In this amazing episode, I sit down with Kegan "SMURF" Gill, a former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter pilot who survived the fastest ejection in naval aviation history — launched from his jet at 695 mph- at 50 G’s.

The injuries he sustained in that moment were severe enough to kill most people — limbs torn apart and a traumatic brain injury among them. But Kegan’s ordeal didn’t end there.

After ejecting, Kegan plunged into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, battling hypothermia, sharks and drowning for two hours as rescue teams rushed to find him. Miraculously, his hypothermic state helped prevent fatal blood loss. This was just the beginning of his fight for survival.

We discuss Kegan’s journey through:

-The severe psychotic episodes and dehumanizing treatments he faced after his brain injury.

-His struggle to find proper mental health care, pushing him to eventually seek alternative treatments, including psychedelic therapy and nutraceutical interventions through the Warrior Angels Foundation.

-The critical role of family and support systems in his recovery.

-His advocacy for veterans' mental health and the systemic challenges in the VA system, and how he now dedicates himself to breaking the stigma around mental health care.

Kegan’s story is not just about surviving the unthinkable; it’s about using that survival as fuel to help others. His fight for healing, and his transformation into a public advocate, is an inspiration to anyone overcoming trauma.

🔗 Connect with Kegan on:
🌐 Website: kegangill.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kegansmurfgill/
📘 Book: Phoenix Revival — available now- https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Revival-Aftermath-Aviations-Ejection/dp/1964934516
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kegan-gill-6986a4259/

👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode moved you. Because like Kegan says, “ even in your darkest moment, there’s a path forward.”

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

ASHLEIGH GASS- A CANADIAN IN FLORIDA-MERGING GYMNASTICS STRENGTH TRAINING (Calisthenics) WITH TRADITIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING NUTRITION/MOBILITY/STRETCHING/MOVEMENT/STRENGTH/ www.movegst.com

Firstly let me apologise for the very inconsiderate Australian wildlife you will hear in the show- bloody crows and kookaburras!! But I digress- on with the show!

Ashleigh Gass- owner of movegst.com, based in Florida, successfully grew her business during the dark ages of 2020-2022 and I was intrigued to find out exactly how she did it. The answer lay in three words- EVOLVE, GROW & DISOBEY.

The lockdown saw the team launch online in 2020, at a time much like Body Synergy gym in NZ Dunedin did, and stayed ahead of the curve. We spoke about former Olympic Coach Christopher Sommer’s programming and how it saved her body post neural surgery and by simply following the process from baby beginner steps to where she is now- it works.

Ash has adapted the exercise programming at movegst.com to combine GYMNASTICS WITH TRADITIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING like kettlebells, dumbbells etc. And they achieve phenomenally surprising fat loss with teaching NUTRITION/MOBILITY/STRETCHING/MOVEMENT/STRENGTH.

We talked about the similarities of our processes with clients using empowering nutrition, trusting the programming and not being too tied to the process of weight loss, to achieve great success for the people who are ready to learn.

Experts like Professor Andrew Huberman, Dr Peter Attia, Robb Wolff came up in our discussion, and it was great to share the synergies in what we learn, teach and use in our daily lives.

Ashleigh Gass is an underrated understated wealth of knowledge, and I am sure you will love watching her videos on Insta

🔗 Connect with Ashleigh on

Her Linktree - https://linktr.ee/ashleighrgass

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ashleigh.gass/about

Insta- @ashleighrgass https://www.instagram.com/ashleighrgass/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

From high school dropout to licensed attorney to military magistrate to emergency physician, Dr. Jenn’s path defies convention and embodies grit. 


Allow me to introduce Dr. Jenn properly -

Jennifer L'Hommedieu Stankus, MD, JD, FACEP

Board Certified Emergency Physician

Producer, Military & Law Enforcement content, American Stories Entertainment

Past Chair, Emergency Medicine Foundation

Licensed attorney and Former military magistrate

Courtroom Expert Witness - Comprehensive Medical Legal Consultants, LLC

This means Dr. Jenn is an ER doc, lawyer, military vet x 2, former LEO and reality tv star.

Her background fuses combat-tested discipline, medical precision, and legal expertise into a life of service, leadership, and high-stakes decision-making.

But it wasn’t always clear she'd end up here. Dr. Jenn opens up about her early years—dropping out of high school at 16 and enlisting in the military at 17. That decision changed everything. From there, she cultivated a mindset forged in discipline and resilience, guiding her through the challenges of earning both an MD and a JD. Along the way, she became a voice of reason in chaos, whether in the ER, a courtroom, or on a survival show like Surviving Mann with former guest and Seal Team 6 Operator and the most dangerous man- in the world - that I know, Don Mann.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful insight: mental toughness often beats physical strength. Whether competing against elite operators on national television or advocating for preparedness and self-defense in daily life, Dr. Jenn illustrates that perseverance, mindset, and a refusal to quit are the ultimate force multipliers. Her journey reminds us that the most effective tool for survival—on the street or in the ER—is the mind.

Now, she’s sharing those lessons through writing, media, and mentorship. Her upcoming book, Hard Target, blends practical self-defense wisdom with real-world urgency.

