December 6, 2024 • 47 mins
Jess Jaimes is an Army Veteran and the host of Resilient and Rowdy, a podcast that creates an open space for veterans and civilians alike to discuss life's challenges and mental health. Known for her candid, often humorous approach, Jess shares her journey of self-discovery after military service and explores topics that encourage resilience, mental well-being, and personal growth. Her personal passions align with her professional work through the VA's Mental Health office campaign called Make The Connection, inspiring and encouraging veterans help is available and a better quality of life is possible.
Links to Resilient & Rowdy here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilient-and-rowdy/id1508389167
https://open.spotify.com/show/07vVwBGGZUkMGqdOHnDgHM?si=9768c62e9f454d7d https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1vMfGOqWd4e1LPr6AjueHw https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0da4f2de-9225-41fc-adf4-0be83d2a037f/resilient-and-rowdy
Links to Resilient & Rowdy here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilient-and-rowdy/id1508389167
https://open.spotify.com/show/07vVwBGGZUkMGqdOHnDgHM?si=9768c62e9f454d7d https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1vMfGOqWd4e1LPr6AjueHw https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0da4f2de-9225-41fc-adf4-0be83d2a037f/resilient-and-rowdy
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Are you a transitioning military or veteran woman looking for support, guidance,
and inspiration. You've come to the right place. Welcome to
Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform with your host, Renee Jones Hudson.
Renee brings powerful stories, practical advice, and expert insights to
help you redefine, rediscover, and reaffirm your life after military service,
(00:44):
whether navigating a career change, seeking personal growth, or focusing
on your well being. We are here to empower you
every step of the way. So welcome the host of
Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform, Renee Jones Hudson. Let's embark
on this journey together.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Hello, and welcome to Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform. I'm
your host, Renee Jones Sussen, and I am so excited
to have you joining with us today. So this podcast
is all about empowering veterans, especially women, to redefine, rediscover,
and reaffirm their lives and their purpose post military.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Each week we.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Bring you inspiring stories and thought provoking conversations with incredible
guests who are living boldly and unapologetically in their next chapter.
So today I am excited to introduce our guests Miss
Jess James. Jess is an Army veteran, mental health advocate
(01:52):
and the host of Resilient and Rowdy. Her podcast creates
a space for veterans and civilian to talk candidly about
life challenges and mental health. Through her work with the
VAS Make the Connection campaign, she inspires veterans to seek
help and enhance embrace a better quality of life. She's
(02:14):
here today to share her journey, her insights on mental
health and resilience, and what living unapologetically beyond the uniform
means to her. So welcome to the show, Jess. I'm
so excited to have you.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
Thank you, Renee.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
It's so good to see you again, and I'm so
honored to be here.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Yes, the last time we spoke, I was on your show.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Yes you were.
Speaker 6 (02:38):
Oh my gosh, and time has just flown by and
I love to see you doing this. This is so
needed in the community.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
Yes, yes, your show inspired me too though. I love
what you're doing. So your podcast is called Resilient in Rowdy,
and it's a It takes such a refreshing and honest
take on life's challenges. So what inspired you to create
that platform that discusses openly, like like issues like mental
(03:08):
health and resisi resilience, especially for veterans.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
I think what.
Speaker 6 (03:13):
Inspired me to start my own platform was kind of
getting introduced to the military veteran creator space and the
podcasting world, and I just noticed how there was sometimes
a little bit of a gap. You know, I understand
that a lot of people aren't ready to talk about things,
(03:33):
and we were still kind of in the early middle
phases of like mental health and stuff, but it's a
big issue in the veteran space, but I mean all
over too, and I just felt a little frustrated because
I felt like some of the conversations I saw and
heard that were happening weren't always honest. And you know,
(03:57):
I give grace where I can, but sometimes not having
honest conversations can do more harm than good. And I,
by no means am perfect, but I know that I
am approachable. I love the talk I can make people
feel comfortable. But I also can see that a lot
of folks have so much knowledge within them and I
(04:19):
just want to be able to highlight that so that
it helps other people. And that's what you can find
in community. But a lot of folks are kind of
nervous stepping into new spaces, into new communities, and so
how easy it is to make you know, a platform
and just you know, the people can come and they're
a little more comfortable with that.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
So it's been a lot of fun.
Speaker 6 (04:39):
I felt like it was necessary, and you know, I
know that I can handle myself well, so I'm like,
it's the least that I can do, you know, like
let's just have some honest conbos, little chit chats, you know,
for camaraderie and also for community.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
You know, mental health is a touchy stuff subject on
both science, not just for veterans, you know, and transitioning.
I think a lot of times there are aspects of transitioning,
transitioning from the military.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
That we're not really thinking about. You know, we do
focus on the mental health piece, the emotional.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Like right now, I'm actually in a space where I'm
trying to do a financial transition for military veterans because
we don't think about that, right and it does matter, like,
especially if you're a retiree or non retary, it does
matter as opposed to where, you know, as far as
your cost of living and how you live. But mental health,
it is you know, there's still it's still stigmatized in
(05:40):
some circles, right, So, like you said, you created a
platform where we can just talk and not feel judged.
And that's kind of how I felt when I was
on your podcast. I didn't even feel like I was
being interviewed. We just sat there and we talked about
you know, we talked about everything. So what advice would
(06:01):
you give veterans who feel resistant or ashamed to seek help.
Speaker 6 (06:10):
I think, first and foremost, I feel like you need
to sit down with yourself and be honest and acknowledge
the ways that you know your shortcomings and your mental
health issues are affecting your life. Because it's easier to
nip it in the bud now then later on because
(06:32):
it's just going to keep spiraling and anything.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
I know all about that.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
I love taking care of everybody else but myself, and
I reached a point to that, so I don't want
people to hit that point like I did. So just
be honest with yourself, see what you can do with
what you've got, and don't be afraid to reach out
and get help. I think one of the best things
that I love about the mental health movement and the
(06:58):
veteran community is that we're constantly evolving to try to
be better, and so there's a lot more resources out
there than there were years ago when you and I
got out of the military. So just that first step
can be difficult, but it can be the most necessary
because if you want good things in life, and we
(07:19):
all do, you know, especially getting out of the military.
We want to see our brothers and sisters doing well,
you have to just take that time and reflect and
just see, you know, where your shortcomings are and how
you can work on those things daily, weekly, you know,
et cetera. So I think that's a really good start
for a lot of folks because I do understand how
(07:42):
there is hesitation to reach out and get help, let
alone go to therapy. But there's you know, baby steps.
I can applaud the baby steps for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Will I can definitely attest to that. You know, I
had a real awakening. You know, you talk about getting
to that point, not taking not go getting within yourself
to to you know, and it's really I don't want
to use struggle, but for some people it probably is
a struggle to go get the help, you know, because
(08:12):
oftentimes we don't really think people understand what we're going through.
And even when we go to seek help, you may
meet a person who's just not relatable. They don't understand,
you know, the challenges that we face as veterans. So
when I know for myself, when I went and got help,
(08:32):
because I had gotten to, thankfully, not to a very
bad point, but it was to a point where I
was yelling at my kids. I was I was starting
to get, you know, experience the symptoms. I recognize them,
but I was I literally was ashamed. But it's when
my daughter got scared of me. I said, Okay, I
(08:53):
don't want to I don't want to be in this
space where my kids or my family cannot talk to
me because I refuse to go get the help that
I need. When and a lot of times we know
that we need to get the help, but you know,
it's just taking that first step to go and quote
seek it. And it was very helpful, Like you said,
(09:15):
baby steps. When I first went to group therapy, I
did not speak.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
I did not talk. For one I was the.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Only female in the group, and a lot of the
veterans were like Vietnam like, there were older veterans, you know,
really at that point. It was older gentlemen in there,
a couple younger guys, but you know that alone being
the only female that was intimidating because I was, you know,
(09:43):
I still was measuring myself against that. So I do
I do appreciate you sharing that and encouraging people, you know,
just take the first step, because after that first step,
it does get easier to get the help that you want.
And I love the part that you're taking talking about
with the connection, and I'm going to ask you a
question about that. So as far as make the connection,
(10:11):
I had a question out here for you, but let's
let's talk about this far. So the theme of my
podcast is living unapologetically.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Beyond the uniform.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
So what does living unapologetically mean to you? And how
have you embraced that in your life.
Speaker 6 (10:28):
I think living unapologetically to me means living.
Speaker 4 (10:34):
Your life on your terms, because it's your life.
Speaker 6 (10:37):
I think too often we're so consumed with the thoughts
of others and the judgments of others, and that can
be healthy to an extent. You know, you don't ever
want to do anything too out of line or too
brash or disrespectful. But as long as you're doing the
things that you love and it's not causing any harm
(10:57):
to anyone, and it brings you joy in your heart.
Speaker 4 (11:01):
Do those things.
Speaker 6 (11:02):
I turned thirty this year, and I think it was
a big milestone because someone told me that, you know,
when you get into your thirties and your forties, you
just stop caring about those things, like the thoughts of others.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
And so, you know, if you want to get back into.
