Unarmored Talk
Unarmored Talk is a podcast where people feel safe to remove their armor through real conversations that strengthen how we think and respond to life—reaching listeners worldwide while supporting community impact through Still Serving, Inc.Hosted by Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Mario P. Fields, the show dives into honest stories, raw emotions, and practical insights that help you grow mentally stronger through authenticity and openness.Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit. And as always — I’m praying for you all. God bless.
Why Leaders Fail: A Sergeant's Major 5 Rules
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What separates someone who has a leadership title from someone people genuinely want to follow?
In this episode, I am joined by Mark J. O’Loughlin, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major whose 30-year career includes infantry leadership, drill instructor duty, deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, and senior roles supporting wounded Marines. Mark shares lessons from his new book, Validated Leadership, built around five practical leadership rules designed for real life—not just theory.
We discuss why organizations often promote top performers into leadership roles without preparing them to l...
The Hardest Question Veterans Face: Who Are You?
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Who are you when the uniform comes off?
In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with Angeletha Long, a U.S. Army veteran of 24 years and leadership strategist, to unpack one of the hardest questions veterans face after service: Who are you—really?
We go beyond the surface of transition and get into the identity shift that happens when the structure, mission, and title you’ve lived by are no longer there. Angeletha shares how this question showed up in her own life, how mental heal...
If They Push Back, You Might Be On The Right Path
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The hardest pushback often comes from the people closest to you—so what if that resistance is actually confirmation you’re on the right path?
In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with Rachel Singletary—minister, facilitator, and leader—to talk about what obedience really looks like when your calling demands growth, discipline, and time. We get honest about the refining process people don’t post—the part that humbles you, stretches you, and challenges your relationships.
Rachel breaks down why resistance often starts at home, how to stay grou...
Veterans Facing Cancer With Love And Backup
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Cancer isn’t a solo fight—especially for veterans. But too many are still fighting it alone.
In this episode, Marine Corps couples Joe and Jennifer Worthy, and Casey and Ashton Kroner, share the reality behind colon cancer, testicular cancer, remission, and the grind of chemo. This is the side of cancer you don’t see—shock, denial, constant appointments, and the strain of trying not to lose your identity as husband and wife while cancer pushes you into patient and caregiver roles.
We break down veteran cancer risks—burn pits...
U.S. Army Pilot on Success, Regret, and Purpose
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What if success isn’t the right career?
In this Unarmored Talk podcast episode, I sit down with U.S. Army veteran Frank Van Buren, author of Life Lessons from the Cockpit, to explore his journey from flying night missions to Wall Street—and the realization that success alone doesn’t equal fulfillment.
A chance conversation on a beach in Cyprus during the Beirut Air Bridge set everything in motion. It led to business school, a career in finance, and ultimately a deeper truth: purpose comes from alignment, not just a...
Why This Marine Corps Veteran Chose People Over Profit
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Have you ever stopped to ask yourself—am I putting people first, or just chasing outcomes?
For the first time, David Tellefsen removes the armor.
In this episode, the 22-year Marine Corps veteran and Director of Veterans Services in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, shares what drives his passion for serving others—and why people must always come before profit.
We discuss leadership, the identity shift after the military, and the reality many veterans face when transitioning. David also breaks down common VA benefit misconceptions, the...
One Person Changed His Life…FOREVER!
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Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse and trauma that some viewers may find difficult. Viewer discretion is advised.
In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I speak with Emilio Roman, a Marine Corps veteran, minister, entrepreneur, and author who grew up in Camden, New Jersey, surrounded by instability and hardship. Despite those early challenges—including a speech impediment and childhood trauma—Emilio built a life centered on faith, service, and helping others share their stories.
We discuss the power of mentorship, resilience, and...
One DUI. Two Injured Teens. A Journey to Redemption | Beth Abbott
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A single choice can change a life — but so can the choices that follow.
Beth Abbott returns to Unarmored Talk to share the truth behind a DUI that injured two teens, cost her a frocked promotion, and forced a painful reckoning with addiction, leadership, and identity.
From volunteering to begin her jail sentence immediately, to finding purpose behind bars, to rebuilding through sobriety and accountability, this episode explores public failure, forgiveness, and the long road to redemption.
