Podcast Summary: The Journey On Podcast – Episode Featuring Van & Amanda Carraza

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Journey On Podcast
• Host: Warwick Schiller
• Guests: Van & Amanda Carraza
• Release Date: March 14, 2025
• Episode Title: Van & Amanda Carraza

Introduction

Warwick Schiller opens the episode by welcoming listeners to The Journey On Podcast, setting the stage for a deep and meaningful conversation with his guests, Van and Amanda Carraza. The focus of the episode is their impactful work with their nonprofit organization, Operation Surf, which aids veterans suffering from PTSD through surfing.

Guests Introduction: Van & Amanda Carraza

[00:44] Warwick Schiller: "Van and Amanda are involved in a nonprofit out here on the central coast of California called Operation Surf. So Van is the founder and director and Amanda's the executive director."

Warwick introduces Van and Amanda Carraza, highlighting their roles within Operation Surf and their mission to help veterans with PTSD by teaching them to surf.

Operation Surf: Mission and Roles

Van begins by explaining the core of Operation Surf:

[04:27] Warwick Schiller: "...we take people surfing, we build connection, you know, through nature, surfing, build a community, and ultimately build relationships based on trust."

Amanda elaborates on her role:

[06:11] Amanda Carraza: "My role is everything out of the ocean. His role is everything in the ocean... we truly build a family within our organization."

Together, they outline their collaborative efforts in running Operation Surf, balancing the physical aspects of surfing with the operational management to ensure the nonprofit's success.

Warwick’s Personal Journey and Background

Warwick shares his personal struggles and how they led to the creation of Operation Surf:

[08:26] Warwick Schiller: "Operation Surf started through my journey of my life... I was a recovering drug addict and I've been clean and sober since December 16, 2002."

He recounts his battle with addiction, his passion for surfing as a form of therapy, and how his experiences positioned him to help others facing similar challenges.

The Birth of Operation Surf

Van narrates how Operation Surf was founded:

[13:20] Van Carraza: "Operation Surf was born in 2009 after Van saw the impact surfing had on veterans at the CFI, the Center for the Intrepid."

Warwick adds context to the nonprofit's inception, emphasizing the transformative power of surfing for veterans grappling with PTSD and other mental health issues.

Warwick’s Addiction and Recovery Story

Warwick delves deeper into his addiction and the pivotal moments that led to his sobriety:

[20:52] Warwick Schiller: "I was a recovering drug addict and I've been clean and sober since December 16, 2002... I finally thought there's no one else to blame but me."

He describes his realization during a court hearing, the support from his public defender, and his commitment to change, which ultimately helped him overcome addiction and dedicate his life to helping others through Operation Surf.

Meeting and Partnership: Warwick and Amanda

Amanda shares the story of how she met Warwick and decided to join Operation Surf:

[53:50] Amanda Carraza: "I was planning to go up to Oregon to become a helicopter pilot, but after helping Warwick with his surf school and witnessing the impact on veterans, I decided to stay and support the program."

Their relationship blossomed from professional collaboration to a life partnership, strengthening the foundation of Operation Surf through mutual support and shared vision.

Operation Surf Programs and Impact

Amanda outlines the various programs offered by Operation Surf:

[74:46] Amanda Carraza: "We have four categories: recovery, prevention, performance, and preservation... We focus on providing a space for veterans to connect, find purpose, and heal."

Warwick emphasizes the importance of including spouses in their programs to strengthen family units:

[75:05] Warwick Schiller: "We give spouses the opportunity to reconnect and support their warriors, which in turn improves the warriors' well-being."

They discuss how their programs go beyond traditional therapy by fostering community, trust, and personal growth through shared experiences like surfing and ice baths.

Counseling Approach: Experience as Counselors

Van and Amanda explain their unique approach to counseling within Operation Surf:

[79:40] Amanda Carraza: "Our focus is to provide a space for them to breathe and connect... We don't have counselors in the traditional sense, but we have counselors on speed dial."

Warwick adds:

[86:32] Warwick Schiller: "Everything we do is based on my journey... sharing words and building connections is the most life-saving thing."

Their method relies on personal experiences and peer support rather than formal counseling, creating a safe and judgment-free environment for veterans to open up and heal.

Documentary Feature: Resurface

Warwick discusses the making of the Netflix documentary "Resurface":

[88:20] Amanda Carraza: "A documentary about surfing for veterans with PTSD, featuring our work and stories from the program."

The documentary highlights the profound impact Operation Surf has on veterans, showcasing personal transformations and the therapeutic benefits of surfing.

Future Plans and Expansion of Operation Surf

Ambitious plans for growth are shared by both Van and Amanda:

[100:02] Warwick Schiller: "We aim to raise $1 million this year to expand our staff and programs, ultimately building facilities like cabins to run our programs nonstop."

Amanda adds:

[100:20] Amanda Carraza: "We received up to 80 applications for a program with eight spots, highlighting the urgent need for our services."

Their vision includes expanding their reach, increasing resources, and enhancing their capacity to serve more veterans and their families effectively.

Final Reflections: The Power of Vulnerability and Connection

Van emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in healing:

[106:46] Amanda Carraza: "Being vulnerable helps others realize they're not alone, fostering deep connections and mutual support."

Warwick echoes this sentiment:

[111:21] Van Carraza: "Being teachable without feeling less than is crucial for personal growth and effective collaboration."

Their collective experiences underline the significance of openness, trust, and mutual support in overcoming personal struggles and fostering community resilience.

Closing Remarks

Warwick and Amanda invite listeners to support Operation Surf:

[108:20] Amanda Carraza: "Visit operationsurf.org to learn more, donate, or volunteer. Your support can help us expand and reach more veterans in need."

Warwick concludes with a heartfelt invitation to engage with their mission:

[109:31] Warwick Schiller: "Please reach out and ask any questions. We are an open book and committed to helping those in need."

Notable Quotes

• Warwick Schiller [04:27]: "Trust is a journey. Trust is not given, it's earned."
• Amanda Carraza [06:05]: "We truly build a family within our organization."
• Warwick Schiller [08:26]: "I'm a recovering drug addict and I've been clean and sober since December 16, 2002."
• Amanda Carraza [53:58]: "This is a wonderful path to follow, but I do believe God put us together for a reason."
• Van Carraza [107:43]: "Being teachable without feeling less than is crucial for personal growth and effective collaboration."

Conclusion

This episode of The Journey On Podcast offers an intimate and inspiring look into the lives of Van and Amanda Carraza and their exceptional work with Operation Surf. Through their dedication, personal struggles, and unwavering commitment, they provide invaluable support to veterans battling PTSD, fostering healing and community through the transformative power of surfing. Listeners are encouraged to engage with and support their mission, contributing to a meaningful cause that changes lives.