This Way Out Podcast
Miguel Mata
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An attempt at shedding light on a seemingly dark world. Where one can find words of encouragement, of inspiration, and maybe a few tough words to motivate those who need it.
Available episodes
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Jul 14, 2021
Episode 46 - Final Episode
In this the final episode of the This Way Out podcast, I share one last bit of encouragement as I close the door on this project in order to start a new project called "The Veterans Lounge" podcast.
Thanks to those who followed along while the content was active. I continue to believe in all of you! God Bless!
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Jan 4, 2021
Ep45 - David Bennett
In our country today there exists tensions which require amicable and mature conversation. Unfortunately, there exists a serious inability to have the kind of discussions necessary to decrease to aforementioned tensions.
In this episode of the "This Way Out" podcast, my friend, David Bennett, do our best to demonstrate the kind of communication necessary to:
1)Listen and appreciate differing perspectives on a given topic, and
2)Realize where we differ in opinion does not need to result in emotional yelling matches, or the end of friendships.
Note: The "This Way Out" project continues to do its best to focus on people and not politics to motivate its content.
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Dec 20, 2020
Episode 44 - Tribute to Daniel Crayton
Daniel Crayton believed in what I was trying to do on this platform from "Day 1," and was one of the first people who volunteered to make his story of personal challenges public here on "This Way Out."
Recently, I learned that Daniel tragically passed away in an accident and it was very difficult to comprehend how someone so full of life could suddenly be taken from a world who need people like him in it.
As I return to podcasting and broadcasting, I take a moment to pay tribute to Daniel Crayton whom I considered to be a very good friend. Someone who I will miss dearly, but also someone whose life I will celebrate with immense appreciation.
Rest in Peace, Daniel. We'll see you again soon, brother.
#bettertogether #changetheworld #focusonthegood #mentalhealthawareness
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Aug 20, 2020
Episode 43 - Challenge Yourself
This morning the question is: What are you doing to challenge yourself? In this life, we only get one body. It's the greatest instrument we'll ever own, and we should always be taking steps to get the most out of it. In doing so, we should all be taking steps to challenge our minds, our bodies, and our souls to ensure we are always trying to maximize our potential.
In this episode, I'll talk a little bit about how I do those things for myself, and also explain why I've been offline for so long.
#mentalhealthawareness #bettertogether #changetheworld
Don't forget to help spread the "Focus on the Good" message by purchasing a t-shirt from Really?Designs.
https://www.reallydesigns.biz/product-page/this-way-out-focus-on-the-good
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Jul 13, 2020
Episode 42 - Velvet Kat
An aspiring entrepreneur and "YouTuber," Angelica Chavez (aka. Velvet Kat), incorporates advice, affirmations, messages of positivity in her videos and her art & fashion business.
Motivated by her own life challenges, "Kat" makes it a point to try and inspire others to reach for their goals, to view their obstacles as learning opportunities, and to promote a message that there is power in kindness and community.
Look for "Velvet Kat" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/veltimera
#bettertogether #changetheworld #mentalhealthawareness
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Jul 9, 2020
Episode 41 - Janessa Leatherwood
As a transgender woman, Janessa Leatherwood, has faced a unique set of challenges that go back to when she was a young man named Josh.
In this episode, Janessa shares some of those challenges, to include educating me about what it's like to experience gender dysphoria.
She goes on to explain about how, only recently, she has gotten to a point in her life where she feels like herself, and has a positive outlook on the future.
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Jul 6, 2020
Episode 40 - New Day (New Opportunity)
In this episode, I try to impart on my followers that adopting a mindset of believing that everyday is a new opportunity at making a change.
You never run out of chances to make a change for the better. To take steps toward a better tomorrow.
Failure is not final, our mistakes do not have to define us, and our past does not need to dictate our future.
Purchase a "This Way Out" t-shirt at reallydesigns.biz and help spread my "Focus on the Good" message.
https://www.reallydesigns.biz/this-way-out
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Jul 2, 2020
Episode 39 - Lily Dagdag
Like many military spouse's, Lily Dagdag found herself in a struggle to define her identity beyond that of a wife and mother. She discovered in a website design startup business she established with her twin sister, Patricia.
In addition to finding something she can call her own, Lily's also found a little bit of therapy for some of the mental health challenges she's faced since she was a young girl.
