Ep. 125 - The Living Man: Healing Our Heroes with Kristopher Pace

In Episode 127 of the MAX Afterburner podcast, Whiz opens with a powerful celebration of progress in the healing space. He highlights Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statement to Congress, where the HHS secretary boldly called for psychedelic therapies to be made available to veterans within the next 12 months. Whiz also spotlights a landmark five-year study from The Ohio State University showing that a single heroic dose of psilocybin helped 67% of participants recover from depression—with no relapse.Whiz then offers a transparent debrief on why the No Fallen Heroes Foundation didn’t attend the Psychedelic Science conference in force - 'a self licking ice cream cone & echo chamber'. He expresses concern over the commercialization of the healing movement and directly calls out several for-profit ibogaine clinics in Mexico for price gouging vulnerable veterans and families in crisis. “Healing shouldn’t come with a luxury price tag,” he says.The episode takes a deeper turn as Whiz addresses recent criticism surrounding Operation Midnight Hammer and the perceived contradiction of “celebrating war” while preaching healing. He responds with clarity and conviction, saying he is against all war—calling it the ultimate failure of human consciousness. But, he argues, if war must happen, it should be so brutal and unforgiving that it deters future conflict. He also shares a powerful reflection on the archetype of “the man who wanted to be left alone,” framing it as a cautionary tale for a world that pushes healed warriors too far.Finally, Whiz reflects on the last four years of his own journey—filled with setbacks, breakthroughs, and relentless work. He declares this moment “the end of the beginning”—and affirms that the real mission, the deeper healing and transformation, begins now.

Suzi sits down with Teresa Noach to explore her powerful journey of healing and spiritual awakening through plant medicine.In this intimate and heartfelt conversation, Teresa shares how sacred medicine helped her restore balance to her mind, body, and spirit—leading her to a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus.Together, Suzi and Teresa reflect on the intersection of trauma, transformation, and divine connection. Teresa opens up about how plant medicine became a catalyst not just for healing, but for rediscovering her purpose and the sacred truth within.This episode is a beautiful exploration of what it means to come home to yourself—and to God—through the ancient wisdom of the earth.

In this powerful episode, Whiz welcomes fellow veteran Kristopher Pace into the studio—an Air Force warrior who, like Whiz, faced the invisible wounds of service, including a traumatic brain injury. But instead of surrendering to the darkness, Kris found light through yoga, meditation, and plant medicine.Kris didn’t just practice yoga—he mastered it, reaching a level few ever do. That transformation inspired him to launch Vets2Yoga, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps veterans heal through movement, breathwork, and community connection.Kris is also the visionary behind The Living Man Festival, a conscious, family-friendly gathering set in the sacred stillness of Colorado’s high desert at the Kosmos Stargazing Resort. The festival honors our veterans, uplifts holistic wellness, and strengthens community through purpose-driven celebration.Whiz and Kris are teaming up to make Living Man a powerful force for good—a space where healing is real, connection is deep, and lives are changed.Tune in to hear their stories, their vision, and how they’re putting afterburners on a movement to save our nation's heroes.

Four years ago, Matthew “Whiz” Buckley crossed the border into Mexico with three fellow veterans and an NFL veteran—each seeking healing through psychedelic-assisted therapy after traditional methods failed to address the invisible wounds of war, trauma, and addiction.What began as a deeply personal journey has now become a national mission through the No Fallen Heroes Foundation. In this powerful episode of The MAX Afterburner Podcast, Whiz reflects on how far the movement has come—and how the past three weeks may represent a historic turning point for veteran mental health care in the United States.Highlights from the episode include:•        A public cabinet-level briefing on the role of psychedelics and nonprofits in the future of veteran care•        Whiz’s in-person meeting with VA Secretary Collins in Washington, D.C., advocating for access, research, and reform•        Updates from the federal summit on psychedelic medicine, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and veteran advocates•        Breaking news: The FDA Commissioner confirms that exploring psychedelic medicine is a “top priority” for the Trump administration•        The nomination of a new U.S. Surgeon General who claims psilocybin helped her heal and find loveThe episode closes with a forward-looking vision:Over the next four years, Whiz sees the rescheduling of psychedelic medicines, the creation of veteran vouchers, and stronger partnerships between the VA and nonprofit organizations delivering real-world outcomes.This episode is more than a reflection—it's a rally cry. The mission is clear: healing our heroes at home starts now.

