Dave and Christi Dyke know what it means to carry the weight of service—and the scars that come with it. In this episode of Live the Life, we talk about what’s really beneath the badge—marriage, trauma, resilience, and finding your voice when it matters most. They’ll be on stage at our upcoming Strength in Service Summit, but today they’re here with me for a raw, heartfelt conversation you won’t forget.

What does it really mean to have permission—to be where you are, and still grow? In this conversation, Pastor Paul Berthiaume of Jacob’s Well Church gives us a fresh look at faith, resilience, and renewal. He shares why he said yes to the Strength in Service Summit, how mind, body, and spirit all weave together, and why invitation—not condemnation—changes everything. It’s real, it’s hopeful, and it just might give you the courage to take your next step. Don't miss it!!

"Some of the best people I’ve ever met never talked about what they’ve been through. They just showed up, kept showing up—and music was how I could show up for them." —Chris Kroeze

Today on Live the Life, you’ll meet a guy with a beard, a guitar, and a story that’ll surprise you.

Singer-songwriter and The Voice finalist Chris Kroeze talks growing up in a town of 2,000, playing to millions on national TV, and why he keeps coming back to his roots—serving veterans, writing raw music, and staying grounded. It’s funny, real, and full of heart.

This week on Live the Life, I sat down with my longtime friend Rob Goodland—firefighter turned horseman, trauma survivor turned healer. From running into burning buildings to standing in the arena with horses, Rob’s story is raw, layered, and powerful. He shares the moments that can’t be explained, the buckets of water he now carries for others, and what he’s bringing to the Strength in Service Summit.

"Regaining your health—and keeping it—doesn’t come from a pill. It’s small, intentional steps, done daily, that create lasting success." – Dr. Kevin Schultz

Today on Live the Life, we’re sitting down with Dr. Kevin Schultz—chiropractor and founder of Foundational Health—to talk about what it really takes to build lasting wellness from the ground up. For over two decades, Dr. Kevin has helped thousands of patients not just relieve pain, but reclaim their health through smart nutrition, lifestyle shifts, and proactive care.

In this conversation, he shares why preventing disease starts long before a diagnosis, and how small, daily choices can create a strong foundation for the life you want to live. You won’t want to miss even a moment of this!!

Today on Live the Life, you’ll hear a story the headlines got wrong—straight from the woman who lived it.

She never fired a shot—but the world called her a hero. Soldier, veteran, and former POW Jessica Lynch sets the record straight and reflects on the kind of strength that doesn’t always make the news: staying grounded in truth, honoring the fallen, and finding resilience in the aftermath. This one’s about grit, grace, and the power of never giving up.

This episode wraps up the Brave Beyond Service series—and it’s one we hope stays with you.

It pulls together the stories, struggles, and soul work we’ve shared so far. It’s about what happens next. After the identity crisis. After the hard questions. After the quiet rebuilding begins.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Where do I go from here?”—this episode is for you.

We’ll revisit the truths you’ve uncovered and the strength you’ve earned. And we’ll leave you with a powerful reminder: you’re not starting over. You’re stepping forward—with clarity, courage, and God walking with you every step of the way.

This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of something stronger.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• A powerful message of strength from within—spoken like your own voice
• An unexpected invitation to see yourself through a lens of holy resilience
• A reminder that your progress matters, even when it’s messy
• Practical ways to keep moving forward with grace and grit

Three Ways to Keep Going:

1. 365 Strong: Grace. Grit. God.
A free new resource—365 Strong offers daily anchors of encouragement. Short, soul-filling reminders to help you stay grounded and growing.
Soon to be released first to Toni’s Circle.

2. Explore More at ToniMattson.com
Find upcoming events, tools, and training built to support your journey—no matter where you are on it.
Visit: www.ToniMattson.com

3. Join Us for the Strength in Service Summit (Oct. 3–4)
Held at Trinity Equestrian Center, this two-day experience is designed to refuel veterans, first responders, and those who support them. You’ll leave encouraged, equipped, and connected.
Registration now open. Seats are limited.

Resources for the Road (Updated List)

• Book: Unlikely Recruits by Toni Mattson
  Real stories of veterans who found healing through horses—and the unlikely grace God used to reach them. Available at ToniMattson.com
• WoVeN (Women Veterans Network)
  A national peer-support network connecting women who’ve served. Authentic conversations, community, and care.
  👉 www.wovenwomenvets.org
• Veteran Sisters
  Grassroots community by and for women veterans—retreats, local meetups, and real talk.
  👉 www.veteransisters.org
• Veteran Wellness Program at Trinity Equestrian Center
  Free equine-assisted therapy sessions for veterans and their families. Grounded. Relational. Life-changing.
  👉 www.trinity-ec.com
• The Pink Berets
  Focused mental health and support resources specifically for women veterans, active duty, and first responders.
  👉 www.thepinkberets.org
• VA Women Veterans Call Center
  Free, confidential support line just for women vets—staffed by women who get it.
  📞 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636)
  👉 www.womenshealth.va.gov
• Veterans Yoga Project
  Trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices for nervous system healing. Online and in-person classes.
  👉 www.veteransyogaproject.org
• Make the Connection
  Real stories from vets. Searchable by branch, era, or struggle—hear from others who’ve walked your road.
  👉 www.maketheconnection.net

Your Way Back Doesn’t Have to Match Hers
What if healing isn’t about what works—but what fits?

In this episode, Toni speaks directly to the women who’ve tried the “right” things but still feel off. Therapy didn’t land. Group circles felt isolating. And the idea of “healing” seems more like a buzzword than a breakthrough.

Toni shares what she’s learned after walking 16+ years beside veterans who’ve battled trauma, identity loss, and the quiet ache of trying to feel whole again. Through raw insights and real stories—including one powerful encounter between a combat vet and a horse named Ellie—you’ll hear this truth loud and clear:

You’re not broken. You’re becoming.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why healing isn’t about following a formula—but following what feels true
• How to release shame over what didn’t work
• Why trying again is a sign of hope, not failure
• What it looks like to heal without pretending, performing, or fitting in

3 Small Steps You Can Take Right Now:

1. Name what hasn’t worked—without guilt.
   Saying “that wasn’t for me” is clarity, not quitting.
2. Get curious, not critical.
   Try something new—not to commit forever, but to explore what resonates.
3. Ask your body, not your brain.
   What feels like breath? What feels like burden? Start there.

From the pasture to the page…

Whether it’s boots, hooves, scripture, sweat, or silence—your healing path should feel like yours.
You don’t have to follow someone else’s journey to finally feel whole.
You’re not failing—you’re becoming.

Resources for the Road

If you're ready to try something different, here are some places to start:

• Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) – Peer-led support built for connection
  🔗 www.wovenwomenvets.org
• Equine Therapy Resources (EAGALA) – Find credentialed horse therapy near you
  🔗 www.eagala.org
• Trinity Equestrian Center – Trauma-informed veteran programs in Wisconsin
  🔗 www.trinity-ec.com
• ToniMattson.com – Explore podcast episodes, tools, and upcoming retreats
  🔗 www.tonimattson.com
• VA Whole Health Program – Holistic care options through the VA
  🔗 www.va.gov/wholehealth
• Give An Hour – Free mental health care for veterans and families
  🔗 www.giveanhour.org
• National Center for PTSD – Women Veterans Section
  🔗 www.ptsd.va.gov
• Peer Support Programs (Local) – Check with your local VA or Vet Center for women-specific peer-to-peer support options.

Final Reminder:

Your healing isn’t late.
Your path isn’t wrong.
And your way back doesn’t have to match hers.

You are brave beyond your service—and brave enough to heal your way.