WDVA Podcast

Michael Badgley joins the Podcast for the first episode of 2022. We dive deep into what causes suicide, including Michael's personal story with it.  If you want to reach out to Michael, you can do so by emailing him Michael.Badgley@dva.wa.gov Do you have questions about this episode, or any other episode? You can email Bryan at VPC@dva.wa.gov or Bryan.Bales@dva.wa.gov 

Dr. Chalon Ervin returns for part 3 of her 3 part series. This time we talk about Culture and the effect it can have on Post Traumatic Stress.  Questions about anything we've covered in this, or any, episode? Send me an email to VPC@dva.wa.gov!  *Special thanks to Dr. Dave Luxton for the new theme song!*

In the latest episode Dr. Chalon Ervin returns for #2 out of her 3 episodes to talk about Post Traumatic Stress and the impact it has on families. 

Part 1 of 3 interviews with Dr. Chalon Ervin! She joins the podcast to talk about Moral Injury.  Email: clervin@drchalon.com  Website: www.drchalon.com Instagram: Renewal of the Mind LLC (@renewal_of_the_mind) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Renewal of the Mind Psychological Services LLC - Home | Facebook To Connect with the WDVA Podcast go to VPC@DVA.WA.GOV     

WDVA's Veterans Benefit Specialist Joe Jimenez shares the story of his Traumatic Brain Injury. This is an incredible story and one you will want to hear. 

This week's episode we are joined by Mental Health Counselor Tanisha Medina!  The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to partner with The Region X Veterans Business Outreach Center. If you are in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon or Washington State, we are here to assist you with free coaching and training.  You can connect with us at https://businessimpactnw.org/veterans-business-outreach-center/ .  We are part of a network of 22 VBOC’s around the country.  So, if you are not in our Region, you can still avail yourself of VBOC services. Just click here to find the center that covers your area: https://www.sba.gov/page/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program#section-header-3  Tanisha can be found at https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/365940  Questions for the show? Email VPC@dva.wa.gov

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to partner with The Region X Veterans Business Outreach Center. If you are in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon or Washington State, we are here to assist you with free coaching and training.  You can connect with us at https://businessimpactnw.org/veterans-business-outreach-center/ .  We are part of a network of 22 VBOC’s around the country.  So, if you are not in our Region, you can still avail yourself of VBOC services. Just click here to find the center that covers your area: https://www.sba.gov/page/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program#section-header-3  This Our Guest is Michael Laine of LiftPort. This one is a great episode and we can't wait for you listen! 

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to partner with The Region X Veterans Business Outreach Center. If you are in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon or Washington State, we are here to assist you with free coaching and training.  You can connect with us at https://businessimpactnw.org/veterans-business-outreach-center/ .  We are part of a network of 22 VBOC’s around the country.  So, if you are not in our Region, you can still avail yourself of VBOC services. Just click here to find the center that covers your area: https://www.sba.gov/page/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program#section-header-3 Find Annette Washington here: ibys-local.com or AGWashingtonWeb.com If you want to contact the show, please email Bryan vpc@dva.wa.gov or bryan.bales@dva.wa.gov 

YOUR WDVA's Suicide Prevention Coordinator Codie Garza, and Forefront's Brett Bass join the podcast to have a discussion on what the WDVA is doing to help reduce suicide.  

WDVA's Dan Overton joins the show for a discussion on Traumatic Brain Injuries.  

WDVA Employee Mark Sullivan discusses what the Military Transition Council does, and how it helps transitioning service members gain employment. If you have questions about the show, or know of a veterans program that would be good to come on the show, please email Bryan @ vpc@dva.wa.gov

Army Veteran Jarrod Irvin joins the show to share his experience with Save a Warrior (SAW). If you're interested in SAW go to: saveawarrior.orgIf you have questions/comments about this, or any episode, please email me vpc@dva.wa.gov. 

Dr. Peter Schmidt, Director of Counseling and Wellness of YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, comes to the show to talk about Post Traumatic Growth (PTG).  WDVA Counseling and Wellness: https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/counseling-and-wellness  Questions for the show? Contact Bryan @ vpc@dva.wa.gov

Vet Corps Alumni (UW Tacoma), and former Vet Corps Member of the Year, Kat Felts joins the show to share her experience with Vet Corps, and why you should think about joining! Apply here: my.americorps.gov

Vet Corps Member David Jones joins this week's episode and talks about his experience in the Vet Corps Program. If you are interested in becoming a Vet Corps Member for the 20-21 Service Year, go here:https://www.dva.wa.gov/program/vet-corpsApply through the AmeriCorps Website: my.americorps.gov, listing ID 962434

Army Veteran and founder of FOB Hope, Monique Brown, joins the this episode to talk about building FOB Hope, systemic racism, and how you can get involved. To contact Monique, email her at mbrown@fobhope.orgFOB Hope: fobhope.orgFor questions, comments, or if you know of an organization that would like to come on the WDVA Podcast email bryan.bales@dva.wa.gov. or vpc@dva.wa.gov

Pacific Lutheran University's Director of Military Outreach Michael Farnum come on the podcast to talk about the Clemente Veterans Initiative. Michael is also WDVA Vet Corps alumni, as well as retired Army. Questions about the CVI? Go to the website: https://www.plu.edu/military-affiliated-students/clemente-veterans-initiative-2/ Contact Michael Farnum Directly at FarnumMS@plu.edu

This week's episode brings in Tom Hove, manager of the Veterans Training Support Center. Tom and Bryan talk about peer mentor skill building based off of the Veteran's Peer Corps training. If you would like to know more information about the Veterans Training Support Center, go to their Website veteranstrainingsupportcenter.org

This week we have a very special guest on the podcast: YOUR WDVA Director Alfie Alvarado-Ramos! We talk about her transition from the Army to the WDVA, challenges, successes, and how the WDVA is responding to the COVID-19 crisis! Do you have questions, or have a group or organization that you think would make for a good interview? Email Bryan at Bryan.Bales@dva.wa.gov! 

Today's mini-episode features Kim Pham, the Program Specialist for the Veterans Conservation Corps. Kim breaks down what the VCC Internship Program is, and how you can be a part of it. Are you a veteran interested in starting an internship? A small farm/conservation district who would like to bring on a VCC intern? Email Kim at Kim@dva.wa.govQuestions about the podcast? Do you have an organization that you think would be a good feature for the show? email Bryan at Bryan.Bales@dva.wa.govVeterans Conservation Corps: https://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits/internships 

This week on the show we bring in our Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Codie Garza, for an overview on the great things that she is doing. Resource List: https://www.dva.wa.gov/military-and-veteran-community-resources-response-covid-19-0 Codie's Email: Codie.Garza@dva.wa.govBryan's Email: Bryan.Bales@dva.wa.gov 

This week's episode features The Fallen Outdoors Assistant Team Lead for Washington State, Andrew Boothman.  https://www.facebook.com/thefallenoutdoors 

Host Bryan Bales brings in WDVA Program Manager Jason Alves to talk about Veteran Cultural Competency.