Ken O’Hearn | Losing Identity, Finding Purpose: A Veteran Therapist's Journey Through Trauma, Faith & Healing

In episode 173 of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams sitsdown with Ken O’Hearn — a veteran, former paramedic, and trauma therapist who rebuilt his identity after nearly losing it.Ken opens up about the unseen cost of military and first-responder service: identity collapse, spiritual struggle, emotional numbness, shut-down communication, and the shadow work required to truly heal. He dives deep intoEMDR, RTM, cognitive behavioral approaches, inner-child work, and why early intervention saves lives.Ken shares how his wife’s unwavering belief pulled him out of the darkest season of his life, how faith rebuilt his direction, and why he now dedicates himself to helping veterans, medics, law enforcement, and trauma survivors reclaim their lives. His story is raw, spiritual, clinical, vulnerable, and packed with wisdom.If you or someone you love has served in the military, first response, or carries trauma into adulthood, this conversation will change the way you see healing and responsibility forever.Topics Covered:• Losing identity after service• Marriage, consistency, and emotional regulation• Shadow work, Carl Jung, and self-awareness• EMDR, RTM, CBT and modern trauma therapy• Parenting, foster care, and legacy• Why veterans feel “too far gone” — and why they’re not• Faith, purpose, and the pursuit of righteousness• How to actually help someone who is struggling Connect with Ken:TheTraumaGuru.net (virtual sessions available) 00:00 A New Path to Healing01:21 Introduction to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast01:51 Meet Ken: From Paramedic to Therapist03:15 Ken's Journey: From Military to Civilian Life05:23 Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform08:33 The Impact of Family and Relationships11:08 Challenges and Triumphs in the Military23:21 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Career37:14 Losing Myself and My Family37:29 A Blessing in Disguise38:30 Meeting My Wife: A Life-Changing Date39:58 Setting Expectations in Relationships42:45 Journey to Faith and Spiritual Growth45:10 The Impact of a Supportive Partner46:29 Ironman Aspirations and Family Influence48:53 The Power of Spiritual Connection51:44 Consistency in Relationships54:06 Facing Demons and Self-Awareness01:03:04 Therapeutic Techniques: EMDR and RTM01:11:29 Helping Veterans and First Responders01:14:56 Introduction to the Green Beret's Story01:15:21 A Harrowing Encounter01:17:30 The Aftermath and Emotional Impact01:20:47 Challenges in Communication01:21:12 Facing Inner Shadows01:23:02 Exploring Darkness Retreats01:28:03 Helping Those Who Feel Too Far Gone01:37:13 The 10,000 Piece Puzzle Analogy01:41:20 Supporting Veterans and First Responders01:48:45 Becoming a Foster Parent01:53:42 Final Reflections and Relentless Pursuit #VeteranMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #EMDRTherapy #RTMTherapy#FirstResponderSupport #MentalHealthMatters #CombatPTSD #JoeAdams#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #TherapyJourney #IdentityLoss #ShadowWork#FaithAndHealing #EMDR #VeteranStories #MentalHealthAwareness

Kristen Martinez sits down with Joe Adams for one of the most raw & emotional episodes yet. From losing custody of her children, multiple relapses, DUI's & hitting rock bottom three times in one year — to rebuilding her life through recovery, therapy, spiritual surrender & learning to liveintentionally. Kristen shares the full truth of addiction, motherhood, trauma, boundaries, rebuilding identity & fighting for a second chance.Her story shows that recovery is possible, motherhood can berestored & your life is not over — no matter how far you’ve fallen. Timestamps:00:00 Opening Reflections on Addiction and Motherhood01:12 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast01:44 Introducing Kristen Martinez02:00 Kristen's Connection with Brooke Moore04:45 Life Updates and Career Growth07:12 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics27:03 Navigating College Relationships33:58 Early Adulthood and Motherhood Challenges36:07 Adversities in Marriage and Personal Growth45:56 Emotional Survival Mode47:32 Struggles with Alcohol and Isolation48:51 The Turning Point: Leaving and Seeking Help50:34 The Battle with Addiction52:31 Losing Custody and Hitting Rock Bottom54:11 The Road to Recovery56:31 Rehab and Relapse58:37 Final Attempt at Recovery01:02:52 Finding Support and Spirituality01:06:42 Rebuilding Relationships and Moving Forward01:36:21 Reconnecting with an Old Friend01:36:51 The Importance of Structure in Recovery01:38:13 Building Relationships with Children01:42:19 Redefining Identity Beyond Motherhood01:45:35 Navigating Relationships in Recovery01:57:38 Strengthening Bonds Through Adversity02:05:51 Advocating for Mothers in Recovery02:09:40 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Goals02:12:19 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude If you’re struggling — this episode is hope.#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #MothersInRecovery#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #OvercomingAddiction #SpiritualRecovery #MentalHealthHealing #RebuildingLife #NARecovery #RecoveryCommunity #JoeAdams

