Mark, Charles and Kat confront one of the most pressing and persistent issues facing our armed forces: the chronic neglect of military mental health care.

As this series is coming to the last two episodes, Mark prepares to step away from the podcast, he reflects on his personal journey—one that began with the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and has been defined by a steadfast commitment to advocating for mental health reform. Together, the hosts take a hard look at the barriers to change, from entrenched stigma to slow-moving policy, and the immense toll this neglect has taken on service members and their families.

The conversation navigates:

• The systemic challenges in military mental health policy
• Personal stories and professional insights from decades of advocacy and research
• The cultural and institutional stigma that still haunts mental health treatment
• Bold ideas for legislative and structural reform

This heartfelt discussion is both a tribute to those affected and a rallying cry for those ready to create change. Join us for a powerful episode that reminds us all: the invisible wounds of war deserve to be seen—and healed.

Have questions? Experiences? Email Mark and Charles at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.