Veteran Triumphs Over Silent Struggle: Winning The War After The War
From Silence to Strength: A Veteran's JourneyIn this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Louis Stockley Jr., an army veteran, father, coach, and founder of Before 22. Louis shares his story of serving 17 years in military and federal service, facing emotional shutdowns, and nearly losing his family to his video game addiction. He discusses the pressures of masculinity, how the military shaped him, and the harrowing experiences of transitioning to civilian life. Louis also talks about his turning point and the creation of Before 22, a movement to help veterans find purpose, brotherhood, and support before falling into severe mental health crises. Join Andy and Louis as they explore the importance of vulnerability, brotherhood, and service in reclaiming one's life and voice.00:00 Military Programming and Emotional Suppression00:40 Introduction to Real Men Feel and Guest Louis Stockley Jr.01:27 Louis Stockley's Military Background and Early Challenges03:13 Lessons in Masculinity and Military Discipline07:55 A Painful Lesson in Commitment10:17 Transitioning to Civilian Life18:28 Struggles with Trust and Isolation21:32 The Turning Point: Overcoming Video Game Addiction28:01 Discovering the Power of Fitness29:00 Helping a Friend in Need32:56 The Impact of Brotherhood35:32 Facing Personal Challenges38:10 Understanding Veterans' Struggles41:18 The Mission of Before 2247:33 Encouraging Vulnerability and Seeking Help52:33 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with LouisLinkedIn β https://www.linkedin.com/in/lstockley/Louis on TikTok β https://www.tiktok.com/@vetcoachlouisBefore 22 β https://www.tiktok.com/@before22adayLouis on IG β https://www.instagram.com/vetcoachlouisBefore 22 β https://www.instagram.com/before22aday/Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:Join me and connect with other like-minded men in theAuthentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/groupInstagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrantAndy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.orgYouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel#RealMenFeel ep 382