Beyond The Frontline

Donna explores how Cyclone Bagels is redefining support for formerly homeless veterans by providing more than just housing; they are fostering empowerment through culinary employment, community connection, and a sense of belonging. Key Topics Discussed The Mission of Concern Housing : Jim Mutton, Associate Executive Director, explains how Concern Housing has expanded over 53 years to serve approxi...

In this episode, host Donna Hoffmeyer explores the intersection of technology, legacy, and human connection with guest Miles Spencer , CEO and co-founder of Reflekta.ai . Miles, an entrepreneur and storyteller, shares how his "soul tech" company allows users to create fully interactive, digital legacies that enable spontaneous, dynamic conversation between family members across generations. Donna...

Transitioning out of military or first responder life is rarely a straight path. The weight of cumulative trauma and PTSD can leave individuals feeling isolated, stressed, and disconnected from the communities they fought to protect. In this episode, host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Laura Lindsey, Development Director of Heroes on the Water , to explore a unique, powerful avenue for healing: ka...

What happens when a Special Forces commando survives six years of combat, but realizes the hardest battle is learning how to rest? In this episode, host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Tim Thomas —retired Australian Special Forces commando, mental health advocate, and founder of the Breathworks in Bed app. Tim opens up about his unconventional path into elite military selection at age 30, the invis...

Host Donna sits down with Michael Dermer, founder of The Lonely Entrepreneur and IncentOne , to explore the powerful, surprising overlap between the entrepreneurial journey and the lives of the veterans and first responders. Michael shares his raw path from corporate M&A lawyer to pioneering the health rewards industry, surviving the devastating 2008 financial crisis, and ultimately building a...

What happens when the damage to your brain isn't visible on a standard MRI, but it’s destroying your life? If you like this episode, leave us a review . On this episode of Beyond the Frontline , Donna talks with Will Person , a former 9-year Team USA bobsled athlete turned advocate. Will’s story is a wake-up call for anyone in the high-impact world—from elite athletes to military veterans and dome...

In this episode, host Donna sits down with Ben Higginbotham , a Marine Corps veteran and Director of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Military Veterans Program . Ben shares his journey from the infantry to leading a nationwide initiative that connects transitioning service members with high-paying careers in the trades. Episode Highlights: The Power of the Union: Breaking down what the U...

In the conclusion of this powerful two-part series, Donna continues her conversation with Marine Corps veteran and tech executive Tony Crescenzo . After discussing the discovery of neuro-acoustic technology in Part 1, Tony dives deeper into the mechanics of healing the "invisible wounds" of service. This episode explores the intersection of AI, neuroscience, and human performance , moving beyond t...

"You are not responsible for your trauma, but you are responsible for your healing." In this episode, host Donna sits down with Tony Crescenzo , Marine Corps veteran and CEO of Intelligent Wave LLC, to discuss a revolutionary approach to trauma recovery. After decades of battling undiagnosed PTSD and high-functioning anxiety, Tony made an accidental discovery: a declassified 1983 DIA document on n...

In this episode, we sit down with Patrice Cook , a US Army 25-year veteran and the first female Ride of Pride driver . From navigating 16-gear manuals in Iraq to leading a dedicated fleet at Schneider, Patrice shares how she turned her military MOS into a trailblazing civilian career. Episode Highlights The Transition: Moving from military convoys to DOT regulations and why veterans crave structur...

How can veterans turn military discipline into business ownership? In this episode, Donna sits down with Giuseppe Grammatico , a franchise veteran, coach, and author of Franchise Freedom . While Giuseppe didn't serve in the military, his career transition from Wall Street to franchise ownership taught him a vital lesson: success isn’t about technical expertise—it’s about following a proven system....

In this powerful episode, host Donna sits down with award-winning filmmaker Jake Rademacher to discuss his 21-year journey documenting his brothers’ military service. From the front lines of Iraq to the complex landscape of veteran reintegration, Jake shares how his films, Brothers at War and Brothers After War , evolved into a global movement of healing. With over 60,000 veterans and family membe...

