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

USAF Veteran Michael Vasquez joins the show to discuss groundbreaking healthcare technology innovations aimed at addressing the opioid crisis. With a rich background that includes building the first AI-integrated electronic medical records system on NASDAQ and founding one of the largest opioid treatment programs in the U.S., Michael explains how AI is being utilized to combat addiction and the cr...

This episode features Terry L. Fossum, a veteran with a diverse and illustrious background, including serving as the executive officer for a group of Nuclear B-52 bombers during the Cold War and winning the survival reality show, 'Kicking and Screaming' on Fox. Terry is also a celebrated author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, 'The Oxcart Technique'. This revolutionary goal-setting sys...

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Michaud, a seasoned psychologist with over 30 years of experience, discusses the intricate issues of addiction, codependency, and mental health, particularly within the veteran community. The discussion provides valuable insights into how these issues impact veterans and their families and offers strategies for developing healthier relationships and coping mechanisms. 00...

In this episode, Jennie Potter, author of 'Self Sabotage No More' and creator of the ALARM Method, discusses techniques to manage emotional triggers. The discussion focuses on practical steps veterans and others can use to tackle emotions like anger, fear, and stress, which often lead to self-sabotaging behaviors. 00:00 Introduction to Jennie Potter 01:05 Understanding the ALARM Method 01:37 Pract...

In this episode, Mike Hassell, author of Deep Tradeoffs, delves into strategies for humanizing opponents and managing subconscious reflexes in polarized societies. The discussion covers approaches to handling interpersonal and societal conflicts, the importance of striving versus peace, the complexities of honesty and self-deception, and the pursuit of happiness and meaning. Mike provides insights...

Author and speaker Corey Poirier discusses the importance of finding purpose and passion to address mental health issues. Corey shares his personal journey through mental health struggles, the moment that changed his life, and how he now helps others discover their own passions and purposes. With insights applicable to veterans, service members, and the broader community, Corey's practical advice...

In this episode, Ruth Clare, the author of the memoir 'Enemy' and a TEDx speaker, discusses the generational impacts of PTSD and shares valuable tools for recovery. Ruth's memoir explores her life as the child of a Vietnam veteran and the complex repercussions of war trauma on families. The conversation talks about coping strategies, parental challenges, and the importance of active involvement in...

In this special episode marking a significant milestone, the focus shifts from traditional interviews to an in-depth exploration of the essence of Independence Day. The episode dives into the historical context of the American Revolution, key figures and battles that shaped the nation's quest for freedom, and the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence. It offers listeners a monol...

In this episode, our guest is Karis Meier, a military wife and an inspiring author of 'Suffering Redeemed: Finding Strength to Endure, Purpose in Pain and Hope for Tomorrow'. Karis shares her journey of dealing with chronic illness and how her experiences have shaped her perspective on suffering, resilience, and the importance of community support. With insights from her life as a military spouse...

This episode features Perla Tapia, who serves in the US Air Force and as the Lead Coordinator for Irreverent Warriors' hikes in Phoenix. This episode shows the impact of camaraderie in supporting veterans and preventing suicide, highlighted by the organization's "silkies hikes." Listeners will learn about the significance of community and connection in addressing veteran mental health and how Irre...

In this episode, Joe Fortuno, a veteran deeply dedicated to assisting fellow veterans in securing their deserving VA disability benefits, shares his insights and experiences. Looking into the complexities of mental health challenges, the transition from military to civilian life, and the intricacies of navigating VA health care and disability benefits, Joe offers advice and perspectives drawn from...

Jessica Timmerman shares her personal journey of loss and resilience following the passing of her brother, a dedicated service member. Jessica opens up about the challenges her brother faced, including combat experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Africa, and his struggles with mental health leading up to his passing on Mother's Day 2022. Through her story, Jessica sheds light on the importan...

