Send us a text

Can life be limitless without limbs? Matias Ferreira, a former United States Marine and a trailblazing double amputee patrolman, joins us to share his awe-inspiring journey from Uruguay to the land of opportunity. Matias recounts his harrowing experience of surviving a devastating IED explosion in Afghanistan and his phenomenal recovery at Walter Reed. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, illustrating how he's transformed personal tragedy into triumph through his work in law enforcement and his dedication to adaptive sports and community service.

We explore Matias's profound reflections on the events of 9/11, which shaped his path to military service. With vivid anecdotes, he paints a picture of his time in Afghanistan, the camaraderie that provided solace, and the faith that guided him through some of his darkest moments. The episode delves into the complex challenges faced by veterans, from PTSD to imposter syndrome, and underscores the critical role of support systems in overcoming these hurdles. Matias's insights extend to emotional wellness and the importance of communication in maintaining personal relationships.

Matias’s journey doesn’t stop at personal achievements; his passion for storytelling and helping others materializes through his podcast, "Another Cop's Mentality." We discuss the importance of mental health awareness, the power of sharing diverse narratives, and how he aims to create a supportive community for first responders and military personnel. With stories of resilience, compassion, and unwavering positivity, Matias inspires us to find purpose and embrace life's challenges with grace and determination. Join us for an episode filled with heart, hope, and the remarkable human capacity for growth and healing.

Produced by Phil Ewert Productions

Theme Music: Hero's Journey
Joel Loopez Tunepocket.com
Licensed by: Phil Ewert Productions

hometownherooutdoors.org

Send us a text

Discover the compelling journey of Scott Gieselhardt, a retired firefighter who turned his struggle with PTSD and addiction into a powerful mission to aid mental health awareness among first responders. Scott's 24-year tenure with the Frazee Fire Department in Minnesota exposed him to the emotional complexities and unique pressures faced by first responders, especially in tight-knit communities where emergencies often hit close to home. He joins us on the Hometown Hero Outdoors Podcast to share his transformative story, offering hope and invaluable insights into recognizing and confronting mental health challenges.

Scott's experiences underline the critical role of peer support and innovative therapies like EMDR in recovery, illustrating the profound impact of having a compassionate network. Through heartfelt personal anecdotes, he reveals the emotional toll of invincibility and vulnerability that can lead to substance addiction and mental health struggles. By recounting a life-altering moment of reaching out for help, Scott showcases how human connection can change lives, emphasizing the importance of being present for others in similar crises.

We also explore Scott's influential outreach program "Seeing in Color," which tackles mental health issues among high school students through storytelling and visual transformation. Additionally, Scott shares insights from his work at the First Responder Bridge Retreat, highlighting the vital support offered to first responders and their families. As he continues his advocacy, Scott’s message of resilience and hope serves as a beacon for those navigating their paths to recovery, demonstrating the power of shared experiences in healing and community well-being.

www.seeingincoloragain.com

Produced by Phil Ewert Productions

Theme Music: Hero's Journey
Joel Loopez Tunepocket.com
Licensed by: Phil Ewert Productions

hometownherooutdoors.org

Send us a text

Join us as we kick off Season 3 of the Hometown Hero Outdoors Podcast with an exciting blend of personal stories, impactful interviews, and a heartfelt mission to connect our military service members, veterans, and first responders with the great outdoors. Listen in as co-hosts Chris Tetrault and Phil Ewert talk about the upcoming guests for Season 3.

This season promises an array of captivating guests who are making significant impacts in their communities, such as Scott Gieselhardt, a retired firefighter who has overcome personal struggles to inspire others. We'll introduce Firefighter Fenton, well-known for his witty social media presence, and a Captain from the TV show Wicked Tuna. We invite you to tune in every other week for inspiring stories, and for more information, visit our website at hometownherooutdoors.org.

Produced by Phil Ewert Productions

Theme Music: Hero's Journey
Joel Loopez Tunepocket.com
Licensed by: Phil Ewert Productions

hometownherooutdoors.org