Angie sits down with Irish-born creator and mental-health advocate Brian Higgins, founder of Mental Healthy Fit, to explore how creativity, storytelling, and community can rewire trauma responses and fuel long-term recovery. From growing up amid The Troubles in Northern Ireland and conflict-based PTSD to homelessness in the U.S., Brian shares the moment two kids “shot” him with banana guns—sparking a life-saving reframing that became his program helping veterans, students, and people in recovery transform pain into purpose.

Guest: Brian Higgins — Founder, Mental Healthy Fit (Films • Ideas • Tips)
Website: mentalhealthyfit.org

What we cover

• Growing up during The Troubles & conflict-based PTSD
• Why “everyone is affected by mental health” (the 1-in-1 idea)
• The line between diagnosis, experience, and language (e.g., PTSD in everyday speech)
• Homelessness, relapse, and the moment that changed everything: bananas over bullets
• Neuroplasticity in plain English: reframing, lucid dreaming, and replacing fear images
• Building Mental Healthy Fit: creative workshops that turn emotions into films
• Why the audience matters: making help actionable for families, staff, and communities
• LEAP: Listen • Empathize • Agree • Partner — a simple framework to “hold space”
• Youth, veterans, schools, and workplaces: adapting creativity for each setting
• Purpose as relapse prevention: staying sober by serving others

Key Takeaways

• Reframing works: changing the image your brain uses to encode fear can reduce triggers.
• Creativity is a bridge: stories built around emotions (fear, anger, love) connect people better than clinical labels alone.
• Community needs “how-to” help: it’s not enough to tell people “ask for help”—we must also teach supporters how to respond.
• Small catalysts change big lives: one imaginative moment can unlock recovery momentum.
• Purpose sustains sobriety: sharing your gifts keeps the lights on in recovery.

00:00 — Brian’s introduction & “1-in-1” mental health lens
05:20 — The Troubles, family targeting, and hypervigilance
12:30 — Peace process, division, and learning to cross lines
18:40 — Coming to the U.S., when PTSD finally shows up
24:15 — Homelessness, psych wards, and the “banana gun” moment
31:10 — Neuroplasticity & lucid dreaming (rewiring the image)
36:45 — Early workshops: veterans, fruit → creativity
42:10 — Birth of Mental Healthy Fit (films, ideas, tips)
49:00 — The “monster under the bed” film & teaching communities to help
56:30 — LEAP: Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner
1:01:00 — Youth, rehabs, workplaces & screening impact
1:07:30 — Purpose, sobriety, and where to find Brian

• Mental Healthy Fit — Workshops, films, speaking: mentalhealthyfit.org
• Framework mentioned: LEAP (Listen • Empathize • Agree • Partner)

• Subscribe to Going Rogue with Angie Manson and leave a 5-star review.
• Share this episode with someone who needs hope today.
• If you or a loved one needs support with mental health or addiction, start by talking to someone you trust today and consider professional help.

This week, Angie sits down with Billy Richards — Marine Corps and Army Veteran, Personal Trainer, endurance athlete, and unwavering patriot — whose story will absolutely redefine your definition of grit.

With over 900+ races under his belt — many run while carrying a 45-pound ruck and the American Flag — Billy shares how he transformed pain into purpose. From ultramarathons and obstacle course races to running marathons across states to raise awareness for veteran suicide, Billy’s mission is more than fitness — it’s a tribute to those who serve and sacrifice.

They dive into:
🔹 What drives him to keep pushing past physical limits
🔹 The emotional weight our veterans carry
🔹 His battles with injury — and comeback after hip surgery
🔹 Why honoring veterans and first responders is at the heart of his journey

💥 Whether you're into endurance, advocacy, or human perseverance — this episode will leave you fired up and inspired.

🎧 Listen now and follow Billy’s journey on Instagram: @billytheultrabeast

#Podcast #Veterans #EnduranceAthlete #BillyRichards #Ultramarathon #ObstacleRacing #AmericanFlag #SpartanRace #OperationVEST #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #RunForACause

In this powerful continuation of our CrossFit Games recap, Angie and Tommy relive the surreal moment of sharing a workout with CrossFit legend Rich Froning—and how it left them starstruck, inspired, and grateful for the community that surrounds the sport.

From unexpected partner pairings to the rush of keeping pace with Games athletes, they share the highlights of their trip, including the decision to skip a massive on-floor workout with hundreds of athletes in favor of an intimate, unforgettable Mayhem session.

But this episode isn’t just about fitness—it’s about the deeper impact CrossFit has in the world of addiction recovery. Angie and Tommy discuss their experience at the Coaches and Affiliate Owners Conference, setting up Elevate’s booth, and connecting with gym owners about the power of integrating CrossFit into treatment programs. They dive into:

• 🏋️‍♂️ Working out alongside Rich Froning and what it meant for them personally and professionally.
• 🌍 Elevate’s mission at the Games: sharing how CrossFit is used as a tool for healing, connection, and recovery from addiction.
• 💪 The stigma of addiction vs. the community of CrossFit—and how both conversations are shifting.
• 🧘 Spirituality and mindfulness in CrossFit: why being present, pushing limits, and supporting others mirrors the principles of recovery.
• 🔑 Scalability & accessibility: breaking the myth that you need to “get fit first” before walking into a CrossFit gym.

This episode is a reminder that CrossFit is so much more than exercise—it’s a life-saving modality that builds connection, confidence, and hope.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• CrossFit legends like Rich Froning inspire, but the community impact is just as powerful.
• Fitness can be a cornerstone of recovery, offering structure, accountability, and connection.
• Addiction isolates, while CrossFit unites—helping people rediscover what it means to show up for others.
• Every athlete starts where they are; progress comes from consistency, not perfection.
• Getting out of your environment—whether at the Games or in treatment—can spark transformation.

Whether you’re a CrossFitter, in recovery, or just seeking inspiration, this conversation shows how fitness and community can change lives. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

👉 Watch the full recap on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts!