Chat 62

In Part Two, David Weisenhorn takes us inside the Old Guard. David explains what the unit represents, what it was like serving as a chaplain’s assistant, and the weight of standing with families during burial ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Then September 11th changed everything. Stationed near the Pentagon, David found himself moving toward history as it unfolded in real time. He share...

In Part One of David Weisenhorn’s story, we go back to the beginning. David shares what it was like growing up in a large family in Gastonia, North Carolina, how college shaped his path, and why the Army eventually became the next step in his life. What started as a practical decision soon became something much bigger. After basic training and AIT, David expected to head overseas to Germany. Inste...

In the final chapter of our conversation with Navy veteran Jessica Rollins, we focus on where the journey has led her today. Jessica reflects on family, resilience, veteran advocacy, life after law enforcement, and the perspective she has gained through service, sacrifice, and personal growth. She discusses supporting her husband and son in their own military journeys, building a community through...

Where were you on September 11, 2001? In this special bonus episode of Chat 62, veterans reflect on where they were as the events of September 11 unfolded—and how that day influenced their lives, their military service, and the course of a generation. These are their personal recollections of a day we must never forget. General Inquiries: chat62podcast@gmail.com

Episode 68 – Jessica Rollins – Part Three In Part Three of our conversation with Navy veteran Jessica Rollins, the story takes a deeper turn. Jessica opens up about some of the challenges she faced during the later years of her military service, the impact those experiences had on her life after the Navy, and the difficult road toward healing and recovery. She also discusses her transition into la...

In Part Two of our conversation with Navy veteran Jessica Rollins, Jessica moves beyond training and into life in the fleet. From her time at VRC-30 and HSM-41 to meeting her future husband, deployment experiences, and the friendships that left a lasting impact on her life, Jessica reflects on the moments that helped shape her identity as a sailor and as a person. Along the way, she shares stories...

In Episode 66 of Chat 62, Erik sits down with Navy veteran Jessica Rollins to begin her story. Jessica shares what life was like growing up in a military family, the challenges she faced during her childhood, and the path that ultimately led her to enlist in the United States Navy at just 17 years old. From her experiences at Great Lakes Boot Camp to her time in A School, Jessica reflects on the l...

What happens after the uniform comes off? In the conclusion of Mike Francis' story, we discuss purpose, persistence, entrepreneurship, mental health, and building a life after military service. Mike shares the lessons that continue to guide him today through Tales from the Corps, the Shakker networking platform, and his mission to help veterans stay connected and moving forward. Thank you to M...

Leadership. Responsibility. Loss. Growth. In Part Three, Mike Francis reflects on the realities of deployment, leading Marines, and carrying responsibility during some of the most demanding moments of his military career. We also discuss mental health, staying connected after service, and why silence can be one of a veteran's greatest challenges. Follow Mike Francis and Tales from the Corps fo...

The title has been earned. Now the real work begins. In Part Two, Mike Francis shares his time at the School of Infantry, joining 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, and his first deployment experiences. From the Fleet Marine Force to Afghanistan, Mike reflects on brotherhood, preparation, and the lessons learned alongside fellow Marines. Follow Mike Francis and Tales from the Corps for more veteran stori...

Before the deployments. Before the podcast. Before the Shakker app. In Part One of Mike Francis' story, we go back to the beginning—his early influences, the mentors who shaped him, the decision to become a Marine, and the experiences that led him to earn the title. This is the foundation of a journey that would eventually lead from the Marine Corps to entrepreneurship, veteran advocacy, and s...

In the conclusion of Neal' story, the conversation turns toward life after the Marine Corps. Neal speaks openly about transition struggles, PTSD, alcohol abuse, sobriety, fatherhood, loss, and the lifelong impact of brotherhood forged during war. This episode is a powerful reflection on healing, purpose, and learning how to live a life worthy of the Marines who never made it home. Featuring Ma...

In Part Two of Neal Fauver’s story, the conversation shifts from training to the realities of combat deployment in Iraq. Neal opens up about combat patrols, IED threats, sniper fire, the mental strain of deployment, and the brotherhood formed during some of the most difficult moments of military service. This episode also explores the humanity found in war — the civilians, families, and personal m...

