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Send us Fan MailAaron, Trent, and Peaches are back in the team room talking about something the Air Force should have fixed forever ago: when someone turns down a promotion or loses a line number, that stripe should not just vanish into the bureaucratic shadow realm.Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Wolfe is pushing an initiative that would allow those unused promotions to go to the next qualified Airmen in line. Wild concept: if the Air Force says a career field needs ten Tech Sergeants, and two people cannot or will not take the stripe, maybe promote number eleven and twelve instead of kneecapping the career field for no reason.The boys break down how cutoff scores actually work, why the number is not magic, how career fields get hurt when stripes disappear, and why this is one of those rare Air Force changes that is just objectively good.Then it turns into classic Ones Ready: AFPC smoke, Total Force Service Center manning insanity, why knowing a guy at Randolph can magically make the system work, why centralizing admin into one mega-machine broke the personal side of personnel management, and why treating every Airman like a number is not actually fair.To close it out, Aaron pulls up audio from then-Lt Col Dave Goldfein after being shot down over enemy territory. Calm voice. Dead airplane. “Start finding me, boys.” The crew talks about the rescue team, General Tom Palenske leading the helicopter package, Robbie Bean, missiles flying through rotor discs, and why sometimes you launch with incomplete information because Americans go get their people.Also: Trent's new headphones, Peaches explaining crypto delay, Fat Tony-adjacent bureaucracy energy, Operator Training Summit updates, and the ongoing demand that Ones Ready deserves 100K subscribers.Links:OnesReady.comOperatorTrainingSummit.comChapters:00:00 - Ones Ready Intro00:59 - Peaches Steals the Team Room01:39 - Trent's Headphones Deserve Respect02:06 - What Is Going on in the Air Force?02:15 - CMSAF Wolfe's Promotion Fix03:05 - Why Stripes Used to Disappear04:48 - Aaron Missed Master by Almost Nothing05:23 - Air Force Testing Is a Shell Game07:47 - Turning Down Stripes Hurts the Career Field08:30 - Cutoff Scores Are Not Magic09:05 - Space Force Figured This Out First09:26 - Declination Letters and Chief Stripes10:30 - When Tiny Career Fields Break the System12:16 - Good Ideas Still Hit Red Tape13:52 - The “Back in My Day” Crowd14:14 - Wolfe Gets a Huge W15:01 - A1 Might Have to Do Their Job15:39 - AFPC Smoke Session16:06 - AFPC Has Way Too Much Power18:20 - If a Friend Can Fix It, the Rules Are Fake19:46 - How Centralized Admin Broke the System20:48 - Six People Running Total Force Chaos21:31 - Airmen Became Numbers22:02 - Clovis, Family Reality, and Assignment Pain22:43 - Functionals, Favors, and Doing the Work23:49 - Goldfein Shot Down25:23 - “Start Finding Me, Boys”25:39 - The Rescue Team Tradition26:17 - Tom Palenske Led the Rescue27:41 - Playing the Name Game at Dinner28:04 - Missiles Through the Rotor Discs29:30 - Launch Now, Figure It Out30:24 - Operator Training Summit Updates31:00 - Help Ones Ready Hit 100K31:37 - AFA, Travel, and Final Chaos32:27 - Go TrainSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERERegister for our Operator Training Summit: OperatorTrainingSummit.comFind an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel...
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Military Intelligence and Civil Affairs Veteran Rebecca Monaco, co-founder of Next Mission, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting resettled Afghan women veterans who served alongside U.S. Special Operations forcesEpisode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestRebecca Monaco, MPH, is a public health leader, researcher, and program strategist with more than ten years of experience leading complex initiatives across healthcare, nonprofit, government, and military organizations. She earned her Master of Public Health from Dartmouth College, where she developed a passion for behavioral health research, implementation science, and innovative approaches to improving care. Her current interests focus on psychedelic-assisted therapy, women's health, and translating emerging research into real-world impact.A former U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Intelligence Officer, Rebecca deployed to Afghanistan as a Cultural Support Team (CST) member with Joint Special Operations Command, where she served alongside Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) members. Following the fall of Afghanistan, her team coordinated the evacuation of 42 Afghan female Special Operations personnel, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to service, leadership, and advancing opportunities for vulnerable communities.Rebecca currently serves as the volunteer Project Manager and Board Secretary for NXT Mission, where she leads initiatives supporting refugee resettlement, education, workforce development, and long-term integration for displaced Afghan women and families across the United States.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeNext Mission WebsiteNext Mission on LinkedInPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is a previous episode of the Behind The Mission podcast, episode 184 with Kari McDonough. Kari is Vice President of Welcome.US and Senior Advisor to the Welcome Fund, a program of Welcome.us that provides a source for grantmaking to organizations as they involve community members to welcoming coalition allies coming to the US as part of resettlement efforts. You can find the resource here: https://psycharmor.org/podcast/kari-mcdonough Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Show SummaryAs military-connected students head back to school, we're revisiting a conversation with Mary Bier, MBA, President and CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). Mary joins host Duane France to discuss the unique educational experiences of military-connected children, the challenges families can face navigating school transitions, and how MCEC helps families, educators, and communities support military students throughout their educational journey.Episode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestMary Bier, MBA, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). A seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in business strategy, organizational leadership, and community engagement, she brings a dynamic vision to MCEC's mission of ensuring every military-connected child has access to quality educational opportunities.As a military spouse and parent, Bier has firsthand insight into the unique challenges and strengths of military families. This lived experience fuels her passion for advocating for military-connected students, ensuring they receive the educational support and opportunities they deserve.Bier's professional background spans both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, where she has successfully led high-impact initiatives, built collaborative partnerships, and served as a subject matter expert on veteran and military family issues. She has been invited to the White House to share insights on military-connected programs, testified before the New York City Department of Veteran Affairs, and facilitated expert panels on military family well-being.Prior to joining MCEC, Bier held leadership roles in business strategy, customer success, and military initiatives, where she was instrumental in scaling operations, optimizing talent development, and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Her ability to translate strategic goals into actionable outcomes has driven mission impact across multiple organizations.At MCEC, Bier is committed to expanding the organization's reach, deepening partnerships, and championing the needs of military-connected children. Under her leadership, MCEC will continue to be a trusted resource for families, educators, and policymakers dedicated to supporting military students on their educational journey.Bier holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Management and Organizational Behavior and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from California Lutheran University.She resides with her family in Madison, Wisconsin.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMilitary Child Education Coalition Website Heroic Hearts ScholarshipCall for the Arts ScholarshipMonth of the Military Child ToolkitPurple Star National AdvocateStudent to Student ProgramPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Supporting Children Who Support Veterans. Although your children may be small now, we hope this course gives you some building blocks to address any parenting challenges you may encounter as your children mature.You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Supporting-Children-Who-Support-Veterans Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Military and Veteran Spouse Stephanie Rundle, founder of Bridge and Banner, an organization that provides support for learning continuity for children who move frequently, which includes active duty military families. Episode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestStephanie Rundle is an educator, military spouse, and military child advocate whose experience was built in classrooms across the country, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, and leader. Stephanie began her role in education upon earning her degree in Birth through Kindergarten Education from Western Carolina University. Within the walls of formal education, she created unique learning experiences that embraced the diverse learning needs of her students, preschool through fourth grade. While teaching, she earned a Master of Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University, after which she became an Instructional Coach and Professional Development Coordinator. Outside the classroom, Stephanie continues to actively serve her community by volunteering in schools, with military-focused nonprofits, and on military installations. Stephanie's engagement across settings enabled her to build relationships with military-connected families as they navigated the impact of frequent military relocations on their children's academic continuity. In 2024, she was committed to mitigating those impacts and applied to the George W. Bush Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. As a scholar, Stephanie launched The Continuing Education Plan, now known as Bridge & Banner™, a fiscally sponsored project of the nonprofit Veterans Collaborative™. Bridge and Banner™ provides tools to strengthen partnerships between teachers and parents, amplifying the parents' ability to advocate for their child's academic needs during military transitions. Stephanie is committed to advancing her research on academic continuity as a 2026 Tillman Scholar attending Mississippi State University's Doctor of Educational Policy and Organizational Design program. Stephanie aims to advance educational policy by providing a clear path for action across academic and community programs, ensuring transparency and addressing academic continuity for all vulnerable student populations.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBridge and Banner WebsiteBridge and Banner on FacebookPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Introduction to Public School Interstate Compact for Military Children. Identifying who qualifies for the Interstate Compact, understanding the five key policy areas the Interstate Compact addresses, and discussing the schools and grades to which the Interstate Compact applies are the learning objectives of this course You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/introduction-to-public-school-interstate-compact-for-military-children Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
United States Air Force forward operating installations face a grave threat given air and missile threats, especially when it comes to small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAV). Recent combat events in places like Ukraine and the Middle East highlight the significance of this threat. It's time to pursue new operational concepts, tactics, and procure necessary technologies to mitigate this threat. Join us for the release of the Mitchell Institute's newest report exploring how the U.S. Air Force can address the sUAV threat, Defeating the Drones: The Airman's Imperative to Defend Against Small UAV, by Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Fellow for the Mitchell Institute Center for Unmanned and Autonomy Studies. Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret.), former commander of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), will join the Mitchell Institute to provide his unique perspectives and insights on the report's findings and recommendations.
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Dr Debbie Bradbard, Military and Veteran Spouse and the inaugural director of the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families at the Virginia Tech in Alexandria, VA. The center's goal is to harness the potential of service members, veterans and their families to thrive in tomorrow's workforce—through skills, mentorship, research, entrepreneurial support, and resources that build future-ready careers and drive economic opportunityEpisode Partner: This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support. Provide Support: Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestDeborah Bradbard is the inaugural director of the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families at the Virginia Tech in Alexandria, VA. As a Senior Researcher at Syracuse University's, D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Bradbard spent nearly a decade publishing signature publications and shaping policy and best practices for veterans and military families. Her work on military spouse and veteran employment have been cited by the White House, members of Congress, CNN, the Center for Deployment Psychology and utilized by national professional organizations including The American Psychological Association (APA) and The Society for Human Resource Management Foundation (SHRM) where her work has been downloaded by over 20,000 human resource professionals nationwide. As Director of Research and Policy at Blue Star Families (BSF), she directed implementation of their national survey whose results have had an enduring influence on military family policy on spouse employment, childcare, and financial readiness. In the private sector at Booz Allen Hamilton, she developed clinical support tools that have been utilized by providers across the entire military health system of over 3 million users. A frequent speaker for national conferences, Bradbard educates policy makers, elected officials, and employers about the evolving needs of the military community. A psychologist by training, Dr. Bradbard received her Ph.D. from Auburn University and her MPA from Syracuse University.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBoeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military FamiliesVirginia Tech in DC on LinkedInDr. Bradbard on LinkedInPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Understanding and Utilizing Your Educational Benefits. provides service members, Veterans and their families with a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits program. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Understanding-and-Utilizing-Your-Educational-Benefits Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Veteran family member Chris Weedon, Founder and Executive Director of the Mentally Shredded Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing burnout and strengthening mental resilience through movement, reflection, conversation, and community.Episode Partner: This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support. Provide Support: Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestChristopher D. Weedon, MBA, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Mentally Shredded Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing burnout and strengthening mental resilience through movement, reflection, conversation, and community. A former collegiate soccer captain who also competed at the semi-professional level, and a former strength and conditioning coach, Christopher created the Mentally Shredded 3-in-1 Method after navigating his own mental health challenges and recognizing the need for proactive, accessible wellness experiences. Since 2022, the organization has served more than 2,000 participants through live programs and reached more than 10,000 people through educational content and The Mentally Shredded Show podcast. Christopher is building a scalable model that equips organizations and communities to make mental wellness a regular practice rather than a crisis response.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMentally Shredded WebsiteChris Weedon on InstagramMentally Shredded on InstagramChris Weedon on LinkedInPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Bolstering Resilience, part of the Brain Health and Wellness Learning Series. This mini-course series on resilience, sponsored by Wounded Warrior Project, spotlights five supporting factors proven to bolster resilience among service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers: SMART goals, mental health, nutrition, sleep, and exercise. Each element builds upon a foundation of service and increases the ability to successfully cope with high levels of stress and pressure. You'll learn why these supporting pillars are so important to overall well-being, their application in daily life, and how it's never too late to make a lasting change. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/WWP-BHW-bolstering-resilience Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
When an active shooter turned a military installation into a combat zone, Navy Airman Ryan Blackwell found himself staring down the barrel of a weapon. Drawing on base-level readiness and pure instinct, Blackwell's split-second decisions during the assault highlight the realities of survival under extreme duress. This episode breaks down the raw mechanics of an insider threat encounter and the warrior mindset required to survive it.
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Chris Gonzalez, Co-Founder of A-G Associates, an organization that provides insight, expert guidance, and lived experience to strengthen public health and safety systems, advance military and veteran wellbeing, and help mission-driven organizations achieve measurable impact. We talk about their partnership with PsychArmor to support MCON Health, and their recently announced Fall In initiative. Episode Partner: This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support. Provide Support: Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestChris Gonzalez is President and Co-Founder of A-G Associates (A-G). Chris' accolades range from entrepreneurial awards on the Inc, 5000 (Inc. Magazine) Vet100 (Institute for Veteran and Military Families) and Young Alumni Achievement Award (Frostburg State university) to Bridging the Gap Achievement Award by the Greater Baltimore Committee for philanthropic efforts. Under Chris' leadership, A-G has grown into one of the fastest growing companies in the country, placing in the top 15% of the Inc. 5000 list (#592). A-G has made a significant contribution to the fields of mental health and substance use for military personnel, military families, veterans, behavioral health clinicians, peer support specialists and others. These events have led to the development of policy, resources and grant programs. A U.S. Marine and combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Chris drives organizational and program transformation initiatives across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Chris is the Associate Producer of Bastards' Road, a full-length film about a Marine Corps Veteran who conquers post-traumatic stress by walking across the country. He has also coached several fitness programs and served on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Health Care Access Maryland, Mentoring Mentors and American Warrior Festival/Strength in Numbers. Chris has been a keynote speaker at the Center for Naval Analyses, Mental Health America, Frostburg State University's Sloop Leadership Institute, and the Project Management Institute. He is a certified Facilitator/ Trainer through the Marine Corps, WholeScale Change™ facilitator and Project Management Professional (PMP). He is a graduate from Operation Hand Salute, an Executive Development program through John F. Kennedy University and AT&T. He received his BS in Social Science from Frostburg State University in 2001, and his Master of Arts in Education from Towson University.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeLinks Mentioned During the EpisodeA-G AssociatesMCON HealthThe Fall In InitiativePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the Behind the Mission podcast episode 223 of the Behind the Mission Podcast highlighting MCON. In this episode, we have a conversation with Marine Corps veteran Waco Hoover, an entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, M&A, entertainment, media and live events. We talk about MCON, an annual event that celebrates military culture and includes MCON Health conducted in partnership with PsychArmor. You can find the resource here: https://psycharmor.org/podcast/waco-hoover-mconContact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Lito Villanueva went from a junior Air Force cyber specialist to a military contractor in Afghanistan, a special operations communications expert, and eventually a volunteer supporting teams near the front lines of the war in Ukraine.In this episode, of Urban Valor, Lito shares the uncensored story of leaving the U.S. Air Force after two years, landing a $164,500 Afghanistan contractor job at 21, surviving daily mortar attacks at FOB Shank—better known as “Rocket City”—and entering the hidden world of special operations, C4ISR, military communications, drones, intelligence, surveillance, and kinetic strike operations.He also opens up about the psychological cost of war, witnessing lethal operations, returning home disconnected from civilian life, battling depression, and finding a new sense of purpose through veteran suicide prevention and humanitarian work.Years later, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Lito entered the country alone with humanitarian aid and eventually joined a team that needed his expertise in tactical communications, blue-force tracking, intelligence organization, and battlefield command-and-control systems.
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Deidra Jackson as guest to the show. About Deidra Jackson, 2026 Dole Caregiver Fellow, Illinois: Deidra Jackson has served as a healthcare executive for the last 25 years leading product and business development efforts across national and regional payer organizations as well as digital health platforms. Her decades of experience developing healthcare resources revealed what she now sees in her own family—that sick and aging veterans are not the ones tracking appointments, managing medications, or translating clinical instructions into daily living. It is their caregivers. Deidra's father Leroy Avery, Jr. served four years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. As an Airman, he served with the Military Police during the Vietnam War. Leroy was exposed to Agent Orange, which has triggered or complicated a list of debilitating health conditions, including diabetes, heart failure, kidney failure, gastroparesis, and recurring blood clots. Leroy's dependence on his daughter has grown over the years. Deidra's role as a caregiver began with smaller, episodic acts of care before evolving into daily oversight of his basic needs and safety. Deidra managed his care during extended hospital stays and attempts at living alone, before moving him into an independent living facility. She soon realized that he needed more support and care, so she moved him into her family home. Before becoming a Dole Caregiver Fellow, Deidra was already building connections between other veteran caregivers. She published a memoir and companion journal about her caregiving journey to bring awareness to the experience and assure her fellow caregivers that they are not alone. Deidra also speaks at events about her caregiving experience, including her keynote address at the Military Caregiver Breakfast at the 2025 Military World Expo. As she continues her advocacy, Deidra is eager to use her professional and personal experience to champion the idea of formalizing the role of the caregiver within healthcare delivery. She says, "When caregivers are recognized, supported, and integrated into care planning, outcomes improve for veterans, costs are reduced, and communities are strengthened nationwide." Her passion is ensuring people are seen, heard, and supported. About the Dole Caregiver Fellowship: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation Dole Caregiver Fellows Program is a selective leadership and advocacy fellowship for individuals who provide care and support to wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans of all generations. Participants—spouses, parents, adult children, friends, or other loved ones—are chosen from across the United States to represent caregivers across their communities and nationally. During a two-year term, Fellows receive training, build networks, and work with policymakers, organizations, and the public to raise awareness of the value of caregivers and the challenges they face. They advocate for improved support and resources and advise the Foundation on programs and policy priorities affecting military and veteran families. In addition, by sharing their stories and experiences, they help other caregivers recognize themselves as caregivers, connect to resources, and feel welcomed in a community where every caregiving journey is valued.
