Struggle Well

"Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg have built a remarkable organization to help those who have faced life's greatest challenges. Their open minds and dedication to innovation have produced Struggle Well, with personal accounts of how they have found ways to transform their own lives. In these stories, readers will find pathways toward their own transformations."

--Richard Tedeschi, PhD, Professor of Psychology, UNC Charlotte, author of The Posttraumatic Growth Workbook

"Struggle Well is a superb account of how two highly respected thought leaders are shifting our view of combat trauma from one of disorder and dysfunction to one of evolution and growth." 

--Dr. Bret A. Moore, former Army psychologist, Iraq War veteran, and author of Wheels Down: Adjusting to Life after Deployment

"At Boulder Crest Retreat, Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg have created a program that is truly revolutionary and effective. Most programs aim to help struggling veterans function in the aftermath of trauma. Boulder Crest is the first program that trains these veterans to grow from their experience, to use their trauma to become better people, and to lead more meaningful lives. Struggle Well, which reflects the authors' deep understanding of this complex problem, is a compelling and engaging read and crucial for anyone who is suffering in the aftermath of trauma."

--Jim Rendon, author of Upside: The New Science of Posttraumatic Growth

"Over the past four years, Ken and Josh have built a world-class program on the conviction that physical and mental trauma can actually present opportunities for personal transformation and growth. With leadership, training, and structure, they encourage, motivate, and inspire the confidence that helps people overcome life's challenges. Struggle Well is innovative, brilliant, and important--and it works."

--Admiral Eric Olson, US Navy (Retired), former Commander, United States Special Operations Command

"Having spent the majority of my life serving with and leading the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, I learned firsthand the difference between 'average' and 'outstanding.' The difference isn't about who gets knocked down but about who, after going down, gets back up stronger and better for their struggles, failures, or challenges. Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg address the attributes that make our military men and women absolutely remarkable, and provide a road map for growing from the challenges we face."

--General Hugh Shelton, US Army (Retired), 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

About the Authors:

KEN FALKE spent 21 years in the US Navy as a bomb disposal specialist.  After retiring from the Navy in 2002, Ken started and later sold A-T Solutions, a counter-terrorism company. In 2004, Ken founded the EOD Warrior Foundation to support the families of severely wounded military bomb disposal personnel. This work inspired Ken and his family to donate 37 acres of their estate in Bluemont, Virginia and millions of dollars to build Boulder Crest Retreat Virginia in 2013 – the nation’s first privately funded wellness center dedicated exclusively to combat veterans and their families— and go on to establish Boulder Crest Retreat Arizona and the Boulder Crest Institute in 2017.  

JOSH GOLDBERG is the Executive Director of the Boulder Crest Institute, which is dedicated to the advancement and application of the science of Posttraumatic Growth. After spending 11 years as a communications executive for two of the world’s biggest corporations, Josh's world came crashing down, as he grappled with severe anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Although Josh initially sought to get well by helping others, the veterans he was “helping” ended up saving his life. Their strength, integrity, and brotherhood helped Josh develop a deep and abiding sense of strength, and a new tribe. In 2013, Josh met Ken Falke, and soon after joined the staff of Boulder Crest. He ultimately led the development of Warrior PATHH, the nation's first-ever program designed to cultivate and facilitate Posttraumatic Growth amongst combat veterans. In 2017, Josh and Ken co-founded the Boulder Crest Institute, which seeks to help all those who struggle walk the road from struggle to profound strength and lifelong growth.