Some Veterans, whether in the military or after they transition out, can feel broken at times. This podcast is here for any veteran feeling broken or not. Our mission is to show Veterans the tools and resources they can utilize to improve their lives. We will also visit with veterans who have accomplished great things in and out of the military so you can find the motivation to help you show the world that you too are unbroken.
Nicholas Meissner & Sam La Piana
In this special episode, we sit down with Cydny Jones and Meghan Keller from Heroes In Transition (HIT) — a nonprofit born out of love, loss, and an unshakable commitment to support our nation's veterans and their families. Founded in memory of Capt. Eric A. Jones, a Marine helicopter pilot who gave his life in service, HIT continues his legacy by offering critical services not readily available through traditional channels. We explore how HIT strengthens relationships, builds community, and creates pathways to healing through unique programs focused on resiliency, communication, and connection. From equine therapy and couples retreats to veteran support groups, HIT is fostering a safe, trusted space for growth and purpose. If you're looking for stories of hope, healing, and impact — this episode is for you. Episode Resources HIT Website: https://www.heroesintransition.org/ RUCK4HIT Online Donations: RUCK4HIT Online Donations Song for RUCK4HIT: 4 Those Who Can't - song and lyrics by Heroes In Transition | Spotify
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Doug Lindsay, exploring his distinguished military career and the transition to civilian life. Doug shares how his journey led him to the University of Health & Performance, an institution dedicated to providing immersive health and fitness education, particularly for veterans. Tune in to hear how Doug's experiences and leadership are helping fellow veterans redefine their futures and discover new purposes beyond military service. Episode Resources Contact Doug: doug@university-hp.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-lindsay-phd-44502440
For any Veterans out there looking to advance their careers in Health and Fitness, you will not want to miss this episode. Today we talked with Doug Lindsay, the Chief Development Officer at the University of Health and Performance which is a Veteran only organization that offers world-class, immersive instruction in a supportive, team environment. Every student graduates as a health and wellness coach with a personal training certification and the tools for continued personal and professional growth in their chosen career. Episode Resources https://university-hp.com/ Contact Doug: doug@university-hp.com U-HP Contact: info@university-hp.com Apply: https://university-hp.com/apply-now/
In this follow-up episode, we continue our conversation with Tom and Bear, diving into their military careers, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the invaluable soft skills they carried with them beyond service. They share their personal journeys of finding new purpose after the military and offer insight into how veterans can apply their experiences to life after uniform.
This week, we sat down with Tom Seberger and Bear to dive into the incredible benefits of the American Legion and why every veteran should know about this organization. From community support and advocacy to financial assistance, career resources, and camaraderie, the American Legion is a powerful force in helping veterans transition to civilian life and thrive. Join us as we discuss their personal experiences, how the Legion has impacted their lives, and how you can 0get involved to take advantage of the benefits you've earned. Episode Resources https://www.legion.org/ http://327.legionpost.us/ https://www.kovs.ks.gov/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1498664513763647 https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Find-a-Post
Listen in as we talk with former 160th SOAR Pilot Mike Durant. In this episode, we talk about what led up to Mike joining the 160th as well as his experience in Mogadishu, his transition to civilian life, and his stint in politics.
Summary This week, we talked with Michael Hudson about his career as a pilot in the Marines. He gives lots of great advice for anyone still in the service or a veteran. Highlights 20:49 - The One Percent 28:40 - Three Legged Stool 40:30 - We Don't Hate Those In Front of Us, We Love The Ones Behind Us 45:15 - The Difference Between a Promotion and an Award Episode Resources www.clearforce.com
Summary Tune in for an interview with Retired Marine Corps Colonel Michael Hudson with ClearForce. Learn how they are taking suicide prevention proactively. Highlights 20:40 - Organizational Retention 28:00 - Connectedness is Our Super Power 46:45 - Connecting Resources With People Episode Resources www.clearforce.com
Summary Listen in as we dive into the life of Matt Eversmann. Here we discuss topics such as the importance of moving into a new identity after transitioning out of the military. Highlights 51:00 - Delta Force's Secret to Success 1:00:00 - Learning it's Not All On You 1:34:00 - Learning the Process - Advice On Military Transition 1:51:45 - Making a New Identity
