Beyond The Frontline

In this episode Donna taps into a topic we often shy away from: the intersection of mortality and legacy. She welcomes Danny Brooks, a second-generation funeral director whose mission goes beyond the somber trappings of death to celebrate life in its final farewell. Danny, hailing from Brooks Funeral Home in San Antonio, brings a refreshing perspective to coping with the inevitable, offering insig...

Jay Johnson is flying solo in this episode to bring you a conversation with the remarkable Louie Guzmann, a 22-year Air Force Veteran, a beacon of hope in the nonprofit sector. As a former Community Investment Partner at the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation , and now Director of Sponsorships and Development for San Antonio Sports . Louie shares his journey from his humble beginnings, through a tran...

Send us a Text Message. Special guest Pete Werner, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and current Council President for the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) in Tennessee, joins Donna and Jay in this episode as they explore the pivotal role MOAA plays in advocating for veterans' rights on Capitol Hill. Pete shares stirring stories of MOAA's achievements, including the fight to pr...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Donna flies solo with special guest Arlene Patterson, a veteran of the NYPD and a seasoned traveler who has transitioned from the frontlines to exploring the world's serene destinations. Arlene shares her insights on ideal travel spots that cater to the unique needs of Veterans and First Responders, favoring the peaceful embrace of less crowded beaches, qua...

Embark on a journey beyond the military with Donna and Jay as they dip into the world of whiskey distilling with Army Logistics Colonel Darren Bowser. In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, Darren shares his extraordinary transition from a 37-year military career to mastering the art of whiskey making. Discover how he leveraged his military skills in logistics to navigate the intricate processes...

Thinking about being on a Board of Directors? Trying to find the best people to be on your board? Check in with Donna and Jay on today's episode as they talk with Bruce Thompson, a Marine Corps Veteran, and advisor to many nonprofits. Learn about what you should be looking for in a board member, understand the roles and responsibilities of being a board member, how to be an effective board member,...

Anna Larson is a woman who wears many hats. As an expert on the military spouse transition as they cross over from active duty to civilian life. It is her mission to create opportunities for connection, support, and provide resources for milspouses going through the retirement process. Anna also co-host the 15{ish} Minute Coffee Chat - a small business/entrepreneur livestream and podcast where Ann...

Joining Donna and Jay today is Ralph "Gable" Crowder, a former Navy Command Master Chief, currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement at @bigmentorsa . Gable is extremely well versed in identifying principals of leadership, motivation, empowerment, personnel management, strategic planning, and training. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Downlo...

What do you do when you have two vivacious guys with Parkinsons, and one witty best friend/ex-corporate lawyer? You start a podcast! Donna has the absolute pleasure to be joined by Veterans Ivan Brown and Rick Schena along with their moderator and friend Patrick Feenhan to chat about their new radio show on CHW Streaming Radio...Let's Talk Parkinson's & Other Things. Find out what Rick is dete...

Donna is joined by Jeff Guinn, founder of Eagle Rest Reserve, to talk about their mission to provide outdoor and artistic restoration activities for veterans, first responders, healthcare and other public servants and their families. Jeff Guinn has been working with groups for several years teaching vets how to tie fly’s and fly fish and he and his team schedule trips on Lake Whitney in Texas. Lin...

Donna and Jay reflect on some of the most memorable interviews of 2023 and touch on what is new for 2024. Tune in to find out about the Brand New CHW Streaming Radio channel launching in February and some of the amazing upcoming guests on Beyond The Frontline. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Lif...

Today's episode isn't just another story—it's a narrative of transformation and triumph with Carnell Smith Jr., or as he's known, Sgt WarDawg. His journey is a mirror to the many soldiers who return home to battles of a different kind—battles with PTSD, with reintegration, with finding a new mission in civilian life. His words are a beacon for the lost, as he passionately discusses his life's new...

In this episode, Major (ret.) Teddy Colegate joins Donna to talk about his extensive military career, from airborne jumps to the White House, and unveils the birth of Heroes Outreach , his lifeline to fellow veterans. This decorated Marine shares the essence of camaraderie in the face of adversity and the power of support networks during the pivotal shift from active duty to civilian life.  An enl...

