“Honest conflict is more powerful than dishonest harmony”

The above bit of wisdom was passed down to me from this week’s guest, 1st Lieutenant Dan Ellis, US Army. I initially invited Dan on the show to discuss his military service (Ranger qualified, Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne division in transition to special operations), the Spartan World Championships he’s training for, and our mutual title as Athletic Brewing Ambassadors. What I hadn’t counted on was how much more there is to Dan’s story, or the impact it would have on me. Dan is a young man who has lived through immense trauma, yet somehow continues to be one of the most motivated and inspirational people I’ve met. His wisdom is well beyond his years and his story is one that needs to be heard. 

 
We discuss Dan’s tough upbringing as well as the loss of his parents to suicide. Dan describes how that tragedy has affected he and his siblings’ lives, and what he’s doing to bring awareness to issues related to mental health and suicide prevention. Please support Dan this weekend as he competes in the Spartan World Championships by donating to his cause, Save Through Spartan. All proceeds will be used to benefit Suicide Awareness - Voices of Education