Apr 5, 2022
For most veterans, returning to civilian life is the hardest part of coming home. PTSD and other mental illnesses can take a toll that many don’t have the skills to handle. Today, you’ll hear how one Air Force veteran is working to better that.
Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We sit down to talk with Professional MMA fighter and former Air Force combat controller, Connor Matthews. Connor takes us on an incredible journey from growing up with ADHD and the sports that kept him focused, to fighting in Afghanistan and those same practices that brought him peace after returning home.
Listen in as Connor talks about the benefits of sports in the lives of people dealing with ADHD and how learning that discipline at a young age lead him to become an elite member of the U.S. Air Force. We talk about his life after service, the struggle of finding a new normal, and how martial arts gave him the skills to deal with his PTSD and live life with a new purpose.
Whether you or someone you know has served in the military this episode is sure to bring a little more hope for the future of our veterans. For more resources or to get in touch, check out the links below!
More Of What’s Inside:
- What life looks like with ADHD
- Giving up a life goal and finding a new purpose
- Becoming a jack of all trades in the military
- The struggle of returning to civilian life after combat
- The tools that kept Connor in a good mental space
- Finding the right support system for you
- The best way to deal with traumatic experiences
- You don’t have to be the best, just consistent
- The slippery slope of alcohol and drugs
- How veterans can find support
- And much more!
Connect With Connor:
- Website: https://opvetnow.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/operationvetnow
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/operationvetnow/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operation-vet-now/?viewAsMember=true
Connect with Clint and Chuck:
- malarchuk.com/book
- malarchuk.com
- www.thecompassionateconnection.com
- www.warriorsunmasked.com
- Follow us on Instagram
- Like us on Facebook
- Subscribe To Our YouTube
- My Community Contact
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 0:02 - What we cover today!
- 2:21 - Introducing Connor Matthews
- 5:22 - Growing up with ADHD
- 9:42 - The moment Connor’s life changed
- 14:28 - Why Connor became a combat controller
- 19:49 - The pressure of fighting in Afghanistan
- 26:35 - Connor’s Life after returning to America
- 32:59 - Navigating the struggle of PTSD
- 37:11 - How MMA saved Connor’s life
- 44:14 - Connor’s advice for you
- 46:13 - For veterans who need a little extra support