In Part 2 of his powerful story, Matty Fiorenza opens up about the darkest chapters of his life — addiction, assault, shame, injury, ideation, and the long road toward recovery, faith, and redemption.From brain health breakthroughs and first responder trauma to marriage restoration, fatherhood, and spiritual awakening, this is one of the most raw and transformative conversations ever shared on the Relentless Pursuit Podcast.If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode may be exactly what they need.Episode 171 • The Relentless Pursuit Podcast • Hosted by Joe Adams 00:00 A Dark Plan and a Life-Saving Intervention00:52 The Power of Brotherhood and Redemption01:33 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast02:18 A Night of Chaos and Regret03:48 Facing the Consequences and Seeking Help06:42 A Journey to Healing and Transformation10:04 The Role of Rituals and Daily Practices16:17 The Impact of Save A Warrior Program36:48 Spreading the Message and Helping Others38:44 A Mentor's Compassion39:36 The Power of Grief Support41:21 Peer Support and Personal Growth42:29 A Hero's Journey: Mark Wessing45:42 Challenges and Triumphs in Recovery48:00 The Impact of The Pandemic52:01 A Life-Saving Intervention01:02:41 Rebuilding and Rediscovering Purpose01:15:39 A Spiritual Awakening01:18:14 Joining the Church Security Team01:18:37 Struggles and Reconciliation01:19:33 A Prophetic Moment01:19:50 Expecting a Baby Girl01:20:55 Personal Growth and Recovery01:22:07 Working in Mental Health01:23:05 A Trip to Alabama01:23:38 Hawaii and Personal Reflections01:26:53 Nonprofit Work and Advocacy01:30:17 Identity and Family01:30:26 Reconnecting with a Business Partner01:33:08 Generational Trauma and Identity01:41:31 Helping Others and Finding Peace01:44:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #MattyFiorenza #RedemptionStory #TraumaRecovery #FirstResponderMentalHealth #PTSDAwareness #AddictionRecovery #FaithAndHealing#MensMentalHealth #BrainHealth  

In Part 1 of this unforgettable two-part episode, Joe Adams sits down with firefighter, keynote speaker, and recovery advocate Matty Fiorenza — a man who has battled the kind of darkness most people never survive.Before becoming a leader for first responders and veterans, Matty lived through a storm of childhood trauma, toxic relationships, addiction, violence, and the kind of self-destruction that nearly cost him his life. He opens up about the moments that broke him, the lies he told himself, the pain he caused, and the internal flames he spent years trying to numb.This episode goes far beyond addiction.It’s about the truth men avoid, the chaos we create, and the courage it takes to face ourselves.In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Matty opens up about:• Growing up in chaos, abandonment, and abuse• Finding identity in punk rock, rebellion, and danger• Becoming a firefighter and “living the dream” on the outside• How trauma, infidelity, and addiction slowly tore his life apart• PTSD, nightmares, hypervigilance, and trying to “fake it” on the job• Losing his marriage, his kids, and nearly his life• The DUI, assault, and suicidal moment that became a breaking point• The cops who talked him down — and the woman who saw something in him when he didn’tThis is more than a firefighter story — it’s about addiction, PTS/PTSD, fatherhood, broken identity, and the brutal cost of unresolved pain.If you’re a first responder, veteran, spouse, or anyone who feels like they’ve gone too far to come back, this episode is for you.Part 2 drops Sunday, November 23rd — and that’s where the story erupts into the turning point that changed everything.00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles01:33 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome03:55 Guest's Professional Background09:13 Personal Life and Family Dynamics16:19 Early Life and Rebellious Youth33:10 Reflecting on Childhood and Early Life Lessons35:32 Struggles with Betrayal and Anger37:51 Navigating Family and Career Challenges42:53 The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter55:01 Facing Personal and Professional Adversities01:05:11 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Redemption01:07:31 A Glimmer of Hope and Support01:12:14 The Road to Recovery and Reconciliation#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #MattyFiorenza #FirefighterStories #TraumaHealing #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #FirstResponders #SurvivorStory #UnfilteredConversations