Host Donna Hoffmeyer talks with Dana and Luke Stricevic, founders of Crux Wilderness , a nonprofit using rock climbing to support veterans and active-duty service members transitioning to civilian life. Luke, a Marine Corps veteran, shares how climbing gave him purpose and structure after leaving the military, and how that personal experience became a mission to serve others. They explore the stro...

In this episode of Beyond the Front Line, host Donna sits down with Dr. Brian Livesay, clinical psychologist, military veteran, and Director of Clinical Research at Arise Alliance, to explore innovative and effective approaches to veteran mental health care. Dr. Livesay shares his personal journey from military service to specializing in trauma and developmental psychology. He introduces listeners...

Donna sits down with Noah Smith —Marine Corps veteran, mailman, and military science fiction author—to talk about rediscovering creativity after military service. Noah shares his journey from serving in Afghanistan to transitioning into civilian life, the loss of creative identity many veterans face, and how writing became a powerful outlet for healing, calm, and purpose. This conversation explore...

In this episode, Donna welcomes Jason Kulchar, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and current Director of Learning, Development, Culture, and Belonging at ISS North America, for an engaging conversation about leadership grounded in service, humility, and authenticity. Jason reflects on his evolution from an enlisted Airman to senior leader, sharing how curiosity, connection, and a people-first mindset...

Donna Hoffmeyer chats with Tony Aubrey, co-founder of Operation Vet Now (OVN) , and ambassador athlete Craig Rundell. They discuss the challenges veterans face after service, gaps in traditional support, and how OVN uses sports, music, and community to foster connection, purpose, and resilience. Key Topics Tony’s journey from Air Force service to founding OVN Addressing veteran suicide and the nee...

Donna sits down with Dr. Sheila McHenry , President and Clinical Director of Smithson Valley Counseling , to unpack the science and healing potential behind EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and other non-talk therapy approaches for trauma recovery. Drawing from her background as a military nurse and mental health advocate, Donna explores with Dr. McHenry how EMDR helps reproces...

In this episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna sits down with Jonathan Knaul, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, test pilot, materials engineering PhD, author, and devoted caregiver. Jonathan shares his remarkable journey from a decorated military career to becoming the primary caregiver for his aging parents, both survivors of the Holocaust and World War II. Donna and Jonathan explore the emo...

Donna welcomes Doug Lynam, whose extraordinary journey spans service in the U.S. Marine Corps, monastic life, and a successful career as a money manager and author. Doug shares his story of rebelling against materialism, taking a vow of poverty, and ultimately discovering purpose in helping others achieve financial literacy and well-being. From lessons in mindfulness to practical money management...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host  Donna Hoffmeyer  sits down with  Dr. Charlie Powell,  a decorated  Navy veteran, trauma surgeon, innovator, and mental health advocate  to explore his extraordinary path from military service to medical entrepreneurship and personal healing. Dr. Powell opens up about his  battle with PTSD , offering rare insight into the experience of  high-functio...

Season 4 is here!   Host  Donna Hoffmeyer  opens with a personal reflection on her journey from service to storytelling. She shares lessons on family, creative renewal, and the importance of taking breaks to recharge. This season, you’ll hear inspiring stories from veterans, first responders, and advocates who are reshaping what healing and community look like. Expect conversations that highlight...

In this enlightening episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna welcomes Megan Andros from the Heinz Endowments for a powerful conversation on the challenges and opportunities veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. As a veteran and thought leader in veteran philanthropy, Megan brings a wealth of experience and research to the table. Together, they explore: The role of soft skills in...

In this episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Thomas LaGrave, a Veteran and the passionate founder of Honor Bound Academy. Together, they dive into a powerful and moving conversation about the importance of mentorship—especially for youth impacted by the absence of parental figures due to military service, incarceration, or other life challenges. Thomas opens up abo...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna welcomes Ryan Woodruff, a combat veteran and the CEO of Clear Path for Veterans. Together, they explore the life-changing role service dogs play in the lives of veterans, offering comfort, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose. Ryan opens up about his personal journey from military service to leading a nonprofit organization de...