Season 2, Ep. 1-Interview with a Veteran: service dogs, trauma, and why camaraderie really matters
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I work with an organization called Expedition Balance, and we offer retreats for Veterans with post-traumatic stress. I teach a therapeutic writing workshop and therapeutic yoga classes.
In this episode, I interview one of the participants, Aryeh, about his 23 years in the military, why he does yoga, how these retreats help support Vets coming home, what the VA could be doing better, and his relationship with his service dog, Bandit.
He also hypothesizes on why I love old houses, does a terrible Canadian accent, and openly mocks me.
There is a ton of adult language in this episode, and discussion of difficult and potentially triggering topics such as military sexual trauma, rape, and suicide.
Photo credit: Rodney Waters
For more info on Expedition Balance, and to make a donation to keep these retreats going, check out expeditionbalance.org
Links from this episode:
Bandit the Yoga Dog on Instagram
The theme song is called “Beautiful” from the band Red Bird. Check them out live in Portland, Oregon, or online at RedBirdBand.com
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