Podcasts about veterans affairs

8.11.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Trump Seizes D.C. Police, 800 Guard Deployed; TX Dems Block Quorum; VA Axes 400K Union Contracts Donald Trump has done something no president has ever done before.... Putting D.C.'s police force under federal control and sending in 800 National Guard troops. The mayor calls Trump's actions "unsettling and unprecedented." We'll talk with Markus Batchelor from People For the American Way about what this means for democracy and civil rights in the nation's capital. Meanwhile, for a second straight week, more than 50 Texas House Democrats remain out of state, blocking Republicans from reaching the quorum needed to push through a controversial mid-decade redistricting plan. We'll bring you the latest on this high stakes political standoff and what it means for voting rights in Texas. And in a sweeping move affecting hundreds of thousands of workers, the Department of Veterans Affairs has terminated union contracts for over 400,000 employees. We'll break down which unions are impacted and what this means for VA staff nationwide. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjs (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(The Center Square) – Right before leaving for its week-long August recess, the U.S. Senate passed a minibus Friday evening containing three out of the 12 annual government funding bills. The package allocates more than $153 billion for military construction and Veterans Affairs in fiscal year 2026 alone, $27 billion for agriculture and rural development, and $2.2 billion for the Legislative branch. More than 80 senators ultimately voted for the minibus. Appropriations bills are typically passed individually. The unorthodox move is the result of Republican leaders spending days negotiating with uncooperative Democrats, who stalled on confirming the rest of President Donald Trump's civilian nominees and by doing so prevented progress on the funding appropriations process.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxFull story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_e61bb11f-68a4-4705-9ee0-61665af9eea5.html

-- On the Show: -- Dan Koh, host of The People's Cabinet, fills in for David. Subscribe to Dan's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/@ThePeoplesCabinet -- Trump announced plans for a new census excluding undocumented immigrants, a move that would face major constitutional challenges and could reshape congressional representation -- House Republicans, backed by Trump, are pursuing an aggressive redistricting push in states like Florida, Texas, and Ohio to gain a dozen or more seats before 2026 -- A minor online critique of Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad was amplified by right-wing influencers, media, and politicians into a broader culture-war controversy -- Former Biden adviser Anita Dunn told House investigators that while Biden aged physically in office, he remained fully engaged and in control, rejecting claims that staff made key decisions without his consent -- Trump, joined by economist Stephen Moore, showcased charts in the Oval Office to argue the U.S. economy is strong and justify firing the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief -- Trump has nominated Stephen Miran, his Council of Economic Advisers chair and architect of his tariff policy, to temporarily fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board -- The Trump administration has begun ending collective bargaining agreements for federal unions, starting with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which stripped labor protections from over 400,000 employees -- Top tech CEOs like Tim Cook, Jensen Huang, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman have courted Trump with gifts, praise, and investments -- Trump has quietly considered stepping into New York's mayoral race to oppose leftist Zohran Mamdani, consulting with Andrew Cuomo and advisers -- On the Bonus Show: Trump wastes tax dollars on White House improvements, Trump threatens to take control of Washington DC, and much more... ☕ Trade Coffee: Code PAKMAN10 saves you $10 at https://drinktrade.com/pakman

August 8, 2025- State Sen. Jake Ashby, a Capital Region Republican who did combat tours overseas with the Army Reserves, talks about increasing services for Purple Heart awardees and reflects on the Trump administration's handling of U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

This week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stood with the Texas Democrats in their fight against corrupt Republican gerrymandering. Today, she joins Hysteria to talk about fighting fire with fire, her own redistricting plans for New York, and how her state is handling Trump 2.0. Erin and Alyssa also discuss Trump's atrocious plans to build a White House ballroom, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nancy Mace's latest pick-me BS, and a roundup of new reproductive rights threats around the country. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Experts Raise Concerns Over Trump's White House Ballroom Renovation Plans (NY Times 8/3)Nancy Mace Announces Run for Governor of South Carolina (NY Time 8/4)Miss United States Files Restraining Order Against GOP Rep. Cory Mills (Drop Site 8/5)Marjorie Taylor Greene says Republican party has lost touch with its base (The Guardian 8/4)Arkansas AG Threatens to Sue Sites for Providing Info About Abortion Pills (Autonomy News 11/2)Idaho's OBGYNs Are Jumping Ship (Jezebel 8/1)Trump moves to bar nearly all abortions at Veterans Affairs hospitals (WaPo 8/4)OB-GYN group won't take federal funds over Trump policies (Axios 8/1)Trump's cynical bait-and-switch on IVF (CNN 8/4)

A medical sales rep blows the whistle on an alleged kickback scheme where he says a company bribed staff at a Veterans Affairs hospital to buy unnecessary medical devices at taxpayer expense, and use them in medically unnecessary procedures on veterans. The company and doctors dispute the allegations and deny any wrongdoing.Order Sharyl's new bestselling book: “Follow the $cience.” Subscribe to my two podcasts: “The Sharyl Attkisson Podcast” and “Full Measure After Hours.” Leave a review, subscribe and share with your friends! Support independent journalism by visiting the new Sharyl Attkisson store.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Armand Harpin, Director of Federal Healthcare at IMEG, joins this episode to discuss the firm's extensive work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense Health Agency (DHA), and Indian Health Services. Under Armand's leadership, IMEG has been ranked the top Veterans Affairs engineering firm by BD+C Magazine.   “We serve the VA across probably 75 percent of the campuses throughout the country,” Armand says. These projects span a range of services, from facility condition assessments and master planning to infrastructure upgrades like boiler and chiller plants. “We've also spent a great deal of time over the last few years and are still involved in electronic health record projects for the VA,” Armand adds.   For most of the firm's federal healthcare projects, IMEG collaborates closely with more than 20 service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses—partnerships that are extremely valued. “It's a real pleasure to support those architectural and AE firms,” says Armand. On larger projects, those $100 million and above, the firm partners with national AEC firms across the country.   Armand says the federal healthcare market is currently experiencing a transitional period, with shake-ups in leadership within the VA's Office of Construction and Facilities Management (OCFM). “They've lost their senior director, they've lost a good portion of their associate directors, and so they're in the process of rebuilding,” he says. This comes as the VA continues to face major issues with its building stock; most VA facilities are 50 to 60 years old, creating significant operational challenges. “It's becoming more and more difficult... to provide for today's healthcare needs,” Armand says. Some major campuses, he adds, are being “decanted,” with their services being moved to leased, community-based outpatient clinics in more population-dense areas. “That's called ‘commercialization,' and it's been a critical piece for bringing services and positive outcomes to veterans in underserved areas.”   Speed and efficiency in project delivery have become top priorities, with Armand citing increased use of design-build and integrated delivery approaches to accelerate project timelines. One such example is a $600 million healthcare center project in El Paso, Texas, currently being executed by IMEG in partnership with Clark Construction.   Armand has been involved in the federal healthcare market for many years and his work in the sector hits close to home. “My brother served in the Air Force. My father served as a Marine... and passed away in the VA hospital in San Diego,” he says. “This is an incredibly personal mission.”   His passion also dovetails with IMEG's stated purpose to create positive outcomes for people, communities, and the planet.   “It's a mission of stewardship, of accountability, and trying to provide the healthcare outcomes that VA and active military patients need,” he says.

It's Wednesday, August 6th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark African Muslims have killed 150,000 people in last 10 years A report from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies found militant Islamic groups have killed over 150,000 people across the continent in the last decade. Such groups killed 22,307 people in just the last year, a 60% increase from the previous year. Christian Daily International noted that a majority of them were Christians in West, East, and Central Africa.  The report highlighted violence in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia. Each country appears on the Open Doors' World Watch List of the most dangerous countries to be a Christian.  Christian-majority countries have decreased A new report from Pew Research found the number of Christian-majority countries decreased between 2010 and 2020. The study found that 120 out of 201 countries had Christian majorities in 2020. That's down four countries from 2010.  The decrease in Christian-majority countries came with the rise of the religiously unaffiliated. Christians lost their majority status in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Uruguay. Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated have become the majority in Uruguay, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.  Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Australia upholds ban on Christian doctor over pro-life, pro-heterosexual views Speaking of Australia, officials in the country recently upheld a ban on a Christian doctor for expressing his beliefs online. Dr. Jereth Kok is a general practitioner in Melbourne. He believed it was his duty to speak out on issues like abortion and sexually perverted lifestyles. However, the Medical Board of Australia suspended his medical license in 2019 after anonymous complaints about his social media posts. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld the suspension last month. The doctor, a born-again Christian, defended his stance, telling the tribunal he expressed these views on a Christian website, driven by his belief that “abortion is immoral” as a Christian and that he felt “required to speak out about the issue.”  And, on transgender surgeries, he called it  “medical butchery” and “sterilizing disfigurement to healthy young bodies.” Lyle Shelton with Australia's Family First Party commented on the case. He said, “This is about more than one man. It's about whether Australians — especially Christian and conservative professionals — are still free to express their views without losing their livelihoods.” Trump prohibits veterans' hospitals from killing babies In the United States, the Trump administration is reversing a Biden-era policy that allowed veterans' hospitals to perform abortions. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the proposed rule on Monday. The new rule will prohibit publicly-funded V.A. hospitals from killing unborn babies.  A statement from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America said, “We thank President Trump and V.A. Secretary [Doug] Collins for restoring the rule of law and ending the Biden administration's illegal policy that forced taxpayers to fund abortions through V.A. hospitals and violated state pro-life laws.” Microsoft reached market capitalization of $4 trillion Microsoft became the second company to reach a market capitalization of $4 trillion last week. This comes shortly after Nvidia reached a $4 trillion market cap last month. Microsoft's latest growth was driven by its Azure cloud computing business. Nvidia and Microsoft have profited significantly from the rise of artificial intelligence technology. Meanwhile, Apple trails at third for most valuable company with a market cap of $3 trillion. American Bible Society: San Fran's Gen Zers more open to Christianity than elders The American Bible Society released a report on the religious views of people in the California's San Francisco Bay Area. The region skews younger, smarter, and wealthier than the rest of the United States. People are also less likely to identify as Christian and more likely to experience stress and anxiety. However, younger generations are more open to Christianity in the Bay Area compared to older generations there and even compared to their peers in the rest of America.  The study noted, “Though the Bay Area is home to fewer Christians and more atheists than the United States as a whole, the majority of people in the younger generations are curious, open, and even wish they read the Bible more.” 2 Timothy 3:15 says, “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” NASA planning to build nuclear reactor on moon And finally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is planning to build a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, reports Politico. Listen to comments from Interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy. DUFFY: “We're in a race to the moon, in a race with China to the moon, and to have a base on the moon, we need energy. Energy is important. And if we're going to be able to sustain life on the moon to then go to Mars, this technology is critically important.” A directive from Duffy stated, “Since March 2024, China and Russia have announced on at least three occasions a joint effort to place a reactor on the Moon by the mid-2030s. The first country to do so could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a [permanent] presence if not there first.”  Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, August 6th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Inclusive AF Podcast with Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn!

Mississippians with ties to Israel and Gaza share their thoughts on the current hunger crisis.Then, changes to federal funding isn't slowing the state's push to expand broadband access.Plus, officials at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Jackson celebrate 100 years of medical research by VAs across the nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, discover how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) supports our heroes with benefits like state veterans homes and suicide prevention programs, and explore the vital role of the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers in partnering with MDVA. Guests include: Anne Sonnee – Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Steve McCarthy – […] The post Serving Minnesota Veterans: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

As the Trump administration continues cutting tens of thousands of jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, staff and vets who rely on Atlanta's VA braces for changes. We also profile a program that helps those previously incarcerated find housing that is now struggling to stay intact after federal funds are drying up. And as a variety of industries in Georgia--from construction to tech--report they're struggling to find skilled workers, we look at a new trade school aiming to help bridge the gap between education and labor. Plus, we have a remembrance of philanthropist and developer Tom Cousins, who died this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Schober, Cyber Expert, Author of "Hacked Again," and CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems, sits down with host David Braue to reflect on a 2006 data breach which served as a cybersecurity wake up call for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the rest of the federal government. This episode of Data Security is sponsored by Cimcor, the developer of CimTrak, a Real-time, File Integrity Monitoring, Network Configuration, and Compliance solution. Learn more at https://cimcor.com • For more on cybersecurity, visit us at https://cybersecurityventures.com

Veterans Affairs is getting a new permanent watchdog. The Senate confirmed senior VA advisor Cheryl Mason to serve as the next VA inspector general. President Trump fired the last VA inspector general, Michael Missal, in January along with 16 other agency IGs. Mason previously served as the first woman to chair the Board of Veterans Appeals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's a new position in the U.S. government: Federal chief artificial intelligence officer. Gregory Barbaccia has begun to refer to himself as the Federal CAIO, in addition to his current role as the federal government's chief information officer. A recent interview with CNBC referred to him this way and a federal official focused on AI confirmed to FedScoop that Barbaccia had used that title in a recent meeting. In a social media post last week, Barbaccia also used both titles. The new title comes amid the Trump administration's continued focus on federal adoption of artificial intelligence. It follows the White House AI Action Plan, which was released last week and endorsed “transformative use of AI [that] can help deliver the highly responsive government the American people expect and deserve.” Still, the AI Action Plan makes no mention of a new position of CAIO for the whole federal government. Neither does the executive order that established the council or subsequent Office of Management and Budget actions. There was no federal CAIO in the Biden administration, and it's not clear any formal action has been taken to establish the position. Federal agencies are increasingly turning to generative artificial intelligence to further their missions, according to a new watchdog report that found use cases of the emerging technology jumping by ninefold in a selection of nearly a dozen agencies last year. In a report published Tuesday, the Government Accountability Office said generative AI use cases across a group of 11 federal agencies increased from 32 to 282 cases from 2023 to 2024, per an analysis of those agencies' inventories. The GAO laid out several ways these agencies harnessed generative AI last year, stating the technology can “improve written communications, information access efficiency, and program status tracking.” Examples included the Department of Veterans Affairs using automation for medical imaging processing in veterans' diagnostic services, along with the Department of Health and Human Services' initiative to extract information from publications regarding the containment of the poliovirus. HHS reported the largest jump out of the 11 agencies, going from seven generative AI use cases in 2023 to 116 in 2024, according to the report. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Episode #103 Chas Sampson, a veteran who transitioned from the military to various roles, including the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs, now runs Seven Principles, a company that helps veterans with VA disability claims. Chas shared his journey from North Carolina to Virginia Beach, his military service, and his transition to civilian life. He emphasized the importance of having a plan and understanding the VA's rating system. Chas also discussed the challenges veterans face, including the need for comprehensive medical records and the impact of aging on disability ratings. Additionally, he discussed his involvement in representing NFL players for disability benefits, highlighting the similarities between the experiences of military and NFL veterans. Rob Robinson discusses the importance of planning and having assets, like the seven principles, for veterans transitioning from the military to business or other careers. He highlights the competitive nature of the NFL, noting only 350 players are drafted annually from 117,000 college football players. Emphasizing the need for good character and representation, he advises athletes to focus on their demeanor and communication skills. Robinson concludes by promoting the value of veterans' skills in entrepreneurship and encourages listeners to subscribe to his podcast for more resources and insights.As mentioned in the Podcast:  Seven Principles: https://sevenprinciples.com/ Grit: Angela Duckworth - https://a.co/d/9gop15Z Disclaimer: The content of the "Philosophy From the Front Line" podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This podcast does not offer legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult appropriate professionals before making decisions based on the content presented. "Philosophy From the Front Line" assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or actions taken based on the information provided during the podcast episodes.Fair Use Statement: This podcast may contain copyrighted material not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. "Philosophy From the Front Line" is making such material available to educate, inform, and provide commentary under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. copyright law (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act). We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material.Used for non-commercial, educational, or research purposes.Critically analyzed, reviewed, or discussed.Used in a transformative way that adds new meaning or message to the original work.If you own any content used and believe it infringes on your copyright, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly, and we will address the matter promptly. These statements are adapted from existing disclaimers used in previous episodes of the "Philosophy From the Front Line" podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/philosophy-from-the-front-line--4319845/support.

