Ryan Wilson is a former SAS soldier, co-founder of Working Paws Australia and business consulting company, Exas Group, and general manager of Whipper Snapper Distilery. We discuss the mental and physical challenges veterans face and the incredible role therapy dogs play in supporting those with PTSD and other mental health issues. Ryan shares his journey from serving in the SAS to transitioning into civilian life. We cover: • How therapy dogs have become a lifeline for veterans struggling with mental health. • The key lessons Ryan learned from the SAS, including mental toughness, resilience, and leadership. • The difficulties of transitioning from military life to the civilian world and why finding a new purpose is critical. • Ryan’s journey at Whippersnapper Distillery and how it helped him regain a sense of belonging. • A deep dive into masculinity, emotional intelligence, and the struggles men face in building real connections today. • The rise in veteran suicides and why it’s crucial to provide ongoing support to those leaving the military. • Ryan’s story is a testament to resilience and finding meaning after military service, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, veteran support, or the incredible bond between humans and dogs.
Ryan Wilson is a former SAS soldier, co-founder of Working Paws Australia and business consulting company, Exas Group, and general manager of Whipper Snapper Distilery. We discuss the mental and physical challenges veterans face and the incredible role therapy dogs play in supporting those with PTSD and other mental health issues. Ryan shares his journey from serving in the SAS to transitioning into civilian life.
We cover:
• How therapy dogs have become a lifeline for veterans struggling with mental health.
• The key lessons Ryan learned from the SAS, including mental toughness, resilience, and leadership.
• The difficulties of transitioning from military life to the civilian world and why finding a new purpose is critical.
• Ryan’s journey at Whippersnapper Distillery and how it helped him regain a sense of belonging.
• A deep dive into masculinity, emotional intelligence, and the struggles men face in building real connections today.
• The rise in veteran suicides and why it’s crucial to provide ongoing support to those leaving the military.
• Ryan’s story is a testament to resilience and finding meaning after military service, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, veteran support, or the incredible bond between humans and dogs.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:55 Why we love dogs
2:51 Dogs for therapy
3:44 SAS Dogs
8:17 Working Paws Australia
10:22 What the SAS taught Ryan
12:44 The best part about the SAS
14:33 Filling the void
18:37 Transitioning to business
21:30 The worst part about the SAS
24:01 What it takes to be in the SAS
28:23 Stimulation
29:05 Who struggles most leaving the SAS
32:36 Processing trauma
35:24 Veteran mental health
38:02 The state of men today
42:51 Are we going to war?
45:00 War in 2024
46:14 Mandatory military service
Follow Ryan: @ryanwilson_1984