This episode was released early on Patreon AD free, with the exception of Shawn’s personal reads. www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite The toll is $5 a month. Supporting us on Patreon and Ad Rev is what enables us to produce the quality content that we have come to love. We strive for perfection with each and every one of these stories. Please enjoy the show!

@WinstonBromley

22 күн бұрын

Thank you Shawn for all that you do!

@user-ht1rc9fn1v

21 күн бұрын

Well done. 1 of the best

@bradchris2154

21 күн бұрын

Mediocre at best.

@Av-vd3wk

21 күн бұрын

What is this Gold scam BS you’re promoting?? Get real man.

@Thomzombie303

21 күн бұрын

LOL, i was in 3/504, Recon, i remember the thunderdome, couple thousand of us in that damn building..also remember the scud missle that fly over us, just before the ground war started.

104 days sober from alcohol today. Thank the lord

@BigORider

18 күн бұрын

138 days

@rileywalker4271

17 күн бұрын

89 days

@ScottWessels

17 күн бұрын

+2 days, brother

@daveoldham3894

17 күн бұрын

Keep pushing guys, it does get easier, I'm 236 days today and it's still difficult sometimes but stay focused and we will achieve our goals, stay 💪 💪

@MrRolloBaggins

17 күн бұрын

Keep going guys!!! I'm 5 years sober this go-around. The six months mark is where your brain and gut truly start to work as they should. U will get better (mind body and soul) every hour of everyday. It's hard but it's the most fulfilling thing. It's like being reborn and feeling young again. Like u a re truly alive

82nd airborne 77-84. We called it cherry belly. You were aloud 3 beers during lunch. You could get any drug you wanted on Bragg or in Fayetteville. All that started me on my down spiral. Christ heeled my of my 35 plus years being a alcoholic. 9 years sober now. This show and all his guests are vital for our warriors.

@ShawnRyanShow

21 күн бұрын

Congratulations man.

@DJPTEXAS

21 күн бұрын

Congratulations.. God bless... I was at the 82nd during those years and yes, I remember as a cherry my Squad leader brought me to a bar for lunch.... how many beers later we were soon back at the company, then running around the woods doing a compass course in the heat... they did call us lovingly the "Jumpin Junkies" ! Lol.... we had pot plants growing around the Company building where the troops would toss stuff out of the windows during an unannounced drug inspection with the drug dogs....

@user-ur7qh2mu3k

21 күн бұрын

Unfortunately the Murk in Fayetteville probably hasn’t changed

@choppermorgan9946

20 күн бұрын

God bless both of you and for your service to our country I know it looks bad right now but you guys are some badass bed God bless your lives and your children I can't thank you enough for your service for this country and keep it by family safe The Morgan family Indiana USA God bless America

@DJPTEXAS

20 күн бұрын

@@choppermorgan9946 God bless you and your family..

"I'll sit here and pray with you, or we can go outside and fight. I would be equally happy with either one." That was a fantastic quote.

@Sammy-iu3bx

19 күн бұрын

No one asked for your opinion.

@mikehuff9793

18 күн бұрын

In Belgium there’s an old saying about being a good neighbor: “I will k1ll you of if I must, I will help you if I can.”

I was in the Marine Corps for four years and drank myself into oblivion and for the three years I was out of the Marine Corps it continued to progress. I found AA by the grace of God. Which is where I met my wife and we now have a daughter that’s 18 days old. Ended up getting back into the Marine Corps and am completely sober and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to serve again fully grasping the blessing of the job and the men and women I get to work with everyday. Hearing this story of Tom gives me even more hope because he operated at the highest level in the military and was sober and that’s my goal. Sean your podcast does more than you think. These lessons of the men that have been on your podcast are saving people’s lives. No one is ever alone. My journey is just beginning. Blessed with the opportunity to share my experience, strength, and hope to the men and women that I serve with so that they don’t make the same mistakes. Thanks Sean for your podcast and Tom for sharing your story.

@themetaphysicalaxe5506

19 күн бұрын

God bless man and Godspeed!

@brimac58

19 күн бұрын

Sometimes it’s 15 minutes at a time…..God Bless🇺🇸

@Swerve762

19 күн бұрын

Proud of you.

@WYO-FAM

19 күн бұрын

Great comment brother, I hope you have a great day.

@Sammy-iu3bx

19 күн бұрын

No one asked boy

I love the Delta stories more than any other organization.

@beansbeansbeans4025

21 күн бұрын

The men from that organization is literally the best! Seem like normal humble dudes who are capable of anything. Simply the best.

@RoSeeUO

21 күн бұрын

Stop meatriding😂

@replexity

21 күн бұрын

@@RoSeeUO You don’t know what that means. Go on somewhere.

@RoSeeUO

20 күн бұрын

​@@replexity Says the delta fanboy

@replexity

20 күн бұрын

@@RoSeeUO I don’t know enough about any of these units to definitively have an opinion on which one operates at the highest level. My point is that you’re using meatriding too loosely. Giving someone their flowers or choosing a favorite is not meatriding.

Almost 2 months no alcohol. Began reading the bible at the same time. Mostly because of the men on this show. The longest I have ever gone in my adult life and Im 40. Man I can not tell you how good it was to hear Spooner talk about his mental health issues and his struggles with alcohol. Joined the Army (mn guard 19D) at 17 and then became a cop at 23. Drinking a huge part of both cultures and not a whole lot of talk about mental health. Definitely not much about spiritual health. Not drinking is very hard for me but Im in it for the long haul. Thank you Spooner and Ryan.

@ashleymurray2709

19 күн бұрын

Good for you! This is huge!

@peterdoesburg4312

18 күн бұрын

Psalm 51. Everyday. Makes life easier when you realize we are all sinners and we just need to try a little better everyday. God Bless you on your new chapter. God has you. We support you.

@kixuh6314

12 күн бұрын

Good job man

@swivel_lock9406

7 күн бұрын

Yo! Keep it pushin it is a struggle worth fighting and winning! I too struggle but will win!

@taramoja8869

6 күн бұрын

Stay strong 💪

I really appreciate this interview. Combat veteran, 3 deployments to Iraq followed by ptsd and substance abuse. I went through years of struggle and tried everything to get better and took a little from each place I went. This culminated in 42 days at Warrior’s Heart where I picked up some interests that I use every day to stay sober. Jiujitsu, yoga, fishing, woodworking and metal working. None of the other programs offered these things. Years of substance abuse stole all of my interests and hobbies. I didn’t do anything for fun and had completely forgotten how to until my time at the facility in Bandera, Texas. Thank you Tom

@ericgibson2079

20 күн бұрын

That's a heavy testimony. God Bless you and may you continue to be a good person to be around and help our nation through these wars.

@mattrolih1550

20 күн бұрын

I am glad you saw your worth! I hate that we probably all know those who could never find it! You got out of it! I am personally in between. How do I answer or help the others who want help? I can't turn my back on them, but I am not at a place to give advice! This is a problem no ones even given advice on. They dont want treatment on their record or a program. Hell, I dont want it or suggest it! It's a hell of a position! What made you realize and change?

@RoSeeUO

20 күн бұрын

Thanks for the irrelevant paragraph Anthony.

@danielsullivan7740

19 күн бұрын

@@RoSeeUO what is so irrelevant about it?

@WYO-FAM

19 күн бұрын

One day at a time brother, have a great day.

Delta and DEVGRU guys give the best interviews. Truly our nations finest.

@brianbishop4753

6 күн бұрын

I’m not a service guy, what does DEVGRU mean?

@MAB3776s

5 күн бұрын

@@brianbishop4753 Development Group, it’s essentially, I believe, seal team 6. Which are some of the best of the best. Hand selected warriors.

@Tetelestai_John

3 күн бұрын

​@brianbishop4753 Development Group aka Navy SEAL Team Six aka The Command

It's this kind of interview that I come to the Shawn Ryan show for.

@DZB666

21 күн бұрын

I only watch these ones

@JC-di4uz

21 күн бұрын

Yeah man I'm sick of the conspiracy shit and the aliens 👽 and whatever the fuck

@night_watch720

21 күн бұрын

not me, I come to look at the ads

@SomeJustice19k

20 күн бұрын

For real. It's my therapy.

@rickgrimes7948

20 күн бұрын

Here here!!

Dude, the “I understand,” “you just told me I was injured and I’m not crazy” brought tears to my eyes. I’m loosing such much mental acuity every year…but that simple little acknowledgement…goes so far. I know you weren’t “talking to me” but yes, you were. Thanks brotha.

@larryapl

21 күн бұрын

Amen!

@WoodysSteakHouse

20 күн бұрын

❤

@RoSeeUO

20 күн бұрын

How corny😂

@jaseone

20 күн бұрын

100%

@yorboyroyboy9829

19 күн бұрын

Traumatic Brain Injury is very real, My man.. And it does do weird sht to our brains.. I thought I was the only one.. My civilian buddies That I knew since Jr. High School. Couldn't understand and thought I was nuts.. It took atleast a decade. Before the internet got advanced enough. That I seen others talking and hinting towards The same sht I was going thru.. Your not crazy.. And I would bet Dollars to donuts. If you went to get your head scanned by folks that understand TBI.. They will Evan show you the injury.. Anyway.. Your not nutz man.. You were injured long ago

Scary how this absolute machine of a human being looks like your Dad about to sit down for Sunday dinner.

@ashleymurray2709

19 күн бұрын

How I wish he was my Dad! 😂

@christopherjordan2467

15 күн бұрын

Looks like a square ass Ned Flanders and could kill you in. Multiple ways

@joshuayork467

12 күн бұрын

Truth Hollywood makes everyone think these guys are built like the Rock and most of them are far from that

Warriors Heart truly changed and saved my life. Tom’s in the chow hall eating with us everyday then you see him mowing the damn grass lol. Amazing guy and even more amazing program

@zachscott4867

22 күн бұрын

I’m just learning about Tom now but the comments (where I lurk) tells me a lot about his character. Thanks you👍🏼

@MTG9878

20 күн бұрын

I’m happy you are here. It is great you found him!

@stephenhanchey594

20 күн бұрын

Me too! Bandera TX, I hope you’re doing good!

@RoSeeUO

20 күн бұрын

Who asked for your opinion?

@twotimes81

20 күн бұрын

Proud Alumni myself

Saving this for my 10hr drive on Wednesday

@ShawnRyanShow

22 күн бұрын

Right on!!

@Seakaye2s

21 күн бұрын

This is so relatable. When you listen to really good shit, ya want to save it haha. Drive safe boss!

@tech6263

21 күн бұрын

To hear him talk about the anger, for no real reason. Feeling like he doesn’t deserve anything good. I lived that too. I wanted my wife to leave me even though it scared me to think of living without her. I wanted her to be happy because I knew how miserable I was and how that must be to live with. I have come to terms with why I felt dirty. Unlovable. I’m not angry about anything anymore. We could not been happier. I wanted to hear war stories but heard it isn’t just me. There is hope. You can turn your life around. We are the biggest obstacles to overcome come. Never quit.

@jricknuts8067

21 күн бұрын

I got a 1,500 mile drive next week. This is definitely on the playlist

@Golgi-Gyges

21 күн бұрын

Enjoy!

"My only emotional tool was alcohol." That was the realest quote I've ever heard. (5 years sober)

@M4HRed

22 күн бұрын

Congrats brother one day at a time

@jaosndedic

21 күн бұрын

@@M4HRed 💯

@brock45569

21 күн бұрын

🎉

@OceanInMotion

21 күн бұрын

10 years sober for me, since quitting alcohol my life started, that goes for all Addictions including smoking. I have so much more mental clarity and it gave me the chance to manifest my dreams, I now live onboard my own yacht on the great barrier Reef in Australia and am now a Australian citizen (wasn't born in Australia)

@M4HRed

21 күн бұрын

@@OceanInMotion nice bro! Love to hear it.

Tom is one of the nicest most humble men you will ever know. I'm so glad to know him as he helped me with my recovery.

@WoodysSteakHouse

20 күн бұрын

❤

This is a prime example of what we as veterans need.. sobriety, mental health, healing in multiple facets of our lives.. all these years of suffering I only began to heal when I became completely sober, my journey has only just begun, thank u msgt, for everything you have done and continue to do.. to all my brothers out there please never give up, I know surrender is not in our creed but it truly takes complete surrender of self and you will pull out of this.. semper Fidelis.. 0311/.. 2/5, sgt..

Tom, you have saved far more lives than you have taken. Thank you. - Curtis Warriors Heart Alumni

@donkeyboom6047

21 күн бұрын

More than you know Tom! -Stephen Warriors Heart Alumni

@1028Kee

21 күн бұрын

​l

@WoodysSteakHouse

20 күн бұрын

❤

GOD Bless you brother, retired SGM from the 82nd, have been addicted to opioids and an alcoholic. 2 years sober, Thank you for sharing!

@Mordant.Melodys

20 күн бұрын

God Bless YOU, SGM! I’m proud of you for your sobriety. I’m a vet as well and just celebrated 5 years sober. Lead by example. This comment may very well inspire a lower enlisted guy to find sobriety because he sees comments from men like you, whom he looks up to. Thank you for sharing and being open and honest about a tough subject. Stay well brother.

@ericgibson2079

20 күн бұрын

If you read this and are dealing with addiction. Right now let these words fill you with Jesus Christs victory. May the Holy Spirit be yours very very soon. Please pick up the New Testament and allow the Truth to become true to you.

@GROCK619

20 күн бұрын

Nice work Ken

@Sammy-iu3bx

19 күн бұрын

No one asked for opinion Kenneth.

@crewthief1431

18 күн бұрын

@@Sammy-iu3bxand no one cares what you think, son. You really shouldn’t address your betters without asking permission first.

I chewed some dirt with spooner back in the day. He's a damn good man. It's good to see him doing well.

@Bluepickles333

21 күн бұрын

By dirt do you mean Copenhagen snuff or is that some other reference?

@Frank-uw5xq

21 күн бұрын

The kind of dirt Tom Sizemore put in jars on Private Ryan

@HaHa-mg2lw

21 күн бұрын

😆

@Smoke3380

21 күн бұрын

​@Bluepickles333 bro....cmon

@419delta

20 күн бұрын

@@Bluepickles333Jesus no. 😂

As a 27 year LEO my God this episode hit me hard in the heart. I’m 5 years sober I’m a devout Christian, my amazing wife never left me when she should have I was so nasty to everyone I loved. But by the love of my wife God and a good brother who just died yesterday kept me from eating my gun saved me. I’ll never be that monster I’m good, I have a very good base of pillars. Thank you Shawn

@rp03md2

20 күн бұрын

Prayers

@mattrolih1550

20 күн бұрын

I am happy you didn't do it!!! No one thinks of the lives ruined when people do it! You can change and become a pillar of being a hero of all citizens!! Please uphold the Constitution! NEVER violate anyones civil rights! Its a thankless job, like the military! I pray God allows you the strength to fight injustice and to uphold our Constitutional rights! You'll forever be safe in the arms of the Lord and never need to fear! I pray daily for officers safety! Law enforcement needs to also care about our safety!! The country isnt against law enforcement. However, you all seem to think we are! Thats why I pray for you all daily!!! In Afghanistan our ROE went from open to redistricted. From dispatching an identified target to having a weapon to it being pointed and it going off toward you. (YT doesnt allow certain words!) Ask yourself, is the job for you or partners? Bad days can cause severe penalties. No one reasonable wants you to eat it, quit or fail!!!! We just dont need tyrannical enforcers destroying lives!!! I wish you the best!!! Thank you for sharing!!! It takes balls!!! Lots of balls!!! You clearly have the strength to be great!!! You are great!!!

@CaptainWillard830

18 күн бұрын

My condolences for the loss of your brother. You will see him again. Semper Fidelis

The Legendary Delta Force Operator!!!! Mr Spooner!!! Just to think 10 years in Delta as a Breacher & Sniper! & A veteran of the gulf war & War on terror! What a man!

His story of Airborne School brought back memories. My Dad came and jumped with me on my 5th jump in 1991. Gave me my blood wings on the DZ - said he wasn’t waiting until the next day. His father who I never met jumped into Normandy and is buried at Fort Benning too.

@ericgibson2079

20 күн бұрын

Wow, that's really cool. What a testament.

@Ok-551

7 күн бұрын

Happy Memorial Day to all of you. God bless.

Striving to be like this man. He’s the product of a life well lived and an incredible resource for so many communities. God bless Mr. Spooner.

I’m the son of a Vietnam combat medic vet who brought it home. I’m not SOF guy and my dad was just a patriotic kid in ‘67 who wanted to fight for his county. Believe it or not, I have felt this intensity as a child of a man who suffered all the PTSD and TBI that my dad suffered. No. I didn’t deal with war like he did, but our family (my little brother and my mom and I) lived a different life than those around us. My dad was my hero and still is.

@Last_Chance.

21 күн бұрын

God bless you and your family

@gtoolejr

21 күн бұрын

Me too buddy, me too. Dad was an SF medic. Childhood was.......interesting.

@everhea9907

21 күн бұрын

Sorry if this is an annoying question but was is SOF and TBI?

@Coopdawg67

21 күн бұрын

@@everhea9907SOF= Special operations force TBI= Traumatic brain injury

@randyhavener1851

20 күн бұрын

God Bless your Father, your Mother, you and your family!! Thank you! My Father fought in Europe in WWII. We never talked about it very much, but there was a whole different mind set back then.

Tom is such a good and humble man. Thank you for giving so much of your life in the service of others and for dedicating your life now to help others in their own journey to heal. You’re an inspiration to many!! ❤

This is the interview I have been wanting to hear. Tom Spooner is the man! He is a wise man with so much in his past. Thank you for this episode!

9/1/2006 - 9/2/2006 - Yusufiyah Iraq….God Bless you Tom! Couple days I will never forget. Don’t ever feel like you let us down! You guys were awesome! ❤

@killmeslowly0029

4 күн бұрын

101st?

Tom spits sincere and wholesome wisdom. 31 years of sobriety is a remarkable symbol of his discipline - a trait a lot of us warriors know well, but we also know there are different levels of discipline. This gentleman is a case study for discipline. Thanks for your service, Tom. Semper Fi!

I grew up with Tom and his siblings. All good people.

Went through Warriors Heart in Bandera TX at the beginning of the year. Had the honor of meeting Tom and hearing him speak. He's an inspiration. Highly recommend going to WH if you need help

@Cjones322

21 күн бұрын

Hello fellow WH Alum. Hope all is well brother.

@eriklondon2946

21 күн бұрын

I was never military, but I have an immense gratitude and respect towards those who are there to protect us. I grew up near El Toro Marine Base, before it was shut down by Clinton. I know DC is extremely corrupt, and wish we weren't seemingly trying to get into every war possible.... I am glad there are places that are there to help our men get back some form of normalcy to their lives. I do wish WH was 100% covered or at least 99% covered by taxes/non-profits. Honestly, without a militia/military, we have no country. I have thought the same of VA benefits. Cheers.

@RoSeeUO

20 күн бұрын

Who asked for your opinion?🤡

@nighttrain06nc20

17 күн бұрын

Same!

So many memories flooding up during this video. 30 plus years here, flew AH64s and UH60s in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thanks for your service!

I’ve said it before you are the best interviewer I’ve ever seen you let your guest talk. You don’t overt them. You don’t try to impress them with what you did you let them tell me a story. It’s a rare gift to be able to do this. God bless you, Shawn

Tom is a phenomenal human! He's the type of guy police departments should be hiring to teach tactics. His personality is a catch all. So humble and down to earth! Thank you Mr. Spooner for your dedication and service to this country and many others! Rockstar!

I appreciate Shawn's politeness and respect in these interviews. Like in this one when he respectfully says "I'd like to chime in on that if you don't mind." It's so simple, but it's an example of how to behave in a conversation.

2/75 09-15. 4 rotations to Afghanistan and 1 to Iraq. 1-6 month deployment and 4-110 day deployments. This episode spoke to me. Family saved me from myself. My children and wife became everything. I had to leave the old life behind and realize like most say the special ops train never stops either you’re on it or you’re off. It leaves you behind quickly. Sounds cheesy but the book fearless (the Adam Brown Story) inspired me to be a better human, father and husband. Sober since April 2019.

@bcmchozeh

18 күн бұрын

Great book about a man wrestling with God...

This guy is an awesome human being. Almost 22 years for me. Wish I cut it out a lot sooner in my time in. Quit cold turkey. Still plenty of challenges in life. Still a fight. Always helps hearing other’s experiences. Thanks Tom and Shawn for sharing.

Crazy to think Tom got sober a few months after I was born but our disease looks identical. Working on ten years now, thank you for your service and insight Mr. Spooner

Fantastic to hear his mental preparation before joining SF....by getting sober and going through the 12 steps.

1/506th from 06-10. Went to Warrior's Heart a few back after going through some VA programs for PTSD and substance abuse. Absolutely no comparison between them, and completely changed my mindset about life after combat. Loved being around Tom and his staff. Sidenote: I miss Valkyrie. Best service dog I've ever been around.

@johnnyfamous

14 күн бұрын

Were you in Ramadi? If so we replaced yall at COP and Corregidor

Tom Spooner is a legend on paper, an even bigger legend as a human. His absolute open heart, pure emotion, loving, honest, caring demeanor as a man, I hope to achieve. I was diagnosed with PTSD in my early 30's from child abuse. I wish I could say it was from a more glamorous military experience, but it is what it is. Almost 55 now and I still work every day on it. I was in joyful tears walking from my vehicle into the front doors of that office for the first time. I knew it was going to be work, I knew it was going to be difficult, I KNEW I was in the right place. My stuff happened 40+ years ago, even 50 years ago. Knowing what I know now...I wish I would have sought help sooner. It's a rotten way to live with so much shit in your cupboard. May God bless all veterans for their courage, and may God be with all of us who cry in the dark from time to time. Thank you Shawn Ryan! Thank you Tom Spooner!

🇺🇸TOM!!! What’s up man, it’s Billy from Philly. Just left the Lodge Mahal this morning. On a plane right now heading home.

Love it man cant get enough of this interview! I was a fucked up mess till this guy saved my ass!

@JD-xm3mg

21 күн бұрын

Jesus did

@GROCK619

21 күн бұрын

Thank goodness

@twotimes81

21 күн бұрын

Amen saved me too

@user-re7cq4zv1w

21 күн бұрын

The wilder building

@RoSeeUO

20 күн бұрын

No one asked buddy

Holy crap! Tom was at Staccato ranch on May 11th. I had no idea who he was, shook his hand. Incredible nice guy!! 🤯

Sober almost 13 years. This was an amazing interview. There was so much here I needed to hear. It was like a really really good 4 hour long meeting. I can’t thank you both enough for everything that you’re doing.

Thank you Shawn Ryan for doing what you do and thank you Tom Spooner for sharing your experiences and doing what you’re doing. Both of you need to know that there’s a whole lot of people that appreciate you and are very thankful for what you’ve done and for never giving up.

