I'm F.I.N.E.

In today's compelling episode, the dynamic duo Brad and Eric team up with esteemed guest, John Haberkamp, to delve into an issue near to our hearts: hypervigilance in veterans. They'll navigate through the rough waters of recognizing, coping, and responding to hypervigilance, a stark reality for many who've served. Listen in as our hosts and guest explore the critical transition from military life to civilian streets, and the unexpected vigilance that tags along. They also unpack the importance of having a caring circle, slowing down the brain, and decoding the color codes of awareness. Plus, get ready for riveting personal tales, from startling boot camp memories to the subtle tensions in a grocery store aisle.A warm salute to our episode partners, Guardian Concepts and Trio for their unwavering support. Contact Guardian Concepts: 815-933-1700www.guardian-concepts.comContact TRIO: 708-235-3352www.govst.edu/trioeocThe I'm F.I.N.E. Podcast is a division of Project Headspace and Timing. Learn more at projectheadspaceandtiming.org

In this episode of the I’m F.I.N.E. podcast, hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek delve into the topic of isolation and loneliness. Discover why we evolved to feel loneliness, how it impacts our mental and physical health, and how our upbringing can influence our feelings of loneliness in adulthood. The hosts candidly share their personal experiences and offer tips on navigating these often overwhelming emotions. Don't miss their engaging, humorous, and empathetic take on this universal human experience.And don't forget, a hearty hooah goes out to our allies at Trio for their support! Visit: www.govst.edu/trioeoc

In today's debrief, Brad and Eric courageously navigate the no man's land of social encounters in "I'm F.I.N.E. with Being Socially Awkward." Our hosts don their most genuine personas to share the comedic yet relatable tales of their struggles with social awkwardness, from Eric's familial faux pas at a restaurant to Brad's bloody nose in the pursuit of childhood romance. The guys unpack the heavy rucksack of social anxieties, touching on how their military training both sharpened and skewed their social caliber, leaving them sometimes out of sync with civilian life's subtler rhythms.In a heartfelt camaraderie, Brad and Eric offer their own frontline strategies to improve social fortifications, including the surprising solace found in supportive peer groups, therapy, and the therapy of laughter in recognizing one's own idiosyncrasies. They march through the dense thicket of social stigmatization, aiming to plant the flag of acceptance in the heart of our collective awkward universe.And don't forget, a hearty hooah goes out to our allies at Trio for their support! www.govst.edu/trioeocJoin us, won't you? Reload your coping mechanisms and let's lock 'n load for another round of I'm F.I.N.E., where it's okay to be a soldier in the army of the socially unorthodox!

Welcome to all of our F.I.N.E. Family and thank you for tuning into another episode of the 172nd most listened to mental health podcast in Cambodia! On today's episode the boys talk about one of the most important aspects of a veteran's transition into the civilian world: finding a purpose. Brad and Eric are joined by P.H.a.T. Family Member and Army Veteran Jared Walters to talk about what purpose means to a veteran, and the skills veterans have learned through their time in service and how they can apply to the civilian world. The boys also cover why finding your purpose can be so difficult, and give a ton of examples of ways you can explore what that post-service purpose is.And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

In this episode of Mental Health Mondays with Melanie McCummiskey, listeners are invited to delve into the crucial topic of establishing healthy boundaries in various aspects of life. Throughout the episode, McCummiskey navigates the intricate terrain of boundaries, elucidating their significance in relationships spanning from romantic partnerships to interactions with coworkers and family members. With clarity and compassion, she explains that boundaries serve as the necessary framework for maintaining balance between intimacy and self-preservation.Drawing from her expertise, McCummiskey emphasizes the empowering nature of the word "no" in setting boundaries and advocates for cultivating self-awareness to discern personal comfort levels. Through relatable examples and practical advice, she guides viewers on recognizing signs of overwhelm and the importance of asserting boundaries accordingly.Moreover, McCummiskey sheds light on the modern challenges of boundary-setting in a technology-driven world, offering insights into managing phone usage and prioritizing rest for optimal mental health. She encourages viewers to honor their own needs by setting limits on commitments and advocating for respectful treatment in interpersonal dynamics.As the episode draws to a close, McCummiskey leaves listeners with a heartfelt reminder of the immediate relief that comes with establishing boundaries. With warmth and encouragement, she invites viewers to embark on their boundary-setting journey, assuring them of the transformative impact it can have on their lives.

