Wade Smith served in the military for decades receiving a Governor General's award, along with his unit PPCLI, for their work in Croatia. Wade would go on to serve as a Combat Engineer, specializing in bomb disposal. As rewarding as it was to serve his country, Wade struggled with PTSD. In an effort to find healing, Wade lost himself in extreme sports including the famous Death Race, Ironman, Marathons, Triatholons, Skydiving and Bike Racing. Despite his great success he continued to suffer. One day, while out on an easy cycle with a friend, a massive trophy buck slammed into Wade and everything changed. This! Is Obstacle Course. Let's Go!
Introduction Notes
Nearly 25 years ago, Timothy McVeigh killed 168 people including 19 children, when he parked a rental van full of explosives in front of the Oklahoma Building, exited the vehicle then triggered the bomb as he walked away. At the time, it was the worst act of homegrown terroism in U.S. history. This was the same building where John had received his dual citizenship years earlier.
Chesapeake Shores is Vancouver Island's Hallmark Darling.
Doing Death Better! Our excellent episode with Shauna Janz and Linda Hunter
We got into Shame today people! Guess who we brought up?
If you would like to throw your lot in with Lorelai and Rory. check out Gilmore Girls on Netflix.
Episode Notes
An active volcano, climbing Mount Baker is no small thing. Also, it's over 10,000 feet tall. It's Indigeous name is Kulshan (Nooksack).
Wade described himself as an "empath." This was the same term that was used in Blair's excellent episode.
When Wade first looked in the mirror as a 12 year old boy, he gave himself what he thought he needed. He shut off his empathy. This decision took him on a 30 year journey away from his true self.
If somoene tells you, "men don't cry," they are mistaken. The fact is, a "real man" knows who he is and certainly doesn't hide from his emotions or his true self. This is true for any human being.
If you would like more information on Wade's involvement in Crotia, here are some great articles and videos! The Battle at Medack Pocket (Medack is a town in Croatia)
NATO Article.
Here is the History Channel Documentary on the Battle.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) affects countless Veterans and many people who have endured trauma.
Being positive is only one part of the journey. Learning to Be With all of our emotions is the only way to be fully human and discover our true selves.
Corinna Stevenson facilitates Vision Quests, a transformational multi day experience that helps with connecting with your true self. This was a game changer for Wade.
Wade has done the hard work of learning to embrace his true self. He can help you do the same!