PUSHING BACK CHAOS

Part 1— The Mirror Test Can you look at your life honestly — strengths and failures — and still choose yourself? In this episode of Pushing Back Chaos, we start where real stability begins: self-respect. Not ego. Not self-hype. But the ability to assess yourself accurately without tearing yourself apart. Most men don’t lack confidence — they’ve outsourced their worth. To approval. To performance. To status, success, or validation that never fully settles the nervous system. We explore: • Why self-respect is different from ego • How outsourcing your worth creates emotional instability • The difference between liking yourself and excusing yourself • Why earned self-regard — not affirmation — is what actually grounds a man This conversation isn’t about self-attack or self-justification. It’s about truth without abandonment. Because if you can’t sit with yourself in silence, nothing else will ever feel settled. This episode opens the door without threatening identity — inviting reflection instead of defensiveness — and lays the foundation for everything that follows. Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or message us directly — we read every one. If this episode made a difference, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, drop us a review — it helps more people find this space. #PushingBackChaos #PBC  #Leadership #ConsciousLiving #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Brotherhood #Reflection  #MenWalkingTogether #Selfworth  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Six Years. 190 Episodes total. Growth Across Continents. Episode 100 is more than a number—it’s a full-circle moment. For the first time ever, Kris flew down to Australia to spend two powerful weeks with Melon, bringing the Pushing Back Chaos conversation to the same room, the same table, and the same heartbeat. What started years ago as conversations through microphones and miles has now become real-life connection. To make this moment even more special, the guys were joined by a special surprise guest—our original host Raf!!!, adding depth, perspective, and brotherhood to an already historic episode. Together, they reflect on: • 190 total episodes released over the past 6 years • The evolution of Pushing Back Chaos from raw beginnings to intentional purpose • The growth they’ve experienced as men, friends, and leaders • Lessons learned through pain, consistency, faith, and perseverance • How their definitions of success, strength, and obedience have changed • Where they are now—and where they believe God is leading next This episode isn’t about hype—it’s about faithfulness. It’s about showing up when it’s uncomfortable, staying when it’s hard, and trusting that growth happens when you don’t quit. Whether you’ve been here since Episode 1 or you’re just tuning in now, Episode 100 is an invitation to look back with gratitude, stand present with humility, and move forward with purpose. Thank you for pushing back chaos with us. This journey continues. Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or message us directly — we read every one. If this episode made a difference, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, drop us a review — it helps more people find this space. #PushingBackChaos #PBC  #Leadership #ConsciousLiving #HealingJourney #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Brotherhood #MenWalkingTogether #Episode100 #PBCLegacy #PodcastMilestone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does real masculinity look like when life gets heavy? In this episode of Pushing Back Chaos, Kris and Paul challenge cultural ideas of strength and explore a healthier model of masculinity—one rooted in presence, service, emotional awareness, and faith. “Masculinity isn’t proven by how much you can lift. It’s proven by how much you can carry—and still love well.” They discuss holiday pressures, toxic vs. healthy masculinity, childhood patterns under stress, identity over control, and how true strength is revealed through service rather than self-protection. Personal stories from Special Operations, family medical crises, and leading at home bring the conversation down to real life. This episode challenges cultural definitions of masculinity and replaces them with a model rooted in presence, service, emotional integrity, and faith.  Final Thought Masculinity, at its best, reflects a strength that absorbs pressure without passing pain downstream. It’s the quiet resolve to stay present, faithful, and loving—especially when life is heavy. Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or message us directly — we read every one. If this episode made a difference, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, drop us a review — it helps more people find this space. #PushingBackChaos #PBC #Leadership #ConsciousLiving #HealingJourney #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp  #StrongEnoughToStaySoft #HealthyMasculinity #StrengthWithPurpose #FaithFirst #PresenceOverPerformance #MasculinityRedefined Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After an extended break, Kris and Melon reunite behind the microphones for a powerful and deeply honest conversation. Life hasn’t exactly taken it easy on either of them during the time away, and this episode dives straight into the real-world challenges that have tested their leadership, their resilience, their emotional regulation, and ultimately—their commitment to keep pushing back chaos. • Leadership Under Fire Kris and Melon open up about situations that forced them to lead under pressure, make hard calls, and stay grounded while others leaned on them for stability. • Family Hardship & Unexpected Tests Both share personal updates about family struggles and the emotional weight that comes with wanting to protect, guide, and serve the people you love most. • Emotional Regulation & Dysregulation They unpack moments where they rose to the occasion… and moments where they didn’t. This is a raw and relatable look at how even seasoned leaders have to continually train the emotional muscles. • Coaching, Mentorship & Being the Student Again The guys reflect on recent coaching conversations—both the ones they’ve given and the ones they’ve needed. They explore how mentorship shapes their pathways forward and why humility remains non-negotiable in personal growth. • Building Healthy Pathways Forward From habits and mindset to faith and support systems, Kris and Mellon detail the intentional choices they are making to move forward with strength, clarity, and purpose—not just for themselves, but for the people they lead. A Special Update: Australia Awaits The episode closes with something long overdue—Kris’s upcoming trip to Melbourne to ring in the New Year with the McFadden clan. The two share their excitement, some friendly banter, and what they hope this long-awaited rendezvous will mean for their friendship, their families, and the future of Pushing Back Chaos. Why This Episode Matters Episode 98 is not a highlight reel. It’s a reminder that chaos never truly disappears—but with honesty, accountability, brotherhood, and faith, we can always push back. This conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own leadership, their own struggles, and the intentional choices they can make to step into healthier, stronger versions of themselves. Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or message us directly — we read every one. If this episode made a difference, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, drop us a review — it helps more people find this space. #PushingBackChaos #PBC  #Leadership #EmotionalResilience #ConsciousLiving #HealingJourney #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Kris sits down with Hugh Vail, friend, founder, and lead facilitator of Mustang Medicine, an immersive program designed to help people reconnect with themselves, their emotions, and the natural world. Hugh guides participants through powerful practices that strip away the noise of modern life and bring them back to a place of truth, resilience, and presence. Over a four-day retreat at Holmstead Ranch Resort in Central, Utah, Mustang Medicine offers an experience unlike any other. Participants step into wild horse encounters, sweat lodge ceremonies, breathwork, cold-water therapy, and ceremonial rituals — all woven together to create a journey Hugh calls “ReWilding.” We explore: • The healing power of wild horse encounters • How sweat lodges and ceremonial practices foster emotional release and clarity • Why cold-water immersion and breathwork build resilience • The importance of community and integration in living a conscious life • Hugh’s personal mission to guide others back to themselves If you’ve ever felt the pull to strip away the distractions, reconnect with nature, and find deeper meaning, this conversation will speak to you.  Learn more about Mustang Medicine: https://mustangmedicine.com/ Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or message us directly — we read every one. If this episode made a difference, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, drop us a review — it helps more people find this space. #PushingBackChaos #MustangMedicine #ReWilding #EmotionalResilience #ConsciousLiving #Breathwork #ColdWaterTherapy #WildHorseMedicine #HealingJourney #FindYourself #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode, we sit down with our Co-host’s cousin, Dion Pride, son of the late Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride, to explore what it truly means to carry a legacy with honor—without losing your own identity in the process. Dion shares his journey from performing on stage at just 14 years old to touring the world, writing original music, and carving out a space of his own in the country music scene. A multi-instrumentalist and seasoned performer, Dion opens up about the weight of high expectations, the