Most veterans don’t lose their purpose the day they take off the uniform. It slips away slowly, and by the time they notice, it can feel like there’s nothing left to hold onto.
This week on The Bunkhouse, Jon sits down with Richard Kaufman, “The Comeback Coach,” host of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency podcast, author, and speaker. Richard has faced addiction, alcoholism, homelessness, blindness, and a traumatic brain injury, and he talks honestly about the day in 2012 that changed his direction and what came after.
In this conversation:
- The identity crisis after service, and why purpose doesn’t come back on its own
- What the first small step looked like after his lowest point
- Turning a podcast into a mission, and the burnout that came with it
- The mentors and community that helped him through, and why asking for help is so hard
- What success looks like today
If you’re a veteran who’s struggling, or you loved one, this episode is for you. You don’t have to fight your battles alone.
Content note: This episode includes discussion of addiction, suicide, and trauma. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Be the light in someone’s dark. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.
Connect with Richard: Search “Vertical Momentum” on your favorite podcast platform.
Connect with The Bunkhouse: thebunkhousecast.com
