Cleared Hot: Episode 371 - Kagan Gill
Released on January 27, 2025, "Cleared Hot" is hosted by Andy Stumpf, a former military aviator who shares compelling stories of survival, resilience, and personal growth. In Episode 371, Andy welcomes back Kagan Gill, a Navy F-18 Super Hornet pilot whose harrowing experience of survival and recovery provides profound insights into the challenges faced by military personnel.
1. Introduction and Background
Andy Stumpf reintroduces Kagan Gill, highlighting his remarkable journey as a Navy F-18 pilot. Kagan's previous appearance on "Cleared Hot" showcased his experience as an F-18 pilot who ejected from his jet at 0.96 Mach, barely surviving the ordeal. Andy emphasizes the significance of Kagan's story of not just physical survival but also his battle with mental health crises post-recovery.
Notable Quote:
"His recovery from that, working his way back into being a naval aviator again, flying an F18 again, and then what I find to be the most impactful... his struggles back into what we both clearly call a mental health crisis."
— Andy Stumpf [00:27]
2. The Incident: Ejection and Survival
Kagan recounts the day of his accident on January 15th while performing air combat maneuvering (ACM) training over the Atlantic Ocean. During a high-speed engagement, a combination of technical mishaps and human error led to a catastrophic loss of control. At 10,500 feet and approaching the sound barrier, Kagan attempted a nose-low maneuver, resulting in an uncontrollable dive at 0.95 Mach.
Notable Quote:
"I was inside a catastrophic dive... I instinctively reach for the ejection handle and pull out of that jet at the last possible second."
— Kagan Gill [21:47]
3. Physical Recovery
Miraculously surviving the high-speed ejection, Kagan endured severe physical injuries, including facial trauma, a broken neck, fractured limbs, and a shattered dry suit. Despite these injuries, the timely intervention of rescue helicopters and medical teams at Norfolk General Hospital played a pivotal role in his survival.
Notable Quote:
"I was... two seconds from impact with the ocean going at 0.95 Mach. So right at the speed of the sound barrier, transonic region."
— Kagan Gill [21:47]
4. Mental Health Struggles: TBI and PTSD
Beyond physical injuries, Kagan grappled with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The conventional military medical system labeled his condition as PTSD, overlooking the neurological damage caused by his ejection and subsequent decompression sickness. This misclassification led to ineffective treatment focused solely on behavioral health rather than addressing the underlying physiological issues.
Notable Quote:
"The real underlying issue was the disrupted physiology of my brain being jacked up. If you approach it as an emotional issue, you try to fix the software before the hardware."
— Kagan Gill [72:12]
5. Interaction with the Military Medical System
Kagan details his frustrating interactions with the military medical and bureaucratic systems. Initial treatments involved heavy reliance on prescription medications like quetiapine, which exacerbated his mental health struggles. The lack of understanding and support for TBI within the military framework hindered his recovery, leading to prolonged suffering and institutional challenges.
Notable Quote:
"The conventional medical system just masked the symptoms. The underlying ailment got worse as my life fell apart around me."
— Kagan Gill [100:10]
6. Writing "Phoenix Revival"
Determined to reclaim his life and help others, Kagan authored "Phoenix Revival." The book serves as both a memoir of his survival and a guide for others facing similar struggles. Through candid storytelling, Kagan emphasizes the importance of resilience, personal agency, and seeking alternative treatments beyond conventional medicine.
Notable Quote:
"My hope with this book is that it'll inspire people and provide practical steps on how they can apply this to their own lives."
— Kagan Gill [107:04]
7. Alternative Mental Health Treatments
Kagan explores various alternative therapies that aided his recovery, including prolotherapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy. These methods addressed the physiological aspects of his brain injury, offering relief from chronic pain and mental health symptoms when traditional treatments had failed.
Notable Quote:
"Prolotherapy with just a few pockets of sugar water alleviated my severe nerve pain, something no medication could do."
— Kagan Gill [94:30]
8. Recovery and Resilience
Emphasizing personal responsibility, Kagan shares his journey of overcoming addiction and rebuilding his physical and mental health. Through disciplined self-care, fitness, and holistic approaches, he not only regained his functionality but also found purpose in helping others navigate their own recovery paths.
Notable Quote:
"The resilience of our bodies and minds is so powerful. The darker the place you find yourself, the more opportunity for growth you have."
— Kagan Gill [135:54]
9. Publishing Journey
Choosing a hybrid publishing model, Kagan ensured he retained the rights to his work while maximizing his book's reach. Partnering with Ballast Books, he successfully published "Phoenix Revival," making it accessible on platforms like Amazon and Audible. This strategic choice facilitated greater visibility and control over his narrative.
Notable Quote:
"Going with a hybrid publisher allowed me to keep the rights to my book and receive a larger share of royalties."
— Kagan Gill [111:16]
10. Future Plans and Motivational Speaking
Kagan is expanding his influence through motivational speaking and coaching, aiming to assist veterans and first responders in accessing alternative therapies. His ongoing projects include collaborating with treatment facilities like Beyond in Texas to establish veteran programs, leveraging his experiences to foster community support and healing.
Notable Quote:
"I want to provide tools so that others can dig themselves out of the holes they find themselves in."
— Kagan Gill [117:57]
Closing Thoughts
Kagan Gill's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the pursuit of healing beyond conventional boundaries. His experiences shed light on the systemic flaws within military medical care and advocate for a holistic approach to mental and physical health recovery. Through "Phoenix Revival" and his ongoing initiatives, Kagan continues to inspire and support those navigating similar dark paths toward recovery and resilience.
Find Kagan Gill's Book and Connect:
- Book: "Phoenix Revival" available on Amazon
- Website: kagangill.com
- Instagram: @KaganGill
- LinkedIn: Kagan Gill
Support and Resources: For more insights into Kagan's journey and to access resources mentioned in the episode, visit his website or follow him on social media.