Her story is both interesting and inspiring!
Lily and Patricia have set a goal for themselves in 2020 to help 100 military spouses start businesses of their own. Visit their websites SytBiz.com or OperationSytLaunch.com to learn more!
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Jun 25, 2020
Episode 38 - Decompress
As someone with several projects ongoing, I can find myself a little overwhelmed. So, I have to make sure I'm taking steps to decompress, and not allow myself to stress out to the point of burnout.
In this episode I share a few ways I do that. Some might sound familiar and others not so much. Some might work for you, and then again, maybe not. I do think there is something here you could use, though.
Announcement! "This Way Out" now has T-Shirts for sale! Thanks to my friends at reallydesigns.biz.
Here's the link: https://www.reallydesigns.biz/product-page/this-way-out-focus-on-the-good
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Jun 18, 2020
Episode 37 - Yes You Can
Goals vary between people. It can be something like wanting to start a business, losing weight, or just leaving the house to face the day. But for most us, the fears of the unknown, failure and making mistakes, and being exposed can be very overwhelming.
In this episode I provide some advice for how to get over those fears, as well as offer encouragement to those who might need it.
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Jun 15, 2020
Episode 36 - Toxic People
The topic of "Toxic People" have come up in several conversations I've had over the last few weeks. In this episode, I share my take on those types of people, how they drain a person's energy, can make a person physically ill, and how in order to create a some peace in one's life, they need to be cut loose.
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Jun 11, 2020
Episode 35 - Spirit of Adventure
Today, I take my "old man" card out and wave it around at the young whipper snappers, and say, "get outside and play!" But I also share that the way "old people" get onto youngsters now-a-days is not anything new. It sounds nearly identical to the way our parents got after us kids when we were young. We spent way too much time inside, were expected to play outside more, and, back then, were being ruined by t.v. and video games.
That said, after raising my own kids, I feel I have noticed an actual decrease in a spirit of adventure in our young people. And I try to invoke some of the dreamer's imagination we seemed to have in large supply "back in the day."
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Jun 8, 2020
Episode 34 - Mayra Henley
In this episode, I visit with an old friend from my days on active duty, Mayra Henley. Mayra was someone I knew to be very confident and outgoing. However, she shares that following her separation from the Air Force, and a dramatic end to a lengthy relationship, her self esteem and confidence were impacted such that she chose to disconnect herself from society.
As "luck" would have it, she would find healing thru the discovery of a soul mate, starting a family, an introduction to farm living, and, curiously enough the art of reading Tarot cards.
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Jun 4, 2020
Episode 33 - Community Involvement
Giving back to your communities can be a fun and rewarding experience. In these times, especially, it's just as important to get involved in giving back and strengthening the relationship among your fellow community members. I discuss opportunities that exist in your neighborhoods, local schools, nursing homes, and food banks.
Website: readingpartners.org
Photo: Stephanie Sharp Music: TBC Brass Band
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Jun 1, 2020
Episode 32 - Marek Rudak
Like many of us, Marek Rudak worked hard to maintain a good facade that hid the troubles of his youth. And by most accounts, he was doing quite well.
An immigrant from Poland, a graduate of West Point, Army Ranger and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, and project worker for ExxonMobil; it appeared he had everything under control.
Unfortunately, when his marriage fell apart and ended in divorce, Marek's spirit followed suit, and he sank to a place few come back from.
But he did, and he's dedicated himself to helping men who have experienced similar challenges through both a faith based therapy program he developed, and by writing a book called "The Love Driven Man."
Amazon Link "Love Driven Man":
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Driven-Man-matters-eternally-ebook/dp/
B0855QRBN9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=love+driven+
man&qid=1590954757&sr=8-1
Mared Rudak website: https://marekrudak.com/home-page1586901884170
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May 28, 2020
Episode 31 - The Apology
Why is it so hard to make, or get, an apology. What's the biggest obstacle? Is it pride, power, or perceived strength?
I address this seemingly trivial, but significant, topic through personal experience, and also share some advice I've been giving people about their own apology/toxic relationship problems
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May 25, 2020
Episode 30 - Raymond Dörfel
For many years, beginning in his youth, Raymond Dörfel battled depression and anxiety brought about as a result of traumatic moments he experienced as a child. It took Raymond nearly 40 years to find peace, but he finally did so, he believes, by facing himself through the medium of ayahuasca therapy. In this episode, Raymond shares the experience of the challenges he faced in his youth, as well as the clarity he now possesses.
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May 21, 2020
Episode 29 - Kindness
It can be easy to overlook how far a small act of kindness can go. In this episode, I share how one act shared with my family and I over 20 years ago, prompted us to continue a similar tradition ever since. I also share stories of kind gestures that returned to their source through charitable acts and saved lives.
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May 18, 2020
Episode 28 - Relationships
I do my best to offer some relationship advice. Both how to establish and strengthen a relationship, as well as how to end one. I'm not an expert in these areas, but I do my best to offer information someone might be able to use for later.
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May 14, 2020
Episode 27 - Invisible Illness
Many times, poor mental health and mental illness can be difficult to identify in people. Both in others, and in ourselves. I share the "period of enlightenment" that came about as a result of the challenges I faced while transitioning out of the military.
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May 11, 2020
Negativity Bias (Episode 26)
I have a tendency to let the news and social media bring me down. In this blog entry, I explain what might be behind the attraction to bad news, the encounter that acted as the catalyst behind "This Way Out," and why, most times, the news is just the news.
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May 7, 2020
Here to Help (Episode 25)
In this episode, I attempt to provide a few tips on how to open a dialogue with someone who might be experiencing some personal difficulties. I also go into establishing foundations for future conversations along with obstacles one might face along the way.
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May 4, 2020
Compassion (Episode 24)
In this episode I share how my perspective of being compassionate changed thanks to the kind actions of my wife toward someone asking for money. I talk about how sometimes, our compassion can be reserved for those we deem worth, and withheld form people we judge to be unworthy.
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Apr 30, 2020
Not a Burden (Episode 23)
One obstacle to overcome when reaching out for help is the feeling of burdening another person with our problems. But, sometimes that's exactly what you need. In this episode, I encourage the use of video calls and also share an exercise that will hopefully give some ideas in positive self talk
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Apr 23, 2020
Episode 22 (Replay) - Done it Before
The obligations of college have once again take priority this week, but enjoy this replay of a past episode.
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Apr 20, 2020
Episode 21 (Replay) - Opening Message
I'm knee deep in finals and college papers, so we're going to have to go with a replay for today's episode. Enjoy the replay of "Opening Message" Talk to you again, soon!
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Apr 16, 2020
Circle of Focus (Episode 20)
Generally speaking, when we, as a people, can allow fear to govern our actions toward others; not in our group. In this episode, I issue a challenge of love and compassion in response to fear and anxiety. I also advise reducing the "circle of focus" in order to alleviate feelings of anxiety in the current climate.
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Apr 13, 2020
Glass Sculptures (Episode 19)
The process of creating a beautiful piece of art takes time. Especially the process of sculpting glass. I relate the process of glass sculpting to the adversity and stress that we experience in our lives and explain that when we give ourselves to the process and allow it to shape us, we can be left with something we can be proud of and will stand the test of time. Image: Adobe Stock Photo Song: Summer in the Neighborhood (Bad Snacks)
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Apr 9, 2020
Self Care (Episode 18)
Are you taking care of yourself? It's easy to put ourselves second as we make our way through this busy life. In this episode, I address some areas that could probably use some extra attention. Also, I offer tips and advice as to how you can address those areas yourself.
Music by: Black Box
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Apr 6, 2020
Masterpiece (Episode 17)
Musical composer John Williams has been writing soundtracks for blockbuster movies for over 40 years. In a recent interview, he explained that without the work of an orchestra, the music he writes has no life. In this episode, I take those words and create a life metaphor, I hope some can appreciate.
Music by: John Williams (Raiders of the Lost Ark Theme)
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Apr 2, 2020
Build a Fort (Episode 16)
Do you remember building a fort in your house when you were a kid? Why not use this time while under quarantine to revisit some of those fun childhood memories? In this episode I share some more ideas about how to spend our time at home, and also how important I think it is to take advantage of the time you have with your kids while their small.
Music by: Nick Gallant; Image Courtesy: Stocksy
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Mar 30, 2020
Quarantine Diet & Exercise (Episode 15)
College of Charleston personal trainer and friend, Lanear Brown, is my guest in this episode. He shares with us a few exercises & nutritional tips to keep in mind that we can do while we're all at home under quarantine.
