Veteran Success Story

Summary In this episode, Will speaks with Joseph Fontenot, author of 'Sons of the Argandab', about his experiences in Afghanistan, the importance of storytelling for veterans, and the impact of war on mental health. They discuss the bonds formed in combat, the challenges of writing about traumatic experiences, and the necessity of community support for veterans. Joseph shares his journey of writin...

Summary In this episode of Veteran Success Story, Will reflects on the current state of chaos and uncertainty in society, discussing the implications of political division, immigration issues, and the importance of community action. He emphasizes the need for individuals to stand up for their values and to be proactive in their communities, rather than relying solely on leadership from above. Will...

Summary In this episode of Veteran Success Story, host Will Yeske speaks with Juan Perez, a veteran coach and founder of Vet Rise Academy. They discuss Juan's journey from military service to becoming a police officer and eventually a coach for veterans. The conversation delves into the struggles of transitioning to civilian life, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for veterans...

Summary In this conversation, John Wayne Troxell, the third Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shares his journey through military leadership, the evolution of the SEAC role, and the importance of integrity in leadership. He emphasizes the need for soldiers to own their careers, the challenges faced by transitioning service members, and the significance of giving...

Summary In this episode, Will interviews Jared Reinhart from the Heroic Hearts Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing veterans access to psychedelic therapy. They discuss the mission of the organization, the importance of set and setting in psychedelic experiences, and the profound impact these therapies can have on veterans dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues. Jared...

Summary In this conversation, Will and Tim Kolzak discuss the importance of storytelling in the veteran community, exploring Tim's journey with the Veterans Project. They delve into the power of sharing personal experiences, the significance of community support, and the lessons learned from leadership and adversity. Tim shares impactful stories of resilience and triumph from veterans, emphasizing...

Summary In this episode, Ruben Ayala shares his inspiring journey from being a special forces operator to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for diversity in the military. He discusses the founding of Triple Nikel Clothing Company, the challenges faced in scaling the business, and the importance of storytelling through the Black Ops History Project. Ruben emphasizes the need for mento...

Summary In this conversation, Heath Hansen, a veteran writer and journalist, shares his journey from military service to becoming a voice in the journalism world, particularly with Soldier of Fortune magazine. He discusses the evolution of the magazine, the importance of ethics in war reporting, and the personal experiences that shape the stories veterans tell. Heath also reflects on the challenge...

Summary In this episode, Marine veteran Ethan Nagel shares his journey from intense combat while deployed to Iraq & Afghanistan to filmmaking. We discussed the emotional toll of recounting his experiences, the importance of storytelling in the veteran community, and the lessons learned from military discipline and perseverance. He reflects on the experience where he recieved the Silver Star, t...

Summary In this episode of Veteran Success Story, Joshua Skovlund shares his journey from the military to journalism, discussing the difficulties of transitioning from service, the impact of alcohol on mental health, and the exploration of alternative medicine, including psychedelics. He reflects on his experiences reporting during crises, the ethics of journalism, and the importance of presenting...

Summary In this conversation, Scott DeLuzio shares his profound journey from military service to becoming an advocate for veterans. He discusses the impact of losing his brother in combat, the healing power of storytelling through his podcast and book, and his involvement with the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation. Scott emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, the legacy of se...

Summary In this episode, retired United States Marine Lieutenant Colonel Russell Worth Parker shares his journey from military service to becoming a writer and editor. He discusses the therapeutic benefits of writing for veterans, the importance of storytelling, and the mission of the Lethal Minds Journal. Worth emphasizes the need for veterans to follow their talents and define their own success,...

Summary In this conversation, Will Yeske speaks with Dan Baker and Roger Vogel, the creators of the podcast Tracer Burnout, about their military experiences and the motivation behind their podcast. They discuss the importance of sharing diverse veteran stories, the impact of 9/11 on their careers, and the challenges faced during deployments. The conversation also delves into the role of civil affa...

Summary In this conversation, Will Yeske and Deny Caballero delve into the complexities of mental health treatment for veterans, particularly focusing on the use of psychedelics and comprehensive treatment centers for traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They discuss the importance of understanding the effects of blast injuries, the role of humor in veteran culture, and the need for supportive networks...

Summary In this conversation, Will Yeske interviews Dale Knollinger, focusing on the importance of brotherhood and community among veterans. They discuss the impact of shared experiences, the role of leadership in military life, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Dale shares personal stories from his childhood, deployment experiences, and the significance of reunions in healing....

Summary In this episode, Will Yeske interviews Lieutenant Colonel (r) Scott Mann, a retired Green Beret officer, author, playright, and leadership coach. They discuss Scott's journey from military service to becoming a playwright and author, focusing on the importance of human connection, leadership, and storytelling. Scott shares his experiences with moral injury, the challenges faced by veterans...

Summary In this episode, Will Yeske speaks with Greg Drobny, the outreach coordinator at Code Platoon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans transition into software engineering careers. They discuss the importance of remote work for veterans and military families, the application process for Code Platoon, and the unique approach the organization takes to train individuals. Greg s...

Summary In this episode of Veteran Success Stories, host Will Yeske speaks with Carey Kight, co-founder of Veteran Made Productions. They discuss Kerry's journey from military service to the film and advertising industry, emphasizing the importance of mindset, teamwork, and the value of every role in the military. Carey shares insights on transitioning to civilian life, the significance of explori...

Summary In this conversation, Jonathan Severs from Hire Heroes USA discusses the organization's mission to provide career coaching and support to veterans, including those facing homelessness. He shares his personal journey from military service to becoming a career coach, emphasizing the importance of stability, local resources, and networking in the transition process. The discussion highlig...

Summary In this episode of Veteran's Success Story, Patrick McNamara shares his journey from a 22-year military career, including time in Delta Force, to finding purpose in civilian life. He discusses the importance of basic skills, his experiences during the Cold War, and the challenges of transitioning to life after the military. McNamara emphasizes the need for self-sufficiency and personal dev...

Summary In this conversation, Matthew "Whiz" Buckley discusses the founding of the   No Fallen Heroes Foundation , which aims to combat veteran suicide through psychedelic therapy. He shares his personal experiences with trauma, the transformative power of psychedelics, and the importance of integration and support systems in the healing process. We also discussed the political landscape...

Summary In this episode of Veteran Success Story, Will Yeske speaks with Patricia King, the first openly transgender soldier to serve in the U.S. Army infantry. They discuss the challenges faced by transgender service members, the impact of recent policy changes, and the importance of resilience and support within the military community. Patricia shares her personal journey, the realities of medic...

In this episode of Veteran's Success Story, Will Yeske interviews Philip Palmer from Warrior WOD, discussing the transformative power of fitness, community, and nutrition in the lives of veterans. They explore personal journeys of overcoming mental health struggles, the importance of camaraderie, and the mission of Warrior WOD to support veterans dealing with PTSD and suicidal ideations. Phil shar...

In this conversation, Ethan Brown discusses his book on the experiences of JTACs in the Air Force during the Global War on Terror. He shares insights into the misconceptions surrounding close air support, the rigorous training and evolution of the JTAC community, and the emotional challenges of writing about military experiences. We also touch on the importance of shared experiences among veterans...

In this episode, Will Yeske introduces his podcast, sharing his background and the purpose behind it, which is to help veterans through storytelling and community building. He discusses the concept of After Action Reviews (AARs) and their significance in learning from experiences. Will reflects on his journey of writing and marketing his book, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and suppor...