Episodios

  • Ep: 093 - Mental Health - The Stigma
    May 13 2025
    May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the crew at Pushing Back Chaos is leading the charge with a powerful three-part series diving into some of the toughest questions and most necessary conversations surrounding mental health. Part 1: Stigma “The attachment of dishonor, embarrassment, or disgrace.” It exists—and we can’t ignore it. Roughly 1 in 5 people globally experience mental health challenges, yet the vast majority choose silence over speaking up. Why? Because of an invisible force that discourages honesty, vulnerability, and asking for help: stigma. Stigma grows from deep roots: A lack of emotional awareness in ourselves and others Misunderstanding or misidentifying signs and symptoms Fear of judgment and the discomfort of being seen as weak, broken, or imperfect As a result, too many suffer in silence—isolating, self-medicating, or relying solely on self-help, which often leads to deeper pain. But this is not the way. In this episode, Mike and Mellon open up about their personal experiences in the military and in life, sharing raw, honest moments where they had to choose between hiding and healing. They walk through their journeys toward recovery, guided by the godly pillars of Stu Weber’s framework: The Leader. The Warrior. The Mentor. The Friend. This episode isn’t easy—but it’s real. And it’s for you. We’re here to break the silence, build connection, and create a safe space for stories that need to be heard. We’d love to hear yours. Your voice matters, and your experience could be the bridge someone else needs. “Be open about being broken—it’s what keeps us together.” Connect with Us: • Follow Pushing Back Chaos on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Amazon Music • Join the conversation on Facebook & Instagram • Share this episode to help kill the stigma and start the healing Hashtags: #HeroesMediaGroup #HMG #PushingBackChaos #TruthOverComfort #EmbraceTheChaos #LiveUnfiltered #BattleTestedMindset #ChaosToClarity #RiseThroughStruggle #HardenYourMind #MentalHealthAwareness #KillTheStigma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 5 m
  • Ep: 092 - The Power of Stillness: Finding Presence in the Noise
    Apr 25 2025
    “Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found" - Eckhart Tolle Episode Overview In this episode, we go deep into the power of stillness — not as a luxury or escape, but as a weapon for clarity, control, and connection. Whether you’re navigating combat zones, high-stakes leadership, or the raw emotions of parenting, this conversation will give you the tools to find stillness in the noise — not after it. We explore: How to ground yourself in moments of chaos How stillness builds rhythm and presence into your daily life How military leadership, fatherhood, and spirituality all point to the same quiet center We also break down Stephen R. Covey’s powerful insight: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space... In that space is our power to choose.”And how you can expand that space to lead yourself and others better — every day. Framework: Identity → Actions → Outcomes IDENTITY — Who are you when things go loud?Are you your reactions, or the space between them? ACTIONS — Grounding techniques from combat and parentingSelf-awareness, rhythm resets, and everyday stillness OUTCOMES — What changes when you lead with presence?Less reactivity. More peace. Deeper connection. Better decisions. Wisdom From: Stephen R. Covey – The space between stimulus and response Eckhart Tolle – Presence as a state of power, not passivity Melon and Mike: Family lives – Parenting through crisis, choosing love over fear Military experience – Stillness in combat and the cockpit Tools & Takeaways Micro-stillness habits to anchor your rhythm The 4 Endowments: Self-awareness, Conscience, Imagination, Will How to catch the moment before you react — and change the outcome Listener Challenge Pick one moment today to pause.Expand the space. Choose your response.Message us with what changed. Join the Conversation What did this episode spark for you?DM us on Instagram or send us an email. Resources & Mentions The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle Thanks for Pushing Back the Chaos with Us If this episode helped you, share it with a mate.Leave a review to help others find stillness, too. “Stillness isn’t where you stop the world. It’s where you stop being run by it. In that pause between the trigger and your next move — that’s where the real you lives” - Melon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h
  • Ep: 091. - The Lies We Tell Ourselves – Escaping the Truth for the Comfort of Denial
    Mar 6 2025
    We all crave truth, but when it hits too close to home, why do we run from it? In this episode, we dive into the many reasons people avoid the truth—fear, shame, comfort, and even survival. Whether it’s denying personal flaws, avoiding accountability, or clinging to a false reality, we explore how deception holds us back and how we can break free. Through personal stories and hard-hitting insights, we challenge you to examine where you might be avoiding the truth in your own life. Real growth begins when we stop lying to ourselves. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The psychological reasons behind truth avoidance How fear, guilt, and social pressure keep us in denial The dangers of living in a comfortable illusion Why facing the truth is essential for growth and self-respect How to develop the courage to embrace reality—no matter how painful Challenge for Listeners: Where in your life are you avoiding the truth? What’s one hard truth you’ve been resisting, and what would change if you faced it today? Connect with Us: • Follow Pushing Back Chaos on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon music • Connect on Facebook/Instagram • Share this episode & start the conversation! #Heroesmediagroup #HMG #PushingBackChaos #TruthOverComfort #EmbraceTheChaos #LiveUnfiltered #BattleTestedMindset #ChaosToClarity #RiseThroughStruggle #HardenYourMind #RealityCheckTime #LeadWithTruth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 13 m
  • Ep: 090 - Integrity & Personal Growth: How Keeping Promises to Yourself Changes Everything
    Feb 27 2025
    We all like to think of ourselves as honest, but integrity goes way beyond just telling the truth. It’s about doing what you say you will—especially when no one’s watching. And let’s be real, how many times have you promised yourself you’d wake up early, hit the gym, or finally start that big project… only to bail on it? In this episode, we dive into why integrity is the foundation of personal growth. When you consistently keep your word to yourself, you build self-trust, confidence, and momentum. But when you break those little promises—hitting snooze, skipping workouts, making excuses—you quietly erode your own belief in yourself. And that, more than anything, is what keeps people stuck. We’ll unpack: · How self-trust fuels success in every area of life · Why small breaches of integrity matter more than you think · How cognitive dissonance and self-sabotage keep you stuck · Practical steps to strengthen your integrity muscle · Integrity and personal growth · Self-discipline and success · Building self-trust · How to develop integrity · Follow through on commitments Integrity isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. When your actions match your values, everything in life flows more smoothly. So, if you’re tired of spinning your wheels and ready to start actually following through, this episode is for you. 💬 Join the conversation! What’s one small commitment you’re making today? Share your thoughts and tag us on social media! · Insta: @pushing_back_chaos · Email: PushingBackChaos@gmail.com 🎧 Listen now and start building a life you can trust—one small promise at a time. #Integrity #PBC #PushingBackChaos #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #Growth #Discipline #Mindset #Success #SelfTrust #Accountability #Commitment We’ve created a Link Tree with easy click links to all major podcast players: https://linktr.ee/pushingbackchaos?fbclid=PAAaZykcT6ZW50mWbcnrSm1BnZyAKkF-_v2chG9bjPWzkBowtb9fwuhtV_hyQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • Ep: 089 - Identity → Actions → Outcomes
    Feb 13 2025
    Imagine a broke guy saying, “If I had a million dollars, I’d start my dream business and finally be successful.” Sounds logical—except he’d probably just blow it on a sports car and an espresso machine he never uses. Why? Because success isn’t about what you have—it’s about who you are. Most people think life works like this: Get the stuff → Do the things → Become the person.But it’s actually the opposite. The people who succeed don’t wait for external proof before they take action. They step into the mindset of a successful person first, act accordingly, and the results follow. It’s like waiting to feel fit before you go to the gym—nonsense, right? Instead, you start moving, eat better, and over time, healthy choices become natural. When you stop waiting for the right conditions and start embodying the traits of the person you want to be, everything changes. Join your hosts as they expand on this shift in mindset that has been so effective for both of them in generating the lives they love. Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, leave a review, and join the conversation! Your support helps us push back the chaos—one episode at a time. 🎙️🔥 Connect with us and let us know your thoughts! Insta: @pushing_back_chaos Email: PushingBackChaos@gmail.com Goals for 2024: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #manifest #create #being #action #outcome #identity We’ve created a Link Tree with easy click links to all major podcast players: https://linktr.ee/pushingbackchaos?fbclid=PAAaZykcT6ZW50mWbcnrSm1BnZyAKkF-_v2chG9bjPWzkBowtb9fwuhtV_hyQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
