In Episode 43 of Y’all Street, host Tarek Saab talks with Chad Brown, Navy veteran and founder of Love Is King, about healing through the outdoors.
Chad Brown’s journey from the battlefields to the banks of rivers illustrates the resilience found in the Western spirit. As a Navy combat veteran, Chad faced the harsh realities of war, PTSD, and homelessness. Yet, he found a path to healing through nature and mentorship with his nonprofit, Soul River Inc.
Building a Ranch of Healing Through Nature
Chad’s mission with Soul River Inc. is akin to a rancher tending to a herd, nurturing the bonds between veterans and at-risk youth. Through outdoor expeditions, Brown connects these two communities, allowing them to learn from each other while facing the elements together. As he puts it, “The iron-sharpening-iron effect is intentional: youth absorb resilience from veterans, and veterans rediscover purpose through the eyes of young people who need them.”
Expeditions Beyond the Stockyard: The Arctic Circle Experience
The highlight of Chad’s work is leading expeditions into the Arctic Circle, where both veterans and youth experience the rugged beauty of the land. This journey is more than just an adventure; it’s a lesson in survival, community, and respect for the environment. Participants learn about indigenous cultures and the importance of conservation, all while forging deep connections that echo the camaraderie found in rodeo arenas and stockyards.
When I hooked in on that fish, I was hooting and hollering all over the place. That became my medicine. That became my strength.
Chad Brown
