In this powerful episode, we sit down with Aaron Knowles, a 20-year military veteran, IED survivor, and founder of Shred the Stress, a nonprofit helping veterans heal through innovative therapeutic methods. Aaron opens up about the emotional toll of transitioning to civilian life, the importance of community support, and how personal trauma fueled his mission to serve others.
We explore:
- The real challenges of military-to-civilian transitions
- How trauma uniquely impacts veterans
- The power of public affairs and nonprofit work
- Why mental health and self-care matter more than ever
- How AI and self-publishing can empower veteran voices
Careers at MetroStar: https://hubs.li/Q03gy7Yq0
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Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
00:00 Surviving the IED Attack
02:46 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
06:07 The Journey into Public Affairs
08:53 The Impact of Trauma and Healing
11:54 Creating Shred the Stress
15:04 The Nonprofit Journey
18:13 The Importance of Community Support
21:13 Navigating Military Transition Challenges
36:15 Navigating Job Fairs and Networking Events
38:58 The Unique Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
45:08 Preparing for Transition: Timing and Resources
48:13 Overcoming Missteps in the Job Search Process
52:00 The Importance of Self-Care During Transition
58:48 Exploring the Algorithmic Frontier: AI in Content Creation
01:08:09 The Journey of Self-Publishing a Book
01:11:48 Supporting the Military Community: Small Acts Matter
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