The Veteran Blueprint

Oct. 11, 2026 ~ Will Mattay, a former Navy veteran, shares his story of growing up through severe family trauma, serving during the Persian Gulf War on the USS Missouri, and overcoming a life-altering diving accident that left him paralyzed. Despite multiple hardships, Will Mattay dedicated his life to mentoring fellow veterans and published his memoir, “Roller Coaster: Ride of My Life,” to encour...

Sep. 27, 2026 ~ Doug "Odie" Slocum, a retired one-star general in the U.S Air Force and Air National Guard, discusses his journey from military brat to advocate for veterans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 20, 2026 ~ Amy Forsyth, a retired Navy Public Affairs officer and former Marine combat correspondent, discusses her extraordinary military journey. Amy Forsyth shares her unique perspective on covering the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq, managing the transition from enlisted Marine to Navy officer, and working as a military journalist during two decades of combat operations. Hosted...

September 13, 2026 ~ Josh Parrish and Matt Leach welcome former Navy Chief Petty Officer Tommy Nutzman to the Veterans Blueprint. They discuss his enlistment following 9/11, his impactful two-decade career as a rescue swimmer, and his current work supporting the veteran community as an advocate and influencer. It is a powerful conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm...

September 6, 2026 ~ Matt Leech speaks with the first ever very first Veteran's Affair Manager of Detroit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 23, 2026 ~ Chris Ford, an Air Force veteran, discusses his journey from a childhood in a single-parent household to leading service-oriented initiatives. He highlights his transition from military leadership to focusing on veteran support through the Face the Fight movement, a coalition dedicated to suicide prevention. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for...

Aug. 16, 2026 ~ Adrienne Spadavecchia, a military child who grew up moving frequently, eventually became the first female Apache pilot in the Missouri National Guard. After a 26-year career that included deployments and balancing military service with motherhood, she transitioned into entrepreneurship to lead a nonprofit supporting veterans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pc...

Aug. 9, 2026 ~ Marine Corps veteran Gabe Krengel, the founder of Third Deck Brewing, discusses his path from a tough upbringing in Chicago to military service and his subsequent career transitions. He explains how his brewery honors the legacy of fallen brothers by donating proceeds to Gold Star families and veterans in need. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com fo...

July 12, 2026 ~ JoAnne Bass, the first female Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, about her military journey and leadership philosophy. She reflects on the importance of being present, learning from failures, and maintaining an identity outside of the military service. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...

July 5, 2026 ~ Chris Kolenda, a retired colonel, shares his journey from Nebraska to West Point, his military career, and his transition to civilian life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 28, 2026 ~ Larry Fisher, who leads his community and helps veterans get homes in Florida and Michigan, shares his family’s military background and his early involvement with the Civil Air Patrol, which led to his own distinguished military career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising...

June 21, 2026 ~ Gretchen Smith, founder of Code of Vets, a nonprofit assisting over 8,000 veterans with rapid response efforts. Gretchen Smith shares her journey from growing up in rural North Carolina, her time in the Air Force, and the challenging transition back to civilian life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use o...

Feb. 14, 2026 ~ Dennis Stephens discusses his journey from growing up in Southeast Texas to joining the Marine Corps, going against his family’s Army tradition. Dennis Stevens shared his experiences in boot camp and his unexpected role as an amphibious assault vehicle crewman. Dennis Stevens later transitioned to civilian life, working for the Department of Energy, becoming a police officer, then...

June 7, 2026 ~ Tony Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, discusses his upbringing in Jasper, Alabama, his military career, and his current role. He shares experiences from basic training, being a drill sergeant, and the challenges of being the Sergeant Major of the Army, including testifying before Congress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for inform...

May 31, 2026 ~ Air Force veteran Michael Matteis, creator of Sentinel AI, to discuss his life journey and innovative work. He shares his upbringing, military experience stationed in England, and the challenges he faced post-service, including homelessness and suicidal thoughts. He introduces Sentinel AI, a platform designed to proactively reduce veteran suicide through a chat companion and a predi...

May 24, 2026 ~ Blackhawk One Fox, an influencer, shares his courageous story on YouTube and TikTok to help struggling veterans. Blackhawk One Fox recounts a difficult childhood in Oregon and joining the military at 23, experiencing three combat tours and a severe injury. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal d...

May, 17, 2026 ~ Kwesi Betserai, Detroit’s first Veterans Affairs Manager, discusses his 28-year military career and its influence on his current role. He shares his upbringing in Detroit, his journey through college, and his decision to join the Army, where he discovered his leadership abilities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec...

May 10, 2026 ~ Bonnie Carroll’s upbringing and military career, which was influenced by her mother, a World War II pilot. Bonnie Carroll discusses how the tragic death of her husband led her to create the TAPS program, which provides support for military families grieving a loss. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of p...

May 3, 2026 ~ Ed Pulido discusses his life and military service, including his father’s immigration and military career, which influenced his own. He recounts joining the military at 17, his early experiences in basic training, and how he supported a fellow recruit who later became a Sergeant Major. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our col...

April 26, 2026 ~ Torch Martin, a 23-year Air Force veteran, discusses his diverse military career and his transition to civilian life. Torch shares details about his upbringing in Oklahoma, his multiple attempts to enlist after 9/11, and the unique cultural experiences he had during his five-year assignment in Misawa, Japan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for...

April 19, 2026 ~ Nikki Giani discusses her childhood in Queens, New York, growing up in a single-parent home. She then shares her journey through the Air Force, from enlisted to officer, including her daughter’s battle with cancer and her eventual transition out of the military. Finally, she talks about the challenges and triumphs of starting her own business, the Small Business Architect, to help...

April 12, 2026 ~ Magnus Johnson joins the show to discuss his unique upbringing, military service, and founding of Mission 22. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 5, 2026 ~ Brian Fay talks about growing up in Florida, his decision to join the military after finding college was not for him, and his experiences as a Cavalry Scout and later as a combat medic, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He also explains the work of Concerned Veterans for America, an organization that advocates for veterans’ healthcare and congressional war powers. Host...

March 29, 2026 ~ Janae Sergio highlights her story of overcoming childhood homelessness and military sexual abuse. She shares her difficult upbringing, joining the Navy, and subsequent advocacy work with the Gronstad Foundation, which aims to help veterans heal and transition to purposeful lives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec...

March 22, 2026 ~ Dean Dauphenais discusses his experiences growing up on a Native American reservation and his transition into the Marine Corps. Dean shares insights into reservation life, his family’s values, and his motivations for joining the military as a way to leave the reservation. The conversation also covers the challenges of military-to-civilian transition and Dean’s current work as Exec...