Hey there F.I.N.E. Family and welcome to another episode of the 172nd most listened to mental health podcast in Cambodia! On today's episode we talk about something that many veterans miss after leaving service: camaraderie. We explain what it is and why it is so important in military culture, why it tends to be lacking in the civilian world, the scientific benefits and impact camaraderie has on the body and mind, how veterans can stay connected to their peers after they leave service, and a lot more! We also share some resources on some of the organizations that have helped us regain that sense of belonginging.And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Welcome back FINE Family! After a brief hiatus the boys are back with a new episode about how the weather impacts our Mental Health. Eric and Brad talk about the personal and scientific perspectives on the connection between weather and our mood, how weather can impact veteran mental health specifically, the impact that being outside has on your mental health, and how you can get yourself in a better mood when the weather gets you down. And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

In this episode of Mental Health Mondays, host Melanie McCummiskey delves into the profound and complex topic of grief. As she opens the discussion, Melanie defines grief as the process of accepting and navigating through the array of emotions that accompany loss, whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job, or an opportunity.Throughout the episode, Melanie explores the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—providing insights into what each stage entails. She emphasizes the normalcy of feeling anger during the grieving process and discusses the phase of bargaining, where individuals may find themselves making deals with a higher power in an attempt to bring back what has been lost.Melanie skillfully guides us through the stages of depression, highlighting the deep sadness that often accompanies the realization of loss. Finally, she touches on the ultimate stage of grief: acceptance. Here, individuals reach a point of equilibrium, having traversed the emotional rollercoaster and fully embraced the reality of the changed circumstances.In the latter part of the episode, Melanie offers practical advice on managing grief, tailoring her recommendations based on age. For children aged 12 and under, she recommends two insightful books— "When Someone Dies" by Andrea Dawn and "The Memory Book," a grief journal for parents and kids. For adults navigating grief, Melanie suggests two highly recommended books: "Finding Peace When Your Heart Is in Pieces" by Paul Coleman and "The Long Grief Journey" by Pam Blair.

In this episode of Mental Health Mondays with Melanie McCummiskey, the topic of discussion is parental vacation, also known as parentification. Melanie explores the concept of parentification, which refers to the responsibilities placed on a child that should be carried out by their caregivers. She provides examples such as watching siblings, providing emotional support, and taking over adult responsibilities like paying bills. Melanie highlights the potential issues and consequences of parentification, including confusion and power struggles for the child. She offers suggestions to prevent parentification, such as introducing age-appropriate chores, focusing on nurturing and parenting, and being aware of motivations behind assigning responsibilities to children. Tune in to gain insights into this important aspect of mental health and parenting.

Mental Health Mondays with Melanie are back on The I'm F.I.N.E. Podcast!On this episode, Melanie dives into parenting preteens and teens. When parenting preteens and teens, it is important to remember that their brains are still developing and they are going through a delicate time. Social media and phone use can be challenging, so monitoring and setting boundaries is crucial. Bullying and social pressure are also concerns, and it is important to have open conversations with kids about managing stressors. Ultimately, parents should make decisions based on their child's emotional maturity and safety, rather than societal norms.Don't forget to subscribe for future Mental Health Monday episodes!

Happy 2024 FINE Family and welcome to our first episode of the year where we talk about something that instills fear in many this time of the year and beyond - starting over. Whether it's transitioning out of the military, sticking to a New Years Resolution, or finding yourself at a crossroad in your life that could lead you down a completely new path, starting over can be incredibly intimidating. But on today's episode we talk about why it doesn't have to be, and we do so with our friend, Marine, and Co-Owner of Wild Harts Farm and Beacon Training Group, Craig Zelhart. Craig and the boys discuss times in their lives where they have started over, what they believe the issues veterans have in starting over, why starting over can be so beneficial for your growth as a person, and how you can start over if you have been thinking about it yourself.And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeocFind out more about all of the incredible things Craig is doing at:https://www.wildhartsfarm.org/https://beacontraininggroup.com/

