#78: Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas - Healing Through Hitting
In this episode of "Passing The Torch," host Martin Foster interviews Vincent Vargas, a multi-talented individual with a diverse background in the military, acting, and psychology. Vincent discusses his current ventures, including hosting retreats for veterans and first responders, working on a podcast, writing books, and pursuing further education in psychology and social work. He shares insights on family life, having a blended household with eight children, and the joys and challenges that come with it.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Vincent's innovative therapeutic concept called "Healing Through Hitting," which leverages the bilateral eye stimulation experienced when batting in a batting cage to aid veterans and first responders in processing trauma. Vincent also touches on the differences between post-traumatic stress and moral injury, emphasizing the prevalence of the latter among veterans.
The discussion further delves into themes like self-love, vulnerability, and the transition from military life to civilian life, offering valuable advice for those leaving the service. Vincent's journey from military service to acting and storytelling is explored, highlighting the transferable skills from his military background that have aided him in his creative endeavors. Throughout the conversation, Vincent shares personal anecdotes and reflections on life, offering a blend of humor, wisdom, and inspiration.
Vincent “Rocco” Vargas, a former decorated Army Ranger who also conducted Spec Ops at the border (and continues to serve as a Sergeant First Class Reserve Officer today).
In addition, Rocco Vargas is a veteran of three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment’s 2nd Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
As if that were not enough, Vargas has also thrived in life outside the military.
His accomplishments include: chef, podcaster, writer, producer, business entrepreneur, actor, and a partridge and a pear tree.
From childhood to a special operations member, to a starring role in FX's hit TV series 'Sons Of Anarchy' spin-off: 'Mayans M.C.' Rocco understands that the world can seem unforgiving at times.
Conversation:
00:00 "Nostalgic Baseball Card Memories"
04:12 Baseball Therapy for Stress Relief
06:48 Trauma Therapy: Healing Through Hitting
11:33 Holistic Healing for Veterans
16:40 Self-Love Through Daily Actions
18:28 Truth in Vulnerable Masculinity
22:10 Stay Active, Pursue Adventure
24:57 "From Military to Hollywood Writer"
29:12 "Passion for Influential Storytelling"
32:55 Rising Above: Perseverance in Hollywood
36:37 Walking My Truth Alone
38:25 Chasing Taylor Sheridan's Success
42:51 Comedy Dreams: Inspired by "Freak"
46:14 "Chase Love, Not Titles"
50:27 The Beauty of Family Cooking
54:06 Billboard of Hope and Change
55:04 "Anything Is Possible"
Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin
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In this episode of "Passing The Torch," host Martin Foster interviews Vincent Vargas, a multi-talented individual with a diverse background in the military, acting, and psychology. Vincent discusses his current ventures, including hosting retreats for veterans and first responders, working on a podcast, writing books, and pursuing further education in psychology and social work. He shares insights on family life, having a blended household with eight children, and the joys and challenges that come with it.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Vincent's innovative therapeutic concept called "Healing Through Hitting," which leverages the bilateral eye stimulation experienced when batting in a batting cage to aid veterans and first responders in processing trauma. Vincent also touches on the differences between post-traumatic stress and moral injury, emphasizing the prevalence of the latter among veterans.
The discussion further delves into themes like self-love, vulnerability, and the transition from military life to civilian life, offering valuable advice for those leaving the service. Vincent's journey from military service to acting and storytelling is explored, highlighting the transferable skills from his military background that have aided him in his creative endeavors. Throughout the conversation, Vincent shares personal anecdotes and reflections on life, offering a blend of humor, wisdom, and inspiration.
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🎙️ Episode Summary:
Here's a sneak peek of what to expect:
- Life's Options: Rocco talks about the abundance of options he's worked hard to create and perfect over the years. It's a testament to his relentless pursuit of personal growth and adaptability.
- Healing Through Hitting: Discover Rocco's innovative approach to mental health through his initiative, "Healing Through Hitting," which combines sports with therapeutic techniques to help veterans and first responders navigate their healing journeys.
- Self-Love & Vulnerability: Rocco dives deep into the concept of self-love and vulnerable masculinity, offering refreshing insights into personal honesty and emotional intelligence.
- Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life: Rocco shares advice on embracing life's transitions with positivity and staying active in pursuing new adventures.
- The Magic of Storytelling: Learn how Rocco embraces storytelling as a powerful tool for influence and inspiration, aiming to better our world through meaningful narrative.
It's a conversation filled with wisdom, charm, and a touch of humor that you don't want to miss. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the "Passing The Torch" community, this episode promises to leave a lasting impact.
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🔥 Rocco's Resources
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➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincent.rocco.vargas/
➡︎ Website: https://vincentroccovargas.com/
➡︎ Men's Retreat TMRW Battalion: https://www.tmrwbattalion.org/about
➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-vargas-a60b0140/
➡︎ Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vinny-roc-podcast/id1284060556?mt=2
His Books:
➡︎ Latest book Borderline: Defending the Home Front
➡︎ You can also check out his previous work Light The Fuse
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Subscribe and Listen to Passing The Torch Podcast HERE
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🎙️Podcast: https://www.passingthetorchpod.com/
🎥YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04suOPTX3ny_M0aDxmBAXQ
➡︎Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passing-the-torch/id1338122884
➡︎Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47ZwWTJWETz5SwEfcuPQwF?si=055366dec7154b3c
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Conversation:
00:00 "Nostalgic Baseball Card Memories"
04:12 Baseball Therapy for Stress Relief
06:48 Trauma Therapy: Healing Through Hitting
11:33 Holistic Healing for Veterans
16:40 Self-Love Through Daily Actions
18:28 Truth in Vulnerable Masculinity
22:10 Stay Active, Pursue Adventure
24:57 "From Military to Hollywood Writer"
29:12 "Passion for Influential Storytelling"
32:55 Rising Above: Perseverance in Hollywood
36:37 Walking My Truth Alone
38:25 Chasing Taylor Sheridan's Success
42:51 Comedy Dreams: Inspired by "Freak"
46:14 "Chase Love, Not Titles"
50:27 The Beauty of Family Cooking
54:06 Billboard of Hope and Change
55:04 "Anything Is Possible"
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Quotes:
“Whatever your craft, work at it so much that you make it look easy on game day. To make it look easy comes from the preparation.”
- Matthew McConaughey
“Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” -Donovan Bailey
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Keywords
Vincent Vargas, Healing Through Hitting, PTSD, Moral Injury, Military Transition, Storytelling, Cooking, Family, Personal Growth, Mental Health
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Mentioned:
Book - Perseverance is Greater Than Endurance by Blayne Smith and Brandon Young https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Perseverance-Endurance/Blayne-Smith/9781637746271
Book - The Ride of My Life by Justin "Mooch" DeLoretto https://www.amazon.com/Ride-My-Life-Street-Motorcycle/dp/B0CH2BLRX1
Karl Monger
Healing Through Hitting: https://healingthruhitting.com/
The 75th Ranger Regiment
Alex Hormozi
Taylor Sheridan
Colleen Hoover
Elgin James