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Navy Veteran Steve Kappes, the 2026 board chair for the San Diego Military Advisory Council and one of the leaders of the San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program, a program that uses tennis as a means of rehabilitation for service members and veterans who've become wounded, ill, or injured.Episode Partner: This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support. Provide Support Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestCaptain Steve Kappes, USN, Ret. served on active duty for 24 years and has volunteered in support of military members, veterans, and their families for more than 20 years. As a cofounder and the Director of the San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program, he and his team have improved the quality of life for more than 1,500 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans through free weekly tennis clinics and annual tennis camps. Run in collaboration with Naval Medical Center San Diego and VA Medical Center San Diego, this program has been recognized by members of Congress, the Department of the Defense, and the U.S. Tennis Association for its excellence and impact and serves as a national model. Steve is also a Certified Nonprofit Professional, committed to supporting the community through military advocacy and health and wellness programs. He has served in leadership roles on eight nonprofit boards including the San Diego Military Advisory Council where is the current Board Chair. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeSan Diego Military Advisory CouncilCBS8 Zevely Zone - San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program Website PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the Behind the Mission podcast episode with SDMC CEO Rear Admiral (Retired) David Boone. During the conversation, we dive deeper into SDMAC, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of the service members, veterans, and their families in the greater San Diego region. You can find the resource here: https://psycharmor.org/podcast/btm243-david-boone-san-diego-military-advisory-council Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
God's Airman shares how we must be careful of what we say. Words have power to build up or tear down.
We transformed by the renewing of our mind
In the final episode of The Lindbergh Conspiracies, Joe and Poppy revisit the case's most compelling theories one last time—from Robert Zorn's claim that a German immigrant named John Knoll was the true mastermind, to Robert Cahill's methodical argument that Bruno Hauptmann acted alone. They also follow one lawyer's ongoing legal battle to secure DNA testing on the ransom notes. It's a fight that could either settle the case once and for all—or add new fuel to the fire. Reading list: Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead — Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1973) Scapegoat: The Lonesome Death of Bruno Richard Hauptmann — Anthony Scaduto (1976) The Airman and the Carpenter — Ludovic Kennedy (1985) Hauptmann's Ladder — Richard T. Cahill Jr. (1986) Crime of the Century — Gregg Ahlgren & Stephen Monier (1993) Beneath the Winter Sycamores — Jim Bahm (2000) The Case That Never Dies — Lloyd C. Gardner (2004) Lindbergh — Thomas Doherty (2005) Lindbergh's Baby — Candace Fleming (2011) The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Suspect No. 1 — Robert Zorn (2012) Suspect No. 1 — Lise Pearlman (2017) The Lindbergh Nanny — Mariah Fredericks (2020) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're replaying a conversation with Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of Leadership Programs for the George W. Bush Institute. We talk about some of the initiatives of the Bush Institute, including the Veteran Leadership Program, the Democracy is a Verb initiative and the Bush Institute's efforts to celebrate America 250.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestMichael Bailey serves as Deputy Director, Leadership Programs, for the George W. Bush Institute. In this role, he manages the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which focuses on developing the leadership skills of veterans and those who serve them and their families. Bailey also supports alumni engagement efforts for the Institute's international leadership programs.Prior to joining the George W. Bush Institute, Bailey provided operations, media, and communications support to The American Choral Directors Association, a music organization dedicated to the excellence and advancement of choral music.Bailey is a native of Arlington, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music (Voice) from The University of Oklahoma, and he holds a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in finance and real estate from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. He has a passion for running and enjoys racing in half and full marathons.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeGeorge W. Bush InstituteStand-To Veteran Leadership ProgramAmerica 250Democracy is a Verb initiative PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course The Myths and Facts of Military Leaders. This course identifies four of the most popular myths about military leaders and how they don't align with the reality of working alongside Veterans and Service members. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/The-Myths-and-Facts-of-Military-Leaders Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Sometimes the hardest thing we can do is surrender and trust God.
Send us Fan MailJasmine Jones is an Airman in the United States Air Force, a High-Performance Athlete with Team USA Bobsled, Mid-American Conference Most Outstanding Track Performer, First Team College All-American, Bobsleigh Bronze Medalist in the 2026 Winter Olympics (which ended EMU's 42-year drought without a US Olympic medal for the university's athletes) and a single Mom.-Quick Episode Summary:Air Force Olympian Jasmine Jones discusses resilience, motherhood, bobsled journey.-People and Names mentioned in the episode:Riley TejcekAlex KleinKelly CurtisCoach Chris Best / Eastern MichiganCoach Christopher Fogt / USA Bobsled CoachElana Meyers Taylor-
Show Summary On today's episode, we're having a conversation with Army Veteran Ramon Salazar, Senior Manager of Learning and Experience Design for PsychArmor, as well as Executive Director for Warriors At Ease, an organization dedicated to empowering the military and veteran community with the tools and knowledge to harness the transformative power of yoga and meditation.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestRamón Salazar is a US Army Veteran with a diverse background in education and wellness. Holding a Master's degree in Education and experience in instructional design, he currently serves as an instructor at the University of Arizona. As an E-RYT 500 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher that has completed at leased 500 hours of advanced yoga teacher training and logged a minimum of 2,00 hours of teaching experience), Ramón brings a deep understanding of yoga practice, skillfully tailoring his approach to the specific needs of the military community. He incorporates trauma-informed techniques and mindful movement to foster healing and resilience. Ramón also holds various certifications in other wellness areas. His commitment to education and holistic well-being reflects his belief in yoga's power to positively impact individuals and communities.Links Mentioned in this Episode Ramon on PsychArmorWarriors At Ease websitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is PsychArmor's online course library, including many courses designed and led by Ramon. PsychArmor offers trusted, expert-led training for anyone who wants to better understand and support service members, Veterans, and their families. Whether you're a health care provider, educator, employer, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to make a difference — these courses are designed for you.You can find the resource here:https://learn.psycharmor.org/collections Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Damon, Damo, and Aaron are joined by LCDR Jeff “Migs” Migdal. Jeff is a Cryptologic Warfare Officer, prior-enlisted Sailor, and longtime commissioning mentor who has helped countless Sailors navigate the path from enlisted service to the officer ranks. The conversation begins with Jeff sharing his journey from joining the Navy as an undesignated Airman to eventually earning a commission after multiple application attempts. He discusses the lessons he learned along the way, including how setbacks, preparation, and persistence shaped his career. The group explores common misconceptions about officer programs and why being eligible does not necessarily make someone competitive. Jeff provides insight into the commissioning process, discussing OCS, LDO, STA-21, motivational statements, appraisal interviews, OAR scores, and the importance of understanding program authorizations before submitting a package. The hosts examine the role mentorship plays in professional development and discuss the difference between mentors who guide and individuals who expect others to do the work for them. The discussion also turns to social media, information sharing, and how technology has changed the way Sailors seek career advice. Jeff explains why many applicants fail before their package ever reaches a selection board, while Damo reflects on lessons learned from his own experiences pursuing advancement and career opportunities. Later in the episode, the conversation broadens into leadership, standards, and accountability. The hosts discuss the importance of correcting Sailors, maintaining good order and discipline, and why seemingly small standards can have a larger impact on organizational culture. Damo introduces his “Get the Fries Right” analogy as the group explores the relationship between attention to detail and effective leadership. The episode closes with reflections on service, mentorship, and the responsibility leaders have to help others succeed. Jeff shares why he has dedicated so much time to helping future officers, while the hosts discuss the importance of preparation, ownership, and personal accountability. Jeff also shares the advice he would give any Sailor considering a commission and explains why, in the end, nobody is going to do it for you. These topics and more are covered in this episode. Do you have a “Do Better” that you want us to review on a future episode? Reach out at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com Stay connected with the PTSF Podcast: https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast PTSF Theme Music: Produced by Lim0
Stay encouraged
Show Summary On today's episode, we're having a conversation with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Amanda Noyes, the founder of Finding Freedom Therapy and member of the DFW First Responders Support Network. We talk about Trauma therapy and mental health networks for service members, veterans and first responders Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestAmanda Noyes is the founder of Finding Freedom Therapy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Supervisor with over 25 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work in numerous crisis situations where she witnessed firsthand the gravity of trauma and grief. It was in these situations that she realized there were not enough opportunities to heal from trauma and loss after the initial crisis. With this knowledge, she formed Finding Freedom Therapy, PLLC, in 2014 with the vision of providing specialized treatment to those who have endured (or are continuing to endure) horrific traumas and unspeakable losses.After earning her degree in psychology and international studies from Texas A&M University, Amanda pursued her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her career, she has had the unique opportunity to gain notable hands-on experience, much of which was working in conjunction with the military, first responders, and frontline workers. She has worked alongside probation and parole officers in the field, with police officers on-scene, supported doctors and nurses in the ED and ICU departments of level-one trauma centers, counseled families of the recently deceased at the moment of loss, and worked next to the U.S. National Guard when assisting during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey.Amanda's experience with veterans and military service members began early in her career with her graduate internship at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital, and later continued with her work as lead trauma therapist for an inpatient military program, Freedom Care, where she worked with active-duty combat military and veterans suffering from PTSD. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET). Each and every step of her career has shaped and strengthened her ability to better assist clients through the most difficult times in their lives.Links Mentioned in this Episode Finding Freedom Therapy WebsiteDFW First Responders Support NetworkPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Trauma Informed Interactions with Veterans. This course defines trauma and how it presents itself and is specifically designed to help volunteers interact with Veterans dealing with trauma that affects their health and/or ability to function.You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/trauma-informed-interactions-with-veterans Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
The promises of God are always yes and amen
Show Summary On today's episode, we're having a conversation with Marine Veteran Luke Urick, the Executive Director of the Montana Vet Program, an organization that takes Veterans into the Montana wilderness to rediscover strength, purpose, and camaraderie through therapeutic adventure and conservation. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestLUKE URICKLuke Urick is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and the Founder and Executive Director of the Montana Vet Program, where he has led transformative outdoor-based experiences for Veterans for the past nine years. Serving from 2003 to 2012 as a Scout Sniper, Mountain Leader, and Survival Instructor, Luke deployed in support of combat operations and earned numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor and the Purple Heart. His military service shaped a lifelong commitment to resilience, leadership, and helping others navigate adversity.After transitioning from the military, Luke earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Organizational Management, combining his understanding of human behavior with strong leadership expertise. Through the Montana Vet Program, he guides Veterans into the wilderness to rediscover purpose, strength, and camaraderie through shared challenge and therapeutic adventure. His work reflects a deep belief in the healing power of connection, nature, and service.Links Mentioned in this Episode Montana Vet Program WebsiteMVP TripsPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Slowing Down and One Pointed Attention. In this course, Dr. Jill Borman discusses the tools that make mantram repetition more effective and useful: slowing down and one-pointed attention.You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/slowing-down-and-one-pointed-attention Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Send us Fan MailTrent rolls solo and unleashes a Thanksgiving beatdown on stupidity across the force. He opens with the legendary tale of an Airman who annihilated a toilet so violently his supervisor wanted to write paperwork for it. Trent torches the obsession with rank, the dependas who think stripes transfer by marriage, and the clowns trying to overthrow Haiti like it's Walmart on Black Friday. He dives into culture clashes, NCO failures, marriage reality checks, and why the E1–E4 crowd still carries the whole damn Air Force. If you're fragile, buckle up. Trent isn't here to hold your hand—he's here to tell the truth.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Trent's poetic intro (yes, seriously) 01:05 – The Airman who nuked a toilet 03:00 – Supervisors who think paperwork = leadership 05:40 – The Haiti coup masterminds (spoiler: they're not) 08:00 – Culture, assimilation, and uncomfortable truths 12:20 – The Dependa housing meltdown 15:50 – Why who you marry will save or ruin your life 22:30 – Rank, responsibility, and people who get it twisted 26:40 – Promotion ceremonies and perspective 30:00 – Hope for the next generation of operators
Show Summary On today's episode, we're having a conversation with Bill Birnie, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major, CEO of Frontwave Credit Union, and member of the PsychArmor Board of Directors. We have a great conversation about serving those who served, promoting financial stability, and brining his expertise in the financial sector to the board of PsychArmor. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestBill Birnie's lifelong dedication to serving the military community, coupled with his extensive leadership and financial expertise, makes him an outstanding candidate for our PsychArmor Board. A 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Bill retired in 1997 as a Sergeant Major, having served in combat operations during Operation Desert Storm and Operation United Shield. His military career also included assignments as a Marine guard and detachment commander at U.S. Embassies worldwide, where he cultivated a deep understanding of service, leadership, and teamwork.Transitioning from military service, Bill brought his strategic mindset to the credit union industry, where he has built a remarkable 26-year career. Currently, as President and CEO of Frontwave Credit Union, he leads a $1.4 billion institution dedicated to empowering military families and veterans. Bill's leadership, understanding of financial systems, combined with his ability to create sustainable growth, aligns with our strategic needs, and will support our long-term vision. Bill has served on Boards that address the unique needs of military families and veterans, including as Chairman of the Defense Credit Union Council and Vice Chair of the Armed Forces Financial Network. His experience as a Western Credit Union Management School graduate and 15 years as a faculty member further underscores his ability to mentor and guide organizations toward financial and operational excellence. In his spare time, Bill enjoys golf, traveling and attending theater or concerts with family and friends. With his unparalleled military and leadership experience, Bill Birnie brings the expertise and insight to strengthen PsychArmor's mission, ensuring it continues to create meaningful impact for the military and veteran community. Links Mentioned in this Episode Frontwave Credit Union WebsiteFrontwave Credit Union Military ResourcesPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the Preparing Your Finances for Transition.In this course, service members, Veterans and their families will learn about some major financial considerations associated with transition, as well as five useful tips for preparing their finances. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Preparing-Your-Finances-for-Transition Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
On this Memorial Day, ABC's Byron Pitts examines the losses sustained thus far in the Iran conflict, and interviews the family of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, one of the war's 13 fatalities. (Photo Credit: Airman First Class Ivy Thomas/U.S. Air National Guard) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why it's important and hard to forgive.
Show SummaryOn today's episode, talking with comedian Brad Bonar, founder of One Degree of Separation, an organization that uses stand-up comedy to spark honest conversations about depression and suicide prevention. We discuss his lived experience, breaking the silence with comedy, and turning their live shows into official training for service members, Veterans and their familiesProvide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestBrad Bonar Jr. is the founder and creative force behind 1° of Separation. A seasoned stand-up comedian and magician by trade, Brad has spent nearly 30 years making people laugh around the world. He built a successful entertainment career headlining clubs and corporate shows, including a popular Dry Bar Comedy special that has garnered over 13 million online views. His comedy draws on everyday life and family, and is known for its clean yet keenly observant humor. But beneath the laughter, Brad quietly fought his own battles with depression since childhood.A turning point came a few years ago when Brad discovered an old keepsake: “I found a suicide note that I wrote in the 6th grade,” he recalls. “At first I kinda laughed about it, but then it became very sobering.“ Realizing that he had been struggling in silence for decades, and seeing so many others still doing the same, Brad felt compelled to act. He channeled his talents and insider knowledge of comedy into a deeply personal mission: “I've spent the past 25 years traveling the world making people laugh. Now I'm using my talents for something more personal. It's time to cast a spotlight that removes the stigma of mental illness.” With that, 1 Degree of Separation was born in 2019 as a project to fight depression with comedy.Brad immersed himself in learning about mental health, interviewing doctors and therapists to shape a show that was both funny and responsible in its messaging. He crafted the Five Questions after hours of writing and self-reflection one night. And he recruited fellow comedians (including his wife, Victoria, and others) willing to share their stories on stage. As a performer, Brad has a disarming, warm presence. Audiences often don't expect a comedian to talk about subjects like suicidal ideation, but Brad does so with authenticity and even hope. He frequently opens up about his own experiences – from that sixth-grade note, to a more recent mental health crisis that landed him in a 5150 psychiatric hold, to how “comedy saved me” when he learned to talk about his pain rather than hide it.Today, Brad Bonar Jr. serves as CEO of 1° of Separation, Inc., leading the nonprofit's growth while still touring as one of its headline speakers. Under his leadership, 1° of Separation has gained national attention for its innovative approach (featured on media from local news to podcasts and even military press.) Brad's ability to wear two hats – entertainer and mental health advocate – makes him a unique voice in suicide prevention. He often says, “Laughter changes your brain” and indeed, he's now leveraging laughter to change lives. Brad and his wife Victoria are based in Northern California, but travel constantly for training. When not on the road, he continues to perform traditional comedy and magic shows and is at work on a book about his journey and the intersection of comedy and mental health. In recognition of his efforts, Brad was invited to present at the Department of Defense/VA Suicide Prevention Conference in 2023, where 1° of Separation received a standing ovation from 2,500 professionals. Brad's personal mantra: “Comedy is universal… and if we can laugh at this, we can talk about it," encapsulates the spirit he brings to the cause. He proves that a comedian can change the world, one punchline and one life at a time.Links Mentioned in this Episode 1° of Separation websitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Supporting a Veteran in Crisis. This course is designed for businesses to educate them on the differences between their Veteran and civilian employees and ways to support them. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-a-veteran-in-crisis Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
What it takes to be kind!