Speaker 6 (11:20):
Figure skating, or you know, you like making TikTok videos,
do that because it's fun for you and it brings
you joy. And I think life is hard enough, so
to listen to the judgments of others as well as
even your own judgments, because I can acknowledge how I
have held myself back and I've judged myself or I
(11:41):
cared too much. You know, it's not fun living that way,
Like why, like especially with like how I am. I'm
very flamboyant, I'm very outgoing, I'm very multifaceted, and it
can be very difficult to embrace that. But I realized
how miserable I was just constantly having that in the
back of my mind. Especially when you are a creator,
(12:03):
You're constantly being judged and stuff.
Speaker 5 (12:06):
So I just think that it's just doing what makes
your heart happy.
Speaker 6 (12:10):
And embracing that you know, not everyone has to understand that,
and being okay with being misunderstood too.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
Yeah, I will second that. But I will also add
this that you know, even though this podcast is called
Living Unapologetically, it takes it takes some work to get there,
to live on apologetically. Like you said, you just turned thirty,
and seriously, when it gets the forties, you're like, look,
(12:38):
I really don't give a crap.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
I'm telling you. It's just where it starts, right.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
Yes, And it's so empowering though.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Like it is, yeah, but I would you know, And
it's just to encourage our viewers too. Living unapologetically doesn't
mean that you're gonna wake up one day and you're like,
you know, I just don't care. Because it takes some
You got to break down some things too within yourself.
You got to face some fears, you gotta. It takes courage,
(13:08):
It takes you know, you know, really working. It takes
in a work to really get to the point where
you're like, you know what, this really doesn't matter and
this is really not moving the needle in my life
and it doesn't bring me joy and that you know
you live for you, like you said, you live and
you do for you whatever pleases, use what you do,
(13:29):
and you know the people that are for you will
embrace that, they'll embrace who you are. So I found
my question and Make the Connection. So through your work
with the VAS Make the Connection campaign, you've encouraged veterans
to get help and improve.
Speaker 3 (13:46):
Their quality of life.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
So what are some of the biggest barriers you see
veterans face when it comes to to mental health, to
addressing mental health and how can they overcome them? And
I know you kind of touched on this a little
bit it, but can you expand a little bit on that,
Like what are some of the barriers that you see
veterans in your in your work?
Speaker 6 (14:09):
I think it's still a little bit of like a
self imposed judgment, and like.
Speaker 4 (14:17):
I think it's a little bit of fear.
Speaker 6 (14:19):
It's like if I acknowledge that I do have a problem,
like I'm a failure or you know, I'm not this
great woman or this great man who I think I am.
And sometimes that own self imposed judgment can really kind
of weaken your inner light and that spark because you
you see that you have you know a problem or
(14:41):
difficulties and you want things to get better, but you're
in your own way, So that's one of the biggest
barriers too, especially it being a VA mental health campaign.
I do understand that there is a strained relationship between
veterans and the VA, and so I feel like I
(15:03):
can really testify with that in regards to the VA
really trying to step up and improve their quality of
care and that relationship because ever since I got out
of the army in twenty sixteen, I have been so
grateful to have been in therapy almost this entire time.
(15:23):
And while sometimes, yes, it's a little difficult to get
back in because I've moved around a lot, so I'm
going from VA to VA, but I still made that
effort because I knew how important that was for me,
so like it being a little bit of a headache
was fine because I knew the long term benefits of that.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
So there's that.
Speaker 6 (15:43):
So I do encourage people to at least give the
VA a chance, give it a shot.
Speaker 4 (15:48):
If it's not for.
Speaker 6 (15:49):
You, if it's too much, you know, or your location
does I don't know, for whatever reason, at least you've tried,
and that way I can kind of just like, oh, well,
there's other forms of therapy. You know, there's group therapy,
there's like support groups, there's all of these awesome nonprofits.
(16:10):
But sometimes it's also like there's a lot of rural veterans,
so they're not close to a VA hospital or or
some of these programs, and so thankfully, you know, so
long as there's internet connection, we can get to them.
So you can also join therapy or support groups or
(16:30):
just little communities through your computer. So we're really trying
to bridge that gap. But those are the main three
that I see, yeah, and not you know.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
In in in to actually add to what you're saying,
the VA has come a long way from from when
we did get out. And even though I'm not in
the VA space like that, you know, I do go
there to get care and everything. The fact is there's
a lot more veterans than the VA. Then there's you know, the.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
The what's the word like this, the.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Providers, Like there's more veterans with issues than there's providers
to take care of them.
Speaker 3 (17:09):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
But then what I've noticed also is that the VA
is willing to work with out, you know, outside entities
like those nonprofits those you know, make the connection. That's
definitely what the connection is, right, reaching out to these
other agencies to kind of fill the gap that they
can't fill.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
So, yes, it may be slow.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
The VA's process may be slow, but they are a
work in progress and we do have to give them
the grace. There's so many you know, from the Vietnam era.
They you know, they didn't do a good job with
those guys, but you can see where they're trying to
change that. And you and I know change is not immediate.
You know, change takes time. And the other thing I
(17:54):
wanted to say to you know, the quality of life
that we seek is really up to us really going
out and getting that. And like you mentioned, the resources
are there, but if we don't take advantage of those resources,
then we as veterans can't really say I don't have help,
or I can't get help, or I can't I don't
(18:15):
have you know, community, because and that's that's from a
personal standpoint. I was I was sitting at home and thinking,
like we said, like you said, it's all self imposed, right,
because nobody's saying that to us. It's just we've we
are so used to a certain kind of lifestyle. Sometimes
we're like, Okay, I used to be a captain in
(18:37):
the army. Why can't I figure this out? Why is
this so hard?
Speaker 4 (18:40):
You know?
Speaker 2 (18:40):
So those are all the self talk that we tell ourselves,
but it's not the reality. Sometimes I am yeah, that
was That's awesome. I'm really glad you're here today to share.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
To share.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
So your work and your podcast is centered around personal growth.
What's one of the biggest lessons you've learned about yourself
since transitioning from the military.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
I know this is like a.
Speaker 4 (19:13):
Let's see.
Speaker 6 (19:13):
I mean I feel like, you know, I got out
of the army like mid twenties, so there was obviously
going to be a lot of lessons there. I was
still learning and growing finding myself. But I think, you know,
the biggest takeaway was just learning my resilience and somehow
(19:36):
it being in my opinion, almost like the bare minimum,
like it's the least I can do to keep going
and getting out of my own way. But I think
my thing is just the resilience part is constantly trying because,
(19:57):
like you said, nobody is going to come and save you.
Speaker 4 (19:59):
Unfortunately, I think I was.
Speaker 6 (20:01):
I was looking for that in some ways, like Oh well,
maybe you know, accomplishing these things will will heal me,
or maybe this relationship will heal me or complete me.
Speaker 4 (20:14):
But really it was always up to me.
Speaker 6 (20:16):
And so you know, sometimes I get knocked down on
my butt, but there's one thing that's certain is that
I'm going to get right back up and I'm going
to give it another shot or try another way. Because
I think I sat and wallowed and pitied myself for
too long, and I realized how much time I wouldn't
(20:36):
necessarily say that I wasted, because I think I needed
to give myself that time to just sit and process
and feel everything that had happened. I think in the military,
you're so used to going, go, go, go, that it's
kind of like it's an afterthought. So it is important
to acknowledge that when you transition out of the military
(20:57):
that first year, so you're going through a lot of mental, physical,
emotional changes, maybe marital changes, different dynamics, and I think
you need to be reminded that you were capable of
so much in the military, and just because you're wearing
a different uniform now doesn't mean that you can't bring
(21:18):
all of those lessons and that strength that you acquired
in your military service to the outside world. You need
to remember that you're still strong, and you're still badass,
and you're capable and you're teachable. So apply those things
into you know, your next chapter and you'll see that
resilience there. And I feel like that on top of
(21:40):
learning how to love myself, it really really sparked and
brought back that. It brought like a piece of myself
that I thought was gone. And so I just want
to share that with people because I think when we're
all doing well, and we're all, you know, like on
the way up up, that's the least you could do
(22:01):
is try to help other people too, especially Yeah, like
the veteran community. I don't understand the gatekeeping or anything.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
And that's just my thing.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
Is I love help that I don't understand it either.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
Yeah, So I found my niche and I enjoy what
I do and I keep doing it because I see
the investment in veterans.
Speaker 5 (22:21):
I know how capable we are when we're at our best.
Speaker 6 (22:25):
So if you if you need a little TLC, if
you need a little inspiration, like I got you, and
because that's what I had to do for myself, and
sometimes people just need a little boost, but definitely the
underlying message for sure has been resilience. And I think
that that's why I wanted to name my platform resilient
and rowdy instead of like the Just James Show.
Speaker 4 (22:46):
You know, like, nothing wrong with that, nothing wrong with that, But.
Speaker 5 (22:50):
It's not about you. Got it about me? Yeah, I
got about me.
Speaker 6 (22:55):
It's it's about the community that we're in, whether military
or civilian. It's just you know, if you're a part
of that movement, you know, yeah, I'm on board with it.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Yeah, So I completely get that. That's what our mind's
called living on apologetically be honest.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Yes, So you know you said one thing that that
I wanted to really ask you about. I feel like
sometimes as veterans, we have this sense of entitlement, and
then you touched on that a little bit. You know,
when we get out, it's like, Okay, we're a veteran,
we serve the country, and I know I find myself
(23:34):
in that space where I'm a veteran. You should want
to do this for me, you should want and it's
that's like you said, nobody's going to come and save
save you, and you really the way you're living.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Your quality of life is up to you.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
Would you say that's one of the things that you
would encourage veterans to kind of really you know, pull
back on that and really take a.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Look at self.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
And the other comment I wanted to make before you
answer that when I first got out of the military,
I remember I was still on that that that that
drive where you know, wanting to do things, just having
to go, go, go go. And I remember I asked
another female veteran she had been out for a while,
you know, like I feel like I'm not doing enough.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
I said that to her. She was like, go sit
down somewhere, you know, like take a break.
