This one isn’t hype. It isn’t fun. It matters.

Aaron goes solo to talk about something we’ve hit since day one: veteran suicide. Since 2001, more veterans have died by suicide than were killed in combat during GWOT. Let that sink in.

He breaks down the rising numbers, the mental toll of Air Force Special Warfare and special operations, and why “mental armor” has to be built before you ever step into the fight. You train your body for the pipeline. You better train your mind for what comes after.

Aaron shares his own story as a suicide survivor, talks about sobriety, therapy, and why being intrusive with your friends might save their life. This is about insulating, not isolating. It’s about asking the uncomfortable question. It’s about realizing the job doesn’t end when you hang up the uniform.

If you’re chasing the pipeline, this is required listening. If you’ve already worn the beret, this one’s for you too.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Tasty Gains and why this episode matters
02:00 Veteran suicide statistics that hit hard
04:30 26x more lost to suicide than combat
07:00 Mental armor and preparing before the fight
10:30 The hidden toll of special operations
13:30 Aaron’s story and surviving the darkness
16:00 Alcohol, coping, and raising your floor
18:30 Be intrusive — ask the hard question
21:00 Insulate vs isolate your teammates
24:00 Building tribes and real accountability

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Ep 562: Veteran Suicide Is Beating Combat Deaths