tension between reverence and independence, and how he’s found clarity, confidence, and calling along the way. This episode speaks to anyone walking the line between who they’ve been shaped by—and who they’re becoming. In This Episode: •Growing up- Dion’s child hood  •What it was like growing up as Charley Pride’s son •How Dion honors his father without being defined by him •Stories from the road, from around the U.S. to meeting Melon & family in Australia and beyond •Valuable life lessons  •The power of identity, humility, discipline, high expectations, and God-given gifts •Why mentoring and being mentored on your path matters. Follow Dion Pride:  dionpride.com Facebook, Instagram Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or message us directly — we read every one. If this episode made a difference, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, drop us a review — it helps more people find this space. #HeroesMediaGroup #HMG #PushingBackChaos #TruthOverComfort #EmbraceTheChaos #LiveUnfiltered #BattleTestedMindset #ChaosToClarity #CharleyPride #DionPride #CountryMusic #CMAs  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final part of our mental health awareness series, Mike & Melon dive into the everyday practices that help stabilize, strengthen, and sustain your mental health. Life doesn’t slow down—and neither does the chaos. But we can meet it with clarity and resilience when we take care of the basics: sleep, diet, movement, and mindset. We break down practical, no-fluff strategies to help you show up stronger for yourself, your family, and your mission. Key Topics Covered: 1. Sleep – The Foundation of Mental Resilience 2. Good Diet – Food Is Fuel and Medicine 3. Exercise – Move to Push Back 4. Mindfulness & Prayer – Anchoring the Day Call to Action: Start small. Don’t wait for the chaos to calm—push back with purpose today. Pick one practice from this episode and commit to it this week. Build from there! Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or message us directly — we read every one. If this episode made a difference, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, drop us a review — it helps more people find this space.  #HeroesMediaGroup #HMG #PushingBackChaos #TruthOverComfort #EmbraceTheChaos #LiveUnfiltered #BattleTestedMindset #ChaosToClarity #RiseThroughStruggle #HardenYourMind #MentalHealthAwareness #KillTheStigma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we talk about the weight that’s hardest to see — the one we carry inside. Whether you’re in military service, a first responder role, or simply the one everyone relies on, this episode speaks directly to you. We explore the silent struggles of burnout, PTSD, anxiety, and depression that too often go unspoken. Through honest storytelling and powerful insights, we’re breaking the stigma around mental health — especially for men and those trained to always stay strong. Drawing from military aviation, parenting, combat, and decades of leadership experience, we show how pausing in stillness and choosing a new identity in the moment can shift your trajectory. You’ll hear how to access strength in vulnerability, reclaim your mental rhythm, and begin to lay down what no longer needs to be carried. ⸻  In This Episode, We Cover: • How the role of “being strong for everyone” takes a toll • Subtle signs of burnout, emotional fatigue, and trauma • The power of stillness to access clarity and healing • Using the Identity → Actions → Outcomes framework to shift behavior • The 4 Archetypes from Stu Weber’s Tender Warrior: Leader, Warrior, Mentor, Friend – and how to step into each • Military parallels • Why honest conversations are acts of leadership ⸻  Featured Wisdom & Frameworks: • Stephen R. Covey – “Between stimulus and response, there is a space…” • Eckhart Tolle – Stillness as a gateway to transformation • Werner Erhard – Being responsible for how the world occurs to you • Stu Weber – Masculine identities that heal rather than harm • Pushing Back Chaos – Real stories, told by men who’ve walked through fire and come back with lessons ⸻ Listener Challenge: Speak one truth you’ve been carrying alone. Say it to a mate. A partner. A journal. Yourself. One moment of honesty might change everything. DM us and tell us what shifted. ⸻ Resources Mentioned: • Tender Warrior by Stu Weber • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle ⸻  Throwbacks You’ll Love: • Ep. 92: The Power of Stillness – Finding Presence in the Noise • Ep. 91: Breaking the Stigma – Real Conversations About Struggle ⸻ Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or message us directly — we read every one. If this episode made a difference, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, drop us a review — it helps more people find this space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the crew at Pushing Back Chaos is leading the charge with a powerful three-part series diving into some of the toughest questions and most necessary conversations surrounding mental health. Part 1: Stigma “The attachment of dishonor, embarrassment, or disgrace.” It exists—and we can’t ignore it. Roughly 1 in 5 people globally experience mental health challenges, yet the vast majority choose silence over speaking up. Why? Because of an invisible force that discourages honesty, vulnerability, and asking for help: stigma. Stigma grows from deep roots: A lack of emotional awareness in ourselves and others Misunderstanding or misidentifying signs and symptoms Fear of judgment and the discomfort of being seen as weak, broken, or imperfect As a result, too many suffer in silence—isolating, self-medicating, or relying solely on self-help, which often leads to deeper pain. But this is not the way. In this episode, Mike and Mellon open up about their personal experiences in the military and in life, sharing raw, honest moments where they had to choose between hiding and healing. They walk through their journeys toward recovery, guided by the godly pillars of Stu Weber’s framework: The Leader. The Warrior. The Mentor. The Friend. This episode isn’t easy—but it’s real. And it’s for you. We’re here to break the silence, build connection, and create a safe space for stories that need to be heard. We’d love to hear yours. Your voice matters, and your experience could be the bridge someone else needs. “Be open about being broken—it’s what keeps us together.” Connect with Us: • Follow Pushing Back Chaos on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Amazon Music • Join the conversation on Facebook & Instagram • Share this episode to help kill the stigma and start the healing Hashtags: #HeroesMediaGroup #HMG #PushingBackChaos #TruthOverComfort #EmbraceTheChaos #LiveUnfiltered #BattleTestedMindset #ChaosToClarity #RiseThroughStruggle #HardenYourMind #MentalHealthAwareness #KillTheStigma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 “Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found" -              Eckhart Tolle   Episode Overview In this episode, we go deep into the power of stillness — not as a luxury or escape, but as a weapon for clarity, control, and connection. Whether you’re navigating combat zones, high-stakes leadership, or the raw emotions of parenting, this conversation will give you the tools to find stillness in the noise — not after it. We explore: How to ground yourself in moments of chaos How stillness builds rhythm and presence into your daily life How military leadership, fatherhood, and spirituality all point to the same quiet center   We also break down Stephen R. Covey’s powerful insight: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space... In that space is our power to choose.” And how you can expand that space to lead yourself and others better — every day.    Framework: Identity → Actions → Outcomes IDENTITY — Who are you when things go loud? Are you your reactions, or the space between them? ACTIONS — Grounding techniques from combat and parenting Self-awareness, rhythm resets, and everyday stillness OUTCOMES — What changes when you lead with presence? Less reactivity. More peace. Deeper connection. Better decisions.    Wisdom From: Stephen R. Covey – The space between stimulus and response Eckhart Tolle – Presence as a state of power, not passivity Melon and Mike: Family lives – Parenting through crisis, choosing love over fear Military experience – Stillness in combat and the cockpit    Tools & Takeaways Micro-stillness habits to anchor your rhythm The 4 Endowments: Self-awareness, Conscience, Imagination, Will How to catch the moment before you react — and change the outcome   Listener Challenge Pick one moment today to pause. Expand the space. Choose your response. Message us with what changed.   Join the Conversation What did this episode spark for you? DM us on Instagram or send us an email.   Resources & Mentions The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle   Thanks for Pushing Back the Chaos with Us If this episode helped you, share it with a mate. Leave a review to help others find stillness, too.     “Stillness isn’t where you stop the world. It’s where you stop being run by it. In that pause between the trigger and your next move — that’s where the real you lives” -              Melon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all crave truth, but when it hits too close to home, why do we run from it? In this episode, we dive into the many reasons people avoid the truth—fear, shame, comfort, and even survival. Whether it’s denying personal flaws, avoiding accountability, or clinging to a false reality, we explore how deception holds us back and how we can break free. Through personal stories and hard-hitting insights, we challenge you to examine where you might be avoiding the truth in your own life. Real growth begins when we stop lying to ourselves. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  The psychological reasons behind truth avoidance  How fear, guilt, and social pressure keep us in denial  The dangers of living in a comfortable illusion  Why facing the truth is essential for growth and self-respect  How to develop the courage to embrace reality—no matter how painful Challenge for Listeners: Where in your life are you avoiding the truth? What’s one hard truth you’ve been resisting, and what would change if you faced it today? Connect with Us: • Follow Pushing Back Chaos on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon music • Connect on Facebook/Instagram • Share this episode & start the conversation! #Heroesmediagroup #HMG #PushingBackChaos #TruthOverComfort #EmbraceTheChaos #LiveUnfiltered #BattleTestedMindset #ChaosToClarity #RiseThroughStruggle #HardenYourMind #RealityCheckTime #LeadWithTruth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all like to think of ourselves as honest, but integrity goes way beyond just telling the truth. It’s about doing what you say you will—especially when no one’s watching. And let’s be real, how many times have you promised yourself you’d wake up early, hit the gym, or finally start that big project… only to bail on it? In this episode, we dive into why integrity is the foundation of personal growth. When you consistently keep your word to yourself, you build self-trust, confidence, and momentum. But when you break those little promises—hitting snooze, skipping workouts, making excuses—you quietly erode your own belief in yourself. And that, more than anything, is what keeps people stuck. We’ll unpack: ·      How self-trust fuels success in every area of life ·      Why small breaches of integrity matter more than you think ·      How cognitive dissonance and self-sabotage keep you stuck ·      Practical steps to strengthen your integrity muscle ·      Integrity and personal growth ·      Self-discipline and success ·      Building self-trust ·      How to develop integrity ·      Follow through on commitments Integrity isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. When your actions match your values, everything in life flows more smoothly. So, if you’re tired of spinning your wheels and ready to start actually following through, this episode is for you. 💬 Join the conversation! What’s one small commitment you’re making today? Share your thoughts and tag us on social media! ·      Insta: @pushing_back_chaos ·      Email: PushingBackChaos@gmail.com 🎧 Listen now and start building a life you can trust—one small promise at a time. #Integrity #PBC #PushingBackChaos #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #Growth #Discipline #Mindset #Success #SelfTrust #Accountability #Commitment We’ve created a Link Tree with easy click links to all major podcast players: https://linktr.ee/pushingbackchaos?fbclid=PAAaZykcT6ZW50mWbcnrSm1BnZyAKkF-_v2chG9bjPWzkBowtb9fwuhtV_hyQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine a broke guy saying, “If I had a million dollars, I’d start my dream business and finally be successful.” Sounds logical—except he’d probably just blow it on a sports car and an espresso machine he never uses. Why? Because success isn’t about what you have—it’s about who you are. Most people think life works like this: Get the stuff → Do the things → Become the person.But it’s actually the opposite. The people who succeed don’t wait for external proof before they take action. They step into the mindset of a successful person first, act accordingly, and the results follow. It’s like waiting to feel fit before you go to the gym—nonsense, right? Instead, you start moving, eat better, and over time, healthy choices become natural. When you stop waiting for the right conditions and start embodying the traits of the person you want to be, everything changes. Join your hosts as they expand on this shift in mindset that has been so effective for both of them in generating the lives they love. Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, leave a review, and join the conversation! Your support helps us push back the chaos—one episode at a time. 🎙️🔥 Connect with us and let us know your thoughts! Insta: @pushing_back_chaos Email: PushingBackChaos@gmail.com Goals for 2024: -100  Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans  #manifest  #create  #being #action   #outcome   #identity   We’ve created a Link Tree with easy click links to all major podcast players: https://linktr.ee/pushingbackchaos?fbclid=PAAaZykcT6ZW50mWbcnrSm1BnZyAKkF-_v2chG9bjPWzkBowtb9fwuhtV_hyQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Our intention creates our reality” - Wayne Dyer In this action packed episode, your hosts cover daily routines and practical steps that can be implemented into your day immediately.  Melon and Mike share a conversation based around practices to gain mental clarity and focus throughout the day.  