In this debut episode of Taming Thumos, I’m welcoming Dave Venus, for a candid conversation about men’s mental health, military service, and the long journey toward finding his “True North” after the uniform came off.
Scroll down if you’d like to watch the conversation or if you’re listening on Spotify please visit the Substack page here.
The Military Bond and the “Slow Creep” of PTSD
We reflect on our shared history in the Royal Marines, particularly our time deployed in Afghanistan 2007. Dave recalls the paradox of active combat: while facing extreme danger, life felt more real, friendships were more authentic, and the “pantomime” of civilian roles dropped away.
However, we also discuss the “slow creep” of returning home, where the loss of the military’s scaffolding can lead to a loss of direction. Dave shares his personal struggle with memory loss and the eventual “crashing down” of his life—experiencing divorce and the sudden deaths of two immediate family members, all within a six-month period.
Holistic Healing and the Western Mind
Dave’s path to recovery led him away from traditional medical routes toward more intensive practices like CrossFit then into the energetic space of yoga to settle the “snow globe” of the Western mind. He talks about the importance of re-connecting the mind to the body, moving away from the disembodied state often demanded by modern work and technology.
We also discuss the challenges of integrating deep healing modalities like plant medicine and long meditation retreats into a Western culture that lacks the necessary communal infrastructure to support them.
The Search for Elders and Meaning
The conversation shifts to a critique of the modern “radical individual nature” of society and the disappearance of the three-generational household. Dave asserts that Men in crisis should seek an “elder”—someone who has lived through the pitfalls and embodies their teachings who can guide you through it.
Dave shares his adopted mantra “Suit up, shut up, show up”—a reminder to be of service, quiet the voice that demands constant validation, and stay grounded in the present moment.
I hope you enjoyed that episode with Dave! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Support the cause
If you’re enjoying the podcast, and would like to support men’s mental health, consider leaving a 5 star review on Spotify and sharing the episode on your social media!
Stay up-to-date
Never miss an episode by subscribing to Taming Thumos on Substack, it’s free! Every new episode and article is sent directly to your email inbox. Or if you’re listening on Spotify hit the notification bell to stay up to date with future episodes!
Join the crew
Be part of the community, remember “no man is an island”! Share your thoughts by participating in the comments section!
