Behind The Mission

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation Marine Corps Spouse Lisa Ogden, Director of Partnerships and Engagements at PsychArmor, exploring the intersection of military spouse lived experience, the evolving landscape of veteran-focused non-profit fundraising, and corporate social responsibility. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from y...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Army Veteran Mark Frank, CEO and Co-Founder of SonderMind, a mental health and teletherapy platform. We explore how private behavioral health networks can integrate with VA Community Care and TRICARE to eliminate care access delays and deliver military-culturally competent mental health support across the military lifecycle. Provide...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Judy Donegan, Senior Counsel at The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program, exploring how free legal assistance, trauma-informed advocacy, and discharge upgrade support help navigate complex administrative barriers for military-connected individuals. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from yo...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Elizabeth Musselman, an Elizabeth Dole Caregiver Fellow, about the unrecognized evolution of veteran caregiving and the hidden burdens placed on military children. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Brandy Dykhuizen and Joe Hudak, founders of Living Proof Stories, exploring how structured storytelling helps Veterans process lived experiences, build civilian connections, and move from raw isolation to processed post-military growth. Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated co...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Navy Veteran and Psychiatric Physician Assistant Bill Reynolds, clinical director of the Unbroken program at The Meadows, discussing specialized trauma and addiction treatment, cultural competence, and holistic recovery support for veterans and first responders. Episode Partner: Our sponsor this week is Aetna , a trusted health care...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Patrick Forystek, Director of the Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students at Michigan State University, discussing academic transition, peer support networks, and building comprehensive campus communities for student veterans and military families. Episode Partner: Our sponsor this week is Aetna , a...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Registered Nurse, Military Spouse, and Workforce Development Advocate Tracy Steele, founder of Community Cultivator, an organization dedicated to strengthening well-being, belonging, and career stability for military spouses through community connection and professional development Episode Partner: Our sponsor this week is Aetna , a...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Navy Veteran Dr. Erik Won, President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, an organization utilizing advanced neuroimaging and magnetic resonance therapy to help veterans recover from post-traumatic stress.  Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient r...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Military Intelligence and Civil Affairs Veteran Rebecca Monaco, co-founder of Next Mission, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting resettled Afghan women veterans who served alongside U.S. Special Operations forces Episode Partner: Our sponsor this week is Aetna , a trusted health care company, committed to serving V...

Show Summary As military-connected students head back to school, we’re revisiting a conversation with Mary Bier, MBA, President and CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). Mary joins host Duane France to discuss the unique educational experiences of military-connected children, the challenges families can face navigating school transitions, and how MCEC helps families, educators, and...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Military and Veteran Spouse Stephanie Rundle, founder of Bridge and Banner, an organization that provides support for learning continuity for children who move frequently, which includes active duty military families.  Episode Partner: Our sponsor this week is Aetna , a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, mil...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Dr Debbie Bradbard, Military and Veteran Spouse and the inaugural director of the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families at the Virginia Tech in Alexandria, VA. The center’s goal is to harness the potential of service members, veterans and their families to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce—through skills, mentorshi...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Veteran family member Chris Weedon, Founder and Executive Director of the Mentally Shredded Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing burnout and strengthening mental resilience through movement, reflection, conversation, and community. Episode Partner:   This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans,...

Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Chris Gonzalez, Co-Founder of A-G Associates, an organization that provides insight, expert guidance, and lived experience to strengthen public health and safety systems, advance military and veteran wellbeing, and help mission-driven organizations achieve measurable impact. We talk about their partnership with...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Navy Veteran Steve Kappes,  the 2026 board chair for the San Diego Military Advisory Council and one of the leaders of the San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program, a program that uses tennis as a means of rehabilitation for service members and veterans who've become wounded, ill, or injured. Episode Partner:   This episode is spons...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re replaying a conversation with Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of Leadership Programs for the George W. Bush Institute. We talk about some of the initiatives of the Bush Institute, including the Veteran Leadership Program, the Democracy is a Verb initiative and the Bush Institute's efforts to celebrate America 250. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the...

Show Summary  On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Army Veteran Ramon Salazar, Senior Manager of Learning and Experience Design for PsychArmor, as well as Executive Director for Warriors At Ease, an organization dedicated to empowering the military and veteran community with the tools and knowledge to harness the transformative power of yoga and meditation. Provide Feedback As a de...

Show Summary  On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Amanda Noyes, the founder of Finding Freedom Therapy and member of the DFW First Responders Support Network. We talk about Trauma therapy and mental health networks for service members, veterans and first responders  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from y...

Show Summary  On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Marine Veteran Luke Urick, the Executive Director of the Montana Vet Program, an organization that takes Veterans into the Montana wilderness to rediscover strength, purpose, and camaraderie through therapeutic adventure and conservation.  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If yo...

Show Summary  On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Bill Birnie, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major, CEO of Frontwave Credit Union, and member of the PsychArmor Board of Directors. We have a great conversation about serving those who served, promoting financial stability, and brining his expertise in the financial sector to the board of PsychArmor.  Provide Feedback As a dedicate...

Show Summary On today’s episode, talking with comedian Brad Bonar, founder of One Degree of Separation, an organization that uses stand-up comedy to spark honest conversations about depression and suicide prevention. We discuss his lived experience, breaking the silence with comedy, and turning their live shows into official training for service members, Veterans and their families Provide Feedbac...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re replaying a conversation with conversation with playwright and producer Elizabeth Coplan, founder of the Greif Dialogues, a nonprofit theatrical movement that facilitates conversations about dying, death, and grief. We talk about her own connection to service and discuss how Grief Dialogues has developed a specific immersive experience of remembrance and refl...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Verenice Castillo, founder of the Military Spouse Advocacy Network, an organization dedicated to supporting military spouses through mentorship, leadership development, and community-building. Drawing from her own experience as an immigrant and longtime military spouse, Verenice has built MSAN into a global network focused on reduci...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a leading voice in supporting those impacted by military loss. We talk about TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors , a national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the m...