VET S.O.S. Podcast

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Erick Saks joins VET S.O.S. to discuss Operation Lifeline, a nonprofit empowering veterans through housing, SkillBridge internships, and hands-on job training. Discover how Veteran Workforce Development is at the heart of this growing grassroots movement reshaping what veteran support can be. 🎙 Hosted by Shawn Welsh & Keith Cassant 🌐 Learn more at opLifeline.org #Ve...

In this inspiring episode of the Military Transition Resources Show , we sit down with Brian Cain , Director of Development at Guitars for Vets , a nonprofit putting guitars—and hope—into the hands of America’s veterans. Brian opens up about his personal battle with PTSD and brain injury following service in the Marine Corps and law enforcement. He shares how music, Boulder Crest’s Warrior PATHH,...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Scoop , a new series from the VET S.O.S. Podcast Network! Host Kingsley Scott sits down with veteran, author, and coach Bill Kieffer to break down the realities of career transition after military service. Bill shares real-world advice on how to close the culture gap, reframe your military experience for civilian employers, and succeed in your post-military...

This week on the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we speak with Shannon Huffman Polson —veteran Apache pilot, leadership expert, and founder of The Grit Institute . Shannon opens up about her military service, her unexpected pivot into corporate life, and the mindset and values that helped her lead with purpose through it all. Shannon introduces us to her powerful Grit Triad model—Commit, Learn, Launch—and sha...

In this dynamic episode of the VET S.O.S. , we're joined by returning guest Peter Cline , founder of Boots to Books and co-founder of the new MilMentor platform. Peter shares: His authentic and humbling military transition story. How MilMentor is filling the void left by Veterati. The importance of fast feedback and one-on-one calls for career clarity. His advice for young veterans on taking smart...

Lacey Craig of T-Mobile joins VET S.O.S. to spotlight how the company is leading the way in veteran hiring, retention, and military family support . As Senior Program Manager for Military and Partnership Recruiting, Lacey discusses the importance of long-term success for veterans and military spouses in the civilian workforce. You’ll hear about T-Mobile’s industry-leading initiatives including: PC...

Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Tony Grinston , the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army and current CEO of Army Emergency Relief (AER) . In this VET S.O.S. episode, Tony talks about his transition from military leadership to nonprofit CEO, shares valuable advice for separating service members, and details the many ways AER supports soldiers and families. We dive deep into: Tony’...

Michael Haltman, Chairman of the Heroes to Heroes Foundation, joins VET S.O.S. to share how their powerful peer-driven and faith-based program helps combat veterans overcome moral injury and suicidal ideation. From intensive one-year coaching to deeply spiritual journeys to Israel, the Heroes to Heroes Foundation delivers a proven path to healing and community reintegration. Learn about their impa...

Welcome to the VET S.O.S. Podcast! In this episode, Shawn and Dr. Hira talk with Matthew Louis , acclaimed author of Mission Transition and Hiring Veterans , and a leading voice in the military transition space. Matt discusses his own journey from the Army to the corporate world, how he’s helping bridge the civil-military divide, and why employment is the cornerstone of successful transition. You'...

Join the VET S.O.S. Podcast for a high-impact conversation with Jai Salters , Navy veteran and founder of Act Now Education , MilMentor , and Service to Success . With over 77,000 served, Jai and his team are redefining what veteran and spouse support looks like—offering free certifications, job prep programs, tailored mentorship, and real hiring opportunities. Cohosted by Dr. Hira, this episode e...

Three Years Strong! Dr. Vincent Soto on Transition, Transformation & Dressing for Success We’re celebrating three years of VET S.O.S. with a returning guest and key figure in our journey — Dr. Vincent Soto ! From his early days on Season 1 to now leading two powerful organizations — Navigating Solutions and Transition2Transformation — Dr. Soto embodies what it means to lead with passion and pu...

This week on the VET S.O.S. podcast, we bring you an essential conversation that every veteran and their family needs to hear. Our guest is Inspector Carroll Harris , a 33-year government service professional, Marine Corps veteran, and national advocate for the Operation Protect Veterans campaign through the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Scams targeting veterans are on the rise—and they’re more...

🎧 Ready to amplify your voice and lead with impact? This episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast is a masterclass in communication training. Join us as we welcome John Bates , founder of Executive Speaking Success and communication coach to organizations like NASA, Navy EOD, and Google. John’s mission is to empower veterans, transitioning service members, and leaders through powerful, science-backed co...

What happens when a veteran survives multiple traumatic brain injuries, experiences daily cognitive and emotional symptoms, and then finds a program that changes everything? In this deeply inspiring episode of VET S.O.S. , we welcome Steve Papas , U.S. Navy veteran and Executive Director of the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program at UF Health Jacksonville . Steve shares his personal healing journey—...

In this special 150th episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, we’re honored to welcome Algrish Williams , retired Command Sergeant Major, author, and CEO of Williams Leadership Consulting. Algrish shares his powerful transition story—balancing command responsibilities with preparation for civilian life—and how he leveraged intentional networking and leadership principles to thrive post-service. 🎯 Key...

🎙 New Episode of VET S.O.S. Podcast! 🎙 Scott DeLuzio – Army veteran, host of Drive On Podcast , author of Surviving Son , and advocate for veteran mental health. In this powerful episode, Scott shares his unique transition story , how he coped with losing his brother in combat , and how he turned his struggles into a platform for veterans to find hope and resources . Topics covered: ✔️ Surviving t...

In this episode of VET S.O.S. , we sit down with Jeffrey Lodick , a retired Army Master Sergeant, veteran advocate, and leadership expert . Jeffrey has dedicated his post-military career to helping transitioning service members , supporting organizations like FourBlock , and mentoring countless veterans—including our host! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The real challenges of military trans...

🎙 Healing Through Horses: How Equine Therapy Supports Veterans | VET S.O.S. In this episode, we’re diving into the healing power of equine-assisted therapy with Katie Fallon, Founder & Executive Director of Bridle Paths . With over two decades of experience in equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapeutic riding , Katie shares how her journey led to helping veterans, service members, and milit...

🎙️ Bridging the Gap: How Defenders Gateway is Connecting Veterans & First Responders to Critical Resources In this episode of VET S.O.S. , we welcome Cheri Otzenberger , Director of Member Relations at Defender's Gateway . She shares how this innovative community-driven platform is helping military service members, veterans, and first responders navigate the overwhelming number of available re...

🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast – Featuring Kayla Milan from QRF Up In this episode, we highlight QRF Up , a game-changing nonprofit tackling veteran and first responder suicide with a mobile crisis response app . With the simple push of a big red button , veterans and first responders in crisis get instant support , connecting to a licensed therapist and, if needed, a trained responder who can be on-site w...

🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast: Matt Watkins & Operation Headshot In this episode, we talk with Matt Watkins , Marine veteran and founder of Operation Headshot , about his transition from active duty , career setbacks, and how he is now empowering veterans and military spouses through professional branding, headshots, and networking . Key Takeaways: ✅ The emotional and financial struggles of transitio...

🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast – Featuring Gavin Naples, Tunnels to Towers Foundation 🎙️ In this episode, we’re joined by Gavin Naples , Vice President for Homeless Veteran Programs at the Tunnels to Towers Foundation , to discuss their groundbreaking work in permanent supportive housing, veterans' villages, and national case management . Since 2023, the foundation has provided housing and services to over...

Welcome to another powerful episode of VET S.O.S.! Today, we sit down with Jonathan Sheridan, a former EOD tech in the U.S. Air Force and the host of the Normalized PTSD podcast. Jonathan shares his deeply personal journey with PTSD, mental health struggles, and the coping mechanisms that have helped him reclaim his life. From his difficult transition out of the military to exploring therapy, medi...

Welcome to another insightful episode of VET S.O.S., brought to you by the Who You Know Network and a proud member of the Parade Deck Community! 🎙️ Today, we’re sitting down with Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Jason A. David, a veteran advocate who is passionate about helping service members successfully transition to civilian life. He shares invaluable insights on networking, military transition, V...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Diane Hight, founder of Forever Young Veterans, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the silent suffering of military veterans aged 65 and older. Through her organization, Diane and her team work tirelessly to grant unfulfilled dreams for aging veterans, take them on life-changing journeys back to battlefi...