Behind The Mission

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Karin Tanabe and Victoria Kelly, the creative team behind Atomic Echoes, a powerful documentary exploring the overlooked stories of American atomic veterans and Japanese survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Together, they unpack the human, historical, and intergenerational impact of nuclear war through perspectives that are rarely s...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Ally Wagner, a Navy veteran and board member at PsychArmor, who brings a powerful perspective on bridging the gap between veterans and the communities that support them. We explore how military service continues to shape identity and leadership, and what it really takes for civilians and organizations to move from intention to meaningful im...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Michelle Lang, co-founder of Operation Honor Rural Salute, about the unique challenges and strengths of veterans living in rural communities. We explore how her work is bridging gaps in access by bringing resources directly to veterans in ways that feel local, familiar, and grounded in community. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of th...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Military spouse and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka. We talk about gaps in connection and culturally competent care for military families. We also explore how her work is strengthening social health as a foundation for well-being. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Air Force Veteran Spouse, Maria Gonzales. Maria and her husband, Gabe, raise awareness about Veteran Suicide and plant-based medicines through their alter at Muertos Fest, the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the United States.  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor h...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Jessica Benson, Vice President of Market Development at Mynd Immersive, where she leads national outreach and partnerships focused on expanding the use of immersive technology to improve the lives of older adults and Veterans. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helpe...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Keith Hotle, the Chief Executive Officer of Stop Soldier Suicide, a nonprofit with the goal of reducing service member and veteran suicide by using enhanced data insights, focused client acquisition, and suicide-specific intervention services. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you Psy...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation Today we’re having a conversation with Vietnam Era veteran and nurse Joanne Melear, who is the coordinator of the 11th Hour Squadron. They are an all-volunteer organization that believes in taking care of dying veterans like family. They can be there at a loved one’s bedside during those final nights when family members are at home getting much-...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation Today we’re having a conversation Mark Solomon, co-founder of the Veterans Community Project. We talk about their innovative approach to ending veteran homelessness through tiny home communities, wraparound support, and a mission to ensure every veteran has both housing and connection. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we w...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation Today we’re having a conversation with Michael Witt, Community & State Outreach Manager for the DirectEmployers Association. DirectEmployers is a non-profit member association built by employers, for employers, and we talked about how they support their member employers to better serve the military and veteran population as well as how Direc...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation Today we’re having a conversation with Jesse Gould, founder of the Heroic Hearts Project and a former Army Ranger, about what it means for veterans to heal when traditional systems don’t have all the answers. Heroic Hearts works with leading medical researchers to improve veterans access to psychedelic programs for the treatment of PTSD. Provide...

Show Summary On this episode, we have a conversation with Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Rob Bushey, Executive Director of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association and a 32-year Coast Guard veteran. He shares his perspective on the Coast Guard’s unique dual mission and the role that the CGCPOA plays in strengthening connection and advocacy across the Coast Guard. Provide Feedback As a...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring featuring a replay of a recent conversation that PsychArmor’s own Carole Turner had with Jim Lindsay on the Howard’s Huddle podcast.  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 those who care for them, we would appreciate he...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring featuring a replay of a recent conversation that PsychArmor’s own Carole Turner had with Jim Lindsay on the Howard’s Huddle podcast.  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 those who care for them, we would appreciate he...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Navy Spouse Patty Sandoval, Founder and CEO of HomeFront Haven, an organization that provides clinically informed community support to military spouses and partners before, during and after a deployment so that no one carries the homefront alone.  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring 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 featuring a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Andy Gasper, CEO and President of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a nonprofit organization that has created Freedom Stations, recovery transition centers and housing facilities that provide injured Warriors with the acclimation time, guidance and resources to successfully make the transition from military...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Navy spouse Mackenzie Yaede, family communications and logistics coordinator for Luke’s Wings, an organization that provides emergency travel planning services and airplane tickets for the families and loved ones of wounded, ill, and injured service members, Veterans, and fallen officers, during hospital recovery and rehabilitati...

Show Summary with Lesa Shaw, an experienced Indigenous consultant and community leader with more than 30 years of service across Tribal, federal, state, and municipal sectors. Lesa and I talk about PsychArmor’s effort to develop training materials through their effort supporting Native American and Alaska Native Veterans and Service Members.  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience,...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Bob Delaney, a mental health advocate who has also had a full life: a college basketball player, a new jersey state trooper who went undercover in some of the biggest Mob families in new jersey, and his role as a high-profile NBA referee. Bob’s insights have been sought after by senior military leadership to speak to troops about...

Show Summary Natalie Elliott Handy, a caregiver for her husband and mother and co-host of the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Podcast. During our conversation, we share the commitment that she and her sister have to highlighting and supporting military connected caregivers.  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a fe...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Navy Veteran David Boone, a retired Rear Admiral and President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council or SDMAC. SDMAC is a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of the service members, veterans, and their families in the greater San Diego region.  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to h...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Army Combat Veteran Jaymes Poling and Modern Warrior LIVE — a powerful blend of personal storytelling and music that explores the emotional weight of war and the journey toward healing. Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your th...

Show Summary On today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Dr Ed Tick, internationally recognized educator, author and expert on the military, veterans, PTSD, Viet Nam, and the psychology, spirituality and history of global trauma, warrior traditions, and military-related issues.  Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Pleas...