Fuel your fire...and then pass it on.

Today’s guest is the founder of Team RWB, an organization that’s helping veterans rediscover connection, purpose, and health through movement.

I may have found Mike Erwin because he’s the face behind Team RWB, but once I started digging in, I realized he had so much more to share with us.

In this episode, you’re going to hear about the aforementioned nonprofit, its mission and community. But you’re also going to learn a lot about why running helps us with some of the other things Mike is passionate about, including leadership and self-awareness.

You’ve probably seen them at races. I always knew who they were, like ofc, "Team RWB," but there was a lot I didn’t know that I learned through this conversation.

Team RWB didn’t start with a grand plan to reach hundreds of thousands of people. It started with a simple mission: support a handful of veterans who were struggling after leaving the military. But through physical activity, the movement (literally) took off.

One of the unique things about supporting this nonprofit is that while donations are welcome, simply showing up and being part of the community is what it’s really about. That's why joining is free!

In addition to everything I learned about Team RWB, I also learned that Mike has a really cool degree - positive psychology! Pause while I re-enroll in college with a new major!

He's authored two books on leadership, is an entrepreneur, assistant professor at West Point, and is doing many other impressive things - so it was hard not to get excited about everything he said. But I did have a favorite topic. Solitude. I’m an introvert, so count me in for "by myself" time!

It might seem strange that the man on a mission to build community for veterans also promotes solitude, but it is something he teaches alongside self-awareness and leadership. He defines it as "a psychological state where the mind is isolated from the input of other minds."

As he points out in the interview, one of the challenges with self-awareness these days is all the outside influences. I’m clearly not the only one wondering if it’s me, or what I’m consuming, that’s in control at times. And that’s exactly why Mike believes solitude should be a part of our everyday lives.

Whether you’re a veteran transitioning to civilian life, a runner chasing a comeback, or someone simply trying to find your footing again, this episode will fuel your fire - and Eagles don't keep the flame to themselves.

Ignite, health, wellness, and community for Veterans today! Become a member at www.teamrwb.org (did I mention it’s free?).