In this deeply personal kickoff episode of the Silent Wounds and Warriors podcast, our founder Alex Briggs shares his story—one of combat, injury, and the road to healing. From surviving a battlefield explosion that left him with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, to discovering life-changing treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Alex opens up about the invisible wounds many veterans carry and the mission that drives him today.

He dives into the founding of Silent Wounds and Warriors Foundation, the challenges faced by veterans and first responders, and the powerful moments that sparked a vision to help others heal.

Whether you're a veteran, a loved one, or simply someone looking for hope and purpose, this episode will leave you inspired.

Episode 2 – Franco "Bebo" Santana: From the Battlefield to the Frontlines of Human Trafficking
In this powerful episode, Army veteran Franco “Bebo” Santana shares his incredible journey—from joining the military as a teenager in Puerto Rico to serving with Special Forces in Afghanistan, surviving multiple IED blasts, and becoming a drill sergeant. Bebo, a Bronze Star recipient with two purple hearts, opens up about life after the military, the challenges of transitioning, and how he's now using elite working dogs to combat human trafficking and child exploitation through his organization, Kaffjäger Canine. Packed with resilience, raw honesty, and hard-earned wisdom, this conversation is one you won’t forget.

In this powerful episode of the Silent Wounds and Warriors Podcast, host Alex Briggs sits down with Army veteran and accomplished ultramarathoner Eric Koenig. Eric shares his deeply personal journey from the battlefield to battling internal wounds, highlighting his struggles with PTSD, severe injury in combat, and confronting the darkest moments in his life after service.

Eric candidly discusses his transformative path toward healing, driven by discovering endurance sports, particularly ultramarathons and Ironman competitions. His incredible resilience is illustrated through experiences at grueling events such as the Hurt 100 and how running became not just a sport, but a lifeline.

This episode is packed with raw honesty, actionable advice on mental health, and inspirational insights into the power of perseverance. Eric’s story underscores the importance of seeking help, building a supportive community, and the profound role physical fitness can play in recovery and personal growth.

Content Warning: This episode includes explicit language, discussions of combat trauma, PTSD, and suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the suicide crisis line at 988 (press 7 for veteran-specific support).

Follow Eric Koenig on Instagram: @erickoenig_ultrarunner