In this powerful and emotional episode of Spirits and Stories with Donald Dunn, retired U.S. Navy submariner and bestselling author D. Paul shares his life-altering journey from the depths of trauma to healing and advocacy. Together, we explore his near-death experience, the burdens of PTSD, and how writing A Date With Suicide became a mission to save lives.

D. Paul opens up about the struggles veterans face after service, the importance of addressing mental health holistically—through the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental bodies—and how organizations like Operation Encore are changing lives through music and purpose.

This episode dives deep into:

• Veteran suicide and what’s really behind the numbers
• Why trauma must be talked about to be healed
• How podcasting, storytelling, and music become lifelines for veterans
• Native American spirituality and its role in healing
• The shared responsibility of the veteran community to lead others to peace

Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or simply someone looking to better understand PTSD and healing, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Brought to you by Operation Encore — supporting veterans through the power of music.

📚 Learn more about D. Paul’s book A Date With Suicide and join the mission to support veterans on the path to healing.