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're replaying a conversation with conversation with playwright and producer Elizabeth Coplan, founder of the Greif Dialogues, a nonprofit theatrical movement that facilitates conversations about dying, death, and grief. We talk about her own connection to service and discuss how Grief Dialogues has developed a specific immersive experience of remembrance and reflection ahead of Memorial DayProvide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestElizabeth Coplan is a veteran of marketing and public relations with over four decades of experience. She began her professional journey as an aspiring actor in New York City in 1972 before pivoting to publishing, eventually becoming the managing editor of Chief Executive Magazine. After relocating to California, she climbed the ranks at Collins Foods International, ultimately serving as Director of Corporate Communications.In Seattle, Elizabeth became a trailblazer in professional services marketing, notably serving as the first Northwest marketing director for Touché Ross (now Deloitte). She later became Director of Client Service and Development at Davis Wright Tremaine, where she helped grow the firm from three to ten offices and pioneered strategic sponsorships in the legal sector. After six years, she launched her own consulting firm, advising major clients including Merrill Lynch and the University of Washington School of Law.Her service on nonprofit boards includes the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Intiman Theatre, where she chaired strategic planning. In 2013, after a series of personal losses, Elizabeth began writing to process her grief. This led to the creation of Grief Dialogues, a groundbreaking play and nonprofit initiative that fosters dialogue about death and grief through theatre.Her award-winning works include Hospice: A Love Story, Untold, The Choice, and Honoring Choices, the latter adapted into a film that premiered in Los Angeles and earned multiple festival awards. She also directed and produced Juntos Nos Ayudamos, a film addressing suicide in a Hispanic family, and co-hosts the podcast Out of Grief Comes Art.Elizabeth's writing appears in professional grief therapy publications, and her full-length play 'Til Death premiered Off-Broadway in 2023 with an acclaimed cast. She is currently working on The Book Club, a new play exploring the lives of senior women.Links Mentioned in this Episode Grief Dialogues WebsiteMy Guardian Angel MoviePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Good Grief. Grief is not only experienced with death, it can also occur with job loss or severe changes to physical well-being. The purpose of this course is to recognize loss and identify what is learned as a result of that loss. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/good-grief Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Take time to shift your mindset this weekend.
In this episode of the Carl Jackson Show, Carl dives into the incredible story of American exceptionalism on display. He discusses the recent US military mission in Iran, where a US airman was rescued from behind enemy lines after being shot down. Carl shares the details of the mission, including the CIA's deception campaign and the bravery of the US military personnel involved. He also touches on the Artemis 2 mission, where astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen made history by becoming the first to enter lunar space in over 50 years. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradio X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshow Parler: https://parler.com/carljacksonshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshow http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.com Visit our Store https://CarlJacksonStore.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iran last week over Southwestern Iran, and while one crew member was extracted earlier, the weapons officer remained behind enemy lines, with Iran offering a $60,000 reward for his capture. On Easter Sunday, U.S. special forces carried out a high-risk rescue deep in hostile territory involving SEAL Team 6, dozens of warplanes and helicopters, and intense fighting, successfully extracting the airman without a single American casualty. President Trump hailed the operation as an “Easter Miracle." In a Truth Social post, Trump also stated, “The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies.” We also cover: Is Pat in Iran? Artemis II will stream on Netflix. Tesla FSD can save lives? Gavin Newsom's wife is on FIRE. Evictions are an act of violence. 00:00 Chewing the Fat UNLEASHED! (...What?) 00:25 Pat Gray Feeling Ill 02:07 Pat Gray BINGO! Card 08:55 U.S. Pilot Rescue 11:45 Rumor of Trump's Death??? 13:06 Trump's Aggressive Message for Tuesday 15:02 Trump's Easter Message 17:40 NATO & the Strait of Hormuz 18:58 Ukraine/Russia War 19:40 What will Happen with Iran on Tuesday? 25:08 Things Reversed by Democrats in 2028? 25:55 Artemis II Crew Expected to Set New Record 26:31 Easter Message from Artemis II Pilot 28:41 Message from Apollo 16 Astronaut to Artemis II Crew 31:40 Reid Wiseman on Days Blurring Aboard Artemis II 32:42 Artemis II Sees the Grand Canyon of the Moon 33:52 Fat Five 45:57 Self-Driving Tesla Dodges Crash 48:26 Netflix Broadcasting Artemis II Livestream 52:18 More Tesla Talk 55:20 93-Year-Old Grandma in a Self-Driving Tesla 58:51 Tiger Woods' Sobriety Test 1:08:17 Thomas Massie on Pam Bondi & Epstein Files 1:12:41 Kris Cruz Keeping in Shape! 1:16:59 Gavin Newsom's Wife Babbling 1:25:17 Brandon Johnson Talking about "Large Gatherings" 1:26:48 Evictions are an ACT OF VIOLENCE! 1:33:18 Family Kicked Off Airplane Due to Baby Crying Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Trump just spilled the details of that harrowing rescue of a downed U.S. airman inside Iran. Hundreds of aircraft, deception campaigns, and a "commitment to survival" all played a role in the successful rescue. But it's one that President Trump says the world should not have known about until now and threatened to go after the person who leaked the information and the journalist who reported it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Trump took a risk in ordering a high-risk rescue of a U.S. airman from Iranian territory. Now attention is focused on his threat to bomb Iran's electric power plants and bridges if the regime doesn't agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Trump just spilled the details of that harrowing rescue of a downed U.S. airman inside Iran. Hundreds of aircraft, deception campaigns, and a "commitment to survival" all played a role in the successful rescue. But it's one that President Trump says the world should not have known about until now and threatened to go after the person who leaked the information and the journalist who reported it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Headlines: – Welcome To Mo News (+ UCLA Wins Women's NCAA Championship) (02:00) – Trump Issues 48-Hour Iran Ultimatum With Obscenities (05:40) – How Rescue Of US Airman In Remote Part Of Iran Unfolded (14:00) – Israeli Operation In Lebanon Leads To 1 Million Person Evacuation (20:45) – Hegseth's Wartime Firing Of Top Generals Stuns Officials (24:45) – Pope Leo Warns World Growing “Indifferent” To Violence In Easter Address (30:30) – Trump's New Budget Proposal, With "Historic" Defense Spending (34:00) – Donald Trump Wants $152 Million to Rebuild Alcatraz As Prison (38:15) – Artemis II Set To Reach Moon's Far Side In Historic Milestone (40:20) – On This Day In History (44:15) Thanks To Our Sponsors: Boll & Branch – 15% off first order, plus free shipping | Code: MONEWS – Industrious - Coworking office. 50% off day pass | Code: MONEWS50 – Incogni - 60% off an annual plan| Code: MONEWS – Monarch - 50% off your first year | Code: MONEWS – Factor - 50% off your first box | Code: monews50off – ShipStation - Try for free for 60 days | Code: MONEWS – Shopify – $1 per-month trial | Code: MONEWS – LMNT | Free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix or 12oz cans purchase
President Trump just spilled the details of that harrowing rescue of a downed U.S. airman inside Iran. Hundreds of aircraft, deception campaigns, and a "commitment to survival" all played a role in the successful rescue. But it's one that President Trump says the world should not have known about until now and threatened to go after the person who leaked the information and the journalist who reported it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another BND podcast with TWICE the amount of guests for your enjoyment. Join our rockin' host, Mike Slater as he talks to: John Hayward, Breitbart News National Security Deputy Editor, about the ongoing war between the United States of America and Iran and how a daring rescue mission for a downed airman was pulled off! John Phillips, Host of “The John Phillips Show” on 790AM KABC in Los Angeles, about the fraud investigations in the state of California and if Governor Gavin Newsom stands a chance in the 2028 presidential election! MAGA! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In part one of Red Eye Radio with Gary McNamara and Eric Harley, in what President Trump called "one of the most daring search and rescues in US history", a Pentagon official warns Tehran the Airman's rescue shows the US can penetrate enemy territory 'anywhere' in Iran. Former Pentagon official Brent Sadler said "Not only can we rescue our pilots, but we can also go to where we need to secure nuclear equipment or the remainders of their leadership." Sadler's comments come after the rescue of a U.S. Air Force weapons system officer (WSO) early Sunday morning local time after roughly 36 hours in hiding. The pilot and WSO ejected from an F-15E fighter jet when it was downed over Iran on Friday. The pilot was rescued that morning. Also the dumbest Democratic take on the war with Iran equating the conflict as a "social media war", the significance of the Department of War and a surprising report from the Bureau of Labor with 178,000 jobs created in March. For more talk on the issues that matter to you, listen on radio stations across America Monday-Friday 12am-5am CT (1am-6am ET and 10pm-3am PT), download the RED EYE RADIO SHOW app, asking your smart speaker, or listening at RedEyeRadioShow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In a story that unfolds like a Hollywood script, hundreds of American troops descended on the rugged mountains of southwestern Iran this weekend to rescue a wounded airman who spent nearly two days hiding from Iranian forces. A large contingent of special operations forces and aircraft were deployed in the high-stakes combat search-and-rescue mission deep inside Iran. Meanwhile, President Trump says Iran is ready to make a deal to end the conflict. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with E.J. Kimball, the Director of Policy for the US-Israel Education Association, to discuss the life and death rescue, and get his thoughts on where the conflict goes from here. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
After a dramatic rescue of a U.S. airman in Iran, President Trump posted a profanity-laden threat to Iran that if it didn't open the Strait of Hormuz it would be "living in Hell." Representative Madeline Dean, Democrat from Pennsylvania told NPR that Trump's handling of the war in Iran - and the recent budget he proposed to fund it - are troubling and un-American.Please help us out by completing a short survey telling us what you like and how we could improve our podcast. You can find it right now at https://npr.org/springsurvey This episode was produced by Henry Larson. It was edited by Tinbete Ermyas and Sarah Robbins. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
In an operation involving hundreds of troops and dozens of aircraft, the US military have rescued the American airman who went missing in southern Iran after an F-15 fighter jet was shot down on Friday. President Trump said the colonel was injured but will be fine. Also in the programme: a former Israeli soldier recalls the challenges of a prolonged occupation of Lebanon; and we explore the mystery of the far side of the moon. (Photo: Cars drive near an anti-US bilboard, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 5, 2026. Credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
After Iran shot down an American F-15 fighter jet on Friday, one airman was rescued, but the other remains missing. We have the latest on the efforts from both Iran and the U.S to try and locate the crew member, where the crash site was located, and how each airman is taught and trained how to survive situations just like this one. While there is a reward for the missing American, Iranian officials are urging civilians to capture the airman “alive.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After Iran shot down an American F-15 fighter jet on Friday, one airman was rescued, but the other remains missing. We have the latest on the efforts from both Iran and the U.S to try and locate the crew member, where the crash site was located, and how each airman is taught and trained how to survive situations just like this one. While there is a reward for the missing American, Iranian officials are urging civilians to capture the airman “alive.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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After Iran shot down an American F-15 fighter jet on Friday, one airman was rescued, but the other remains missing. We have the latest on the efforts from both Iran and the U.S to try and locate the crew member, where the crash site was located, and how each airman is taught and trained how to survive situations just like this one. While there is a reward for the missing American, Iranian officials are urging civilians to capture the airman “alive.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ayman Mohyeldin is in for Nicolle Wallace. Ayman continues to cover the breaking news of the search and rescue operation in southwestern Iran for a missing U.S. fighter jet pilot. This pilot was one of two pilots onboard a U.S. F-15 fighter jet that was shot down by Iran. One pilot has been rescued, but the whereabouts of the second pilot are still unknown. Later, Ayman covers reporting that suggests that Pam Bondi's firing is far from the last that Trump is considering. According to The Atlantic, there have been discussions in the White House suggesting that FBI director Kash Patel may also be in trouble. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh To listen to this show and other MS NOW podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.