S3 E46: War, Wounds, and Wisdom: Brian Fleming’s Inspiring Journey

 In this powerful episode of "Spirits and Stories with Donald Dunn," we dive into the inspiring story of Brian Fleming, a combat-wounded war veteran, author, and resilience trainer. Brian shares his harrowing experiences in Afghanistan, including surviving a suicide bombing and his journey of recovery and healing. We explore his transition from soldier to speaker and founder of "Use Your Story," where he helps trauma survivors share their experiences and find healing. Brian's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of storytelling. Tune in for an engaging conversation about resilience, finding purpose after trauma, and the transformative power of sharing your story. 

Show Notes: Hey, it’s Donald Dunn here. A lot has changed since our last episode, and today is no different. We’re diving deep into a powerful story of resilience and transformation with our guest, Brian Fleming. Brian is a combat-wounded war veteran who survived a suicide bombing in Afghanistan. He's now an author, international speaker, and resilience trainer, helping trauma survivors find healing through sharing their stories. We discuss his journey from enlisting in the military post-9/11 to enduring life-threatening injuries and ultimately finding a new mission in life. Brian’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome and inspire others. Tune in to hear how he turned his trauma into a beacon of hope for many.

Timeline Summary:

[1:10] - Introduction to Brian Fleming and his incredible journey [5:22] - Enlisting in the military post-9/11 and initial motivations [10:45] - First deployment to South Korea and experiences there [15:30] - Deployment to Afghanistan and the first IED explosion [25:15] - Surviving a suicide bomber attack and the immediate aftermath [35:00] - The painful healing process and finding a new purpose [45:50] - Transitioning to a speaking career and founding Use Your Story [55:22] - The impact of sharing his story and encouraging others

Links & Resources:

• Brian Fleming’s Website: Use Your Story
• Blown Up Guy - Brian's Speaking Website
• Book recommendation: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl

Closing Remarks:

Thank you all for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your feedback means the world to us. Remember, everyone has a story worth sharing. Don’t let the day kick your ass—kick the day's ass! See you next week.