Summary

In this special episode of The Resiliency Podcast, Marcus steps onto The Modern Man Podcast with host Ted Phaeton for a powerful conversation on suffering, purpose, and what it truly means to be a resilient man.

Ted and Marcus dive into the idea that suffering isn’t something to avoid—but something to move toward with intention. Drawing from Marcus’s experience as a veteran, endurance athlete, and advocate with Mission 22, the conversation explores how pain, adversity, and challenge can become the very tools that shape identity and unlock purpose.

They unpack the modern struggle many men face—feeling disconnected, chasing validation, and lacking meaningful community—and offer a different path: one rooted in service, connection, and honest self-examination.

This episode challenges listeners to rethink how they approach hardship—and invites them to step into a life built on resilience, not avoidance.

Guest Links

• Podcast: The Modern Man Podcast
• Website: https://themodernmanpodcast.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tedphaeton

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & setting the stage
01:30 – Why Marcus chooses suffering on purpose
04:00 – The connection between endurance and mental resilience
07:15 – Life after the military: losing structure & identity
11:00 – Why men today feel disconnected
15:20 – The danger of chasing validation
18:45 – Suffering as a pathway to purpose
22:30 – How physical challenges translate to mental growth
26:10 – Building resilience through intentional discomfort
30:00 – The importance of brotherhood and community
34:20 – From isolation to connection
38:00 – Service as the foundation of meaning
42:15 – Advice for men feeling stuck
46:00 – Final reflections and takeaways

To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Summary

In this insightful interview, Josh Bledsoe shares practical principles from Dale Carnegie's teachings that enhance leadership, communication, and stress management across military and civilian life. Discover how living in compartments, asking open-ended questions, and embracing vulnerability can transform your personal and professional relationships.

Guest Links

• Instagram: Josh Bledsoe 85
• Dale Carnegie Training
• Linkedin

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:22 Josh Bledsoe's Military and Civilian Roles

03:40 Challenges of Guard and Reserve Leadership

05:22 Stress Management and Living in Compartments

07:19 The Power of Resetting and Showing Up Positively

08:52 Human Nature and Timeless Principles

10:51 Modern Communication and Dale Carnegie's Relevance

12:58 Conciseness and Digital Communication Pitfalls

14:55 The Value of Face-to-Face Communication

17:26 Involving Others and Distributing Responsibility

20:28 Delegation, Trust, and Leadership

23:33 Creating Ownership and Buy-In

26:03 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience

32:13 Turning Pain into Growth

38:11 Listening Skills and Human Connection

44:32 Problem Solving and Framing the Right Questions

51:46 Overcoming Ego and Asking for Help

57:00 The Power of Asking for Help and Self-Improvement

01:01:34 Embracing Valleys and Peaks in Life

01:04:24 Authentic Connection in a Digital World

01:04:30 Where to Find Josh Bledsoe and Dale Carnegie Resources

To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Summary:

The podcast episode features a conversation between Marcus Farris, the post-traumatic growth director at Mission 22, and Adam Turner, host of the Dancing with Depression podcast. They discuss the mental health challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life, the importance of finding a new purpose, and the role of organizations like Mission 22 in supporting veterans and their families. The episode delves into the history of Mission 22, its programs, and the significance of the number 22 in its mission to reduce veteran suicide. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, coaching, and shared experiences in helping veterans heal and find new paths for their strengths.

Guest Links:

Dancing with Depression Podcast on Sportify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7tK5AiiuhHCbL87qJn6QFZ

Dancing with Depression Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dancing-with-depression/id1756179752

Chapters:

00:54 - The origins of Mission 22 and its mission to eliminate veteran suicide
02:54 - The story behind Mission 22’s start and early actions
12:14 - The unique mental health challenges veterans face after service
13:36 - The importance of reimagining warrior traits for new purpose
15:02 - The role of community and connection in veteran healing
16:08 - Misconceptions about veteran violence and the sheepdog analogy
18:16 - Overview of core programs like R & R and coaching support
20:11 - The ambassador and Apex Crew programs showcasing growth stories
21:29 - What a peer-led retreat looks like and its benefits
27:36 - Success stories: veterans who transformed through Mission 22
29:42 - The importance of understanding transition challenges, including family dynamics
33:46 - The powerful message: Asking for help is strength
34:42 - How support networks enable resilience and long-term recovery
36:41 - Reflection on veteran service as a welding of new purpose from discarded parts
37:11 - Understanding the environment shift from military to civilian life
38:09 - The ongoing mission of supporting their strengths in new arenas

Resources & Links:

• Mission 22
• Brene Brown's work on vulnerability
• Surrounding Support & Community Organizations
• YouTube: Veteran stories and documentaries

To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22