I work at LBL Kentucky. Every year, 3/5 marine corp have their reunion. It is such an honor to me to be able to serve them while they are here. They are like my family and i love each and every one of them. Couldnt be around a better group of men and women!! Shout out to you, 3/5 Marines!!!! Veitnam unit!!

This guy is Amazing. Truly a Legend. He has an intrinsic understanding of trauma and so many other things that people struggle with, including addiction. That makes him a priceless asset for applying that understanding towards helping others. Thank You

I wish someone wouldve told me theadvice about getting another team together before you come home. Thats the smartest advice Ive ever heard.

Shawn; you do a great job on these interviews. Thank you for your hard work.

@ShawnRyanShow

22 күн бұрын

Thank you for the kind words.

What a wonderfully humble man.

@WoodysSteakHouse

20 күн бұрын

Fact

This episode can't be described in words, in my opinion. So many layers, so many levels. Fckn A. Thank you for your service, and so much more.🙏🏽🇺🇸

These are the reason I started watching this channel. Love the military lives. So grateful to have men like this so we have the freedom to live the lives we choose. Thank you both for your service. You guy’s are amazing.

I'm not military but I love watching these interviews and learning what you guys go through and deal with. All the respect in the world, thanks to all who serve!

I'm not a military man, but I have a lot of respect for those that serve. Even more so since watching your podcast. This interview was incredible. As a sober man, Mr. Spooner has been the guest that I've identified with the most. I got sober on a Memorial Day and God willing, I'll be celebrating 12 years at the end of this month. 👊

@calebleblanc2397

21 күн бұрын

You spooned with Spooner?

Mr. Spooner. total respect from Germany . Especially about your talk on PTSD and the need to get help before you do something stupid. Having the courage to open up. I hope you win the war. You tell no one about

I really needed to hear this, I’m 8 years sober but I feel like I’m gonna mess it up soon. If this man can stay sober after all he went through then I can too.

@doodahman2995

21 күн бұрын

Don't give up all that time. Believe me, it ain't ever worth it. Still struggling myself and it sux.

@ryanvanhoy8004

21 күн бұрын

I’m having a similar issue too; 2.5 years sober and life is great but I can’t shake the feeling I’ve become complacent and am taking the blessing of sobriety for granted.

@mikeglasgow9618

20 күн бұрын

Don't give up Vietnam ERA vet here. You have tools. Make more meetings and talk to your sponsor. He'll reach out to me .BEFORE YOU DRINK !

@Giantist

20 күн бұрын

You’ve got this buddy, one day at a time keep up the fight and be proud of yourself 💪

@GROCK619

20 күн бұрын

Stay strong brother..you deserve it

Wow what a great episode love it, I’m 67 days sober!

Sober 3 years. And it took the exact same thing. Being overwhelmed and not having tools or capacity to deal with it, having to give it up to a higher power change everything for me. I used to to curse my parents for sending me to cat school, but I ain’t gonna lie. It instilled morals, values, and our relationship with God very early in life that I was able to tap into decades later to turn my life around and to help me deal with some seriously traumatic events as well

Humility, honesty, intelligence, self-awareness and acknowledgement. This is a unique individual that makes SRS a must-watch for me.

Shawn what a blessing you are to your guests. You're like an easy to talk to therapist that they all feel comfortable releasing their insides to. You can feel their bodies relief when they unload. So many times through this interview I was brought to tears. I'm thankful for you for them. ❤ 🙏 Thank you both for your service. 🇺🇸

The section where he is talking about the mass casualty event, and you can see in his eyes how much that moment hurt. He gets chocked up a little bit and that right there is his love for his country, for the guys he served with. It's a sad moment, yet beautiful at the same time. Things like that are what makes me so proud to serve our great nation. Thank You Tom, thank you for all that you have done, and all that you have sacrificed. You are appreciated. Our country is grateful for all you have done.

Started watching thinking I'd do 30m segments cause its a long interview. Still here 3 hours later. Wow.

These podcasts have changed my life; my thought processes and the way I've begun to handle matters on my life. Also, I've been given a up close personal view and appreciation for the service of these warriors. Shawn Ryan, thank you for gathering together these Mighty Men and Women to tell their truths; to encourage, enlighten, educate me ...any one who tunes in.

I love this guy !! Wish I would have found him sooner !!! Nobody knows what are military personnel go through!! And it pisses me off !!! Thank you to all the vets that see this !! You are appreciated more than you think !! Thank you !

Thank you, brother.

@ShawnRyanShow

20 күн бұрын

Hope you enjoyed the show!

'Addres the threat, until it is no longer a threat" Brilliant!

Powerful. So good to see a humble hero. This video really got to me and I will see what I can do to support Warriors Heart. Thank you Shawn Ryan for making this interview happen.

I find your podcast to be the most helpful and informative of all that I’ve listened to. I was going through airborne school in Jan of 90 and was 11b but went to the 101st. Tom’s story is so relatable. Civilian life I was a paramedic for 28 yrs, out now due to PTSD. The nonprofit I work for now assists rural first responders in my state with training and resources, we are heavily into the mental health aspect and I truly appreciate what you’re doing. One of the biggest hurdles is the stigma. I tell the first responders to listen to the SRS. Keep it up and thank you.

Thank God for guys like this!

This is, without a doubt the greatest interview Shawn Ryan has done. Salute! RLTW

Truly in awe of this one Brother and I have watched almost all of your videos. Respect beyond words for ALL of your guests as a fellow Veteran, but this one was so direct to the soul of it all. I was never in war during my service years, but Tom’s brutal soul felt honesty and direct clarity leaves me feeling his experiences at a personal level. Outstanding Shawn!

Definitely one of my favorite episodes. Tom, gives very unique perspectives on life, that in return had me thinking of stuff going on in mine. Tom is also well spoken and is a master at painting that picture of his life that he’s speaking on. Thank you Shawn.

Now this is a role model. I wish nothing but the best for all of our absolute warriors that serve and protect this country.

This is the best one yet ! I’m in recovery and Tom here spits fire 🔥 and wisdom left and right ! This guy is my role model

I can see the positive influence this channel has on hundreds of mens who were soldiers now veterans. Is a basket of wisdom from each and every one who gets to be interviewed. Congratulations to all who served and triple congrats 👏 to all who grow up and became sober for Life. Hats 🎩 off to all of you who move up in the ladder 🪜 of life.

I have been looking forward to this for a long time. Tom Spooner was a name I first heard when I was coming along as a young soldier. This podcast is a chronicle and a testament to the very best guys and gals our country has to offer, and I am grateful to have been a part of it. You won’t find better warriors anywhere.

Shawn, Tom I’ve been watching this for the last couple hours had to pause it because you both hit home with me. I have been shot, have been ROCKED in the head and have been an alcoholic myself. Something about this interview resonated with me like an elementary school student getting chewed out by the principal. Thank you. You both are a great example of what you can be when a broken person starts to pick up the pieces and builds something new that’s even better. Get some.

Shawn, you've had some spectacular guests on your show however, Spooner is by far, the best representation of the full spectrum of what a war fighter experiences in war; kinetic to emotional.

Thank you Tom and SRS! Legendary man to say the least! He talked about what he did in the unit for what? 20-40 minutes? Hes as humble as a man can get. He is a great human being! Thank you and God bless you 🙏

What a humble human being...respect!!! It's interesting how the Delta guys are so down to earth, no ego problems, just simple down to earth!!! Great guest.

Shawn, I've gotta say, from my heart. Your service is continuing to blossom, Except now it's with a camera, not a gun. Through the medium of Deep Dives into very personal, heartfelt and traumatic experiences of your Top Shelf guests, you are bringing to the general public an insight into the mindset and experiences of real warfighters. In a way which is simultaneously, horrific, heartwarming, and in typical military style, funny at times. But you bring out, even from yourself, the pain, the humility, the humanity, the honour and above all the healing, to the eyes and ears of the general public. That many of whom will have little concept of. Which without pats on the back and glorification, allows the public to see the real human beings inside those uniforms. That these are not simply avatar characters in 'Call of Duty', but actual people, with emotions, and frailties, just like everyone else. THAT in itself is serving, the free thinking, freedom loving aspects of humanity in ways you may not be totally aware of. There's a reason this show has exploded, and what I've highlighted above, IS that reason, people want to hear these stories, people NEED to hear these stories, but not from some wet journalist, but an SF operator that knows EXACTLY what questions to ask, and moreover HOW to ask them!! I don't think Shawn, you'll ever know HOW many veterans you've helped by your continuing body of work, I think your military and combat experiences were ACTUALLY training for THIS, right now. Keep it up bud, people like you are going to save America, from Tyranny, through education, and awakening people, I truly mean that. Even with your DMT experiences and guests like Randall Carlson and the other non military guests, it's ALL part of something Waay bigger than your military career!! But, deep down, you know that. Peace bro💚🙏🏻

@thankfullyredeemedmaderigh7436

21 күн бұрын

VERY well spoken!

@tjordulf

21 күн бұрын

@@thankfullyredeemedmaderigh7436 Thankyou.

@gg3596

21 күн бұрын

Well said & agree 100%

@tjordulf

21 күн бұрын

@@gg3596 thanks 😊👍🏻

The mere fact that the U.S. government does very little to help our veterans with trauma is sad. This is for every veteran and active duty service member of the U.S. military.... the wicked who run this country will get theirs, by the Hand of God himself. Blessings all.... and buckle up.

