The Every Third Saturday Podcast

In this engaging interview, Joy Nguyen from Marsden shares her inspiring journey from Canada to Minnesota, her military family background, and her impactful work supporting veterans and community development. Discover how Marsden's diverse opportunities and commitment to social responsibility create pathways for veterans and community members to thrive.

Join us for a wildly entertaining podcast about… well, a whole lot of nothing—in the best way possible. Featuring Tom, Eric, Amos, and James, this lively panel brings unpredictable conversations, off-the-rails humor, and surprisingly thoughtful moments hidden between the chaos. Each episode dives into a mix of space exploration, space technology, and space mysteries, before drifting effortlessly i...

In this inspiring interview, Tom McKenna, Eric Geesaman, and guest Bob Kelly share personal stories of overcoming adversity, the importance of community, faith, and personal responsibility, and how these values shape their work and lives. Discover practical insights on leadership, service, and building meaningful relationships that can transform your perspective and impact.

From a simple conversation with a homeless veteran to transforming an entire community - this episode shares the raw, heartfelt journey of how a small act of kindness sparked a movement. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories, unexpected challenges, and defining moments that shaped nearly 15 years of service, from donated quilts in Wisconsin to building a dedicated space in Minneapolis. You’ll hea...

Most veterans' journey to healing is filled with barriers, but what if the key to true transformation isn’t therapy or group therapy, but a powerful 5-week program that changes lives from the inside out? Jon Engfer, program director for Warriors Return, shares how a simple yet intense interpersonal development course is helping veterans rebuild purpose, resilience, and self-love, even after years...

Steve Sorensen is a dedicated Bible teacher and veteran who has served in various ministries and outreach efforts, including street evangelism and military chaplaincy. His life exemplifies how faith meets action in extraordinary ways. Steve’s journey from cultural Catholicism to passionate follower of Christ exemplifies how questions, setbacks, and real-world ministry shape true discipleship. He s...

In this episode of the Every Third Saturday podcast, host Tom McKenna speaks with Nick Williams, the founder of Shear Hope Collective, a community initiative focused on providing haircuts and support to those in need, particularly the homeless. Nick shares his journey from working various jobs to discovering his passion for barbering during the pandemic. He discusses the transformative power of a...

Join us on this episode of the Every Third Saturday podcast as we explore the transformative journey of veterans finding community and purpose after service. In this episode, Ben shares his personal story of overcoming isolation, embracing vulnerability, and building lasting connections. Tune in to hear how small victories and community support can lead to profound personal growth.

Eric and Tom bring it back to the basics and discuss what exactly ETS does to support veterans and their families. Topics discussed include supply distribution, Warrior's Return, the VREC, and other stuff. 

Eric and Tom sit down with Jake Taylor. Jake is a former professional hockey player, dad, husband, and the founder of Strapped. We discuss his path from growing up in Rochester, MN, his hockey career, and his post hockey path to the life he is living today. Jake is honest and raw in his insights and relies heavily on his faith to help guide him on the path to supporting other players and helping t...

Eric and Tom get up close and personal due to sharing a mic for this episode, but all is good amongst fellow Marines. The guys talk with Nate Boen, a realtor who has given back tens of thousands of dollars in commissions through the Homes for Heroes program, and Steve Brand, who also given back many thousands of dollars in fees to veterans, police, firefighters, EMTs, and teachers. This is a great...

Chandler has been a friend of ETS for many years. He is a strong advocate for veterans in Minnesota and is the State President of 2nd Brigade Motorcycle Club. 2nd Brigade runs a fundraising event each summer called the Bikers Against Soldier Suicide and they donate the proceeds to a different non profit each year. Chandler also supports veterans through his work at Lutheran Social Services and is...

This is what happens when Eric and Tom have no guest and no agenda. Topics in this one include algorithms, dog stories, politicians who dont listen to veterans, a fish tale and Tom's fascination with strange Instagram videos. Hope you enjoy listening!

Today, Eric and Tom sit down with the Director of Growth and Marketing at Every Third Saturday. We delve in to Krista's interesting background, including teaching in Japan with no qualifications, life with a toddler, and accidentally running a 50K. Krista is a vital piece of the puzzle here at Every Third Saturday and her kindness and compassion shines through i all of her interactions. 

Tom and Eric first discuss the worrisome education gap that inhibits veterans from accessing all of the resources available to them. The gap exists and is neither remedied from the military side or the veteran side. Second, they discuss the startling decisions being made by the MN legislature in St Paul. The decision to cut veterans funding from the current budget, while simultaneously establishin...

Eric, Tom, and Amos discuss a variety of topics such as veteran advocacy, the need for us to stick together, the effect of politics on veterans issues, and several uncalled for jokes about Tom"s old age. 

Eric and Tom talk with Kayla Hiebert. Kayla has been around ETS since it's very beginning and been riding the wave ever since. From our days out in the VA parking lot, our RV fiasco, all the way up to present day, Kayla has been a part of it all. The daughter of a Marine, step-daughter of another Marine, brother of an Army veteran, and the wife of a currently serving Coast Guard Petty Officer, Kay...

Eric and Tom sit down for an awesome conversation with Josh Guyse. Josh is a veteran of the US Army and is still serving in the MN National Guard. Josh candidly tells the story of  his battle with mental health after several deployments, his stay in a VA psychiatric unit, work as a Registered Nurse, and finally the head of Veteran GIving at Duke Cannon. Duke Cannon is a fantastic company and they...

Jessi Mckenna is the Executive Director at Every Third Saturday and is in charge of "herding the cats". Jessi keeps everyone in their lane and ensures ETS runs smoothly and efficiently. She is also the spouse of our co-host, Tom, and she candidly discusses what it means to love a veteran who struggles with PTSD and soul wounds caused by military service. Jessi possesses excellent intuition and is...

Eric and Tom delve into the wild world of VA. Topics covered include Veterans healthcare, veterans disability compensation and benefits, VA home loan gaurantee, burial benefits and what to do if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Please ensure you contact an accredited Veterans Service Officer to ensure you receive the most accurate and pertinent information. We are not experts, jus...

In this episode, Tom and Eric discuss the difficulty in reaching veterans who are isolating, self medicating, and even considering suicide. The 3 prong foundation of identity, community, and purpose, is a powerful concept and may be the key to supporting veterans as they navigate how to discover a new sense of self on the path to a life full of meaning and purpose. 

Eric and Tom sit down and chat with Amanda Hooper. Amanda is an Army veteran who served in the Middle East, she is a mom, has earned a Masters Degree in Military Psychology, and is a Senior Outreach Specialist for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), and an overall cool person who brings energy and passion to supporting her fellow veterans. 

Micah Ternet is a US Army veteran of multiple deployments, has a Master's Degree, is a world traveler, and entrepreneur. He is constantly on the lookout for his next opportunity and has the rare combination of smarts and guts that enables him to seize those opportunities. He is also no stranger to the struggles veterans face transitioning back to regular life and the profound impact suicide causes...

Eric and Tom sit down with Amos Ferrier. Amos served 15 years in the Army as a medic and saw a lot of tough stuff. Through it all he has remained resilient and is constantly doing the work to make something good out of the trauma he has experienced. Amos is a graduate of the ETS Warrior's Return course, and currently is on staff at ETS as the Internship Director and Coffee Shop Co-Manager. He is a...

Tom and Eric spend some time shooting the shit with Kristy Janigo. Kristy is a Veteran Service Officer in Hennepin County, was elected to the Maple Grove City Council, is the Commander of the 10th district of the Mn American Legion, and an all around awesome advocate for veterans in Minnesota. Hope you enjoy our conversation!