The Wounds That Do Not Heal

Episode 18 (Part 1): Warriors' Wounds: From Combat to Conspiracy, the story of Matthew Livelsberger

Season 1 Episode 18

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This podcast episode delves into the tragic events surrounding Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty Special Operations Soldier, who committed suicide and detonated a vehicle-born improvised explosive device (VBIED) outside Trump Tower on New Year's Day. The episode addresses Livelsberger's struggle with PTSD and perhaps traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and explores the military's handling of mental health issues among its service members. Tressa discusses Livelsberger's background, the conspiracy theories that have emerged following his death, and the psychological toll of war on veterans.

Tressa also examines the broader issue of veterans' vulnerability to radicalization and extremist groups. She highlights the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, their susceptibility to moral injuries, and the role of social media in fostering extremist ideologies. The episode emphasizes the need for mandatory mental health treatment for service members and calls for a reevaluation of the military's approach to mental health care to prevent further tragedies. The discussion is both a poignant reflection on the human cost of war and a call to action for better support for veterans and their families.

Sources from this episode:
 
UN Report find alleged drug facilities were not lawful targets - airtrikes caused significant civilian casualties | OHCHR

Matthew Livelsberger—More Messages Allegedly From Cybertruck Suspect Shared

Vegas cybertruck explosion outside Trump Tower. What we know so far.

People on this episode