The Story of My Broken Soldier with Kaz & Matt Page (EP53)

Karen and Matt Page have walked through some tumultuous times together, to say the least. It all began after Matt suffered a traumatic brain injury during his military deployment. Unfortunately, the accident turned out to be only the beginning of some of the most difficult times in their lives - putting a massive strain on their marriage and family life. Karen wrote the book “My Broken Soldier” as part of her healing process, sharing some of the deepest, darkest moments of their family’s struggle. Matt and Karen both join me on today’s episode, sharing some of how they dealt with some incredibly difficult periods in Matt’s healing process and what they feel helped them get through it all.
They have now made it their personal mission to make sure that they help other families in the same situation get access to the help they need sooner and more efficiently. The stigma that surrounds mental health in Australia and the world needs to end - and they believe that talking about one’s experiences more openly will be the key to unlocking this change in society. This, in turn, will help families struggling with mental health issues realize that they aren’t as isolated as they might feel. Reading Karen’s book has touched me deeply, and opened my eyes to the nearly impossible strength that it took for this couple to get as far as they have - and still be working together to live their best lives. I am grateful for their presence on today’s episode and I hope that this platform will help spread their powerful message to people who need to hear it!
Key Discussion Points:
0:00 Introduction of Kaz & Matt Page (My Broken Soldier)
2:18 The motivation behind the book
12:05 Matt’s accident
23:02 The comedy of errors post the accident (& Matt's chronic befuddlement!)
31:54 Matt's drive to serve
35:24 The many other people in the same situation
38:17 Matt’s healing process
49:12 Managing mental health
57:13 Realizing your worth
57:44 Dealing with tough moments
1:09:13 Karen’s relationship with her dad
1:18:19 Matt becoming “dad” to Karen’s daughters
1:23:24 The process of having a baby
1:49:35 Opening up about difficult times - ask for help
1:54:24 Working to help others in the same situation
2:14:15 Transitioning from defence back into civilian life
2:17:20 Matt & Karen’s advice to other families (message of H.O.P.E)
2:22:38 The Man who provided 'Life Support'
2:30:11 How to get hold of the book - My Broken Soldier
2:30:50 Parting advice from Kaz & Matt
2:37:14 Brendan's Key Takeaways
FREE GUIDE 10 Strategies to be a BETTER LEADER: brendan-rogers.mykajabi.com/b...
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Resources
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Kaz Page/My Broken Soldier Website (kazpage.com.au/)
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Karen Page Instagram ( / mybrokensoldier )
My broken Soldier Facebook page ( / mybrokensoldier )

[@AvalonbyNature]

I listened to the podcast earlier and this video adds fab visual components. As a non-defence person I've never had an understanding of what's involved in reintegrating into civilian life, so the examples about rolling through stop signs and driving in the middle of the road are so helpful in starting to see the issues. This is one of the most interesting and emotional video interviews I've ever watched. Thanks for the experience! Jo D

[@CultureofLeadership]

Thank you Jo. I agree, I think the video does the interview more justice. It was an emotional, although fantastic experience bringing this to life. It certainly helped me gain a greater understanding as well. I appreciate you.

[@sonyacavanough7411]

Fantastic interview. Love the rawness of Kaz and Matt and their story. I know their story will spread far and wide because awareness and the real issue of PTSD for ex services men and women needs to be addressed in the community and not hidden.

[@CultureofLeadership]

Thank you Sonya. Always appreciate your feedback and support. It is definitely a story that must be told to raise awareness and continue the focus on improvement across the mental health space.