In this episode, we welcome back Adam Magers, author of Odysseus and the Oar, for a deeper dive into the intersection of psychology, politics, and personal growth. Adam explores how the current political climate is affecting group cohesion, especially in therapy settings, and how social media and constant news cycles shape our perceptions. He discusses the importance of focusing inwardly to foster better personal and societal relationships, while touching on the challenges of political polarization and the psychological defense mechanisms at play.

Resources & Links:

• Adam Magers' book Odysseus and the Oar - Dead Reckoning Collective

• Episode 22 featuring Adam: Link to Episode

• Explore The Battle Within Program

Sponsors:

Cadence Wealth PartnersPolestar Coffee Company | Veteran-owned Specialty Coffee Roaster

Guest Info:

Adam Magers is a licensed therapist with expertise in group therapy and psychological resilience, particularly in veterans and first responders. He is also the author of Odysseus and the Oar and has a strong background in international relations and political science.

Standout Quotes:

• "The most important thing in group therapy is not just the therapist’s relationship with the client, but the cohesion within the group itself."

• "Politics has become more about defeating the opposition than finding common ground, and that’s dangerous for the future of our democracy."

• "If we focus inwardly and take care of the small things – ourselves, our families, our neighbors – we can begin to make a big difference."

• "The internet and social media have given everyone a platform to share their views, but it's not always a healthy dialogue."

Call-to-Action:

If you're interested in learning more about the psychology behind political discussions and how to better manage the impact of current events, make sure to subscribe to the podcast, share it with friends, and follow us on social media. Don’t forget to check out Adam’s book Odysseus and the Oar and his insights on navigating life’s challenges.

Can psychedelics rewire the brain and heal trauma in just hours? In this episode, we explore Ibogaine and DMT, two powerful psychedelics transforming veteran mental health. Jeremy Tomlin, a Marine Corps veteran, shares his journey from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan to finding healing through alternative therapies. He opens up about the emotional toll of war, his struggles after the war, and how psychedelic-assisted therapy helping him reclaim his life.

Links:

The Mission Within – A Future Free From Veteran Suicide

PROCESS & TREATMENT – The Mission Within

Home | VETS

Cateran Yomp 2025 | AFF

Our sponsors:

Pole Star Coffee

Cadence Wealth Partners-Nick O'Kelly

Standout Quotes:

"Afghanistan’s withdrawal shattered me. Everything we fought for vanished overnight."
"Psychedelics didn’t just help, they changed everything."
"For the first time in years, I felt like myself again."

If this episode resonated, share it. Veterans and first responders, check the resources above.

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.Listen to Alone and Unafraid anywhere you get podcasts.

Fighter pilot Kegan Gill’s story is one of survival against all odds. He holds the record for the fastest survived ejection in naval aviation history—a catastrophic event that should have ended his life. Instead, it set him on a journey through recovery, PTSD, and a battle with the medical system that almost destroyed him. From ejecting at nearly the speed of sound to navigating the failures of conventional treatment for traumatic brain injury, Kegan’s experience is a testament to resilience, unconventional healing, and the truth about PTSD.

Resources & Links:

Kegan Gill's

Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Survived Ejection

Instagram

LinkedIn

Dr. Mark Gordon’s work on TBI & PTSD:

Congress demands answers on 'Operator Syndrome' among elite troopsDocumentary on TBI and alternative treatmentsQuiet Explosions: Healing the Brain (download tubi to watch-free)

Our Sponsors

Finance for Vets

Polestar coffee

Guest Info:

Kegan Gill is a former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot who survived the fastest ejection in naval aviation history. After a brutal recovery, he fought through misdiagnosed PTSD, pharmaceutical dependency, and the failures of conventional medicine to reclaim his life. Today, he is an advocate for better brain injury treatment and holistic healing approaches.

Standout Quotes:

-"PTSD isn’t just a mental health issue. It’s a symptom of a dysfunctional brain.

-"The Navy put me back in a jet, but the real battle came afterward."

- "The VA system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as designed. And that’s the problem."

- "If I had gotten real TBI treatment early, I’d still be flying today."

If you got something out of this episode, share it with a veteran, pilot, or anyone who needs to hear it. And if you want to support the show, check out our website: **(https://aloneandunafraid.org)