Tracer Burnout

In this Quick Hit, we speak with Dr. Daphne Ryan, a spinal specialist, physiotherapist, holder of many other medical titles, and founder of SmartBacX Labs. We discuss the constant evolution of treatment for neck and spine injuries, particularly for service members.  https://smartbacx.com/ Theme song by EduardBykovets via Pixabay. Support the show https://tracerburnout.com/

For this episode, we hit the road again, but this time southward to the "other" Carolina. We sit down with Air Force veteran and South Carolina State Senator, Mr. Jeff Zell, and talk about his childhood struggles in Ohio, his twin brother inspiring him to enlist, how setting incremental goals ensured his success, and how a corndog vending carnie came to be in responsible for countless mi...

In this Tracer Burnout Quick Hit, we sit down with Army veteran and comedian, Mr. Dennis Vee. We discuss how a kid from the Bronx projects winds up using comedy to support veterans, how he’s helping raise money for the Bobby Henline Foundation, the time he bombed on stage at an open mic night, and his unabashed love of everything Mel Brooks. https://www.laughitoff.org/ https://forgingforward.org/...

“That was the hardest year of my whole life. Not my career; my whole life.” In this episode we welcome Army veteran, Mr. Brian Peacoe, into the studio to tell us about how a high school pregnancy and an Air Force commercial changed his life. He talks about being a medic that is averse to blood, his dog being arrested, being a glutton for punishment, and how all the ups-and-downs were worth is just...

In this Quick Hit, we talk with modern day Renaissance woman and Texas State Guardsman, Mrs. Jerah Turner. She tells us about the wild career path that led her to become a firearms trainer and a staunch Second Amendment defender, where feminism went wrong, the finest of bourbons and cigars, and wrap up with the ongoing flood relief efforts in Texas. Kerr County relief: https://cftexashillcountry.f...

“Our safety regulations are written in blood.” We finally captured our unicorn! In this episode, we welcome Navy veteran and submariner Mr. Ross “Rusty” Orvik into our virtual studio. He shares his journey of growing up with an insatiable curiosity for the deep, how New York winters compelled him to leave active service, and how 9/11 kept him in the Reserves. We delve into the fascinating science...

In this Quick Hit, we welcome serial consultant, author, and former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC), Mr. John Wayne Troxell, to the studio. We ask him the toughest questions he has ever faced: What is the correct way to make a martini? Why is fusion cuisine awful? Who was the best 007? What is the origin of his obsession with karaoke? And, of course, is the enigmatic Space Force rea...

“If nothing else, don’t lie to oneself.”  In this episode, we speak with Army veteran, Kurt Ballash. We discuss how the military gave a two-time felon a chance to turn his life around, his widely diverse experiences in the Army from explosive detection with dogs to being a medical NCO in Civil Affairs and his bittersweet exit from the service. We also discuss how his late wife helped him find his...

In this Quick Hit, Dan forgets that 'Once a Marine, Always a Marine' while we talk with Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Jeremy Stalnecker. We discuss his own tough transition out of the service and the great work that Mighty Oaks Foundation is doing for veterans, first responders, and their families. Jeremy also tells us about the joys of running 22 marathons in 22 days to raise awareness of t...

“This is where it gets real.” In this episode, Field Artilleryman and author, Joseph Fontenot, joins us in the virtual studio to tell us how a bayou bass player became an “infantilleryman” in Afghanistan. We discuss everything from Paladins in South Korea to Drill Sergeant duty in South Carolina; and from combat overseas to returning home and fighting the war within. We also talk about his upcomin...

In this Quick Hit, Lynn Marilla joins us in the virtual studio to tell us about Eagle Rock Camp. From art therapy and family crests to date nights with pumpkin creme brûlée, we discuss Eagle Rock's mission to help veteran families heal their wounds together. https://eaglerockcamp.org/ Theme song by EduardBykovets via Pixabay. Support the show https://tracerburnout.com/

“Jacob was my best friend. I carried him.” In this year’s Memorial Day episode, we speak with a Gold Star mother and brother about Lance Corporal Jacob Levy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011. They tell us about how 9/11 stirred an obsession in eleven-year-old Jacob, how the Lumbee Tribe honors all veterans, some of the difficulties Gold Star families go through after losing someone, and the d...

