Bek Woodbine returns to It Takes Heart for a deeply honest conversation about chronic pain, recovery and finding a new way forward.

Since her last episode, Bek has undergone major back surgery and has been learning to live with the physical and emotional impact of chronic pain. As a nurse practitioner and host of Tenderness for Nurses, Bek shares what it feels like when the helper needs help, how pain can change your sense of self, and why learning to accept support has become part of her next chapter.

Bek also reflects on the future of nursing, including nurse wellbeing, boundaries, bullying, respect, the nursing shortage and the importance of returning to the basics of care.

This is a vulnerable and thoughtful episode about nursing, chronic pain, resilience and the power of honest conversations.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horse is a former SASR operator, military dog handler and advocate based in Australia.

Today on the podcast, I continue my conversation with Horse in part two of this powerful episode.

Horse and I discuss what happens when the uniform comes off, the impact of the documentary Bravery and Betrayal, and the emotional toll experienced by many veterans and their families after service.

We talk about the removal of Squadron Two, the deep sense of identity and belonging that comes with military service, and how difficult it can be for veterans to move forward when their service is questioned, misunderstood or erased.

Horse also shares why telling these stories matters, not just for soldiers, but for their families, first responders, nurses and anyone who has worked in high-pressure environments where service, sacrifice and trauma often sit side by side.

We also discuss the role of Wandering Warriors, the importance of transition support, and why conversations around mental health, moral injury and institutional trauma need to continue.

This is part two of an honest, emotional and deeply important conversation about service, loyalty, survival, family, identity and life after war.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horse is a former SASR operator, military dog handler and advocate based in Australia.

Today on the podcast, I had the privilege of talking with Horse about his time in the SASR, his work with military dogs, and his involvement in the documentary Bravery and Betrayal.

Horse and I discuss his pathway from a young boy who found safety and connection with animals, to becoming part of Australia’s Special Forces and helping build a military dog capability.

His love and respect for animals is at the heart of this conversation. Horse shares what it meant to serve alongside dogs in Afghanistan, the bond between handler and dog, and why bringing those dogs home mattered so deeply.

We also talk about trauma, PTSD, mental health, institutional support, and why Horse believes trauma should be treated as an injury rather than a disorder.

This is part one of a powerful conversation about service, loyalty, survival, dogs, veterans, first responders and the impact of life after war.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/tendernessnurses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.