Drive On: Helping Veterans Navigate PTSD & Life After Military Service

BJ Ganem takes us back to his time in Iraq when his vehicle was struck by an I.E.D. This life-altering moment left him with an amputated leg, a mild brain injury, and shrapnel wounds. It was also a pivotal moment that reshaped his perspective on life and led him on a path of service and advocacy. Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, and BJ shares his personal experi...

Yoga has gained popularity worldwide, but some veterans may not fully understand the depth of its benefits. Today's guest, Nicole Byars, highlights how trauma-informed yoga can be a powerful tool for veterans, addressing both physical and mental well-being. Beyond the physical postures, Nicole unveils the broader aspects of yoga, including its profound impact on mental and emotional health. For th...

In this episode, we look into the world of Cyber with Steve Stratton, a retired Green Beret who is on a mission to empower veterans to embrace exciting careers in technology. Steve's journey from his time in the US Army White House Communications and US Secret Service to becoming a Green Beret equipped him with invaluable insights into the skills veterans bring to the table. With the Cyber industr...

Join us for a conversation with Justin Crane, a former rescue swimmer with a 12-year military background, including special operations missions. Justin's journey took an unexpected turn as he battled depression, substance abuse, and the feeling of being trapped in a victim mentality. However, a powerful transformation awaited him as he chose to take control of his life, embrace self-love, and redi...

In this episode, we explore veterans' fitness and well-being with Matt Priess, a Marine veteran and the founder of Body Ops Coaching. With a deep understanding of the toll that combat and post-deployment life can take on veterans, Matt embarked on a mission to provide personalized support and guidance in the fitness realm. Matt's journey from his military service to founding Body Ops Coaching is a...

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Barry Krakow, a highly regarded sleep medicine specialist with an extensive career spanning over three decades. One of the significant topics we address is the connection between trauma and chronic nightmares. Dr. Krakow sheds light on this link and shares valuable insights into managing and treating these distressing nightmares. We also...

In this insightful conversation, we dive into the transformative journey of Ryan Timmermans, who turned his experiences as an Intel Analyst and Psychological Operations specialist in the US Army into a mission of hope. Join us as we explore how Veterans Off-Grid, the organization he founded, is revolutionizing veteran reintegration by providing housing stability, purpose, and holistic healing thro...

Joseph Malone's life story is a remarkable journey of transformation and empowerment. From his troubled youth and a life on the streets, he took a courageous step by enlisting in the Marines, ultimately dedicating 13 years to service, including deployments to highly classified operations. Joseph's military journey wasn't without its challenges. He faced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD, strug...

As a military and civilian police mom, Suzi Freeman possesses a unique perspective on the impact of high-stress professions on mental health. Her determination to equip herself with knowledge in suicide prevention stemmed from her desire to support her own children in their demanding roles while also recognizing the significance of mental health in these communities. Suzi's approach to mental well...

In this episode, we listen to the powerful story of Kyle Perry, a USMC veteran. Kyle's journey to sobriety is a testament to his resilience and determination. After shedding an astounding 100 lbs following his decision to get sober, he has dedicated his life to helping others, particularly men and veterans, regain their strength and embrace a life of sobriety. Kyle's mission goes beyond physical f...

Tina Erwin, a retired US Navy Commander, uses her deep understanding of human behavior shaped by her military career to offer healing for veterans who often grapple with the trauma of death, loss, and PTSD. Explore how a holistic approach that blends spiritual insights, metaphysical perspectives, and psychological strategies can aid veterans in their journey to healing from trauma, grief, and PTSD...

Mik Milem, the Executive Director of Soldier's Best Friend, joins us to discuss how his organization is on a mission to heal and transform the lives of veterans living with combat-related PTSD or TBI. Soldier's Best Friend pairs veterans with service and therapeutic companion dogs after an extensive training process. The organization also uses rescued dogs from local shelters to help the pet overp...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Veronica Karaman, a true inspiration who has transformed her athletic journey into a powerful framework for success. "The Champion's Way" is not only a mindset but a holistic approach to peak performance, touching on physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional resonance, and spiritual harmony. Veronica's belief that there's a champion within everyone ca...

