In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, Brian Fleming shares his harrowing experiences as an infantry soldier in Afghanistan and how they shaped his understanding of communication and resilience. He discusses the importance of clear messaging, standing firm, and the role of propaganda in both war and everyday life. Brian delves into effective communication’s psychological and emotional elements, offering practical advice for businesses, individuals, and anyone seeking to improve their messaging. He also explores the challenges military veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and the significance of finding meaning, mentorship, and a mission.
Brian Fleming is a combat-wounded war veteran turned copywriter, author & professional speaker. He uses his unique skill set of persuasive writing and communication to help entrepreneurs & podcasters build their brand messaging clearly and compellingly. Over the past 16 years, Brian has spoken to over half a million people in live audiences globally (including the US military and several Fortune 500 companies), has written four books, and has been featured on almost every major news network in America.
Brian is also the host of the PodGasm Marketing podcast at PodGasmShow.com.
https://www.youtube.com/@useyourstory
00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations
00:40 Brian’s Military Background
01:34 Surviving the Battlefield
03:01 The Power of Clear Communication
03:56 Mission Planning and Life Framework
05:02 Understanding Propaganda
10:30 The Psychology of a Suicide Bomber
13:15 The Role of Propaganda in War
18:39 Emotional Influence and Messaging
22:57 Polarizing Views and Mental Health
30:58 The Power of Propaganda
34:10 Psychological Warfare and Modern Technology
36:32 Winning Hearts and Minds
38:40 Effective Messaging in Business
42:23 Standing Firm in Adversity
44:48 The Importance of Meaning, Mentoring, and Mission
50:37 Challenges of Military Transition
55:17 Critical Thinking and Questioning Beliefs
01:01:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Or find Furkhan’s Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
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I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.
As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.
I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.
At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.
As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.