If you’re interested in resilience, recovery, and what...
Every Fall I Deal With SAD — Here’s How I Stay Mentally Steady
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Do you notice significant changes in your mood, energy, or focus from fall to spring?
Every fall, I deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When the days shorten and energy dips, I don’t ignore it — I prepare for it.
In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I share three simple, repeatable habits that help me stay mentally steady from fall through winter and into spring:
• Control your environment first thing in the morning
• Don’t feed isolation — connection is fuel
• Stay disciplined and use intentional b...
Who Are You When the Plan Ends?
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Who are you when the plan ends?
Marine veteran William Philyaw IV shares his journey from overseas embassy security duty to navigating an unexpected injury that forced him to surrender a 20-year vision.
Through faith, family, and intentional relationships, William rebuilt his identity and discovered a new mission serving veterans in Virginia.
This episode explores transition, purpose, and the quiet courage it takes to start again.
Stay unarmored, stay authentic, and stay mentally fit.
God bless you all.
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Wondering What You’re Actually Worth at Work? Here’s How to Find Out
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Wondering What You’re Actually Worth at Work?
In this Unarmored Talk Pro Tip episode, we break down how to determine your worth at work without ego or guesswork. This conversation focuses on clarity—using market-backed information to make confident decisions in reviews, negotiations, and career moves.
We start by separating identity from market value. Your worth as a person isn’t up for sale; the market pays for outcomes. From there, we cover how to research compensation by comparing roles, scope, and responsibility across your i...
You Reach the Top—and Have to Start Over?
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What Happens When You Reach the Top and Then Have to Start Over?
In this Unarmored Talk Podcast episode, I sit down with retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Steve Maynor Jr., now a Communications Instructor at Davidson-Davie Community College, to talk about what really happens when the uniform comes off and the old playbook stops working.
After 23+ years of service, Steve reflects on the moment he realized rank wouldn’t carry him into the next chapter. We talk about preparing early, translating leadership into civilian value, and th...
3 Pro Tips to Mentally Prepare for the Week Ahead
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What if the best way to start your week isn’t more motivation—but better regulation?
Before the week pulls at your attention, this short conversation offers three simple ways to reduce stress and gain clarity: hydrate before screens, regulate your nervous system with intentional breathing, and choose one non-negotiable to guide your time. The goal isn’t a perfect week—it’s a calm start and clear priorities, because regulation beats motivation when life gets loud.
Key Takeaways
Hydrate first: Support your nervo...You’re Not Behind—Your Nervous System Is Doing Its Job
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Have you ever felt the weight of a career transition and wondered if you were falling behind?
On this episode of the Unarmored Talk Podcast, I share a different perspective: when transition feels heavy, it’s not failure—it’s awareness. It’s your nervous system paying attention because the moment matters.
I walk through three practical pro tips for navigating career change, job transitions, and identity shifts—especially for professionals, service members, and veterans. The focus is simple: move from pressure to progress w...
When Your Boss Is the Problem: A Leader’s Journey
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Ever feel the tension rise the moment your boss walks in? On this episode of Unarmored Talk, host Mario P. Fields, Sergeant Major (Retired) sits down with Army veteran, TEDx speaker, and leadership strategist Gregory Archbold to break down how to lead calmly and effectively when leadership above you falls short.
With 33 years of experience—from enlisted medic to military police officer to corporate leader—Gregory shares practical tools for veterans and professionals navigating micromanagement and chaotic leadership. We unpack how over-communication reduces uncertainty, why vent...
Clearer Thinking. Better Sleep. A Smarter Path for Veterans and Professionals
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What if clearer thinking, steadier balance, and deeper sleep start in your inner ear?
In this episode, I sit down with Sheila Thelen, coach and founder, to unpack how vestibular training—originally refined with elite figure skaters—now helps veterans improve sleep, athletes recover from concussions, kids with ADHD sharpen focus, and older adults reduce fall risk.
Sheila explains the powerful overlap between rehabilitation and performance, breaking down four areas where people see results quickly: balance, cognitive processing, spatial awareness, and sleep. We explore why “spin sports” train th...
From Korean Hikes to Passing the Bar: Legacy Over Ego
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Ever wonder how a Republic of Korea Recon Marine ends up passing the bar in the U.S.?
Minjoon Kim’s journey—from freezing Korean night hikes to earning his place at a California law firm—proves that grit and legacy outlast hardship. His path shows how discipline, humility, and a deep respect for family history can reshape an entire trajectory.
He brings us into recon life: brutal weather, relentless training, and the humor that kept both ROK and U.S. Marines pushing forward. The rations may have b...
He Lost Sight and Hearing… Yet Found a Mission
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What happens when your job, identity, and future disappear overnight?
In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Hale—a Navy chef turned Army EOD tech—to unpack his journey from an IED blast that took his sight and hearing to rebuilding a life defined by purpose and action.
Aaron shares how trauma fractures identity, how community at Walter Reed kept him grounded, and how shifting from “I can’t” to “How can I?” changed the trajectory of his recovery. He walks through his arc from cooking f...
He Went from Barefoot to Marine Elite: What a Journey!
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How do you develop leaders who can stay disciplined, think clearly under pressure, and turn adversity into an advantage?
In my latest episode, Master Gunnery Sergeant Shelon “Hutch” Hutchison shares leadership lessons shaped by a 27-year Marine Corps career—and a journey that began as a kid walking barefoot along a Jamaican mountainside.
Hutch’s perspective offers practical takeaways for today’s professionals and leaders:
Reframe challenges so they build capability, not frustrationMeasure progress backward to reduce anxiety and accelerate momentumUse the...Five Mistakes To Avoid With Multiple Job Offers
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Navigating multiple job offers can be a blessing — or a trap — depending on how you handle the moment. In this Unarmored Talk Pro Tip episode, I break down five critical mistakes people make when choosing between job opportunities… and how to avoid them.
Suppose you're transitioning from the military, changing careers, or stepping into a new chapter. In that case, this episode will help you strengthen your thinking, protect your reputation, and respond to life with confidence — not react out of pressure.
In this episode, you’ll learn:<...
When the Medals, Rank, and Spotlight can’t Hide the Pain
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What happens when the medals, rank, and spotlight can’t hide the pain anymore?
I sit down with Marine Corps Captain and former Team USA bobsled athlete Riley Tejcek to unpack the quiet cost of divorce 💔, the line between grief and depression, and how true forgiveness can free the soul 🙏.
Riley opens up about how success became a shield—how overtraining and perfection masked deeper wounds—and how faith helped her face the loss, move through grief, and rebuild from within. Her turning point came through real...
Why Great Leaders Don’t Push Harder — They Connect Deeper
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What if your greatest leadership move isn’t to push harder — but to connect deeper? 🤝
Retired Army Colonel and executive coach Paul Raggio joins me to unpack the difference between motivation and inspiration, how emotional intelligence fuels trust, and why a leader’s first job is to help others stay self-motivated.
From Desert Storm to the boardroom, Paul shares field-tested lessons on turning blind spots into breakthroughs—including how to use SWOT analysis to plan real contin...
From Surviving to Thriving - What's Next After 50?
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🎙️ What if the second half of life isn’t a slow fade—but a bigger canvas?
Meet Barbara and Heather, a mother-daughter coaching duo redefining midlife. 🌱 Barbara returned to school in her 50s, earned two master’s degrees, and rebuilt her coaching practice. 🎓 Heather left the performing arts at 40, discovered leadership coaching, and found her calling to teach adults and teams. 🎭
Together, they reveal how self-awareness, courage, and community can turn uncertainty into growth. 💪 We talk about fear, stalled plans, and how to rebuild belonging through curiosity, mentorship, and connect...
3 Tips on How Self-Awareness Makes You a Stronger Hire
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Ever freeze up when asked about your strengths and weaknesses? 😅 In this episode, I break down why self-awareness isn’t just a personal trait — it’s a professional superpower.
🎯 Learn how understanding who you are, where you shine, and how you’re growing can make you a stronger candidate and a better teammate. Whether you’re transitioning from the military or leveling up your civilian career, this episode will help you turn reflection into results.
🔖 Chapters
00:00 – Have you ever been asked this question? 🤔
01:05 – What the data says about self-aware professio...
