Rewiring the Past: How an Air Force Veteran Transformed Trauma Through Mind Change
When we experience deep loss, our minds often freeze the moment in time.
The scene replays again and again—anchored in pain, guilt, or survival. But what if healing isn’t about forgetting the past, but changing how the mind holds it?
In this powerful episode of The Mind Change Podcast, host Heather McKean sits down with Air Force veteran Matt Jefson to explore one of the most transformative aspects of healing: rewiring the past.
The Day That Changed Everything
On January 21, 2007, a Blackhawk helicopter was shot down, claiming the lives of 13 of Matt’s friends. For 18 years, that memory defined him—fueling isolation, hypervigilance, and the haunting feeling that he was “always preparing to go back.”
“I couldn’t talk about it without being pulled right back into it,” Matt shares. “It wasn’t just a memory—it was my identity.”
The Power of rewiring
Through the Mind Change process, Matt discovered that while he couldn’t change what happened, he could rewire it.
The same image that once triggered pain became a story of honor and connection. He was no longer the sufferer of loss, but the carrier of stories.
That shift changed everything—how his body responded, how his emotions flowed, and how he related to the world around him. He could talk about the past without being hijacked by it. He could attend events again. He could finally feel at home.
Healing the Brain, Not Just the Story
Heather and Matt dive deep into how trauma imprints on the subconscious mind, and why rewiring literally rewires the brain’s emotional pathways.
Trauma isn’t just about what happened—it’s about how the brain continues to interpret it. When that interpretation shifts, so does the entire emotional and physical response.
“You can’t change the picture,” Heather explains, “but you can change how your mind holds it—and that changes everything.”
The Ripple Effect of Healing
Matt’s transformation didn’t stop with him. His wife, after witnessing the change in him, began her own healing journey.
This is one of the most beautiful truths about emotional work: when one person heals, it ripples through the family system. Safety and connection spread outward, reshaping relationships at every level.
For Veterans, First Responders, and Anyone Living with Loss
This episode is a message of hope and possibility for anyone who’s lived through trauma or loss. Whether you’re a veteran, a first responder, or simply someone who feels stuck in old pain, the Mind Change process offers a new way forward.
It’s not about erasing memories—it’s about reclaiming meaning, restoring peace, and rewiring the brain for healing.
Key Takeaways
🧠 You can’t change the event—but you can change how your mind holds it.
🎖️ Rewiring transforms trauma into meaning and connection.
⚡ Triggers can become signals for awareness, not enemies.
🏠 True healing creates safety in the mind and body.
💔 Change within one person can inspire healing across a family.
