The Warrior’s Ascent Podcast: From Healing to High-Performance
You are at war....with yourself, and likely don’t realize it. Your thoughts, beliefs, habits, and actions often sabotage you. Are they helping you overcome adversity or setting you up for failure? To win this battle you must connect with your inner Warrior. We all have a Warrior within us, one that strengthens our resolve and helps us rise to meet life’s challenges. If you’re just surviving rather than thriving, then it’s time to embrace the Warrior archetype, live the Warrior Ethos, and ascend. If you are a Veteran, First Responder, or someone looking to take charge of your life, find your tribe, and be the hero of your own story then this podcast is for you.
Join Mike Kenny and Matt Hastings, two retired US Army officers who served in US Army Special Forces and Aviation Units, as they share with you the optimal performance practices they learned in their time with the military and Warriors’ Ascent, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps Veterans and First Responders dealing with post-traumatic stress. Best practices developed to fortify the mind, body, and soul to strengthen your resolve and conquer life’s challenges.
Vincit Qui Se Vincit
You are at war....with yourself, and likely don’t realize it. Your thoughts, beliefs, habits, and actions often sabotage you. Are they helping you overcome adversity or setting you up for failure? To win this battle you must connect with your inner Warrior. We all have a Warrior within us, one that strengthens our resolve and helps us rise to meet life’s challenges. If you’re just surviving rather than thriving, then it’s time to embrace the Warrior archetype, live the Warrior Ethos, and ascend. If you are a Veteran, First Responder, or someone looking to take charge of your life, find your tribe, and be the hero of your own story then this podcast is for you.
Join Mike Kenny and Matt Hastings, two retired US Army officers who served in US Army Special Forces and Aviation Units, as they share with you the optimal performance practices they learned in their time with the military and Warriors’ Ascent, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps Veterans and First Responders dealing with post-traumatic stress. Best practices developed to fortify the mind, body, and soul to strengthen your resolve and conquer life’s challenges.
Vincit Qui Se Vincit
Episodes
Jun 6, 2025
Jun 6, 2025
29 min
🎙️ Podcast Title:
“Bent, Not Broken: One Warrior’s Path from Recon to Recovery”
📝 Episode Description:
In this raw and riveting episode, we sit down with Steve Svetzka—a Marine Force Recon veteran, former SWAT officer, and Warriors’ Ascent alumnus—whose journey spans combat zones, city streets, and inner battles with trauma. Steve opens up about the silent wounds he carried for decades, the cost of unresolved pain, and the pivotal moment he chose vulnerability over suppression. From surviving the darkest valleys of PTSD to discovering peace through intentional living, therapy, and brotherhood, Steve's transformation is a testament to resilience and the power of community.
You’ll hear firsthand how tools like EMDR therapy, yoga, breathwork, and support networks helped Steve shift from survival mode to purposeful living. If you’ve ever felt “bent” by life’s weight—this episode will show you it’s possible to realign and rise stronger.
🎧 "Bent, Not Broken" is a masterclass in warrior healing, personal accountability, and the courage it takes to truly face yourself.
#WarriorsAscent #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #LawEnforcementSupport #MarineCorpsVeteran #FirstResponderHealing #TraumaRecoveryJourney #InnerWarrior #ForceRecon #EMDRTherapy #MentalHealthForHeroes #ResilientVeterans #IntentionalLiving #VeteranSupportNetwork #SWATToSelfCare #HealAndThrive #BrotherhoodOfHealing #WarriorEthos #SelfCareForSurvivors #BendDontBreak
Jun 6, 2025
29 min
Jun 6, 2025
Jun 6, 2025
29 min
📝 Episode Description:
In this raw and riveting episode, we sit down with Steve Svetzka—a Marine Force Recon veteran, former SWAT officer, and Warriors’ Ascent alumnus—whose journey spans combat zones, city streets, and inner battles with trauma. Steve opens up about the silent wounds he carried for decades, the cost of unresolved pain, and the pivotal moment he chose vulnerability over suppression. From surviving the darkest valleys of PTSD to discovering peace through intentional living, therapy, and brotherhood, Steve's transformation is a testament to resilience and the power of community.
