Podcast Summary: Cleared Hot - Episode 372 with Seth Gehle

Introduction

In Episode 372 of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf engages in a deep and emotionally charged conversation with Seth Gehle, an 82nd Airborne Combat Veteran, construction business professional, ultra-marathon runner, author, speaker, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner. Seth shares his harrowing journey of overcoming childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and personal struggles to emerge as a resilient individual committed to helping others through his book, Strength Beyond the Shadows.

Seth’s Early Life and Abuse

Seth begins by recounting his tumultuous childhood in Lima, Ohio. At the age of two, his father violently attacked his mother, leaving her to raise Seth and his two sisters alone. This early exposure to violence set the foundation for Seth's later struggles.

At [75:50], Seth describes a critical incident at age five when he discovered his mother's collection of pornographic materials. Instead of protecting him, his mother encouraged him to watch, leading to his first encounter with sexual content without understanding its implications. This lack of appropriate guidance contributed to Seth’s confusion and distress.

Turning Point: Reporting the Abuser

By age ten, Seth had been sexually abused by a teenage babysitter, a traumatic experience he eventually reported to his grandparents. Despite his attempts to seek help, the system failed to protect him adequately, a reality Seth highlights to emphasize the pervasive nature of abuse and the shortcomings in support systems.

At [60:02], Seth shares startling statistics: "One in three girls will be sexually abused before they're 18. One in four boys, one in ten will report. So for every one, there's nine others that haven't said anything."

Healing and Resilience: Writing the Book

Seth's journey towards healing began with his decision to write Strength Beyond the Shadows. Initially self-publishing, he faced significant challenges, including dissatisfaction with ghostwriting services that failed to capture his authentic voice.

At [21:36], Seth reflects on his writing process: "I sat down and pumped out, like, 20,000 words over the course of a month or two. It just flowed because I'm a good storyteller."

Through mentorship and resilience, Seth overcame his skepticism about self-publishing and refined his narrative to authentically convey his experiences. His book aims to provide a path to hope and healing for others facing similar adversities.

Interactions with Influential Figures

Throughout the episode, Seth references influential individuals like Nick Lavery, a retired Special Forces officer, who played a pivotal role in mentoring him during his healing process. Additionally, Seth shares the powerful story of Clark Fredericks, a victim of long-term abuse who took drastic actions against his abuser, highlighting the complexities of trauma and vengeance.

At [29:45], Seth recounts a conversation with Nick Lavery: "Nick is mutually beneficial. He wants. I think he sees the value in me. And then obviously he knows his own value, but I see the value in him."

Views on Therapy and Support Systems

Seth discusses his skepticism towards traditional therapy, citing barriers like cost and accessibility. Instead, he found solace in self-help books by Dr. Bruce Perry, which provided him with the framework to understand and process his trauma.

At [162:06], Seth explains: "I joined the Reserves as a mechanic, thinking that I was, like, an infantry killer because I thought that everybody was... I'm like, yeah. And so I was in the Reserves from... I ended up going active duty, signed an 18x contract."

He emphasizes the importance of personal agency in overcoming trauma, advocating for proactive measures and self-empowerment rather than solely relying on external help.

Insights on Trauma and Society

Seth provides a critical analysis of societal perceptions of trauma, particularly the stigmatization of victims and survivors. He challenges the notion that sharing one's traumatic experiences is purely for shock value, arguing instead that it serves as a catalyst for personal and communal healing.

At [24:19], Seth states: "That doesn't mean it can't have impact on their life. So, yeah, they may not. They read the book, right."

He also touches on the prevalence of child sexual abuse by individuals in positions of authority, emphasizing the need for systemic change to protect vulnerable children.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Seth concludes the episode by reflecting on his transformation from a traumatized child to a resilient adult who channels his experiences into positive actions. His message centers on the power of personal choice, resilience, and the importance of sharing one's story to foster healing and support for others.

At [186:17], Seth encapsulates his philosophy: "You control what you can control... The only thing you control is what you do, what your own actions, your own thoughts."

Notable Quotes

• [00:32] Host (B): "Today's episode is not a feel good episode. This is a heavy topic. It's a dark topic, and it's real."

• [05:24] Seth (A): "I can't give you anything else. I don't know what to do with this."

• [13:52] Seth (A): "It just flowed because I'm a good storyteller."

• [21:36] Seth (A): "Everybody's seeing me for who I am now, and they're like, damn, how do you do this without falling apart."

• [24:19] Seth (A): "They may not care about you, but there might be something in there that speaks to them that can change the trajectory of their life."

• [60:02] Seth (A): "One in three girls will be sexually abused before they're 18. One in four boys, one in ten will report."

• [162:06] Seth (A): "I joined the Reserves as a mechanic, thinking that I was, like, an infantry killer because I thought that everybody was... I'm like, yeah."

• [24:19] Seth (A): "They may not. They read the book, right."

• [177:35] Seth (A): "I offer a podcast with a big platform."

• [186:17] Seth (A): "You control what you can control... The only thing you control is what you do, what your own actions, your own thoughts."

Final Thoughts

Episode 372 of Cleared Hot offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Seth Gehle's life, marked by profound trauma and remarkable resilience. Through his candid storytelling, Seth not only sheds light on the pervasive issue of childhood abuse but also provides a roadmap for personal healing and empowerment. His unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity serves as an inspiration for listeners grappling with their own struggles, reinforcing the message that resilience and proactive choices can pave the way to a fulfilling life despite past hardships.

Connecting with Seth Gehle

• Book: Strength Beyond the Shadows available on Amazon and SethGehle.com
• Social Media: Seth is active across all major platforms under the name Seth Gehle. Listeners can reach out via his website or social media channels for signed copies of his book and further engagement.

Note: The timestamps referenced correspond to the provided transcript segments and may slightly vary depending on the actual podcast audio alignment.