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!It's been a long year, and we've covered a lot of topics, so for this episode we wanted to take a moment to spread a little Christmas cheer. To do that, we called in a few favors and were actually able to get Santa Claus into the I'm F.I.N.E. studio for some milk, cookies, and conversation. We tackle some of the hard-to-ask questions like what Santa's favorite Christmas movie is, his favorite cookie, and also what his self-care routine is like. The boys also learn about the best and the hardest gifts Santa has ever been asked to deliver, and a lot more. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this special holiday episode, and have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!!And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Get ready for a laughter-infused ride as Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek open the door to stress-free living on the latest I'm F.I.N.E. Podcast episode! Explore the unexpected therapeutic power of family dinners and bedtime chats, with Eric sharing heartwarming moments from his nightly routine with his daughters. Discover how laughter becomes medicine in Brad's life, especially through the zen of cooking and how is mom finds doing the dishes surprisingly relaxing.Delve into the wisdom of saying 'no' to added responsibilities, Tim Allen-style neighbor vibes, and the joy of embracing one's authentic self within a supportive community. Don't miss Brad's amusing tattoo shop revelation and the transformative effect of a well-planned meal on his stress levels.Tune in for a rollercoaster of insights, personal stories, and genuine camaraderie that will leave you not just informed but uplifted.THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Happy Thanksgiving Fine Fam!!!For today's episode we wanted to shift our focus back to the reason for the season, and that is giving to others. For an episode like this, we could not think of a better person to discuss this topic with than our friend and CEO of another amazing nonprofit organization, Mike Murphy from Let's Ketchup. Mike shares his backstory and what caused him to create Let's Ketchup with his best friends, and what they do. The boys and Mike then discuss the benefits of giving for your mental health all the way down to the brain chemicals, why giving feels so good, what over-giving could mean, and how you can start giving more if you are searching for a little more worth.Find out more about Let's Ketchup and their mission to eliminate student lunch debt at:https://www.letsketchup.org/And a huge Thanksgiving THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Hey there Fine Fam and Happy Monday!On today's episode, Brad and Eric invite Navy Veteran and owner of Guardian Concepts John Haberkamp, to talk about something these three have dealt with, both with themselves and others: hating themselves.The idea of hating yourself openly or I'm secret is much more common than one would think. The boys talk about some of the signs you may be showing if you hate yourself in secret, why people hate themselves, and some constructive ways that may help you go a little easier on yourself if you've ever felt like you too have hated yourself.Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Happy Monday FINE Family!!On today's episode, Brad and Eric talk about arguing.They discuss the relationship between arguing and one's mental health, how the arguing of parents can affect children, popular argument fighting styles, the positive side of arguing. And how to argue constructively.As you know, with certain topics we do our best to bring in professionals, and we come through with flying colors on today's episode with the World Champion of arguing, Eric's wife, the beautiful Ashley Peterson. Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Hey there FINE Family! As we move into the spooky season the boys wanted to take an episode to talk about something that has helped them both on their journey to a better understanding of their own mental health: Spirituality. Eric and Brad talk about what spirituality is, the difference between religion and spirituality, the significant role spirituality has played in their lives, and then in honor of the season, the boys share a few of their favorite ghost stories to get themselves in the Halloween spirit!Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Learn more by calling 708-235-3353 or visit:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Happy Monday FINE Family!!Today the boys tackle one of the toughest topics they've had to discuss to date: veteran suicide. To help them dive into this, they enlist the help of their friend and member of the Project Headspace and Timing Family, Connor Chwaszczewski (pronounced ashj-kdnrbt-kdhrbni-dkrbke-ski). Our hosts join Connor in sharing their personal experiences with veteran suicide, some of the more alarming statistics out there (some of which may surprise you), and why they think that veteran suicide continues to be such an issue while making light through the use of their brand of humor in the process.If you are a veteran that is struggling with the thoughts of suicide, please dial the Veteran Crisis Line. It is 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. To contact the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online, or text 838255.Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3353 or visit them at:www.govst.edu/trioeocAnd shoutout to our friend, veteran Tim Allsteadt at Elite Impressions & Engraving for hooking up Eric with a fitting birthday present! Check out his store and promo he is running for Project Headspace and Timing at:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550733008787&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Happy Fall FINE Family!!If it hasn't been clear from the very beginning, a sense of humor has been an integral part of why our hosts have been able to make it through, and talk about, some of the traumatic experiences in their lives. So for today's episode they take on an age-old question: is laughter really the best medicine? The boys also share personal stories of how having a sense of humor has helped them, why they think many service men and women have darker senses of humor, and some tips and tricks on improving your own sense of humor.Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more below:www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Happy Monday FINE Family! Have you ever felt like an outcast amongst any group of people, or even to yourself?On todays episode, the boys discuss the different ways that they have learned to deal with acceptance both internally and externally, how they have been forced to accept difficult situations in their lives, tips and tricks to accept difficult situations in your own life, and why they think acceptance is so important for veterans transitioning out of military service. Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more below:www.govst.edu/trioeoc