You’ll hear firsthand how tools like EMDR therapy, yoga, breathwork, and support networks helped Steve shift from survival mode to purposeful living. If you’ve ever felt “bent” by life’s weight—this episode will show you it’s possible to realign and rise stronger.
🎧 "Bent, Not Broken" is a masterclass in warrior healing, personal accountability, and the courage it takes to truly face yourself.
#WarriorsAscent #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #LawEnforcementSupport #MarineCorpsVeteran #FirstResponderHealing #TraumaRecoveryJourney #InnerWarrior #ForceRecon #EMDRTherapy #MentalHealthForHeroes #ResilientVeterans #IntentionalLiving #VeteranSupportNetwork #SWATToSelfCare #HealAndThrive #BrotherhoodOfHealing #WarriorEthos #SelfCareForSurvivors #BendDontBreak
Jun 6, 2025
29 min
May 30, 2025
May 30, 2025
29 min
In this powerful episode, Matt and Mike sit down with Major Marissa Barnes of the Kansas City Police Department—board member, leader, and 22-year veteran of the force. Marissa shares hard-won insights into the emotional toll of policing, the unique challenges officers face balancing trauma and family life, and why Warriors’ Ascent’s mission is personal for her. From bridging social work and law enforcement to advocating for mental health within the ranks, Marissa’s story is a must-hear for first responders, supporters, and anyone who believes in protecting those who protect us.
#WarriorsAscent#WarriorEthos#LawEnforcementWellness#FirstResponderSupport#BehindTheBadge#MentalHealthInUniform#BreakTheStigma#PTSDRecovery#HealingOurHeroes#KCPD#ResilienceInBlue#TraumaRecovery#MindfulnessForOfficers#VeteranAndFirstResponder#StrongerTogether#CommunityHealing#LeadershipInLawEnforcement#WarriorMindset#SupportOurPolice#TransformativeHealing
May 30, 2025
29 min
May 30, 2025
May 30, 2025
29 min
In this powerful episode, Matt and Mike sit down with Major Marissa Barnes of the Kansas City Police Department—board member, leader, and 22-year veteran of the force. Marissa shares hard-won insights into the emotional toll of policing, the unique challenges officers face balancing trauma and family life, and why Warriors’ Ascent’s mission is personal for her. From bridging social work and law enforcement to advocating for mental health within the ranks, Marissa’s story is a must-hear for first responders, supporters, and anyone who believes in protecting those who protect us.
#WarriorsAscent#WarriorEthos#LawEnforcementWellness#FirstResponderSupport#BehindTheBadge#MentalHealthInUniform#BreakTheStigma#PTSDRecovery#HealingOurHeroes#KCPD#ResilienceInBlue#TraumaRecovery#MindfulnessForOfficers#VeteranAndFirstResponder#StrongerTogether#CommunityHealing#LeadershipInLawEnforcement#WarriorMindset#SupportOurPolice#TransformativeHealing
May 30, 2025
29 min
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025
28 min
In this insightful episode, Board Member Siobhan Rudicille—former police officer, military spouse, and financial advisor—joins Matt Hastings to unpack why Warriors’ Ascent is more than a retreat. They discuss the program’s unique mix of evidence-based tools, no-nonsense culture, and lasting community support. Siobhan shares personal stories of how healing ripples through entire families and why mental health care must be seen as strength, not stigma. Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, or ally, this episode challenges assumptions and inspires action for lasting change.
#WarriorsAscent#WhyItWorks#HealingInCommunity#WarriorEthos#PTSDRecovery#FirstResponderSupport#VeteranHealing#MindfulnessInUniform#BreakTheStigma#TraumaRecovery#MentalHealthMatters#PeerSupportNetwork#ResilienceTools#NotBroken#TransformativeHealing#SuicidePrevention#VeteranWellness#FirstResponderMentalHealth#StrongerTogether#HealingGenerations
May 23, 2025
28 min
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025
28 min
In this insightful episode, Board Member Siobhan Rudicille—former police officer, military spouse, and financial advisor—joins Matt Hastings to unpack why Warriors’ Ascent is more than a retreat. They discuss the program’s unique mix of evidence-based tools, no-nonsense culture, and lasting community support. Siobhan shares personal stories of how healing ripples through entire families and why mental health care must be seen as strength, not stigma. Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, or ally, this episode challenges assumptions and inspires action for lasting change.
