Today is the last episode of the month. This has been a hard journey for me, both mentally and emotionally. My wife dealt with multiple nights of me crying at the laptop while I listened to LoFi music and typed out the scripts for the past 31 episodes. This was a form of therapy for me, but not really the kind I would recommend. Talking things out and getting your thoughts and feelings out are a great way to work through some things, but make sure you have a supportive network around you to give...
Sep 30, 2021•5 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Mental health and physical health are closely linked. One way to ensure that physical health is maintained, diet. This episode gives some specific tips in thinking about how you eat and what to think about while you eat. Mindful eating is something I practiced when I stayed at Buddhist Temples in Korea. Sitting in silence, eating 5 grain rice, feeling each grain between my teeth and how my saliva started to break down the carbohydrates before I even got to swallow. It sounds boring, right? It wa...
Sep 29, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Today's episode discusses a Korean Linguist that succumbed to suicide in 2012. If listening to the story is going to cause you additional stress, please skip today's episode. These are not easy discussions and believe me, they are not easy to record, but they are truly necessary. They show us that too many of our brothers and sisters, actively serving or previously awarded the DD 214, are making permanent decisions to temporary problems. We need to come together to ensure that connections and bo...
Sep 28, 2021•5 min•Season 2Ep. 47
I can never overstate my thoughts and feelings on reaching out to those who can and will help. It is literally the reason why I am still on this Earth today. This time of the year is difficult for me as I attempted suicide in September. I lost my uncle and a fellow Korean Linguist, Cari Loggins in October. My brother-in-law and a fellow Korean Linguist, Chris Hethcoat were lost in the month of November. I find myself listening to Imagine Dragons - Wrecked, even though he is singing about his sis...
Sep 27, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 46
This episode is another message about connection and boosting them. Just like the dinner via the interwebs from September 17th, you can have a great conversation and enjoy some time with friends or family that are not local. Text a friend you haven't talk to in a while and catch up with an activity you can both do, remotely. Life is better with other people, trust me.
Sep 26, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 45
How would you feel if you walked by someone that was literally giving themselves a pat on the back? Would you judge them? You might question if their leadership is so absent that they have to seek appreciation or acknowledgment from themselves. Perhaps they accomplished a personal goal that they have been working on for a few weeks and the efforts just came to fruition and it's a personal victory. I will say, sometimes we need a pep talk; from both external and internal sources. Let's normalize ...
Sep 25, 2021•6 min•Season 2Ep. 44
I am not sure how many people I have talked with about planning the night before, but it's more than one. There are so many techniques for planning and execution that I could devote an entire season of podcasts to them. Take 10 minutes tonight to reflect on the week you just had and write down the things that you need or want to accomplish next week. Get it out of your head so your weekend is free of worry and you can truly rest; you deserve it.
Sep 24, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Today I want to talk about our Chaplain's and their ability to assist you in your mental health and resiliency. With the 100% confidentiality they allow and are legally bound to, nothing you say to either Chaplain Edison or (T)Sgt Orlando is allowed to be discussed unless you expressly provide written approval. You don't have to be religious or spiritual in any way shape or form, if you need someone to talk to, they are available to you 24/7. They are an amazing resource to provide guidance, a s...
Sep 23, 2021•7 min•Season 2Ep. 42
If you have read "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell, he discusses Dunbar's Number and that the size of an effective social network is limited to 150 members. Social scientists theorize that 150 is the limit of the human ability to remember and respond to all the members in a group. All I am asking is for you to reach out one. One person that has made an impact on you for the better. We all have at least one person who drove us to be better than we thought we could be. If that person is stil...
Sep 22, 2021•5 min•Season 2Ep. 41
I personally use belly breathing when I go into the ART and any medical procedures for two reasons. First, I have "White Coat Syndrome" and my blood pressure spikes when I go into any medical facility and I don't want the Doc to think I'm about to have a stroke due to my blood pressure skyrocketing. I know Maj Olmstead, MSgt Navarrette, or TSgt Johannesson can't tell you that this happens with me specifically, but I give them permission to confirm what I said. It gets rough sometimes and I try n...
