Episode 29: Samuel Johnson aka "Wheelzz"

Host Sterling Bronson, workshop facilitator Thomas Walk, and fellow participants Tineise Davenport, Adam, Carl Ream, and Matthew Jones reflect on Thomas’s veteran-focused creative expression workshop and its themes of self-care, self-talk, and personal agency. They discuss how to put yourself on the priority list without isolating, find an expressive outlet that fits, and offer support without taking responsibility for saving someone else. Thomas Walk, Sterling Bronson, Carl Ream, Adam, Tineise Davenport, and Matthew Jones reflect on communicating through distress, veteran peer support, creative expression, and turning painful experiences into connection. The conversation also explores plans for an artist-focused podcast segment and collaborative nonprofit support, with practical insights into building community and finding help that fits.

Finding Inspiration in Recovery: A Conversation with Thomas WalkJoin us as we explore the power of connection and personal growth.In this engaging session, Sterling Bronson facilitates a rich conversation with Thomas Walk, who shares his journey of recovery and personal growth. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, setting the stage for an open dialogue about the connections that inspire us.Thomas begins by reflecting on his relationship with Adam, who has been a significant source of inspiration in his recovery journey. Adam shares, > "I’ve been clean and sober for fifteen months and twenty-some days."This moment highlights the importance of accountability and support within recovery. Thomas emphasizes how Adam's journey has motivated him, saying,As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that the group is not just a collection of individuals but a community of shared experiences. Sterling notes that this gathering is a unique opportunity for learning and collaboration. He recalls how he first met Thomas during episode 30 of the podcast, describing it as a pivotal moment that eventually led to this collaborative effort.Throughout the dialogue, there’s an underlying theme of adaptability. Sterling encourages everyone to embrace the learning process as they navigate the challenges of hosting and participating in these sessions. He mentions,This sentiment resonates strongly, reminding us that growth often comes from stepping outside our comfort zones.As the session wraps up, the importance of community support in recovery is reinforced. Thomas’s journey exemplifies how connections can lead to profound personal transformations. This conversation invites us to reflect on the relationships that inspire us in our own lives.For those interested in deeper insights, consider listening to the full episode. It serves as a reminder that while recovery can be a solitary journey, it is often the connections we forge that illuminate our path forward.The Power of Connection"It helps me recognize that those connections we make are real. You know, I’m not just making it up."Collective GrowthEmbracing Learning and Adaptation"We’re all learning here."Closing Thoughts

Just a little overview of the Breathe and Believe in Yourself workshop. Facilitated by Thomas Walk.

In this episode, Paul Diamond shares his remarkable journey through military service, mental health challenges, and his efforts to support veterans through Heroes Haven. Discover inspiring stories, mental health insights, and how veterans are transforming their lives.Paul spent 32 years in the military with countless deployments. He talks about his survivors guilt, and his own personal struggle with Mental Health before he found help through equestrian therapy and his journey to give back through Hero's Haven.

Summary: In this episode, Sterling Bronson hosts Carl and Jackie to explore the realities of military deployment, the emotional impact on families, and the stories behind military patches and history. They share personal experiences, military stories, and future plans, offering insights into service life and family resilience. In this episode, Sterling Bronson and guests share insights from military deployments, personal stories, and reflections on mental health, communication, and family life. They explore the culture of military service, the importance of support systems, and the inspiring stories of resilience and history.

From Struggles to Strength: Thomas Walk's JourneyExplore the transformative power of art and communication in mental health.In our latest episode, host Sterling Bronson sits down with Thomas Walk, a spoken word artist and advocate for mental health, to discuss his profound journey from darkness to light.Thomas shares how he met Brad Howe and the impact that connection had on his life. Initially struggling with mental wellness after moving to Michigan, he found solace and purpose in his art. In his own words, "I had just moved to Michigan... trying to find a new start for my journey for mental wellness."His experience with mental health challenges led him to create a powerful suicide awareness piece called After You're Gone, which won him a national award. This accolade became a pivotal moment in his journey, leading him to meet Brad and ultimately, to share his story with a wider audience.Reflecting on his time in the military, Thomas recounts how a traumatic experience in Iraq shifted his perspective. "I felt like I'm here to be a hero... but something about that moment cracked my ability to see myself as a hero." This moment of realization marked the beginning of his struggles with mental health.After facing significant challenges, including a battle with suicidal thoughts and a complicated relationship with the VA system, Thomas found a new path. He founded Mental Health Through Art, a platform where he facilitates workshops that empower others to express themselves through poetry. "I do a lot of different stuff, but my workshops currently that I do in public are all poetry," he shares, emphasizing the importance of communication in healing. His approach is hands-on, encouraging participants to write personal creeds that highlight their strengths, fostering connection and understanding among peers.Thomas's story is one of resilience and transformation. He reminds us that communication is key: "I realized a lot of those problems in those relationships could have been solved with simple communication."As we wrap up this episode, Thomas's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing our stories and supporting one another. His commitment to mental health advocacy through art is not just a profession; it's a lifeline for many.For a deeper dive into Thomas's experiences and insights, listen to the full episode of the Come Hang Podcast. Let his journey inspire you to speak up and reach out, whether for yourself or for a friend.A Path to WellnessThe Military ExperienceTurning Pain into PurposeA Message of Hope

In this episode we hear Wheelzz talk about his journey as a combat medic, turned criminal and drug abuser, and his amazing recovery after loosing the full use of his legs.

In this episode, Nate Moran, aka Nate the Mime, shares his remarkable journey from military service to becoming a celebrated mime and performer. He discusses overcoming adversity, the power of creative arts in healing, and the importance of never giving up.

In this episode, Justin Rumford shares his journey from rodeo contestant to renowned rodeo clown, highlighting the values of cowboy culture, the importance of education, and the spirit of service that defines the cowboy way of life

Donna Zephyrin shares her inspiring journey as an Army veteran with disabilities, highlighting her service, challenges, and advocacy for veterans. This episode explores her military experiences, overcoming adversity, and her active involvement in veteran support initiatives.