Network for Nonprofit and Social Impact at Northwestern University

Serving Veterans Podcast

Society EN ↓ 4 episodes

Across the United States, millions of veterans navigate a complex maze of systems to access basic care—yet, despite billions in funding, too many fall through the cracks. Serving Veterans is a podcast series that explores the current landscape of veteran services and the latest technologies implemented to better serve veterans’ needs. Hosted by Northwestern University’s Network for Nonprofit and Social Impact (NNSI), this series draws from original NNSI studies and conversations with leaders across the VA and veteran-serving organizations.

Author

Network for Nonprofit and Social Impact at Northwestern University

Episodes

Addressing Veteran Loneliness and Suicide 14.01.2026 20:51

Loneliness is one of the most pressing yet overlooked crises among veterans. After screenings reveal alarming levels of social isolation, the VA’s innovative interventions are connecting veterans to local community groups and peer networks. Dr. Amanda Lineau joins to share how these initiatives are improving mental health.

What Do Providers Say About Veteran Needs? 24.11.2025 22:58

What do the people serving veterans think are the biggest challenges in the field? NNSI’s research assistant Tatum Thomas discusses our methodology and findings from interviews with providers nationwide, shedding light on frontline realities and what it takes to build trust across complex systems of care.

All About the Referral Systems that Work 11.11.2025 31:12

Behind every veteran in need is a web of referrals, forms, and waitlists. This episode unpacks the referral systems that connect veterans to housing, healthcare, and employment—and why they often fail. Gilly Cantor shares insights from national data on co-occurring needs and successful referral models, showing how coordinated networks can change outcomes.

Why This Podcast Exists 21.10.2025 18:11

In this introductory episode, NNSI’s founder Michelle Shumate reveals why the fragmented system of veteran services demands a closer look. Drawing from NNSI’s recent research, she discusses how uncoordinated networks and shrinking VA funding leaves many veterans underserved.