Know Way Out

by Dr. Bryce Taylor

Self-Improvement Mental Health

Season 1

Finding Joy In Journi: Crystal and Jeremy Fletcher's Path to Finding Each Other and Finding Purpose in Parenting their Special Needs Daughter

In this episode, Dr. Taylor and John interview First Sergeant Select Jeremy Fletcher and retired Gunnery Sergeant Crystal Fletcher. This is a story about two hard charging Marines who fall in love and are faced with something they did not expect, a daughter with Autism. They are faced with a difficult decision, to put the needs of their family first, or the aspirations for both of them to progress in their careers. This episode highlights what true heroes are, and the importance to believe in something bigger than yourself.

Community over Self: Sergeant Major Carrel and the Attributes of a Great Leader

Sergeant Major Nicholas Carrel has a storied career in the United States Marine Corps. With 9 deployments under his belt and over 20 years of service, Sergeant Major exemplifies what a true leader is. In this episode the subject of leadership is addressed. Through his lens, he identifies the traits and attributes of exceptional leadership, and opens the curtain to his life as a junior Marine that had its fair share of setbacks where he could have thrown in the towel and given up. Instead, he chose to move forward and dedicate his life to helping Marines and Sailors succeed in their careers and most importantly in their lives.

Young Officer Life in the Marine Corps: Dating, Leadership, and the Importance of Humility

LT Ryan Bass and LT Jaycie Annable join Dr. Taylor and John to discuss the challenges and joys of being a young officer in the Marine Corps. This free-flowing conversation dives into their dating lives, the difficulty of communicating what a Marine's life is like to those who do not understand, the problem with assuming the worst when their is radio silence with a significant other, and the humility that needs to develop in a young officer when leading enlisted Marines who have more knowledge and years of experience than their own.

Community, Spirituality, and Sleep: Becoming a Complete Marine both Body and Spirit

Dr. Taylor and John talk with Adam Vandiver, Camp Pendleton's EPBHC (Embedded Preventative Behavioral Health Capabilities Specialist) about how creating habits of sleep, spirituality, and community build resilience to the struggles of life.

Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault and the Importance of Creating a Culture of Equality and Professionalism

Paige Blades Hanley discusses her role as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and how to create a culture of a sexually safe Marine Corps and society. Through her life experiences including multiple deployments, 4 kids, Marriage of 21 years, obtaining a master's degree in psychology, and her current position, Paige helps us recognize what each individual can do to create a professional and comfortable workplace where equality can exist.

Disneyland, Casinos, and Toxic Masculinity: Breaking the Stigma of Seeking Mental and Spiritual Help

In this episode, Dr. Taylor and John discuss what influences, be them cultural, familial, or individual, that prevent people from seeking help for their internal suffering.

If Spider Man Were a Marine: Corporal Charles Koons and the Value of Optimism

In this episode, Corporal Koons explains his journey to joining as an enlisted Marine at the age of 28. Koons is a quintessential Renaissance Man. A painter, songwriter, comic book creator, and martial arts expert. Through him the importance of fostering trust, creating an enjoyable working environment, pursuing your interests, and getting up like Spider-Man during the hard times leads to a productive and exciting life.

Chicken Nuggets and the Making of a Marine: The Importance of Shared Suffering and Personal Accountability through the Lens of First Sergeant Nicholson

In this episode, First Sergeant Joshua Nicholson pulls back the curtain to the training and combat experiences of Marines. From his 9 deployments, 6 of which in direct combat with enemy forces, First Sergeant gives us a window into the importance of building a mentally and physically resilient fighting force.

From Punk Kid to Battalion Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Kim's Path to Mental and Spiritual Wellness

Through multiple combat experiences, including witnessing the tragic death of a child, Lieutenant Colonel Kim discusses his journey of recovering his mind and soul through the help of his peers, professionals, and his wife. Without these sources, and LtCol Kim giving up control, he would not be the leader he is today.

Is there a Way Out? Prison or Forgiveness?

In the opening episode of Know Way Out, Chaplain Taylor and John discuss the impetus for the podcast through Chaplain Taylor's personal story of an olive branch gifted to him by a judge who could have (and perhaps should have) sent him to prison for the first five years of his young adult life.

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