From Vietnam to Burnout Recovery with Keith Cole
In this episode of GenX Journeys, Paul welcomes Marine Corps combat veteran and author Keith Cole for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, burnout, faith, resilience, and recovery. Keith shares his journey from growing up wanting to become a Methodist minister to serving as a machine gunner in Vietnam, where he was wounded three times in combat. After returning home, he carried decades of emotional weight in silence while building a successful career as a CPA, raising his younger siblings after the loss of his mother, and pushing himself beyond exhaustion. Eventually, burnout caught up with him. Keith opens up about the sleepless nights, emotional turmoil, drinking, and the breaking point that led him to cry out to God for help — a moment that ultimately inspired his book, Burnout: God's Recovery Plan . Together, Paul and Keith discuss: Vietnam combat experiences and trauma The emotional toll of notifying families of fallen Marines Why so many people suffer silently Burnout in veterans, professionals, caregivers, and everyday life The importance of asking for help Faith, discipline, and healing Creating healthy routines and boundaries Keith's PRAISER recovery framework and workbook This conversation is especially powerful for anyone feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck, or burned out from carrying too much for too long. Keith's story is a reminder that recovery is possible - and that asking for help is not weakness, but strength. Connect with Keith Cole: Website: recoverybyfaith.com Book: Burnout: God's Recovery Plan 💡 Connect with GenX Journeys 🌎 Website: GenXJourneys.net 📩 Email: paul@genxjourneys.net 📺 YouTube: @GenXJourneys 📷 Instagram: @GenXJourneys 🐦 Twitter/X: @Returntothe80s 📘 Facebook: GenX Journeys 🎥 TikTok: @GenXJourneys 🎧 Subscribe to the GenX Journeys Podcast on: ✅ Apple Podcasts ✅ Spotify ✅ iHeartRadio ✅ Podbean ✅ PlayerFM