Speaker 2 (24:24):
And I actually got offended, but it was really good advice.
Maybe her delivery was not the best at the time,
like know your audience.
Speaker 4 (24:33):
Right now, girl, But yeah, you know I.
Speaker 3 (24:38):
Was like, go sit out. I don't I want to.
I want to go like what are you talking about?
Speaker 2 (24:43):
But you know, from that, you know what I as
I got, you know, you know, since I've been out
and as I'm you know, really growing myself, I read
one of the things I would encourage veterans to do
is to take a break because this transition, especially you
if you've been in for a while, I mean, and
it doesn't have to be a long time. You have
to deprogram, you have to readjust to a lot of things,
(25:08):
you know, the way things are. So what would you
say to that, what like to the sense of entitlement
that we sometimes feel, and to the fact that maybe
we should take some time and not rush into some
you know something right away after service.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
You know, it is an unfortunate reality.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
And I hate that so much because you know, a
lot of people will never really understand all of the
sacrifices that active duty military make, I mean even reserves.
Sorry I don't mean it that way, but they'll never
understand the sacrifices that we've had to make and how
much we miss out on. And you know, it's almost
(25:51):
like the military world is its own little bubble, which
can be good and bad. But you have to remember
that you're not the only transitioning veteran out.
Speaker 4 (26:01):
There right now.
Speaker 6 (26:01):
Unfortunately, especially with the past couple of years, there's been
a large exodus of people leaving the service, and so
you're competing with other veterans who came from different backgrounds,
educated or not. All these schools are not different Moss.
You know, different jobs different you know, deployments are not
(26:23):
and so you need to just like you did in
the military, you need to step it up and be like, Okay,
how can I how can I make myself marketable to
these companies? And yes, the humble acknowledgment of you are
not owed anything, and I think that it's it sounds
yucky to say, but you'll see it when you're in
(26:47):
that interview room or at work, like people are curious
and they're they'll say thank you for your service. Sure,
but at the end of the day, you're competing for
jobs for just just like anybody else. Yeah, and sometimes
it can be like the push that you need, like
I said, to to keep going to further yourself to
(27:09):
you know, kind of feel a little more up to par, Like, Okay,
I'm a veteran and I'm also educated, and I have
this background, I have this certification. It should push you
and inspire you to keep going and do more because
if anything, the military has taught you resilience, adaptability, how
to be teachable again, all of these all of these
(27:30):
amazing yeah, all of these amazing qualities that you need
to bring wherever you go and whatever you do.
Speaker 4 (27:38):
So, yeah, it can be a little bit of uh.
Speaker 6 (27:41):
You know, heartbreaking or a little like, uh, disheartening, but
it should push you to do more. And and yeah,
you know, I think sometimes a little bit of humility
can be good to Nobody likes.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
Nobody likes an entitled brat in whatever shape or form.
Speaker 4 (28:04):
I'm sorry, I don't care.
Speaker 6 (28:06):
Like yeah, like, if anything, it should explain why you
should not.
Speaker 4 (28:12):
Hey I'm a veteran, give me this.
Speaker 6 (28:14):
It's more like, hey, I'm a veteran, and this is
my experience. This is the stuff that I can bring
to the table. This is how I can be a
valuable asset. I think if you just change that perspective,
it can really help you and benefit you get that
job or get that promotion, you know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
So I think it would help on a personal level too,
because that's what most of us struggle with when we
get out, you know, feeling lost, feeling without purpose. But if,
like you said, we come out and we put a
spin on it, how can I this is this is
all that.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
I can do. How can I add value? How can
I be of service?
Speaker 2 (28:52):
How can I you know, you know, what can I
do to contribute to your mission as opposed to heed
me because I'm the stuff.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
Like you know, y, yeah, exactly, all right. I love this.
I love this.
Speaker 2 (29:10):
So if you could go back and talk to the
version of yourself just leaving the military, what advice would
you give her about mental health and finding purpose and
even resilience. You touched on resilience a little bit, but
definitely the mental health and finding your purpose.
Speaker 6 (29:31):
Oh oh, that's a good one. And I feel like
I constantly do talk to my younger self. It's kind
of a part of that healing process. And I think
what I would tell my younger self is that your
(29:53):
quality of life doesn't have to stay the way that
it is, can always get better despite the things that
have happened in the past.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
And I think that is kind of why.
Speaker 6 (30:09):
I started my platform too, is because I felt like,
you know, I was meeting a lot of people that
I admired, whether they had a social media presence or not,
and you know, you kind of humanize people. You see
that we're all still a little bit flawed and nobody's perfect, obviously,
But I think if you surround yourself with the right people,
you have good inspirations. You aspire to be more. You know,
(30:34):
life won't always be that difficult, right And when it
does feel that difficult, you have the tools to take
care of yourself and to show up better the next day.
And sometimes healing looks different every single day, but as
long as you're trying, you know, I applaud that, and
(30:54):
I think that that's like a huge emphasis because I
felt like I kind of gave up on myself.
Speaker 5 (31:00):
I felt so lost, I felt you know, confused. It
was just so dark. It was just such a dark time.
Speaker 6 (31:07):
But I would just tell myself that, you know, it
is really corny to say, but it really does get
better if you work on it, if you acknowledge it,
you work on it. And like I said, you're when
you go to therapy or you get help, you're given
these tools and you can always take that anywhere you go,
in whatever situation you're in. And I feel like that's
(31:28):
really really helped me solidify that inner strength and need
to keep going because you know, no one's gonna give
me the life that I want other than me, So
I'm going to keep on and be a go getter,
but also take care of myself on those days that
are really hard.
Speaker 3 (31:46):
Yeah, Yeah, full transparency. I still have hard.
Speaker 2 (31:49):
Days, you know, you know, and then like you said,
it's just a matter of taking that first stet moving.
You know, there was a time and it's not too
long ago where I.
Speaker 3 (32:00):
Literally had to self talk.
Speaker 7 (32:02):
You know.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
I coach people, so I'm doing the same to myself
to get out of bed, you know, just the first
just to step out of bed can be what a
lot of people are having a challenge with, you know,
so I appreciate you sharing that because it is important.
Speaker 3 (32:18):
The mental health piece.
Speaker 2 (32:19):
It goes a lot deeper than just you know, someone
being crazy.
Speaker 3 (32:24):
It's a lot of.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
Emotional you know, and shifts that people are dealing with transitioning.
You know, we talk about this a lot, but transition
is happening even after your transit, you transition from the military.
It's a daily thing, you know, so really stressing. And
I love that you're empowering others to do to take
(32:48):
a stand for their own mental health. You know. There's
and what I love though, is that there is not
now a big what's the word realization that mental health
is a thing, Like it's not oh she's crazy er,
that's no. There's a lot more layers to that you know,
(33:09):
and especially with veterans, you know, we have plenty of
things that we're having to sift through. But like you said,
it doesn't have to be what dictates your life on
a daily basis. You can do more, you can do,
you can't get past it. Just take that first step
to you know, to move.
Speaker 3 (33:29):
You just have to move.
Speaker 7 (33:31):
Yeah, absolutely, so in your put in your opinion, what
does it truly mean to make the connection, whether with yourself,
with others, or the resources available?
Speaker 4 (33:46):
Hmm.
Speaker 6 (33:47):
I think to me, what it means to make the
connection is to have that bravery to do something for yourself,
especially when you come from a background of service before
self so and I still struggle with that. I mean
even before the military, I was always that way. I
love to take care of other people and then myself
(34:09):
if that, you know, I would often neglect myself. So
having the bravery and the courage to just show up
and say, hey, I need this, not you know, my
private Joe, not you know, my platoon sergeant, not my boss,
not my coworker, not my bestie, but me.
Speaker 3 (34:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (34:29):
I think I think that is the.
Speaker 6 (34:31):
Biggest part, because too often we will neglect ourselves out
of pride, and you know, we we like tell ourselves like,
oh yeah, I'm so strong, because like I'm I'm just
like you know, pushing it down or whatever.
Speaker 3 (34:43):
No, but you acquire.
Speaker 6 (34:47):
And I say this very candidly because you know, I
still have my struggles, I still have my days, but
I just I can't give up on myself like I
did before. So that's what keeps me going to is
is that. But there's so much good that can come
out of you know, community, just like that camaraderie that
(35:08):
you had in the military. You can find that in
the veteran space or in other spaces. Just give it
a chance. And you don't know what you don't know.
And thankfully we're having these conversations. So what worked for
you might not work for somebody else, but you're still
trying and you're investing in yourself, and it's a part
of that like positive loving relationship that maybe a lot
(35:30):
of us have struggled to even have in the first place.
But making that connection, reaching out asking for help or
even just even if you don't want to acknowledge it yet,
but you're feeling kind of lonely and you just want
to hang out with somebody or you want to just
talk to a friend that's also making the connection, because
(35:52):
humans are social beings.
Speaker 3 (35:54):
You know.