In this powerful episode of MAX Afterburner Matthew “Whiz” Buckley shares where he is nearly four years after first sitting with the medicine—and why the path of awakening is anything but easy.Spiritual awakening is not all light and bliss. It often feels like a death—the death of who you thought you were. The dismantling of ego, identity, and the structures that once made you feel safe. It’s disorienting. It’s heavy. And it can feel painfully lonely.But Whiz reminds listeners: you are not alone. If you choose to heal, if you choose to walk through this fire, you’re walking with others who are doing the same. What feels like destruction is actually divine reconstruction. God removes the old not to punish, but to make room for the new. Truth isn’t good or bad—it’s just truth. And once it’s seen, it demands change. And there’s no turning back. This episode also touches on the recent passing of the Pope and Whiz’s public disagreement with how the Church has handled American Catholic politicians who support abortion—even up to and beyond birth. Silence from spiritual leaders in the face of moral conflict is not neutrality—it’s complicity.Finally, Whiz shares the gut-wrenching news that three people he knew personally were killed in a tragic plane crash in Boca Raton—news he received immediately after leaving the studio during a previous recording.Raw. Honest. Unapologetic.MAX Afterburner Episode 123 is full throttle.

In this action-packed solo episode, Whiz fires on all cylinders.He breaks down the recent string of aviation tragedies—from the heartbreaking crash in Boca Raton to the devastating NYC helicopter incident—offering insight only a former TOPGUN aviator can.Then he shifts gears to the markets, where volatility reigns. While others panic, Whiz explains how disciplined traders are seizing opportunities and profiting from the chaos.Finally, Whiz brings an inspiring update from the psychedelic frontlines. Incredible breakthroughs are happening in real time, helping our veterans, first responders, and their families find peace, purpose, and healing through alternative medicine.You’ll get news, mindset, strategy—and most importantly—hope.Fight’s on. Tune in.

In this powerful episode, Whiz sits down with Dr. Deborah Mash, the renowned neuroscientist known as the Queen of Ibogaine. While Whiz and countless others share their personal healing journeys with ibogaine, Dr. Mash brings the hard science. With over 30 years of research, she breaks down how ibogaine and its metabolite, noribogaine, work to heal trauma and addiction at the neurological level—including a scientific analysis of Whiz’s own experience.Dr. Mash tackles the fear and misinformation surrounding this medicine, explaining how the risks can be mitigated—or even eliminated—with proper protocols. She also discusses her groundbreaking work in taking the “psychedelic” out of the psychedelic experience, making ibogaine more accessible for those hesitant about the visionary aspects. As she asks, “Do you need the trip to get to the destination?”Dr. Mash also shares an exciting update on her company, DemeRx, and its mission to revolutionize treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).If you’re curious about ibogaine, considering sitting with this medicine, or know someone who could benefit, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Mash is the leading authority on the subject—and now, the newest member of the No Fallen Heroes advisory board.

Suzi and Cari McLean from Mental Joe sat down to discuss the powerful connection between family healing and the recovery of veterans and first responders. They emphasized that when one partner commits to healing, it strengthens the entire relationship, allowing them to better support their loved one’s journey. True recovery isn’t just about the individual—it’s about healing as a unit. Without addressing trauma together, moving forward as a family becomes a challenge. This conversation sheds light on the importance of collective healing, ensuring that no one walks the path alone.

In this episode of MAX Afterburner, the discussion begins with an important update: Maverick Mind Morning Brief and Night Trap microdoses are now in stock, along with new merchandise. Until the website is live, orders can be placed via email.A major announcement follows—Dr. Deborah Mash is joining the No Fallen Heroes Foundation advisory board. Known as the "Queen of Ibogaine," Dr. Mash has been at the forefront of research into this life-saving medicine since 1993, the same year the host earned his wings of gold as a Naval Aviator. Her expertise will play a crucial role in advancing the foundation’s mission of healing veterans.The episode also highlights a personal milestone as Suzi and the host travel to San Antonio for their son Matthew’s graduation from Air Force basic training. While in Texas, they plan to visit the bridge over the river where he proposed to Suzi on October 23, 1993—tying together family, service, and legacy.The conversation then shifts to the tragic midair mishap involving an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet over the Potomac. A detailed breakdown of the ‘links in the chain’ leading to the accident is provided, emphasizing the critical importance of experience, skill, and precision in aviation. The incident serves as a stark reminder that aviation demands the most qualified professionals in both the cockpit and control tower. The host makes it clear: Aviation is a self-cleaning oven, and DEI has no place in it—because DEI kills.This episode delivers hard-hitting analysis and unfiltered truth.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lance Cutsforth, an Army veteran, double board-certified Functional Medicine practitioner, and co-founder of Mons Sana, a healing community in Colorado. With decades of experience in mental wellness and optimization, Lance shares his personal and professional journey of addressing trauma, suicidal ideation, addiction, and TBI through a multi-modal approach. We dive into his work with alternative therapies and the transformative potential of entheogenic medicines. Lance’s story of lived experience and his commitment to helping military, first responders, and their families transition from surviving to thriving will inspire and challenge how you think about healing. Don’t miss this powerful conversation.