Sep 21, 2021•5 min•Season 2Ep. 40
This episode is about ensuring your personal safety when times get tough. A reoccurring theme throughout this month and something I hope you remember well after, suicide is preventable. I discuss multiple steps you can take to ensure your own safety but remember that reaching out and seeking help, although extremely difficult, is the best way to protect yourself and those you love. If you need help, raise your hand and we'll come to you.
Sep 20, 2021•8 min•Season 2Ep. 39
You have 168 hours in a week, make sure you use at least some of that time to talk with friends, family, or colleagues about the importance of mental health and self-care. Recognize that sometimes, our best may not reach the same heights as other days, and that's perfectly okay. You are not a machine and no one expects you to be one. All I ask is that you take the time necessary to ensure that your mental health and self-care are prioritized as high as your work tasks. Service before self does N...
Sep 19, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 38
We all have a mandate to stay physically fit but that is not only so we look good in our service dress. Physical exertion has so many health benefits for the mind and the spirit. We all want to have the peace of mind of being able to pass a PT test at any time, so a consistent exercise program will not only provide the reassurance needed for passing tests, but it will also provide endorphins and allow the stress of the days and weeks to be shaken off. Here's a challenge for anyone willing to dro...
Sep 18, 2021•6 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Cooking is not something I particularly excel at. I've made a few dishes in my life that were worthy of praise, but for the most part, I stay out of the kitchen, especially when my wife is cooking (she doesn't need an extra child in there). Also, I am useless without a recipe and directions. If you try this out, let me know what dishes you made.
Sep 17, 2021•3 min•Season 2Ep. 36
As someone who is affected greatly by my sleep issues, I can't stress how important adequate, restful sleep can be. When I don't get my 7½ hours of beauty rest, it affects each part of my life, with how productive I am, how I treat people at work, and how I interact with my family. If you are not satisfied with your sleep quality, talk to Maj Olmstead, MSgt Navarrette, or TSgt Johannesson to discuss some options and learn some helpful tips and tricks.
Sep 16, 2021•8 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Journaling has been a big part of my life since I was a child. Anyone who has gone through trauma and seen a therapist was told or recommended to keep a journal or diary of their thoughts and feelings. Someone once said that "Everything you need to know, you learned in Kindergarten." Well, I didn't learn to journal until 3rd grade so I am a little behind the curve in that aspect, but I've been a work-in-progress for a while. After the death of a friend and my suicide attempt, I have kept journal...
Sep 15, 2021•6 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Gratitude is a simple thing to track. Some people recommend to write down three things you are grateful for at the end of the day so you are actively looking for things to be grateful for throughout the day and others recommend writing down three things first thing in the morning so that you start your day with gratitude in mind and allows that to permeate throughout your day. I know that keeping a gratitude journal of the things I am grateful for when it comes to my wife and kids has transforme...
Sep 14, 2021•6 min•Season 2Ep. 33
This episode almost feels like a follow-on to yesterday's. The message is still the same, if you notice someone in pain, help. So many nuances and tones are missed through digital communications so if you ever feel like something is off with someone, say something. Talk with them on the phone or in person. Verbal cues and vocal intonation can provide so much of a person, regardless of the words they say.
Sep 13, 2021•8 min•Season 2Ep. 32
We have all gone through ACE training and for many of us, we have never felt the need to use it. It's a very difficult to put yourself in, especially if you are way off base. However, that slight uncomfortable feeling can be the start of a conversation that saves a life or, at least, helps you find out what is going on in a colleague's life. If you see someone in pain, help.
Sep 12, 2021•6 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Yoga is a great way to connect to your body. We all need breaks throughout the day and some light stretching is a great way to refocus your mind and keep blood flowing throughout the limbs. No one is going to judge you if you step away from the desk for a few minutes, strike a Warrior Pose for 30 seconds and complete a sun salutation. Even if they do, you'll be more energized and ready for a snarky comeback if the need arises.
