DAV Podcast

In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Brian Buckwalter speaks with Dr. Ben Park, Director of the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, about the critical state of cancer research and its direct impact on military veterans. Dr. Park highlights the groundbreaking progress in cancer treatment, including innovative cellular therapies performed at the Nashville VA Hospital, and expresses grave concerns over recent, unprecedented funding cuts. He emphasizes that these cuts not only jeopardize patient lives and the continuation of life-saving research but also hinder the training of future medical professionals, ultimately undermining the commitment to provide veterans with the best possible care they deserve.

This DAV Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Chef Robert Irvine, a culinary maestro, television personality, author, and ardent advocate for veterans. Irvine shares his remarkable journey, from joining the Royal Navy at 15, to his rise as a celebrated chef who has cooked for royalty and heads of state. He discusses how his military service instilled in him invaluable leadership skills and a direct communication style that has propelled his diverse career, from cruise ship kitchens to founding successful food brands. Irvine also highlights his passion for giving back, particularly through his foundation, which focuses on the mental and physical well-being of veterans, and his involvement with DAV's Patriot Boot Camp, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship for veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship.

It this DAV Podcast, Elizabeth DePompei interviews Carl Churchill, a decorated army veteran and the driving force behind Alpha Coffee. This veteran-owned coffee company, established on September 11th, 2010, operates with a compelling dual mission: delivering exceptional, high-quality coffee while steadfastly supporting veterans and the broader community. Carl recounts his transformative experiences at DAV Patriot Boot Camp, which significantly influenced Alpha Coffee's journey, tracing the company's beginnings from a personal challenge during the Great Recession to its current status as a thriving enterprise deeply committed to service. Listeners will learn about Alpha Coffee's foundational principles of ethical and sustainable sourcing, meticulous roasting, and a strong ethos of giving back to veterans, women's initiatives, and environmental protection, highlighting their dedication to quality from global partnerships to the perfect brew. This episode provides valuable perspectives for coffee enthusiasts, advocates for veteran-owned businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs alike, showcasing Alpha Coffee as more than just a beverage company—it's a powerful symbol of veteran resilience, dedication, and community spirit.

This podcast episode features Elizabeth Stetler interviewing Karen Owoc, a clinical exercise physiologist at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center and a specialist in preventative cardiology and functional longevity. The conversation centers around the critical issue of veteran loneliness and isolation. Karen draws on her experience working with veterans, particularly through a remote cardiology program, to shed light on the unique challenges they face upon transitioning to civilian life, including the loss of camaraderie, the impact of trauma and PTSD (especially among Vietnam and post-9/11 veterans), and the difficulties in adjusting to a lack of structure and community.

The PACT Act brought a wave of hope for veterans and a promise of recognition for their service. But what happens when that promise is targeted by those seeking to exploit the very people it was meant to help? Join us as we delve into the alarming rise of predatory claims companies – businesses illegally preying on veterans navigating the complexities of their earned VA benefits. This isn't a matter of policy; it's about safeguarding those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. In this podcast Jim Marszalek, DAV National Service Director, and Scott Hope, Deputy National Service Director for Training, to expose the tactics of these "claims sharks," clarify the legal landscape, and most importantly, highlight the free, trusted resources available to veterans through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Learn how to identify these predatory practices and understand why DAV believes no veteran should ever have to pay for assistance with their VA claims.

 In this DAV Podcast, Rob Lewis engages in a crucial discussion with Dr. Allen Teo, a psychiatrist, to delve into the pervasive issue of loneliness and its profound impact on mental health, particularly within the veteran community. Dr. Teo provides a clinical definition of loneliness, distinguishing it from mere solitude, and highlights the unique challenges faced by veterans due to factors like medical comorbidities and mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. The conversation extends to exploring the complex relationship between social media and genuine connection, as well as the often-overlooked struggles of caregivers. 

This DAV Podcast delves into the often-overlooked struggles veterans face after returning home, where the battles are fought internally against invisible wounds. This episode features an in-depth conversation between DAV's Rob Lewis and Sam Juan, a combat veteran who found relief from severe mental health challenges through ibogaine therapy. Sam's journey is a raw and honest exploration of her experiences, from her time serving with JSOC and Navy SEAL teams to her descent into self-medication and opiate addiction. 

In this episode of the DAV Podcast, we shift the focus on veteran suicide from despair to action. Join DAV's Jonathan Kaupanger and Dr. Russell Lemle, a leading expert in firearm suicide prevention, as they discuss lethal means safety - a practical approach to saving lives. Learn how simple steps can create crucial distance between a veteran in crisis and the means to harm themselves.