How can we consciously define how we show up in life- so that we can be in action taking the necessary steps when needed? Having the ability to put yesterday behind us- extracting the lessons, and especially savouring the blessings we have been given- allows us to have our full focus on what is ahead of us.  Finding our blessings allows us to manifest a state of gratitude- which is essential to shift our energy into positivity when things are hard. From a positive energy state, we can all start to see pathways for actions that will make the difference we need:- it can allow us to escape when we feel "stuck". Mike and Melon share what works for them in their lives- and challenge you to apply some of these steps in your own day.  Let us know what works for you- whether your practices are similar or different. We answer all messages. pushingbackchaos@gmail.com Insta: @pushingbackchaos Goals for 2025: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition #Military #Operationonceinalifetime #intention #intentionality #gratitude #focus #clarity #abundance #stoic  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All the best to you and your circle from Mike and Melon, plus the support guys here at Pushing Back Chaos and Heroes Media Group.  We take the opportunity to re-introduce ourselves for new listeners. You’ll hear about our professional and personal backgrounds- where we are at in 2025. You’ll hear WHY we have been doing this podcast for the past 4.5 years.  Coming from senior roles in special forces and military aviation, your hosts also draw on our family backgrounds and personal relationships. Nothing is off limits- we share from the heart. Your hosts have wide life experience- from special needs children to life threatening combat experiences and everything in between.  During this first episode of the year, we dive into some very deep personal questions- some very hard questions to answer.  We are here to share our story and our conversations with you. We address the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of life and let you know what has worked for us: most of our lessons were hard won in times of failure and breakdown.  From the members of PUSHING BACK CHAOS and HEROES MEDIA GROUP, we wish you all the best for 2025. Reach out to us on social media or by email. We answer all messages.  Goals for 2025: -50 Ratings on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -300 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #2025 #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition#Military #Hobbies #Operationonceinalifetime #Notyouraverageoperator #Adversity #Positivity #Struggle #Youcandothis #Priorities #leadership #Faith #2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year everyone!  We just want to take this time and wish you, your families, and loved ones a bright and prosperous 2025 filled with great achievement, memories, and filled with meaningful relationships.  On this final episode of 2024, the guys recap their year while answering questions from you, the listeners. They cover the highlights of the show as well as highlights of their own personal lives. Sharing strong examples of growth physically, emotionally , spiritually, and mentally that they have built upon and shared with you throughout the year in every episode.  From moving across the world from the desert back to the land down under with Melon, to overcoming injury with Mike, to being present and maximizing family time with both , this year has been a year of growth, acceptance, challenges, and prosperity. Our hope is that in someway, we have been a pillar for you to lean on when times got tough or confusing. God knows we have needed our own pillars and we are happy to share them. From the members of PUSHING BACK CHAOS and HEROES MEDIA GROUP, we wish you a happy and prosperous new year! Goals for 2025: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition #Military#Hobbies#Operationonceinalifetime #Adversity #StayPositive #Positivity #Struggle #Youcandothis #Priorities #leadership #Evolving #Faith #NewYears #2025  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last episode we started a conversation series about Achieving the Goal. The first episode was about gaining clarity on your individual goal- your personal “why”. This week we are starting to look at how we build teams that can achieve at the top levels.  Join Mike and Melon as they share from their decades of shared experience inside military aviation and special forces units about building teams that excel.  Working towards excellence involved building individuals and teams along the journey through the four levels of competence: Unconsciously incompetence. You don’t know that you don’t know how to do a task. You haven’t tried yet.  Consciously incompetent. You have tried, and now you know you can’t do it.  Consciously competent. You have pushed through the sticking point, past the fun stage and have built a solid foundation.  Unconsciously competent. You have worked to the stage where you can do the previously difficult task with only a fraction of your full attention.  