DAV Podcast

This 4 th of 6 episodes of DAV Podcast: Benefits of the Doubt , uncovers the forgotten origins and chaotic evolution of American veterans' healthcare . Our story centers on Delphine Baker, an unsung 19th-century visionary who, through her "Power Petition," pressed President Abraham Lincoln and influential public figures to pass the National Asylum Act of 1865, establishing the crucial principle th...

In this powerful episode of the DAV Podcast, we sit down with Marine veteran Hector and his wife, Mary, to explore the raw reality of navigating life after military service, severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and mental health challenges . From an unexpected initial meeting to enduring multiple combat- and service-related injuries, Hector's journey illustrates the invisible wounds of war, while...

In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Todd Hunter sits down with VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence for an In-depth look at he Department of Veterans Affairs' massive Electronic Health REcord rollout. The discussion breaks down how the VA is overhauling its federal healthcare infrastructure to streamline operations across 164 medical centers yb 2031. Learn how standardizid technology, centralize...

In this third chapter of a six-part series on the history of veteran benefits,   Benefits of the Doubt explores the high-stakes post–Civil War era . Discover how early administrative hurdles, landmark legislation like the Arrears Act of 1879, and widespread fraud investigations transformed a modest Pension Bureau into a federal powerhouse consuming 40% of the U.S. budget . From the groundbreaking...

In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Matt Saintsing sits down with Army veteran and full-time artist Sam Juan to explore the cutting edge of psychedelic-assisted healing and veteran mental health. Juan details her incredible military journey—from navigating her initial service prior to citizenship to operating as part of a pilot Cultural Support Team attached to Joint Special Operations Comman...

From a bullet-shattered future president in colonial garb to the 19th-century equivalent of a viral shame campaign, Chapter 2, "The Era of Good Feelings (and even better benefits!)" of the six-part Benefits of the Doubt podcast series exposes the dramatic turning points that rescued American veteran care from local charity . Host Jonathan Kaupanger details how President James Monroe used a masterc...

From naked queens and legal piracy to tattered uniforms on city streets, Benefits of the Doubt is a six-part historical podcast by DAV that proves the 250-year evolution of American veteran benefits is anything but boring . Launched in lockstep with America's 250th anniversary, this gripping series renews the sacred contract between the nation and those who paid for its freedom . Ditching dry poli...

In this episode of the DAV podcast, host Matt Saintsing sits down with Dr. Amelia Hall, a scholar and faculty advisor for the student veterans' group at Naropa University, to explore a transformative, holistic approach to veteran care . Rather than treating veterans from the premise that they are "broken," Dr. Hall highlights how specialized spiritual, therapeutic, and psychedelic-assisted care gi...

This episode of the DAV Podcast features a powerful discussion on the future of veteran mental health and the emerging role of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Host Rob Lewis sits down with veteran Noah Galloway to explore his transformative experience with ibogaine in Mexico, a potent plant medicine known for its ability to reset the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anx...

In this episode of the DAV podcast , we explore the critical legal protections and everyday challenges facing veterans with service dogs . Featuring a firsthand account from Army veteran William McCasland, the discussion highlights a recent case of service dog discrimination at a hotel in Mississippi, where a handler faced pushback despite adhering to ADA rules . Angelica Williams from the Departm...

This episode of the DAV Podcast explores the urgent and evolving landscape of military brain health through a partnership between DAV and the Invisible Wounds Foundation . Host Brian Buckwalter is joined by Dr. James Kelly, a leading expert in brain health, to discuss the signature injury of post-9/11 service: traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repetitive blast exposure . The conversation dives into...

This episode of the DAV podcast , hosted by Matt Saintsing , provides an inside look at the legislative advocates working on behalf of veterans in Washington, D.C. The discussion introduces the new leadership team, including National Legislative Director Jon Retzer and Deputy National Legislative Director Naomi Mathis , who share how their personal experiences as disabled veterans and former servi...

In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Jonathan Kaupanger dives into the "Sudoku from Hell"—the VA's complex Schedule for Rating Disabilities—to help veterans and their families make sense of "VA Math." Joined by Andrew Clark, DAV's Assistant National Service Director, the discussion pulls back the curtain on the Combined Ratings Table and the "whole person theory," explaining why multiple disab...