The Independent Budget podcast is an annual collaboration by DAV, PVA and VFW. It recommends budget priorities for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This conversation highlights the critical need for consistent and adequate VA funding to ensure veterans receive necessary healthcare, benefits and long-term care. This group podcast advocates for a veteran-centric approach to VA budgeting, emphasizing the importance of timely and accessible care and responsible spending to honor the services of American Veterans.

DAV's Elizabeth Stetler sits down with DAV member leader Shannon Sander, of the DAV Department of New York. The two discuss how a recent recruitment push can influence potential members. To become a member, go to https://www.dav.org/join-2/ to join our ranks. 

In this interview, Matt Saintsing sits down with Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), on how the department tracks down and identifies American Missing in Action. Listen to learn about the homecoming journeys that can be decades in the making. 

Veterans who served in the Second Battle of Fallujah share their service, sacrifice, and healing stories. This conversation was taken from a panel discussion at DAV's 2024 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more about these veterans and read their stories at FallujahStories.org. 

DAV Patriot Boot Camp Director Nick Brophy discusses Sargent Initiatives' business and story with CEO Kristin Sargeant. Kristin is a DAV Patriot Boot Camp alum who now mentors other entrepreneurs. Listen now to learn more about this Army veteran's journey. 

DAV's 2023 Disabled American Veteran of the Year Kim Hubers sits down with fellow Iraq War Army veteran Melissa Stockwell. Just three weeks into Stockwell's deployment to Iraq in 2004, a roadside bomb struck her Humvee, causing the loss of her left leg above the knee. Now, she's a Paralympian, triathlete, author, motivational speaker and mother.

Elizabeth DePompei speaks with DAV life member and former Air Force combat photographer Stacy Pearsall about the highs and lows of her more than 10 years in uniform and her PBS show dedicated to sharing veterans' stories far and wide.

As DAV unveils its newest women veterans report, a group of women veterans gathers to discuss the facts, figures, and paths forward for our sisters in arms. You can read the report, "Women Veterans: The Road to Mental Wellness," at www.WomenVeterans.org. The DAV document is the third to focus on women veterans in the last decade, and the first to focus exclusively on mental health.

DAV 1st Junior Vice Commander Coleman Nee reflects on his recent trip to climb Africa's tallest peak with other disabled veterans. DAV's Elizabeth DePompei gets to the bottom of how they got to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Brian Buckwalter speaks with Jacob Weber about how his relationship with his Vietnam veteran grandfather sparked an enduring passion for volunteering for veterans. Now a college student and a top recipient of a DAV scholarship, Jacob continues to serve but also wants to make a career out of helping veterans.

Rob Lewis speaks to Robert Spangle, a Marine and fashion photographer, on how clothing and dress impact Afghan men as they navigate living with armed conflict. 

Matt Saintsing speaks with Mark Bowden, author of "Black Hawk Down," to discuss the book's impact 30 years later and the heroism exhibited during the Battle of Mogadishu. 

Brian Buckwalter speaks with Marine veteran Carrie Roeger, a business owner and vetpreneur, on how DAV helped grow her restaurant and bar and what other veteran entrepreneurs need for success.

In this episode, Rob Lewis sits down with DAV Membership Director Doug Wells to discuss the value and opportunities of DAV membership. 

DAV's Elizabeth DePompei speaks with Army veteran Ginger MacCutcheon, DAV Department of Ohio's 2nd Junior Vice Commander on her experience with military sexual trauma. This episode contains descriptions of violence that may be unsuitable for younger audiences. 

DAV's Brian Buckwalter sits down with Sebastian Junger, author of Tribe and other works, to discuss the civilian-military divide and what veterans should know about fostering community.  Brian and Sebastian participated in a DAV Distinguished Speaker Series at Harvard Law School. That panel can be found here: https://www.legalservicescenter.org/presenting-the-dav-distinguished-lecture-series-bridging-the-gap-sebastian-junger-on-the-dangers-of-the-military-civilian-divide/ 

Marine Corps veteran John Hinners opens up to Camille Cates about his time in Vietnam, the conflict's aftermath and how DAV helped him secure the benefits he earned. 

Now that the Honoring Our Pact Act is law, DAV Deputy Legislative Director Shane Liermann spells out what the landmark bill does for veterans of all generations. 

In this episode, DAV Membership Director Doug Wells breaks down the many advantages of becoming a DAV member, including discounts. 

The 2022 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic wrapped up in Snowmass, Colorado this spring, with disabled veterans reaching new heights in adaptive sports.

DAV Deputy Legislative Director Shane Liermann sits down with Senator Jon Tester for an update on a major bill impacting veterans of all eras.

Vietnam veteran Randy Schmidt shares his experience from Vietnam and how a fellow Marine continues to shape his life in Episode 21 of the DAV Podcast.

DAV's recent acquisition of Patriot Boot Camp will connect service members, veterans and their spouses with resources and tools to bring their business to the next level.

In the newest installment of the DAV Podcast, we talk about the recent movement on Capitol Hill with a few pieces of legislation that would expand VA care for veterans who endured toxic exposures, like burn pits.

In our bonus podcast episode, we talk with Marine veteran and DAV member, John Bernard. John's son, Josh Bernard, was killed in Afghanistan on August 14, 2009--exactly 12 years prior to the US evacuation from the country. John gave his recollections of 9/11 and thoughts on what Josh's service means in the great context of the war and the current situation in Afghanistan. 

In Episode 18 of the DAV Podcast, we reflect back on September 11 20 years later and what the day meant to so many, including many of those that served.

In the latest episode of the DAV Podcast, we take a deeper look at the minority veteran experience by talking with the Executive Director of the Minority Veterans of America, Lindsay Church, and Danica Gonzalves, the Program Director for the Veterans Consortium Discharge Upgrade Program.

DAV helps over 1 million veterans and their families every year and part of that help includes a disaster relief fund. In Episode 16 of the DAV Podcast we take a closer look at how the program works and the veterans it helps.

The DAV Charitable Service Trust was formed in 1986 to advance programs and services that cater to our nation’s veterans as well as their caregivers and families. By supporting the work of the charitable organizations that offer these services, the Trust plays an essential role in ensuring that America fulfills its promises to those that served. In Episode 15 of the DAV Podcast we take a deeper look at its impact.

Suicide prevention is one of the most pressing issues facing the veteran community today. In light of the ongoing pandemic and the social isolation so many are facing, it’s more critical than ever that we’re continuing to have the difficult conversations and look for ways to address the motivating factors of suicide. We take a deeper look at this very important topic in the latest DAV Podcast.

So many Americans have struggled with employment during the COVID-19 pandemic and veterans have definitely been impacted heavily. In Episode 13 of the DAV Podcast we discuss a new entrepreneurship program available for veterans and their families and learn about DAV’s virtual job fairs and more.

White Ribbon VA is a national call to action that's aim is to eliminate sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence in VA health care settings and to promote a positive change in the culture that would allow actions from the pledge to become the norm. In Episode 12 of the DAV Podcast we take a deeper look at this topic and more.

As DAV turns 100, we take a look back at where it began with an in-depth look at the life of our founder, World War I veteran and Judge Robert S. Marx in Episode 11 of the DAV Podcast.

Our nation’s economy and employment rates have been turned upside down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Episode 10 of the DAV Podcast we look at how this has impacted America’s veterans and share some helpful information for those that have served.

In Episode 9 of the DAV Podcast we explore some alternative therapies veterans are using to help tackle some of the health issues they are facing. 

In Episode 8 of the DAV Podcast we look at the fastest-growing subpopulation of the military and veteran communities, women veterans. We spotlight how the expanding role of women in our armed forces is necessitating changes to an array of VA policies and programs. Plus, we talked to Staff Sergeant Jessica Smiley, one of the first enlisted female National Guard soldiers to earn the coveted Army Ranger tab.

In Episode 7 of the DAV Podcast we tackle some toxic exposure topics and tips on filing claims related to toxic exposures. Plus we take a deeper look at Mefloquine, a drug widely prescribed to U.S. Service Members, and the drug’s growing list of long-term effects.

In Episode 6 of the DAV Podcast we look at the growing population of LGBT veterans and talk with Lindsay Church the CEO of  Minority Veterans of America and Dr. Michael Kauth, Director of the LGBT Health Program for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In Episode 5 of the DAV Podcast we talk about those that served that are Missing in Action and hear from people that have been directly impacted. Plus, we look at how many are honoring these brave heroes and working hard to bring them home.

Every single day in the United States, twenty veterans die by suicide. It is becoming a growing concern in the veteran community and its impacting people across America. In Episode 4 of the DAV Podcast we discuss the epidemic and hear firsthand from those impacted directly by it and look at some of the resources available for help.

In this episode of the DAV Podcast we take you mountainside to Snowmass, Colorado, the home of the DAV and VA co-hosted National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Here veterans with TBIs, spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, amputations and other severe disabilities are challenged to overcome perceived limitations.

In Episode 2 of the DAV Podcast we relive the Battle of Iwo Jima through the eyes of Marines veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams, a lifetime DAV member. Also a mother and son shared how attending Camp Corral has made a major impact on their military family. Plus we’ll learn about some of the ways DAV is helping to connect veterans with meaningful employment.

In the pilot episode of the DAV Podcast Jim Sursley, a triple-amputee combat Vietnam veteran, discusses his 50th Alive Day anniversary and post-war service, actor Gary Sinise talks about his work to help veterans and his new book Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service, and we go inside DAV's Transportation Network.