What Happens When A Nation Forgets Its Veterans?
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What if the voices we salute 🇺🇸 fade before we ever truly hear them?
Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Andrew Cox shares how one simple idea—record every veteran’s story—grew into The Lost Art Project, now partnered with the Marine Corps History Division.
From a bourbon-fueled first recording 🥃 (and his mom’s honest critique!) to building a disciplined, service-first mission, Andrew opens up about turning raw conversations into living history. We explore why so many veterans stay silent 🏠, how peer-led storytelling creates trust 🤝, and...
From Surviving to Thriving: How to Find Purpose at Any Age
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Can your most meaningful work begin after 50? Executive and leadership coach Dr. Sanaz Solomon proves it can.
In this kickoff episode of the BoldTimers {https://www.linkedin.com/company/boldtimers/} collaboration, we unpack:
Surviving vs. Thriving (02:43): How to move from routine survival to living with energy and purpose.Leaving a Stable Career for Meaning (03:28): Why Dr. Solomon walked away from a 20-year career to realign with her values.The Sunk Cost Fallacy (04:54): How “settling” can quietly hold you back—and how to releas...Thinking About Quitting Your Job or Know Someone who is? Listen to This First.
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Ever felt the pull to move on but worried it might hurt your reputation? 👔 In this episode, we reframe “quitting” into purposeful resignation — a mindset that protects your personal brand and positions you for what’s next.
You’ll hear a clear, 3-step plan to shift from frustration to focus, from impulse to intention, and from goodbye to a strong future hello. We cover how to reflect before reacting, plan your transition, and exit with integrity and gratitude.
Because people may forget why you left — but they’ll always remembe...
The 55-38-7 Rule - What Your Body Language Says About You!
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Snap judgments happen fast—often before a single word leaves your mouth. In this episode, we unpack the 55-38-7 rule—body language, tone, and words—and explore how nonverbal communication shapes trust, credibility, and connection.
You’ll learn how subtle cues like crossed arms, poor posture, or lack of smiling can quietly work against you—and how to rebuild confidence through open posture, steady breathing, and natural eye contact.
I also share a quick self-audit method: record short mock conversations, review your posture and tone, and ask for feedback...
A blast didn’t end his life—it began his purpose
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Taylor Vogel thought the Marine Corps would give him structure when life had none. After three deployments and a devastating IED blast, he survived but came home unraveled—TBI, PTSD, a bottle within reach, and a family on the line.
This isn’t a polished comeback—it’s a raw story of drifting without roots, wrestling with faith 🙏, and learning that surrender and daily discipline can rebuild a life.
Taylor shares how surviving a hundred-pound IED led to the question: “Why am I still here?” He reveals three levers that helped him...
Pro Tips: From Uniform to Interview 💼
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Ever freeze up when an interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself”?
In this Quick Pro Tip, I share a simple, 3-step method to help veterans and transitioning service members answer that question with confidence:
✅ Start with where you are now
✅ Bridge to your most relevant experience
✅ End with where you’re going next
Your story is your strength — you just need to frame it right.
Subscribe to My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pF-fF29KO0UeCVs859qrJHd6el1YStc
S...
Faith Over Identity: A U.S. Marines' Path from War to Worship
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What if the title you’re most proud of is the very thing holding you back from who you’re meant to become?
That’s the heart of this powerful conversation with Marine infantry officer turned pastor and Mighty Oaks Foundation CEO, Jeremy Stalnecker. From leading Marines in the 2003 push to Baghdad with 1/5 to leading a church in Oceanside, Jeremy opens up about anger, dislocation, and a misplaced identity that nearly cost him his marriage and his calling—until trusted mentors stepped in with hard truth and hope.
...Get Paid What You’re Worth 💰 | Negotiating After Service
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💼 Getting out of the military and wondering how to negotiate your first job offer? 🤔
In this Quick Pro Tip video, I share three strategies every veteran should know: research and present a fair salary range, highlight the true value of your soft skills, and take time to evaluate the entire package — salary and benefits.
These tips can help you avoid settling and start your civilian career strong.