Song: See that My Grave is Kept Clean (Jayme Stone & David Travers-Smith)
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Mar 26, 2020
Time for Community (Episode 14)
My last trip to the grocery store was a bit disappointing, and made me concerned about our sense of community. Although I understand why people are behaving the way they are, I find myself concerned for those who cannot do for themselves.
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Mar 23, 2020
Staying Busy & Positive
In these strange times, it's important to try and remain active, positive, and busy. It can be tough, but not impossible. I share a few ideas of how to spend your time, and reasons why we we can remain hopeful.
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Feb 13, 2020
Genuine Effort (Episode 12)
Life is grind, we all know that. But for most of us, we can't just sit by and spectate as it passes us by. We have to be an active participant, which can sometimes be difficult.
Success is measured just as much by our failures then our victories. But we have to do what we can to bounce back when we come up short.
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Feb 10, 2020
People and Trees (Episode 11)
In this episode, I do my best to articulate an idea that popped into my head about trees and people that seemed to come up out of nowhere. After some thought and exploration, I believe I came up with an interesting perspective on a new way of looking at people and accepting all that they are.
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Feb 6, 2020
Worst Critic (Episode 10)
We can be so tough on ourselves, can't we? Why do we do that? Who knows, but like it or not, it's quite normal. And...believe it or not, there are resources available to all of us that can help us get by. We need only to reach out when we need the help.
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Feb 3, 2020
Now or Later (Episode 9)
It can be hard to choose between what feels good today versus what could be better for us in the long run. It's an age old dilemma, and one we all face pretty often. What can be especially difficult is getting back on track after we've compromised our hard work.
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Jan 30, 2020
Shine (Episode 8)
In our journey to find ourselves and the peace and happiness we desire, we manage to second guess much of what we do. But our success can lead to the success of others. Find who we are is like turning on the light for someone else who needed help finding their way in their own journey.
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Jan 27, 2020
Exploring Creativity (Episode 7)
In order to meet the goals we put forth for ourselves, or see our dreams become reality, we need to tap into the creative side of our mind.
Creativity isn't just about painting a picture, or telling a story, it's also about thinking outside the box and problem solving.
And, oh, by the way! Making a mess is part of the process.
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Jan 23, 2020
Mistakes Happen (Episode 6)
Sometimes it can be difficult to deal with the imperfections of life, and it can almost seem like the end of the world when they show up. Mistakes happen. They are what make life interesting, and actually where our greatest growth takes place. A lot of good has come about as a result of happy accidents. Don't beat yourself up, and don't be too hard on anyone else who makes a mistake here and there. It just means we're growing and learning.
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Jan 20, 2020
Rest and Distraction (Episode 5)
Taking advantage of opportunities is so important for the body and the mind. When at rest, the body begins to heal itself and the mind recovers it strength from keeping us upright and functioning. Rest enables us a better chance to be resilient in difficult and stressful times.
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Jan 16, 2020
Steps to a Better World (Episode 4)
Our children are the path toward a better future, but they need to be surrounded by better grown ups. They require stability and guidance, as well as love and understanding. It's time that us grown ups take care of our issues and stop exposing our children to the them.
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Jan 13, 2020
Going to be Good Day (Episode 3)
In this episode I try and offer some encouragement for the day to come. I offer up a quick exercise in meditation and awareness. An exercise that will hopefully help some of you appreciate the little "blessings."
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Jan 9, 2020
Done it Before (Episode 2)
When our day starts poorly, many times we feel like it's an indication as to how the rest of the day will play out. What is true, is that, in most cases, it's a temporary storm toward a potentially awesome day. And we've proven to ourselves before. Why not believe it couldn't happen again.
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Jan 6, 2020
Opening Message (Episode 1)
The This Way Out Podcast is a component of the This Way Out project. In this, the first episode of podcast, I explain the purpose and intent behind the podcast and the project itself. To try and be a source for positive messages and provide, what I believe to be, guidance toward a better tomorrow.
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Dec 27, 2019
You Are Good Enough (Pilot)
You are who you are, and that's good enough. Sometimes we forget that when we look for groups to belong to. There's nothing wrong with fitting in. There's also nothing wrong with not fitting in.
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