What happens after 20 years in uniform, when the mission ends, but the mental storm continues?

In this vulnerable and energizing episode, Stephen Crook, Coast Guard veteran and founder of Through the Storm Apparel, opens up about PTSD, identity, and the quiet battles veterans face long after deployment. From launching a one-for-one apparel brand to personally stepping in to save fellow service members in crisis, Stephen shares what it takes to lead with heart, heal out loud, and balance life after service.

In this episode, we explore:

• What coming home really looks like after deployment
• Why therapy isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom
• How breathwork, structure, and fitness became Stephen’s tools for resilience
• The emotional toll of leadership and the healing power of giving back
• What it means to redefine masculinity, vulnerability, and purpose after military life

Whether you’re a veteran, a parent, a partner, or just someone navigating life’s chaos, this episode will move you.

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🎧 Learn more about Through the Storm Apparel: throughtthestorm.shop
🔗 Connect with Stephen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-crook-75608791/

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Hosted by Nick Houpt: linkedin.com/in/nicolas-houpt-b21b9b45/ | Executive Produced by Steven Baxendale: linkedin.com/in/steven-r-baxendale/

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This episode is proudly sponsored by Balanced Wellbeing LLC, a leader in psychiatric and psychological care dedicated to compassionate, patient-first mental health services.

Learn more or get in touch: balancedwellbeingllc.com | 877-779-2429 | Lifewellbalancedpodcast@gmail.com

What if your biggest setbacks were actually setting you up for something greater?

In this powerful conversation, host Nick Houpt sits down with bestselling author and international speaker Rob Swymer to talk about surrendering to adversity, leading with heart, and finding purpose through pain. From overcoming addiction and loss to building global teams and coaching leaders, Rob shares the tools that helped him not just survive but thrive.

In this episode:

• Why surrender isn’t giving up—it’s choosing growth
• Rob’s AAA formula for bouncing back stronger
• Using physical intelligence and movement to unlock peak performance at work and in life
• The difference between “moving on from” and “moving on with love”

Whether you’re rebuilding after a loss, leading a team under pressure, or simply searching for deeper balance, this episode will meet you there and walk with you forward.

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📘 Rob’s book Surrender to Your Adversity is available anywhere books are sold: https://a.co/d/bYcBIzC
🎤 Learn more or book Rob for speaking: robswymer.com
🔗 Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robswymer

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Hosted by Nick Houpt: linkedin.com/in/nicolas-houpt-b21b9b45/ | Executive Produced by Steven Baxendale: linkedin.com/in/steven-r-baxendale/

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This episode is proudly sponsored by Balanced Wellbeing LLC, a leader in psychiatric and psychological care dedicated to compassionate, patient-first mental health services.

Learn more or get in touch: balancedwellbeingllc.com | 877-779-2429 | Lifewellbalancedpodcast@gmail.com

What happens when a psychiatrist blends science, spirituality, and systems thinking to reshape how we view mental health?

In this transformative conversation, host Nick Houpt sits down with Dr. Desh, an award-winning, triple-board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Balanced Wellbeing LLC, to explore what it truly means to live a Life Well Balanced. Drawing from personal experience, clinical wisdom, and decades of work in psychiatric care, Dr. Desh offers a refreshing, human-first approach to healing.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why balance, not perfection, is the foundation of mental wellness
• How ego, identity, and self-labeling impact our mental and emotional health
• The difference between mindfulness and heartfulness
• Why emotions like anger and attachment aren't "bad", they’re misunderstood tools
• The role of awareness in everyday well-being
• How therapy and psychiatry work together (and how he trains teams to lead with empathy)

This episode isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about understanding your mind, reconnecting with your core self, and making peace with the present moment.

Whether you're a mental health professional, a caregiver, or someone on your own healing journey, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded and empowered.

Learn more about Balanced Wellbeing LLC or connect with Dr. Desh: balancedwellbeingllc.com | 877-779-2429 | linkedin.com/in/pari-deshmukh-70411a8b/

Hosted by Nick Houpt: linkedin.com/in/nicolas-houpt-b21b9b45/ | Executive Produced by Steven Baxendale: linkedin.com/in/steven-r-baxendale/

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This episode is proudly sponsored by Balanced Wellbeing LLC, a leader in psychiatric and psychological care dedicated to compassionate, patient-first mental health services.

Learn more or get in touch: balancedwellbeingllc.com | 877-779-2429 | Lifewellbalancedpodcast@gmail.com