On this episode, host Joe Adams sits down with Mckenzie to unpack one of the most powerful & emotionally charged stories ever shared on The Relentless Pursuit Podcast. Mckenzie opens up about surviving an abusive marriage, navigating threats, manipulation, financial devastation & the weight of keeping years of trauma silent while holding a family & a business together.She details the moment everything broke, the fight to protect her children, the failures of the justice system, the chaotic aftermath & the long road toward reclaiming her identity. Together, Joe & Mckenzie explore the reality of staying strong in silence, breaking generational cycles, rebuilding self-worth, choosing healing & finding love & stability after chaos.Mckenzie also shares how she built a thriving pet business in themidst of turmoil, the strength required to leave & the internal evolution that followed.This episode is raw, vulnerable, and deeply human — a testimony to resilience, courage & the relentless pursuit of peace.00:00 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast00:46 Reconnecting with McKenzie 03:46 Life Today: Motherhood and Career11:08 Reflecting on Childhood and Family16:44 High School Challenges and Abusive Relationship33:22 Struggles with Trust and Anger33:41 Self-Improvement and Relationship Growth35:01 Understanding Control and OCD Tendencies37:00 Trust Issues and Friendships38:44 MMA Training and Personal Growth44:08 Meeting and Marrying the Ex-Husband53:04 Turbulent Marriage and Parenthood01:07:18 Struggles of a Stepparent01:07:44 Balancing Business and Personal Life01:08:55 Parental Disapproval and Personal Realizations01:11:52 The Breaking Point01:13:35 A Desperate Situation01:16:13 Seeking Help and Facing Challenges01:19:53 Final Decision and Legal Battles01:25:25 Reaching the End of the Line01:30:25 Taking Control and Moving Forward01:50:17 Legal System and Custody Issues01:52:07 Struggles of Co-Parenting with an Unstable Ex01:53:42 Financial Hardships and Unfair Divorce Settlements01:55:49 Coping with Emotional Trauma and Family Dynamics02:02:59 Finding Strength and Independence02:09:16 Building a Successful Pet Business02:23:02 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Healing02:30:39 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #HealingJourney #AbuseAwareness #Motherhood #SurvivorStory #Resilience #TraumaHealing #RelentlessPursuit

In this deeply emotional episode, former Army Major Matt Childers sits down with Joe Adams to open up about the battles most veterans never talk about — losing identity after service, the pain of divorce, fatherhood challenges, rebuilding emotional skills, and rediscovering faith.From deployments in Iraq & Afghanistan to struggling as a single father, Matt shares the raw truth behind military life after the uniform comes off — the communication struggles, family tension, loneliness, healing journey, and learning how to feel and lead emotionally after decades of being trainednot to.This episode is a reminder that some of the hardest wars are fought at home — and that growth, vulnerability, and love require strength far beyond the battlefield.If you’re a veteran, spouse, father, or someone trying to repair family relationships while becoming the person you wish you were — this conversation is for you.📌 Topics Covered• Army life & deployments (Iraq & Afghanistan)• Transitioning out of the military• Fatherhood struggles & repairing relationships• Divorce, identity crisis, & emotional isolation• Learning to communicate & feel again• Faith, humility, and healing🙏 If you’re struggling, you’re not alone.Healing takes courage. Asking for help is strength.00:00 Introduction and Emotional Struggles01:01 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast01:34 Introducing Today's Guest: Matt Childers02:51 Life Changes and New Beginnings05:37 The Importance of Brotherhood and Friendship08:52 Matt's Military Background and West Point Experience09:31 Childhood and Family Influences10:22 Sports and Leadership Development18:31 West Point Challenges and Football Journey29:05 Finding Home with Jan Adams30:16 Reflecting on Childhood and Communication32:59 Military Beginnings: West Point to Alaska35:27 Deployment Experiences and Leadership36:49 Returning to West Point and Admissions Role49:07 Advising Afghan Battalion Commanders01:03:04 Deployment Challenges and Family Strain01:04:37 Career Setbacks and Promotions01:07:29 Returning Home and Family Dynamics01:14:37 Divorce and Single Fatherhood01:17:11 Struggles with Communication and Parenting01:19:56 Rebuilding Relationships and Seeking Help01:32:57 The Importance of Communication and Support01:37:48 Navigating Emotional Expression01:40:19 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life01:42:11 Building a Team and Leadership01:43:51 The Importance of Safe Spaces in Relationships02:03:23 Reconnecting with Faith02:09:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections  #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #PTSDRecovery #FatherhoodJourney #HealingTrauma #ArmyMajor #VeteranMentalHealth #DivorcedDad #FaithAndHealing #RealConversations #MensMentalHealth #EmotionalGrowth #RedemptionStory #PodcastClips #PersonalGrowthJourney #MilitaryFamily #WarriorMindset #BecomingBetterMen

