Three Simple Ways to Support the Gold Star Initiative

In the spring of 2018, I carried a flag in honor of Corporal Josh Kynoch at Ironman Santa Rosa and presented it to his mother and daughter at the finish line. I did it again that summer at Ironman 70.3 Santa Rosa for the family of PFC Caesar Viglienzone. My teammates within the IRONMAN Foundation and I realized this needed to be bigger and spread to other races around the country.

Ironman 70.3 Santa Rosa Gold Star Initiative Finish Line Photo

The IRONMAN Foundation and I launched the Gold Star Initiative for the 2019 IRONMAN season so veterans and Gold Star Families could team up during Ironman events and share in the healing. It was a huge success and six veterans carried the flag for six Gold Star Families. 2020 will be even bigger. We have added more races to the Gold Star Initiative, including the East Coast and Midwest. To top it off, I have the honor of carrying the flag at Kona in memory of Lance Corporal Nick Anderson and presenting it to his mother, Lisa at the finish line. With all of these exciting and healing events, we need your help!

Continue reading

First Steps towards Kona

It’s been a minute.

I’ve been off the training and race circuit since 2021 and watching my fitness disappear. Fitness gave way to increased body fat and depression. Sure, COVID stopped the world of triathlon and racing for a little while, but the truth of the matter is that I was also burned out and not ready to step forward. I didn’t want to admit it because racing triathlon is such a huge part of my identity. So was carrying the flag. What made things more complicated was that my work with the IRONMAN foundation started to let me know that what Lisa Anderson and I were doing with the Gold Star Initiative was ready to take the next step and become its OWN nonprofit, but that prospect was too scary to pursue at the time. More on that soon! So I failed to adapt and kept plugging away at life and expecting everything to just work itself out.

Lisa and I at IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio

After come discussion with the IRONMAN Foundation team it became clear that our visions were growing apart. This was a gift, I just didn’t know how to receive it at the time. I was afraid starting a nonprofit and really taking charge of something new and additional in life. Thankfully, my partner in the GSI, Lisa Anderson, was ready to move forward. But before we get there, I’ll catch you up on what I’ve been doing since racing IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio in the summer of 2021.

I started hunting. I started coaching my son’s little league baseball team. I traveled. I spent time with my family. I stayed sober. Throughout this journey, my sobriety has been a non-negotiable. While I still carry some regret and shame about getting out of shape, I am proud to say that I hit eleven years sobriety last summer and and still going strong. I’ve told people time and time again that I am not a proponent of sobriety for everyone. Some people do just fine with alcohol and or drugs. I know I am not one of those people, so abstaining from everything except coffee serves me well.

Catching up to this week. I just officially started my Kona training and wow, does it feel good to be back. I’m 30 pounds heavier at the moment and the exercise and nutrition plan will help me shed a lot of body fat so I can wear all the cool spandex gear us triathletes are always sporting.

While I shake off the rust in my swimbikerun game, I will be focusing on the purpose for racing Kona. This year I will be carrying the flag in honor of a fallen Marine, Lance Corporal Nick Anderson. Along the way I will posting, writing, and podcasting more about Nick and who he was in this life, how his death affected his family, friends, and community, and how it ultimately has led his mother Lisa and I to create the healing opportunities we have seen with the Gold Star Initiative.

Getting it done on the treadmill.

Upwards and onwards. Let’s get this show started.

86 Thanksgiving Edition


Mike and Rich talk about things to be thankful for, recap the 75-day challenge, tell some boot camp stories, and explore Mike’s phobia of grey pony tails.

 

Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!

85 The Fly Wheel


What is a fly wheel or a virtuous cycle? Mike and Rich talk about how to work into healthy habits through the model of the flywheel, and concepts like “habit stacking” from James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits.

 

Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!

84- Weight Loss and Fitness with the “75 Chub”


Mike and Rich talk about the latest fitness challenge that they are undertaking, based off of the “75 Hard” fad from a couple years ago. What is sustainable? What brings lasting change that is actually doable? Usually not an extreme all-or-nothing approach. See if the TFW approach is right for you.


Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!

83 – CWA Veteran Hunt Program with Mike Kellogg


Mike Kellogg, a felllow Marine and head of the California Waterfowl Association’s Veteran Hunt Program, joins the show to talk duck hunting, firearms, and why involving veterans in this great sport and lifestyle is so important. Mike and Mike get carried away with Marine Corps trivia. To learn more about the CWA Veteran Hunt Program, go to:

https://calwaterfowl.org/hunt-program/veteran-hunts

 

Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!

82 – Oto cures tinnitus!


Dr. Edmund Farrar joins the show to talk with Mike about his app, Oto, which eliminates the suffering brought on tinnitus, a condition well-known amongst veterans worldwide. To check out Oto, find it on Apple or Android app platforms or check it out on their website: joinoto.com . With any questions, or to get in touch with Dr. Edmund “Ed” Farrar, email him at ed@joinoto.com

 

Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!

81- That Toilet Splash of Truth


What happens when you step on the scale after 2 years of pandemic? Well, if you’ve been crushing more red vines then workouts the answer is not what anyone wants to see. Mike and Rich talk shit about being sick, being fattish and how they’ve wiped the pandemic cobwebs from the eyes and jumped back into training the Mind, Body, and Spirit.

———————————————

Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!

80 Thrive in Life with Alex Brown and Laura Hicks


In today’s episode, Mike interviews the founders of Thrive in Life, a San Diego-based therapy practice that incorporates mental health with physical fitness. Alex and Laura share why they believe the two areas of wellness are inseparable and the advantages of helping people in both to lead clients to a more confident, actualized version of themselves. 

Thrive in Life is a trauma informed practice that believes in using a holistic approach to healing that integrates mental health with fitness, movement & dietician services. They emphasize the importance of mind-body connection through nervous system regulation & by safely expanding the Window of Tolerance. 

 

We provide individual, couples, & family therapy to all of CA state. 

 

Thrive in Life Therapy

Connect with us:

 

-Website: Thrive in Life

-IG: @Thrive In Life Therapy 

-Facebook: @ThriveinlifetherapySD

 

-Email: Abrown@thriveinlifesd.com

-Phone: 619-800-5136

 

Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!

79 Combat Waterfowl


For today’s episode, Mike sits down with Army Veteran Robert Brewer, the founder of Combat Waterfowl, a duck hunting apparel company that knows how to enjoy life and not take things to seriously. Go check out all the merch at Combat Waterfowl and support a veteran owned business:

combatwaterfowl.com

-IG: @combatwaterfowl

-FB: @combatwaterfowl

-TikTok: @combatwaterfowl

-SnapChat: @combatwaterfowl

————–


Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!

78 Perspectives on Ukraine


Rich talks about some of the history of Russia and Ukraine and how it is unfolding today. Mike mostly parrots articles he read in The Atlantic.

Transitions from War

After his service in the United States Marines Corps, Mike Ergo started theTransitions from War blog  and Podcast to talk about his struggles returning from combat in Iraq. From PTSD and addiction to finding endurance sports, Mike has found a new life purpose and a passion to share this with others. He is joined by fellow Marine, Rich Dreyling to talk all things veteran.

 

 

Transitions from War Sponsors:

 

 Fire Team Whiskey

An app-based personal fitness and nutrition service geared to help active duty and military veterans take charge of their health with a ketogenic approach to eating. Save 40% on all training plans and coaching, as well as 15% on all keto supplements with the promo code “TRANSITIONS” 

 

 

Zealios

Zinc-based performance sunscreen along with chlorine-removing hair and skin products. Use the promo code VETS to save 20% on all orders.

 

 Primal Kitchen

Healthy, Paleo/Primal/Keto and Vegan condiments, salad dressings, and energy bars that actually taste good! Use the promo code PRIMALVETERAN to save 10% on your order and directly support this show.

 

Green Wolf Tactical

Marine Corps Veteran-owned business specializing in paracord gear, custom embroidery, bracelets, key chains, survival gear, PVC patches, & more. Save 20% on all your orders with the promo code SEMPERFI

 

TransitionsFromWar.com

#TFWSTORIES

 

Check out this episode!