Second Chances with Marine Cop Craig Grossi and Fred

Introduction

In this episode of the Verywell Mind Podcast, host Amy Morin, LCSW, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Craig Grossi, a decorated Marine Corps veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. During his deployment in Afghanistan, Craig formed a strong bond with a stray dog named Fred. When it was time for Craig to return to the United States, he made the daring decision to bring Fred back with him, despite it being against the rules. Craig's memoir, "Craig and Fred," recounts this act and their subsequent cross-country road trip together.

Craig Grossi's Journey

Craig's latest book, "Second Chances," takes him on a new adventure. Together with Fred, he spends time with prison inmates who are involved in a unique program training service dogs. Craig also organizes a writing group for these incarcerated individuals, discovering their shared experiences and the poor choices that led to their imprisonment.

Embodying Mental Strength

Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, Craig Grossi stands as a testament to mental strength. After completing his deployment, Craig sought to move on and "be fine." However, an unexpected outburst of anger made him realize that he wasn't truly fine, prompting him to seek professional help. Craig's openness in sharing his experiences, his willingness to seek help, and his dedication to helping others are testaments to his remarkable mental strength.

Insights from the Podcast

Craig's journey offers valuable insights into the importance of second chances and the power of human connection. The podcast highlights how certain advantages in life can shield individuals from making decisions that could lead to incarceration. It also emphasizes the significant role that the environment plays in mental health and how essential it is to surround oneself with supportive individuals and minimize surrounding temptations.

Quotes from Craig Grossi

• "No matter your situation, you can always find something to be grateful for. It may be as simple as the air in your lungs or the blood in your veins. That's enough."

• "It's easy to say, 'Everything happens for a reason.' But unless you put in the effort to figure out the reason, you'll never understand the purpose of your mistakes."

• "Looking back, I am grateful for both the ups and downs I've experienced in life. They've enabled me to gain a deeper perspective."

About the Podcast

The Verywell Mind Podcast is available on all streaming platforms. If you appreciate the show, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings help encourage others to listen and prioritize their mental health.