightonaday/ and Deer Hollow Recovery https://deerhollowrecovery.com/.

Bethany is back! The whole gang is here Matt, Brindy, Bethany and Kevin get back together for an incredible episode that gives insight into what it's like when someone you love is overcome by addiction. Addiction is an insidious disease that is no respecter of persons. It is something that comes for anyone and when it does, it takes hold of you and can destroy the lives of everyone around you. Tye tells us what it's like to have his wife, the mother of his children, be overtaken by addiction. Tye has been fighting this battle for several years now and has amazing insight for anyone who is struggling due to the choices of someone else.  He opens up vulnerably letting us know what has helped his daughters and him to survive being on the other side of addiction.  

The Finding Strength Podcast is sponsored by The Brighton a Day Foundation https://www.facebook.com/brightonaday/ and Deer Hollow Recovery. 

Matt and Brindy sit down to discuss what they learned at the Utah Fall Addiction Conference. They have lots of great content to share. You'll learn about the importance of mindfulness and what mindfulness is. Of course they talk trauma and we learn about unmet needs. They also address some of the struggles faced in parenting and relationships. In this episode you'll get a healthy dose of some helpful knowledge and tools to help you overcome the tough stuff you're facing in your life. 

Brindy also shares her incredible wisdom and introduces some of the things you'd learn if you do coaching with her. If you are interested in getting coaching from Brindy, reach out to us through any of our social media platforms. 

The Finding Strength podcast is sponsored, in part, by Deer Hollow Recovery and other supporters as well.

In this episode, Matt and Brindy sit down with their good friend Carolina Silva, NICU nurse and spouse of a Salt Lake City police officer. For nearly a decade, Carolina has worked tirelessly in the medical industry and has an immense amount of insight and experience healing and helping. She talks to us about the challenges facing nursing since the pandemic and how she has learned to cope with stress and be a team player even when it gets really hard.  She also opens up about what it's like being married to a cop. With great insight into how to be a supportive partner, she teaches us about the importance of vulnerability in relationships and how to get your needs met while meeting your partners' too. We learn about how empathy and communication breed trust. And of course, there's lots laughs alongside many more helpful healing tips to help you find strength! It's a great episode with some incredible content. We hope you enjoy it!

The Finding Strength podcast is sponsored, in part, by Deer Hollow Recovery and other supporters as well. 

We greatly appreciate the loyalty of our listeners over the last four years! Thank you for your support and all the love!

After some time away we're back with another episode. In this episode Brindy, Matt's wife, joins as co-host. They dive into some of the neurobiology of stress. Talk about "good" stress vs. "bad" stress aka eustress vs distress. You are also going to get a taste of what's to come as we begin recording more regularly again. 

This podcast is sponsored by Deer Hollow Recovery. Learn more about Deer Hollow at their website: https://deerhollowrecovery.com/

The 10 Ninety Podcast has Matt on as a guest. Matt is the host's, Mason Sawyer's, therapist. Mason lost his wife, two children, brother and nephew in a tragic car accident last year. Mason has since rallied and come a long way, now the host of his very own podcast, carrying a message of hope to anyone who listens. He asked Matt to come on to the show to talk about some of the work they have been doing together. A great episode that talks about the role of the Ego, different therapeutic modalities, dives into the world of Internal Family Systems, and much more! Enjoy!

Be sure to check out and subscribe to the 10 Ninety Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts! Here's a link to their website: https://www.the10ninety.com/. It's a great show. Episode 2 is Mason's story, it's incredible be sure to listen to it!

The Finding Strength Podcast is sponsored by Deer Hollow Recovery learn more at deerhollowrecovery.com.