Welcome to an eye-opening episode of Project Sapient, where we dive deep into high-performance under pressure. This episode features an incredible conversation with Chris Wagner, a neuroscientist and performance coach, and Dave Abarbanel, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and endurance athlete—co-founders of SAPIEN Recovery.

Chris holds a Master’s in Neuroscience from Columbia University and has extensive experience as a brain rehabilitation technician and certified exercise physiologist. He’s coached elite athletes across military, collegiate, and professional levels, bringing evidence-based neuroscience to optimize physical and cognitive performance.

Dave’s path brings elite resilience from the battlefield—serving as a Green Beret and an enlisted infantry soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces—paired with sharp strategic thinking from his time at McKinsey & Company and the Wharton School. He’s also an Ironman triathlete who understands performance under the most grueling conditions.

Together, they developed Sapien, a groundbreaking, nutrient-dense supplement formulated to rebalance the nervous system, improve heart rate variability, and sharpen both mental and physical performance. In this episode, we explore the intersection of neuroscience, stress physiology, and nutritional psychiatry—and why it matters for first responders, military professionals, and anyone operating in high-stress environments.

Through personal stories and scientific insight, Chris and Dave unpack how nutrition can be a powerful tool for building resilience, sustaining clarity, and supporting those who protect and serve.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Tune in and learn how to fuel your nervous system for optimal performance—on and off the battlefield.

SHOW NOTES:

SAPIEN – Train every day. Recover while you sleep. SAPIEN Recovery offers a science-driven, whole-food supplement crafted specifically for the nervous system—designed to support recovery, enhance sleep quality, and boost both physical performance and mental resilience

You’ll find:

• Nightly recovery blend made from whole foods and targeted nutrients—such as omega‑3 DHA, ashwagandha, curcumin, magnesium, and vitamin D—designed to rebalance the autonomic nervous system and improve sleep, heart rate variability, endurance, strength, and focus.

• Clear commitment to quality—no added sugars, fillers, artificial flavors, gluten, dyes, stevia, or monk fruit.

• Straightforward product line—choosing between single jars and travel packs, backed by a money-back guarantee if results don’t show within 15 days.

Website: https://sapienrecovery.com/sca_ref=8961943.CDdyQgTmkvI9C

Use coupon code: PROJECTSAPIENT10

CONTACT INFO: dave@sapienrecovery.com

chris@sapienrecovery.com

IG: @sapienrecovery

LinkedIn: @SAPIEN

In this compelling episode of Project Sapient, the host, Ayman Kafel, welcomes Ben and Jess Owens, the dynamic duo behind several successful businesses and non-profits aimed at combating addiction and human trafficking. Their journey from the depths of addiction to becoming beacons of hope and change serves as a testament to the power of purpose and resilience.

The conversation delves into the inception of Owen's Army, a groundbreaking initiative designed to apply tactics that have been working in Memphis that combat drugs, addiction and human trafficking. With their strategic approach, Ben and Jess are leading an effort to transform communities, focusing on rebuilding lives and fostering connections at the grassroots level.

Listeners will be inspired by the Owens’ emphasis on finding one’s purpose as a crucial step towards overcoming personal demons. They share their unique insights into the recovery process, underscoring the importance of human connection and the role of community in supporting those battling addiction and trauma.

The episode highlights the potential for law enforcement, veterans, and civilians to collaborate in creating meaningful, lasting change. As the discussion unfolds, it becomes clear that the Owens are not just fighting a battle against addiction and trafficking; they are building a movement that encourages everyone to step up and be a part of the solution.

SHOW NOTES:

Website: https://owenarmy.com/

https://wefightmonsters.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@monsterfighters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wefightmonsters.org?checkpoint_src=any

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Supporters:

Police Supply Store | Law Enforcement Supplies (aaapolicesupply.com)

Use SAPIENT2025 for a discount on your entire order

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The Havok Journal • The Voice of the Veteran Community

The Havok Journal serves as the Voice of the Veteran Community by focusing on current affairs and articles of interest to the public in general and the veteran community in particular. We strive to offer timely, current, and informative content, with the occasional piece focused on entertainment. We are continually expanding and striving to improve the readers’ experience.

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Home - The Second Mission Foundation

The Second Mission Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to educate, elevate, and advocate for members of America’s Service Community to help them find their “second mission” after government service.

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Visit Project Sapient's Website for announcements, training opportunities, and SWAG:

Project Sapient

Email: contact@projectsapient.com

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Home - 22Mohawks

To us, the mohawk represents the outlier – the person who is not afraid to go against the grain, rise up for what they believe in, and stand tall in the face of adversity. Veterans, First Responders, and those who support them embody the mohawk. When you get a mohawk in support of veteran and first responder suicide prevention, you become a part of a movement that is greater than oneself.

22Mohawks is proud to assist veterans and first responders who need help navigating everyday life's struggles.

Email: dave@22mohawks.com

In this episode of Project Sapient, join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Chad Ballestrazze, the founder of Beyond the Trek. Chad shares his journey from an 18-year career in Army Special Operations to creating a leadership and human performance company. Discover the values of discipline, resilience, and integrity as Chad discusses the lessons learned from seven deployments and how they apply to leading teams with purpose.

The episode explores the vital need for mental and physical fitness in high-stress professions like military and law enforcement. Chad emphasizes the importance of shared hardship and personal discipline, providing insights into preparing for, during, and after traumatic events.

Tune in to hear about breaking the stigma of mental health in first responder communities, the significance of learning from failures, and the drive to inspire the next generation of leaders. Whether you're in the military, law enforcement, or just interested in leadership development, this episode offers valuable perspectives on character and resilience.

SHOW NOTES:

Beyond the Trek Website: Beyond The Trek – Creating Better Americans through Discipline, Resilience & Leadership

Email: team@beyondthetrek.co

Instagram: Beyond The Trek ™️ | Human Performance & Leadership Development (@beyondthetrek) • Instagram photos and videos

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Supporters:

Police Supply Store | Law Enforcement Supplies (aaapolicesupply.com)

Use SAPIENT2025 for a discount on your entire order

_______________________________________________________________________________________

The Havok Journal • The Voice of the Veteran Community

The Havok Journal serves as the Voice of the Veteran Community by focusing on current affairs and articles of interest to the public in general and the veteran community in particular. We strive to offer timely, current, and informative content, with the occasional piece focused on entertainment. We are continually expanding and striving to improve the readers’ experience.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Home - The Second Mission Foundation

The Second Mission Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to educate, elevate, and advocate for members of America’s Service Community to help them find their “second mission” after government service.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Visit Project Sapient's Website for announcements, training opportunities, and SWAG:

Project Sapient

Email: contact@projectsapient.com

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Home - 22Mohawks

To us, the mohawk represents the outlier – the person who is not afraid to go against the grain, rise up for what they believe in, and stand tall in the face of adversity. Veterans, First Responders, and those who support them embody the mohawk. When you get a mohawk in support of veteran and first responder suicide prevention, you become a part of a movement that is greater than oneself.

22Mohawks is proud to assist veterans and first responders who need help navigating everyday life's struggles.

Email: dave@22mohawks.com