Commander Mark C. Russell joins us on BTFL to expose the harsh realities of mental healthcare with the military. A former Marine turned psychologist; Mark shares his insights into the historical patterns of neglecting lessons from past wars. This episode will shatter preconceived notions and reframe your understanding of mental health in the military. Tune in to understand why mental health care i...

Join Donna in welcoming Saul Paul, a musician with a message and a Grammy-nominated producer and artist. Saul’s music has not only made him a household name but a vehicle for empowerment. He shares with Donna his journey from foster care and prison to success.  Today Saul is actively involved in his projects of Be the Change campaign and Change Water, his alkaline water company. This episode is a...

Donna introduces you to her long-time friend, Tim Gagnon, who has an incredible journey from the military to an artistic career. Together they unpack the therapeutic value of art and shine a spotlight on the Patriot Art Foundation , an organization dedicated to providing free art classes and supplies to veterans. So, join us on this journey of art, healing, and camaraderie. Trust me, you don't wan...

On today's episode, we had an engaging conversation with a Veteran Service Officer, Mike Wyatt. We uncovered the layers of the PACT Act, a game-changer that expands VA healthcare and benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits, agent orange, and other toxic substances.  Mike explores the significance of documenting these toxic exposures for future claims and the crucial role of clear communication w...

Back from a much-needed break, Donna and Jay are ready to roll. Join us as we talk about what has been going on in our lives while on break and all the new exciting topics and guests for the new season.  Jay and Donna also talk about the trials and errors of stepping into entrepreneurship and making sure to find that balance between your business and time for yourself.  Thank you, listeners, for s...

When a Veteran starts a non-profit for other Veterans there is always a big reason. Meet Justin "BoFlex" Bohanan. Army Airborne turned recruiter and now Veteran, trainer, and Founder/Executive Director of Make a Vet Sweat. Justin sits down with Donna and Jay to talk about the journey from high adrenaline military career to a downward spiral into extreme activities, drugs, alcohol, and contemplatin...

Donna and Jay do a wrap-up discussion on the Veteran Treatment Court series. They discuss what they learned during the series and why connection and trust are an important part of a successful transition.  Find out who lost a toe, who is getting a suite at a baseball game, what word Donna hates, what energizes Jay, and what is happening at the close of this series. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radi...

In this episode Donna and Jay talk to Carla about her service, MST, being incarcerated and finding purpose in her life. Due to her life experiences and personal knowledge of the judicial system, Carla brings an entirely different level of credibility to the conversation. Her mission to help others who are struggling both inside the prison walls and out is transparent and genuine. Carla talks about...

What good is a program unless it is effective? After interviewing the team members of the Veteran Treatment Court, it only seems appropriate to interview someone that has been through the program. Jay and Donna were honored to have a chat with US Army Veteran, George Wolf. After slipping into the service at age 16, he thoroughly enjoyed his job as a 13E (part of a field artillery unit). He left th...

Most everyone is familiar with a probation officer. Hopefully, most people know them on a personal or peer level versus a “professional” level. However, if you are going to need a probation officer, you would be lucky to have someone like Yenaiv.  Donna and Jay chat with Yenaiv Lopez regarding her role at the Veteran Treatment Court’s probation officer, the challenges she faces as a younger probat...

Normally when you think of a courtroom, a judge and lawyer are what comes to mind, but it takes an entire team to keep everything running smoothly. The Veteran Treatment Court is a special program for Veterans with misdemeanor offenses.  As Jay and Donna continue on their Veteran Treatment Court series, they talk with Laura Balo, Court Coordinator for Comal County’s Veteran Treatment Court. Laura...

As Donna and Jay continue their series on Veteran Treatment Court, they look at the resources within the Veteran Treatment Court. One of the important aspects of helping our Veterans to move forward is to have a strong peer mentoring program.  Mike Fogerty is the Peer Service Coordinator for the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN). He works to recruit, educate and match mentors with Veterans in t...