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Kicking off Season 2 🎉

In this first episode of Hidden Chapters Season 2, my husband,Chris joins me to share his journey from Army life to author, exploring the highs and lows of deployments, the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life, and the emotional impact of the Afghanistan withdrawal on veterans.

We dig into the hidden struggles that service members face: mental health challenges, identity shifts, and the search for purpose beyond the uniform. Chris opens up about the lessons he’s learned, the power of sharing personal stories, and how storytelling can build connection and understanding for both veterans and the people who love them.

This conversation kicks off Season 2 with a reminder that the stories behind the uniform matter and that every chapter, even the hardest, can offer insight, growth, and hope.

Takeaways with our conversation:

• The podcast has reached over a thousand downloads in three months.
• Chris's writing journey began as a way to preserve memories for his daughters.
• Military training can be both physically and mentally challenging.
• Deployment experiences often differ from training expectations.
• The withdrawal from Afghanistan left many veterans feeling invalidated.
• Mental health struggles are common among veterans after service.
• Reintegration into civilian life can be a difficult transition.
• Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone.
• Perseverance is key in overcoming life's challenges.

All the links to connect with Chris:

📚 Purchase "Walking Away From the Ledge" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/aIIhZxm

🔗 FB: Chris Kruger

🗒️ Substack: https://substack.com/@theaccidentalauthor

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Background Music: "In Time" by Folk_acoustic from Pixabay