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Wendy Shackley, a mother whose personal tragedy ignited a mission of hope and healing. Through The Ripple Effect, Wendy aims to reshape the narrative of veteran reintegration, inspired by her son Joel's journey through military service, PTSD, and his untimely passing. Join us as we look into Wendy's advocacy for a more comprehensive reintegra...

In this episode, we sit down with Ian Murray, who shares his side of the story, where he juggles military obligations and a civilian job. His story unfolds with a seemingly innocuous miscommunication that spirals into an unexpected series of events, including his arrest and a subsequent investigation. Ian shares the impact this ordeal had on his personal life, emotionally and financially. He offer...

Join us for a discussion with Sean Spencer and David Waterhouse, the minds behind the documentary "Ranger." David describes both the best and worst day of his life, which happen to be the same day, the challenges of mental health, and the journey towards recovery and resilience after military service. Learn how storytelling can bridge the gap between veterans and civilians, fostering empathy and c...

In this episode, Frank Larkin discusses Warrior Call, a grassroots campaign that's transforming the lives of military personnel and veterans. Warrior Call's mission is simple yet powerful - connecting hearts and reducing isolation through increased peer-to-peer connection. By directing individuals to life-saving resources and addressing invisible wounds, this campaign tackles the pressing issue of...

In this powerful episode, we dive into the pages of "American Grit," a book authored by John Suzuki that unravels the harrowing history of Japanese concentration camps in the US after Pearl Harbor. John sheds light on the challenges faced by Japanese American men who, despite facing injustices, volunteered to serve in the US military during WWII with unwavering honor and bravery. We hear about the...

Drawing from his book "Discovering the Nature of Longevity," Douglas Mulhall sheds light on the potential dangers posed by certain toxins and heavy metals commonly encountered by service members. Through his research, he reveals how these factors contribute to specific diseases and how innovative treatments are now available to remove harmful toxins from the body before they wreak havoc on health....

Join physician and author Ann Hester as we discuss patient empowerment for veterans. Through her book "Patient Empowerment 101," Ann equips readers with the essential knowledge to navigate their healthcare journey at the VA and beyond. From crafting concise "elevator speeches" to communicate effectively with doctors to maintaining meticulous health records, Ann guides veterans in advocating for th...

Jackie Jones is a holistic therapist with over a decade of experience in treating military service members and veterans. As a former art therapy intern at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE), Jackie developed a unique holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, soul, and space of each client, leading to profound healing on all levels. Through her art therapy and yoga programs,...

Join us as we talk to Cristina Ramirez, a transformational coach and author of "Empowered by Discomfort." Cristina's unique approach centers around using discomfort as a path for growth, and in this episode, we specifically focus on how this philosophy applies to military veterans transitioning into civilian life. We discuss the challenges veterans may face during this period and how embracing dis...

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of High Timber Dreams, founded by Ryan Gascon and his wife, Dehanna. From their shared love for the outdoors to their passion for supporting those who make daily sacrifices for society, Ryan and Dehanna have built a unique outdoor therapy program. Through mountain hikes, hunting, fishing, foraging, and other nature-based experiences, they aim to e...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Andrew Biggio, Marine veteran and founder of Boston's Wounded Vet Run. Discover how his passion for World War II history ignited a mission to honor the legacy of America's Greatest Generation. Through heartfelt interviews and an inspiring book titled "The Rifle," Andrew unites voices of service and sacrifice, preserving the memories of these WWII veteran...

In this episode, we sit down with Dashama Gordon, best-selling author and founder of the Flow State Institute & Bright Future Foundation. Dashama shares her passion for helping humanity access the flow state and live their best lives. She discusses the importance of mental health as the number one priority for everyone, explores ways to create a fulfilling life of contribution and impact, and...