Episode 5 - Self-Actualization and Yoga Healing

Mel interviews Phil Sussman, a Special Operations Civil Affairs Officer currently undergoing a medical separation board out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Phil has served as a Scout Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Squadron Planner, Team Leader and Company Operations Chief and has deployed multiple times in support of operations in the Middle East. He most recently returned from Syria in December 2020. Prior to joining the Army, Phil worked as a photojournalist, covering war in the Middle East and news on the home front. After a training accident in 2015 in which he suffered a back injury, Phil found yoga to assist with his healing and help recover from the loss of several men from his unit the previous year. Phil founded American Yogi in 2017 with his brother with the goal of bringing yoga and mindfulness to those who need it most. American Yogi has evolved from a t-shirt brand to a movement, a community, and a tribe of men and women who want to bring peaceful transformation to their lives and to those around them. Operation Within is a community-driven, collective-impact project serving the military community.  This program is a pilot program supported by Humana Military and community partners in San Antonio, TX to model meaningful ways to support mental health, connection and mindfulness. Connect with us on FB Operation Within and IG Operation Within. Podcast Disclaimer:  The conversations and information provided are not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not reflect the view of Humana Military or the Department of Defense. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/operationwithin/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Operation-Within-106187221690752