{"podcast":{"title":"Truth Be Told","slug":"truth-be-told-6819668","podcast_index_feed_id":6819668,"rss_url":"https://feed.podbean.com/truthbetoldwz/feed.xml","website_url":"https://www.truthbetoldpodcast.com/","image_url":"https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/17793257/Podcast_Logo_63q3jp.png","author":"Dave Thompson","episode_count":67,"summary":"Conversations that debunk myths, explore case studies and identify the keys to effective communication with a Certified Forensic Interviewer and special guests. Need to talk to an employee about a disciplinary issue? A family member or significant other about an uncomfortable topic? Attempting to uncover the truth of ”what really happened” through effective questioning and active listening? With unique perspectives from interrogators, exonerees, academics and professionals across multiple disciplines, learn how strategic communication can work to your advantage. Powered by Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ) and the International Association of Interviewers (IAI), ”Truth Be Told” brings to you some of the leading voices in the space of communication, investigations and interpersonal behaviors.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-30T00:17:40.128248+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/truth-be-told-6819668"},"episode":{"title":"What If the Strongest Thing You Can Do Is Talk About It? From Combat to Coming Home with Pasha Palanker","slug":"what-if-the-strongest-thing-you-can-do-is-talk-about-it-from-combat-to-coming-home-with-pasha-palanker","published_at":"2026-05-13T12:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/truth-be-told-6819668/what-if-the-strongest-thing-you-can-do-is-talk-about-it-from-combat-to-coming-home-with-pasha-palanker","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/truth-be-told-6819668","url":"https://truthbetoldwz.podbean.com/e/what-if-the-strongest-thing-you-can-do-is-talk-about-it-from-combat-to-coming-home-with-pasha-palanker/","audio_url":"https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ci6pjgtxqsdeiska/riverside_final_draft_w_pasha_s3_recording_w_pasha4z03.mp3","summary":"What if the strongest thing you can do… is talk about it? In this powerful episode of Truth Be Told, Pasha Palanker shares his extraordinary journey from Soviet immigrant to decorated U.S. Army veteran — and the invisible battle that followed him home. After surviving roadside bombs, earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Valor, and serving in some of the most dangerous combat environments in Iraq, Pasha opens up about the trauma, anger, PTSD, isolation, and mental health struggles he spent years hiding. He explains how survival instincts that once saved his life in combat nearly destroyed his relationships, his identity, and his future. This conversation goes beyond military stories. It’s an honest discussion about trauma, emotional resilience, veteran mental health, leadership, stigma, healing, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Dave Thompson and Pasha explore topics like PTSD recovery, suicide prevention, emotional intelligence, therapy, journaling, resilience, trauma-informed communication, and why so many veterans and first responders suffer in silence. Whether you’re in the military, law enforcement, leadership, mental health advocacy, or simply trying to navigate your own struggles, this episode is a raw reminder that strength doesn’t come from pretending you’re okay — it comes from facing the truth. Follow Pasha on Instagram! Truths: Trauma doesn’t always show up immediately — sometimes the hardest battle begins after coming home. Survival instincts that protect people in high-stress environments can become destructive when they follow them into everyday life. Isolation fuels trauma. Healing often begins with honest conversation and human connection. Taking responsibility for your mental health is different than blaming yourself for what happen…","meta_description":"What if the strongest thing you can do… is talk about it? In this powerful episode of Truth Be Told, Pasha Palanker shares his extraordinary journey from…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2984,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/truth-be-told-6819668/episodes/what-if-the-strongest-thing-you-can-do-is-talk-about-it-from-combat-to-coming-home-with-pasha-palanker/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/truth-be-told-6819668/what-if-the-strongest-thing-you-can-do-is-talk-about-it-from-combat-to-coming-home-with-pasha-palanker.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}