In this Quick Hit episode, we speak with Ms. Mallory Crabtree whose father, SFC Daniel Crabtree, was killed in Iraq when she was barely a year old. She tells us about some of the hardships she faced growing up without her dad, the things her family did to preserve his memory for her, the largest Star Wars collection in Ohio, and a little advice for other Gold Star children. Theme song by EduardByk...

"Radical trauma requires radical treatment." In this episode we talk with Navy fighter pilot and founder of the No Fallen Heroes foundation, Mr. Matthew "Whiz" Buckley. He tells us about growing up watching for Soviet bombers off the Jersey shore, the disaster-laden start to his Navy career, the sheer terror of a night landing on an aircraft carrier, and the challenges of atten...

In this Quick Hit, we welcome the Executive Director of the Hunter Seven Foundation, Mr. Tim Pachasa, into our virtual studio. We talk about the foundation's beginnings, it's namesake, their noble goal of early detection and treatment of cancer in GWOT veterans, and Tim's personal goal of having an all-in-one campus for all veteran needs. Theme song by EduardBykovets via Pixabay. Su...

“Combat’s not all that fun sometimes.” In this episode, we speak with Army veteran and Green Beret, Mr. Chuck Ritter. We discuss how $70k in credit card fraud landed him in the infantry, why you should always inspect your equipment, the importance of planning, why you should be selfish sometimes, his non-negotiable principles, the meaning of an old Greek word and missing mop buckets? In the Free F...

In this Quick Hit, we welcome Jenna Carlton aka The Millennial Veteran, into our virtual studio. We discuss her time in the US Navy, authoring The Veteran Workbook, the pros and cons of social media, and her efforts to bring women veterans back into the larger veteran community one cake pop at a time. Theme song by EduardBykovets via Pixabay. Support the show https://tracerburnout.com/

“I had to prioritize my trauma.” In this episode, we speak with Air Force veteran Mrs. Jessica Guidone. We discuss how being a "hot mess" in ROTC leads to running a newspaper, advising senior officers as a young lieutenant, trying not to tip over small islands, handling trauma after tragedy, how a dad demanding a handshake can change your life… plus poetry and coloring books? In the Free...

In this Quick Hit, we welcome US Army Colonel Christina Fanitzi into our virtual studio. In observance of April being the Month of the Military Child, we discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a dual military family with a child with spina bifida. We also talk about some lessons learned along the way.  Theme song by EduardBykovets via Pixabay. Support the show https://tracerburnout.com/

“You can lie to me, you even can lie to yourself, but you can’t lie to the horses.” In this episode, we speak with Marine Corps veteran Mr. Michael Parker. We discuss the ludicrous amount of labor required to keep an Osprey flying, red flags and the poor choices that got him tossed in the brig, homelessness and mentorship in Hawaii, using horses to help veterans heal, and transforming unruly pups...

In this Quick Hit, we welcome back fan favorite, Josh Martin. Fresh off of his victories at the 2025 Invictus Games, Josh tells us about his start in adaptive sports, the Invictus Games experience, and where he's taking his talent next. Theme song by EduardBykovets via Pixabay. Support the show https://tracerburnout.com/

“This is it? Okay then, now what?” It’s the final episode from our road trip and we’re in Charlottesville at the Aerial Resupply Coffee roastery. We speak with Army veteran and ARC owner, Mr. Mike Klemmer. We discuss being a broken-hearted college dropout, having a military specialty that gets phased out, driving through mine fields, building a Foward Operating Base from the ground up, and how to...

In this Quick Hit, we have the one and only Ben Owen in our virtual studio. We discuss how he’s “buying back the block“ in some of the worst areas of Memphis, how he’s combatting human trafficking, and much more. If you want to support his latest effort, please click the Kickstarter link below and make a pledge/donation. Please hurry, it expires soon! Kickstarter: http://kck.st/4ikvgFC https://wef...

Former Army Ranger Warren Cash is in our virtual studio to discuss Hurricane Helene’s aftermath in western North Carolina and how his small team is making a big difference helping those who need it most.  If you are interested in helping his team, email them at: prayersforappalachia@gmail.com or their Facebook page at Queen City Strength.   Theme song by EduardBykovets via Pixabay. Support the sho...

"I had a hit-man tell me that I needed to find God." *This episode discusses the very serious topics of sex trafficking and exploitation of children. Our guest was a federal prosecutor with a focus on those heinous crimes. Please proceed with caution. All of the legal details are accurate to the best of Mr. Jones’ recollection.* In the first episode of our recent road trip, we're at...