66. How Sports Can Help Save Your Life with Connor Matthews

For most veterans, returning to civilian life is the hardest part of coming home. PTSD and other mental illnesses can take a toll that many don’t have the skills to handle. Today, you’ll hear how one Air Force veteran is working to better that. 

Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! We sit down to talk with Professional MMA fighter and former Air Force combat controller, Connor Matthews. Connor takes us on an incredible journey from growing up with ADHD and the sports that kept him focused, to fighting in Afghanistan and those same practices that brought him peace after returning home.

Listen in as Connor talks about the benefits of sports in the lives of people dealing with ADHD and how learning that discipline at a young age lead him to become an elite member of the U.S. Air Force. We talk about his life after service, the struggle of finding a new normal, and how martial arts gave him the skills to deal with his PTSD and live life with a new purpose. 

Whether you or someone you know has served in the military this episode is sure to bring a little more hope for the future of our veterans. For more resources or to get in touch, check out the links below! 

More Of What’s Inside:

What life looks like with ADHD Giving up a life goal and finding a new purpose Becoming a jack of all trades in the military The struggle of returning to civilian life after combat The tools that kept Connor in a good mental space Finding the right support system for you  The best way to deal with traumatic experiences You don’t have to be the best, just consistent The slippery slope of alcohol and drugs How veterans can find support And much more!

 

Connect With Connor:

Website: https://opvetnow.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/operationvetnow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/operationvetnow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operation-vet-now/?viewAsMember=true

Connect with Clint and Chuck:

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Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 - What we cover today! 2:21 - Introducing Connor Matthews 5:22 - Growing up with ADHD 9:42 - The moment Connor’s life changed 14:28 - Why Connor became a combat controller 19:49 - The pressure of fighting in Afghanistan 26:35 - Connor’s Life after returning to America 32:59 - Navigating the struggle of PTSD 37:11 - How MMA saved Connor’s life 44:14 - Connor’s advice for you  46:13 - For veterans who need a little extra support