Road Home Program: The Podcast

USMC Colonel Patty Klop discusses her patriotic journey of self discovery. From joining the Marines to serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Col. Klop shares how she joined the mortuary affairs team and the struggles in her life that followed. When the PTSD symptoms started showing up in full force, Col. Klop got to work and with the help of therapy, and a belief that hard work perseveres, she was able...

Tyler Heisey talks about his journey from being a Marine, to seeking help at The Road Home Program, to finding his calling helping others as a clinical intern working for The Road Home Program. In advance of the 2024 Military Influencer Conference which he is featured as a speaker, Host Chris Miller and Tyler discuss their time in the Corps, and the call to serve the veteran community post EAS.

Road Home Program's Chaplain Mark Schimmelpfennig interviews two active duty chaplains with rather interesting stories at the Wounded Warrior Project's Chaplain Symposium. Chaplains Brian Koyn of the 18th Airborne Corps and Mike Beck from Joint Base Lewis-McChord share their journey to chaplaincy and how they have an impact on soldier's lives through faith and ministry.

Introducing Joseph Zolper, Road Home Program's new Outreach Manager. Hear Joseph's powerful journey from military service to advocating for veterans' mental health. Discover how his battle with PTSD and passion for supporting his fellow servicemen and women led him to this vital role. Joseph shares insights on the invisible wounds of war and the transformative support systems that guide veterans t...

Jessica Lopez, a veteran and now a licensed clinical social worker, shares her story of transitioning from the Marine Corps to college and then finding her place at the Road Home Program. She gets real about the day-to-day at the clinic, emphasizing teamwork, mentorship, and the ever-changing nature of innovation in their approach. It's a no-nonsense peek into the vital work Road Home Program does...

In this episode, Rebecca Risley unveils the unique facets of Road Home Program's community-first approach, diverse team, and what sets them apart in their mission. Discover how Road Home epitomizes genuine care and is revolutionizing veteran support.

Dr. Jon Murphy shares the pivotal moments that ignited his passion for psychology, his military service, and his role in shaping the innovative approach of the Road Home Program. His story reminds us of the power of resilience and dedication in making a difference.

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of art therapy in the lives of veterans. Stephanie Clark shares the remarkable stories of veterans who have embraced art as a means of healing, overcoming self-judgment, and finding renewed purpose. Join us as we explore why art therapy works so effectively within the Road Home program, how it differs from traditional therapies, and how art c...

Dr. Denise Dailey takes us on a journey through her life experiences and the genesis of her profound commitment to veterans' well-being. Tune in as we explore the core values of the Road Home Program — innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence — and discover how these principles guide the program's mission to provide exceptional care to veterans.

Get to know Clinical Psychologist Brooke Long as she shares her thoughts on the value of collaboration and innovation -- and why it makes the Road Home IOP special.

You can have the tools to heal, yet still need help to put them to effective use. Learn why a veteran, who is also a therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, turned to the Road Home Program to get the support he needed to enable him to fulfill his mission to help fellow veterans.

Obtaining healthy sleep is important for both physical and mental health, improving productivity and overall quality of life. Everyone can benefit from better sleep, and sleep hygiene can play a key part in achieving that goal.

“Veterans need more than just their benefits processed. They need camaraderie. They need community. They need support and resources.” College of DuPage Veterans Services Manager, Sheri Gross, shares the ways her team assists with education and financial benefits for the veteran-military community.

“We go in humbly to ask them, "How can we assist you?" instead of going in like a big shot and trying to tell them what they should be doing.” Illinois Joining Forces (IJF)’s Senior Director of Development, Jim Dolan, shares how IJF coordinates and connects veterans to helpful organizations in communities of all sizes throughout the state.

“Whether it's education, whether it's health care, just making sure that they are aware of all those benefits that are out there for them.” Harper College’s Veterans Center Coordinator, Jesus Molina, shares how his team helps veterans and military-connected students understand the available benefits they’ve earned and how to use them.

“You know, you play football, you fight for a long time. But then when you're done, just like the military, that transition is, is rough.” Merging Vets and Players (MVP)’s Program Director and former MMA fighter, Oscar Kush, shares how combat veterans and past professional athletes can grow together through physical fitness and peer-to-peer support.

“We really have a whatever-it-takes kind of approach.” Veterans Path To Hope’s Executive Director, Laura Franz, shares how they effectively collaborate with community partners to serve veterans with a variety of resources.

“We're giving them those fundamental tools to kind of redefine who they are, find that purpose in life again…then use those tools to move forward in their careers.“ Dog Tag Inc.’s Chicago Program Manager and Army veteran, Justin Miller, shares how the organization cooks up ways for military members to enter the workforce and learn entrepreneurial skills.

"We united, we came together, and we found ways to help." The Road Home Program team comes together to share their individual stories of how the events of 9/11 impacted their lives and the lives of all Americans. Do you remember where you were on 9/11? How was your life impacted? Share your story in the comments below.

On this Memorial Day 2021, Modie Lavin (Sr Outreach Coordinator at Road Home and a Gold Star Mother) shares the story of service and sacrifice made by her son, Marine Cpl. Conner T. Lowry. She encourages families to make Memorial Day a teachable moment for their children as they celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans by remembering and honoring all those who served.

What is Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and how does it impact my life? In this episode, Outreach Coordinator Ashton Kroner leads a discussion with Dr. Vanessa Tirone, Dr. Jocelyn Kressler, and MeeSoh Bossard, LCSW, to better understand sexual assault, PTSD, and the MST treatment options available to veterans.

It’s been 30 years since Operation Desert Shield (the operations leading to the buildup of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia) and Operation Desert Storm (the combat phase). The brief conflict played a role in the dissolution of the former Soviet Union and prompted a “revolution in military affairs” response among world powers. Road Home team members Will Beiersdorf (Executive Director), Chris Mil...

Outreach Coordinator Ramon Prieto, a 26-year Army career veteran, shares why he's actively working in his community to build relationships and close the gap between the veteran-military community and our fellow citizens.

Veterans can experience damage to mind, body and spirit. Mark "Chaps" Schimmelpfennig was a soldier before he went to seminary. He relates how his military service and his current role as Staff Chaplain of the Road Home Program directly helps with recovery and moral injury repair.

Veteran and Road Home Program Outreach Coordinator Ashton Kroner shares why the Marines' classic 'lava monster' commercial sparked her interest in joining the Marines, and how the skills she picked up on recruiting duty help her today in finding veterans in need of PTSD treatment.