In this episode, I chat with Kris Searles about his journey from military life to becoming a trauma-informed coach for veterans. He opens up about what it was like coming home from combat, the struggle to adjust to civilian life, and how anger showed up in the process.
We talk a lot about the power of community and how the Veterans Talking to Veterans program is using storytelling as a way to heal. Kris brings up some important points around mental health for both veterans and first responders, and he’s a strong voice for women veterans too, sharing ideas for how we can better support them moving forward.
We also dig into the reality of veteran suicide, why connection matters, and how purpose beyond the uniform can make all the difference. Kris talks about the adventures and friendships that help veterans feel seen again, and we both reflect on how healing looks different for everyone, including the people standing beside them like spouses and families.
There’s a lot in this one about resilience, what it really takes to keep going, and how just taking that first step toward support can shift everything.
Some key mental health resources shared in this episode include:
https://www.mentoragility.com/find-a-vttv-meeting
https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/mibh