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In this deeply personal and unflinchingly honest episode, Tressa will unravel the tragedy at the heart of a Canadian family’s devastation... and the sprawling system failures behind it. From ignored cries for help to institutional silence, and the high cost of unchecked trauma, we examine the forces that failed Lionel Desmond—and the loved ones who paid the price.

This is not just a story about one man. It's about the machinery that protects itself, the cracks in our support systems, the emotional warfare military families face, and the generational cost of doing nothing.

If you’ve ever wondered what trauma looks like when it isn’t treated—or what silence sounds like when it's systemic—this episode is for you. Listen with care.

🔗 Primary Sources on the Lionel Desmond Inquiry and Travis Decker

• Desmond Fatality Inquiry – Official Website: Includes the full final report, recommendations, witness list, and background on the inquiry.
• CBC News: The System Failed Lionel Desmond and His Family: In-depth reporting on the inquiry’s findings and systemic failures.
• Global News: Final Report of the Desmond Inquiry Released: Overview of the inquiry’s timeline, delays, and key conclusions.
• 📰 Travis Decker Sought Mental Health Counseling 2 Weeks Before Daughter Murders – This piece provides additional context on Decker’s visit to Bates Counseling and includes powerful commentary from both providers about the systemic gaps that left him—and many others—without adequate support.

🧠 Mental Health Treatment Resources

• Stella Center – Official Website
  Offers cutting-edge treatments for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and traumatic brain injury, including Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), ketamine infusion therapy, TMS, and more. Over 20 locations across the U.S.

📚 Books by Dr. Shauna “Doc” Springer

📘 WARRIOR: How to Support Those Who Protect Us
A powerful exploration of the emotional and psychological challenges faced by military personnel and first responders. It offers insights into how we can better support those who serve.
📗 BEYOND THE MILITARY: A Leader’s Handbook for Warrior Reintegration (co-authored with Jason Roncoroni)
This comprehensive guide addresses the psychological, cultural, and relational aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life.
📕 RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma (co-authored with Sgt. Michael Sugrue)
A deep dive into the trauma experienced by law enforcement officers, offering a path to healing and resilience.