Special Warfare, Social Warfare: A Navy SEAL On Addiction, Identity, And Mentorship

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Today, I sit down with Thomas J. LaGrave, a former Navy SEAL, author, and licensed clinical social worker, who brings a raw, unfiltered account of identity, addiction, and recovery. In this episode, we talk about what it means to lose something most people never get a chance to earn — a SEAL Trident — and how Mr. LaGrave found purpose again by mentoring youth and building a program that could transform the next generation.

Mr. LaGrave opens up about his time in the military, from becoming a SEAL during the post-Vietnam era to being discharged for drug use after nearly a decade of service. We dig into how addiction started in his adolescence and carried over into military life, exacerbated by stress, silence, and a lack of resources. He speaks candidly about the shame and identity crisis that followed, and how recovery began only after he turned himself in to the VA and committed to healing.

We also talk about his incredible work post-service. From working with adolescents in recovery to launching his nonprofit, Honor Bound Academy, Mr. LaGrave is building something deeply needed: a rite of passage program for young men that merges special forces mentorship, spiritual development, and emotional resilience. He shares how his book Special Welfare, Social Warfare: Adolescence to Adulthood is more than a memoir — it's a guidebook designed to mentor the 18-20 year-olds who often fall through the cracks.

We close with advice for both active duty military members and veterans struggling with identity, mental health, or transition. Mr. LaGrave emphasizes the power of owning your story, finding purpose in your pain, and leaning into brotherhood for support.

https://a.co/d/a9Kqdvh

Referenced Episodes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/over-30-years-of-service-the-good-and/id1657865479?i=1000631711924

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psychological-warfare-gaslighting-ptsd-and-abusive/id1657865479?i=1000660772631

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/men-supporting-men-mentors-father-figures-groups/id1657865479?i=1000673974323

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.