This episode dives into the captivating journey of Leah Stiles, a retired senior chief mass communication specialist from the US Navy and the founder/CEO of a nonprofit aimed at addressing eating disorders within the military community. Covering topics from the unique challenges and responsibilities of military communication specialists to the often-overlooked issue of eating disorders among service members, this episode sheds light on both Leah's personal story of determination and broader issues within the military. With the rising awareness of mental health and its impacts on operational readiness, Leah's insights into tackling eating disorders are not only provocative but essential. Her founding of a nonprofit to directly address these challenges provides hope and actionable solutions for service members facing similar struggles. Whether you're interested in military life's intricacies or the ongoing battle against eating disorders, Leah's story is both educational and inspiring. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://www.sea-waves.orgFollow Sea Waves on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeaWavesIncFollow Sea Waves on Instagram: https://instagram.com/seawavesincFollow Leah Stiles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-stiles/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, Monica Sanford, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and VA Disability Claims Examiner, offers insights into the VA disability claims process. Bringing over two decades of experience in acute care and a deep connection to the military community, Sanford discusses a wide range of topics, from eligibility for VA disability benefits to detailed advice for veterans preparing for their VA disability exams. This episode is essential for veterans and their families seeking to understand the complexities of the VA disability claims process, eligibility criteria, and how to effectively prepare for and navigate their exams. More than just a guide, it's a must-listen for anyone in the military community looking to gain knowledge about their rights and resources available through the VA. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Follow Monica Sanford on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaSanfordVPFollow Monica Sanford on Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ACNPChicaFollow Monica Sanford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicasanfordPodcast: The Monica Sanford Show on iHeartRadio and Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monica-sanford Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

This episode features Jeremy Hancock, a combat veteran who shares his deeply personal journey from struggling with PTSD and suicidal ideation to finding hope, healing, and post-traumatic growth. Jeremy's candid storytelling brings light to the numerous challenges he faced upon his return from service, including his battles with PTSD, vulnerability, survivor's remorse, and moral injury. A key part of Jeremy's recovery story involves exploring unconventional treatments, such as ketamine therapy, leading to significant personal growth and change. The conversation also delves into the importance of mental health awareness, seeking help, and the transformative power of reframing one's experiences from traumatic to growth-oriented. This episode is an inspiring call to action for veterans and others dealing with similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of talking, seeking help, and the potential for change and growth after trauma. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

This episode features Robert Thomas, a distinguished Air Force veteran with nearly 31 years of service and a key member of Operation Homefront's executive team. The conversation dives deep into Thomas's extensive military career, from flying C 141s and C 5s to his role in supporting the Operation Homefront mission. Listeners will learn about the impactful work being done to build strong, stable, and secure military families, ensuring they do not just barely get by, but thrive. Through stories of critical assistance, housing programs, and special initiatives like the Back to School Brigade, the episode paints a picture of the difference Operation Homefront is making in the lives of military families across the nation. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://operationHomefront.orgFollow Operation Homefront on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OperationHomefront/Follow Operation Homefront on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operationhomefront/Follow Operation Homefront on Instagram: https://instagram.com/OperationHomefrontFollow Operation Homefront on Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/Op_Homefront Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Bona Normandeau, host of the Happier You podcast and a happiness coach, shares her inspirational journey from a military career to discovering her own happiness. Bona discusses her mission-to empower individuals to find their own path to joy and resilience and confront their unique journeys with a greater sense of strength. She shares her experiences of coming to grips with life after military service, addressing feelings of being lost and her initial struggle to find her own joy and purpose. Bona talks about the significance of finding activities that 'make your soul sing' and encourages listeners to empower themselves and take control of their happiness by trying new things and fostering connections with like-minded individuals. As the host of the Happier You podcast, she shares insights into creating happiness challenges, appreciating the little things in life, and the importance of finding a support system to share and grow with. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://thehappieryou.net/Join The Happier You group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehappieryou Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Mark Kershaw dives deep into discussions around veteran mental health, military experiences, and his documentary 'Tribal'. A passionate advocate for veterans' mental health and a creator of the documentary 'Tribal', Mark has a unique perspective on the importance of destigmatizing mental health struggles, addressing the rise of suicide rates among service members and fostering a sense of community among veterans. The episode provides eye-opening insights for both veterans and civilians and encourages open conversations about often-taboo topics like trauma and societal integration after service. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the experiences of veterans, the obstacles they face in society, and the steps we can take to support them appropriately. 