S01E18 - Ari "Boss" Koutsoubos (Zero Hoof Print) part 1

In the final episode of season 4 Andy concludes his chat with Brodie Moore, ex 6RAR veteran, Registered Nurse and spokesperson for Veteran Benefits Australia.

Brodie share's his lived experience transitioning from military to civilian life,  he speaks to coming back to his Jiu-Jitsu training and the opportunities through the sport which which allowed him a smoother transition into being a civvy. This however wasn't without its challenges where Brodie recalls the big culture shift and difference in mindset from the military, in particular lowing his expectations and standards to meet his new surroundings and work culture.

Their conversation then pivots to Brodies curiosity and thirst for knowledge in medical and health care fields leading him to further studies and becoming a Registered Nurse and landing a job in the Emergency Department (ED) of a private hospital.

Through his jiu-jitsu Brodie also met a key figure at Veteran Benefits Australia where he felt the organisation was in alignment with his values and interest in preventative care. He's now a spokesperson for the organisation where the pair chat the amazing things VBA is doing for the veteran community and their immediate support.

Veteran Benefits Australia's mission is to help veterans connect with trusted and reputable sources of information on services, and programs available to them post-military services. A recent addition to VBA's offerings is their program to assist veterans to connect with Psychiatry services with a focus on claims reports to streamline what is often a frustrating and lengthy process for veterans., especially when they're not in the best mental health state.

Listen to the concluding episode to find out more about the whole range of services VBA provides.

Contact -  Brodie Moore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranbenefitsaus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteransbenefitsaus/
Website: https://veteranbenefitsaustralia.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the season finale episodes Andy speaks with Brodie Moore, ex 6RAR soldier, now spokesperson for Veteran Benefits Australia.

Brodie shares his enlistment and recruit training experiences, subsequent posting to 6RAR and how he used his martial arts skills having trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to inadvertently create an opportunity building rapport, trust and confidence to be a handful of young diggers posted to the company within the battalion next-in-line to deploy to Afghanistan. It was his enlistment dream and wish come true.

Moving on he also details daily life at a Forward operating base, keeping tabs and being real when it came to recognising the signs and looking out for the welfare of his fellow comrades, especially when there were indicents that caused casualties and KIA's in the latter part of their tour.

Rounding off part 1 Brodie candidly shares his post deployment / transition mindset and development of "bad and toxic habits:" that were used as coping mechanisms to process his traumas and transition to civilian life and the point where he decided to take action to reset and rebuild, calling on his martial arts training and repurposing his military skills to give him purpose and determination to do positive things and be of service.

Tune in to the season finale episode where Andy and Brodie shift their focus to the amazing work Veteran Benefits Australia is doing for the veteran community.

Contact -  Brodie Moore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranbenefitsaus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteransbenefitsaus/
Website: https://veteranbenefitsaustralia.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the concluding episode to Andy's chat with Craig Watson from Walking4Warriors (Gladstone QLD) the focus shifts to the core values and ethos of the organisation and their plan to expand thier offerings and fundraising to be inclusive of the first responder community in the CQ area.

Of all the attributes, "Resilience" is what comes to the forefront of Craigs mind and how a regular core activity such as their weekly walks are bringing veterans, first responders, their immediate support and wider community together.

He recalls the buzz and sense of achievement and satisfaction at the transformative effect of their offerings i.e from the first walk, building up to running short distances and even competing in ultra-marathons.

Contact -  Craig Watson
Facebook: Walking for Warriors (discussion group)
Website: https://walking4warriors.org/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

It's been a long time coming and "good things come to those who wait".  In this episode we chat with Craig Watson, co-founder of Walking for Warriors based in Gladstone, Central Queensland.

We chat and advocate for collaboration amongst ex-service organisations (ESO's) and service providers.....Walking 4 Warriors and their collaborations with ESO's and community in the Central Queensland region were regarded amongst our top 5 setting a high benchmark whilst we were on our PTSD 12month National Awareness tour in 2021.

Craig shares his story of overcoming self sabotage and mental blocks deciding to take action one-step at a time, forming Walking 4 Warriors, a social and movement activity group with co-founder Justin and building up to competing in ultra-marathons. The pair felt so much connection and respect for the veteran and first responder community and their mantra's they hosted a 24 hour walking event to raise money for ESO's in the local area.

Contact -  Craig Watson
Facebook: Walking for Warriors (discussion group)
Website: https://walking4warriors.org/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the concluding episode to host Andy's chat with Trudy Dwyer, ex WAPOL officer (General Duties), the pair shift the focus to the point in time where Trudy was experiencing the debilitating effects of her PTSD, anxiety and dysfunctional nervous system.

Being stood down from duty medically wasn't easy for Trudy to come to terms with and she withdrew further, self medicating, stress eating and increased drinking leading to putting on weight....she entered a toxic feedback loop.

It got to a point where Trudy decided enough was enough and made the decision to seek specialist help and have a go at a holistically based approach to the treatment of her PTSD and repairing her nervous system. This is where the idea of the Bibbulmun track was planted, slowly allowing herself the TLC and self care to build up the courage getting out the house, to walking outside, the lead up training and trekking 1000km to become a member of the "end to ender" alumni of the Bibbulmun track.