#WarriorsAscent #WhyItWorks #HealingInCommunity #WarriorEthos #PTSDRecovery #FirstResponderSupport #VeteranHealing #MindfulnessInUniform #BreakTheStigma #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #PeerSupportNetwork #ResilienceTools #NotBroken #TransformativeHealing #SuicidePrevention #VeteranWellness #FirstResponderMentalHealth #StrongerTogether #HealingGenerations
May 23, 2025
28 min
May 16, 2025
Behind the Mission: Why Our Board Members Serve
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
28 min
In this inspiring episode, Warriors’ Ascent welcomes two new Board Members, Mike Pinnell and Matt Panther, to share what fuels their commitment to the mission. From personal family histories of military service to firsthand experiences at Warriors’ Ascent events, Mike and Matt offer powerful insights into why they serve—and how they plan to help the organization grow. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, strategy, and vision driving Warriors’ Ascent forward into a bold new chapter of healing and hope.
#WarriorsAscent #MissionDriven #VeteranSupport #FirstResponderWellness #LeadershipWithPurpose #BoardOfDirectors #NonprofitLeadership #ServiceBeforeSelf #HealingOurHeroes #WarriorEthos #BehindTheMission #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocacy #VeteranNonprofit #BrotherhoodInHealing #VeteranMentalHealth #StrategicLeadership #GrowthMindset#TransformativeHealing #StrongerTogether
May 16, 2025
28 min
May 16, 2025
Behind the Mission: Why Our Board Members Serve
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
28 min
In this inspiring episode, Warriors’ Ascent welcomes two new Board Members, Mike Pinnell and Matt Panther, to share what fuels their commitment to the mission. From personal family histories of military service to firsthand experiences at Warriors’ Ascent events, Mike and Matt offer powerful insights into why they serve—and how they plan to help the organization grow. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, strategy, and vision driving Warriors’ Ascent forward into a bold new chapter of healing and hope.
#WarriorsAscent #MissionDriven #VeteranSupport #FirstResponderWellness #LeadershipWithPurpose #BoardOfDirectors #NonprofitLeadership #ServiceBeforeSelf #HealingOurHeroes #WarriorEthos #BehindTheMission #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocacy #VeteranNonprofit #BrotherhoodInHealing #VeteranMentalHealth #StrategicLeadership #GrowthMindset#TransformativeHealing #StrongerTogether
May 16, 2025
28 min
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
27 min
In this episode, Mike Kenny sits down with Brett and Seth—two alumni-turned-mentors whose journeys from trauma to transformation embody the warrior ethos. They reveal what led them to Warriors’ Ascent, how mentorship amplified their healing, and why the “special sauce” of the program is its community of brotherhood and unconditional support. Whether you're on the fence about attending or curious about the power of peer-led healing, this episode is a raw, inspiring look inside.
May 9, 2025
27 min
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
27 min
In this episode, Mike Kenny sits down with Brett and Seth—two alumni-turned-mentors whose journeys from trauma to transformation embody the warrior ethos. They reveal what led them to Warriors’ Ascent, how mentorship amplified their healing, and why the “special sauce” of the program is its community of brotherhood and unconditional support. Whether you're on the fence about attending or curious about the power of peer-led healing, this episode is a raw, inspiring look inside.
#WarriorsAscent #WarriorEthos #MentorshipMatters #VeteranSupport #FirstResponderWellness #PostTraumaticGrowth #PTSDRecovery #HealingThroughBrotherhood #MindfulnessInAction #InnerWarrior #ResilienceInUniform #PeerSupport #FromTraumaToTriumph #CommunityHealing #PayItForward #VeteranMentalHealth #FirstResponderSupport #SuicidePrevention #StrengthThroughService #HealingIsPossible
May 9, 2025
27 min

The Warrior's Ascent Podcast
What you can expect from this podcast: Accompany Mike and Matt, two retired US Army officers, on their lifelong Hero's Journey where they share the trials, tribulations, successes, failures, and valuable lessoned learned they've garnered throughout their Army careers and at Warriors' Ascent, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress get on the path to healing in order to live joyous, fulfilling, and purposeful lives. Our goal is to provide actionable information through compelling stories, anecdotes, and cutting edge research that will empower the listener to take ownership of their life and thrive.






