March 28 2025

Battlefield Lessons on Life and Leadership with Jeremy Stalnecker

On this episode of the Manlihood Podcast, host Josh Hatcher sits down with Jeremy Stalnecker, a Marine Corps veteran, combat leader, pastor, author, and Executive Director of the Mighty Oaks Foundation. Together, they dive into the unseen battles men face after war—and how leadership, faith, and identity can lead them to victory.

Jeremy led Marines in the Iraq War and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for Valor, but when he came home, he faced a whole new war: the one in his own mind. In this powerful and raw conversation, he shares his journey of trauma, transition, healing, and purpose.

If you’re looking for a podcast for men that offers real answers to real struggles, this episode is a must-listen.

The Journey from Battlefield to Brotherhood

From Combat to Civilian Life

Jeremy shares how leading men in combat prepared him for leadership—but not for the emotional fallout that followed. The transition to civilian life left him wrestling with identity and purpose.

The Birth of the Mighty Oaks Foundation

Out of his personal healing and calling, Jeremy partnered with Chad Robichaux to launch the Mighty Oaks Foundation, helping veterans, first responders, and service members overcome PTSD and discover their God-given purpose.

“My service to these men didn’t end when I put the uniform away. I realized I still had a responsibility to lead and help them heal.” – Jeremy Stalnecker

What Is PTSD, Really?

A Clear Definition

Jeremy breaks down PTSD not as a disorder, but as delayed healing—a loop where trauma gets stuck in the system and can’t be processed. He explains that PTSD is far more common than most think and affects men from all walks of life, not just combat veterans.

“If something happened that pushed you beyond your ability to cope, that’s trauma. And if it lingers, that’s post-traumatic stress.”

Men and the Danger of Silence

One of the greatest threats to men’s mental health is isolation. Jeremy encourages men to open up, stop pretending, and lean into the healing process.

Faith, Identity, and the Path to Healing

Who You Are and Whose You Are

Healing from trauma starts with discovering identity—not in brokenness, but in purpose. Jeremy explains how faith plays a critical role in building a foundation that can hold up against life’s storms.

“Our identity is not the worst thing that’s happened to us. Our identity is found in the One who made us.”

Misconceptions About God

Many men turn away from faith after trauma. Jeremy addresses the tough questions: Did God cause this? Why did He allow it? He offers clarity and hope from a biblical perspective.

How to Get Unstuck

Step One: Admit You’re in a Bad Spot

The first move toward healing is acknowledging the problem. That’s where real leadership begins.

Step Two: Tell Someone Who Cares

Men often isolate themselves when they’re hurting. Jeremy emphasizes the power of opening up to someone who loves you—and letting them walk with you.

Step Three: Take the Next Right Step

Whether it’s attending a Mighty Oaks Legacy Program, reaching out to your local church, or just asking for help—healing happens one step at a time.

What It Means to Be a Man

In one of the most impactful parts of the conversation, Jeremy defines manhood using wisdom from author Robert Lewis:

“Reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously.”

It’s not about age, status, or toughness—it’s about taking ownership of what’s in front of you and stepping up to lead.

Connect with Jeremy Stalnecker

Books by Jeremy Stalnecker

Join the Manlihood Community

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to stay stuck. The pain you’re carrying isn’t the end of your story.

If you’ve been looking for a podcast for men that gets real about trauma, faith, healing, and leadership—this is it.

Listen to the episode. Take a step. And don’t walk alone.