Man thank you to you and all your guests. I was almost a Marine. My uncle who was a Vietnam vet told me to not waste my life killing for beaurocrats and politicians. I listened cause he was my hero. I sometimes regret it though. As a man who wants naturally to be a warrior. In any case thank you. I admire these soldiers.

@TheronAnderson-hy3lp

3 күн бұрын

My old man was a decorated Vietnam vet. He was my hero. It took him taking me into the mountains and shooting at me to get his point across about the military. He got his point across.

What a fantastic story and example of redemption. Tom has so much humility,it’s inspiring 🇺🇸

Im pretty sure I knew Shawn right around around the time he was coming out of the Navy, I have known many of his guests , some of which i lost contact with after 9-11. Being frim Oceanside and working twenty five feet from Pendleton's main gate from 99-2011 as well as marrying a marine, these interviews take me back to those terrible times but its been a blessing to see that these guys made it out of all of that after not knowing for so many years. Thank you Shawn for giving these guys a platform to share their stories.

Thank you for this show with this guy and alot of the other ones I’ve never been to war but I know I’m military minded very strategic. Going thru a really rough time the last 8 years but I wanna say thank you these things help me with regular everyday life. I get so much wisdom and knowing I’m not alone from these episodes. It reminds me also that I’m a warrior! Appears have been.. crazy but beautiful thank you again

This Brave man has ALL MY RESPECT! Being sober could not have been easy man. God Bless all these WARRIORS🙏💯🇺🇸

After the intrigue and bittersweet tears, you will stay with me in my heart and prayers. Thank you.

"short version" Shawn interrupts, "no short version!" lmao 😂 yes! Exactly what I was thinking. I love opening these up every Monday, and love it even more when it's at least 4 hours

@redacted547

19 күн бұрын

3:10:58

@jmat7000

10 күн бұрын

The only time I've seen shawn interrupt. Was awesome

Tom is the man !!!!!!

I had the immense pleasure of serving with Tom! And the last thing you said, Sean is so true… “You’ve touched so many lives!“ I feel immensely blessed to have been one of those lives! Thank you Tom for all you’ve done and all you’re doing to help men get straight and be the men that they can be! Delta Dawgs!

What makes this podcast so special besides the untold combat stories, are the life lessons. The knowledge you can obtain and pass down to your kids is truly great!

First time watching this podcast/channel. Just looked interesting and honestly, I had a shit week, because we had to bury a good friend from A.A. who was just killed in a motorcycle crash. I don’t know this man, but aside from the military aspect, I swear he’s telling my story. The emptiness, the hopelessness, even down to the relationship with his wife, the anger at god. I even made a bet with my first sponsor that A.A. wouldn’t work for me. I feel like I’ve said almost all of this myself sitting around A.A. tables. In fact, I sent it to a guy I sponsor and he called me and said it was kinda creepy how similarly we share about our sobriety journeys. Goes to show that we’re not all that different when it comes down to it and there is a solution as long as you’re all in, all the time on recovery. My sober date is 10/28/2020. And thanks to A.A., the people in it, and a higher power of my understanding, I can honestly say that today I have a life that even on my worst day, I wouldn’t trade for all the bourbon in Kentucky.

@ritaphifer

12 күн бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story! It’s very encouraging and motivational to hear … so many have same story .. thank god for person who started AA!

@baye850

8 күн бұрын

Wow! I'm happy for you and your family!

3:30:27 that was one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard. “Are they gonna vote to live or vote to die” it’s like that first shot they hear they get a high off the feeling of the fun starting, which I totally get cause I’d feel the same tbh. That mindset and thought process is just fucking badass

Great interview. Tom, if you are reading this. My Dad served in Vietnam 68-70. He fought in the tunnels and jungles. DSC recipeant at the age of 19. Multiple awards. Signed on for another tour after that. Was pulled out after receiving the DSC. This really bothered him, leaving his brothers behind, not his choice. Both of you are true Warriors.

Tom Spooner is a true warrior and a helluva man! And if I couldn’t love him anymore, his respect for law enforcement was truly amazing coming from such a warrior. God bless you brother Spooner!!! SRS knocks another interview out of the park!!!

I'm not a soldier. I did lose my mother when I was around 4 years old. When Tom is talking about tools for PTSD, his words apply to everyone, even if you already suffer from PTSD. Emotional moments when I was younger would lead to meltdowns, and I developed anger issues. As I got older, the tools I was taught by my family and professionals have given me the ability to process trying times and act in a healthy manner.

Congratulations 💪👍✌️ I got 10 years sober

@GROCK619

20 күн бұрын

Great !!

@GROCK619

20 күн бұрын

Great !!

This was incredible. Even more I love Tom’s attitude and transparency. God bless his work with veterans.