Megan Richards, an army combat veteran and the executive director of Packages from Home, joins us to discuss the substantial impact of care packages on military members stationed abroad and veterans in need. We talk about Megan's personal journey from joining the army unexpectedly, facing the complexities of military life, and how her experiences shaped her role in providing morale-boosting suppor...

In this episode, Rachel Masch-Perez, the Community Engagement Director at MANA House, dives deep into the critical issue of veteran homelessness. We explore the multifaceted challenges veterans face, including substance abuse, mental health issues, and the hurdles of reintegration into civilian life, contributing to homelessness. Rachel provides a behind-the-scenes look at how MANA House, a peer-r...

This episode features financial educator Kate Horrell, specializing in empowering military and veteran families to optimize their pay and benefits. Discussions span the differences in managing finances for active vs. veteran status, leveraging educational benefits like the Post 9/11 GI Bill, navigating the transition from military to civilian life, and the availability of resources to ease this si...

This episode features Kapri Willis, who shares her compelling journey from a challenging youth to serving as a Navy Corpsman and later founding Take Care of Our Vets. Willis opens up about the motivations behind her military service, her diverse experiences within the Navy, and how these shaped her commitment to aiding homeless veterans and their families. She provides insights into the challenges...

In this episode, we look into the inspiring journey of Mark Perna, a former Marine Corps infantryman with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Mark shares his experiences from the battlefield to the trials of reintegration into civilian life, touching on themes of resilience, healing, and the power of self-discovery through challenging times. His story unfolds through discussions on overcoming the...

This episode dives deep into veterans' support through service dogs, highlighting the support available for those who served. Our guest, Bryan Pieschel, director of veteran services at Dogs for Our Brave, shares his enlightening journey from an army medic in Baghdad to supporting wounded veterans. The conversation covers the vital role of service dogs in offering hope, independence, and support to...

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Fred Johnson, a former Marine turned musical performer renowned for his work in healing veterans through artistic expression. Johnson shares his journey from the military to the arts, highlighting the impact of his service and artistic endeavors and how these experiences shaped his commitment to helping veterans transition and heal. The discussio...

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Elisa Glass, a dedicated caregiver to her husband, a 100% disabled veteran, and an advocate for caregivers and individuals with rare autoimmune diseases. Elisa shares her challenging journey of resilience, strength, and dedication while navigating the unique hurdles of caregiving, managing her own rare autoimmune disease, and advocating for resou...

In this episode, Uncle Jimmy (James Kuczykowski), a Roman Catholic Air Force veteran, shares his inspiring and impactful journey from rock bottom to recovery. Discussing his life's challenges, including overcoming addiction and surviving a stroke, Uncle Jimmy offers a raw and honest look into the trials he faced and how he overcame them. Through stories of his military career, the camaraderie amon...

This episode dives into the captivating journey of Leah Stiles, a retired senior chief mass communication specialist from the US Navy and the founder/CEO of a nonprofit aimed at addressing eating disorders within the military community. Covering topics from the unique challenges and responsibilities of military communication specialists to the often-overlooked issue of eating disorders among servi...

In this episode, Monica Sanford, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and VA Disability Claims Examiner, offers insights into the VA disability claims process. Bringing over two decades of experience in acute care and a deep connection to the military community, Sanford discusses a wide range of topics, from eligibility for VA disability benefits to detailed advice for veterans preparing for their VA disa...

This episode features Jeremy Hancock, a combat veteran who shares his deeply personal journey from struggling with PTSD and suicidal ideation to finding hope, healing, and post-traumatic growth. Jeremy's candid storytelling brings light to the numerous challenges he faced upon his return from service, including his battles with PTSD, vulnerability, survivor's remorse, and moral injury. A key part...

This episode features Robert Thomas, a distinguished Air Force veteran with nearly 31 years of service and a key member of Operation Homefront's executive team. The conversation dives deep into Thomas's extensive military career, from flying C 141s and C 5s to his role in supporting the Operation Homefront mission. Listeners will learn about the impactful work being done to build strong, stable, a...