00:00 Introduction to Mark Kershaw 07:31 Discussion on documentary 'Tribal' 37:54 Integrating back into society post-service 46:20 Mental health in the military and the importance of speaking up Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Follow Tribal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tribaldocumentaryFollow Tribal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribal_documentaryFollow Mark Kershaw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kershaw-99997392/Tribal Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZo1NvrEhQY&t=32sWatch Tribal on Prime: https://bit.ly/3tnta3QWatch Tribal on AppleTV: https://bit.ly/3tllOOpWatch Tribal on Google Play: https://bit.ly/3RudynlWatch Tribal on Vudu: https://bit.ly/3GQYQBYWatch Tribal on Vimeo: https://bit.ly/48nKFQDTribal is also available on the following providers in their VOD offerings: Dish, DirecTV, Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Verizon Fios, Frontier, Suddenlink, Mediacom, Century Link, Google Fiber, + smaller affiliates, and available for rental in libraries with the hoopla service. Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, our guest is Josh Thompson, a former Army Air Defense Artillery Captain. Thompson shares his powerful testament to the transformative power of inner strength. He discusses his inspiring journey, from battling toxic work environments and chronic health issues to achieving healing and personal breakthroughs. Despite the grueling adversities he's faced, Josh turned his life around, offering inspiration and hope for listeners facing similar challenges. His impactful experiences make for an enlightening conversation on the necessity of self-advocacy, the significance of maintaining one's mental and physical health, the value of faith, learning to cope with anxiety, and the importance of a positive mindset. This episode explores various topics, including leveraging adversities to grow personally and professionally, making it a must-listen for vets, self-improvement enthusiasts, and anyone looking to break through life's obstacles. 00:00 Introduction to the Drive On Podcast 00:25 Guest Introduction: Josh Thompson 00:40 Josh's Journey: Overcoming Adversity 01:26 Josh's Military Experience: Struggles and Impact 03:15 The Deployment: Challenges and Mental Health Impact 05:16 The Aftermath: Dealing with Toxic Leadership 06:43 Josh's Health Issues: The Struggle for Diagnosis 17:58 The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Healthcare 22:04 Coping Mechanisms: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness 27:45 The Power of Positive Mindset and Transformation 37:13 The Power of Helping Others 38:45 The Importance of Self-Care in Survival Mode 41:02 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Struggles 43:16 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Faith 49:14 The Importance of Prioritizing Self in Helping Others 01:00:09 Closing Thoughts and Humorous Segment 01:00:51 The Power of Perseverance in Overcoming Trials Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Follow Joshua Thompson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/most.blest.is.heFollow Joshua Thompson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/most_blest_is_he/Follow Joshua Thompson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-thompson-veteran/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, our guest, Thyron Heyward, a Navy veteran and mental health advocate, openly discusses his powerful journey of resilience and transformation. Suffering from PTSD after his services in Desert Storm, Thyron embarked on an arduous journey of healing and self-discovery. Today, he holds a master's degree in clinical counseling psychology, and runs a coaching and mentoring business dedicated to aiding veterans who might be facing similar challenges. During the conversation, Thryon shares his experiences, strategies, and tools for overcoming the issues faced specifically by veterans after military service. Exploring topics like the significance of community, mindfulness, and alternative therapies like yoga and acupuncture, the episode provides insights into rebuilding life after service. Tune in to understand how reshaping perceptions about mental health and actively seeking help can lead to transformational changes. 00:00 Introduction to Thyron Heyward 02:37 Impacts of Military Service - Personal Experiences 10:13 Aftermath of Service - Overcoming PTSD 13:32 Personal Growth & Self-Discovery 19:44 Mental Health Advocacy - Helping Others 54:30 Breaking the Stigma & Importance of Seeking Help Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Email Thyron Heyward: revets24@gmail.com Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, our guest is Katharine Giovanni. Katharine is dedicated to helping others unlock the transformative power of forgiveness based on her personal journey marked by adversity, including her own battle with breast cancer, a tough childhood, and her husband's status as a disabled veteran. Despite these obstacles, she discovered the importance of forgiveness on her mental and physical well-being. She passionately shares her insights with others through her book, 'The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power.' In this podcast, Katharine delves into the importance of forgiveness, how to navigate the journey of forgiveness, and why it's crucial for living a fulfilling life. We also discuss topics like how forgiving others affects our physical and mental health, why some things are unforgivable, the importance of gratitude, and how to handle unforgivable scenarios. Tune in to gain perspective on the power of forgiveness and to learn how forgiveness can transform your life. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://www.KatharineGiovanni.comFollow Katharine Giovanni on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katharine.giovanniFollow Katharine Giovanni on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katharinegiovanni/Follow Katharine Giovanni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinegiovanni/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Michael Barnes, an expert in addiction counseling, trauma-integrated treatments, and family therapy. Drawing from over forty years of experience, Dr. Barnes brings a wealth of knowledge about the complex interplay of addiction, trauma, and family dynamics. He passionately discusses the concept of secondary trauma and its impact on the family members and caregivers of individuals who have experienced trauma. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of open communication and understanding in facilitating family healing, as well as the pivotal role of therapy and education in the process. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://www.drmikebarnes.comhttps://www.forgingnewlives.comFollow Michael Barnes on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088979888951Follow Michael Barnes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmfb_colorado/Follow Michael Barnes on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dr_MikeBarnesFollow Michael Barnes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-barnes-phd-mac-lpc-1280694/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Sean Knudsen, an army veteran turned consultant for veterans and entrepreneurs, discusses his experiences during his transition from active duty into entrepreneurship. Sean provides insightful explanations about what he does, how he got there, and the challenges he faced. His experiences illustrate the importance of finding the right life and career path after leaving the military, and how his role as a coach helps guide individuals towards their business goals. This episode also contains helpful tips and strategies for anyone looking to start or grow their own business, including the importance of discovering your ideal lifestyle, determining associated costs, and building a business around it. Sean's entrepreneurial journey, coupled with his expert advice, offers a fascinating perspective for both veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Follow Warrior Mindset Strategies on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Warrior-Mindset-Strategies/61553362145260Follow Warrior Mindset Strategies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriormindsetstrategies Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, army veteran, caregiver, and entrepreneur Zorina Pritchett shares her inspiring journey. Zorina sheds light on her experience transitioning from active duty to reserves, managing her own disability, and then taking on the role of a caregiver for her brother. Zorina also discusses the significance of maintaining structure and discipline from her military experience and how she applied these attributes in her role as a caregiver. Furthermore, Zorina maps out her entrepreneurship journey with her company, Zochey, where she designs educational products aimed at strengthening bonds within busy families without resorting to extensive screen time. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://www.zochey.com Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we look at the importance of emotional intelligence in law enforcement and the military with seasoned police officer and founder of Reid Solutions, Gene Reid. The discussion explores how emotional intelligence permeates several facets of these professions, from managing emotions in high-stress situations to cultivating self-awareness and building relationships. Gene shares his perspective on how physical fitness and leadership intersect with emotional intelligence and the benefits it affords in terms of personal growth and effectiveness. With Gene's expertise in emotional intelligence, listeners can learn about tailoring their approach to challenging situations and acquiring the confidence to lead under pressure. His insights are invaluable not only to those in law enforcement and the military but anyone aiming to enhance their leadership skills and self-awareness. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://reidsolutionsllc.comFollow Gene Reid on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeneReid22Follow Gene Reid on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genereid22/Follow Gene Reid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-reid-ph-d-b725b1188/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, army veteran Aaron Futrell shares an in-depth recounting of his dramatic life-altering experience following a missile strike on Al Asad Air Base in January 2020. This story unfolds Futrell's resilience and determination as he navigated from recovering from a traumatic brain injury to transitioning to civilian life after being medically retired from the army. Despite adversities, hear how Aaron channeled his passion for fishing into a successful business and his unwavering commitment to giving back to fellow veterans through voluntary initiatives. Tune in for an inspirational journey of hope, strength, and resilience that perfectly captures the essence of the military community. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Books on Hunting by Aaron Futrell: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AAaron+B.+Futrell&s=relevancerank&text=Aaron+B.+Futrell&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, Toni King, a passionate educator in the complexities of Medicare, shares her insights to help veterans understand how Medicare works and how it blends with Veterans Affairs benefits. Toni underlines the fact that Medicare does not offer a 'cookie cutter' solution, with alternatives varying according to individual needs. The episode includes definitions of Medicare Part A to D, annual enrollment period, Medicare penalties, necessity of health consultations and much more. With firsthand experience of VA benefits, Toni offers a balanced view on navigating these every day healthcare concerns. Whether you are a veteran, a loved one of a veteran, or basically anyone trying to navigate the complex world of medical benefits, this episode is a must-listen. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://www.tonisays.comFollow Toni King on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToniKingSays Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, distinguished army veteran, trial lawyer, and CEO of Berry Law, John Berry, shares insightful stories about his military career, including service in Bosnia and Iraq. John emphasizes the importance of soldier camaraderie, team building, and transitioning military lessons to civilian life. He also highlights how his law firm has been helping fellow veterans in service-related disputes, advocating for their right to benefits and fair treatment. Further, this episode reminds military community members of their inherent leadership abilities and the importance of applying these skills in the civilian world. So whether you're a veteran, active duty, or a family member, listen to this episode to learn about your rights. 00:00 Introduction 04:07 Challenges and Growth in Leadership 09:33 The Power of Team Building 16:51 The Importance of Hiring the Right People 20:36 The Impact of Military Training on Individual Growth 34:35 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life: The Mindset Shift 35:43 Introducing the Veteran-Led Podcast 42:39 Addressing the Issue of Veteran Suicide and the Importance of Support 43:34 The Duty of Veterans to Give Back and Help Others 49:06 Understanding VA Disability Claims and Legal Representation 57:35 The Value of Legal Representation in VA Disability Claims 01:01:41 The Role of Leadership in Preventing Misconduct 01:05:33 Conclusion: The Continued Service of Veterans Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://ptsdlawyers.com/Follow John Berry on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranled/Follow John Berry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteranled/Follow John Berry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/veteranled/Follow John Berry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veteranled/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, guests Stephen Garrington and Jim Carson share their rewarding work with Honor Flight Network, an organization dedicated to helping veterans visit war memorials in Washington, D.C. Both Stephen and Jim are veterans themselves focused on honoring the service and sacrifices of former military personnel from the Vietnam, Korea, and World War II generations. The discussion covers the impactful experiences of the veterans partaking in these Honor Flights, the process to participate, and the emotional significance of the visits to the memorials. The conversation also includes the universal military experiences that connect veterans across eras and service branches. Listen to this episode to gain a deep understanding of the honor flights and how they serve to appreciate and acknowledge the service of veterans. 00:00 Introduction & Purpose of the Show 00:25 Introduction of the Guests: Stephen Garrington and Jim Carson 00:35 What is 'Honor Flights' 06:03 Setting Up a Hub for Honor Flights 35:09 How Veterans Can Apply for Honor Flights 09:33 Experiences of Veterans on Honor Flights 37:26 Importance of Honor Flights for Veterans 28:00 How to Volunteer for Honor Flights 40:17 Humorous End Segment: 'Is it service connected?' Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://www.honorflight.org/Follow Honor Flights on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HonorFlightNetworkFollow Honor Flights on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honorflightnetwork/Follow Honor Flights on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HonorFlightNetFollow Honor Flights on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/honor-flight-networkFollow Honor Flights on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeH02et5g5wdYOlv4mz7ZMA Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we look at the relationship between trauma, biology, and mental health with guest and expert Michelle Brown. Michelle is a functional nutrition and lifestyle practitioner, clinical herbalist, and a master level Biology of Trauma advanced provider. This conversation covers the understanding of the trauma response, its impact on our health, and the crucial role that proper nutrition plays in addressing these chronic health issues. Learn about how our body and nervous system react to stress and how these responses can often lead to conditions like anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It's an enlightening discussion that offers insights into the intricate connection between trauma and mental health, proving invaluable for anyone dealing with stress or looking to better understand the effects of trauma on their life and health. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1Website: https://www.botanacea.comLink to Michelle's Free Assessment Guide: https://botanacea.lpages.co/mood-fix-assessment/Follow Michelle Brown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_botanacea/Follow Michelle Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-brown-b48a31205/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Sean Duclay, co-founder of Sail Ahead, an organization that fuses the healing power of sailing with a mission to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veteran suicide. Sean shares valuable insights about the birth of Sail Ahead, the impact it has had on empowering veterans, and some deeply touching experiences he has had with veterans who have taken part in Sail Ahead programs. The episode tells of how Sean is using sailing as a therapeutic avenue for veterans, helping them reconnect with their communities and find hope and strength. It also highlights the importance of general awareness about veteran suicide. This episode is a vital listen for anyone interested in creative therapeutic methods, veteran recovery, and the power of community engagement. 00:27 Introduction and Overview of Sail Ahead 01:34 Sean Duclay's Inspiration and Journey 03:45 Impact and Real-life Experiences 09:02 Importance of Teamwork and Connection 15:07 Programs and Events Conducted by Sail Ahead 06:01 Moving Stories of Impact & Value of Community 25:17 The Way Forward and How to Contribute Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 14Patriots - visit https://4Patriots.com/DriveOn to get the best discounts and deals on survival supplies! Links & Resources Website: https://www.sailahead.orgFollow SailAhead on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SailAhead/Follow SailAhead on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailahead219/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Karl Porfirio, a Gold Star father, joins us to share how he turned his grief into a poignant children's book, 'My Daddy's Heart is Purple.' Karl offers a heartrending account of the loss of his son, Senior Airman Tre Porfirio, and shares stories filled with laughter, tears, and moments of inspiration. While discussing Tre's military legacy, Karl also unpacks the ups and downs of his journey through grief, providing a unique perspective on loss, remembrance, and resilience. The episode concludes with an uplifting note about the importance of keeping the memory of veterans alive for future generations. This deeply emotional conversation will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or is interested in the personal stories behind military service. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 14Patriots - visit https://4Patriots.com/DriveOn to get the best discounts and deals on survival supplies! Links & Resources Get My Daddy's Heart is Purple on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Heart-Purple-Karl-Porfirio/dp/1640035346Follow Karl Porfirio on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/dadnme88 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.