Sitting with Sean
Sitting with Sean
Recover Outloud: Episode 119: Wrestling With Survival, Purpose, and PTSD
Recover Outloud: Episode 119: Wrestling With Survival, Purpose, and PTSD
Recover Outloud: Episode 119: Wrestling With Survival, Purpose, and PTSD
Wednesday 28th January 2026
Army vet John Devine shares his journey from war to wrestling, battling PTSD and finding purpose in this gripping episode.
Explicit
85 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Informative
Hopeful
Supportive
About this podcast
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Sobriety Success Stories
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Financial Health in Recovery
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Get the buttons here!Wrestling with Survival: John Devine's Journey from Combat to the Ring
Episode Overview
- John Devine shares his journey from Army veteran to professional wrestler.
- He discusses the impact of PTSD and mental health challenges faced by veterans.
- Wrestling provided an outlet for John's emotions and a new sense of purpose.
- The episode highlights the importance of therapy and support systems.
- John's story underscores resilience and finding joy after adversity.
"Wrestling was like that way to deal with that outlet. It was the way to release all that aggression."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this gripping episode of "Sitting with Sean," host Sean invites John Devine, an Army veteran and professional wrestler, to share his journey from combat engineer in Afghanistan to finding solace in the wrestling ring. John opens up about the haunting experiences of war, including witnessing civilian casualties and grappling with PTSD. His candid discussion reveals the failures of the military-to-civilian transition process and the mental health struggles many veterans face.
John's story is not just about survival; it's about finding purpose beyond the battlefield. Wrestling became his lifeline, offering an outlet for his pent-up emotions and a new sense of belonging. Despite a heart attack threatening his wrestling career, John's resilience shines through as he talks about overcoming obstacles and embracing life's challenges. Listeners will be captivated by John's anecdotes, from his family's deep military roots to the transformative power of professional wrestling.
His tale is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and finding joy in unexpected places. Whether you're a veteran or someone interested in the intersection of mental health and recovery, John's journey offers insights and hope. So, what does it take to find peace after war? How can passions like wrestling provide a path to healing? Tune in to hear John's inspiring story and reflect on your own sources of strength.