Episode 66 | RAAF Veteran Josh on Military Transition, Mental Health & Finding Purpose | Mindful Mates What is life really like after serving in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)? In this powerful episode of The Grey Man Podcast, RAAF veteran Josh Surgenor shares his journey from military service to founding Mindful Mates, a charity supporting veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers. We explore the realities of veteran transition, mental health, life after military service, and how purpose and community can change everything. Josh served five and a half years as an Airfield Defence Guard (ADG)** in the Royal Australian Air Force before facing the difficult transition into civilian life. His story provides an honest look at the challenges many veterans experience after leaving the military and how those experiences ultimately inspired him to create Mindful Mates, helping others rebuild their lives through connection and support. In this raw and incredibly candid conversation, Josh also opens up about a turbulent childhood shaped by a low socio-economic background, custody battles, and toxic role models. Looking for a better future, he joined the Air Force to escape the Gold Coast drug scene, only to find himself navigating an environment marked by toxic masculinity, unresolved trauma, and intense military culture. After leaving the military, Josh became a paramedic, where years of trauma, pressure, and responsibility took an enormous toll. He shares how childhood trauma and military conditioning affected his relationships, leading to emotional abuse and coercive control. Following a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis, he lost the physical identity that had defined him, sending him into severe depression, alcohol addiction, and a heartbreaking moment where he came dangerously close to ending his life. Josh reveals the life-changing moment his daughter's cry stopped him from making a fatal decision. That moment became the turning point that led him to recovery, completing a Master's in Social Work, and dedicating his life to helping others heal. In this episode, we discuss: • Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) • Airfield Defence Guard (ADG) • Veteran transition to civilian life • Military mental health • PTSD and trauma recovery • Toxic military culture • First responder mental health • Paramedic burnout • Ankylosing Spondylitis • Suicide prevention • Personal growth and resilience • Mindful Mates • Veteran support and community connection Josh's story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, purpose can be rebuilt, and no veteran has to face life's challenges alone. Connect with Mindful Mates Instagram: @mindful_mates_association 🎧 Subscribe to The Grey Man Podcast for weekly conversations with veterans, first responders, and inspiring guests. 💬 We'd love to hear from you: What was your biggest takeaway from Josh's journey? Leave a comment below. ================================================== 🪖 SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: BALDWIN ADVOCACY & CLAIMS ================================================= The Grey Man Podcast is proudly supported by Baldwin Advocacy & Claims (BAC). Navigating the DVA system? Don't go it alone. Founded by a veteran and built for veterans, BAC is a fixed-fee DVA advocacy service dedicated to helping veterans secure the entitlements they've earned. 👉 Book your FREE confidential DVA consultation today: 🌐 https://baldwinclaims.com.au 📞 (07) 2103 0427 #RAAF#RoyalAustralianAirForce#VeteranTransition#VeteranPodcast#MilitaryMentalHealth#MindfulMates#AustralianVeterans#FirstResponders#MentalHealth#GreyManPodcast#MilitaryStories#VeteranSupport#AirForce#LifeAfterMilitary#PTSD
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