  • Ep: 088 - Intentionality- Gratitude- Abundance
    Jan 22 2025
    "Our intention creates our reality” - Wayne Dyer In this action packed episode, your hosts cover daily routines and practical steps that can be implemented into your day immediately. Melon and Mike share a conversation based around practices to gain mental clarity and focus throughout the day. How can we consciously define how we show up in life- so that we can be in action taking the necessary steps when needed? Having the ability to put yesterday behind us- extracting the lessons, and especially savouring the blessings we have been given- allows us to have our full focus on what is ahead of us. Finding our blessings allows us to manifest a state of gratitude- which is essential to shift our energy into positivity when things are hard. From a positive energy state, we can all start to see pathways for actions that will make the difference we need:- it can allow us to escape when we feel "stuck". Mike and Melon share what works for them in their lives- and challenge you to apply some of these steps in your own day. Let us know what works for you- whether your practices are similar or different. We answer all messages. pushingbackchaos@gmail.com Insta: @pushingbackchaos Goals for 2025: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition #Military #Operationonceinalifetime #intention #intentionality #gratitude #focus #clarity #abundance #stoic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 2 m
  • Ep: 087 - Welcome to the New Year!
    Jan 10 2025
    All the best to you and your circle from Mike and Melon, plus the support guys here at Pushing Back Chaos and Heroes Media Group. We take the opportunity to re-introduce ourselves for new listeners. You’ll hear about our professional and personal backgrounds- where we are at in 2025. You’ll hear WHY we have been doing this podcast for the past 4.5 years. Coming from senior roles in special forces and military aviation, your hosts also draw on our family backgrounds and personal relationships. Nothing is off limits- we share from the heart. Your hosts have wide life experience- from special needs children to life threatening combat experiences and everything in between. During this first episode of the year, we dive into some very deep personal questions- some very hard questions to answer. We are here to share our story and our conversations with you. We address the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of life and let you know what has worked for us: most of our lessons were hard won in times of failure and breakdown. From the members of PUSHING BACK CHAOS and HEROES MEDIA GROUP, we wish you all the best for 2025. Reach out to us on social media or by email. We answer all messages. Goals for 2025: -50 Ratings on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -300 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #2025 #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition#Military #Hobbies #Operationonceinalifetime #Notyouraverageoperator #Adversity #Positivity #Struggle #Youcandothis #Priorities #leadership #Faith #2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • PBC: 086 - 2024 Year in Review
    Jan 2 2025
    Happy New Year everyone! We just want to take this time and wish you, your families, and loved ones a bright and prosperous 2025 filled with great achievement, memories, and filled with meaningful relationships. On this final episode of 2024, the guys recap their year while answering questions from you, the listeners. They cover the highlights of the show as well as highlights of their own personal lives. Sharing strong examples of growth physically, emotionally , spiritually, and mentally that they have built upon and shared with you throughout the year in every episode. From moving across the world from the desert back to the land down under with Melon, to overcoming injury with Mike, to being present and maximizing family time with both , this year has been a year of growth, acceptance, challenges, and prosperity. Our hope is that in someway, we have been a pillar for you to lean on when times got tough or confusing. God knows we have needed our own pillars and we are happy to share them. From the members of PUSHING BACK CHAOS and HEROES MEDIA GROUP, we wish you a happy and prosperous new year! Goals for 2025: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition #Military#Hobbies#Operationonceinalifetime #Adversity #StayPositive #Positivity #Struggle #Youcandothis #Priorities #leadership #Evolving #Faith #NewYears #2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 8 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup