Podcasts about Social enterprise

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Elizabeth Musselman, an Elizabeth Dole Caregiver Fellow, about the unrecognized evolution of veteran caregiving and the hidden burdens placed on military children.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 GuestElizabeth Musselman is a military caregiver and a 2026 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow. In this role, she works with policymakers, Special Operations families, and veteran-serving organizations on the mental health needs of children living in veteran caregiver homes, a population largely absent from current policy and program design. Her advocacy focuses on the intergenerational effects of combat injury, including how a veteran parent's symptoms shape a child's development, attachment, and role in the family. She is a member of the Hidden Helpers Coalition and delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Elizabeth Dole Foundation National Convening in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth previously built a career in finance and technology and earned her J.D. before becoming the full-time caregiver for her husband, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, and raising their three children in the home his service shaped. Links Mentioned in this Episode Elizabeth Dole Foundation WebsiteMCON Health SummitElizabeth on LinkedInPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Supporting Youth Who Support Veterans. Caregiving youth often make sacrifices to provide care for family members who are ill, injured, elderly, or disabled. This course acknowledges the contributions of these youth caregivers, goes into the scope of the problem, and offers some solutions.You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-youth-who-support-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  

Dan Wang is the Lambert Family Professor of Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School and Co-founder of CAiSEY, a voice-first AI discussion platform that helps students develop critical thinking through conversation. Johanna Chouraqui leads instructor onboarding, user research, and operations at CAiSEY, bringing nearly a decade of experience in K-12 education and learning design.

What happens when community knowledge, nonprofit purpose, business expertise, and long-term philanthropy come together to solve a basic neighborhood need? San Francisco's Sunnydale Market offers a compelling and nutritious answer. Created in response to residents' love of neighborhood, and their need for fresh and affordable groceries, the Sunnydale Market is catalyzed by community voices, the nonprofit 18 Reasons, and the for-profit Bi-Rite Family of Businesses. The Sunnydale Market partnership finds its home in a larger redevelopment made possible by Mercy Housing, Related Companies, and HOPE SF. It is important that this partnership is made financially possible by a long-term commitment from Crankstart. Crankstart funding covers core operating costs so that fresh groceries can be offered to the Sunnydale community at wholesale cost. Sunnydale Market will anchor a thriving neighborhood hub, provide new and better jobs, and attract customers and visitors to Sunnydale to boost other neighborhood businesses and groups. The Social Impact Forum will ask whether this promising model can create a market that will endure and that can be replicated elsewhere, while also considering community ownership and intergenerational wealth creation as important reference points in the broader social-enterprise landscape. You're invited to be part of this warm group discussion, and exchanging ideas with others over the subsequent community reception, with food and beverages provided by Bi-Rite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Brandy Dykhuizen and Joe Hudak, founders of Living Proof Stories, exploring how structured storytelling helps Veterans process lived experiences, build civilian connections, and move from raw isolation to processed post-military growth.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 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 GuestBrandy Dykhuizen is a San Diego-based writer, narrative artist, producer, and mentor who uses storytelling to bridge social divides and spark genuine, human-to-human connection. Over the past decade, she has designed, produced, and led storytelling programs, writing workshops, and live performance events for a wide range of organizations, spanning Veteran services to local arts and culture initiatives across San Diego County.As the co-founder of Living Proof Stories, Brandy works alongside community members, Veterans, military families, and emerging writers to help them shape their lived experiences into clear, impactful narratives. Rooted in the belief that personal storytelling is a vital component of mental wellness, community integration, and social cohesion, her work focuses on helping individuals find their voice, process complex personal journeys, and share their stories in ways that foster deep empathy and authentic connection.Joe Hudak is a retired Special Forces Veteran, storyteller, mentor, and therapist dedicated to helping others navigate adversity and transform their experiences into meaningful stories. He teaches storytelling as a performance art, coaching and mentoring amateur writers while producing monthly live storytelling shows that bring personal narratives to life.In retirement, Joe leads the mentor program for the San Diego Superior Court's Veteran Treatment Court, where he coordinates approximately 30 volunteer mentors and personally mentors three to four Veterans participating in the program. His commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom: for the past four years, Joe has worked as a therapist at a psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic in Mexico.Passionate about ameliorating human suffering, Joe focuses much of his work on Veterans and first responders, while also supporting people dealing with trauma and addiction. Across all his endeavors, Joe believes in the power of connection, compassion, and storytelling to foster healing and growth.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeLiving Proof Stories WebsiteLiving Proof Stories on InstagramPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Connecting with the Veteran In Your Life. This course provides information to help caregivers understand and address a lack of connection with the Veteran in their life. The new course incorporates a strengths-based approach to connections between a caregiver and a Veteran.You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/connecting-with-the-veteran-in-your-lifeContact 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 Navy Veteran and Psychiatric Physician Assistant Bill Reynolds, clinical director of the Unbroken program at The Meadows, discussing specialized trauma and addiction treatment, cultural competence, and holistic recovery support for veterans and first responders.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 GuestBill Reynolds is an experienced psychiatric provider and program leader with a 30-year U.S. Navy career and a master's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. During his Navy service, Bill worked in diverse operational environments, including submarine duty, supporting the U.S. Marine Corps in combat, and serving as the medical officer for a U.S. Navy SEAL Team. He brings firsthand understanding of the challenges of military service and years of experience working with first responder communities, along with deep expertise in mental health care, addiction medicine, post-traumatic stress, and military leadership.As the founder and architect of highly regarded programs for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders, Bill combines clinical skill with operational and leadership experience in high-pressure environments. At The Meadows, he provides both clinical and strategic leadership, guiding program development and care with a focus on respect for service, cultural insight, and lasting recovery.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeThe Meadows WebsiteThe Meadows Unbroken ProgramPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Inner Conflict & Survivor's Guilt. In this course, Dr. Heidi Kraft describes the concept of moral injury and survivor's guilt in the military and Veteran community. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/inner-conflict-survivor-guilt 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  

Amy MacIver speaks to Miles Khubeka, founder of Gcwalisa, about the social enterprise's weigh-and-pay shops in Alexandra township, making food and household essentials more affordable for low-income communities, and its wider role in providing services such as solar power, Wi-Fi and medical collection points Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watch the show on television by downloading the SuperCrowd.tv Channel app to your Roku or Amazon Fire TV or e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or Amazon Fire TV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Marc: I think it has to do with how you frame issues, how you message, how you think more holistically about what your organization is trying to achieve and how it may be described in a way that appeals to others so that they wish to support you. A lot of this has to do with bridging silos.Profit and purpose can reinforce each other when integrity, public policy and smart legal structures work together to empower social enterprises.That idea sat at the center of my conversation with Marc J. Lane, President of The Law Offices of Marc J. Lane and author of the Capital and Conscience newsletter. Marc is a nationally recognized business and tax attorney whose work spans nonprofits, social enterprises, impact investing and public policy.What makes Marc's story compelling is that his career didn't begin as a tidy social impact plan. It began with values.“I was a child of the '60s,” Marc told me. “You would see me out there in the world protesting, supporting and empowering those who were involved in the women's movement, the gay and lesbian movement, the green movement and the anti-Vietnam War movement.”He later built a successful career as a corporate and tax attorney and financial planner. About 20 years ago, he said, he pivoted toward the social impact ecosystem, bringing those professional tools back into alignment with who he had always been. “I am one of the blessed ones: my professional life and my personal life are really one and the same,” he said.That oneness shows up in Marc's view of integrity. We discussed a recent essay he wrote about voters who say they care about honesty and accountability but too often excuse ethical failures when candidates support their preferred policies. Marc's view is clear: “Without integrity, you really have no idea what somebody's going to do in office other than potentially self-enrichment.”For Marc, the same principle applies to business. He connects social enterprise and public policy through empowerment. He has helped draft legislation for L3Cs, benefit corporations and procurement preferences that give mission-driven ventures a better shot at sustainability.“Public policy really is the tool by which social enterprises have a greater shot at financial sustainability and achievement of mission,” Marc said.That insight matters for founders, nonprofit leaders, investors and policymakers. Legal structures are not just compliance boxes. They can determine whether a nonprofit can earn revenue, whether a social enterprise can attract capital and whether communities can benefit from innovation at scale.Marc's message is refreshingly practical. “With no money, no mission,” he said. Social impact requires resources. The challenge is not choosing between financial success and measurable good. The opportunity is designing ventures where each strengthens the other.tl;dr:Marc turned corporate law, tax planning and financial expertise into tools for social impact.Integrity matters because leaders without trustworthiness cannot be expected to serve the public good.L3C legislation can help nonprofits and social enterprises attract capital while preserving mission.Public policy gives mission-driven ventures a better shot at sustainability and measurable impact.Stakeholder alignment helps nonprofits, investors, businesses and government collaborate around shared value.How to Develop Stakeholder Alignment As a SuperpowerMarc's superpower is stakeholder alignment. He helps mission-driven leaders identify “necessary or desirable stakeholders” and “create value propositions for each of them.” As he explained, “It has to do with how you frame issues, how you message, how you think more holistically about what your organization is trying to achieve.” His gift is seeing across sectors that have historically operated in silos, then finding ways to bring nonprofits, businesses, investors, government and academia together so each can advance its own goals while contributing to a shared impact agenda.Marc illustrated this superpower through his work with Chicago Scholars, a successful nonprofit helping high school students map educational and career paths. The organization wanted to turn its curriculum into an app and expand beyond its local reach. Marc helped create an L3C subsidiary, giving the nonprofit equity it could sell and allowing outside investors to shoulder entrepreneurial risk. The venture raised seven figures, secured a patent and reached far more students. Because of the structure, earnings could flow through the nonprofit in a tax-exempt way, improving investor returns while expanding mission impact.Identify every stakeholder whose support could help your mission scale.Create a clear value proposition for each stakeholder, not just for your organization.Frame your message around aligned interests so others can see why supporting you helps them, too.Bridge silos among nonprofits, businesses, investors, government and academia instead of working alone.Hold yourself to both financial sustainability and measurable social impact standards.Measure outputs that serve as reasonable proxies for impact, not just activities.Keep checking whether the financial model makes sense so the mission can endure.By following Marc's example and advice, you can make stakeholder alignment a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileMarc J. Lane (he/him):President, The Law Offices of Marc J. LaneAbout The Law Offices of Marc J. Lane: The Law Offices of Marc J. Lane offers successful people and their organizations a strategic, multidisciplinary approach to tax, corporate, intellectual property, and estate planning. We counsel clients from a wide spectrum of occupations, backgrounds and situations. Our clients include executives, private investors, individuals, families, businesses and their owners, nonprofit organizations, professionals and philanthropists. We are affiliated with Marc J. Lane & Company, a registered broker-dealer and SIPC member; and Marc J. Lane Risk Management, Inc., an Illinois licensed insurance agency.Website: marcjlane.comBiographical Information: Marc J. Lane is President of The Law Offices of Marc J. Lane, P.C., a Chicago-based, nationally recognized business and tax law firm. Marc is also a Master Registered Financial Planner, a Registered Financial Counselor, and a Certified Investment Specialist. Twice a recipient of the Illinois State Bar Association's Lincoln Award, he has taught law at Northwestern University School of Law and business in the MBA program at the University of Illinois.Marc drafted Illinois' Low-profit Limited Liability Company (L3C) legislation and other laws that help drive positive social change.By appointment of then-Gov. Pat Quinn, Marc chaired the State of Illinois' Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise. Gov. Quinn also appointed him as a Commissioner of the Serve Illinois Commission. By appointment of then-Cook County Commissioner and now-Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, he serves as Vice Chairperson of the Cook County Commission on Social Innovation. He is the President of Social Enterprise Chicago.Marc is the author of 36 books, including “The Mission-Driven Venture: Business Solutions to the World's Most Vexing Social Problems,” “Social Enterprise: Empowering Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs,” and “Profitable Socially Responsible Investing? An Institutional Investor's Guide.”Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include PurposeBuilt100™ Winners and supercrowd.tv. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Alisa Evans, Mission Enrollment | Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Eric Coury, Arthia AI | Joey Hayes, thru | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Ken Steele, Rotarian | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Join the SuperCrowd Impact League! You can be recognized for making impact investments via Reg CF. See how your activity compares to your peers. It's free. Win valuable prizes. Start now!SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on September 8th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!Join us for SuperCrowdHour on September 16, 2026, as Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., leads “Fuel the Fire: Turning Interest into Investment.” Discover practical strategies for turning curiosity into commitment, keeping prospective investors engaged, building trust, and creating momentum for your crowdfunding campaign. Bring your questions for live Q&A and gain actionable insights to help inspire more people to invest in your mission. Register now for FREE!Visit Our Complete Community Event CalendarIf you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Patrick Forystek, Director of the Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students at Michigan State University, discussing academic transition, peer support networks, and building comprehensive campus communities for student veterans and 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 GuestPatrick Forystek is a Marine Corps veteran whose journey from combat deployments to higher education leadership has been shaped by a commitment to service, resilience, and helping others succeed. He served from 2008 to 2012 with 1st Battalion, 11th Marines as an artillery cannoneer and section chief, deploying with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and later to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.Like many veterans, Patrick faced the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life and higher education. What began as a search for his own path after the Marine Corps became a calling to help other veterans navigate the same journey. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan-Flint and a Master of Science in Management from Walsh College, he built a career focused on supporting military-connected students and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Today, Patrick serves as Director of the Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students at Michigan State University, where he leads programs, partnerships, and initiatives that support more than 2,500 military-connected students. Throughout his career, he has remained motivated by a simple pay-it-forward philosophy: honoring the mentors, educators, and fellow veterans who helped him succeed by ensuring the next generation has access to the same support, guidance, and sense of community.Patrick's work and advocacy are rooted in the belief that military service does not end when the uniform comes off, but that it evolves into new opportunities to lead, serve, and make a difference in our community and in the lives of others.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMSU Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students WebsiteCVMAS on InstagramPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Choosing a College and Major. This course provides service members, Veterans, and their families with tools and resources to assist them in achieving their dreams of higher education You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Choosing-a-College-and-Major 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  

In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Tuno, Women's Business Center Manager, and Lindsay High, Business Development Officer at ASSETS Lancaster, to explore how entrepreneurship can create meaningful economic opportunities for underserved communities. Jessie shares her experience guiding early-stage entrepreneurs through the Idea Incubator, helping transform business ideas into sustainable ventures, while Lindsay brings her expertise in business development and supporting entrepreneurs through their growth journey. Jessie also draws from more than 25 years in the restaurant industry and her experience as the owner of Butter and Bean Café to offer practical insights on building and growing a successful business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, community impact, business development, and empowering women to turn their ideas into thriving ventures.???? Connect with Jessie Tuno and Lindsay High:  ✅ Website: https://assetspa.org/womens-business-center/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assetslancaster ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assets.pa/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assets-lancaster/ Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-betterLIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnectsLancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net 

What if the pieces of your life that didn't go according to plan were actually leading you somewhere better? Amy Peterson had a dream. From the age of 14, she wanted to become the first female general manager of a Major League Baseball team. She built her education around that goal, fought her way into professional baseball, and eventually became an attorney for the Detroit Tigers.But the career she thought was her calling ultimately led her to something very different.In this episode of Smart Women Talk, Katana sits down with Amy, Founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, a Detroit social enterprise that transforms fallen graffiti into beautiful jewelry while creating employment and opportunity for women facing barriers to work.You'll discover:How Amy turned discarded pieces of Detroit graffiti into a business built around purposeWhat the women of Rebel Nell taught her about resilience, confidence, and second chancesWhy the systems designed to help women escape poverty can sometimes make moving forward even harderHow creativity and meaningful work can help women rediscover their confidence and worthWhat Amy learned when the career she'd dreamed about since childhood wasn't ultimately where she found her purposeAt Rebel Nell, there's a rule: never fall in love with the top layer—it's what's underneath that matters. That's pretty good advice for jewelry. It may be even better advice for life.Tune in and discover what can happen when we look beyond the surface, reclaim the pieces, and create something beautiful from what we find.Amy Peterson is the Founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, a women-owned social enterprise that transforms reclaimed materials into meaningful jewelry and gifts while creating employment, opportunity, and support for women facing barriers to work.Inspired by the stories and resilience of women living in a nearby shelter, Amy built Rebel Nell on the belief that business can be a powerful force for social change—combining workforce development with creativity, purpose, and economic empowerment.A former attorney for the Detroit Tigers and executive with RISE, Amy has built a career at the intersection of business, community impact, and social change. She also co-founded The Congregation and The Rectory, two projects dedicated to breathing new life into community spaces in Detroit.To learn more about Amy, visit rebelnell.com.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Richard Bruton, Former Minister and Chair of Two Voluntary Bodies; A Research Centre on Climate Biodiversity and Water and Social Enterprise.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Richard Bruton, Former Minister and Chair of Two Voluntary Bodies; A Research Centre on Climate Biodiversity and Water and Social Enterprise.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Registered Nurse, Military Spouse, and Workforce Development Advocate Tracy Steele, founder of Community Cultivator, an organization dedicated to strengthening well-being, belonging, and career stability for military spouses through community connection and professional developmentEpisode 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 GuestCommunity Cultivator was founded by Tracy Steele, SPHR, CPRW — a longtime military spouse, workforce development leader, and advocate for military spouse employment and community connection.​After more than two decades navigating military life, Tracy experienced firsthand the challenge of constantly rebuilding career momentum, professional networks, and community with every move. Through strategic volunteering, networking, and workforce development leadership, she became passionate about helping military spouses recognize their value and confidently pursue meaningful opportunities.But she realized military spouses needed more than job resources alone. They needed connection, belonging, and access to opportunities that could grow with them wherever military life led next.​So she built Community Cultivator.​What started as a vision in San Diego is growing into a nationwide movement helping military spouses build stronger careers, deeper connections, and lasting opportunities together.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeCommunity Cultivator WebsiteForeign Born Military Spouse NetworkSugar Bear Foundation WebsitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. As an employer, you are looking for untapped talent pools. One talent pool that can be overlooked is the diverse and highly educated group of military spouses. Take this course to learn the top 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/15-Reasons-to-Hire-a-Military-Spouse 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 Navy Veteran Dr. Erik Won, President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, an organization utilizing advanced neuroimaging and magnetic resonance therapy to help veterans recover from post-traumatic stress. DisclaimerThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The views and opinions expressed by the guest are entirely his own and do not reflect the views, policies, or official positions of his employer or company. Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Wave supplies MeRT to licensed clinics who provide treatment to patients. Talk to your physician to see if MeRT is right for you. 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 GuestDr. Erik Won is President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, Inc; a biotechnology company that has innovated breakthrough technologies called Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) and Synchronized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS). MeRT recently received FDA Breakthrough Technology designation and FDA clearance for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. These approaches utilize computational neuroanalytics and brain imaging to customize treatment protocols with the aim of restoring optimal neurological function.These modalities represent a form of precision-guided medicine that has been researched or is currently being used by premier institutions such as US Special Operations Command, Stanford University School of Medicine, Duke University - Human Performance Opti-Lab, University of Southern California (USC) Center for Neurorestoration, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - David Geffen School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Texas A&M Institute for Bioscience and Technology.Erik joined Wave Neuroscience after serving as the Chief Physician and Chief Technology Officer (Health Services) for the Boeing Company. He also served as a US Navy Flight Surgeon for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268, and received the distinction of serving as the ACE Flight Surgeon for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Dr. Won has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and presented in numerous academic conferences. He completed his residency at the Harvard OEM combined residency program and was appointed Chief Resident. He received a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard School of Public Health and Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of BusinessLinks Mentioned During the EpisodeWave Neuroscience WebsiteBrain Treatment Center WebsitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Brain Health & Wellness Learning Series – PTSD. Nearly everyone goes through a traumatic event at least once during their lifetime. Military service members and Veterans are especially vulnerable to the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress due to the nature of their duties and experiences. While this can be a difficult diagnosis to navigate, it is treatable, and social support is one of the leading factors for lasting recovery. Having someone to trust and confide in while feeling heard and validated is a vital part of the healing process. This series on post-traumatic stress disorder explores the presentation and diagnosis of PTSD, its impact on both the Veterans you support and the lives of those around them, and effective treatment modalities, so you'll be better equipped to provide meaningful support. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/WWP-BHW-PTSD 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  

Chason Forehand has spent 45 years in the culinary industry—but his story goes far beyond the kitchen. After experiencing abuse as a child, Chason turned to drugs at an early age while trying to cope with rage, fear, depression, and shame. His addiction followed him into the restaurant industry, where he was often able to perform even when his life outside of work was falling apart. Then one chef changed the direction of his life. After disappearing on a three-day bender and missing the busiest shifts of the week, Chason returned to work expecting to be fired. Instead, his chef revealed that he was 10 years clean and sober himself—and that someone had once given him a second chance. He decided to pay that same gift forward to Chason, becoming his mentor and first sponsor and helping him begin his own recovery journey. That experience would eventually influence the philosophy behind Transformation Kitchen, a program created to offer people more than culinary training. Participants develop job skills, life skills, financial literacy, conflict-resolution skills, community connections, work experience, and a pathway toward living-wage employment. But bringing Transformation Kitchen to the United States hasn't been easy. After coming incredibly close to opening a U.S. location, a lease fell through just before it was supposed to be signed. Chason describes the disappointment as devastating—and shares why, after 30 years in recovery, he found himself returning to NA meetings because he knew he needed to protect what he had built in his own life. In this episode of Recovery Matters, CCAR Executive Director Stacy Charpentier talks with Chason about addiction, long-term recovery, second chances, Transformation Kitchen, the danger of attaching our identity to outcomes, and why the work of recovery never truly stops. They also discuss what Chason learned from having a door close, why strong support systems still matter decades into recovery, and why he continues to believe that Transformation Kitchen will find its first home in the United States. 00:00 Meet Chason Forehand 02:36 Chason's Recovery Journey 05:53 Addiction, a Bender & a Second Chance 07:48 The Idea Behind Transformation Kitchen 11:33 What Happens When You Put People First 14:19 How Transformation Kitchen Works 15:25 Bringing Transformation Kitchen Around the World 17:22 Why Hasn't It Happened in the U.S.? 19:55 When the Dream Fell Apart 20:19 Protecting 30 Years of Recovery 22:18 Lessons From the Setback 24:30 When Recovery Work Becomes Your Identity 26:17 "Your Addictions Will Just Morph" 27:42 What Transformation Kitchen Needs Next 30:29 What Transformation Means to Chason 31:14 What to Do When a Door Closes ----Across the Web----

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  

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  

Talk to KimThis week Kim shares her conversation with LeEllen Smith. She shares her journey of founding OutsideIn, a social enterprise and recovery program in Troy, Tennessee. Discover how she turned community needs into empowering opportunities for women, creating a ripple effect of hope and transformation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Midlife with Courage and Guest LeEllen Smith00:23 LeEllen's background and the founding of OutsideIn01:06 Community challenges and the motivation to create jobs02:13 The early days: making products from T-shirts06:33 Evolving product lines and social impact08:06 Redefining success and purpose in midlife10:32 The importance of community and support for women15:52 Transitioning to a recovery-focused organization19:37 The house as a recovery residence and community impact23:42 The women of OutsideIn and their growth stories33:11 Training women for leadership and new opportunities38:59 The community's acceptance and the power of kindness42:34 How to support OutsideIn and its mission45:10 Closing thoughts and gratitude for community supportLearn more at the link below:Website - https://outsideinworks.comSupport the showHave you been listening to Midlife with Courage™ and thinking, "That's me"?Now it's time to take the next step.It's Not J.U.S.T. You™ is a transformational 4-week workshop designed for women who are ready to stop shrinking themselves, take up space, and live more boldly. Together, we'll uncover the subtle ways we make ourselves smaller, explore why those patterns exist, and practice the tools to communicate with confidence, set healthy boundaries, and step fully into the life we deserve.If you're ready to move from inspiration to transformation, I'd love to have you join us this September.Click HERE for Priority Access. The podcast starts the conversation. The workshop is where the transformation begins.*****************************************************Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Bold Women Thriving After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here: Podmatch Link NEWSLETTER WEBSITEFACEBOOK

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