She highlights the insights of life on the track with "me, myself and I" alone with her thoughts, reconnecting with nature and the power it has to transform, repair and build....especially her nervous system.

Completing the Bibbulmun track was an achievement and catalyst for her Post Traumatic Growth and continued journey and it also enabled Trudy to come to accept that although she is no longer able to serve the community in law enforcement it, she's capable of repurposing her skills to service the community in many other ways.

Guest -  Trudy Dwyer
At the request of Trudy we've respected her privacy and not provided contact details.
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this episode host Andy chats with Trudy Dwyer, a former WAPOL officer (General Duties). The pair chat about her motivation to join WAPOL as a mature age recruit and (at the time) single mum with two teenage kids.

From her lens Trudy shares her experience at the recruit training college and the generational gap between her and the majority of the cohort. What was initially a dream posting  to a smaller station closeby to where she grew up in the Goldfields region, Western Australia slowly turned into a nightmare with her experiencing a cumulation of on-the-job organisational trauma and increased workplace bullying.

Trudy shares a glimpse of how debilitating these traumatic experiences were for her on a daily basis, the isolation of not being able to confide in her immediate support person (as they were at same posting) and the negative impact this had on her nervous system.

Closing part one of their chat she touches on how "Grapevine" chat set her up for failure at a subsequent posting which was supposed to be a fresh start for her and her husband.

Tune in to part two where the pair discuss her ongoing pathway to post traumatic recovery & growth including her "Bibbulmun Track" sojourn to reset her nervous system.

Guest -  Trudy Dwyer
At the request of Trudy we've respected her privacy and not provided contact details.
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the concluding episode to Andy's chat with Tanya Cory, Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach she shares insights for beginners looking to commence a yoga practice,  the importance of building a solid foundation thats in-tune with the persons mobility and range of motion for that day and finding a teacher & style that you connect.

Rounding off the episode Tanya also speaks to the holistic benefits of the other parts of yoga besides the postures including self-regulation techniques of active breathing (pranayama), acceptance and being mindful and present in the moment.

Contact -  Tanya Cory
Website: https://www.homyogastudio.com.au/teachers
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Strap in for the concluding episode of host Andy's chat with Lex D Reilly, Army veteran (6RAR), survival expert, wellness coach and founder of "Compelled" as an international wilderness guide.⁠

Lex allows himself to be vulnerable by opening up and sharing a snapshot of his work, personal struggles what daily life was like at end of his military career, transitioning back to civilian life and toxic coping mechanisms of alcohol and substance abuse. At this point his purpose and self-care plan wasn't a 10 year plan, it was a minute to minute, day by day plan to survive.

Something had to give as Lex's life was unravelling around him. At this low point he made a life changing decision placing a challenge on himself to face adversity, reconnect to himself, surroundings and to survive in a primal state and  through nature. This was the perfect setting to reset.... which he achieved. It was to be the catalyst for the long road to personal, spiritual, emotional maturity and growth based on holistic and primal principles.

Fast forwarding to the present day Lex now shares his passion for nature, survival and hollisticaly wellness through Compelled expeditions, "to guide you in connecting further with nature, learning key wilderness skills through memorable experiences to bring a sense of inner peace".

Lex's story is inspirational, he's also part of a fast growing movement of men who believe and address the topics of masculinity, spirituality and growth.

Listen to the episode to find out more about his "Compelled" story.

Contact -  Lex D Reilly
Website: https://compelled.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this episode Andy speaks with with Lex D Reilly, Army veteran (6RAR), survival expert, wellness coach and founder of "Compelled" as an international wilderness guide.⁠
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Lex share's his military career and experiences whilst deployed in Afghanistan with 6RAR and openly shares his struggles reconnecting to family, friends and loved ones upon return to Australia.⁠
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We take a dive into his mindset and daily life when he was suffering most (internally and externally), the turning point and curiosity that led him to embark on his wellness journey, self-care and management of his PTSD.⁠
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Rounding off the episode with his learning and growth and touching on how connecting with nature and the lessons it teaches has led to the formation of "Compelled" and what he's doing now to contribute back to the community.⁠

Contact -  Lex D Reilly
Website: https://compelled.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the latest episode of the Invisible Injuries podcast we continue exploring evidence based holistic modalities building on chats on the topics of breathwork, connection with nature, emotional maturity and spiritual growth.

Tanya Cory is a Yoga teacher and Wellness coach, she's been in the wellness industry for over 20 years and brings a unique perspective and depth of knowledge having also instructed in personal training, pilates and nutrition.

In part one Tanya share's her story of how yoga found her when she was a young woman working on a luxury yacht looking to create some breathing space in between the demands of being in hospitality. Fast forwarding to how her self-practice of yoga played a big part in keeping her grounded when she was playing the role of immediate support / carer when her child was experiencing health issues.

Rounding off the episode the pair chat about the benefits of a consistent practice of yoga (thats not dictated by the length of time in the session), giving yourself permission to be non-judgemental and non-seeking, setting the scene for part 2.

Contact -  Tanya Cory
Website: https://www.homyogastudio.com.au/teachers
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC