We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Philip Palmer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Philip below.
Philip, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Absolutely, there was a defining moment that changed everything for me. It was 2015, and I was at a crossroads. After years of struggling with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury from my military service, I found myself spiraling. The traditional treatments – antidepressants and talk therapy – weren’t working for me. In fact, they made things worse; it felt like a chemical lobotomy. Socially and occupationally, I plummeted. I felt like a shadow of myself, barely holding on.
Many veterans suffering from invisible wounds turn to substance abuse to numb their pain. My substance wasn’t drugs or alcohol, but adrenaline. My addiction manifested in over 4,000 skydives. This pursuit of thrill, initially a coping mechanism, gradually became a dangerous obsession. To be able to function on Monday, I had to do 10-15 skydives over the weekend. Over time, the adrenaline from a skydive wasn’t enough, so I started pushing the envelope a little more each jump to get a stronger hit. One day, while sitting on a plane getting ready to jump, I had an epiphany: if I continued to chase the adrenaline hit, I would find myself in an early grave.
Randomly one day, for no reason, I Googled “Gyms near me” and found one a mile from my house that I could run to, do my workout, and run home. It happened to be a CrossFit gym. I’m not in the “CrossFit Cult,” but what I loved was that when you walked in, the American flag, the Marine Flag, the Army flag – all the branch flags – were displayed. We did these things called HeroWODs to honor our fallen servicemen and women. When you accomplished a new personal best, the entire gym erupted in celebration, and the person that finished last got the biggest applause. The intense physical workouts gave me a sense of purpose and a new way to cope with my struggles. The camaraderie and support I found there were unlike anything I had experienced since leaving the Marines. Within a year, I was off the VA-prescribed antidepressants and no longer felt the urge to skydive to function.
That experience was a wake-up call. I realized that exercise was more than just a way to stay fit – it was therapy. It was saving my life. And I knew it could save others, too. I started talking to other veterans, hearing their stories of how physical fitness had pulled them back from the brink. These conversations solidified my belief that we had to do something to help those who were still struggling.
With my recovery underway, I started listening more and hearing over and over that “exercise was my therapy” and “I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t walk into a gym.” Everywhere I looked, exercise was the reason why someone recovered from substance abuse, why they got out of a deep depression, and why they did not take their life. After my recovery, I began to hear countless individuals who attested that they found their recovery from their darkest moments in a gym, using exercise as their therapy. These stories of personal transformation and resilience reinforced my belief in the power of physical fitness as a critical component of recovery from PTSD. This shared experience and the devastating loss of several friends to suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic ignited our mission to combat veteran suicide and substance abuse.
From these experiences, WarriorWOD was born – a testament to the healing power of community and the unwavering spirit of service members. Our program emphasizes exercise, nutrition, and mentorship, providing veterans with the tools they need to navigate the path to recovery.
We started WarriorWOD with a clear mission: to provide veterans with the resources they need to overcome PTSD and suicidal ideations through exercise, nutrition, and mentorship. We didn’t have all the answers at first, but we knew we had to start somewhere. The journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. Since our inception, we’ve supported 172 veterans, with 110 participating just last year. Our program has led to a 29% overall decrease in PTSD symptoms and, more importantly, it has helped prevent suicides.
The lesson here is simple but powerful: sometimes the darkest moments can lead to the most profound transformations. Don’t be afraid to pivot and follow a path that feels right, even if it’s unconventional. Listen to the stories around you, learn from them, and let them guide your mission. For me, it was about turning personal pain into a purpose that could help others. And that’s a mission I’m proud to pursue every day.
Philip, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Absolutely, I’d love to share more about myself and WarriorWOD. My journey into this field is deeply personal and rooted in my own experiences as a veteran dealing with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. After serving in the Marine Corps, I struggled to find effective treatments for my invisible wounds. Traditional methods like antidepressants and talk therapy weren’t helping me – they were making things worse. I turned to skydiving as a form of escape, chasing adrenaline to numb the pain. It wasn’t sustainable, and I knew I had to find a better way.
In 2015, I hit a turning point. After realizing the path I was on would likely lead to an early grave, I randomly Googled “Gyms near me” and found a CrossFit gym a mile from my house. Walking into that gym was life-changing. The workouts, the camaraderie, the sense of purpose—these elements helped me reclaim my life. Within a year, I was off antidepressants and no longer needed the adrenaline highs from skydiving.
This personal transformation sparked an idea: if exercise and community could save my life, it could save others too. That’s how WarriorWOD was born. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide veterans with a holistic recovery program that combines exercise, nutrition, and mentorship. We address the root causes of PTSD and help veterans rebuild their lives.
What We Provide
Exercise Programs: Veterans receive six months of free gym access, with tailored fitness plans that promote regular physical activity. This isn’t just about staying fit—it’s about using exercise as a therapeutic tool to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve mental health.
Nutritional Guidance: Certified nutrition coaches help veterans develop healthy eating habits. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in mental well-being, and our personalized plans ensure veterans get the support they need.
Mentorship: Our “Battle Buddy” system pairs veterans with peers who share similar experiences. This mentorship provides empathy, accountability, and motivation, making the recovery process more manageable and effective.
WarriorWOD addresses several critical issues:
– Reduction of PTSD Symptoms for Veterans in the Program: WarriorWOD’s “Exercise is the RX” Program effectively reduces veterans’ PTSD symptoms by integrating physical activity, balanced nutrition, and consistent mentorship.
– Reduce Suicidal Ideations and Decrease the Veteran Suicide Rate: Our program significantly lowers the frequency and intensity of suicidal thoughts among veterans, providing a comprehensive strategy to reduce the veteran suicide rate through exercise, nutrition, and mentorship.
– Reduction in Reliance on Antidepressants, Alcohol, and Illegal Drugs: We help veterans decrease their dependence on antidepressants, alcohol, and illegal drugs by promoting healthier coping mechanisms through structured exercise, proper nutrition, and supportive mentorship.
What Sets Us Apart
Our multi-faceted approach sets us apart from other programs. We integrate exercise, nutrition, and mentorship into a single, comprehensive recovery plan. This holistic method not only addresses physical fitness but also mental and emotional well-being, creating a sustainable path to recovery. Our personal experiences and the stories we’ve heard from other veterans shape our approach, making it deeply empathetic and effective.
Proud Moments
I’m incredibly proud of the tangible impact we’ve had. Since our inception, we’ve supported 172 veterans, with 110 participating just last year. Our program has led to a 29% overall decrease in PTSD symptoms, and we’ve helped prevent suicides. Seeing veterans regain their lives and hearing their stories of transformation is what drives us.
What I Want You to Know
What I want people to know about WarriorWOD is that we’re committed to making a real difference. WarriorWOD is more than just a program – it’s a lifeline for veterans struggling with invisible wounds. We understand the pain because we’ve been there. Our mission is to provide veterans with the tools they need to overcome their challenges and live fulfilling lives. We’re committed to making a difference, and we believe in the power of community, exercise, and holistic wellness to achieve that.
If you’re a veteran or know someone who could benefit from our program, we’re here to help. Join us in our mission to combat veteran suicide and substance abuse through the power of physical fitness, nutrition, and mentorship. Together, we can create a brighter future for our nation’s heroes.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?
I’d be happy to share how we got WarriorWOD off the ground. Our journey to secure funding has been as much about community and generosity as it has been about determination and purpose.
For the first year, funding came from my own savings. I believe in our mission so much and am extremely tired of veterans suffering and taking their own lives that I personally funded the project for the first year. This was a deeply personal commitment to ensure we could get off the ground and start making a difference immediately.
As the founder and CEO, I do not take a paycheck. Again, I believe in our mission so much that I refuse to take any pay so that those funds can help more veterans. My priority is ensuring every possible resource goes towards supporting our veterans.
From the very beginning, the heart of WarriorWOD has been our incredible supporters—individuals who open up their hearts and wallets to help us save veterans’ lives. We started by reaching out to people who understood the urgent need for our mission and were willing to contribute. These generous donations formed the bedrock of our continual funding to support our Nation’s heroes. It costs $1,500 per veteran to complete our six-month program. The impact you will make is huge. The WarriorWOD program reduces Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms by 29% in six months and is seeing a massive decline in substance abuse among our veterans.