Summary Join us as we talk with Pat McNamara about his military career, his transition and his civilian life. If your interests lie anywhere from Delta Force to Ornithology to Basic Dude Stuff, you won't want to miss this episode. Highlights 14:48 - Pat's Advice to Himself 16:28 - The Key to Moving Forward 29:45 - Four Reasons to be Fit 33:59 - Basic Parent Stuff 46:30 - Accomplishing New Heights Episode Resources https://www.tmacsinc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tmacsinc/ https://www.combatstrengthtraining.com/
Summary Listen in as we talk to Mike Kenny about his career and transition into the private sector. With an interesting history, it is likely one will draw solid life advice from this interview. Highlights 04:47 - Boots to Business 24:15 - More Personal Relationships Episode Resources https://www.warriorsascent.org/
Summary Elevate your day by listening to Mike Kenny tell us all about the Warriors' Ascent. The Warriors' Ascent is a five day program geared around giving you the tools to help you overcome PTSD and related stress issues. Highlights 01:45 - What is Warriors' Ascent? 08:15 - More than Commandos 10:00 - The Value Proposition of Warriors' Ascent 27:45 - Using Meditation to help with PTSD Episode Resources https://www.warriorsascent.org/ https://www.warriorsascent.org/application https://www.youtube.com/@warriorsascent
Summary Share in the delight of learning about Michael McGowan's experience in the military. From his experience in the Marines to his experience helping others, Michael brings a world of knowledge to the table. Highlights 07:07 - A Valuable Resource, Vogue Rehab 12:23 - Getting Things Documented 13:26 - Reintegration Episode Resources Michaelmcgowan@valleyhope.org https://valleyhope.org/treatment/veterans/
Summary Rally on us as we talk about treating addiction. Joining us is Michael McGowan, fellow veteran and experienced navigator of this dangerous terrain so many veterans find themselves on. Highlights 00:15 - What is Valley Hope? 04:34 - Alumni Program 13:37 - Seeking Treatment is NOT a Weakness 21:48 - Family involvement Episode Resources Call 24/7 for Help: (800) 544-5101 Michaelmcgowan@valleyhope.org https://valleyhope.org/treatment/veterans/
Summary Lindsay Dearing has spent her entire life giving her all. First to the Army and now to her career on Capitol Hill. Come join us as we chat with Lindsay about her experience. Highlights 7:58 - The Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program 11:30 - The Transition Process is Critical 15:59 - Military Decision Making Process 22:23 - Military Experience as a Woman Episode Resources https://cao.house.gov/wounded-warrior
Summary In this episode Lindsay Dearing walks us through the The SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act. Highlights 8:05- Overcoming Trauma with laughter 11:40- What is the Robinson PACT Act 17:30- State Run Benefits 25:30- The hope is to enact this legislation without interrupting services. Episode Resources https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
Summary VA Home Loans are the soul subject behind this episode. We talk about what to expect and what you should have prepared to apply. Having both been through the process ourselves, we also talk a bit about our experiences. Highlights 7:45 - What to Expect With a VA Home Loan 9:10 - What you need 12:32 - Benefits of Choosing the VA Home Loan 14:00 - Why no money down? 18:45 - Must live in the house Episode Resources: Unbroken Veterans Website https://unbroken-veterans.podcastpage.io/ VA Links: https://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ https://benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/documents/docs/VA_Buyers_Guide.pdf
Summary Join us for the conclusion of our interview with Monkey Brain Art. Highlights 1:48- Stepping outside the military 5:44- Not Therapy 11:42- How to join in the fun. Episode Resources www.monkeybrainart.org Linked in: Monkey Brain Art Project Instagram: @monkeybrainartproject Facebook: Monkey Brain Art Project
Summary Settle your mind with us as we talk to Gary and Trish about their creation, Monkey Brain Art. Learn about their almost life-long journey in creating one of the most thoughtful veteran and first responder organizations we've come across so far. This program goes so far beyond just art. Highlights 8:31- What is Monkey Brain Art 11:30- Becoming More Valuable 18:15- We Really Work on the Community Thing Episode Resources www.monkeybrainart.org Linked in: Monkey Brain Art Project Instagram: @monkeybrainartproject Facebook: Monkey Brain Art Project
Summary This week, we continue with getting to know our Hosts with Nick interviewing Sam on his career in the Military and transition afterward. This episode is packed with great advice and insightful thoughts, so get ready! Highlights 4:20 Serving Because One Can 6:40 Some Serious Old-Man Advice 10:00 Learning to Write Stuff Down 11:50 Offering Solutions, Not Problems Episode Resources Linked in: LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-la-piana-bb0a861b/ Unbroken Veterans Website: https://unbroken-veterans.podcastpage.io/
Summary For this episode, we take a look inward as Sam interviews Nick. Tune in to hear what one of our own presenters has to say about his own Military experience. Highlights 4:10 - Always be confident 5:20 - How it all started 6:30 - The Recipe for Success Episode Resources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-meissner-10a4219b/ Instagram: @nickmeissner Facebook: Nicholas J. Meissner
