Army Veteran, PJ Cowan’s military career started in 1999 when he signed up for the Infantry fresh out of high school. He began his basic training & AIT in Fort Benning, Georgia. Following that he went to Fort Carson, Colorado where he got his EIB(expert infantryman badge) during his first year with his unit. PJ was able to fast-track and received the NCO Sergeant and team leader role. During his time at Fort Carson, he was deployed to Iraq for a year. Following his time there he was sent to Georgia as part of the National Guard. That didn’t last long as PJ decided after two months that it wasn’t for him. In 2005 he was then deployed back to Iraq for a year. While in Iraq he received his combat infantry badge. Things however quickly changed when PJ was injured and had to go through two surgeries on his leg. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, the surgeries were not successful and PJ had to retire from the military.
Heading back into full-on civilian life after leaving the Military,PJ decided to put his heart and soul into the Fitness Industry. He got into coaching football, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.
Unfortunately, due to personal family issues and a rough divorce, he had to pull back from his coaching. However where there is a will there’s a way and In 2014, PJ opened Soulja Fit starting off with his supplements. With his passion for fitness, he decided to compete in 2015 with the WBFF and turned PRO. PJ not only competed in 8 shows but also worked many of them as a stage manager or MC. During this time he began taking on clients. He was training those who wanted to compete and put many clients on stage. He was training those who wanted a lifestyle change and those looking for a transformation. As if that isn’t enough he also has done meal prep and nutritional coaching including being a private chef.
In 2022 PJ decided not only does he have a story to tell, but there are so many out there that do as well and just aren’t given that platform. He decided that he would launch “Raw and Real Vet Talk”.
2023 is looking bright for PJ Cowan. You can train with PJ, hear his voice on Raw and Real Vet Talk Podcast and there’s so much more to come!
Congratulations on the launch of your new podcast show Raw and Real Vet Talk.” We thank you and your guests for your service! So far you’ve interviewed quite a few military and navy service members. What has the experience been like for you hosting the show?
PJ: It has been a cool experience speaking with fellow Veterans and understanding their stories and struggles in the Military. Even more so it makes me realize I am not alone in my feelings about returning to civilian life.
We all share similarities in our struggles and found a love for fitness, which I find incredible. What I have been really enjoying is finding out how other veterans adapted to returning to civilian life and what they see for their futures as well as what they have going on project-wise in their lives.
What have been some powerful conversations that came up during the first few episodes?
PJ: I have learned a lot from my guests so far, a lot of conversation with Military Veterans, mental health struggles, etc. Coming up we have some conversations about alcohol addiction and those who have overcome it. In particular, one conversation that was truly powerful was with Merryl Tengesdal who served in both the Navy and Air Force. She is the first and only African American Woman to fly the U.S Air Force U-2 Aircraft. It was a pleasure speaking to her as she gave her perspective on why she thinks the percentage of women in the military aviation is low. In 2020 women made up less than 7% of all military pilots and women of color made up less than 0.2%.
What more can we be on the lookout for as Raw and Real Vet Talk continue to grow?
PJ: Much more conversation relating to the Military and Fitness. More people with different traumas from Mental Health issues, especially more men and their points of view on dealing with Mental Health, as well as Alcohol and Drug addiction, Single Dad’s, Post Divorce, being in the spotlight, and more. All things Raw and Real.
What is your current take on the support and resources available to Veterans?
PJ: Straight up, the system sucks and the resources for Veterans are extremely difficult to get to. It is basically going through another way to utilize these so-called resources we have access to. We fight for our Country and put our lives on the line, which let me make clear was my choice and I am thankful I did that, so it is very disappointing that when we need help having access to it is seemingly unimportant and a struggle. We need to do better to help those who fought for their Country.
In addition to the talk show, what else has been going on in the world of PJ Cowan as of late?
PJ: I am currently enjoying time with my tribe (my two teenage kids), focusing on Soulja Fit lifestyle and training clients as well as doing nutritional meal prep, and doing culinary school to improve my skills as a chef. I am always busy and learning.
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is honored in the Month of July. What self-care advice would you have for our beloved Vets struggling to transition back to civilian life?
PJ: It is so important to find a support group in your area. No one knows us like us. It takes strong people to go into the Military, but coming out and into the Civilian Life can be difficult. It is a struggle that only we understand, and a support group is the best way to communicate your feelings so that others will understand.
For me as well, on days that are rough, I enjoy the gym, lifting weights and just spending time alone focusing on myself. Can’t lie a shot of Hennessy or Tequila here and there isn’t a bad idea either.
And you can always check out my podcast on YouTube here: RawAndRealVetalk — YouTube or on Spotify.
Follow on Instagram @cowanpj_ and @raw_and_real_vettalk
