Burnout, Military Brotherhood, And Being Honest with Joshua Mach aka JMach Podcast

A lot of people ask “How are you?” and stop there. We ask again. This conversation with Joshua “J Mac” Mock dives straight into the stuff most of us hide—burnout, identity after service, short fuses at home, and the quiet pressure of being the person others rely on. We talk about raising resilient kids, why standards matter more than minimums, and how to mentor without burning out. If you’ve ever carried the weight of being strong for everyone else, you’ll feel seen here.

J Mac opens up about his Marine Corps journey, the ache of not deploying, and the lingering question of worth that haunts many veterans. His turning point came through therapy and a simple idea: stop doing push-up challenges for suicide awareness and pick up the phone. That spark became a platform for raw, real conversations and live events that bring mental health resources directly to the veteran community. We go deep on sobriety, using cannabis medically versus recreationally, and how honest self-inventory—not perfection—keeps you grounded.

We also get tactical. How do you set boundaries with mentees who aren’t ready? How do you parent for grit without becoming harsh? How do you reflect without getting stuck in the past? From the “ask twice” method to reframing trauma back to childhood roots, this episode is packed with practical tools and hard-earned wisdom. The message is steady: you’re not alone, and your real mission might be happening right where you are—at the kitchen table, in your DMs, or at that community event you almost skipped.

If this resonates, share it with someone who needs the reminder, then hit follow, leave a quick review, and tell us: what standard are you raising for yourself this week?