Content Warning This podcast contains detailed discussions of sensitive topics, including combat experiences, childhood trauma, and substance abuse. It also includes a first-hand account of a mental health crisis involving a firearm and thoughts of suicide. In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Matt Saintsing sits down with Justin, a combat veteran who served as an infantry Marine in Fallujah a...

This DAV Podcast episode "It's Medicine, Not Dope" features a profoundly honest conversation with Gigi, a U.S. Army veteran who served for over 22 years, about her struggle with complex treatment-resistant PTSD, depression, and anxiety stemming from multiple sexual assaults both in and out of uniform, and the demanding work of body identification at the Dover Port Mortuary. Gigi recounts her long...

This podcast episode features Jenna Naranjo Winters , who discusses her documentary, Dream. Touch. Believe. , about her father, Michael Naranjo . Michael is a world-renowned sculptor and a Vietnam veteran who was blinded by a grenade explosion during his service. Despite this profound injury, he became a celebrated artist, relying entirely on touch to create his stunning clay sculptures. Jenna sha...

This DAV podcast episode focuses on disaster risks relevant to veterans, offering key information on understanding these threats and accessing emergency assistance through DAV and the VA. It explores the unique challenges veterans face during and after natural disasters—including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and ice storms—which are common in disaster-prone areas like California, Texas, and Flor...

Her Service: the Cold War dives into the 44-year history of the Cold War, a tense standoff between two global superpowers. Host Jonathan Kaupanger uses a mix of historical facts, unconventional analogies, and humor to describe this era as a "white-knuckled staring contest." The episode, featuring military historian and retired U.S. Army Colonel Christine Cook, shines a spotlight on the often-overl...

In this episode of the DAV podcast, host Matt Saintsing interviews Chas Henry, author of "Fuji Fire: Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy." The discussion centers on the devastating fire at Camp Fuji, Japan, in 1979, which killed 13 Marines and injured 60 more. Henry, a Marine Corps veteran and had previously been stationed at the same camp, explains how his personal connection t...

For years, traditional therapies have fallen short for veterans battling the invisible wounds of war: PTSD , depression, and anxiety. Now, there's a new path forward. Join us on this episode of the DAV Podcast as we dive into the groundbreaking world of psychedelic-assisted therapy . From this year's National Convention, Matt Saintsing hosts a panel exploring this innovative shift in mental health...

This DAV Podcast episode features veteran advocate Jeff Slotnick, a combat engineer whose military service led to an unexpected health battle : a stage four cancer diagnosis linked to environmental toxins from Middle East deployment and other service-related exposures . This must-listen interview delves into his cancer journey , highlighting the critical need for early detection and presumptive co...

Her Service - the Civil War, digs into the lives of two extraordinary Civil War figures: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker and Sarah Emma Edmonds. Dr. Walker, the U.S. Army's first female surgeon, bravely challenged societal norms by insisting on wearing practical "bloomers" instead of skirts, enduring ostracization and even a four-month imprisonment as a spy at Castle Thunder for crossing battle lines to t...

In this compelling DAV Podcast episode, "Whispers from Vietnam The Nurses' Stories," we honor the often-overlooked service of women Vietnam veterans , predominantly nurses, who comprised 90% of female deployments to Southeast Asia. Join host Elizabeth DePompei as she speaks with Donna Koff, Linda Schwartz, and Diane Carlson Evans , who share powerful firsthand accounts of their Vietnam War experie...

Join Brian Buckwalter on the DAV Podcast for an incredible story of resilience and purpose as he speaks with  Jarod Behe e . Twenty years ago, an enemy sniper's bullet in Iraq nearly took Jarod's life. This episode goes beyond mere survival, exploring Jarod's remarkable journey of recovery and how he built a life of unwavering strength in community and dedicated service. From his challenging thera...

This DAV podcast episode, hosted by Jonathan Kaupanger with guests Matt Jahn and Steve Wolf, demystifies the crucial Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for veterans seeking disability benefits. The discussion covers what a C&P exam is, its purpose, how to prepare, common pitfalls like downplaying symptoms, and veterans' rights during the exam. The hosts and guests also address common complaints a...