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses childhoodabuse, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in the U.S.) or seek help in your country.In this powerful and emotional part 2 episode.Tiffany Childers opens up about her journey through unimaginable pain—betrayal, family collapse, generational trauma, and the path toward healing.Together we explore what it means to confront truth, set boundaries, and rebuild faith when everything feels broken.Tiffany’s honesty is raw and unfiltered, but her story is filled with strength, compassion, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from surviving the fire. We talk about:• Healing from generationaldysfunction• Setting boundaries with family• Breaking cycles of silence and abuse• Faith, forgiveness, and the power ofprayer• Finding peace through service andpurpose• Veteran support, community, andresilience 🔥 About the PodcastThe Relentless Pursuit Podcast isn’t just a show — it’s a movement. We bring light to hard conversations and stories that matter. It’s raw. It’s human. It’s real. 🎧 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@RelentlessPursuitPodcast🎙️ Follow on Instagram: joeadams_rp andtiktok: rp_sweetpea 💡 Connect with Tiffany• Email: [email protected]• Learn more / Volunteer: wearebuildinglives.org 🕯️ If this episode moved you —share it, comment below, and let someone know they’re not alone. 00:00 Introduction: The Depth of Love and Effort00:40 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast01:13 Tiffany Childers Story: Part Two01:25 Rituals and Nature's Connection02:47 Brotherhood and Community09:18 The Power of Physical Challenges15:19 Mental Resilience and Overcoming Hardships27:41 Sharing Stories and Finding Purpose33:50 The Relentless Pursuit of Authenticity34:34 Spiritual Significance of the Brand Name35:11 Personal Growth and Authenticity36:51 Embracing the Unknown38:39 The Veil Effect and Clarity40:34 Family Dynamics and Boundaries49:29 Generational Dysfunction and Healing56:39 The Role of Community and Support01:04:50 Protecting Our Children01:05:26 Facing Hard Truths01:06:39 Coping with Trauma01:09:36 Finding Strength in Community01:15:35 The Power of Prayer and Partnership01:36:06 Relentless Pursuit of Healing01:38:56 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action #RelentlessPursuit #HealingJourney#FaithOverFear #TraumaToTriumph #Boundaries #Resilience #Podcast #MentalHealth#Veterans #Forgiveness #RawConversations #RelentlessAuthenticity 