You'd expect the Department of Veterans Affairs to lead on accessibility, given the community it serves. But a recent report from the VA's Office of Inspector General found that just four out of 30 sampled IT systems met federal accessibility standards under Section 508. The findings raise serious questions—not just for the VA, but for every agency building digital tools for the public. Joining me with the details on what went wrong, and how the department is working to get it right is Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations, Daniel Morris See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Connect to John Gilroy on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gilroy/ Want to listen to other episodes? www.Federaltechpodcast.com The current administration has a focus on reducing costs while also improving the delivery of goods and services. When it comes to handling data, innovations in code generated by artificial intelligence have enabled this remarkable goal. The challenge arises when transitioning from the data center to the hospital. " Fail early" may be a mantra for a software developer, but in a healthcare situation, it is unacceptable.   Today, we sat down with two executives from Phillips and explored the value of applying mobile technology to reduce cost and enhance patient outcomes in hospitals. Both gentlemen are military veterans, and the focus of the discussion is the Department of Veterans Affairs, which operates 170 medical centers and employs over 470,000 staff members. When examining the population of veterans, we can see that it has a wide distribution in rural areas. This can mean long trips for patients to get care. During the interview, we look at wearable devices that can provide information to physicians to help make treatment decisions. These can provide real-time health monitoring to act as an "early warning" system for patients. For example, it can detect signs of infectious diseases before symptoms appear.   Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence enable Phillips to develop a risk score calculation that reduces exposure to vulnerable populations. Explore opportunities to further deploy Philips' remote monitoring and telehealth technologies within the VA healthcare system.

This week, we’re recorded live from the National Veterans Wheelchair Games! Join us as we connect with leaders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, explore logistics and medical support with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and meet two inspiring athletes. Guests include: Dave Tostenrude – National Veterans Wheelchair […] The post National Veterans Wheelchair Games appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Several agencies under the Trump administration are going through some personnel changes. A top official at the State Department is taking over as the acting head of the General Services Administration, and President Trump is withdrawing his pick for lead of it at the Department of Veterans Affairs amid plans to shrink its tech workforce and budget. Federal News Network's Jory Heckman has more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, feature a conversation Maryalice Morro, a Navy Veteran, Healthcare professional, and former Hospital Administrator for both the Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestMaryalice Morro combines her energy and relentless enthusiasm to motivate and build high-performing teams. She is a visionary leader recognized for strategic planning, innovation, financial stewardship and talent management. She delivers quality outcomes while meeting project and financial goals. She recognizes the strengths in others and inspires them to achieve and surpass their goals by mentoring, supporting and creating the vision for their success.Maryalice is currently a consultant and works with aspiring leaders through formal and informal coaching and mentoring. She is an adjunct faculty for the Citadel's undergraduate nursing program, and several of Villanova University's certificate programs. She is the Program Coordinator for the Anne W. McNulty Institute's Women's Leadership Development Certificate Program and led the multidisciplinary team in creating this program. She serves as teaching faculty for University of Pennsylvania's Doctor of Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership track.Previously, Maryalice spent 35 years in government, with 29 years on active duty in the United States Navy, serving around the world in support of peacetime, humanitarian, and wartime missions. She was the Commanding Officer (CEO) of the Pensacola Naval Hospital and Chief of Staff for Navy Medicine East, serving 15 medical commands in the United States and abroad. She was appointed to the Senior Executive Service and was selected to serve as Director (CEO) for the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, GA, transforming an underperforming medical center into a vibrant healthcare center to meet the veterans' 21st century needs.Maryalice holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Villanova University, MSN from the Catholic University of America, MS from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and BSN from Villanova University. She is Board Certified by AACN as a Nurse Executive – Advanced.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMaryalice Morro on LinkedInVillanova University Women's Leadership Development CertificatePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course 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 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  

Welcome back to The InDependent Spouse podcast! In this particularly exciting episode, Jess Sands sits down with the brilliant Felicity Mercer, wife to Johnny Mercer, who has navigated the unique challenges of armed forces life, the intense world of politics, and is now an award-winning business owner.  We cover it all, from meeting Johnny Mercer (MP and former Minister for State for Veterans Affairs) as children, reconnecting as adults when he was serving in Afghanistan, to supporting him through a whirlwind political career. Felicity shares candid insights into the realities of being a political wife – far from glamorous – including dealing with public scrutiny, death threats, and the toll it takes on family life.  She discusses the unexpected pivot from supporting her husband's public service to launching her own successful business, The Dress Barn, just six months ago. Discover how she's found pure joy in her new venture, applying years of experience to create a welcoming space for her clients, and even inspiring her own daughters to get involved. Felicity offers powerful advice for anyone in the military community looking to transition and start something new: "Don't overthink it. Just go for it!"  This episode is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and finding your own path amidst the extraordinary demands of military and political life. Key Takeaways: The Unseen Side of Public Life: Felicity offers a raw and honest look at the lack of glamour and the intense public hatred and threats that can come with being a political spouse. Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Despite the difficulties of military and political life, Felicity emphasizes the importance of laughter and finding humor in tough situations. Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship: Learn how Felicity channelled her experiences and a small investment into a thriving and joyful business that empowers other women. The Power of "Don't Overthink It": Felicity's core advice for military spouses considering a new venture is to overcome self-doubt, have a plan, and back yourself. Inspiring the Next Generation: Felicity shares how her business journey is influencing her daughters, teaching them about hard work, independence, and the joy of helping others. The Dress Barn: Felicity Mercer's award-winning business, located near the Devon/Cornwall border - https://dress-barn.co.uk/ Join the Course! Are you a military spouse looking to start your own business? Join The InDependent Spouse's Business Launch Accelerator course! This fully funded, 8-week online course covers everything you need to know about entrepreneurship as a military spouse or partner. It's available for any partner or spouse of serving regular or reservist armed forces personnel and is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Ministry of Defence.  Learn more and sign up at milspo.co.uk/course. The course starts in September, and applications are open NOW!

Congress is back in session this week with the House wrapping up its work before its August recess. On the agenda: legislation to increase financial oversight of the Veterans Affairs department, and votes on bills to increase penalties on people who reenter the U.S. after being deported, and to reform the Clean Water Act's permitting process. The Senate still has another work week before leaving for their annual break. On their agenda: confirmation votes for several executive nominations. Hanging over all of this--the ongoing issue of the Jeffrey Epstein files. House Speaker Mike Johnson says doesn't have any plans to put a resolution on the floor that calls for the Trump administration to release Epstein files. Instead, he wants to give administration time to put out documents on its own. And yesterday was the six-month anniversary of the second Trump administration, and polls say Americans are giving the president mixed reviews. A new Decision Desk HQ poll shows the president's disapproval rating near its highest level since January. Meanwhile, a new CBS News poll shows Americans say they want the president to focus on consumer prices instead of raising tariffs. And the Washington Post's polling average showing a clear downturn in the president's approval rating on immigration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frm Congressman, Author of the ADAHappy ADA 35Tony Coelho has spent his entire adult life helping advance the lives of people with disabilities. He calls this his “ministry”. Congressman Steny Hoyer, former House Majority Leader, says that the disability community call him their “voice” and “champion.”Diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 22 years old, Tony's ministry is marked by significant milestones: primary author and sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — the most important piece of civil rights legislation in the last 40 years; advocating for the ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and convincing President Bill Clinton to establish the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor.  Tony continued to advocate for civil rights for individuals with disabilities by convincing President Barack Obama to issue an executive order enforcing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requiring federal contractors and subcontractors to hire people with disabilities as they have been doing since 1973 for women and minorities.  He went on to work with the Biden White House to improve access to the internet for individuals who are blind, deaf, and physically impaired.Tony is a former six-term United States Congressman from California, elected in 1978 and serving until 1989. He served on the Agriculture, Interior, Veterans Affairs, and Administration Committees during his tenure, specializing in disability rights. In 1986, Tony was elected House Majority Whip, the third most powerful position in the House of Representatives.After leaving Congress, Tony joined Wertheim Schroder & Company, Inc., an investment-banking firm in New York, where he served as a Managing Director and then as President and CEO of Wertheim Schroder Investment Services, a firm that he grew from $400 million to $4 billion in managed investments. He formed ETC w/TCI, an education and training technology company in Washington, D.C., where he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Currently, he serves on a number of corporate boards of directors and i  the founding partner of a national public affairs firm.© 2025 Building Abundant Success!!2025 All Rights ReservedJoin Me on ~ iHeart Media @ https://tinyurl.com/iHeartBASSpot Me on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yxuy23bAmazon Music ~ https://tinyurl.com/AmzBASAudacy:  https://tinyurl.com/BASAud

This week's guest on Off the Shelf is Ben Hall, chief executive officer of Golden State Medical Supply (GSMS). Hall shares the GSMS story, from its founding by an Air Force veteran in the 1980s to its role today delivering cost-effective, high-quality generic pharmaceuticals to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. He discusses the role data management and analytics plays in delivering value to the customer across government and how GSMS is now supporting the brand name federal market. Finally Hall talks about the opportunities and challenges in driving domestic and near-shore manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is creating a new classification for non-career employees. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing Schedule G that would let agencies hire non-career employees who engage in policy-making or policy-advocating work. These employees would leave their position when the president's term is over. The EO says Schedule G will improve operations, particularly in agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, by streamlining appointments for key policy roles. Current authorities under Schedule C or the new Schedule Policy/Career do not provide for non-career appointments to policy-making or policy-advocating roles. The White House says this leaves a gap in federal hiring categories.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Day in Legal History: Narcotic Control ActOn July 18, 1956, the Narcotic Control Act was signed into law, marking a significant escalation in the United States' punitive approach to drug policy. The act built upon earlier federal narcotics legislation but went much further in increasing criminal penalties and tightening government control over narcotic drugs and marijuana. Under the new law, first-time offenders faced mandatory minimum sentences, and judges were stripped of discretion in sentencing for many drug crimes. Notably, the act introduced the possibility of the death penalty for those convicted of selling heroin to minors.The legislation was part of a broader postwar shift toward strict federal enforcement and reflected growing political and public fears about drug use, particularly in urban centers. It was championed by figures who saw narcotics as a moral and social threat, linking drug control to national security and public order. The law also expanded the jurisdiction of federal agencies, giving the federal government more authority to investigate and prosecute drug crimes that had previously been handled at the state level.Critics at the time and in later decades argued that the Narcotic Control Act laid the groundwork for mass incarceration and racial disparities in drug enforcement. The harsh penalties disproportionately impacted Black and Latino communities and did little to address the root causes of addiction. Nonetheless, the act stood as a turning point in the federal government's approach to narcotics—a hardline stance that would culminate decades later in the “War on Drugs.”A federal judge in Boston, Leo Sorokin, is considering whether to uphold a nationwide injunction against President Donald Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship. The order, issued in February, would deny U.S. citizenship to children born in the U.S. after February 19 unless at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The case is being brought by attorneys general from 18 states and D.C., who argue the order violates the 14th Amendment and would disrupt federal benefit programs like Medicaid and SNAP.The legal challenge has gained new relevance following a June 27 Supreme Court ruling that discouraged lower courts from issuing broad, nationwide injunctions. However, the Court allowed for exceptions, including in class actions or when needed to provide “complete relief.” The states argue that a nationwide block remains necessary due to the wide-reaching impact of the order and the need for consistency across state lines. They also contend that the Supreme Court's recent decision does not apply in this instance.If Judge Sorokin rules in favor of the states, it would mark the second time this month a federal judge has blocked Trump's order. On July 10, Judge Joseph Laplante issued a similar injunction in New Hampshire after finding that children affected by the policy could proceed as a class. The Justice Department maintains that the original injunction was overly broad and asserts that individuals should contest their citizenship status individually.US judge weighs putting new block on Trump's birthright citizenship order | ReutersPresident Donald Trump is calling for the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein, following backlash from some of his supporters over a recent Justice Department report. The report found no evidence supporting long-standing conspiracy theories about Epstein's death or alleged connections to powerful individuals. In response, Trump labeled the investigation a "scam" and urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all relevant grand jury material, pending court approval.Bondi confirmed shortly afterward that the Justice Department is prepared to ask the court to unseal the documents as early as Friday. Her earlier promises to disclose "a lot of names" and "flight logs" related to Epstein had generated anticipation among Trump's base, some of whom now express frustration over the lack of new revelations. Trump has dismissed concerns as politically motivated fabrications.The renewed focus on Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges, has caused a divide among Trump supporters—some of whom feel betrayed by the lack of transparency, while others back Trump's framing of the issue as a partisan hoax. The legal effort to unseal the grand jury materials could reignite public scrutiny over Epstein's connections and the broader handling of his case.Trump asks for release of grand jury documents in Epstein case | ReutersA U.S. appeals court appears likely to lift a temporary block on a Trump executive order that limits collective bargaining rights for federal workers in national security-related agencies. The 9th Circuit panel, composed of two Trump appointees and one Obama appointee, questioned whether they had authority to override the president's determination that union activities could interfere with national security functions.The order, issued by President Trump, applies to major departments like Justice, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, and parts of Health and Human Services. It greatly expands existing national security exemptions by stripping union rights from a much larger group of federal employees. Judge James Donato had previously blocked the order for 21 agencies, citing potential violations of free speech protections for federal unions.During oral arguments, judges expressed skepticism toward union claims that the order was retaliatory and aimed at silencing opposition. The government's lawyer argued that the president has wide discretion in matters of national security, making his decisions largely immune from judicial review. However, one judge questioned whether there are any real limits to this power.The case could significantly impact how workplace conditions are set across the federal government and whether unions can continue to challenge executive policies in court. A ruling in favor of Trump's position would allow agencies to more easily change employment terms and sideline union input. A related lawsuit challenging union contracts is also pending in Texas.US court seem poised to lift block on Trump curbing union bargaining for federal workers | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Georg Friedrich HandelThis week's closing theme comes from the grand, imaginative world of Georg Friedrich Handel, one of the towering figures of the Baroque era. Born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, Handel made his mark across Europe, eventually becoming a naturalized British citizen and composing some of the most enduring works in Western music. Known for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions, Handel blended German precision, Italian lyricism, and English choral tradition into a distinctive style that was both dramatic and deeply human.Among his lesser-known but richly rewarding operas is Xerxes (HWV 40), premiered in London in 1738. Loosely based on the Persian king Xerxes I, the opera mixes romantic entanglements, comedic elements, and royal intrigue—a blend that puzzled its first audiences but has found appreciation in modern revivals. Its opening aria, “Ombra mai fu”, sung by the title character in praise of a plane tree, is a moment of serene beauty that has outlived the opera's initial failure. Often referred to as Handel's Largo, this aria became wildly popular in the 19th century and is frequently performed at weddings, memorials, and ceremonial events.Xerxes was ahead of its time in its use of shorter arias and flexible structure, which some scholars view as anticipating later developments in operatic form. The character of Xerxes himself—proud, impulsive, and absurdly fixated on love—offered Handel the opportunity to explore both satire and sincerity within the same role. Though the opera was pulled from the stage after only five performances, its revival centuries later has secured its place in the canon.For all his dramatic genius, it is perhaps this simple ode to shade and stillness—Ombra mai fu—that captures Handel at his most tender. This week, we close with that brief moment of musical tranquility, a Baroque lullaby to a tree, sung by a king, composed by a master.Without further ado, Georg Friedrich Handel's  Xerxes, overture. Enjoy!  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

The Department of Veterans Affairs' acting chief information officer doubled down on the agency's reshaping of its IT workforce, telling lawmakers in a Monday hearing that change is “challenging” but “necessary.” Eddie Pool told members of the House VA's subcommittee on technology modernization that the agency's Office of Information and Technology (OIT) is pushing forward with workforce reductions as the division increasingly turns to automation and other technology modernization efforts. “This reorganization, reallocation of positions, is designed to cut bureaucratic overhead, accelerate decision making and focus every OIT position on delivering secure, reliable and modern IT solutions to improve veterans' lives,” Pool said in opening remarks at the hearing. Subcommittee Chair Tom Barrett, R-Mich., lauded the VA OIT's “smarter, not bigger” strategy in its fiscal 2026 budget request, asking Pool if technology improvements can alleviate the need for manual, human processes. “Absolutely,” Pool responded. “It is about automating what we can automate.” In its fiscal 2026 budget, the VA OIT requested funding to support approximately 7,000 full-time equivalent employees, marking an 11.7% decrease from its fiscal 2025 budget request, according to Carol Harris, the director of information technology and cybersecurity for the Government Accountability Office. Former White House national security adviser Mike Waltz brushed aside criticisms Tuesday that he put sensitive military operations at risk by holding discussions about military strikes in a Signal group chat, claiming the app's use was authorized by the federal government's top civilian cyber agency. In a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Waltz — who has been nominated to represent the U.S. at the United Nations — was pressed about his short tenure as President Donald Trump's top national security official. In particular, he was grilled by Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., for his use of the end-to-end encrypted messaging application Signal to coordinate with other officials over airstrikes on Houthi rebels.While much of the initial attention was focused on Waltz adding journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to the chat, national security experts were also aghast by government officials at the highest levels coordinating highly sensitive military operations using a free application. The incident is widely viewed as contributing to Waltz's departure just months after leaving Congress to take the role, and his subsequent shuffling to a new nomination at the U.N. “The use of Signal is not only … authorized; it was recommended in the Biden-era CISA guidance,” he said. Waltz was referencing a piece of 2024 guidance put out by CISA on mobile security. He later read from a portion of the guidance, which recommended using “only end-to-end encrypted communication” and to “adopt a free messaging application to secure communications that guarantees end to end encryption, particularly if you are a highly targeted individual, such as Signal or other apps.” The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Leah  breaks down everything veterans need to know about rotator cuff injuries and how they relate to VA disability claims. As a U.S. Army veteran and former C&P examiner, she explains the causes, symptoms, and medical evidence needed to support a claim, while also walking viewers through how the VA rates these shoulder conditions under diagnostic codes 5200–5203. With real data, expert insights, and actionable tips—like seeking a nexus letter and understanding the role of range-of-motion testing—Leah offers a clear, veteran-friendly guide to navigating the claims process with confidence.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Department have over 100 sharing agreements to help deliver health care services. These agreements provide greater access to health care for veterans while also saving money for the federal government. But the agencies don't evaluate their effectiveness or track opportunities to expand them for more federal news networks. Anastasia Obis spoke to the Government Accountability Office's Alyssa Hundrup,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In an NTD Exclusive, Steve Lance sits down with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins. They talk about leading the department through faith and compassion, cutting wait-times for veterans, and the historic parade in Washington celebrating the Army's 250th Anniversary.

This week, we explore educational opportunities and support for Minnesota's military community at Saint Paul College, delve into inclusion efforts and the 35th anniversary of the ADA with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and get an update from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Guests include: Alan Duff – Saint Paul College Julie Severson […] The post Saint Paul College and 35th Anniversary of the ADA appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

