Life Is Crazy: Surviving Divorce, Layoffs & Suicidal Ideation w/ Veteran Brandon Held

You’ve fought battles most people never see. Today’s guest, Brandon Held—Air Force and Army veteran, podcaster, and life coach—opens up about career derailments, multiple divorces, corporate layoffs, and a suicide attempt…and how he rebuilt with gratitude, discipline, and a mission to help others (especially veterans) step back from the ledge.We get real about broken systems, fatherhood, co-parenting, mental health, and why stacking small wins beats chasing motivation. If you’re in a dark season, this conversation is a lifeline and a game plan.GuestBrandon Held — Veteran (USAF & US Army), host of Life Is Crazy podcast, and life coach focused on preventing suicide and helping people rebuild with practical tools.🔗 Website/Coaching/Podcast: brandonheld.comKey TakeawaysWhen institutions fail you, you still have agency. Brandon’s Air Force QC incident and later corporate reviews show how unfair systems can be—your response is your power.Depression rewires perspective; you can rewire it back. Gratitude, daily wins, and service helped Brandon shift from suicidal ideation to purpose.Divorce & co-parenting: Don’t weaponize kids. Don’t let another parent’s narrative define you—stay steady, keep the door open, and fight to be a present parent.Discipline motivation. One percent better, every day. Stack the wins.Fitness is a lever—even when you must adapt. Headaches sidelined heavy training; Brandon pivoted to a home gym and smarter routines. Adaptation keeps momentum alive.Tell your story to save a life. Brandon built a podcast so others wouldn’t feel alone; your voice could be someone’s turning point.Topics & Chapter Markers00:00 Welcome + Battle Harder intro02:05 Brandon’s path: USAF ➜ College ➜ US Army ➜ MBA07:43 The QC incident that derailed his Air Force career12:40 Corporate layoffs, bad reviews & HR battles16:55 Depression hits: new marriage, new house, newborns—and then laid off19:20 Suicide attempt, ER, and the realization that life isn’t over23:55 Coach Rob on military discipline, unfair blame & staying the course29:10 Gratitude as a daily reset (how to start when you feel stuck)34:35 Divorce, co-parenting, and not poisoning kids against a parent41:40 Reconnecting with a son after years—keeping the door open47:30 Fitness as therapy; adapting when health limits training52:20 Why Brandon launched Life Is Crazy + life coaching focus56:10 Practical definition of “Turning Pain Into Progress”58:45 Coach Rob’s final charge: discipline, tiny wins, keep fightingPull Quotes (for show notes or socials)“Good men stay and suffer ‘for the kids.’ But your kids need a healthy you, not a miserable you.”“Gratitude isn’t fluffy—it’s brain rewiring.”“You don’t need motivation when you have discipline. Stack the wins.”“Systems fail people. Your response is the difference.”Resources MentionedBrandon’s site, coaching, and podcast: brandonheld.comIf you’re in crisis: 988 Lifeline (US). Veterans press 1. Text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.Connect with Coach Rob / BattleFittedCoaching, gear, resources: BattleFittedBrand.com