My Internal Chain of Command

An exploration of my trauma through internal family systems, exploring the human connection and sharing survivor stories of those who have faced trauma, survived, and continue to heal.

    Survivor Stories – Episode 2: The Riverbank

    Written by

    JDToomey

    Survivor Stories — Episode 2

    Survivor Stories — Episode 2

    One Chain, One Memory, One Story

    In Episode 2 of Survivor Stories, Jarod introduces his co-host and longtime friend, Mike.

    Jarod and Mike have known each other since 2010, when they served together in the National Guard during Operation Unified Response, assisting with earthquake relief in Haiti. Over the years, their friendship continued through military service, family, marriages, divorces, business, and everything life has thrown at them along the way.

    Now, they’re taking on something new together: having the conversations that too often go unspoken.

    Mike opens up about why he wanted to be part of Survivor Stories and what his own journey with trauma has looked like. He talks about the role humor has played in his life, the importance of continuing to function when things go wrong, and what can happen when we spend years pushing difficult experiences aside.

    Mike describes his trauma as a box—buried beneath years of mud, surrounded by chains, with a warrior still standing guard inside.

    That warrior learned how to survive. He showed up when people needed him. He handled the job when there wasn’t time to feel. But years later, he’s still standing watch because no one ever came to relieve him.

    Mike isn’t promising to rip open the box all at once.

    He’s going to dig slowly.

    One chain. One memory. One story at a time.

    This episode is about recognizing that survival mechanisms can help us through the moments when we need them most, while also recognizing that what helped us survive yesterday may not be what we need today.

    Survivor Stories isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to ask the questions, have the difficult conversations, and remind people that they don’t have to carry everything alone.

    In This Episode

    • Jarod introduces Mike and shares the history behind their friendship.
    • Mike explains why he wanted to become part of Survivor Stories.
    • The role humor can play in dealing with difficult experiences.
    • Why learning to function through adversity doesn’t necessarily mean the underlying experiences have been resolved.
    • Mike’s metaphor of the buried box and the warrior standing guard.
    • The process of slowly confronting memories rather than forcing everything open at once.
    • Why survivors don’t have to have all the answers before they start talking.
    • The importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health.
    • An invitation for other survivors to share their own stories.

    Share Your Story

    Have a story you’ve been carrying alone?

    Survivor Stories is creating a space for people to share their experiences without shame or judgment. You don’t have to have everything figured out, and you don’t necessarily have to share your story publicly.

    Visit internalchainofcommand.com to learn more about Survivor Stories, listen to episodes, read the blogs connected to these conversations, and submit your story.

    Anonymous submissions and stories that aren’t publicly featured are welcome.

    Follow and Listen to Survivor Stories

    Stay connected with Survivor Stories: Breaking Silence, Changing Stigma and follow along as we continue sharing stories, having difficult conversations, and challenging the stigma surrounding trauma and mental health.

    Follow us on Facebook: Survivor Stories Podcast

    Listen to the podcast on:

    Visit internalchainofcommand.com for the latest episodes, blog posts, and ways to share your story.

    Music Credits and Licensing

    Intro and Outro Music

    Music used in Survivor Stories is credited to its respective creators and used in accordance with the applicable licensing terms.

    Track: Strong Character (Powerful Fuzz Action Sport Rock)
    Artist/Uploader: LightStockMusic
    Source: Pixabay Music — Strong Character
    Audio File ID: 513742
    License: Pixabay Content License
    Download Date: October 11, 2026

    The music was downloaded under the Pixabay Content License. The license confirmation is retained by the podcast owner. For more information, see the Pixabay Terms of Service.

    Note: This credit applies to the track identified above. Additional intro or outro tracks should be credited separately if different music is used.

    Break the Silence. Change the Stigma.

    Because you are more than what happened to you.

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