In this emotional episode of the Unwritten Chapters Podcast, host Matthew Heneghan shares a powerful true story about staying in the military after watching Top Gun during a lonely Christmas on base. This heartfelt Val Kilmer tribute explores military mental health, the quiet strength of Iceman, and how Val Kilmer's legacy helped change a life. A must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, connection, and a moment of honest reflection.

🎙 Follow Me – Unwritten Chapters Podcast 🎙
True stories. Raw reflections. Healing through honesty.

📘 Hosted by author & veteran MatthewHeneghan.
From heartbreak to hope, Unwritten Chapters dives into the quiet momentsthat shape us all.

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🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hmuMofDnEkc8Ec9MqGHmC?si=680b624ea3444da3
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🌐 Website: https://amedicsmind.com/

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#MentalHealth #MilitaryLife #Sobriety #Grief #Resilience #WritingCommunity

📬 DM me your story or thoughts—I’d love tohear from you.

Let’s write these chapters together. 🖊
#UnwrittenChapters #Podcast #StorytellingMatters

Episode Description:
Have you ever felt the profound weight of silence—the kind of silence that carries more meaning than words ever could? In this emotionally charged episode of Unwritten Chapters, join me as I recount my powerful visit to a paramedic station in Salmon Arm, BC, during Christmas 2024. As a former paramedic, I instantly recognized what I call the paramedic silence: an unspoken reflection of recent tragedies, the heaviness of difficult calls, and the quiet solidarity among first responders.

Through deeply personal anecdotes—including a haunting experience responding to a suicide call—this episode explores the emotional realities faced by paramedics. We discuss the toll that trauma and ongoing stress take on mental health, why first responders often apologize for their silence, and the urgent need for greater empathy, understanding, and support from the community.

This heartfelt episode emphasizes that paramedics carry immense emotional burdens, especially during the holiday season, and calls on listeners to recognize and honor their sacrifices. Whether you're a first responder, a family member, or someone who simply wants deeper insight into the complexities of paramedic life, this conversation is an essential listen.

Enjoyed this episode? Let’s stay connected!
Follow me on social media for more stories, updates, and behind-the-scenescontent:

· 📸 Instagram: @unwrittenchapterspodcast

· 📘 Facebook: UnwrittenChapters Podcast

· 🐦 Twitter (X): @AMedicsMind

📚 Explore my books available on Amazon:

· A Medic's Mind

· Woven in War

Your support means everything—thank you for being part of this journey!

In this timely episode, we tackle the challenging world of Canadian politics ahead of the upcoming federal election. With growing political division causing family arguments and heated online arguments, how can we manage election anxiety and social media conflict? We’ll explore recent controversies around Canadian prime minister Mark Carney Canada, discuss the complexities of Canadian taxes, and uncover how understanding mental health and embracing political empathy can transform divisive politics into opportunities for respectful disagreement and empathy politics. Join us for a candid and respectful conversation on navigating tough political discourse with less anxiety politics and more genuine connection.

In today's episode, we discuss why political division feels sharper than ever, exploring how respectful disagreement can ease political conflict and help manage election anxiety. You'll hear a personal anecdote about an online encounter where my integrity was questioned over a simple query about Canadian taxes, emphasizing how quickly social media conflict can escalate.

We’ll reflect on how maintaining respect for differing opinions not only leads to healthier political discourse but also positively impacts our mental health. Whether you're facing family disagreements about politics or trying to engage constructively online, this conversation about political empathy and compassion can help you navigate the upcoming election period with greater ease.

• Why Canadian politics have become so divisive, especially around election periods.
• My personal experiences with political discussions, arguments, and misunderstandings, including a challenging online interaction about Canadian taxes.
• The importance of respectful disagreement in managing political conflict within family and friendships.
• How understanding mental health can transform the way we handle disagreements and arguments, both in person and online.
• Practical strategies for navigating political discourse with empathy, even when you strongly disagree with someone.
• Insights into handling personal anxiety politics, including managing your own mental health and well-being during politically charged times.

• [0:00] Intro & Welcome: Why discuss divisive topics now?
• [2:15] Canada's Political Climate: The rise of division and anger.
• [7:45] Anecdote: The online encounter questioning my integrity.
• [15:20] Personal Reflections: Past volatility and emotional arguments.
• [22:00] Family Dynamics: Discussing my strained political interactions with my sibling, Jonathan.
• [30:10] Mental Health Connection: Understanding the complexities behind people's viewpoints.
• [38:05] Strategies & Tips: How respectful disagreement can improve mental health.
• [44:40] Closing Thoughts: Embracing empathy and compassion during election season.

• Information on Canadian federal election
• Background on Mark Carney Canada appointment
• Support resources for understanding mental health and dealing with anxiety during stressful periods

• Website: Unwritten Chapters
• Instagram: @UnwrittenChaptersPodcast
• Facebook: Unwritten Chapters Podcast

Canadian politics, federal election, political division, mental health, respectful disagreement, political conflict, family arguments politics, online arguments, political discourse, Mark Carney Canada, Canadian prime minister, social media conflict, political debate, anxiety politics, election anxiety, understanding mental health, navigating political arguments, empathy politics, divisive politics, respectful conversation, Canadian taxes, political empathy

Thank you for tuning in to Unwritten Chapters! Please remember to subscribe, share, and review if you enjoyed this conversation. Let's keep the respectful dialogue going.

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Unwritten Chapters, host Matthew Heneghan shares his extraordinary experience of receiving the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. Matthew candidly discusses the complex emotions he experienced, including battles with imposter syndrome, navigating life after military and paramedic service, and reflections on personal significance and growth.

Matthew also features his insightful CBC Daybreak interview with Sarah Penton, where they dive into themes of mental health awareness, PTSD recovery, and the importance of meaningful connections. Later, Matthew tells a heartwarming story about his friendship with Dan, a dedicated paramedic whose thoughtful gesture brought Matthew profound gratitude and clarity.

Tune in for powerful insights into:

• Receiving recognition and confronting self-doubt

• Overcoming anxiety and embracing emotional resilience

• The lasting impact of honoring Canadian heroes

• Healing and personal growth through storytelling

If you found value in this episode, please like, share, and subscribe—your support helps us reach more listeners and continue sharing inspiring stories from the Veteran community and beyond.

Keywords: Matthew Heneghan, Unwritten Chapters Podcast, King Charles Medal, CBC Daybreak Interview, Mental Health Awareness, Military Veteran Recognition, Paramedic Stories, PTSD Recovery, Inspirational Podcast, Canadian Veterans, Self-Improvement, Imposter Syndrome, Meaningful Connections, Honoring Heroes, Personal Growth Journey, Emotional Resilience, True Stories, Canadian Podcasts, Overcoming Anxiety, Motivational Stories, Veteran Community, Healing Through Storytelling.

Unwritten Chapters – A Big Week: Speaking in Afghanistan, A National Honor, and A Literary Win

Episode Summary:Welcome back to Unwritten Chapters! This episode is a big one—I'm sharing some incredible milestones that have unfolded in my life this week. From speaking to a group of young writers in Afghanistan to receiving a national honor in Canada, and even winning an award for my fiction writing, it's been a week of reflection, gratitude, and growth.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Speaking to Young Writers in Afghanistan – I’ve been invited to speak with a group of Afghan girls about creative writing and storytelling. Despite the restrictions they face, their passion for literature is inspiring. I'll share how this opportunity came to be and what it means to me.

• Receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal – I’ve been awarded this incredible honor for my contributions to military history education and mental health advocacy in Canada. I’ll talk about the significance of this recognition, the upcoming ceremony, and my feelings about being nominated.

• Winning the Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival (Again!) – For the second year in a row, I’ve taken home the top prize—this time in fiction! I’ll give you an inside look at my winning story, Summit of Promises, and how personal loss and grief shaped the narrative.

• Reflections on Growth, Sobriety, and Finding Purpose – This episode also explores how these moments tie into my journey of sobriety, self-acceptance, and the importance of connection.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:02] – Introduction & gratitude to listeners

• [03:45] – How I got the opportunity to speak with Afghan writers

• [12:30] – The power of creative expression and overcoming limitations

• [18:20] – Receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal: what it means to me

• [26:15] – Winning the Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival for fiction

• [34:00] – Reflections on grief, writing, and finding closure through storytelling

• [42:30] – Final thoughts and a message of gratitude

Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review or a comment on Spotify—it’s free, easy, and helps more people discover Unwritten Chapters! You can also support the podcast by sharing this episode with someone who might resonate with its message.

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: UnwrittenChapters

• Blog: AMedicsMind.com

• YouTube: Unwritten Chapters

Thank you for being part of this journey. Stay safe, stay connected, and above all, keep talking to each other.

#WritingCommunity #CreativeWriting #Afghanistan #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryHistory #KingCharlesCoronationMedal #PodcastLife #UnwrittenChapters

There are some moments from childhood that stay with you forever—the ones that felt like a secret written just for you and your closest friends. This is the story of the time we found a hidden passage behind locker 214 in our middle school. A dusty crawl space filled with forgotten desks, old typewriters, and echoes of students long before us. It wasn’t just a secret hideout—it was an adventure, a moment of reckless immortality, and a memory that would last a lifetime.

The school may be gone now, but the bond of brotherhood and the thrill of discovery remain. Join me as I take you back to a time of unsupervised mischief, whispered secrets, and the kind of childhood adventure we all long to relive.

🎙️ Listen now and step back in time with me.

🔹 What’s in this episode?

• The discovery behind locker 214
• The dust-filled corridors and forgotten relics of the past
• A secret adventure with childhood friends
• The nostalgia of school days and the innocence of youth
• How some moments define our friendships for a lifetime

🔹 Keywords:
#ChildhoodMemories #HiddenPlaces #Nostalgia #SchoolAdventures #LostAndFound #UrbanExploration #Friendship #SecretRooms #MiddleSchool #GhostStories

💬 What’s a childhood discovery you’ll never forget? Drop a comment or DM me—I’d love to hear your story!

Show Notes:

Episode Summary:
In this episode ofUnwritten Chapters, we dive into the guilt many of us feel when taking a mental health day. Why do we reward overworking but feel bad about resting? I share a personal story about a recent family mental health day and explore why we associate productivity with worth, why we struggle to justify rest, and how we can start reframing rest as a necessity rather than a luxury.

00:00 – Intro & Personal Story

• The day my family and I took a collective mental health day
• My wife’s feelings of guilt afterward
• The question:Why do we feel guilty for taking care of ourselves?

05:30 – Why Do We Feel Guilty?

• The cultural glorification of overwork (“grind culture”)
• The pressure of responsibility and the feeling of “falling behind”
• The belief that productivity = self-worth

12:45 – The Double Standard of Overworking vs. Resting

• Why long hours are praised, but rest is seen as indulgent
• The real cost of never taking breaks (burnout, resentment, health issues)
• The irony:Working without rest actually makes us less productive

20:10 – Reframing Rest as Necessary, Not Indulgent

• Why rest isrecovery, not laziness
• The importance of mental health days for long-term well-being
• Science-backed benefits: How rest improves creativity, focus, and emotional resilience

28:30 – Personal Takeaway & Encouragement

• You do not have to earn rest. You deserve to take care of yourself.
• A reminder:You are not a machine. You are a human being who needs rest to thrive.
• Final thoughts and listener encouragement

✅ Hustle culture has conditioned us to equate rest with laziness—but that’s a lie.
✅ We feel guilty about taking breaks but don’t hesitate to overwork ourselves.
✅ Rest is necessary for mental and physical health, productivity, and well-being.
✅ You donot have to earn rest. You deserve it.

📖Related Blog Post:The Guilt of Rest – Why We Struggle to Take Mental Health Days
🎧Listen to More Episodes:Unwritten Chapters Podcast

💬 Have you ever felt guilty for taking a break? Let’s talk about it! Share your thoughts in the comments or DM me on social media.

🔁 If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it today.

🎙️Until next time—take care of yourself. You deserve it.

For more stories about personal growth, mental health,and living with PTSD as well as learning how you can publish your turn and turnyour trauma into a vehicle to help others, be sure to follow the podcast, andplease, like, share and subscribe to the Unwritten Chapters Podcast.

Follow Me on Social Media or Send me a Message:

· Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenchapterspodcast/

· Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570235138813

· YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@Unwritten_Chapters_podcast

Purchase my Books Here:

· A Medic’s Mind:https://a.co/d/aV77MDd

· Woven in War:https://a.co/d/b3L147d

In this episode of the Unwritten Chapters podcast (formerly A Medic's Mind), we’re revisiting the past to uncover how it helps in moving forward in life. Join me as I reflect on my very first podcast episode, sharing powerful paramedic stories and my PTSD journey. This mental health podcast dives into overcoming trauma, recovery from addiction, and the highs and lows of my paramedic experience as both a Canadian Army medic and civilian responder. With heartfelt storytelling, personal growth insights, and writing as therapy, this episode explores post-traumatic stress disorder, hypervigilance stories, depression, and the path to a sobriety journey. Perfect for veterans, mental health advocates, and anyone seeking a self-reflection podcast that resonates deeply with life’s challenges and triumphs.

For more stories about personal growth, mental health, and living with PTSD as well as learning how you can publish your turn and turn your trauma into a vehicle to help others, be sure to follow the podcast, and please, like, share and subscribe to the Unwritten Chapters Podcast.

Follow Me on Social Media or Send me a Message:

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unwrittenchapterspodcast/

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570235138813

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Unwritten_Chapters_podcast

Purchase my Books Here:

· A Medic’s Mind: https://a.co/d/aV77MDd

· Woven in War: https://a.co/d/b3L147d