Marine Corps veteran Neal Fauver from Tales from the Corps joins Chat 62 to share his story. In Part One, Neal reflects on growing up around the military, the decision to join the Marine Corps, boot camp, earning the title Marine, and the early experiences that shaped him before entering the fleet. Like many young Marines during the height of the Iraq War, Neal joined with one thing on his mind —...

In the final chapter of his Chat 62 arc, Caesar opens up about the hardest seasons of his life: divorce, loss, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, a DUI, and the long road back from rock bottom. He explains what Operation Iron Mind means to him, why he chose to speak openly about mental health, and how his new mission is rooted in helping veterans, law enforcement, and others who feel like they are car...

In Part Three, Caesar’s story moves from Fort Bragg to Fort Hood, into Afghanistan, and eventually into the difficult transition from Army life to law enforcement. He opens up about injuries, leadership, deployment realities, recruiting duty, leaving the military after more than a decade, and the challenges of stepping into a new uniform as a police officer. As the episode unfolds, the emotional t...

In Part Two, Caesar leaves home, ships out to Army training, and steps into a world that immediately tests him. He shares what boot camp was like, the shock of airborne school, arriving at Fort Bragg, and being sent to Iraq almost as soon as he reached his first duty station. This chapter of his story also explores his early deployments, leadership growth, and the culture of the 82nd Airborne that...

In Part One of Caesar Tanguma’s story, Chat 62 welcomes its first Army veteran to the show. Caesar talks about launching Operation Iron Mind , the mission behind it, and the struggles that pushed him to build something bigger than himself. He also reflects on growing up in small-town South Texas, being raised by a single mother and his grandfather, and the early influences that shaped the man he w...

We wrap up our conversation with CWO Jon Cole, USMC , host of The Bunkhouse Podcast . Jon reflects on transition, mentorship, mental health, and why helping other veterans navigate life after service has become part of his purpose. He also shares the mission behind relaunching his podcast and the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health in the veteran community. This final chapter is...

Our conversation continues with CWO Jon Cole, USMC , host of The Bunkhouse Podcast , as he opens up about the medical issues that led to his med board, the unexpected effect COVID had on that process, and the difficult reality of leaving the Marine Corps before he felt ready. Jon also reflects on mentorship, second chances, and how leadership is often about seeing value in people others have alrea...

We continue with CWO Jon Cole, USMC , host of The Bunkhouse Podcast , as he makes the leap from enlisted Marine to Warrant Officer. Jon shares what the Warrant Officer Basic Course taught him, how he grew into technical and leadership influence at Camp Lejeune, and what it was like leading during the early days of COVID. This chapter is about growth, adaptation, mentorship, and stepping into a who...

This chapter picks up as Jon reflects on reenlistment, the weight of leadership, and the lessons that came with growing into a Staff Sergeant. From combat deployments and family separation to the culture shock of Okinawa and the unexpected challenge of leading Marines in a completely different environment, Jon opens up about how those experiences reshaped the way he led, taught, and mentored other...

In Episode 50, we kick off Season 4 with a powerful 5-part series with CWO Jon Cole, USMC, and host of The Bunkhouse Podcast. Jon’s journey begins with unexpected turns—from bull riding to almost losing his shot at the Corps, to the moment a Marine Corps commercial changed everything. This is where the path of resilience begins. Tune in and witness how it all started. Catch The Bunkhouse Podcast:...

What was supposed to be the end of Chat 62 now feels more like a pause before the next chapter. In this special message, Erik shares gratitude for the support, reflects on the road so far, and looks ahead to Season 4, beginning with Episode 50 featuring Chief Warrant Officer Jon Cole of The Bunkhouse Podcast . Stay the Course and remember… Your Story Matters! General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

In the final chapter of this six-part series, Marine1169 reflects on life after the Corps. From the challenges of transitioning into the civilian world, to finding his voice through content creation, this episode closes the loop on a 21-year Marine Corps career shaped by leadership, sacrifice, growth, and hard-earned perspective. Marine1169 also shares advice for the next generation of Marines, th...