pixel
Being Well Podcast: PTSD and Politics with Jason Kander
October 3, 2022

In 2016 Jason Kander was a rising star in the Democratic Party. After narrowly losing the race to become one of Missouri’s Senators, he began laying the groundwork for a Presidential run. Jason unexpectedly pivoted to declaring his candidacy for the 2019 Kansas City mayoral election, and quickly became the clear favorite. Three months into that campaign he ended his candidacy and stepped back from public life after revealing that he had suffered from PTSD and depression after serving as an intelligence officer in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007. On this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Jason talks about his personal journey recovering from PTSD, the impact of his time serving in Afghanistan, and what we can do to better support veterans.

On today’s episode of Being Well, Jason joins Forrest to talk about his personal journey recovering from PTSD, the impact of his time serving in Afghanistan, and what we can do to better support veterans. 

About our Guest: Jason is a former Missouri Secretary of State and member of the Missouri state legislature. He’s currently the President of National Expansion at Veterans Community Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting veteran suicide and homelessness. He’s also the host of Majority 54, a popular political podcast, and the author of Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD.

Key Topics:

  • 0:00: Introduction
  • 1:45: Jason’s experience coming to accept having PTSD
  • 3:45: Symptoms
  • 5:50: How the military addresses PTSD (it mostly does not)
  • 8:00: Chronic stress, public perception, feelings of failure, and uncertainty of recovery
  • 13:40: Jason’s Veterans Affairs (VA) experience
  • 15:40: Veteran Community Project and other resources for veterans
  • 20:00: Therapeutic practices Jason did
  • 27:50: Physical sensations around PTSD
  • 31:40: Imposter syndrome about being a combat veteran
  • 33:05: Inflection points of working through shame and comparison
  • 36:15: How Jason’s view of therapy progressed through the process
  • 42:30: What Jason would do differently for his mental health if he ran for office
  • 47:05: More on Veterans Community Project and their tiny house program
  • 51:50: Recap

Share this episode on:

Support the Podcast

Special Offers from Our Sponsors

SQUARESPACE

Finally get that project off the ground with Squarespace! Head to squarespace.com/beingwell for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use coupon code BEINGWELL to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

CALM

Want to sleep better? Try the Calm app! 

Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.

Join Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson every week on the Being Well Podcast for lively and thought-provoking conversation and practical tips for being happier, building inner strengths, and getting the most out of life.

The Positive Neuroplasticity Training

A 6-Week Course in Positive Brain Change - Half-Off

Starting November 2, learn Rick's HEAL method for overcoming your brain's negativity bias.

Heal Democracy - Vote 2024

When you vote, you are speaking up, which makes you stronger and healthier in mind and body. Visit HealDemocracy.org to get resources for understanding your choices and making your voice heard.

Get Rick’s Free Weekly Newsletter

Get a weekly practice and the latest Being Well Podcast delivered right to your inbox.

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Ask Rick and Forrest a Question!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent Episodes

Being Well Podcast: Healing Your Inner Child

Being Well Podcast: Healing Your Inner Child

Dr. Hanson and Forrest explore what the inner child really is, how it manifests in our lives, and practical ways to work with this important part of ourselves, including healing your inner child.