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 1
• Website: https://www.sea-waves.org
• Follow Sea Waves on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeaWavesInc
• Follow Sea Waves on Instagram: https://instagram.com/seawavesinc
• Follow Leah Stiles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-stiles/

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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 1
• Follow Monica Sanford on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaSanfordVP
• Follow Monica Sanford on Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ACNPChica
• Follow Monica Sanford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicasanford
• Podcast: The Monica Sanford Show on iHeartRadio and Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monica-sanford

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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

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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 1
• Website: https://operationHomefront.org
• Follow 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/OperationHomefront
• Follow Operation Homefront on Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/Op_Homefront

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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 1
• Website: https://thehappieryou.net/
• Join The Happier You group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehappieryou

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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 1
• Follow Tribal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tribaldocumentary
• Follow Tribal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribal_documentary
• Follow Mark Kershaw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kershaw-99997392/
• Tribal Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZo1NvrEhQY&t=32s
• Watch Tribal on Prime: https://bit.ly/3tnta3Q
• Watch Tribal on AppleTV: https://bit.ly/3tllOOp
• Watch Tribal on Google Play: https://bit.ly/3Rudynl
• Watch Tribal on Vudu: https://bit.ly/3GQYQBY
• Watch Tribal on Vimeo: https://bit.ly/48nKFQD
• Tribal 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.

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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 1
• Follow Joshua Thompson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/most.blest.is.he
• Follow 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/

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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 1
• Email Thyron Heyward: [email protected]

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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 1
• Website: https://www.KatharineGiovanni.com
• Follow Katharine Giovanni on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katharine.giovanni
• Follow Katharine Giovanni on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katharinegiovanni/
• Follow Katharine Giovanni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinegiovanni/

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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 1
• Website: https://www.drmikebarnes.com
• https://www.forgingnewlives.com
• Follow Michael Barnes on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088979888951
• Follow Michael Barnes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmfb_colorado/
• Follow Michael Barnes on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dr_MikeBarnes
• Follow Michael Barnes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-barnes-phd-mac-lpc-1280694/

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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 1
• Follow Warrior Mindset Strategies on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Warrior-Mindset-Strategies/61553362145260
• Follow Warrior Mindset Strategies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriormindsetstrategies

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