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What happens when trauma remains unspoken for nearly two decades? In this raw, powerful conversation, Greg Van Ness shares his journey from military service to finding purpose as Program Director at Oklahoma State University's Center for Social Innovation.

Greg candidly reveals the aftermath of an assault during his Air Force service—an event he kept secret for 18 years. The consequences were devastating: anger issues, hypervigilance, depression, and suicidal ideation that threatened to consume him. His story illuminates the particular challenges male assault survivors face in military environments, where such experiences are often dismissed or ignored entirely.

After leaving the military in 2010, Greg's path was marked by professional instability despite earning advanced degrees. The turning point came through VA support, therapy, and eventually discovering meaningful work helping others rebuild their lives. Today, Greg leads CFSI, a program that provides people with criminal backgrounds, addiction histories, and experiences of homelessness the opportunity to pursue higher education and career pathways.

The conversation turns to passionate advocacy as Greg and host Jo discuss the contradictions in our approach to rehabilitation. "We send people to prison saying it's reformatory," Greg explains, "but then when they get out with skills and education, society says 'Sorry, we can't hire felons.'" Through CFSI, Greg witnesses daily transformations as students embrace their potential and identity as college students—many never having imagined higher education would be possible for them.

Greg's philosophy shines through every aspect of his work: "I am a believer that people should get a second chance, a third chance, a 600th chance if they're willing, every time they fall, to get back up." His story reminds us that healing requires both personal effort and community support, and that when we invest in people's potential rather than punishing their past, genuine transformation becomes possible.

Have you experienced trauma or struggle with addiction? Reach out for help—as Greg's journey shows, recovery may be difficult, but you don't have to walk that path alone.

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From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid.

We all have them...every single day, we wake up, we have the chance to make new choices.

We have the power to make our own daily, "Breakfast of Choices"

Resources and ways to connect:

Facebook: Jo Summers
Instagram: @Summersjol
Facebook Support: Chance For Change Women’s circle

Website: Breakfastofchoices.com

Urbanedencmty.com (Oklahoma Addiction and Recovery Resources) Treatment, Sober Living, Meetings. Shout out to the founder, of this phenomenal website... Kristy Da Rosa!

National suicide prevention and crisis, hotline number 988

National domestic violence hotline:
800–799–7233

National hotline for substance abuse, and addiction:
844–289–0879

National mental health hotline:
866–903–3787

National child health and child abuse hotline:
800–422-4453 (1.800.4.A.CHILD)

CoDa.org
12. Step recovery program for codependency.

National Gambling Hotline 800-522-4700