How can we build teams that reliably work through sticking points where most would fail? These lessons are applicable to professional groups, sporting teams, families and personal relationships. Melon and Mike share from their experience in all of these areas.  Let us know where and when you have built world beating teams and how you worked through the tough times.  We would love to hear your thoughts!  Goals for 2024: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition #Military#aviation #Operationonceinalifetime #training #StayPositive #Positivity #specialforces #teamwork #team #leadership #growthmindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone wants to do something special on a beautiful sunny day surrounded by comfort, but what happens when that first obstacle lands in your path? Is it what you thought it would be? Is it still desirable? Are you still capable of moving forward? Can your reasons for starting overcome the challenge? Join us this week with Mike and Melon back in the saddle and ready to pour some honesty and experience with Part 1 on preparing and approaching a daunting goal. The boys use their experiences as top-tier professional instructors within aviation and special operations training to break down and identify the key steps to make it to the end and accomplish your goals. For part 1 we are starting with: What is your WHY and is it strong enough to withstand the formidable moments ahead? Let us hear your reasons for beginning something. What got you to start? Did it survive the first challenge? We are always excited to hear from you! Come check us out & send us a message or leave a review! Let us know how our discussions have helped you push back against the chaos in your life!  Goals for 2024: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition #Military#Hobbies#Operationonceinalifetime #Adversity #StayPositive #Positivity #Struggle #Youcandothis #Priorities #leadership #Whatisyourwhy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, this one is going to be different. For the first time on PUSHING BACK CHAOS, we talk about a very powerful topic: FAITH.  What is it exactly and what does it mean to you? This week, Mike welcomes our special guest and owner of Heroes Media Group, Adam Bird. A great friend who is like family and the whole reason our podcast even exists.  Mike and Adam ask some upfront and hard questions on faith and where they stand with it, how it has changed their lives, and address the conflict that exists between faith and what the world tells us to believe. This is not an easy one, but it is a welcomed one. We think about daily life and how hard everything can be. We look at the world as it is filled with chaos, war, confusion, and misinformation. Where do we go when we feel lost in all of it? Who do we talk to? Where is the truth? Why do I even exist?  Here at PUSHING BACK CHAOS, this is exactly our purpose and what we believe is true. To serve others, to make our communities better, and to be the best leaders, warriors, mentors, and friends that we can be. What does faith mean to you? Goals for 2024: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition #Military#Hobbies#Operationonceinalifetime #Adversity #StayPositive #Positivity #Struggle #Youcandothis #Priorities #leadership #Evolving #Faith #God  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well it’s been a minute, but here we are!Back after a long summer and full of stories! Melon and Mike welcome you back with an update after 2+ months of adventures between the two of them. From relocating to Australia from the Middle East with Melon to coming home after a successful final deployment with Mike, there is no lack of lessons learned to be shared! This week, the guys speak on their recent experiences, but more so on what positive mindsets or lifestyle adjustments they’ve adopted and explain how they infused them into their daily lives. There are many flashy catch phrases such as “stay positive” or “just go with the flow!” that are used often, but lack the “how to” instruction manual. How annoying is that? Well we got you covered! We go in depth about the thought processes, the reality of combative emotions, and how to reaffirm yourself that what you are pursuing and how you are going about it may be out of the traditional norms of the world, but right in line with moral victory and success. Come check us out & send us a message or leave a review! Let us know how our discussions have helped you push back against the chaos in your life!  Goals for 2024: -100 Ratings on Apple Podcasts -50 Written reviews on Apple Podcasts -500 followers on FB, IG & YouTube #PBC #PushingBackChaos #Podcast #HMG #HeroesMediaGrp #Veterans #goals #Transition #Military#Hobbies#Operationonceinalifetime #Adversity #StayPositive #Positivity #Struggle #Youcandothis #Priorities #leadership #Evolving  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices