32. Ryan Carey - Why Veterans Get Misread + How Plant Medicine & Integration Actually Help

Most people don’t have a “drinking problem” or an “anger problem.” 

They’ve got a coping solution… and it’s the only one they’ve got. 

And when you rip that away without building anything better? Then you just made life harder and called it “healing.”

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Ryan Carey; former pro football player (CFL), Canadian military veteran, and a guy who’s been deep in the weeds of brain injury, PTSD, and plant medicine work. 

We talk about why the medicine rarely starts where you think it will (hint: it’s usually family, grief, and shame first), why “the body keeps the score” is cliché because it’s true, and why integration isn’t some cute add-on but the whole damn point. 

We also get into TBI/CTE realities (sports, blast exposure, concussions), the trap of “journey-chasing,” and why learning to sit in silence can be harder than a cold plunge… and also more life-changing.

If you’re a veteran, first responder, or just a human trying to stop white-knuckling your way through life: this one’s for you

Check out everything that Ryan does here:

https://www.instagram.com/emergent_savage/

👉 Want support with Mindful Microdosing + integration? 

Visit becomingom.org or DM “INTERESTED” to @becoming.om

MICRODOSING FUNDAMENTALS:

go.becomingom.org/resources/microdosing-101

ALTERNATIVE HEALING FOR VETERANS:

go.becomingom.org/resources/healing-briefing.

Thanks again for listening!

Enrollment is open right now for the 2026 Operation FlowState Jiu Jitsu & Healing Retreat. 

Spaces are limited due to the small size of the retreat center and spots are already more than 75% filled. 

Visit becomingom.org/flowstate for all the info and to submit an application. 

Or for info on our online healing programs, DM us the word INFO on Instagram.