Sep 11, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Medications are a common way that people succumb to suicide. Ensure that you are removing those from your house or cabinets once they are no longer needed. Suicidal ideations can manifest physical pains and the painkillers that are prescribed seem like a logical course of action. The Motrin 800 or Tylenol with Codeine that was prescribed for a root canal 6 months ago that is still sitting in your cabinet is not an answer for the manifested pains of depression or emotional trauma. Make sure that ...
Sep 10, 2021•5 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Day Nine is a prescription, watch some comedy. Find the person in the shop that can always make you laugh in have a conversation with them. If you are into stupid stories that are highly inappropriate, read some Tucker Max stories. If you need to watch Bo Burnham, Dane Cook, Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy, or even take it old school and watch Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor's stand-up, do so. Whatever you find funny, please take some time and have a great laugh. It'll do wonders for your bod...
Sep 09, 2021•5 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Suicide myths and misconceptions hinder both the support teams and persons that need the support. Although our numbers are much higher than any of us would like, as in ZERO Suicides, we can't get there without dispelling some of the stigmas that come along with them. Remember that asking for help is a difficult step and one that takes a lot of courage and dedication, but so worth the effort for yourself and those around you. Remember that you have a team here to help shoulder some of that effort...
Sep 08, 2021•7 min•Season 2Ep. 27
COVID has forced innovation upon us. Whether it be learning how to maximize our time out of the office, build off of new technologies such as Platform One and CVR Teams, or how we deal with children that have no outlet for their abundant stores of energy. Take the time to think about how you innovated through this time and remember that the same innovation can be put towards other stressors in your life. COVID showed us that we can find a way through some insurmountable obstacles so remember tha...
Sep 07, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Day Six is taking stock of our Self Care. Stressors and self-care strategies are vital to a healthy work/life harmony. As a linguist, I have a Individualized Language Training Plan and for my self-care, I have a Individualized Self-Care Plan. One is mandated by the Air Force. The other is how I ensure that take stock in my emotional, mental, and physical health on a weekly basis to ensure I am able to continue to bring the best of me to my family, my friends, and you all. See the Facebook post f...
Sep 06, 2021•5 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Day Five is reinforcing the idea of connections. I talk about the primary reason I am seeking therapy, the sinking of the Cheonan Warship. I urge you to reach out to someone, either friend or professional, if you are experiencing overwhelming feelings or intrusive thoughts. These are two of the biggest events in my life that drove me to seeking help. I opened up to my wife about what I was going through and let her know that I was reaching out to Mental Health to get them under control. There is...
Sep 05, 2021•7 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Day Four is about stress relief. Stress is a daily thing with our jobs and we need to find daily paths to relieve it. Today we'll talk about a few options but I know that we have some inventive Airmen and Guardians in this Group. Let me know what your "Go-to" stress relief technique is.
Sep 04, 2021•6 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Day Three is about knowing your resources. Google Hickam Mental Health and the top four results are all you need. 15th Medical Group, 15 MDG Mental Health, Tricare Medical Treatment Facility Finder, Great Life Hawaii - Medical Services. We have a Suicide Prevention Coordinator on base, we have an ART that is available 24/7, we have Supervisors, First Sergeants, and Commanders that are all one phone call away. Take the same steps I did and reach out when you need it. It's not easy and I know that...
Sep 03, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Day Two is about connection. Connections are what bind us together as human beings. When we isolate ourselves or withdraw from the world when we are not feeling like socializing, this could exacerbate the feelings that could lead us to believe that suicide is the only way out. Connections bring us to the realization that there are resources available to assist us. Each of us have people that care and hope the best for us, even though we may forget that from time to time.
Sep 02, 2021•5 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Today's theme is important - Suicide Is Preventable. The Air Force has been using "ACE" for decades - Ask, Care, Escort. These are easy steps to take when you are concerned about a fellow Airman or Guardian. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has the #BeThe1To initiative that will be posted to the Facebook page. Please take the time to be there for your fellow human.
Sep 01, 2021•4 min•Season 2Ep. 20
