In this second part of the Invisible Injuries podcast with Robert Kilsby, Robert and Andy Fermo continue the conversation by diving into Robert’s post-military challenges, including his struggles with unraveling mental health and finding purpose after service. Robert recounts his transition from the military and how his drive for excellence kept him going, but he eventually hit a breaking point, leading him to seek help for his mental health. He describes the difficulty of finding the right support and the frustration of navigating the mental health system. However, through persistence, Robert was able to connect with a specialist who helped him better understand his PTSD and how to cope.

The episode then shifts focus to Robert’s passion for motorsport and how he found healing through racing. His experiences in motorsport, particularly tarmac rallying, became a critical part of his recovery, giving him a renewed sense of purpose. Robert shares how his work with Mountain Road Racing, a team that supports veterans through motorsport, is now helping others like him. He discusses the challenges of setting up the team and the importance of providing veterans with meaningful experiences. The episode concludes with Robert's reflections on resilience, coping mechanisms, and his mission to give veterans a chance to rediscover their passion and engage with life once again.

Key Takeaway

• Struggling with Purpose - Robert struggled to find purpose after leaving the military, leading to feelings of unraveling.
• Coping Mechanisms - Despite his PTSD, Robert’s strong coping mechanisms helped him push forward, though they eventually needed professional support.
• Seeking Help for Others - Robert initially sought mental health support for the sake of his family, not recognising his own need for help.
• Importance of Persistence - Persistence in finding the right mental health support made a significant difference in Robert’s journey.
• Motorsport as Healing - Motorsport, particularly tarmac rallying, became a way for Robert to rediscover his purpose and passion.
• Veteran Support - Through his work with Mountain Road Racing, Robert now helps other veterans engage with life and find meaning through motorsport.
• Building a Support System - Surrounding yourself with the right team, including medical and professional support, is essential to overcoming challenges.
• Engagement in Recovery - The key to recovery for veterans is finding activities that engage them, helping them reconnect with life outside the military.
• Structured Challenges - The structure and challenges of motorsport provide a familiar and supportive environment for veterans.
• Legacy of Support - Robert is building a legacy of veteran support through Mountain Road Racing, offering experiential opportunities to others.

Contact - Robert Kilsby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainroadracing
Website: https://www.mountainroadracing.au/about-us
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens.
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In this first part of the Invisible Injuries podcast featuring Robert Kilsby, Andy Fermo dives into the incredible journey of a 21-year Special Forces veteran. Robert opens up about his rural upbringing, his early influences from Scouts, and the Army Reserve, which eventually inspired his path into the military. He reflects on his training, beginning at 17, and his eventual selection for the SAS. Throughout the episode, Robert shares gripping stories of his time in Vietnam, including experiences with scouting, patrolling, and collaborations with U.S. Navy SEALs. His recollections shed light on the camaraderie, challenges, and personal growth he experienced during his service, especially as one of the youngest members in his unit. Despite the traumatic environments, Robert’s attitude of persistence and pursuit of excellence helped him thrive. He emphasises the mindset required to not only survive but excel in high-pressure military operations. As the episode progresses, Andy and Robert explore deeper topics around trauma, the nature of PTSD, and the ways in which soldiers cope both during and after service. The episode sets the stage for a powerful exploration of Robert’s transition from military life to new challenges and self-care in the second part.

Key Takeaways

• Early Preparation - Robert’s rural upbringing and time in Scouts prepared him for military life.
• Pursuit of Excellence | Robert was always driven to be at the "top of the tree," seeking out challenges.
• Scouting as a Skill | Scouting in military operations required not just physical but mental skills, honed through experience.
• Coping Mechanisms | Robert found ways to cope with the pressures of military life, even before fully understanding PTSD.
• Blind Determination | Even without formal military experience, Robert thrived due to his sheer determination during selection.
• Team Trust | The trust between patrol members, especially in dangerous environments, was key to survival and success.
• Adaptation | Learning from others and constantly improving was a theme in Robert’s military career.
• Resilience | Robert’s resilience allowed him to push through the toughest challenges, including mentally.
• Trauma & Ignorance | Many veterans don’t realize the cumulative trauma they’ve experienced until much later.
• Meaningful Work | Finding purpose post-military was essential for Robert’s well-being and sense of fulfillment.

Contact - Robert Kilsby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainroadracing
Website: https://www.mountainroadracing.au/about-us
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens.
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

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In episode 3 and finale of the PTS Growth theme, host Andy Fermo continues his conversation with military veteran John Giampino, delving into the profound impact of his service on his mental health and the journey towards healing. John discusses the moral injury he experienced from the lack of support from his hierarchy, which significantly affected his confidence in leadership and his overall mental health. He recounts the traumatic training incident that led to his PTSD and the subsequent struggles with his physical health, including multiple injuries and surgeries.

John candidly shares his battle with depression and suicidal thoughts following his medical discharge from the army. He describes hitting rock bottom and the turning point when he decided to rebuild his life by starting a carpentry business, which brought him happiness and a renewed sense of purpose. He emphasizes the critical role of the organization "I've Got Your Six" in helping him transition to civilian life by identifying and leveraging the skills he developed in the military.

The conversation highlights the importance of support systems, both from organizations and within the veteran community. John speaks passionately about his work as an ambassador for "I've Got Your Six," advocating for the importance of transitioning programs and the need for veterans to seek help before leaving the service. The episode underscores the theme of “post-traumatic growth,” showcasing John's resilience and commitment to helping other veterans find their path to healing and purpose.

Key Takeaways

Service
1. John’s experience of moral injury due to lack of support from his hierarchy.
2. The traumatic training incident that led to his PTSD.
3. The physical toll of his service, resulting in multiple injuries and surgeries.

Mental Health and Wellbeing
4. John’s battle with depression and suicidal thoughts following his medical discharge.
5. The importance of finding purpose in civilian life to improve mental health and wellbeing.
6. The role of "I've Got Your Six" in helping veterans transition to civilian life.

Self-Care and Positive Mindset
7. Starting a carpentry business brought John happiness and a renewed sense of purpose.
8. The significance of support systems, both organizational and community-based, in the healing process.
9. Advocating for transitioning programs to support veterans before they leave the service.
10. The theme of "post-traumatic growth" as a source of resilience and hope for veterans.

Contact - John Giampino
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/igySIXfoundation
Website: https://igy6.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens.
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show