We talk with Army combat veteran, and former Special Forces Public Affairs specialist, Aaron Knowles about “Shred the Stress” an organization he founded to bring the therapeutic benefits of the “Onewheel” electric skateboard, to veterans everywhere.

We begin by tracking his days in Iraq and the events that nearly cost him his life.

After surviving IED explosions and multiple life-changing moments, Knowles shared his transition from heavy vehicle operator to managing public affairs for units within the Special Operations community. But the joy of sharing our warfighter’s stories, was complicated by his own war wounds.

Knowles reveals the after-effects of traumatic brain injuries and describes living with PTSD. After trying to manage his mental health with the usual recommendations, he discovered an alternative tool that delivered powerful results- the Onewheel, electric skateboard.

Knowles described how surfing the earth on this unique board made him stoked in ways medication could not. Realizing his immediate improvement, he founded a riding group for all veterans, “Shred the Stress”.

Now based in Brooklyn, NY. we learn more about the group, its future, and how veterans across the country can get involved.

For more, check out Shred the Stress:

https://www.shredthestress.org/

Discover the Onewheel here:

https://onewheel.com/

For more military news and veteran stories see Connecting Vets here:

https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

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@philbriggsVet

@connectingvets

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Former Navy SEAL Marcus Capone and his wife Amber share their emotional story about how a medically assisted Ibogaine treatment session saved their family, and this combat veteran’s life.

We begin by looking at how life as a Navy SEAL “breacher” and explosives expert, left Marcus with what seemed like untreatable PTSD and brain injuries. We learn how Marcus, once full of life and drive, was quickly slipping into the depression and anger often associated with these injuries. While war fighters receive the initial impact of combat related injuries, they are not the only ones who suffer.

Amber Capone describes how life after Marcus’ SEAL days, became extremely difficult for her and their children, threatening their marriage and overall family mental health. Facing their breaking point, Marcus and Amber took one last chance on psychedelic therapy.

Marcus shares vivid details from his medically assisted Ibogaine session. We hear how the experience differs from the stereo-typical “psychedelic trip” and how he confronted the dark images buried deep beneath the surface.

Our interview tracks life after the Ibogaine session too. From their heartfelt reunion to the many ways, they recognize the true healing that came from this complex and mysterious psychedelic compound.

We also look at the non-profit foundation they founded, Vets Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) which has helped over one thousand veterans gain access to psychedelic therapy, develops world class research and works to move VA, DoD and Congress to implement this therapy for veterans.

And, we conclude with a most surprising discovery- the incredible connection between psychedelic therapy and God.

For more on VETS grants for veterans to access psychedelic therapy, new research and advocacy check out:

https://vetsolutions.org/

For more military news and veteran stories check out Connecting Vets:

https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

Follow:

@philbriggsVet

@connectingvets

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Decorated Army veteran, (Ret.) Master Sgt. Patricia Baisden shares how the Purple Heart is more than just the medal awarded for being wounded in combat.

She described how years after her service, The Purple Heart Foundation helped her in ways the federal government does not. More than complex medical issues or acquiring the benefits she earned, she received help with life’s basic needs … car trouble.

Her story illustrates how Purple Heart Foundation’s financial assistance really delivers the things veterans need most.

We also hear from PHF, CEO Stephen Ruckman, who describes their veteran programs and explains why your donations are crucial to ensure these programs continue.

Check out Purple Heart Foundation’s programs and make a donation here:

https://purpleheartfoundation.org/

Check out Connecting Vets for more military news and veteran stories here:

https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs

phil@connectingvets.com

Follow:

@philbriggsVet

@connectingvets

@EyeonVeterans

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.