Written by: Natasha Lee, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In a climate where social media perception is real, we seek influencers who are raw and real. We are extremely delighted to showcase to our readers a man who understands that. PJ Cowan, host of “Raw and Real Vet Talk” podcast served 8.5 years in the US Army and then had to learn how to be a civilian again. During that time, PJ learned a lot of hard truths. Finding balance in life for many can be difficult, but even more so after the army. PJ taught himself that one of the most important things in life is to find a way to love yourself and do what makes you happy.
The Army Veteran, Divorced Parent, Fitness Trainer, Fitness Competitor, Chef, and now Podcast host recently launched his podcast “Raw and Real Vet Talk” which will give an insight into PJ’s world. In 2022, PJ decided not only does he have a raw and real story to tell, but there are so many out there that do as well.
With this newly launched and much-needed podcast, PJ is open, honest, and ready to speak on all those hard topics people are scared to speak about. You will hear about life in the Army, what it’s like to be a Divorced Dad, and being a child’s first teacher. His views on certain politics and how he sees the system when it comes to his kids. You will also learn why fitness became such a huge part of his life and why he enjoys training others. Raw and Real Vet Talk features guests from the Entertainment Industry, the Fitness Industry, Divorced Dads, Ex Veterans, and many more.
During an episode of the Raw and Real Vet Talk show that you host you talked about how health and fitness saved your life. We would love to hear about all things PJ Cowan and Fitness. What can you tell us about this industry you’ve dived into?
PJ: Fitness without a doubt saved my life. Coming back into civilian life I had to find something that was important to me. I finished school and was able to open Soulja Fit Lifestyle which exists to this day. I won my PRO status in one of the organizations and competed in a total of 8 shows. Fitness is something you must do for you. You can’t do it for a win, or because of someone else. You have to have a passion for it. Everyone I work with, and train is passionate about change, their programs are set for their needs and transformations. No person is alike.
Has it become easier or harder to discuss your experience as a Veteran? What things are you comfortable and not comfortable talking about publicly regarding this selfless and honorable experience you’ve dedicated your life to for our country?
PJ: Truthfully, I am an open book, there is nothing that I won’t discuss. Part of the reason I started Raw and Real Vet Talk is to purposely have those difficult conversations that people are scared to have. Nothing will change for us as Army Veterans if we don’t speak up and come together.
What social awareness topics have been on your mind lately? What steps are you taking to address these issues?
PJ: Wow I could go on and on with this one. Post Divorce is a huge part of my life at the moment, so bringing awareness to this topic is very important to me, especially when it comes to parents that struggle to co-parent, narcissistic parents, a parent who really doesn’t put their children first and only hurts their kids. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people going through this with no idea how to deal with it. It is tough. This will be an entire series on my podcast in the coming months. Again, I am an open book and look forward to letting others know they are not alone.
Why would you encourage audiences to check out upcoming episodes of Raw and Real Vet Talk?
PJ: It is simple, my podcast is geared towards real-life struggles, anything discussed on Raw and Real Vet Talk is from experience from myself and my guests. There are hundreds of Athletes, TV Personalities, Singers, Authors, etc that so many look up to, but the “fans”, the “supporters”, have no idea what these people’s past struggles look like, or maybe even their current ones. Some of these entertainers served in the military, some of them have divorce struggles, and many have traumas, but for them, they didn’t discuss it.
This show allows everyone to talk freely, open conversation, maybe a little debate, but at the end of the day, for those who are listening, I hope it makes them realize there are ways to get help, there are resources, but most of all, no one is alone.
Through the work that you do what have your learned recently that you would like to call to our reader’s attention?
PJ: There was a time before social media when I believe people were more aware of everything going on around them. I see so many people fixated on social media, wanting to look like a certain person, wanting the lives that someone else has. I am not a fan of those glued to their phones all day every day. When we were growing up, we played outside, had conversations at dinner, made plans, and talked on the phone. Our children are growing up in a society where you are defined by likes and comments and that is scary.
What is it about the work that you do that brings you the most joy?
PJ: I love helping people. I want to see more positivity in people’s lives. No one should feel like they can not do something. With Soulja Fit Lifestyle, helping people transform their lives is an incredible feeling. I know how fitness changed my life, so to help others physically, mentally, and emotionally is a powerful feeling.
Then with Raw and Real Vet Talk, it’s a chance for others to hear stories and conversations regarding Mental Health, Divorce, and other traumas and how real people have found their way through the storm to come out on the other end, hoping that will help even one person.
What would you like to say to your fellow Vets as well as active service members who read this article?
PJ: To understand the fight is not over. Do not let the civilian world get you down, because it can be tough as well, and what these Vets do has a lot of meaning whether they are active or not. It takes tough people to do what we do, and to be proud of who you are.
Any final thoughts you would like to leave our readers with?
PJ: DO YOU!! Make sure that everything you are doing in life is to make you happy. Make sure that you are putting yourself first because in life at the end of the day, it is easy to say we are our own worst enemy, I say make sure to make yourself a priority and love yourself.
Follow PJ Cowan on Instagram.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Natasha!
Natasha Lee, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Natasha Lee, a Business Enthusiast, Thought Leader, Speaker, Influencer, Philanthropist, Editor, Educator, and serial entrepreneur, is the proud Founder & CEO of Make Your Dreams Come True (MYDCT) & Being That Girl (That Girl). Make Your Dreams Come True (mydct.net) is an internationally known outsourcing firm. Professionals, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Fortune 50 and 500 companies outsource their business needs to the firm, and Natasha makes sure that it gets done! There is no project too small or too big for the firm. Now in regards to Being That Girl, the agency encourages, supports, and celebrates the success of women. The collaborative partnerships stretch from the USA to the UK. It's been a tremendous experience for Natasha to serve countless business owners and organizations over the last 15 years. Wearing many hats when servicing her clients and community, she's identified as a consultant, a mentor, coach, and cheerleader, and described as a Shero by many. Natasha and her team assist individuals and organizations daily, offering services that promote self-esteem and creating companies daily from idea to conception. When executing dreams, she is the missing antidote to business success. Services include call center, procurement and fulfillment, marketing, strategy, business development, sales, technical support, design, seo, training, programming, recruitment, pr/media, and new processes and services implementation. Natasha is always on the call; though complex, it keeps her busy doing good things. Natasha Lee continues to mentor individuals of all ages, helping them build self-esteem, chance their dreams, celebrate one another and create together.