One of the key ways we sustain our funding is through recurring monthly donations. It’s a simple yet powerful way for supporters to make a lasting impact. Every monthly contribution, no matter the size ($25 or $100 a month), helps us provide continuous support to veterans. If you’re moved by our mission, you can join us by making a donation at warriorwod.org. Your support is critical in maintaining our life-saving programs.
We also rely heavily on corporate sponsorships. We invite organizations committed to taking action and helping to prevent these deaths by supporting a cohort of veterans in their journey to recovery. By sponsoring a class of veterans, you ignite a beacon of hope, guiding them towards a journey of recovery and resilience. This pivotal support not only saves lives but also nurtures a legacy of healing among those who’ve bravely served.
Our veterans are enduring a profound crisis, with the shadow of suicide and substance abuse claiming over 40 lives each day. These struggles stem from the silent battle with Post-Traumatic Stress and other unseen injuries, underlining an urgent call to action.
We also receive support from small foundational grants, which help us fill in the gaps and expand our reach. These grants, though often modest, are crucial in allowing us to continue our work and grow our programs.
In 2023, 91% of every dollar went directly into our program. Outside of a website, taxes, and a very small amount of operational costs, we prioritize our funding to actually go to our veterans. This commitment ensures that your contributions have the maximum possible impact.
Call to Action
Ultimately, we rely on our community to help fund our massive impact. It’s the collective effort of individual donors, corporate sponsors, and grant providers that enables WarriorWOD to make a real difference. Without this support, our mission to combat veteran suicide and substance abuse through exercise, nutrition, and mentorship wouldn’t be possible. Join us in our mission to combat veteran suicide and substance abuse through the power of physical fitness, nutrition, and mentorship. Together, we can create a brighter future for our nation’s heroes.
For anyone that can donate $25 or $100 a month, you are literally providing us the ability to save a veteran’s life.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe that actually making an impact on veterans’ lives has been the key to building our reputation. Our commitment to ensuring that 91% of every dollar goes directly to supporting our veterans demonstrates our dedication and integrity. This financial efficiency, coupled with our comprehensive approach, sets us apart.
Unparalleled Impact
Our program integrates exercise, nutrition, and mentorship, creating a holistic support system that significantly reduces PTS symptoms and prevents veteran suicides. In 2023, we achieved a 29% reduction in overall PTS symptom intensity and prevented nine veteran suicides. These results are not just numbers; they represent lives saved and transformed.
Measurable Success
We’ve seen significant improvements across the board for our veterans dealing with PTSD: avoidance improved by 29.7%, reactions by 30.5%, thinking and mood by 32.3%, and intrusive memories by 25.1%. These numbers show that our program is truly making a difference, helping veterans take back control of their lives.
Holistic Approach
Although simplistic in nature, WarriorWOD’s innovation is purposefully combining exercise, nutrition, and mentorship as prescriptions for veterans’ recovery from Post Traumatic Stress. Other programs solely focus on one of the three elements or, in some cases, none. The veterans of the WarriorWOD program receive all resources at no cost. Combining exercise, nutrition, and mentorship as a therapy tool is profound because there are no barriers to any individual participating, and it yields better results than traditional pharmaceutical methods. Currently, no one else offers a holistically developed program that incorporates traditional PTS treatments with the benefits of camaraderie, exercise, and nutrition. Unfortunately, although it is well studied and documented as beneficial, it has yet to be incorporated as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs treatment plan.
Community and Transparency
Being transparent about our financials and impact has also helped build trust within our community. People see where their money goes and the tangible results it achieves. This transparency, combined with our demonstrated effectiveness, strengthens our reputation and encourages more support.
Commitment to Veterans
Ultimately, our reputation is built on the tangible changes we make in veterans’ lives. Our commitment to our mission and the measurable success of our programs inspire confidence and support from our community, partners, and the veterans we serve.
By focusing on making a real, measurable impact and being transparent about our operations and outcomes, we’ve built a reputation of trust and effectiveness within our market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://warriorwod.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorWOD/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewarriorwod
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-palmer/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWarriorWOD
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewarriorwod
