Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides:Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about· Always free· Once per month email· Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast· Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides· To try and test in your life, and teach your teams.JOIN HERE Guest:Paul Anderson is a writer, historian, and humanitarian with a jaw-dropping 40+ years of experience. He’s written thousands of news columns, authored 17 books, and even scripted over a dozen movies and IMAX films. But Paul’s story doesn’t stop there. He’s a changemaker. He founded 'Nature and Society,' a groundbreaking seminar at the Aspen Institute, and 'Huts for Vets,' a nonprofit offering transformative wilderness experiences for veterans in the stunning 10th Mountain Division hut system near Aspen, Colorado. Inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame just last year, Paul is a force of nature who’s always aiming higher—whether it’s growing 'Huts for Vets' or living by his mantra to give 'meaning to every interaction.' If you’re looking for a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership, you’re in the right place.About the Episode: In this episode, we explore the profound connection between nature, philosophy, and healing. Discover the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or 'forest bathing,' and how immersing yourself in nature can help you reconnect, rejuvenate, and boost performance. We challenge the label of PTSD as a 'disorder,' reframing it as PTS—the body's natural response to life-or-death trauma—to reduce stigma and support healing. We delve into the overlooked issue of sexual trauma in the military and uncover lessons civilians can learn. Our conversation takes us into the world of classic philosophy, examining the links between disconnection—from others, from purpose, and from something greater, and self —and mental health. We unpack the 'Aspen Idea,' exploring the “three-legged stool” of mind, body, and spirit, and share practical ways to cultivate balance in your life. We discuss the transformative power of a “solo”, the ways we shape and are shaped by our environments, and the enduring impact of history and service. Finally, Paul shares his extraordinary journey to founding Huts for Vets, a nonprofit that has touched countless lives.I hope you enjoy this soulful, wide-ranging, and thought-provoking conversation with Paul Andersen.**Content Advisory: Suicide and SA are discussed in this episode. Key Topics Discussed:· [00:02:00] Episode/guest intro · [00:05:35] What is ‘Huts for Vets?’ · [00:06:25] The 10th Mountain Division Huts System· [00:07:03] Why this cause? · [00:08:27] The “Choice” of War for the Solider: The Unavoidable Repercussions · [00:11:03] Huts for Vets origin story · [00:11:53] Authentic, selfless motivation speaks volumes· [00:16:52] What is the Process? · [00:17:30] What is the Aspen Idea? · [00:19:52] The Aspen Idea as a Tripod: Balance· [00:22:03] The Methodology at Huts for Vets · [00:22:45] Shinrin-yoku · [00:26:36] Military Unit as the Family Unit · [00:27:18] It's a ME world, not a WE world.· [00:29:10] What is The Aspen Institute?· [00:30:39] “No man is an island” · [00:32:34] “Thank you for your service" · [00:33:35] What can we do? · [00:35:38] SPONSOR: ELC (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com)· [00:38:05] Huts for Vets in Ukraine· [00:39:02] The Science of Spirit · [00:44:35] Self-realization and the power of a Solo · [00:47:57] Soldiers, Civilians and Enemies all need Healing · [00:48:40] Some Aspen History · [00:49:45] Founders from both sides of the Civil War · [00:50:58] A population primed for violence · [00:53:26] The History of Trauma · [00:54:40] The many names of PTS(D) or Moral Injury · [01:59:55] From Convincing to Waitlisting · [01:02:22] Women in Military Service · [01:03:53] SA prevalence in Military Service · [01:04:55] Offering Tools through a Dialogue· [01:05:48] Other Tools for Coping · [01:06:44] Funding and Facilities · [01:08:35] Can Huts for Vets Expand to Other Wilds? · [01:09:38] How can Leaders use the Huts for Vets Methodology? · [01:10:44] The Power of 20 minutes in Nature · [01:12:50] Transcendence in Nature marks the Leaders of 3 Major Religions · [01:14:18] Your Inner Voice · [01:16:24] Converting “Matter into Spirit” · [01:18:49] Living your Values· [01:22:40] “Let us not live trivial lives” · [01:25:05] “The Leader’s Handbook” (https://www.healingourpolitics.com/#newsletter) Newsletter · [01:26:06] Sponsor: ELC; Coaching for Public Servants (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com)Key References and Resources Mentioned:· [00:06:25] The 10th Mountain Division Huts System · [00:13:20] Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. · [00:17:14] Nature and ...
