In this episode, Russ Torgerson shares how a 31-year Coast Guard career as a rescue swimmer and pilot shaped his identity, and how losing that identity nearly destroyed him after retirement. From pulling bodies out of the water to flying missions in some of the harshest conditions on earth, Russ opens up about PTSD, depression, alcohol, and the long road back to purpose.
We talk about the veteran transition, identity loss after service, finding a new tribe, and why physical struggle and community matter more than most transition programs ever admit.
Subscribe for real transition stories and frameworks that actually help:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
• Becoming one of the first Coast Guard rescue swimmers
• What continuous trauma does to the nervous system
• Leaving service after 31 years and losing identity
• Depression, alcohol, and the silent spiral after retirement
• Why most veterans say “I’ve got this” when they don’t
• Finding healing through jiu-jitsu, discipline, and tribe
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GUEST BIO
Russ Torgerson is a retired Coast Guard commander, former rescue swimmer (RS-68), pilot, and aviation program leader. After 31 years of service, Russ now focuses on mentorship, personal growth, and helping veterans navigate identity loss and life after the uniform.
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MEGAPHONE LINKS
• Russ Torgerson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtorg
• The Strategic Veteran Podcast:
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strategic-veteran/id1743039436
