Take our word for it - you DO NOT want to miss this episode. Sean Endsley reflects on his journey from a stable childhood to his decision to enlist in the military following the events of 9/11, ultimately pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a Green Beret. In this conversation, Sean opens up about his experiences during military training, his deployment to Iraq, and the emotional challenges he faced when transitioning back to civilian life after being medically separated from the military. He touches on themes of resilience, identity, and the lasting impact of war, offering a raw and honest look into the complexities of military service and the challenges some veterans face when reintegrating into society.

Sean reflects on the tough transition from military to civilian life, sharing the challenges of finding purpose and community after service. He talks about the importance of belonging and how veterans bond over shared experiences, but also addresses the misconception that all veterans are broken or damaged. Instead, he highlights his own journey of healing through philanthropy and fitness, emphasizing the role of gratitude and hope in overcoming grief and trauma.

A major part of Sean's story is the grief and loss he’s faced—losing his father and his son Rowan, and how these profound experiences have reshaped his view of life, love, and resilience. He shares how psychedelics played a role in his healing, alongside the power of community support. Through it all, Sean found purpose in his pain, emphasizing the importance of doing the work to heal and the light of hope that can be found, even in the darkest moments.

More information about the upcoming couples psychedelic retreat: alchemytherapyandwellness.com/2025retreat

Learn more about the podcasts, and the hosts Jane + Hannah:

arewehappyyetpodcast.com

alchemytherapyandwellness.com

grittherapy.com

We chuckle as we get started on our first episode of 2025. We use our time together to laugh about Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart, and funny holiday sweatshirts. We then dive into reflections on what it was like for us to start the podcast in 2024, and unpack the lessons we've encountered in our first year of podcasting.

We set intentions for our podcast in 2025 to niche ourselves as the "ANTI-ADVICE" podcast. Instead of chasing quick fixes promoted by wellness culture, Hannah + Jane emphasize the power of lived experiences, personal connections, and embracing the gray areas of life. Listeners are encouraged to critically evaluate the advice they encounter, trust their instincts, and cultivate their own truths.

We also announce our 2025 plan to showcase and donate to various causes and non-profits each month - for each 5-star rating we gain on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, we will donate $5 to the cause, and for each written review, we will donate $10 to the cause.

Our January cause is Urban Peak!

In this heartfelt conversation, Meghan Rubenstein, creator and community maker of Sakala Community, takes us on a journey through her personal and professional evolution, shedding light on the powerful impact of community and inclusivity. Meghan begins by reflecting on her own path to sobriety, a journey marked by self-discovery, resilience, and a deep commitment to healing.

Central to the discussion is the creation of Sakala, a unique community space that Meghan envisioned as a sanctuary for connection, authenticity, and support. She explains how Sakala was built on the principles of inclusivity and empowerment, and how it strives to be a place where people can feel seen, heard, and valued. Meghan speaks about the importance of leadership in shaping Sakala, offering insights into the ways in which intentional leadership can foster a thriving, compassionate community.

As Meghan walks us through the innovative business model behind Sakala, she emphasizes its commitment to accessibility and healing. The model isn’t just about financial success, but about creating a sustainable ecosystem of care that values the emotional and spiritual well-being of everyone involved. She addresses the challenges and rewards of leading a community with such diverse needs, highlighting the importance of being intentional, empathetic, and open to growth. Ultimately, this conversation paints a picture of Sakala not just as a physical space but as a living, breathing movement for change.

Resources:

Learn more about Sakala + get on Sakala's monthly newsletter - https://www.sakalacommunity.com

Follow Sakala on IG: @sakalacommunity

Human Design - https://www.myhumandesign.com

Gene Keys - https://genekeys.com

Anna Nichols - https://www.spiritualbusinessincubator.com

Learn more about the hosts + the podcast:

arewehappyyetpodcast.com

grittherapy.com

alchemytherapyandwellness.com