Speaker 6 (35:55):
I understand that social media is very powerful and very useful,
but you know, sometimes even if it's just a phone call,
like on some of my darkest days, some of my
friends will never understand how much just a text message
or a phone call means to me. You know, So
it doesn't have to be these huge things like going
(36:15):
to retreats or or you know, going on a vacation.
You can do it right here from home. Even the
way that you talk to yourself matter. So you know,
I am very critical of myself, a little bit professionistic.
Speaker 2 (36:29):
But.
Speaker 6 (36:31):
Talking to myself in a more positive way and even
like expressing more gratitude. You know, you you can work
on that relationship with yourself so that you can show
up better and you can have that courage to do
the things that you want to do. But I also
will say is that we're only given so many years
on this earth, and so whether you do it or not,
(36:56):
the time is going to pass. And I say that
in a loving way in regards to like how I
had a few years.
Speaker 4 (37:03):
Of really you know, like a lot of like a lot.
Speaker 6 (37:07):
Of struggles, a lot of darkness, a lot of just
like self isolation. And you know, I look back and
I'm like, oh, man, like I wasted time, But like
I said earlier, I think I needed that time to
kind of.
Speaker 4 (37:20):
Feel it all.
Speaker 6 (37:21):
But also I could have used a little boost to
get myself out of that. And and I think that's
part of it. Is like listen to your friends when
they tell you, like, hey, let's let's go out, let's
go hang out, and let's go do something. So even
if your voice is telling you like no, I'm tired,
No I don't want to hang out with people, do
it anyway because you'll feel better going to the gym,
(37:43):
you know, texting a friend, calling a friend, you know,
at least reaching out and seeing what resources are out there.
Just you'll feel better that you did it, rather than
regretting and kind of beating yourself up afterwards like oh
I should have you know, should have could have them.
Speaker 4 (38:00):
So we're social beings.
Speaker 6 (38:02):
Don't deny yourself of that, you know, don't think like oh, yeah,
like I'm I'm this, and that I don't need anybody
like you're like all high and mighty. No, no, we
all need love we all need affection, we all need connection,
we all need friendship.
Speaker 5 (38:15):
And we grow in those spaces. So you can only
you can only get so far in isolation.
Speaker 3 (38:21):
Right, you really can.
Speaker 2 (38:22):
So you know, one of the things that I learned
just me getting my own help too, is giving myself permission.
You know, in the military, we're so used to someone
else giving us permission that it becomes ingrianded, like we
need permission from somebody, but we don't give ourself permission enough.
(38:43):
And that's what I'm hearing from you give yourself permission
to go through these emotions, to feel, to make a
connection to you know, tap into it, and you know,
like everything you said is true. It doesn't take a
whole you know, retreat for you to really make my day.
Speaker 3 (39:04):
I know.
Speaker 2 (39:04):
And maybe because we can relate to that, why that
resonates a lot, because you know, I remember I was
talking to someone this morning and I was telling them,
you know, when I was in Bosnia, I used to
get letters from one of my pen pals, and you
know how we get oh did I get mail today?
Did I get mail today? And when it stopped, it
broke me because I no longer had anything else to
(39:25):
look forward to you know, so simple things.
Speaker 3 (39:27):
When we used to write letters back in the day.
I don't know if you remember that, yep, no.
Speaker 2 (39:33):
But while we had text message, so it's a lot easier.
But it leads to one of the things that I
try to practice is kindness and just to add value
to everyone that I meet. You know, sometimes just complimenting
someone could be the you know, like a million dollars
to them because you never know.
Speaker 3 (39:52):
What space they're in.
Speaker 2 (39:53):
So I do appreciate you sharing that because we have
a lot of veterans that are going through dark times,
you know, and they feel alone, they isolate, you know,
and they just think there's no one, there's no community
for them, when there is.
Speaker 5 (40:11):
You know.
Speaker 2 (40:12):
I remember when I was looking for help, I went
on social and there are little groups that there's there's
there are veterans out there trying to connect with other veterans.
You just have to put yourself out there.
Speaker 4 (40:23):
You just have to.
Speaker 3 (40:25):
I mean, justice, I love this conversation. I have love
me too. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (40:31):
So all right, So what's next for you your how
are you continuing to grow and thrive and what's your
vision for the future of resilience in rowdy and your
your advocacy.
Speaker 4 (40:45):
Okay, oh my gosh, what's next. You know, I think.
Speaker 6 (40:52):
Before I kind of saw my platform, it's just like
a fun hobby, just something to do, like for fun,
you know, there was never any pressure with it. And
I think now it's really acknowledging that I don't have
to be so humble about it. I think I can
acknowledge that I am making a positive impact. I'm trying
(41:13):
to you know, do better and do things differently, you know,
more positively, and continuing that momentum with like okay, like
let's keep it going. Like I'm always meeting very interesting people,
you know, everybody has a really fun story.
Speaker 4 (41:30):
And I just want to be able to highlight that.
Speaker 6 (41:32):
So I think just really putting more effort into resilient
and rowdy than I had been in the previous years.
But also just I think hitting that milestone of turning
thirty and feeling you know, mixed feelings about it, but
trying to make the most of it. Is what I
can still do is so living unapologetically as I've never
(41:55):
thought that I would turn thirty or like be alive,
and how can I honor myself my talents and also
like honor my friends who aren't with me anymore. And
I think that that really reminds me of how short
life is. Is a lot of my friends passed away
(42:17):
before thirty and here I am, and I don't want
to take it for granted. So I want to keep
inspiring people. I want to keep showing people that you
can go through difficult and traumatic things and still come
out on the other side.
Speaker 4 (42:31):
It just takes a little bit of work.
Speaker 6 (42:33):
And you know, investing in yourself isn't selfish. I think
sometimes we have to remember that a lot of us
were raised very differently, and especially like certain generational lessons,
you know, especially like well man or woman.
Speaker 4 (42:48):
You know, we're not.
Speaker 6 (42:49):
Really taught how to love ourselves so and so giving
that grace, you know, when dealing with that within yourself
or with other people. But for Resilient Rowdy, I definitely
want to keep having conversations. I want to keep having fun.
I was contemplating, you know, maybe turning it into a
nonprofit or just something a little more like community wise.
(43:13):
So yes, there's a podcast, but there's this I'm just
not sure what that is. I think also somebody kind
of took the nonprofit name that I wanted. So I'm
still kind of getting creative, but I am helping other
nonprofits in that way. So I'm still I'm still yapping,
I'm still volunteering, and I think I'm just open to
(43:34):
the journey. Like I said, I just turned thirty, so
I don't know what this chapter is going to bring,
but I have a better feeling about this decade and
I also feel more prepared and I'm just excited to
see like just what this adventure brings. So keeping an
open mind is really hard for me because I'm a planner. Yeah,
(43:55):
so I'm just kind of like riding the wave. But
I am very grateful to you know, have the job
that I do, so in multiple aspects, I'm still kind
of carrying out that personal mission of just trying to
you know, be the light and inspire people and just show.
Speaker 4 (44:12):
Them genuinely that it does get better.
Speaker 6 (44:17):
And you know when you have those hard days that
there's this whole community backing you up, ready to support you.
Speaker 2 (44:23):
So yeah, yeah, I think the biggest takeaway from what
you said is just to definitely.
Speaker 3 (44:34):
Be open to the journey.
Speaker 2 (44:35):
It's not always going to be comfortable, it's not always
going to be you know, lights camera. It's not always
going to be something that's easy, but just being open
towards next, you know, in spite of what you're going through.
I think your podcast and my podcast kind of the
meaning behind it is very much aligned, you know, so
(44:58):
because that's what I want it for veterans. Yes, we've
gone through so much. We've experienced a lot of trauma.
We have a lot that we're trying to, you know,
to hash through within ourselves and deal with. But that's
just part of who we are, you know, be open
to what's next, you know, and we got to put
(45:20):
ourselves out there.
Speaker 3 (45:21):
A lot of us don't put ourselves out there enough.
Speaker 2 (45:23):
So Jes thank you so much for sharing your story
and your in you're just your incredible insights with us today,
your journey and your work to break the stigma around
mental health. It's truly inspiring and it's necessary. It's needed
so for our listeners. If you'd like to connect with
(45:44):
Jess and learn more about her podcast, Resilient and Rowdy,
or make the Connection campaign, check out the links that
I'll post in the show notes. But Jess, if you
if you have another platform or you can tell the
readers too, how they can reach you.
Speaker 5 (46:00):
Oh sure, So I'm on Instagram, I'm at jess C.
Speaker 4 (46:03):
James.
Speaker 5 (46:04):
The podcast is at Resilient dot rowdy.
Speaker 6 (46:07):
I'm also on YouTube and Make the Connection is Make
the Connection dot net. We've got some really fun stuff
and you know, if you need a little pick me up,
you can always just go to the website and find
a really inspirational video. So yeah, thank you so much
Renee for having me. I appreciate you so much.
Speaker 3 (46:24):
I loved it, love, I love today, So thank you.
Speaker 2 (46:28):
I want to thank our listeners for joining me on
this episode of Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform. So if
you enjoy today today's conversation, please like, share, and pass
it along to other veterans or anyone who could benefit
from these insights. Don't forget to join me live every
Friday at eleven am for more inspiring stories and an
(46:52):
advice to help you live boldly and thrive beyond the uniform.
Speaker 3 (46:57):
Until next time, keep living Unapologetically.
Speaker 1 (47:04):
This has been Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform with your host,
Renee Jones Hudson. We hope you found inspiration and valuable
insights in today's episode. Remember your journey of redefining, rediscovering,
and reaffirming your life post military is unique and powerful.
Stay connected with us for more stories, advice and support.
(47:27):
Until next time, stay strong and stay empowered. Listen Friday's
eleven am Eastern on the Bold Brave TV Network, powered
by B two Studios
Are you a transitioning military or veteran woman looking for support, guidance,
and inspiration. You've come to the right place. Welcome to
Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform with your host, Renee Jones Hudson.
Renee brings powerful stories, practical advice, and expert insights to
help you redefine, rediscover, and reaffirm your life after military service,
(00:44):
whether navigating a career change, seeking personal growth, or focusing
on your well being. We are here to empower you
every step of the way. So welcome the host of
Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform, Renee Jones Hudson. Let's embark
on this journey together.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Hello, and welcome to Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform. I'm
your host, Renee Jones Sussen, and I am so excited
to have you joining with us today. So this podcast
is all about empowering veterans, especially women, to redefine, rediscover,
and reaffirm their lives and their purpose post military.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Each week we.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Bring you inspiring stories and thought provoking conversations with incredible
guests who are living boldly and unapologetically in their next chapter.
So today I am excited to introduce our guests Miss
Jess James. Jess is an Army veteran, mental health advocate
(01:52):
and the host of Resilient and Rowdy. Her podcast creates
a space for veterans and civilian to talk candidly about
life challenges and mental health. Through her work with the
VAS Make the Connection campaign, she inspires veterans to seek
help and enhance embrace a better quality of life. She's
(02:14):
here today to share her journey, her insights on mental
health and resilience, and what living unapologetically beyond the uniform
means to her. So welcome to the show, Jess. I'm
so excited to have you.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
Thank you, Renee.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
It's so good to see you again, and I'm so
honored to be here.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Yes, the last time we spoke, I was on your show.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Yes you were.
Speaker 6 (02:38):
Oh my gosh, and time has just flown by and
I love to see you doing this. This is so
needed in the community.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
Yes, yes, your show inspired me too though. I love
what you're doing. So your podcast is called Resilient in Rowdy,
and it's a It takes such a refreshing and honest
take on life's challenges. So what inspired you to create
that platform that discusses openly, like like issues like mental
(03:08):
health and resisi resilience, especially for veterans.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
I think what.
Speaker 6 (03:13):
Inspired me to start my own platform was kind of
getting introduced to the military veteran creator space and the
podcasting world, and I just noticed how there was sometimes
a little bit of a gap. You know, I understand
that a lot of people aren't ready to talk about things,
(03:33):
and we were still kind of in the early middle
phases of like mental health and stuff, but it's a
big issue in the veteran space, but I mean all
over too, and I just felt a little frustrated because
I felt like some of the conversations I saw and
heard that were happening weren't always honest. And you know,
(03:57):
I give grace where I can, but sometimes not having
honest conversations can do more harm than good. And I,
by no means am perfect, but I know that I
am approachable. I love the talk I can make people
feel comfortable. But I also can see that a lot
of folks have so much knowledge within them and I
(04:19):
just want to be able to highlight that so that
it helps other people. And that's what you can find
in community. But a lot of folks are kind of
nervous stepping into new spaces, into new communities, and so
how easy it is to make you know, a platform
and just you know, the people can come and they're
a little more comfortable with that.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
So it's been a lot of fun.
Speaker 6 (04:39):
I felt like it was necessary, and you know, I
know that I can handle myself well, so I'm like,
it's the least that I can do, you know, like
let's just have some honest conbos, little chit chats, you know,
for camaraderie and also for community.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
You know, mental health is a touchy stuff subject on
both science, not just for veterans, you know, and transitioning.
I think a lot of times there are aspects of transitioning,
transitioning from the military.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
That we're not really thinking about. You know, we do
focus on the mental health piece, the emotional.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Like right now, I'm actually in a space where I'm
trying to do a financial transition for military veterans because
we don't think about that, right and it does matter, like,
especially if you're a retiree or non retary, it does
matter as opposed to where, you know, as far as
your cost of living and how you live. But mental health,
it is you know, there's still it's still stigmatized in
(05:40):
some circles, right, So, like you said, you created a
platform where we can just talk and not feel judged.
And that's kind of how I felt when I was
on your podcast. I didn't even feel like I was
being interviewed. We just sat there and we talked about
you know, we talked about everything. So what advice would
(06:01):
you give veterans who feel resistant or ashamed to seek help.
Speaker 6 (06:10):
I think, first and foremost, I feel like you need
to sit down with yourself and be honest and acknowledge
the ways that you know your shortcomings and your mental
health issues are affecting your life. Because it's easier to
nip it in the bud now then later on because
(06:32):
it's just going to keep spiraling and anything.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
I know all about that.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
I love taking care of everybody else but myself, and
I reached a point to that, so I don't want
people to hit that point like I did. So just
be honest with yourself, see what you can do with
what you've got, and don't be afraid to reach out
and get help. I think one of the best things
that I love about the mental health movement and the
(06:58):
veteran community is that we're constantly evolving to try to
be better, and so there's a lot more resources out
there than there were years ago when you and I
got out of the military. So just that first step
can be difficult, but it can be the most necessary
because if you want good things in life, and we
(07:19):
all do, you know, especially getting out of the military.
We want to see our brothers and sisters doing well,
you have to just take that time and reflect and
just see, you know, where your shortcomings are and how
you can work on those things daily, weekly, you know,
et cetera. So I think that's a really good start
for a lot of folks because I do understand how
(07:42):
there is hesitation to reach out and get help, let
alone go to therapy. But there's you know, baby steps.
I can applaud the baby steps for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Will I can definitely attest to that. You know, I
had a real awakening. You know, you talk about getting
to that point, not taking not go getting within yourself
to to you know, and it's really I don't want
to use struggle, but for some people it probably is
a struggle to go get the help, you know, because
(08:12):
oftentimes we don't really think people understand what we're going through.
And even when we go to seek help, you may
meet a person who's just not relatable. They don't understand,
you know, the challenges that we face as veterans. So
when I know for myself, when I went and got help,
(08:32):
because I had gotten to, thankfully, not to a very
bad point, but it was to a point where I
was yelling at my kids. I was I was starting
to get, you know, experience the symptoms. I recognize them,
but I was I literally was ashamed. But it's when
my daughter got scared of me. I said, Okay, I
(08:53):
don't want to I don't want to be in this
space where my kids or my family cannot talk to
me because I refuse to go get the help that
I need. When and a lot of times we know
that we need to get the help, but you know,
it's just taking that first step to go and quote
seek it. And it was very helpful, Like you said,
(09:15):
baby steps. When I first went to group therapy, I
did not speak.
Speaker 3 (09:20):
I did not talk. For one I was the.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Only female in the group, and a lot of the
veterans were like Vietnam like, there were older veterans, you know,
really at that point. It was older gentlemen in there,
a couple younger guys, but you know that alone being
the only female that was intimidating because I was, you know,
(09:43):
I still was measuring myself against that. So I do
I do appreciate you sharing that and encouraging people, you know,
just take the first step, because after that first step,
it does get easier to get the help that you want.
And I love the part that you're taking talking about
with the connection, and I'm going to ask you a
question about that. So as far as make the connection,
(10:11):
I had a question out here for you, but let's
let's talk about this far. So the theme of my
podcast is living unapologetically.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Beyond the uniform.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
So what does living unapologetically mean to you? And how
have you embraced that in your life.
Speaker 6 (10:28):
I think living unapologetically to me means living.
Speaker 4 (10:34):
Your life on your terms, because it's your life.
Speaker 6 (10:37):
I think too often we're so consumed with the thoughts
of others and the judgments of others, and that can
be healthy to an extent. You know, you don't ever
want to do anything too out of line or too
brash or disrespectful. But as long as you're doing the
things that you love and it's not causing any harm
(10:57):
to anyone, and it brings you joy in your heart.
Speaker 4 (11:01):
Do those things.
Speaker 6 (11:02):
I turned thirty this year, and I think it was
a big milestone because someone told me that, you know,
when you get into your thirties and your forties, you
just stop caring about those things, like the thoughts of others.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
And so, you know, if you want to get back into.
Speaker 6 (11:20):
Figure skating, or you know, you like making TikTok videos,
do that because it's fun for you and it brings
you joy. And I think life is hard enough, so
to listen to the judgments of others as well as
even your own judgments, because I can acknowledge how I
have held myself back and I've judged myself or I
(11:41):
cared too much. You know, it's not fun living that way,
Like why, like especially with like how I am. I'm
very flamboyant, I'm very outgoing, I'm very multifaceted, and it
can be very difficult to embrace that. But I realized
how miserable I was just constantly having that in the
back of my mind. Especially when you are a creator,
(12:03):
You're constantly being judged and stuff.
Speaker 5 (12:06):
So I just think that it's just doing what makes
your heart happy.
Speaker 6 (12:10):
And embracing that you know, not everyone has to understand that,
and being okay with being misunderstood too.
Speaker 2 (12:18):
Yeah, I will second that. But I will also add
this that you know, even though this podcast is called
Living Unapologetically, it takes it takes some work to get there,
to live on apologetically. Like you said, you just turned thirty,
and seriously, when it gets the forties, you're like, look,
(12:38):
I really don't give a crap.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
I'm telling you. It's just where it starts, right.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
Yes, And it's so empowering though.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Like it is, yeah, but I would you know, And
it's just to encourage our viewers too. Living unapologetically doesn't
mean that you're gonna wake up one day and you're like,
you know, I just don't care. Because it takes some
You got to break down some things too within yourself.
You got to face some fears, you gotta. It takes courage,
(13:08):
It takes you know, you know, really working. It takes
in a work to really get to the point where
you're like, you know what, this really doesn't matter and
this is really not moving the needle in my life
and it doesn't bring me joy and that you know
you live for you, like you said, you live and
you do for you whatever pleases, use what you do,
(13:29):
and you know the people that are for you will
embrace that, they'll embrace who you are. So I found
my question and Make the Connection. So through your work
with the VAS Make the Connection campaign, you've encouraged veterans
to get help and improve.
Speaker 3 (13:46):
Their quality of life.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
So what are some of the biggest barriers you see
veterans face when it comes to to mental health, to
addressing mental health and how can they overcome them? And
I know you kind of touched on this a little
bit it, but can you expand a little bit on that,
Like what are some of the barriers that you see
veterans in your in your work?
Speaker 6 (14:09):
I think it's still a little bit of like a
self imposed judgment, and like.
Speaker 4 (14:17):
I think it's a little bit of fear.
Speaker 6 (14:19):
It's like if I acknowledge that I do have a problem,
like I'm a failure or you know, I'm not this
great woman or this great man who I think I am.
And sometimes that own self imposed judgment can really kind
of weaken your inner light and that spark because you
you see that you have you know a problem or
(14:41):
difficulties and you want things to get better, but you're
in your own way, So that's one of the biggest
barriers too, especially it being a VA mental health campaign.
I do understand that there is a strained relationship between
veterans and the VA, and so I feel like I
(15:03):
can really testify with that in regards to the VA
really trying to step up and improve their quality of
care and that relationship because ever since I got out
of the army in twenty sixteen, I have been so
grateful to have been in therapy almost this entire time.
(15:23):
And while sometimes, yes, it's a little difficult to get
back in because I've moved around a lot, so I'm
going from VA to VA, but I still made that
effort because I knew how important that was for me,
so like it being a little bit of a headache
was fine because I knew the long term benefits of that.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
So there's that.
Speaker 6 (15:43):
So I do encourage people to at least give the
VA a chance, give it a shot.
Speaker 4 (15:48):
If it's not for.
Speaker 6 (15:49):
You, if it's too much, you know, or your location
does I don't know, for whatever reason, at least you've tried,
and that way I can kind of just like, oh, well,
there's other forms of therapy. You know, there's group therapy,
there's like support groups, there's all of these awesome nonprofits.
(16:10):
But sometimes it's also like there's a lot of rural veterans,
so they're not close to a VA hospital or or
some of these programs, and so thankfully, you know, so
long as there's internet connection, we can get to them.
So you can also join therapy or support groups or
(16:30):
just little communities through your computer. So we're really trying
to bridge that gap. But those are the main three
that I see, yeah, and not you know.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
In in in to actually add to what you're saying,
the VA has come a long way from from when
we did get out. And even though I'm not in
the VA space like that, you know, I do go
there to get care and everything. The fact is there's
a lot more veterans than the VA. Then there's you know, the.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
The what's the word like this, the.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Providers, Like there's more veterans with issues than there's providers
to take care of them.
Speaker 3 (17:09):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
But then what I've noticed also is that the VA
is willing to work with out, you know, outside entities
like those nonprofits those you know, make the connection. That's
definitely what the connection is, right, reaching out to these
other agencies to kind of fill the gap that they
can't fill.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
So, yes, it may be slow.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
The VA's process may be slow, but they are a
work in progress and we do have to give them
the grace. There's so many you know, from the Vietnam era.
They you know, they didn't do a good job with
those guys, but you can see where they're trying to
change that. And you and I know change is not immediate.
You know, change takes time. And the other thing I
(17:54):
wanted to say to you know, the quality of life
that we seek is really up to us really going
out and getting that. And like you mentioned, the resources
are there, but if we don't take advantage of those resources,
then we as veterans can't really say I don't have help,
or I can't get help, or I can't I don't
(18:15):
have you know, community, because and that's that's from a
personal standpoint. I was I was sitting at home and thinking,
like we said, like you said, it's all self imposed, right,
because nobody's saying that to us. It's just we've we
are so used to a certain kind of lifestyle. Sometimes
we're like, Okay, I used to be a captain in
(18:37):
the army. Why can't I figure this out? Why is
this so hard?
Speaker 4 (18:40):
You know?
Speaker 2 (18:40):
So those are all the self talk that we tell ourselves,
but it's not the reality. Sometimes I am yeah, that
was That's awesome. I'm really glad you're here today to share.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
To share.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
So your work and your podcast is centered around personal growth.
What's one of the biggest lessons you've learned about yourself
since transitioning from the military.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
I know this is like a.
Speaker 4 (19:13):
Let's see.
Speaker 6 (19:13):
I mean I feel like, you know, I got out
of the army like mid twenties, so there was obviously
going to be a lot of lessons there. I was
still learning and growing finding myself. But I think, you know,
the biggest takeaway was just learning my resilience and somehow
(19:36):
it being in my opinion, almost like the bare minimum,
like it's the least I can do to keep going
and getting out of my own way. But I think
my thing is just the resilience part is constantly trying because,
(19:57):
like you said, nobody is going to come and save you.
Speaker 4 (19:59):
Unfortunately, I think I was.
Speaker 6 (20:01):
I was looking for that in some ways, like Oh well,
maybe you know, accomplishing these things will will heal me,
or maybe this relationship will heal me or complete me.
Speaker 4 (20:14):
But really it was always up to me.
Speaker 6 (20:16):
And so you know, sometimes I get knocked down on
my butt, but there's one thing that's certain is that
I'm going to get right back up and I'm going
to give it another shot or try another way. Because
I think I sat and wallowed and pitied myself for
too long, and I realized how much time I wouldn't
(20:36):
necessarily say that I wasted, because I think I needed
to give myself that time to just sit and process
and feel everything that had happened. I think in the military,
you're so used to going, go, go, go, that it's
kind of like it's an afterthought. So it is important
to acknowledge that when you transition out of the military
(20:57):
that first year, so you're going through a lot of mental, physical,
emotional changes, maybe marital changes, different dynamics, and I think
you need to be reminded that you were capable of
so much in the military, and just because you're wearing
a different uniform now doesn't mean that you can't bring
(21:18):
all of those lessons and that strength that you acquired
in your military service to the outside world. You need
to remember that you're still strong, and you're still badass,
and you're capable and you're teachable. So apply those things
into you know, your next chapter and you'll see that
resilience there. And I feel like that on top of
(21:40):
learning how to love myself, it really really sparked and
brought back that. It brought like a piece of myself
that I thought was gone. And so I just want
to share that with people because I think when we're
all doing well, and we're all, you know, like on
the way up up, that's the least you could do
(22:01):
is try to help other people too, especially Yeah, like
the veteran community. I don't understand the gatekeeping or anything.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
And that's just my thing.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
Is I love help that I don't understand it either.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
Yeah, So I found my niche and I enjoy what
I do and I keep doing it because I see
the investment in veterans.
Speaker 5 (22:21):
I know how capable we are when we're at our best.
Speaker 6 (22:25):
So if you if you need a little TLC, if
you need a little inspiration, like I got you, and
because that's what I had to do for myself, and
sometimes people just need a little boost, but definitely the
underlying message for sure has been resilience. And I think
that that's why I wanted to name my platform resilient
and rowdy instead of like the Just James Show.
Speaker 4 (22:46):
You know, like, nothing wrong with that, nothing wrong with that, But.
Speaker 5 (22:50):
It's not about you. Got it about me? Yeah, I
got about me.
Speaker 6 (22:55):
It's it's about the community that we're in, whether military
or civilian. It's just you know, if you're a part
of that movement, you know, yeah, I'm on board with it.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
Yeah, So I completely get that. That's what our mind's
called living on apologetically be honest.
Speaker 4 (23:11):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Yes, So you know you said one thing that that
I wanted to really ask you about. I feel like
sometimes as veterans, we have this sense of entitlement, and
then you touched on that a little bit. You know,
when we get out, it's like, Okay, we're a veteran,
we serve the country, and I know I find myself
(23:34):
in that space where I'm a veteran. You should want
to do this for me, you should want and it's
that's like you said, nobody's going to come and save
save you, and you really the way you're living.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Your quality of life is up to you.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
Would you say that's one of the things that you
would encourage veterans to kind of really you know, pull
back on that and really take a.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Look at self.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
And the other comment I wanted to make before you
answer that when I first got out of the military,
I remember I was still on that that that that
drive where you know, wanting to do things, just having
to go, go, go go. And I remember I asked
another female veteran she had been out for a while,
you know, like I feel like I'm not doing enough.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
I said that to her. She was like, go sit
down somewhere, you know, like take a break.
Speaker 2 (24:24):
And I actually got offended, but it was really good advice.
Maybe her delivery was not the best at the time,
like know your audience.