As a co-host on Surviving Mann and a producer of tactical media, she continues to mentor and inspire a wide audience, especially those who feel underestimated or overlooked.

Whether you're in medicine, law, military service, or simply trying to grow stronger every day, Dr. Jenn offers a blueprint for resilience and reinvention—no matter where you start.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jenn on

Her Linktree - https://linktr.ee/dr_jenn

Insta- https://www.instagram.com/_dr_jenn/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

Ania Drozd never set out to become a clinical movement specialist. She began, instead, with a single question: Why? Why do people move the way they do? Why does pain persist even after treatment? Why do standard protocols so often fall short?

The answers weren’t in the textbooks. They were in the body. And they were inside her own.

Raised in a family where sports were as natural as breathing, Ania’s first passion was equestrian show jumping. Her early years were marked by discipline, competition, and performance under pressure—qualities that would later define her professional philosophy. But when the mental and physical toll of that life became unsustainable, she did something rare: she listened to her instincts and walked away.

What followed was not retreat, but reinvention. Ania dove into weightlifting, calisthenics, and eventually clinical movement practice—not as a hobby, but as a form of personal problem-solving. Injuries, chronic pain, and a lack of clear answers from specialists forced her to build her own solutions. When MRIs, X-rays, and professional opinions led nowhere, she trusted her gut and went inward, combining her formal education in neuropharmacology with thousands of hours of experimentation and self-study.

What emerged was a framework grounded in biology, behavior, and biomechanics—a common-sense system built not on trends, but on truth. She came to understand pain not as an enemy, but as a signal—one that reveals the body’s inefficiencies, compensations, and imbalances. She began asking better questions—and helping others do the same.

Today, Ania leads a select group of clients through that same process: breaking cycles of chronic pain and rebuilding functional movement from the ground up. Her work is defined by precision, quality, and a refusal to do anything halfway. She prioritizes depth over scale, impact over popularity, and results over trends.

Her philosophy is simple:

“You don’t fix movement by treating symptoms. You fix movement by understanding the system.”

This mindset has shaped her transition from in-person coaching to a streamlined, high-accountability online practice that spans time zones and continents. She’s built a trusted brand, not by marketing noise, but by meaningful results—and by earning her clients’ respect through clarity, consistency, and care.

Ania Drozd is not selling movement. She’s selling autonomy.
For those willing to do the work, her process doesn’t just relieve pain—it redefines the way people move through life.

🔗 Connect with Ania:

Instagram: @ania.drozd – Message her directly for coaching or collaboration - https://www.instagram.com/aniamoves/

YouTube (Coming Soon): Breakdown videos and movement insights.

Workshops & Courses: Rolling out late 2025 - https://aniamoves.com/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

Paul Baxendale PART 3 “The Greatest Challenge: Navigating Relationships After Military Service-From Warrior to Civilian”

Welcome to a profound conversation with Paul Baxendale, a sequel guest with a rich background in bodybuilding, personal training, and academia.

Paul is an expert in bodybuilding- a former training partner of 6 x Mr Olympia Dorian Yates, Personal training, and an esteemed Life and Physique Coach.

He holds three master's degrees in history, psychology, and literature, and is currently working on his PhD thesis.

This 3 part discussion centres around the unique challenges faced by military and service personnel, particularly in relation to their service life, relationships, and the transition to civilian life.

After listening to this show and what Paul reveals, you will be able to navigate the complexities of military life, improve your relationships, and create positive personal growth.

The fact that over 90% of Navy SEAL marriages end in divorce, is a statistic that underscores the challenges faced by those in such demanding professions.

He highlights the psychological aspects of masculinity, the high divorce rates among military members, and the importance of understanding one's "shadow self."

This episode provides valuable insights into navigating the complexities of military life and personal development after Service and the Relationships that follow.

We talked about-

Understanding the "Shadow Self"

The Transition from Warrior to Civilian

Challenges of Transitioning

Decompression Techniques

Communication in Relationships

Paul’s Personal Reflections On Marriage and Tragedy

Emotional Awareness

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

Identity and Self-Reflection

Creating Space for Self-Reflection

This show is packed with valuable insights into the psychological aspects of military life, the challenges of maintaining relationships, and the transition from Warrior to Civilian

Paul’s expertise and personal experiences offer a rich foundation for understanding these issues, making this episode a must listen for everyone.- READ THE ACTIONABLE TIPS IN THE SHOW NOTES BELOW

Actionable Tips:

Dedicate Time for Communication: Set aside at least 60 minutes a week for uninterrupted conversations with your partner to improve relationship satisfaction.

Decompress Before Interacting: Take time to decompress after a high-stress job before engaging with family to ease the transition.

Recognize Your Shadow Self: Understand and manage your shadow self to avoid internal conflict and improve personal relationships.

Balance Energies: Identify and embrace your true nature, balancing masculine and feminine energies in relationships.

Create Space for Self-Reflection: Set aside half an hour each day for contemplation to spark new ideas and insights.

By implementing these tips, you can navigate the complexities of military life, improve your relationships, and foster personal growth.

🔗 Connect with Paul on

https://paulbaxendale.com/

On Insta at https://www.instagram.com/paulbaxendale/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

Paul Baxendale - PART 2 “The Greatest Challenge: Navigating Relationships After Military Service-From Warrior to Civilian”

Welcome to a profound conversation with Paul Baxendale, a sequel guest with a rich background in bodybuilding, personal training, and academia.

Paul is an expert in bodybuilding- a former training partner of 6 x Mr Olympia Dorian Yates, Personal training, and an esteemed Life and Physique Coach.

He holds three master's degrees in history, psychology, and literature, and is currently working on his PhD thesis.

This 3 part discussion centres around the unique challenges faced by military and service personnel, particularly in relation to their service life, relationships, and the transition to civilian life.

After listening to this show and what Paul reveals, you will be able to navigate the complexities of military life, improve your relationships, and create positive personal growth.

The fact that over 90% of Navy SEAL marriages end in divorce, is a statistic that underscores the challenges faced by those in such demanding professions.

He highlights the psychological aspects of masculinity, the high divorce rates among military members, and the importance of understanding one's "shadow self."

This episode provides valuable insights into navigating the complexities of military life and personal development after Service and the Relationships that follow.

We talked about-

Understanding the "Shadow Self"

The Transition from Warrior to Civilian

Challenges of Transitioning

Decompression Techniques

Communication in Relationships

Paul’s Personal Reflections On Marriage and Tragedy

Emotional Awareness

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

Identity and Self-Reflection

Creating Space for Self-Reflection

This show is packed with valuable insights into the psychological aspects of military life, the challenges of maintaining relationships, and the transition from Warrior to Civilian

Paul’s expertise and personal experiences offer a rich foundation for understanding these issues, making this episode a must listen for everyone.- READ THE ACTIONABLE TIPS IN THE SHOW NOTES BELOW

Actionable Tips:

Dedicate Time for Communication: Set aside at least 60 minutes a week for uninterrupted conversations with your partner to improve relationship satisfaction.

Decompress Before Interacting: Take time to decompress after a high-stress job before engaging with family to ease the transition.

Recognize Your Shadow Self: Understand and manage your shadow self to avoid internal conflict and improve personal relationships.

Balance Energies: Identify and embrace your true nature, balancing masculine and feminine energies in relationships.

Create Space for Self-Reflection: Set aside half an hour each day for contemplation to spark new ideas and insights.

By implementing these tips, you can navigate the complexities of military life, improve your relationships, and foster personal growth.

🔗 Connect with Paul on

https://paulbaxendale.com/

On Insta at https://www.instagram.com/paulbaxendale/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

Welcome to a profound conversation with Paul Baxendale, a sequel guest with a rich background in bodybuilding, personal training, and academia.

Paul is an expert in bodybuilding- a former training partner of 6 x Mr Olympia Dorian Yates, Personal training, and an esteemed Life and Physique Coach.

He holds three master's degrees in history, psychology, and literature, and is currently working on his PhD thesis.

This 3 part discussion centres around the unique challenges faced by military and service personnel, particularly in relation to their service life, relationships, and the transition to civilian life.

After listening to this show and what Paul reveals, you will be able to navigate the complexities of military life, improve your relationships, and create positive personal growth.

The fact that over 90% of Navy SEAL marriages end in divorce, is a statistic that underscores the challenges faced by those in such demanding professions.

He highlights the psychological aspects of masculinity, the high divorce rates among military members, and the importance of understanding one's "shadow self."

This episode provides valuable insights into navigating the complexities of military life and personal development after Service and the Relationships that follow.

We talked about-

Understanding the "Shadow Self"

The Transition from Warrior to Civilian

Challenges of Transitioning

Decompression Techniques

Communication in Relationships

Paul’s Personal Reflections On Marriage and Tragedy

Emotional Awareness

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

Identity and Self-Reflection

Creating Space for Self-Reflection

This show is packed with valuable insights into the psychological aspects of military life, the challenges of maintaining relationships, and the transition from Warrior to Civilian

Paul’s expertise and personal experiences offer a rich foundation for understanding these issues, making this episode a must listen for everyone.- READ THE ACTIONABLE TIPS IN THE SHOW NOTES BELOW

Actionable Tips:

Dedicate Time for Communication: Set aside at least 60 minutes a week for uninterrupted conversations with your partner to improve relationship satisfaction.

Decompress Before Interacting: Take time to decompress after a high-stress job before engaging with family to ease the transition.

Recognize Your Shadow Self: Understand and manage your shadow self to avoid internal conflict and improve personal relationships.

Balance Energies: Identify and embrace your true nature, balancing masculine and feminine energies in relationships.

Create Space for Self-Reflection: Set aside half an hour each day for contemplation to spark new ideas and insights.

By implementing these tips, you can navigate the complexities of military life, improve your relationships, and foster personal growth.

🔗 Connect with Paul on

https://paulbaxendale.com/

On Insta at https://www.instagram.com/paulbaxendale/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. 

And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat



Links for my former shows are here-


WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2




 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/