In this unforgettable episode of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, host Joe Adams sits down with Tiffany Childers — a woman whose story will move you to your core.Tiffany opens up about her journey through childhood abuse, unhealed trauma, and the moment she almost ended her life… before finding her way back through faith, purpose, and fierce love for her children.What begins as a story of pain transforms into one of power — breaking generational chains, rediscovering God, and becoming the woman she needed when she was little.This conversation is a raw, unfiltered look into what it means to confront your demons, reclaim your worth, and rise through fire.Watch until the end for a powerful reflection on healing, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit.🎧 Part 2 premieres Sunday, October 19th at 4 PM CST.📍 00:00 A Desperate Moment in the Field01:14 Finding Faith Amidst Struggles02:41 Introduction to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast03:15 Meet Tiffany Childers: A Journey of Resilience07:55 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics09:12 Unveiling Hidden Traumas12:50 The Impact of Abuse and Seeking Healing17:13 The Power of Therapy and Authentic Connections21:09 The Role of Safe Relationships in Healing26:31 Struggles with Organized Religion33:31 Realizing the Truth About People34:33 The Healing Season35:17 Youth Group Memories36:02 Struggles with Family and Faith36:34 High School and Early Adulthood Challenges37:05 Facing Childhood Trauma38:10 Breaking the Silence39:45 The Impact of Abuse01:05:03 Generational Dysfunction and Healing01:09:15 The Role of Respect and Vulnerability in Relationships01:15:29 Conclusion and Call to Action#TiffanyChilders #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #RelentlessPursuit #JoeAdams #HealingJourney #FaithThroughTheFire #SurvivingTheShadows #BreakingGenerationalChains #TraumaHealing #OvercomingTrauma #RedemptionStory #EmotionalHealing #FaithAndResilience #SpiritualGrowth #HealingFromAbuse #SurvivorStory #MentalHealthAwareness #AuthenticConversations #RealStories #PodcastCommunity

In Part 2, Ricky Daniels dives deeper into life back in theU.S., rediscovering purpose, and finding faith after years of searching. From navigating lockdowns in Australia to stepping into the MMA cage and ultimately walking into a new season of spiritual growth, Ricky shares lessons onresilience, balance, and the relentless pursuit of truth. His story is a reminder that the hard path often leads to the brightest light.Timestamps:00:00 Foreigners in China: A Night Out00:18 The East China Sea Dispute01:18 Unity Amongst Foreigners03:38 Introduction to the Podcast04:24 Ricky Daniels' Journey: From China to Australia05:16 Life in Australia: Challenges and Triumphs17:09 The Impact of COVID-1918:00 Reflections on Government and Society24:46 Transitioning Careers: Fitness to Firefighting26:39 Spiritual Awakening and Personal Growth30:43 Psychedelics and Perception33:55 Exploring the Concept of Light and Hell34:27 Are We Already in Hell?35:21 The Light Within Us36:12 Fighting for the Light37:09 Choosing a Sober Life39:14 Seeking Struggle and Growth41:52 The Art of Combat and Personal Growth44:47 Spiritual Warfare in Everyday Life46:59 The Power of Ideas and Beliefs56:56 The Many Paths to God01:03:57 Final Reflections and Relentless Pursuit#RelentlessPursuit #RickyDaniels #MMAandFaith #LifeTransformation#ChoosingTheHardPath

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Joe Adams sitsdown with Ricky Daniels to explore a journey that spans continents, battles, and transformations. From childhood struggles and feeling boxed in, to life abroad in China and Australia, Ricky shares the raw experiences that shapedhim. Along the way, he reflects on MMA, cultural clashes, and the lessons of freedom and faith discovered in unexpected places. This is a story of resilience, discovery, and choosing the hard path when it matters most.Sponsors:- Fresh Coat Services- Lake & Land Detailing- True Friends Moving Company- Protein Snack Shop- Speakeasy AestheticsTimestamps:00:00 Childhood Visions and Struggles01:06 Introduction to the Podcast01:38 Meet Ricky Daniels02:39 Ricky's Current Life Goals05:11 Ricky's Upbringing and Family Background12:09 Spiritual Encounters and Paranormal Experiences23:32 Understanding Shadow People and Spiritual Dimensions39:16 Striving for Positivity40:04 Inmates and Paranormal Experiences41:25 Adolescent Struggles and Spiritual Awakening42:10 Challenges with Church and Youth Group45:12 Teenage Rebellion and Identity Crisis55:37 Navigating Racial Stereotypes01:06:48 Embracing Individuality and Rebellion01:14:15 Overseas Experiences and Personal Growth01:14:23 Regretting a Film Degree01:15:37 Navigating the 2008 Economic Crash01:16:04 Challenges in Hollywood01:17:33 The Rise of Reality TV01:18:50 Struggles of Young Filmmakers01:24:20 Teaching English Overseas01:26:48 Living in Rural China01:28:48 Learning Mandarin01:43:34 Moving to Australia01:50:59 Sponsorship Message#RelentlessPursuit #RickyDaniels #FaithAndFreedom #MMAJourney#ChoosingTheHardPath