What happens when a Marine veteran who has already faced the deepest corners of trauma decides to sit with Mother Ayahuasca? In this episode of I'm F.I.N.E., hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek welcome back Marine veteran and plant medicine advocate Chris James for a raw, honest, and deeply vulnerable conversation about his experience with Ayahuasca at the Pachamama Sanctuary through the Vines and Valor program.

From the hard science and indigenous history behind the "vine of the soul" to the brutal physical purges and unexpected emotional breakthroughs, Chris walks us through every step of his journey. He shares how a transformative breathwork session cracked open decade-old grief, how he navigated a terrifying first night to find a profound breakthrough on night two, and how Ayahuasca restored his ability to love his wife with his entire heart.

Whether you are curious about alternative mental health treatments for PTSD, plant medicine integration, or the power of veteran community support, this episode offers an unfiltered look into the reality of psychedelic-assisted healing.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• What is Ayahuasca? The chemistry, indigenous roots of the Amazon, and scientific backing from institutions like Johns Hopkins.
• 14 Months Post-Ibogaine: Chris checks in on his ongoing sobriety from alcohol, mindset shifts, and emotional baseline.
• Vines and Valor & Pachamama Sanctuary: How Marine and Navy veterans are accessing fully funded retreats in Maine.
• The Reality of the Purge: Chris's tough first night—nausea, physical discomfort, and overcoming the urge to quit.
• The Power of Breathwork: How a guided breathwork session unlocked buried childhood trauma, self-love, and tears for fallen military brothers.
• Night Two Breakthrough: Becoming the music, experiencing motherly love from the medicine, and healing the subconscious wall in his marriage.
• The Secret Sauce of Integration: Why veteran group chats, weekly Zoom circles, and community support make or break the healing process.
• Advocating for Veteran Health: Local union fundraising (Local 265), sending vets to retreats, and pushing for broader legislative access to alternative therapies.

Disclaimer: What is shared in this episode is for educational and personal storytelling purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals before making any treatment decisions.

In this episode of the I'm F.I.N.E. podcast, hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek dive deep into the psychology and execution of effective goal setting. Joined by guests Michael Murphy (Founder of Let's Ketchup) and Tim Zydek (Co-President of the Kankakee chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace), the panel discusses how to transition from broad, overwhelming aspirations to actionable, system-based habits.

The conversation covers psychological frameworks, including Edwin Locke's Goal-Setting Theory, the SMART/SMARTTER criteria, and the core principles of James Clear's Atomic Habits. Drawing from real-world leadership and nonprofit experience in community service, the hosts and guests explore how to reframe failure as constructive feedback, prevent burnout, manage personal limits, and stay focused on a core mission when motivation wanes.

• The Psychology of Goal Setting: How target setting alters brain function, increases self-esteem, and builds momentum.
• Systems vs. Outcomes: Why focusing on repeatable systems and incremental 1% improvements leads to sustained success.
• Aspirational vs. Actionable Goals: How to break large community missions into manageable, step-by-step targets.
• Reframing Failure: Viewing setbacks as operational feedback rather than personal shortcomings.
• Self-Compassion and Leadership: Setting clear boundaries to prevent burnout in high-stress, service-oriented roles.

• Tim Zydek – Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Building beds for children in need) | shpbeds.org
• Michael Murphy – Let's Ketchup (Addressing child food scarcity in Kankakee County)

This episode of I'm F.I.N.E. dives deep into the realities of veterans’ benefits, VA disability claims, and the support systems available through Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs). Featuring co-hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek, along with guest Karen Smietanski, a veteran service officer, the discussion breaks down how veterans can successfully navigate compensation and pension (C&P) exams, file VA claims, and access the benefits they’ve earned—often without even realizing they qualify.

Eric Peterson and Karen Smietanski share firsthand insight into how the claims process really works, common mistakes veterans make, and why telling your full story during a C&P exam is critical. Brad Stosiek helps guide the conversation through real-world experiences that highlight both the challenges and life-changing outcomes that can come from properly filed claims and strong advocacy.

The episode highlights common misconceptions about VA benefits, including the belief that only combat veterans qualify or that it’s too late to apply. Through powerful real-life stories, Karen Smietanski explains how conditions like Agent Orange exposure, degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, PTSD, and other service-connected injuries can impact veterans long after service—and how proper documentation and advocacy can change outcomes.

Listeners will also learn about key programs such as the PACT Act, Veterans Treatment Court, community care options, and mental health and substance use support services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of asking questions, seeking help from certified VSOs instead of paid “claim sharks,” and understanding how spouses and dependents may also qualify for benefits such as DIC, CHAMPVA, and pensions.

With powerful personal stories of veterans receiving life-changing back pay and ongoing compensation, Eric Peterson and Karen Smietanski highlight how VACs collaborate with nonprofits, social workers, and healthcare providers to close gaps in care. Brad Stosiek ties it all together with a focus on awareness, advocacy, and breaking down stigma around seeking help.

Whether you’re a veteran, family member, or advocate, this episode provides essential insight into VA disability claims, veteran mental health resources, and the full range of benefits available through the VA system.