Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Waking Up with the VFW Combat Tested Gaming

Leisure EN ↓ 12 episodes

The official podcast and initiative by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) , aiming to build community and support for veterans and service members through video games, featuring veteran hosts Smank and Cootie Shadow, guest interviews, and discussions on veteran mental health and videogames.

Author

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Episodes

The First CTG Roundtable 06.04.2026 1:26:23

In this episode, Shadow and Smank invite on many of the friendly faces of CTG.

Smankolish 30.03.2026 1:30:18

In this episode... well? what did you learn? Listen and find out.

The Mitch Fuller Episode 23.03.2026 1:29:49

In this episode Cootie Shadow and Smank invite in our Producer Mission Commander as an aid with the "terrible weather." The Podcast also invites in a fan favorite Mitch Fuller as they discusses the legislative efforts of the VFW, the Grunt Style Foundation and the force multiplication factors, and hemp products usage by veterans who are looking for relief and its barriers.

Sarge and the CTG iRacing Race Team 16.03.2026 1:28:45

In this episode of Waking up with the VFW's Combat Tested Gaming Podcast, Host Cootie Shadow and Co-host Smank explore the world of iRacing: as they interview Game/Race Team Lead Chris "Sarge" Norris.

Bonus Army March 2026- By the VFW 09.03.2026 1:11:59

Cootie Shadow and Smank are rambling as normal, with the spritz of VFW. Producer Mission Commander "Ronnie Steele" attended and shared the walk with the Podcast.

An Episode about Social Anxiety 23.02.2026 1:26:38

Cootie Shadow gives Discount Dad some advice. Cant say it is good or if its bad, you can listen and tell

Healing Properties of Video Games 16.02.2026 1:40:00

Discount Dad and Cootie Shadow discuss many ways that video games are a way of the future. Ways that video games and shenanigans create comradery and change veterans lives.

What a Monday 09.02.2026 1:37:23

Discount Dad is not feeling of the weather, but CTG makes him feel better. Cootie Shadow has been snowed in for the past week. Listen in to Discount Dad and Cootie Shadow recollect whatever that they can from their mind boggling weeks

Cootie Episode 02.02.2026 1:42:05

In this episode our host Stocker says his farewell as Discount Dad is introduced. We also introduce our listeners to the World of Cooties, as we introduce the National Commander Tracy Woodman, National Sr Vice Commander Ronnie Steele, and National President Dawn VanTassel to the outside world.

Always Give Back 27.01.2026 1:53:47

Stocker, Cootie, and Peeps are delving out Mental Health and Gaming as we hear about the Non Profit Always Give Back, and how it was founded, their mission. The solid take, "do something with no expectations."

Stress and Hobbies 19.01.2026 1:34:56

Our Hosts dive into the importance of Hobbies and why veterans can use it to help with mental health.

Waking up 2026 10.01.2026 1:42:54

In this episode our hosts tap VFW Programs, as well as talk about 2026 and Holidays, helping veterans, and videogames.