Summary Listen in as we follow up with Stephen regarding his career path from Cavalry Scout to Finance Subject Matter Expert. Stephen is a great example of how life goes on after the military. Highlights 09:30 - VA Home Loan Disability Refund 13:45 - Learning Management 14:20 - Handling Stress 17:45 - Save, Save, Save 20:15 - No reason to be ‘Tough' anymore Episode Resources stephen.t.steffe@nm.com Facebook: Stephen Steffe
Summary This week we sat down with Stephen Steffe who is a seasoned Financial advisor. He covers the ins and outs of things to consider, how to consider them, and where to start with it all. Highlights 5:52 Financial Priorities 10:05 Getting Finances together 15:45 Overcoming some odds 18:15 When x doesn't equal y Episode Resources stephen.t.steffe@nm.com
Summary Join us for the conclusion of our interview with Dr. Yehuda Highlights 04:07- How to teach your kids to love themselves 06:18- Handling FEAR 11:00 - Asking for help 14:31- Serving yourself to better serve others Episode Resources https://maps.org/mdma/ptsd/
Today we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rachael Yehuda. She has over 30 years in the medical industry studying PTSD. Highlights 0:40- Getting Started 18:58- Psychotherapy Process 19:42 - Psychedelics are to psychiatry what the telescope is to astronomy Episode Resources https://maps.org/mdma/ptsd/
Join us for a very important interview due to the topic we cover, mental health and suicide. Michael Sugrue leads the way as he works to clear the stigma causing military and first responders alike to avoid getting the help they need and deserve. Highlights 8:12- Dying By Thine Own Hand 13:09- Lowering the Bar 20:40- Important Advice 23:48- Communication is Key 27:49- Saved by a Best Friend Episode Resources Website: https://saveawarrior.org/ https://www.frsn.org/west-coast-post-trauma-retreat.html Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgtmichaelsugrue https://www.instagram.com/sergeant_michael_sugrue_/ https://www.facebook.com/firstrespondersfirst8/
In this episode, we feature Martin Helms and his experience in the military and what he has been able to draw from it. Having served 22 years in the National Guard, Martin accumulated a lot of knowledge that can be applied by both the soldier and the soldier in the civilian workplace. Highlights 00:45- Useful Benefits 3:50- Finding Helmets to Hardhats 9:45- Dealing with Challenges Episode Resources https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-helms-969ab010b
Tune in as we explore Helmets to Hardhats, a great resource for transitioning Veterans looking to jump start their career in the Construction Industry. Whether you are transitioning to Civilian life or a Reserve/Guard Component and you want to get into the Construction Industry, this may be one of your best resources. Highlights 4:34- Military Members do have experience 8:25- GI Bill versatility 12:19- The Future of H2H Episode Resources https://helmetstohardhats.org/
This episode covers an amazing success story from West Point through Entrepreneurship. Listen to the great advice that Cecil Webb has for transitioning Veterans. Highlights: 5:35- Advice Post-Military 11:30- Funny Story 15:05- Ability to Start Fresh Episode Resources: Cecil's Linked in - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilwebb/ Information on Westpoint Recruiting - https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions Cecil's Contact information for those interested in West Point- cecilio.webb@gmail.com
Summary: In this episode, we speak with Jesse Cardens about many of the ins and outs of the GI Bill. While it's impossible to cover all the facts surrounding the GI Bill, we strive to cover the basics and dispel some myths along the way. Highlights: 1:31- First Steps 3:52- GI Bill Transfer 9:20- When Should You Start? 18:59- What if You Fail a Class? Episode Resources: Baker Military Benefits: http://www.bakeru.edu/military-benefits/ How to apply to the Gi Bill: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
Summary: Here we are with Tim Cochrane speaking about the influence the Military has had on his life. Prepare to copy some great advice from a career stretching from McDonald's through the USMC to Wall Street. Highlights: 2:49- Winding up at the NYSE 5:57- You earned it 7:54- Utilize the time Episode Resources: Tim's Linked in: linkedin.com/in/timothy-cochrane-99955386 Tim's Twitter handle: TimCochrane1
Summary: Join us in speaking with Tim Cochrane, Vice President of American Corporate Partners. ACP is a mentorship program all about connecting wildly successful professionals with people just starting their career who are hungry for knowledge. Highlights: 2:11- Why? 3:46- Who is using ACP? 4:32- Who is mentoring at ACP? Episode Resources: https://www.acp-usa.org/ Military and Veterans Application: https://www.acp-usa.org/mentoring-program/veteran-application Mentor Application: https://www.acp-usa.org/mentor Active Duty Spouses: https://apply.acp-usa.org/#/protege-spouse Spouse Mentors: https://apply.acp-usa.org/#/mentor-spouse
This podcast is to assist Veterans in finding the motivation, tools and resources they can utilize to improve their lives. This is how one can show the world that they too are unbroken.
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