Trish Wood

Trish Wood is Critical

Trish Wood

  • Iraq War Veteran Garret Reppenhagen

Iraq War Veteran Garret Reppenhagen

Saturday 2nd March 2024

Join Trish Wood and Iraq War veteran Garret Reppenhagen as they discuss Aaron Bushnell's protest, veteran mental health, and the controversial Online Harms Bill.
135 minutes
Informative
Honest
Raw
Compassionate
Thought-provoking

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Trish Wood is Critical
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Trish Wood
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A Veteran's Struggle: Garret Reppenhagen on War, Protest, and Mental Health

Episode Overview

  • Aaron Bushnell's protest highlights the extreme measures some take to be heard.
  • Veterans face significant mental health challenges upon returning home.
  • The Online Harms Bill poses potential threats to free speech.
  • Ethical questions about military actions and their impact on soldiers.
  • The importance of supporting veterans in their mental health journeys.
I know what a burning body smells like and I've seen it
In this gripping episode of 'Trish Wood is Critical', award-winning journalist Trish Wood sits down with Iraq War veteran Garret Reppenhagen to discuss a range of heavy-hitting topics. The conversation kicks off with the tragic story of Aaron Bushnell, an active duty airman who set himself on fire in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington DC as a form of protest.
This act, which has drawn both condemnation and praise, sets the stage for a broader discussion on the complexities of military service, moral injury, and the mental health struggles faced by veterans. Garret opens up about his own experiences in Iraq, sharing harrowing tales of combat and the emotional toll it takes on soldiers. He talks candidly about the challenges veterans face when they return home, including a spate of suicides among his comrades.
Trish and Garret also delve into the controversial Online Harms Bill, which Trish criticises as a severe threat to free speech. The bill aims to clamp down on online hate speech but has sparked fears about its potential to stifle legitimate dissent. The episode doesn't shy away from tough questions. How do we balance national security with individual rights? What are the ethical implications of military actions abroad?
And how can we better support veterans who are struggling with their mental health? Garret's raw honesty and Trish's incisive questioning make for a compelling listen that challenges conventional wisdom and invites you to think critically about these important issues. If you're looking for an episode that combines personal stories with broader societal questions, this one is a must-listen. Garret's journey and Trish's unflinching approach offer a unique perspective on topics that are often shrouded in controversy and misunderstanding.