You’ve fought battles most people never see. Today’s guest, Brandon Held—Air Force and Army veteran, podcaster, and life coach—opens up about career derailments, multiple divorces, corporate layoffs, and a suicide attempt…and how he rebuilt with gratitude, discipline, and a mission to help others (especially veterans) step back from the ledge.We get real about broken systems, fatherhood, co-parenting, mental health, and why stacking small wins beats chasing motivation. If you’re in a dark season, this conversation is a lifeline and a game plan.GuestBrandon Held — Veteran (USAF & US Army), host of Life Is Crazy podcast, and life coach focused on preventing suicide and helping people rebuild with practical tools.🔗 Website/Coaching/Podcast: brandonheld.comKey TakeawaysWhen institutions fail you, you still have agency. Brandon’s Air Force QC incident and later corporate reviews show how unfair systems can be—your response is your power.Depression rewires perspective; you can rewire it back. Gratitude, daily wins, and service helped Brandon shift from suicidal ideation to purpose.Divorce & co-parenting: Don’t weaponize kids. Don’t let another parent’s narrative define you—stay steady, keep the door open, and fight to be a present parent.Discipline motivation. One percent better, every day. Stack the wins.Fitness is a lever—even when you must adapt. Headaches sidelined heavy training; Brandon pivoted to a home gym and smarter routines. Adaptation keeps momentum alive.Tell your story to save a life. Brandon built a podcast so others wouldn’t feel alone; your voice could be someone’s turning point.Topics & Chapter Markers00:00 Welcome + Battle Harder intro02:05 Brandon’s path: USAF ➜ College ➜ US Army ➜ MBA07:43 The QC incident that derailed his Air Force career12:40 Corporate layoffs, bad reviews & HR battles16:55 Depression hits: new marriage, new house, newborns—and then laid off19:20 Suicide attempt, ER, and the realization that life isn’t over23:55 Coach Rob on military discipline, unfair blame & staying the course29:10 Gratitude as a daily reset (how to start when you feel stuck)34:35 Divorce, co-parenting, and not poisoning kids against a parent41:40 Reconnecting with a son after years—keeping the door open47:30 Fitness as therapy; adapting when health limits training52:20 Why Brandon launched Life Is Crazy + life coaching focus56:10 Practical definition of “Turning Pain Into Progress”58:45 Coach Rob’s final charge: discipline, tiny wins, keep fightingPull Quotes (for show notes or socials)“Good men stay and suffer ‘for the kids.’ But your kids need a healthy you, not a miserable you.”“Gratitude isn’t fluffy—it’s brain rewiring.”“You don’t need motivation when you have discipline. Stack the wins.”“Systems fail people. Your response is the difference.”Resources MentionedBrandon’s site, coaching, and podcast: brandonheld.comIf you’re in crisis: 988 Lifeline (US). Veterans press 1. Text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.Connect with Coach Rob / BattleFittedCoaching, gear, resources: BattleFittedBrand.com