77_Holiday Episode with Jonathan

It’s the holiday episode, and this is one of my favorites. It gives me an opportunity to reflect on all the episodes of this year. It’s so much fun spending time looking at where this journey has taken me this year. 

2025 has been a transformative year marked by profound growth, unexpected connections, and powerful stories from hammers out there crushing it in veteran and first responder mental health. I had some remarkable guests: from TBI pioneer Dr. Mark Gordon and psychedelic therapy advocate Jeremy Hudec to music healer Jon Foti and childhood trauma survivor Lauren Burns each sharing innovative approaches like plant medicine, art therapy, jiu-jitsu, and faith-based resilience. The season highlighted cutting-edge treatments, systemic change, and personal redemption, while reinforcing community, purpose, and hope. Fueled by listener support and lifelong friendships, the podcast continues to break stigma and inspire healing, setting the stage for an even bolder 2026.

I've had another incredible year of learning, blessed with opportunities to connect with amazing people doing impactful work for veterans and first responders. Every year brings experiences I never thought possible, and it’s freakin awesome. I still hear from old friends who are absolutely crushing it. I appreciate all of you and the new friends reaching out and staying connected. I love hosting this podcast. It’s truly an honor to share the stories of these badass hammers.

I’m deeply grateful for my support unit and for all the uplifting, positive feedback from everyone listening. Without you all it would feel like I am talking to myself in a mirror and that would be uncomfortable. You are all greatly appreciated. Here’s to an even more impactful year in 2026!

Resources Mentioned:

• Millennium Health (Dr. Mark Gordon)
• VET S.O.S. Podcast (Shawn Welsh)
• Operation Song (Jon Foti)
• Wounded Warrior Project (Jon Foti)
• The Kinetic Man Mastermind (Stuart Grazier)
• The Ageless Call to Serve (Dr. Lanny Snodgrass)
• Free Arts for Abused Children (Matt Sandoval)
• SAMHSA (Matt Sandoval)
• Achilles in Vietnam (Matt Sandoval)
• Project Life Spark (Jeremy Hudec)
• University of Regina RCMP Mental Health Studies (Jeremy Hudec)
• Mission Within (Jay Kopelman)
• Redeemed Podcast (Lauren Burns)
• Master Resilience Training (Shawn Welsh)
• EMDR Therapy (Dr. Lanny Snodgrass; implied in broader episodes)
• Music Therapy (Dr. Lanny Snodgrass; Jon Foti)
• Jiu-Jitsu/Breathwork (Sonny Gerber)
• Peer Support & Faith-Based Initiatives (Sonny Gerber; Stuart Grazier; Lauren Burns)

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.

If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.