VET S.O.S. Podcast

Description:Tim Admire and Fitha Dahana-Ellis join the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how Wounded Warrior Project connects veterans and families to life-changing mental health care and support services. In this episode, we explore:• What happens when a veteran calls the WWP Resource Center• How Warrior Care Network delivers accelerated trauma treatment• The critical role spouses and family advoca...

Description:Jonny Ball joins VET S.O.S. to dive into veteran transition in the UK and share insights on mental health recovery, leadership, and global veteran support. In this episode, we explore:• The differences between UK and U.S. transition systems• Turning personal struggle into national policy impact• Building the UK Afghanistan Veterans Community• How industry partnerships are creating care...

Description:William “Stevo” Stephens joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into overcoming trauma, navigating military transition, and using storytelling as a tool for healing and impact. In this episode, we explore:•The challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life•The role of trauma, identity, and mental health in that journey•How writing, podcasting, and service can create p...

Description:Randy McElwee joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran entrepreneurship and share how military leadership systems can be applied to build successful businesses. In this episode, we explore:•The challenges of transitioning without a clear plan•How military skills translate into entrepreneurship success•Building structure, systems, and teams using Special Forces principlesWhethe...

Description:Kerry Steuart joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into overcoming PTSD, chronic pain, and loss of identity through yoga, mindfulness, and intentional living. In this episode, we explore:• How veterans can process trauma and rebuild their identity after service• The power of breathwork, meditation, and yoga for mental clarity and healing• How Live Bliss is helping veterans and communit...

Description:Wilson Bautista Jr. joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how veterans can successfully transition into cybersecurity careers and share insights on mentorship, career alignment, and overcoming transition challenges. In this episode, we explore:• The hidden challenges of military transition and mental health• Why traditional cybersecurity training often fails veterans• How the Cyber...

E.J. O’Brien joins the VET S.O.S. Network as part of the Military Effect Campaign to discuss career readiness, mentorship, and finding purpose after military service through FourBlock. In this episode, we explore:• Why military transition is a lifelong journey• How veterans can translate experience into civilian value• The power of mentorship, sponsorship, and community• Why purpose matters more t...

Description:Pedro Zambrano joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the power of authentic conversation, mentorship, and community through his initiative Veteran Coffee Connection. After serving 23 years in the Marine Corps, Pedro recognized how difficult military transition can be—even for those who think they’re prepared. Through weekly virtual gatherings, he now brings veterans together to sha...

Rich Possert, U.S. Navy veteran and Program Manager at Operation New Uniform, joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into military transition, mindset, and building meaningful post-service careers. In this episode, we explore:• Why mindset determines transition success• How veterans reclaim confidence after service• The power of networking and self-translation• Building careers and legacy beyond the...

Description: Matt Quick, retired Sergeant Major and military outreach leader for the Project Management Institute (PMI), joins the VET S.O.S. Network to discuss how service members can translate military leadership experience into civilian career success through project management. Drawing from 25 years of service across the Marine Corps and Army, Matt shares his personal transition journey and ex...

COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran peer support, leadership beyond the uniform, and the mission to reduce veteran suicide through connection and purpose. In this episode, we explore:• The power of peer support and veteran camaraderie• How Warriors for Life creates safe spaces for healing• Why transition struggles impact mental health• How veterans can conti...

Description:Derik Board joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the healing power of music and how creative storytelling can help veterans process their experiences and share their stories with the world. As the founder of Commemorate Through Chords, Derik helps veterans transform their military journeys into original songs that preserve their legacy and provide an outlet for healing. In this ep...

Christian Meza joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into legacy, loss, faith, and continued service through The Military Effect campaign. As a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient and Regional Impact Officer, Christian shares how personal grief became a lifelong mission to support military families. In this episode, we explore:• How military service impacts families long after the uniform comes of...

Description:Jane Babcock joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into one of the most critical topics for veterans and their families: understanding VA benefits that are often overlooked. A U.S. Army veteran and former County Veteran Service Officer, Jane spent more than a decade helping veterans successfully file VA claims and access the benefits they earned. Today, she continues educating the veter...

Kerry Steuart joins the VET S.O.S. Network to explore how yoga, breathwork, and intentional living can help veterans heal from PTSD, chronic pain, and the invisible wounds of military service. In this episode, we explore: • How breathwork calms the nervous system and reduces trauma • Why self-care is a strategic survival skill for veterans • The role mindfulness plays in post-military identity • H...

Description:Marine Corps veteran Ashton Kroner joins the VET S.O.S. Network to discuss the mission behind the Veteran Cancer Network and the urgent need for better cancer detection and resources within the veteran community. After her husband was diagnosed with late-stage cancer following a misdiagnosis, Ashton helped launch a nonprofit dedicated to improving early cancer screening, veteran awaren...

Evie King, President of Independent (InDependent) and 2023 Military Spouse of the Year, joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into military spouse wellness, leadership, and holistic wellbeing as part of The Military Effect campaign. In this episode, we explore: • Why military spouse wellness must be addressed holistically • How education and access reduce wellness disparities • Mental health, nutri...

Anna Larson joins the VET S.O.S. Network for a milestone Episode 200, bringing long-overdue attention to the realities military spouses face during transition. As the founder of MilSpouse Transition, Anna shares how military transition impacts not just service members—but spouses, children, careers, identity, and wellbeing. From sudden ETS decisions to retirement, healthcare gaps, and employment c...

James “Bart” Bartelloni joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how surf therapy, community connection, and alternative healing modalities are helping veterans recover from PTSD and TBI.In this episode, we explore: • Surf therapy as a tool for presence and neurological healing • Why community matters more than isolation after transition • Sound, frequency, and biohacking approaches to wellness •...

Eryck Stamper joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how therapeutic beekeeping is helping veterans and first responders heal from trauma, rediscover purpose, and rebuild life after service. In this episode, we explore: • Military transition challenges and identity after service • How nature-based and agricultural therapy supports mental health • The science and psychology behind beekeeping as...

Melissa A. Washington joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how connection, visibility, and purpose shape life after military service for women veterans. A Navy veteran and founder of Women Veterans Alliance, Melissa shares powerful insights on navigating transition, building resilient communities, and creating a legacy of impact. In this episode, we explore: • Why women veterans need communit...

Leah Stiles, retired Navy Senior Chief and founder of Sea Waves, joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into one of the most overlooked and misunderstood challenges facing service members and veterans—eating disorders and their impact on mental health, readiness, and suicide prevention. In this episode, we explore:• Why eating disorders are often hidden in military culture• The connection between tr...

Josh Perschbacher joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into why connection—not duplication—is the missing link in military transition. As a Navy veteran and founder of VetWork, Josh shares how regional ecosystems, mentorship, and smarter coordination help veterans move from service to purpose-driven civilian careers. In this episode, we explore: • Why veterans shouldn’t have to choose between jobs...

Laura Lindsey joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how kayak fishing and outdoor recreation are helping veterans and first responders heal from trauma, reconnect with community, and find peace beyond traditional treatment models. In this episode, we explore:• Why nature-based therapy reduces PTSD and anxiety• How Heroes on the Water removes barriers to access• The power of community and famil...

Valerie Lavin joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into what it truly means to serve after military service ends. A retired U.S. Army First Sergeant turned entrepreneur and nonprofit leader, Valerie shares hard truths about military transition, leadership identity, and finding purpose beyond the uniform. In this episode, we explore: • The hidden realities veterans face after retirement • Why leade...