Oscar Mike Radio

In this conversation, I talked with Ty Baras, an Army veteran, and Brendan Butler, CEO of Retrieving Freedom, as they discussed the profound impact of service dogs on veterans' lives. Let's delve into the key takeaways and actionable advice from their experiences. Ty's Journey: From Active Duty to Civilian Life Ty Baras began his military journey in Burlington, Iowa, joining the Army i...

Retired US Air Force Colonel Brian Searcy shared invaluable insights on the importance of preparedness and situational awareness. He discussed the concepts of Left of Bang and the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), these are decision-making processes that can be applied in various situations. These principles form the core of what he is doing as the founder of Paratus Group. Paratus Group i...

I welcomed US Air Force Veteran, Ann Lutz to Oscar Mike Radio. Ann Lutz is a multifaceted advocate who draws on her experiences as a U.S. Air Force veteran, rocket scientist, and former Ms. New Mexico America's Select Veteran. Ann introduces her advocacy platform, "Engineers Against Domestic Violence," focusing on leveraging engineering solutions to combat domestic violence. You can...

The 400th episode of Oscar Mike Radio features two distinguished guests: Bill Moore, USAF Veteran and the founder of Project New Hope, and Mistress Carrie, radio personality, media professional, podcast host, and Veterans Advocate. This episode delves into their unique initiatives to support veterans and their families. You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else p...

As we come up to number 400, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jersey Joe, a US Air Force veteran and advocate with Patriots Helping Our Veterans. You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else podcasts are hosted. Our discussion started with Joe recounting his military service, which included critical ground support roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation En...

This week I talked with Jeremiah Williams, a dedicated Army National Guard veteran and representative of Warriors First Incorporated. You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else podcasts are hosted. Jeremiah’s military aspirations were ignited at Liberty University, under the mentorship of a command Sergeant Major, leading him to join the National Guard. However, h...

Scotti Fraser, recording artist, and proud Marine Corps Veteran came on to talk with me about his military service and music. Growing up under the sunny skies of California, Scotti shared how his journey took a significant turn when he joined the Marines, and how music became his saving grace. With a deep passion for live gigs and crafting songs, Scotti opened up about the deep emotional connectio...

I recently had the pleasure of hosting my 396th show with Brian McCarver, an Army veteran and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and his assistant, Morgan Emery. Brian shared insights into his military service, his transition into the wealth management industry, and his ongoing commitment to veteran advocacy. Brian’s military journey began in the early '90s at West...

Growing up in Effingham, Illinois, Austin's small-town values deeply influenced his life decisions, leading him to serve in the Air Force. The camaraderie and American pride nurtured in his community resonate through his music and service. It's a story of genuine love for our nation. In an emotionally charged conversation, Austin talked openly about his parents' musical legacy and how...

At just 6 or 7 years old, Brandon was already strumming tunes inspired by legends like Elvis. It's fascinating how the chords we hear in our youth can echo into our life's work. Brandon Hart shared how crafting lyrics and melodies is his favorite part of being a musician. He finds joy in touching souls with his sound. It's a beautiful reminder of how art can connect with our innermost...

Ever experienced peace through the thrill of motorcycle riding? I recently discussed this on Oscar Mike Radio with Brett Stralo, a professional motocross racer and former AH-64 Apache helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Army. Brett shared how motocross offers him tranquility and focus, serving as a form of therapy, especially after his military service. The intensity of racing, surprisingly, brings ab...

Stephanie Dasher, a Navy veteran involved with the Warrior Surf Foundation shared a different kind of Veteran transition story. Stephanie’s story highlights the remarkable transition from the demanding world of military life to the therapeutic embrace of the ocean waves. Stephanie entered the Navy straight out of high school, aiming to become a pilot. Instead, she found herself in the challenging...

This week, I spoke with Dr. Pamela Arnell, whose leadership with the 22 Zero is significantly advancing post-traumatic stress disorder recovery. 22 Zero has earned my respect for its commitment to healing those who have served our country. Dr. Arnell, although not from a military background, has become a pivotal figure in this mission due to her extensive counseling experience and genuine compassi...

I was honored to speak with Yvette Benavidez Garcia, daughter of Medal of Honor recipient Roy Benavidez. Our conversation offered deep insights into the personal and heroic aspects of Roy’s life, profoundly captured in Yvette's book, "Tango Mike Mike," named after Roy’s military call sign. Growing up with a Medal of Honor Recipient for a father was a unique experience for Yvette. She described Roy...

I would like to welcome returning guest Phil Cook to Oscar Mike Radio. I met Phil during an Irreverent Warrior’s hike in Nashville, TN. Phil's unwavering dedication shines through in his efforts to honor fallen soldiers and veterans. Notably, he carried a flag bearing the names of 12 fallen soldiers from the 101st Second Brigade during the Baton Death March at White Sands Missile Range. Beyond...

Jeff Nelligan, a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran, applied military discipline principles to parenting, emphasizing punctuality, follow-through, and modesty in his children. He believes in preparing his sons for real-world challenges, encouraging them to complete tasks independently, like navigating public spaces and handling financial transactions. This approach aims to foster self-reliance and problem-...

This week features John Michael Ferrari, an Army veteran turned celebrated musician. John's journey from a San Francisco youth to a national recording artist embodies resilience and passion. Starting with a right-handed guitar despite being left-handed, he mirrored Elvis's iconic posture, showcasing the adaptability that marked his life, including during his military service. John was draf...

This week features returning guest, Stephen Russell, creator of the "Tales of Nihilism" comic series. Stephen’s artistic path highlights the immense potential within our community. "Tales of Nihilism" has since amassed over 7,000 page reads, proving its appeal beyond conventional superhero tales. Stephen's involvement in Plastic City Comic-Con was pivotal, turning his passi...

Richard Kaufman's journey from being labeled as the "worst soldier" to achieving "Soldier of the Year" epitomizes resilience. His 23-year military tenure, marked by significant challenges, including a severe injury leading to an 80% vision loss, ended in 2012. Post-military life brought its struggles, notably a suicide attempt, but also a pivotal moment of self-discovery and a thirst for knowledge...

This week’s show highlighted the legacy of Japanese American World War II service members through a conversation with Dr. Mitchell T. Maki, Executive Director of the Go For Broke National Education Center. This center, founded by veterans 35 years ago, aims to preserve the history and contributions of Japanese Americans, focusing on their extraordinary service during a period of severe discriminat...

This episode features an interview with Cody Howell, a Navy veteran turned country music artist. Howell shared his riveting experiences as a mass communication specialist, from serving on an aircraft carrier to engaging in special operations. His transition to music was a testament to the healing power of creativity, and he gave us a glimpse into the soulful stories behind his songs. “Any Way You...

Joe Klaunberg’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From his days as a Marine Corps chemical biological radiological nuclear defense specialist to his current endeavors in the acting industry, Joe exemplifies the versatility of military training. His skills in martial arts and critical thinking have found new expressions in film. His involvement with Veteran Powered Films and his creative respo...

This week Jeffrey Meshel talks about profound insights from his book, “Trust Is a Double-Edged Sword: Trust Me”. Trust is the foundation of all our relationships, both personal and professional. Jeffrey eloquently discussed the impact of trust, the repercussions of its absence, and the need for informed decision-making. Jeffrey and I talked about the building blocks of Trust: Integrity, Consistenc...

This show features Dr. Aaron Bryant, a multifaceted individual who has served in the U.S Army became a mental health professional, and author. Growing up in Compton, California, Dr. Bryant's life took a significant turn when he joined the military and became a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger. His transition back to civilian life was fraught with challenges, but it was also a period of self-discovery...

I'm excited to share with you a remarkable conversation I had with Devon Brown, a fellow Marine Corps veteran and coach, whose personal journey of transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Devon's story begins in the small town of Evergreen, North Carolina, a place so tiny it boasts only one stoplight. Despite his love for baseball, Devon found himself entangled in a web of poor de...