Straight Talk - Mind and Muscle Podcast Kegan "SMURF" Gill – From a Top Gun Fighter Pilot Ejection to a Padded Cell -and Back Again.
In this amazing episode, I sit down with Kegan "SMURF" Gill, a former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter pilot who survived the fastest ejection in naval aviation history — launched from his jet at 695 mph- at 50 G’s.
The injuries he sustained in that moment were severe enough to kill most people — limbs torn apart and a traumatic brain injury among them. But Kegan’s ordeal didn’t end there.
After ejecting, Kegan plunged into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, battling hypothermia, sharks and drowning for two hours as rescue teams rushed to find him. Miraculously, his hypothermic state helped prevent fatal blood loss. This was just the beginning of his fight for survival.
We discuss Kegan’s journey through:
-The severe psychotic episodes and dehumanizing treatments he faced after his brain injury.
-His struggle to find proper mental health care, pushing him to eventually seek alternative treatments, including psychedelic therapy and nutraceutical interventions through the Warrior Angels Foundation.
-The critical role of family and support systems in his recovery.
-His advocacy for veterans' mental health and the systemic challenges in the VA system, and how he now dedicates himself to breaking the stigma around mental health care.
Kegan’s story is not just about surviving the unthinkable; it’s about using that survival as fuel to help others. His fight for healing, and his transformation into a public advocate, is an inspiration to anyone overcoming trauma.
🔗 Connect with Kegan on: 🌐 Website: kegangill.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kegansmurfgill/ 📘 Book: Phoenix Revival — available now- https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Revival-Aftermath-Aviations-Ejection/dp/1964934516 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kegan-gill-6986a4259/
👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode moved you. Because like Kegan says, “ even in your darkest moment, there’s a path forward.”
I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net
And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com
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