Speaker 4 (24:33):
Right now, girl, But yeah, you know I.
Speaker 3 (24:38):
Was like, go sit out. I don't I want to.
I want to go like what are you talking about?
Speaker 2 (24:43):
But you know, from that, you know what I as
I got, you know, you know, since I've been out
and as I'm you know, really growing myself, I read
one of the things I would encourage veterans to do
is to take a break because this transition, especially you
if you've been in for a while, I mean, and
it doesn't have to be a long time. You have
to deprogram, you have to readjust to a lot of things,
(25:08):
you know, the way things are. So what would you
say to that, what like to the sense of entitlement
that we sometimes feel, and to the fact that maybe
we should take some time and not rush into some
you know something right away after service.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
You know, it is an unfortunate reality.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
And I hate that so much because you know, a
lot of people will never really understand all of the
sacrifices that active duty military make, I mean even reserves.
Sorry I don't mean it that way, but they'll never
understand the sacrifices that we've had to make and how
much we miss out on. And you know, it's almost
(25:51):
like the military world is its own little bubble, which
can be good and bad. But you have to remember
that you're not the only transitioning veteran out.
Speaker 4 (26:01):
There right now.
Speaker 6 (26:01):
Unfortunately, especially with the past couple of years, there's been
a large exodus of people leaving the service, and so
you're competing with other veterans who came from different backgrounds,
educated or not. All these schools are not different Moss.
You know, different jobs different you know, deployments are not
(26:23):
and so you need to just like you did in
the military, you need to step it up and be like, Okay,
how can I how can I make myself marketable to
these companies? And yes, the humble acknowledgment of you are
not owed anything, and I think that it's it sounds
yucky to say, but you'll see it when you're in
(26:47):
that interview room or at work, like people are curious
and they're they'll say thank you for your service. Sure,
but at the end of the day, you're competing for
jobs for just just like anybody else. Yeah, and sometimes
it can be like the push that you need, like
I said, to to keep going to further yourself to
(27:09):
you know, kind of feel a little more up to par, Like, Okay,
I'm a veteran and I'm also educated, and I have
this background, I have this certification. It should push you
and inspire you to keep going and do more because
if anything, the military has taught you resilience, adaptability, how
to be teachable again, all of these all of these
(27:30):
amazing yeah, all of these amazing qualities that you need
to bring wherever you go and whatever you do.
Speaker 4 (27:38):
So, yeah, it can be a little bit of uh.
Speaker 6 (27:41):
You know, heartbreaking or a little like, uh, disheartening, but
it should push you to do more. And and yeah,
you know, I think sometimes a little bit of humility
can be good to Nobody likes.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
Nobody likes an entitled brat in whatever shape or form.
Speaker 4 (28:04):
I'm sorry, I don't care.
Speaker 6 (28:06):
Like yeah, like, if anything, it should explain why you
should not.
Speaker 4 (28:12):
Hey I'm a veteran, give me this.
Speaker 6 (28:14):
It's more like, hey, I'm a veteran, and this is
my experience. This is the stuff that I can bring
to the table. This is how I can be a
valuable asset. I think if you just change that perspective,
it can really help you and benefit you get that
job or get that promotion, you know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
So I think it would help on a personal level too,
because that's what most of us struggle with when we
get out, you know, feeling lost, feeling without purpose. But if,
like you said, we come out and we put a
spin on it, how can I this is this is
all that.
Speaker 3 (28:48):
I can do. How can I add value? How can
I be of service?
Speaker 2 (28:52):
How can I you know, you know, what can I
do to contribute to your mission as opposed to heed
me because I'm the stuff.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
Like you know, y, yeah, exactly, all right. I love this.
I love this.
Speaker 2 (29:10):
So if you could go back and talk to the
version of yourself just leaving the military, what advice would
you give her about mental health and finding purpose and
even resilience. You touched on resilience a little bit, but
definitely the mental health and finding your purpose.
Speaker 6 (29:31):
Oh oh, that's a good one. And I feel like
I constantly do talk to my younger self. It's kind
of a part of that healing process. And I think
what I would tell my younger self is that your
(29:53):
quality of life doesn't have to stay the way that
it is, can always get better despite the things that
have happened in the past.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
And I think that is kind of why.
Speaker 6 (30:09):
I started my platform too, is because I felt like,
you know, I was meeting a lot of people that
I admired, whether they had a social media presence or not,
and you know, you kind of humanize people. You see
that we're all still a little bit flawed and nobody's perfect, obviously,
But I think if you surround yourself with the right people,
you have good inspirations. You aspire to be more. You know,
(30:34):
life won't always be that difficult, right And when it
does feel that difficult, you have the tools to take
care of yourself and to show up better the next day.
And sometimes healing looks different every single day, but as
long as you're trying, you know, I applaud that, and
(30:54):
I think that that's like a huge emphasis because I
felt like I kind of gave up on myself.
Speaker 5 (31:00):
I felt so lost, I felt you know, confused. It
was just so dark. It was just such a dark time.
Speaker 6 (31:07):
But I would just tell myself that, you know, it
is really corny to say, but it really does get
better if you work on it, if you acknowledge it,
you work on it. And like I said, you're when
you go to therapy or you get help, you're given
these tools and you can always take that anywhere you go,
in whatever situation you're in. And I feel like that's
(31:28):
really really helped me solidify that inner strength and need
to keep going because you know, no one's gonna give
me the life that I want other than me, So
I'm going to keep on and be a go getter,
but also take care of myself on those days that
are really hard.
Speaker 3 (31:46):
Yeah, Yeah, full transparency. I still have hard.
Speaker 2 (31:49):
Days, you know, you know, and then like you said,
it's just a matter of taking that first stet moving.
You know, there was a time and it's not too
long ago where I.
Speaker 3 (32:00):
Literally had to self talk.
Speaker 7 (32:02):
You know.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
I coach people, so I'm doing the same to myself
to get out of bed, you know, just the first
just to step out of bed can be what a
lot of people are having a challenge with, you know,
so I appreciate you sharing that because it is important.
Speaker 3 (32:18):
The mental health piece.
Speaker 2 (32:19):
It goes a lot deeper than just you know, someone
being crazy.
Speaker 3 (32:24):
It's a lot of.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
Emotional you know, and shifts that people are dealing with transitioning.
You know, we talk about this a lot, but transition
is happening even after your transit, you transition from the military.
It's a daily thing, you know, so really stressing. And
I love that you're empowering others to do to take
(32:48):
a stand for their own mental health. You know. There's
and what I love though, is that there is not
now a big what's the word realization that mental health
is a thing, Like it's not oh she's crazy er,
that's no. There's a lot more layers to that you know,
(33:09):
and especially with veterans, you know, we have plenty of
things that we're having to sift through. But like you said,
it doesn't have to be what dictates your life on
a daily basis. You can do more, you can do,
you can't get past it. Just take that first step
to you know, to move.
Speaker 3 (33:29):
You just have to move.
Speaker 7 (33:31):
Yeah, absolutely, so in your put in your opinion, what
does it truly mean to make the connection, whether with yourself,
with others, or the resources available?
Speaker 4 (33:46):
Hmm.
Speaker 6 (33:47):
I think to me, what it means to make the
connection is to have that bravery to do something for yourself,
especially when you come from a background of service before
self so and I still struggle with that. I mean
even before the military, I was always that way. I
love to take care of other people and then myself
(34:09):
if that, you know, I would often neglect myself. So
having the bravery and the courage to just show up
and say, hey, I need this, not you know, my
private Joe, not you know, my platoon sergeant, not my boss,
not my coworker, not my bestie, but me.
Speaker 3 (34:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (34:29):
I think I think that is the.
Speaker 6 (34:31):
Biggest part, because too often we will neglect ourselves out
of pride, and you know, we we like tell ourselves like,
oh yeah, I'm so strong, because like I'm I'm just
like you know, pushing it down or whatever.
Speaker 3 (34:43):
No, but you acquire.
Speaker 6 (34:47):
And I say this very candidly because you know, I
still have my struggles, I still have my days, but
I just I can't give up on myself like I
did before. So that's what keeps me going to is
is that. But there's so much good that can come
out of you know, community, just like that camaraderie that
(35:08):
you had in the military. You can find that in
the veteran space or in other spaces. Just give it
a chance. And you don't know what you don't know.
And thankfully we're having these conversations. So what worked for
you might not work for somebody else, but you're still
trying and you're investing in yourself, and it's a part
of that like positive loving relationship that maybe a lot
(35:30):
of us have struggled to even have in the first place.
But making that connection, reaching out asking for help or
even just even if you don't want to acknowledge it yet,
but you're feeling kind of lonely and you just want
to hang out with somebody or you want to just
talk to a friend that's also making the connection, because
(35:52):
humans are social beings.
Speaker 3 (35:54):
You know.
Speaker 6 (35:55):
I understand that social media is very powerful and very useful,
but you know, sometimes even if it's just a phone call,
like on some of my darkest days, some of my
friends will never understand how much just a text message
or a phone call means to me. You know, So
it doesn't have to be these huge things like going
(36:15):
to retreats or or you know, going on a vacation.
You can do it right here from home. Even the
way that you talk to yourself matter. So you know,
I am very critical of myself, a little bit professionistic.
Speaker 2 (36:29):
But.
Speaker 6 (36:31):
Talking to myself in a more positive way and even
like expressing more gratitude. You know, you you can work
on that relationship with yourself so that you can show
up better and you can have that courage to do
the things that you want to do. But I also
will say is that we're only given so many years
on this earth, and so whether you do it or not,
(36:56):
the time is going to pass. And I say that
in a loving way in regards to like how I
had a few years.
Speaker 4 (37:03):
Of really you know, like a lot of like a lot.
Speaker 6 (37:07):
Of struggles, a lot of darkness, a lot of just
like self isolation. And you know, I look back and
I'm like, oh, man, like I wasted time, But like
I said earlier, I think I needed that time to
kind of.
Speaker 4 (37:20):
Feel it all.
Speaker 6 (37:21):
But also I could have used a little boost to
get myself out of that. And and I think that's
part of it. Is like listen to your friends when
they tell you, like, hey, let's let's go out, let's
go hang out, and let's go do something. So even
if your voice is telling you like no, I'm tired,
No I don't want to hang out with people, do
it anyway because you'll feel better going to the gym,
(37:43):
you know, texting a friend, calling a friend, you know,
at least reaching out and seeing what resources are out there.
Just you'll feel better that you did it, rather than
regretting and kind of beating yourself up afterwards like oh
I should have you know, should have could have them.
Speaker 4 (38:00):
So we're social beings.
Speaker 6 (38:02):
Don't deny yourself of that, you know, don't think like oh, yeah,
like I'm I'm this, and that I don't need anybody
like you're like all high and mighty. No, no, we
all need love we all need affection, we all need connection,
we all need friendship.
Speaker 5 (38:15):
And we grow in those spaces. So you can only
you can only get so far in isolation.
Speaker 3 (38:21):
Right, you really can.
Speaker 2 (38:22):
So you know, one of the things that I learned
just me getting my own help too, is giving myself permission.
You know, in the military, we're so used to someone
else giving us permission that it becomes ingrianded, like we
need permission from somebody, but we don't give ourself permission enough.
(38:43):
And that's what I'm hearing from you give yourself permission
to go through these emotions, to feel, to make a
connection to you know, tap into it, and you know,
like everything you said is true. It doesn't take a
whole you know, retreat for you to really make my day.
Speaker 3 (39:04):
I know.
Speaker 2 (39:04):
And maybe because we can relate to that, why that
resonates a lot, because you know, I remember I was
talking to someone this morning and I was telling them,
you know, when I was in Bosnia, I used to
get letters from one of my pen pals, and you
know how we get oh did I get mail today?
Did I get mail today? And when it stopped, it
broke me because I no longer had anything else to
(39:25):
look forward to you know, so simple things.
Speaker 3 (39:27):
When we used to write letters back in the day.
I don't know if you remember that, yep, no.
Speaker 2 (39:33):
But while we had text message, so it's a lot easier.
But it leads to one of the things that I
try to practice is kindness and just to add value
to everyone that I meet. You know, sometimes just complimenting
someone could be the you know, like a million dollars
to them because you never know.
Speaker 3 (39:52):
What space they're in.
Speaker 2 (39:53):
So I do appreciate you sharing that because we have
a lot of veterans that are going through dark times,
you know, and they feel alone, they isolate, you know,
and they just think there's no one, there's no community
for them, when there is.
Speaker 5 (40:11):
You know.
Speaker 2 (40:12):
I remember when I was looking for help, I went
on social and there are little groups that there's there's
there are veterans out there trying to connect with other veterans.
You just have to put yourself out there.
Speaker 4 (40:23):
You just have to.
Speaker 3 (40:25):
I mean, justice, I love this conversation. I have love
me too. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (40:31):
So all right, So what's next for you your how
are you continuing to grow and thrive and what's your
vision for the future of resilience in rowdy and your
your advocacy.
Speaker 4 (40:45):
Okay, oh my gosh, what's next. You know, I think.
Speaker 6 (40:52):
Before I kind of saw my platform, it's just like
a fun hobby, just something to do, like for fun,
you know, there was never any pressure with it. And
I think now it's really acknowledging that I don't have
to be so humble about it. I think I can
acknowledge that I am making a positive impact. I'm trying
(41:13):
to you know, do better and do things differently, you know,
more positively, and continuing that momentum with like okay, like
let's keep it going. Like I'm always meeting very interesting people,
you know, everybody has a really fun story.
Speaker 4 (41:30):
And I just want to be able to highlight that.
Speaker 6 (41:32):
So I think just really putting more effort into resilient
and rowdy than I had been in the previous years.
But also just I think hitting that milestone of turning
thirty and feeling you know, mixed feelings about it, but
trying to make the most of it. Is what I
can still do is so living unapologetically as I've never
(41:55):
thought that I would turn thirty or like be alive,
and how can I honor myself my talents and also
like honor my friends who aren't with me anymore. And
I think that that really reminds me of how short
life is. Is a lot of my friends passed away
(42:17):
before thirty and here I am, and I don't want
to take it for granted. So I want to keep
inspiring people. I want to keep showing people that you
can go through difficult and traumatic things and still come
out on the other side.
Speaker 4 (42:31):
It just takes a little bit of work.
Speaker 6 (42:33):
And you know, investing in yourself isn't selfish. I think
sometimes we have to remember that a lot of us
were raised very differently, and especially like certain generational lessons,
you know, especially like well man or woman.
Speaker 4 (42:48):
You know, we're not.
Speaker 6 (42:49):
Really taught how to love ourselves so and so giving
that grace, you know, when dealing with that within yourself
or with other people. But for Resilient Rowdy, I definitely
want to keep having conversations. I want to keep having fun.
I was contemplating, you know, maybe turning it into a
nonprofit or just something a little more like community wise.
(43:13):
So yes, there's a podcast, but there's this I'm just
not sure what that is. I think also somebody kind
of took the nonprofit name that I wanted. So I'm
still kind of getting creative, but I am helping other
nonprofits in that way. So I'm still I'm still yapping,
I'm still volunteering, and I think I'm just open to
(43:34):
the journey. Like I said, I just turned thirty, so
I don't know what this chapter is going to bring,
but I have a better feeling about this decade and
I also feel more prepared and I'm just excited to
see like just what this adventure brings. So keeping an
open mind is really hard for me because I'm a planner. Yeah,
(43:55):
so I'm just kind of like riding the wave. But
I am very grateful to you know, have the job
that I do, so in multiple aspects, I'm still kind
of carrying out that personal mission of just trying to
you know, be the light and inspire people and just show.
Speaker 4 (44:12):
Them genuinely that it does get better.
Speaker 6 (44:17):
And you know when you have those hard days that
there's this whole community backing you up, ready to support you.
Speaker 2 (44:23):
So yeah, yeah, I think the biggest takeaway from what
you said is just to definitely.
Speaker 3 (44:34):
Be open to the journey.
Speaker 2 (44:35):
It's not always going to be comfortable, it's not always
going to be you know, lights camera. It's not always
going to be something that's easy, but just being open
towards next, you know, in spite of what you're going through.
I think your podcast and my podcast kind of the
meaning behind it is very much aligned, you know, so
(44:58):
because that's what I want it for veterans. Yes, we've
gone through so much. We've experienced a lot of trauma.
We have a lot that we're trying to, you know,
to hash through within ourselves and deal with. But that's
just part of who we are, you know, be open
to what's next, you know, and we got to put
(45:20):
ourselves out there.
Speaker 3 (45:21):
A lot of us don't put ourselves out there enough.
Speaker 2 (45:23):
So Jes thank you so much for sharing your story
and your in you're just your incredible insights with us today,
your journey and your work to break the stigma around
mental health. It's truly inspiring and it's necessary. It's needed
so for our listeners. If you'd like to connect with
(45:44):
Jess and learn more about her podcast, Resilient and Rowdy,
or make the Connection campaign, check out the links that
I'll post in the show notes. But Jess, if you
if you have another platform or you can tell the
readers too, how they can reach you.
Speaker 5 (46:00):
Oh sure, So I'm on Instagram, I'm at jess C.
Speaker 4 (46:03):
James.
Speaker 5 (46:04):
The podcast is at Resilient dot rowdy.
Speaker 6 (46:07):
I'm also on YouTube and Make the Connection is Make
the Connection dot net. We've got some really fun stuff
and you know, if you need a little pick me up,
you can always just go to the website and find
a really inspirational video. So yeah, thank you so much
Renee for having me. I appreciate you so much.
Speaker 3 (46:24):
I loved it, love, I love today, So thank you.
Speaker 2 (46:28):
I want to thank our listeners for joining me on
this episode of Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform. So if
you enjoy today today's conversation, please like, share, and pass
it along to other veterans or anyone who could benefit
from these insights. Don't forget to join me live every
Friday at eleven am for more inspiring stories and an
(46:52):
advice to help you live boldly and thrive beyond the uniform.
Speaker 3 (46:57):
Until next time, keep living Unapologetically.
Speaker 1 (47:04):
This has been Living Unapologetically Beyond the Uniform with your host,
Renee Jones Hudson. We hope you found inspiration and valuable
insights in today's episode. Remember your journey of redefining, rediscovering,
and reaffirming your life post military is unique and powerful.
Stay connected with us for more stories, advice and support.
(47:27):
Until next time, stay strong and stay empowered. Listen Friday's
eleven am Eastern on the Bold Brave TV Network, powered
by B two Studios
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