ManTalks Podcast

J.R. Martinez - Building A Life Full Of Heart From Hardship

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Episode notes

Talking points: mindset, purpose, military, masculinity

A sincere honor to chat with J.R., and I’m blown away by his perspective and honesty on the hardship he’s faced—and overcome. We cover a lot of ground: the importance of male friendship, the struggles veterans can go through, the importance of vulnerability AND accountability. Throughout it all, J.R.’s outlook shines through. Listen in, team.

(00:00:00) - JR’s defining moment

(00:11:45) - What happened to JR during his deployment

(00:23:58) - How men and veterans get stripped of purpose and identity, what contributes to that, and how we can do better 

(00:38:04) - What JR would say to men who see the state of things and retreat into isolation, and the importance of building emotional for yourself

(00:55:50) - What JR would teach the next generation of men

J.R. Martinez’s life story is one of resilience and transformation. A Louisiana-born Army veteran and Iraq War survivor, Martinez faced tragedy early in his military service when a roadside bomb explosion left him with severe burns covering over a third of his body. His recovery included 34 months of treatment and 33 surgeries, a challenging journey that revealed his strength and inspired a new purpose.

Martinez began sharing his story, quickly becoming a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences at military bases and for major organizations like Delta and Wells Fargo. His personal mantra, “Adapt & Overcome,” resonated deeply, embodying his commitment to resilience and gratitude. He’s also become an advocate for organizations like the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and Glasswing International, earning awards like the Ivy Award and the National Red Cross Spirit Award.

In 2008, Martinez ventured into acting with a role on All My Children, which opened doors in entertainment. He won the 2011 season of Dancing with the Stars, capturing audiences nationwide. His memoir, Full of Heart, became a New York Times bestseller, and he later pursued higher education, a milestone for his family. Today, Martinez continues to inspire through speaking engagements, acting, and advocacy, sharing his journey of strength and hope with audiences worldwide while balancing family life with his wife, Diana, and their children.

Connect with JR

-Website: https://jrmartinez.com/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjrmartinez

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjrmartinez

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jradapt/

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