In this episode, Rick Klauer, a former naval aviator turned Army pilot, shares his remarkable journey from the military to civilian life and back to the military. He recounts his experiences flying helicopters in both the Navy and Army. Rick also opens up about his transition to civilian life, where he faced high levels of anxiety and stress.
Rick and Thad discuss their tendency for contingency planning and overthinking, which often leads to anxiety. They explore the societal expectations placed on men to be emotionally strong and the challenges of being emotionally vulnerable in relationships. Rick shares his personal experience of going through a divorce, dealing with simultaneous feelings of depression, regret, and anxiety.
In the final part of their discussion, Rick and Thad share various strategies for dealing with anxiety and mental health issues. They highlight the benefits of exercise, sleep, and proper nutrition in managing anxiety. Additionally, they touch on the challenges faced by pilots in the FAA regarding mental health and the need for better support and treatment options. The episode concludes with discussing future plans, the importance of finding purpose, and staying active.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:03 Influence of a Military Family
08:01 Transitioning to Civilian Life
14:06 Joining the National Guard
24:52 Deployment to Afghanistan
35:12 Navigating Job Insecurity and Anxiety
38:17 The Weight of Past Events
41:36 The Challenges of Emotional Vulnerability
45:47 Coping with Divorce and Regret
54:10 The Importance of Living in the Present
01:15:23 Reflecting on Divorce and Regret
01:19:18 Managing Anger and Anxiety in High-Pressure Situations
01:35:31 The Importance of Living in the Present
01:48:02 Exploring Meditation and Alternative Practices
01:52:35 Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Mental Health
01:55:49 Challenges Faced by Pilots in the FAA
02:08:31 Finding Purpose and Staying Active
02:13:24 Being Compassionate Towards Oneself
02:26:15 Future Plans and Pursuing Endurance Races
