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

Life after the military can feel like stepping into the unknown. That sense of mission, the camaraderie, the structure-it's suddenly gone. But what if you could rebuild, stronger than before? Peter Gunn, a retired Air Force veteran, knows that struggle firsthand. He transitioned through multiple phases of military service, experienced the mental toll of combat stress, and faced the challenge of re...

The war might be over, but for many veterans, the battle continues long after they return home. Sleepless nights, intrusive memories, and the frustration of feeling unheard are all too common. But what if the traditional routes-therapy, medication, the VA-aren't working for you? Army veteran and nurse practitioner Bee Doyle knows that struggle firsthand. After experiencing severe combat trauma, sh...

Trust. Resilience. Leadership. In the military, they weren't optional-they were life or death. But after service? No one hands you a guidebook on how to apply those same skills to the real world. Michael Allison knows this firsthand. A Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Michael faced combat, injury, and the challenges of transition head-on. Now, as the CEO of The Adversity Academy, h...

Chronic pain is something many veterans live with every day, whether it's from service-related injuries or the wear and tear of life. But what if you didn't have to rely on pain meds or go under the knife to get relief? Dr. Winifred Bragg, a board-certified pain management physician, has spent over 25 years helping people treat back, neck, and orthopedic pain-without surgery. In this episode, she...

Knives have always been more than just tools for veterans-they're symbols of skill, precision, and independence. But what happens when injuries or years of service-related wear make it harder to use the tools you once mastered? Doug Katz, a West Point graduate and disabled Army veteran, saw firsthand how physical limitations can steal confidence in the kitchen. So, he did what veterans do best. He...

Addiction isn't just a bad habit-it's your brain craving relief. For many veterans, that relief comes in the form of smoking, drinking, or even harder substances to cope with PTSD, stress, or physical pain. But what if you could break free without white-knuckling through withdrawal? In this episode, Meridee Hlokoff shares how she went from struggling with addiction herself to running Laser Quit ,...

Many veterans struggle with anxiety, PTSD, and the hidden battles that linger long after their service ends. Army veteran and licensed professional counselor Healey Ikerd understands that firsthand. With over 17 years in the mental health field, she combines clinical expertise with personal experience to help veterans navigate transition challenges, mental health, and personal growth. In this epis...

A single decision changed everything for Mark O'Brien. One night in 2008, a tragic mistake led to the loss of someone he loved-and a journey of guilt, grief, and, ultimately, transformation. Mark shares his deeply personal story of learning to live with the consequences of his actions, facing the justice system, and finding a way to help others through advocacy and trauma-informed care. He discuss...

A split-second decision, a devastating explosion, and a new reality. Marine Corps veteran Davey Lind lost both of his legs to an IED during his fifth combat deployment in Iraq. But instead of giving up, he made a commitment-to walk again, to push forward, and to inspire others. From the battlefield to becoming a CrossFit trainer and motivational speaker, Davey shares his journey of resilience, rec...

Retired Marine Corps Major Eric Dominijanni shares his journey from the military to becoming the founder and CEO of FIOR Scotch. After years of service, Eric pursued his passion for fine spirits, applying the same discipline and commitment that defined his military career to crafting a high-quality Scotch. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from the Marine Corps into the spirits industry...

Jay Wylie, a Navy veteran, shares his journey from addiction and career loss to sobriety and purpose. After being relieved of command and facing a public downfall due to alcoholism, Jay turned his life around through recovery and now dedicates himself to helping veterans and first responders battling addiction and homelessness. As a leader at Confidential Recovery and the Veterans Navigation Cente...

Dr. Ron Schneebaum, retired pediatrician and author of Bigger Hearted, shares his two-part approach to helping veterans heal their inner wounds. Drawing from his medical background and advocacy for mental health, he emphasizes the importance of reframing military experiences and practicing focused inner listening. Dr. Schneebaum explains how embracing love and compassion can help veterans process...

Sheridan Taylor, a Canadian Army combat veteran, former corrections officer, and suicide survivor, shares his raw and powerful story of survival, loss, and recovery. Sheridan reflects on the lessons learned from his military career, the struggles of transitioning to civilian life, and the emotional toll of losing his wife. He discusses how therapy and self-awareness helped him rebuild his life and...

Tom Tice, founder and CEO of Warrior Strong, shares how his organization helps veterans, first responders, and their families through free health and wellness programs. With offerings like yoga, breathwork, meditation, and fitness classes, Warrior Strong fosters camaraderie, combats loneliness, and encourages healthy lifestyles. Tom discusses the importance of building a supportive community and h...

Tim Thomas, founder of Breathwork in Bed and Australian Special Forces veteran, shares the life-changing benefits of proper breathing techniques. Drawing from his military experience and deep understanding of sleep and wellness, Tim introduces simple yet powerful breathwork exercises to improve sleep quality, boost energy, and enhance mental clarity. He explains how small, intentional actions-like...

Gary Pacelli, retired detective, Marine Corps veteran, and author, shares his gripping story of survival, recovery, and resilience after a life-changing skydiving accident left him paralyzed. Gary reflects on his military and law enforcement career, the harrowing moments after his accident, and the mental battle to rebuild his life. His journey illustrates the power of mindset, the importance of f...

Steven Ferguson, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Honorguard Coffee, shares his journey from deployment to navigating the challenges of civilian life. He discusses how his service dog and alternative therapies helped him find healing and purpose. Inspired by his own struggles, Steven created Honorguard Coffee to break down barriers for veterans seeking service dogs and support. By combining ent...

Andrea Waltz, co-author of Go for No , shares the transformative power of embracing rejection as a pathway to success. In this conversation, Andrea explores how shifting perspectives on failure can lead to resilience, personal growth, and professional achievement. Drawing from her book, she outlines how hearing "no" can be a stepping stone rather than a roadblock and how military veterans, profess...

Michelle Lang, Executive Director of Operation Honor: Rural Salute, shares how the organization connects rural veterans and their families to essential resources that are often hard to access in remote areas. Michelle discusses the unique challenges veterans face in rural communities, such as isolation and difficulty finding reliable support. Through in-person events and an online resource hub, Op...

Joshua Sears, retired Army Sergeant First Class and founder of the 100FORE22 Foundation shares his journey from combat deployments and personal struggles with mental health to creating a nonprofit supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. Joshua explains how golf became his therapy and inspired the foundation's mission to raise awareness and funds for mental health resources throu...

David Cain, CEO of Heroes Home Advantage, discusses a real estate program dedicated to giving back to military members, first responders, healthcare workers, educators, and their families. This nationwide network of realtors, lenders, and attorneys offers significant savings by returning a portion of commissions to qualifying heroes. David explains how the program simplifies home buying, reduces c...

Dr. Josh McConkey, a colonel, author, and emergency physician, shares insights from his military and medical careers in this impactful discussion. He reflects on lessons learned from combat deployments, reintegration challenges, and strategies for managing stress and building resilience. Dr. McConkey highlights the importance of finding purpose, leveraging community support, and recognizing the va...

Dr. Philip Agrios, founder and CEO of Transcend Now, shares the TNow Method, a practical approach to overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors. He explains how understanding inborn sabotaging traits can help individuals break negative patterns and achieve personal and professional growth. The episode highlights the three main reasons people self-sabotage: fear of losing success, sidestepping necessary...

Caleb Walker, a veteran and entrepreneur, discusses his journey from military service to creating CollaboWave, a tool designed to revolutionize networking for veterans. Drawing on his military experience, including deployments to Afghanistan, Caleb highlights veterans' challenges in maintaining strong networks after service. CollaboWave addresses these hurdles by capturing and organizing essential...

Dr. Kerry Forrestal, an emergency room physician and veteran, shares essential guidance for managing a cancer diagnosis. Drawing from years of experience in medicine and personal interactions with countless patients, Dr. Forrestal demystifies the process of navigating treatment options, understanding medical terminology, and advocating for oneself in the healthcare system. The episode also touches...