Watch: https://youtu.be/YS8hY9KnyoU
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From Sickness to PTSD: The Surprising Key to Healing
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Ever wonder why some people rarely get sick — or how others recover from PTSD after decades of struggle?
The answer may lie in the diaphragm, a muscle Dr. David Rubenstein calls second only to the heart. It drives immunity, eases back pain, and boosts strength — a reason Navy SEALs and athletes rely on it.
Don, a Vietnam veteran with decades of PTSD, found peace after weeks of Rubenstein’s Total Relief Method. His breakthrough? “I feel okay being okay.”
Discover how the diaphragm may unlock health, strength, and healing...
When an Army Squad Leader Trades his Rifle for a Business Plan
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What happens when an Army infantry squad leader swaps his rifle for a business plan?
In this episode of Unarmored Talk, I sit down with veteran entrepreneur Matthew Kemp to hear how he went from leading combat missions in Baghdad to building two thriving businesses.
Matthew shares how he defied the odds—finishing college in under three years, navigating corporate America, and ultimately breaking free from layoffs and cold calls to launch his own staffing firm during one of the toughest economic climates. His story is packed wit...
Pro Tips: What SEO Really Means for Service Members & Veterans
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Professionals, Service Members, and Veterans — have you ever Googled yourself or your organization and wondered why you didn’t show up first?
That’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization) — and it’s one of the most overlooked parts of building your digital brand.
In this episode of SgtMaj Pro Tips, I explain SEO in simple terms and show how you can improve yours without being a tech expert.
✅ Understand what SEO really means
✅ Learn how sharing content boosts your visibility
✅ Take one simple step this week to strengthen your digital presence...
Pro Tips: Building Your Personal Brand Online for Service Members & Veterans
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When the uniform comes off, people don’t see your rank or ribbons — they see your brand.
Your personal brand is your reputation when you’re not in the room. And today, it shows up first on social media.
Are you being intentional about how you show up online?
👉 Watch this short video: https://youtu.be/-9BvJXYDFQo
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Who am I without my uniform? Finding Identity After the Military
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The invisible weight of service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. For Marine Corps veteran Garrett Biss, the toughest battle began after 17 years of active duty—asking, “Who am I without my uniform?”
In this powerful conversation, Garrett introduces the idea of the “dichotomous ego,” where service members are lifted by their role yet driven by constant criticism. When the uniform is gone, many retain only the inner voice saying they’re never enough—fueling anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Garrett shares how embracing authenticity closed the gap between...
Are YOU Breathing in the RED ZONE or the GREEN ZONE? | PTSD, Stress & Healing
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✨ What if the number of breaths you take per minute could reveal your true path to healing?
🩺 Trauma expert Dr. David Rubenstein shares insights from over 22,000 measurements, showing that 19+ breaths per minute almost always signal PTSD, while 7 or fewer indicate optimal recovery.
His color-coded “red to green” framework provides an objective, unalterable way to track progress. For 🎖️ veterans, military conditioning complicates recovery—but healing becomes possible when reframed as a mission for someone they ❤️ love.
🎧 This is the third episode in ou...
Breaking the PTSD Narrative: One Breath at a Time? (Ep. 2 of 6)
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What if the key to healing pain and PTSD wasn’t medication, but your breath? 🫁
In this episode, Dr. David Rubenstein reveals how a discovery in 1994 reshaped our understanding of chronic pain, stress, and trauma. With over 22,000 measurements, his research shows how breathing patterns directly influence cortisol, sleep, and even trauma response.
Using gentle “motion recipes,” he helps the brain recalibrate 🧠—creating lasting relief instead of temporary fixes. Backed by university research, this breakthrough shows how one breath at a time can break the cycle of pain and stress. 🌟<...
Beyond the Uniform: Transition with Purpose, Build a Meaningful Life
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What happens when your transition plan falls apart?
For Marine veteran Matthew Askren, failure wasn’t fatal—it was fuel. From abandoned business dreams to unexpected detours in flooring sales and food manufacturing, each step became a building block toward his success as a CEO leading multiple companies.
In this episode of Beyond the Uniform: Transition with Purpose, Build a Meaningful Life, Matthew shares how resilience turns setbacks into growth and why his mission now is to help veterans and first responders strengthen their mental health for life’...
