The holistic approach to recovery at Miracles Asia, with a focus on specialized care for veterans has a high rate of success, and co-founder Mark Heather explains why in this episode of The Silenced Voices of MST. We cover the location and setting in Phuket, Thailand, the components of the recovery program, the intersection of mental health and addiction, rehabilitation, aftercare, the veterans' experience and recovery, the power of community and support, and the role of spirituality in healing. Trigger free episode!

For a full episode summary, please visit our blog:

Chapters

• 00:00 Previously on The Silenced Voices of MST
• 00:20 The Key to Miracles Asia's High Success Rate
• 02:37 The Role of Connection in Recovery and Mental Health
• 03:57 Michael's Journey to Miracles Asia Began The Veterans Program
• 06:50 The Miracles Asia Veterans Program Breakdown
• 13:24 Miracles Asia's Location and Origin Story
• 17:31 A Special Message for Veterans
• 21:52 Preview for next episode

In this episode, Rachelle Smith speaks with Mark Heather and Michael O'Connor from Miracles Asia, a rehabilitation and recovery center in Thailand that supports U.S. veterans struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

They discuss the founding of Miracles Asia, the unique approach to treatment that includes a holistic and community-focused model, and the importance of addressing both addiction and underlying trauma. Michael shares his personal journey as a combat veteran coping with addiction and the transformation the program had on his life.

For veterans seeking help, Michael and Mark illustrate the power of community and the comprehensive therapeutic methods employed at Miracles Asia.

For a trauma informed episode summary, please visit our blog: www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/veteran-addiction-treatment-for-ptsd-and-military-sexual-trauma-mark-heather-and-michael-oconnor

To see this episode on YouTube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyq78BfAUgc

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Miracles Asia and Personal Journeys

01:58 Why Seeking Help is Difficult for Veterans

04:50 Michael's Transformation due to Miracles Asia's Program

07:08 What Sets Miracles Asia Apart From Other Rehabs

09:29 Expanding Their Program to More Veterans

12:17 Michael Shares His Experience with EMDR Treatment

14:33 The New Coping Tools for a Healthy Life

16:35 The Prevalence of Sexual Trauma in Veteran Recovery Stories

19:26 A Special Message for Veterans Who Might Be Struggling

20:29 Part 2: Miracles Asia Preview

Ron Carter talks about his book, The Monster Inside of Me, and what influenced him to write and how writing it was a cathartic process, offering insights into his personal struggles and the path to healing. He also shares how surprised he was to find out that publishers were reluctant to share his story as a male survivor, even though the book addresses a hidden part of military culture and how he was able to overcome it.

Help us keep this podcast going, by donating: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MFH7L7Z8KJH3W

For a full episode summary with trigger warnings and resources, please visit, our blog: www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/ron-carter-mission-for-survivors-part-3-the-silenced-voices-of-mst

• Ron Carter's book The Monster Inside of Me addresses trauma and PTSD.
• Many veterans experience trauma the system overlooks.
• Support systems matter for healing from trauma.
• Speaking out about trauma helps survivors move forward.
• The military culture suppresses discussions about sexual trauma.
• More people need to know about trauma in the military.
• Veterans should use the resources available to them, like the VA.
• Survivors need to know they're loved and valued.
• Healing takes hard work and support.
• Everyone has a story worth sharing, and finding someone who cares matters.

• 00:00 The Monster Inside: A Journey of Healing
• 05:29 The Hidden Epidemic in the Military
• 07:26 The Fight for Awareness and Change
• 07:45 Finding Your Voice and Seeking Help
• 11:07 A Message to Survivors: You Are Not Alone
• 19:25 Words of Love for the Younger Self

Army veteran Ron Carter shares his journey from deciding to join the Army to his experiences in basic training, getting stationed in Germany, and the premeditated attack that resulted in military sexual trauma. He discusses the impact of these experiences on his mental health, the misconceptions surrounding PTSD, and the need for young people and their parents to know what could possibly happen if they choose to serve.

Help us keep this podcast going, by donating: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MFH7L7Z8KJH3W

Full resources and trigger warnings are available on the blog: www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/military-sexual-trauma-and-the-monster-inside-of-me-ron-carter-part-1-the-silenced-voices-of-mst-with-rachelle-smith

Epsiode Resources:

1. The Monster Inside of Me
2. Veterans Crisis line: Dial 988, the press 1
3. DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
4. Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadvocatesofmst
5. Free VA Disability Toolkit: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/disability-toolkit
   
6. Contact Your Lawmaker Toolkit: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/contact-your-lawmaker-toolkit

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Ron Carter's Journey
• (00:02:08) - Deciding to Join the Military
• (00:04:53) - Basic Training Experience
• (00:07:09) - Transitioning to Military Life in Germany
• (00:09:18) - The Reality of Military Culture
• (00:11:06) - Experiencing Assault and Its Impact
• (00:13:31) - The Aftermath of Trauma
• (00:15:45) - Coping Mechanisms and Struggles
• (00:18:36) - The Long Road to Healing
• (00:23:55) - Understanding PTSD Beyond Combat
• (00:25:56) - Part 2 of Ron’s Story Preview

In Part 2, Ron Carter shares his harrowing experiences with military sexual trauma and the long journey of healing that followed. He discusses the systemic issues within the military regarding sexual assault, the importance of sharing stories, and the various therapeutic approaches he has explored, including psychedelics. The dialogue emphasizes the need for accountability, the power of connection, and the ongoing struggle to change societal perceptions surrounding trauma and shame.

Help us keep this podcast going, by donating: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MFH7L7Z8KJH3W

Full resources and trigger warnings are available on the blog: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/military-sexual-trauma-and-letting-go-of-repressed-pain-ron-carter-part-2-the-silenced-voices-of-mst-with-rachelle-smith

Takeaways

• The methodical nature of predatory behavior is horrifying.
• Facing past trauma can lead to significant breakthroughs.
• Military sexual trauma is a pervasive issue that needs attention.
• Many victims of sexual assault remain silent due to shame.
• Therapy and support are crucial for healing from trauma.
• Psychedelics can offer new perspectives on trauma and healing.
• Sharing personal stories can empower others to seek help.
• Connection and understanding are vital for healing.
• Societal perceptions of shame need to shift for victims.
• Accountability is essential in preventing future assaults.

• (00:00:00) - VA Disability Claim and Possible Patterns of Abuse
• (00:06:28) - Breaking Down at the VA and Confronting Buried Trauma
• (00:11:08) - Ron’s Beginning Different Modalities of Therapy
• (00:14:20) - Ron’s Conversation with God
• (00:19:48) - The Relationship Between Technology, Connection, and Accountability
• (00:23:30) - Preview of Part 3 of Ron’s Story

In this conversation, we meet Jeff, an Army veteran who shares his experience of trauma in the military and the challenges he faced upon returning home. Jeff discusses his childhood trauma, his decision to join the military as a means of escape, and the difficulties he encountered during his deployment in Afghanistan. He shares the harrowing experiences he witnessed, including sexual assault within the Afghan National Army and the brutal treatment of dogs by the Pashtun. Jeff also opens up about his struggles with mental health, including panic attacks and depression, and the impact of his brother's suicide.

Despite the challenges, Jeff reflects on his military career and the unexpected ways it shaped his life. Jeff shares his personal journey of dealing with trauma, panic attacks, and the loss of his brother to suicide. He discusses his experience seeking treatment through the VA and the challenges he faced with finding consistent care. Jeff also talks about the positive developments in his life, including his work with Global Connections to Employment and his own company, Spartan Hope, which provides on-demand mental health support for veterans.

He emphasizes the importance of seeking psychiatric care, finding purpose, and practicing yoga as ways to improve mental health. Jeff also offers advice for young lawyers considering joining the military and highlights the need for cultural change within the military to address issues of sexual assault and harassment.

Resources and Links:

- Visit Jeff's website: https://www.spartanhope.com/

- Visit our website: (http://silencedvoicesmst.com)

- Join our Facebook group: The Advocates of MST

Subscribe to our podcast on

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-silenced-voices-of-mst/id1727135896)

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Tired of being silenced? Share your story with us and be part of the change. Email us at info@silencedvoicesmst.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, visit our website for more information on how to share your story confidentially.

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources:

Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988

Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1

NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Donate: Your generosity helps us cover hosting costs, improve production quality, and bring you even more stories of hope and resilience.

The Silenced Voices of MST is a survivor-led podcast sharing firsthand accounts of Military Sexual Trauma from service members, dependents, civilians, and even those targeted by recruiters who never made it into the ranks. Hosted by Air Force veteran and survivor Rachelle Smith, the show exposes how widespread the problem is and how deeply institutions have failed to protect those who trusted them. Survivors describe pain, isolation, and the long process of seeking healing through determination, community, and the hard lessons they have carried forward. Episodes also feature organizations and advocates pressing for cultural change and accountability. This trailer introduces the mission of the podcast and the voices determined to break the silence.

Support and Community:
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadvocatesofmst

Full episode summaries with trigger warnings are available at https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog.

Accountability ends military sexual violence.
Use our toolkit to contact your lawmakers and demand action: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/contact-your-lawmaker-toolkit

This podcast runs entirely on donations. If you value this work, please consider supporting at https://paypal.me/rachellesvmst.

Explore more resources, including the Disability Toolkit for MST survivors navigating VA claims: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/disability-toolkit

Follow us on YouTube for the podcast and for our upcoming true crime series, Investigation Military Sexual Trauma with Rachelle Smith, launching Veterans Day 2025.

Subscribe, follow us on social media, and leave a review to help amplify survivor voices.

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instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silencedvoicesmst/
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Email is: info@silencedvoicesmst.com

As we reach the end of the first season, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support, engagement, and enthusiasm have made this journey unforgettable, and I couldn't be more thankful.

Summary

In this conversation, Amanda Huffman, a former Air Force officer and the host of the Women of the Military podcast, shares her experiences and insights as a woman in the military. She discusses her deployments, the challenges of dual military life, and the importance of sharing women's stories in the military. Amanda also talks about her books and podcast, and the impact they have had on building a community for women veterans. She offers advice for transitioning veterans and emphasizes the need for support and recognition of female veterans in society.

Stay tuned for what's to come in our next season! We have exciting plans, new guests, and more engaging content in store. Your continued support means the world to us, and we can't wait to share more stories, insights, and experiences with you in the future.

• Women veterans have unique experiences and perspectives that should be shared and celebrated.
• Building a community for women veterans is important for support and connection.
• Transitioning out of the military can be challenging, but with time, patience, and perseverance, veterans can find new careers and hobbies.
• Civilians can support and honor female veterans by listening to their stories, advocating for their needs, and recognizing their contributions.
• There are many resources available for veterans, including VA healthcare, educational programs, and support organizations.

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.

If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources.

Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988

Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1

NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Fundraiser: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?campaign_id=JQJNN32TP3K2

Chapters:

00:00Introduction and Background

01:25Military Service and Deployment

03:15Challenges of Dual Military Life

05:22Communication During Deployment

07:15Writing Books and Starting a Podcast

08:55Discovering Women's Stories in the Military

10:25Importance of Women's History in the Military

11:48Supporting Female Veterans

13:37Takeaways from Women Veterans

14:36Misconceptions and Stereotypes

15:33Unique Strengths and Perspectives of Women in the Military

20:33Building a Community for Women Veterans

25:52Advice for Transitioning Veterans

28:40Advocacy and Awareness for Female Veterans

33:45Supporting and Honoring Female Veterans

38:28Strategies for Transitioning Veterans

40:17Finding Resources and Support

44:39Shoutout to VA Healthcare and Allegiant Giving