PJ Cowan may seamlessly switch gears from fitness expert to trainer, and professional competitive bodybuilder to name a few. In addition to all the many titles, he launched his podcast that shows he is not afraid to get real and downright personal for the sake of some important healing of emotional male traumas, and striking the balance of having some fun male bonding also. Cowan is a living breathing example of all things working together for good to those who are called according to God’s great and divine purpose. Through this interview, I hope you will catch a glimpse of his heart and desire to be a voice for those who may feel unheard and help point others in the right direction towards getting help and resources.
What branch of the military did you serve in & how did it impact your life positively and negatively?
I served 8.5 years in the US Army serving my country. Coming back into civilian life was not easy. I have battled PTSD since. Unless a person has been a part of the Military World it is hard to explain how one can be impacted negatively. Seeing people die, things blown up, and wondering if you are going to make it home are just a few of the reasons for my PTSD. However, there is the part of it that is positive, it taught me how to be strong, which has helped me through my trials away from the Military. It has taught me how to be a great teacher to my kids & how to help others.
How has your Military background helped to keep you disciplined with your current ventures such as the podcast and fitness training?
Coming out of the Military into the “real” World, I wanted to find a career I was passionate about. In the military, you learn mental and physical toughness, leadership, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage to stand alone. Therefore, it felt right that my passion for fitness would make sense so that I could help others by doing something I enjoyed as well. I have always remained active from playing sports to going into the Army right out of high school, It felt more than right to stay true to myself when it came to fitness.
As for the podcast, it isn’t just about sitting down and speaking with people, it is research and more work than I even knew at the time, but there is a story I want to get out there, conversations I want to have, so my mindset is what keeps me disciplined to make this the best podcast it can be.
Why is it vital for you to use your platform to advocate for mental health for vets and issues that impact Fathers specifically?
“Well, how much time do you have? LOL! We hear so much “Thank you for your service” after fighting for our country, but we are so limited on resources here in the United States when WE need help. Anyone in the military is putting their life on the line, we know this, We are told there is help for us when we need it when we get home, yet it is either so limited or it takes forever. The USA simply needs to do better to help those in the military out. I have always said I have PTSD from the Army, but the PTSD I have from my divorce is just as bad. “The mental state I have personally had to deal with through a nasty divorce and a justice system here that is not in favor of men”. It has also taught me why so many men probably do not fight to be heard because it is exhausting. My kids are my world, they are my tribe, and I am lucky to have them with me, but it does not change the fact that even men go through an emotional rollercoaster when it comes to fighting for their kids. I fully believe many men are scared to speak up, and who won’t feel heard. I am the opposite, I will speak up, and I want others to see there are ways to speak up, and get help, and if I can help just one man be heard that means I am doing my job.
What has been one of your favorite raw and real topics to discuss on air so far?
There have been many great convos with my guests. The ones that are the most Raw and real are the current situations going on in the world. I have always been an open book, but while you are in the military there are things you cannot discuss, so having other Army Vets to discuss politics, personal stories from being deployed, and what we think needs to change for Army Veterans today has been extremely rewarding. The more Raw and Real the better.
How do you prepare for your fitness shows and how did you get interested in that field?
I have always been into sports and have been athletic. Once I was back in the civilian world, I needed to find something that was for me, something that kept me going. Being someone active, fitness was naturally the right choice. I was able to open my own training and meal prep company in 2014 & began training those who wanted a lifestyle change all while I had done 8 competitions myself and won pro in one of the organizations. It comes down to how badly you want it; how passionate you are and how well you can train your mindset. You must be strict with yourself. Thanks to the military my mindset was already strong enough to keep myself going mentally and physically.
How significant is the mind & body connection to our overall mental health from your perspective?
It’s extremely important if you don’t have that connection between your mind and body you will forever be halfway to your goal. If you put them together you will be at 100%.
PJ Cowan is no stranger to remaining consistent, focused, & steadfast. He is dedicated to living his life with an emphasis on service. PJ could have easily chosen to be content to live his life as a retired veteran having already proudly served his country however, he has decided that his best years of giving back are still ahead of him & he is doing so by deciding to use his voice and amplify others who have experienced similar mental health struggles & are successfully navigating the difficult hurdles that present themselves each day. If you are one of those military veterans or know someone who may find his Raw and Real style of chat beneficial be sure to subscribe to his podcast Raw&Realvet talk or check out the first few episodes available now on YouTube.
Thank you so much PJ Cowan for shedding some much-needed light on PTSD, the parental rights of Fathers, and moving through life with more precision and focus. Your work is much needed, valued, and appreciated.
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