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Walking Tall Movement

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How the Movement Began!

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Watch or Listen to our Podcast

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New Episode Every Wednesday

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The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own.The Walking Tall Movement is guided by strength, compassion and love.

Meet the Founders

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Chris Maliszewski

Survivor of the Highland Park, IL mass shooting on July 4, 2022. Former College Baseball Player and Assistant Coach. Current Director of Recreation for the Park District of Highland Park.

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Dr. Vanetta LaRosa

Founder and current Executive Clinical Director/Ph.D., BCBA-D, at Helping Hands Licensed Behavior Analyst services and Adjunct Associate professor at LIU and Daemen College.

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Todd Blyleven

Survivor of the Las Vegas, NV mass shooting on October 1, 2017. Former Professional Baseball Player, Coach and MLB Scout. Corporate Sports Industry Expert. Current owner of The Scout Hub.

Survivor Todd Blyleven's Las Vegas Mass Shooting Story of Courage and Love - E1 Walking Tall Podcast
01:22:36

Survivor Todd Blyleven's Las Vegas Mass Shooting Story of Courage and Love - E1 Walking Tall Podcast

*Warning: This video and audio may have triggers for all those that have been either in a mass shooting, first responders, extreme traumatic event, or have military combat experience. There is NO audio/sound of gunfire or any other noise other than the hosts verbally telling their story. Please listen with caution. Todd Blyleven shares his journey of heroism, sadness, adversity, and perseverance through the worst mass shooting in modern history in Las Vegas, NV on October 1, 2017. His story is told to educate all those dealing with adversity in their lives to know you are not alone, and the Walking Tall Movement is here to help you stand back up and Walk Tall again in your life through our stories of challenge, fight, love, and community. The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain, and their journey through self, group, or individual therapy and healing to learn to how Walk Tall again. The movement is driven by strength, compassion, and love. Hosts: Dr. Vanetta LaRosa, Chris Maliszewski and Todd Blyleven Learn more about the Walking Tall Movement at www.walkingtallmovement.com Facebook: @walkingtallmovement Instagram: @walkingtallmovement Twitter: @walkingtallmvmt TikTok: @walkingtallmovement See disclaimer and other privacy info here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/disclaimer If you need help, see our huge directories of mental health resources and agencies here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/resources Walk Tall!
Survivor, Chris Maliszewski's Highland Park Shooting Story - E2 Walking Tall Podcast
01:25:57

Survivor, Chris Maliszewski's Highland Park Shooting Story - E2 Walking Tall Podcast

*Warning: This video and audio may have triggers for all those that have been either in a mass shooting, first responders, extreme traumatic event, or have military combat experience. There is NO audio/sound of gunfire or any other noise other than the hosts verbally telling their story. Please listen with caution. Chris Maliszewski shares his journey of heroism, sadness, adversity, and perseverance through the terrible mass shooting in Highland Park, IL on July 4, 2022. His story is told to educate all those dealing with adversity in their lives to know you are not alone, and the Walking Tall Movement is here to help you stand back up and Walk Tall again in your life through our stories of challenge, fight, love, and community. The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain, and their journey through self, group, or individual therapy and healing to learn to how Walk Tall again. The movement is driven by strength, compassion, and love. Hosts: Dr. Vanetta LaRosa, Chris Maliszewski and Todd Blyleven Learn more about the Walking Tall Movement at www.walkingtallmovement.com Facebook: @walkingtallmovement Instagram: @walkingtallmovement Twitter: @walkingtallmvmt TikTok: @walkingtallmovement See disclaimer and other privacy info here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/disclaimer If you need help, see our huge directories of mental health resources and agencies here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/resources Walk Tall!
Retired Police Officer Bryan Wood shares his story of Walking Tall - Walking Tall Podcast E4
01:04:08

Retired Police Officer Bryan Wood shares his story of Walking Tall - Walking Tall Podcast E4

Guest Spotlight: Bryan “Woody” Wood is a retired police detective who served nearly 29 years with a southern California law enforcement agency. Bryan held numerous assignments during his tenure. His last duty assignment was conducting international counterterrorism investigations for the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. He was also one of the longest-tenured volunteers of his department’s Peer Support Team. Bryan has been recognized for exemplary service through numerous commendations and awards. Nowadays, you will find Bryan enjoying time with his family, volunteering in his community, and perfecting his BBQ skills. The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain and their journey through self, group or individual therapy and healing to learn to how Walk Tall again. The movement is driven by strength, compassion and love. Hosts: Dr. Vanetta LaRosa, Chris Maliszewski and Todd Blyleven. Learn more about the Walking Tall Movement at www.walkingtallmovement.com Facebook: @walkingtallmovement Instagram: @walkingtallmovement Twitter: @walkingtallmvmt TikTok: @walkingtallmovement See disclaimer and other privacy info here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/disclaimer If you need help, see our huge directories of mental health resources and agencies here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/resources Walk Tall!
Walking Tall Podcast- E6- Combat wounded USMC Veteran, Christopher Brown shares his story
01:09:06

Walking Tall Podcast- E6- Combat wounded USMC Veteran, Christopher Brown shares his story

Guest Spotlight: United States Marine Veteran, Christopher Brown shares his gripping story of battle during three tours overseas, his physical recovery, and the reason why he chose to become a certified EMDR therapist helping his fellow brothers and sisters in arms transition from military life to civilian life. Chris Brown is a wounded Marine combat veteran. 10 years ago he founded the nonprofit Growing Veterans to combine peer support with community agriculture. Upon receiving his masters degree he became a PTSD therapist helping veterans overcome trauma, which he’s done for 7 years. Chris is now starting a private practice where he plans to continue helping folks overcome trauma as a Certified EMDR Therapist. The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain, and their journey through self, group, or individual therapy and healing to learn to how Walk Tall again. The movement is driven by strength, compassion, and love. Hosts: Dr. Vanetta LaRosa, Chris Maliszewski and Todd Blyleven. Learn more about the Walking Tall Movement at www.walkingtallmovement.com Facebook: @walkingtallmovement Instagram: @walkingtallmovement Twitter: @walkingtallmvmt TikTok: @walkingtallmovement See disclaimer and other privacy info here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/disclaimer If you need help, see our huge directories of mental health resources and agencies here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/resources Walk Tall!
Walking Tall Podcast- E9- Kyle Thousand, Sports and Entertainment Agent shares his story
01:00:53

Walking Tall Podcast- E9- Kyle Thousand, Sports and Entertainment Agent shares his story

Guest Spotlight: Kyle Thousand played baseball at the University of Iowa and, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2003. Kyle’s early focus on his education throughout life paid off as he went on to graduate in 2007 from law school at Creighton University. In 2011, Kyle was hired by Excel Sports Management and Casey Close as their first hire. Excel Sports Management and Casey Close are Derek Jeter’s agent. To the surprise of nobody Kyle excelled at Excel and then was hired by Jay-Z and Roc Nation becoming the agency’s first Managing Director of Baseball, representing the likes of C.C. Sabathia and Robinson Cano. After 7 years with Roc Nation Kyle left the agency and is now the Director of Baseball Operations at Milk and Honey based out of Nashville, TN. Milk and Honey is an entertainment and sports agency having some of the top talents in both industries. The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering from mental health until they can walk it on their own. The hosts and weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain, and their journey through self, group, or individual therapy and healing to learn how to Walk Tall again. The movement is driven by strength, compassion, and love. Hosts: Dr. Vanetta LaRosa, Chris Maliszewski and Todd Blyleven. Learn more about the Walking Tall Movement at www.walkingtallmovement.com Facebook: @walkingtallmovement Instagram: @walkingtallmovement Twitter: @walkingtallmvmt TikTok: @walkingtallmovement See disclaimer and other privacy info here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/disclaimer If you need help, see our huge directories of mental health resources and agencies here: https://www.walkingtallmovement.com/resources Walk Tall!
Walking Tall Podcast- E11- Discussing "Anger" and it's Mental Effect