Stories of Change & Creativity

Todd Salzman - Slaying Dragons

Todd Salzman Episode 19

Todd Salzman is on a mission to help people deal with and understand depression and anxiety.  He knows about it first hand.  At the top of his game, Todd struggled with what he calls, the dragon. 

You can find Salzman's book, Slaying Dragons: A Layman's Guide to Understanding Depression and Anxiety and Killing It!,  on Amazon.

Book Description

One day while driving, Todd Salzman drifted toward a bridge abutment—fully ensnared in the dragon’s grip. An outside observer would have been shocked, because he was at the top of his personal and professional career. Deep down, however, he could barely take hold of his own life, and the realization that he almost took it drove him to seek help. In this guide to slaying the dragon, he gives the reader a glimpse into the often unknown and complex world of depression and anxiety. He shares his journey of seeking medical attention and therapy, within an institution where the warrior spirit reigns supreme, as well as his views on wellness. He explores how four aspects of wellness—physical, social, mental, and spiritual—can come together to strengthen the whole and create what he calls “The Adamas Effect”.

Bio - Todd Salzman

John T. (Todd) Salzman is a husband, father, author, mentor, and public/motivational speaker.  

He served 30 years in the USAF from 1982 to 2012 and attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest Air Force enlisted grade.  Todd logged over 2700 hours of instructor and evaluator time in KC-135R and deployed globally in support of numerous operations and contingencies.

As a Command Chief Master Sergeant, he was the key advisor to senior officers on the proper utilization, development, and training of assigned enlisted personnel.  While serving in the Pacific, Todd was instrumental in developing groundbreaking enlisted leadership development programs alongside sixteen US partner nations and allies.   His final assignment was at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he continued to advise the senior staff on enlisted issues and the leadership development of America's newest Air Force Second Lieutenants.

 Todd earned a bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Southern Colorado and a master's in Human Resource Development and Training from Webster University.

Todd is married to Kelly and has two children, Jadyn and Jared.

 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255


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