<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Down &amp;amp; Dirty with Michael Julian, we sit down with Joseph “Joey” Pena for one of the most raw and unfiltered conversations we’ve had.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Joey opens up about surviving severe childhood abuse, growing up as a preacher’s kid, and how early trauma shaped his identity long before he ever joined the military.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From the 82nd Airborne to deployments in Iraq and responding to Hurricane Katrina, Joey shares what combat really looks like — and what happens after the uniform comes off.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We discuss:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• Childhood trauma and long-term psychological impact&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; • Becoming a protector after being bullied&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; • Katrina and witnessing societal breakdown&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; • Combat deployments in Samarra and Sadr City&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; • Stop-loss and military extension&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; • PTSD, hypervigilance, and setting boundaries&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; • Turning a .50 cal round into a wedding ring&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; • Breaking generational cycles of violence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode isn’t about war stories.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; It’s about accountability. Healing. And choosing not to pass pain forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, identity, or rebuilding your life after chaos - this conversation is for you.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian

Michael Julian

From Abuse to Airborne: Joey Pena’s Journey Through War, Trauma & Breaking the Cycle

FEB 18, 202630 MIN
Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian

From Abuse to Airborne: Joey Pena’s Journey Through War, Trauma & Breaking the Cycle

FEB 18, 202630 MIN

Description

In this episode of Down & Dirty with Michael Julian, we sit down with Joseph “Joey” Pena for one of the most raw and unfiltered conversations we’ve had.Joey opens up about surviving severe childhood abuse, growing up as a preacher’s kid, and how early trauma shaped his identity long before he ever joined the military.From the 82nd Airborne to deployments in Iraq and responding to Hurricane Katrina, Joey shares what combat really looks like — and what happens after the uniform comes off.We discuss:• Childhood trauma and long-term psychological impact • Becoming a protector after being bullied • Katrina and witnessing societal breakdown • Combat deployments in Samarra and Sadr City • Stop-loss and military extension • PTSD, hypervigilance, and setting boundaries • Turning a .50 cal round into a wedding ring • Breaking generational cycles of violenceThis episode isn’t about war stories. It’s about accountability. Healing. And choosing not to pass pain forward.If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, identity, or rebuilding your life after chaos - this conversation is for you.