This Day in Legal History: Richard and Mildred Loving ArrestedOn this day in legal history, July 11, 1958, Richard and Mildred Loving were arrested in Central Point, Virginia, for violating the state's Racial Integrity Act, which banned interracial marriage. The couple had legally wed in Washington, D.C., but upon returning to Virginia, they were charged with "cohabiting as man and wife, against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth." Richard, a white man, and Mildred, a Black and Indigenous woman, pled guilty and were sentenced to one year in prison, suspended on the condition that they leave the state for 25 years.The Lovings relocated to Washington, D.C., but their desire to return home ultimately led to a pivotal civil rights case. In 1963, they wrote to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who referred them to the ACLU. Attorneys Bernard Cohen and Philip Hirschkop took up their case, arguing that Virginia's law violated the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. After years of legal battles, the case reached the U.S. Supreme Court.In Loving v. Virginia (1967), the Court unanimously struck down laws banning interracial marriage, declaring that "the freedom to marry… may not be infringed by the State." Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote that Virginia's law served no legitimate purpose "independent of invidious racial discrimination." The decision invalidated similar laws in 15 other states.The Lovings never sought to become civil rights icons—they simply wanted to live as a married couple in their home state. Their quiet determination reshaped American constitutional law, affirming marriage as a fundamental right and setting a legal precedent that continues to influence equal protection jurisprudence.The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily paused a lower court ruling that had blocked President Donald Trump's executive order removing collective bargaining rights for large segments of the federal workforce. U.S. District Judge James Donato had issued the initial injunction in June, finding the executive order likely violated federal employees' First Amendment rights and targeted unions viewed as adversarial to Trump. The appeals court's administrative stay keeps the order in limbo while it considers the administration's appeal, with oral arguments scheduled for July 17.Trump's order affects 21 federal agencies and would make it easier to discipline or fire employees while restricting union challenges. The order notably broadened national security exceptions to collective bargaining beyond intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI. Unions argue the move is retaliatory and affects many workers who don't handle national security matters.Earlier, a Washington, D.C. judge blocked the same order at seven agencies, including the DOJ and Treasury, but that ruling is also stayed pending appeal. The Trump administration has also filed lawsuits to void existing union contracts, though one such suit by the Treasury was dismissed for lack of standing. A related case remains pending in Texas.US court pauses block on Trump eliminating union bargaining for federal workers | ReutersThe White House is currently reviewing federal agency layoff plans following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that permits large-scale downsizing of the government workforce. Two senior officials confirmed the review is aimed at minimizing future legal challenges by ensuring all plans comply with congressional rules and civil service regulations. Coordination is being handled through the White House Counsel's Office and the Office of Personnel Management. Although no specific timeline has been announced, officials say the layoffs are an "immediate priority," with a goal to reduce the size of government swiftly.The ruling, welcomed by the Trump administration, allows agencies to act on plans developed earlier this year under the guidance of the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. However, the administration acknowledged that labor contracts and due process protections still apply, and lawsuits are expected even if legal thresholds are met.The State Department has already confirmed it will begin issuing termination notices imminently, having proposed nearly 2,000 job cuts in May. Overall, about 260,000 federal employees have already exited through firings, resignations, or early retirements since January. The layoffs are expected to affect more than a dozen departments, including Agriculture, Commerce, and Veterans Affairs.White House reviews mass federal layoff plans, aims for swift action | ReutersMahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and permanent U.S. resident, has filed a $20 million claim against the Trump administration, alleging false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, was detained for over 100 days by immigration authorities who accused him of undermining U.S.–Israel relations. His legal team submitted the claim under federal rules requiring damages claims to be filed before a lawsuit. Homeland Security dismissed the claim as "absurd," defending its actions as lawful.Khalil argues his arrest was politically motivated, targeting him for his pro-Palestinian speech, and says he would accept an official apology and a policy change as an alternative to monetary compensation. He was released on bail in June after a federal judge ruled his detention violated his First Amendment rights. The case has drawn widespread attention from civil rights and Palestinian advocacy groups, who accuse the administration of equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism.Trump has publicly pledged to deport foreign students participating in anti-Israel protests, and Khalil was the first high-profile detainee under this initiative. His lawyers continue to challenge his deportation, and the administration has six months to respond to his compensation claim.Mahmoud Khalil seeks $20 million from Trump administration over immigration arrest | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by George Gershwin.This week's closing theme is dedicated to one of America's most iconic composers—George Gershwin, who died on July 11, 1937, at just 38 years old. Though his life was short, Gershwin's musical legacy is vast, bridging the worlds of classical music and jazz with unprecedented flair. His compositions resonate with a distinctively American voice, and no piece captures that better than Rhapsody in Blue. Premiered in 1924, the work opens with a now-famous clarinet glissando and bursts into a vibrant, restless energy that seems to embody the optimism and chaos of early 20th-century New York.Commissioned by bandleader Paul Whiteman, Rhapsody in Blue was Gershwin's first major attempt to merge classical form with jazz idioms. What emerged was a concerto-like work that thrilled audiences and critics alike and marked the beginning of serious recognition for jazz as a concert-hall art form. Gershwin performed the piano solo himself at the premiere, having written much of it in a hurry and leaving some sections to be improvised on the spot.His sudden death from a brain tumor shocked the music world. It cut short the career of a composer who had already revolutionized American music and was poised to do much more. In works like Porgy and Bess and An American in Paris, Gershwin demonstrated a rare ability to synthesize European traditions with American vernacular music. But Rhapsody in Blue remains his most enduring testament—a collision of elegance, innovation, and vitality.As we reflect on Gershwin's passing this week, we close with Rhapsody in Blue, a work that continues to pulse with life nearly a century after its premiere. Its blend of bluesy lyricism and orchestral sweep makes it a fitting tribute to a composer whose voice was silenced too soon.Without further ado, George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

What if giving birth left you with nightmares, hypervigilance, and a constant sense of dread — and no one believed you? Worse, what if you didn't think it mattered because, after all, the baby is healthy? In this eye-opening episode, host Gabe Howard talks with ADAA member expert Dr. Lauren Sippel about a condition many have never heard of: postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Sippel explains what postpartum PTSD really looks like, why it's often misdiagnosed, and how to tell the difference between typical new parent stress and clinical trauma. Often overshadowed by postpartum depression and dismissed by loved ones and providers, postpartum PTSD is a silent struggle affecting far more people than we realize. If you or someone you love has felt lost or dismissed after childbirth, this conversation could be life-changing. Special thanks to Evernorth Health Services for providing funding for today's episode. Additional Links: PC-PTSD-5—infographic (self-screening tool): https://adaa.org/sites/default/files/2021-01/How%20to%20Know%20If%20You%20Should%20Talk%20with%20Your%20Healthcare%20Provider%20About%20PTSD.pdf Postpartum Support International website: https://www.postpartum.net/ “There are so many things that can happen in that delivery. I've heard about the peaceful ones. I personally had two unmedicated ones that were not intentionally unmedicated. There was a lot of screaming. And my babies were healthy. And some things went as smoothly as expected and some things did not go as planned. And one of them was pretty scary. And thankfully I did not experience PTSD symptoms from that. Could I tell you why, Gabe? Absolutely not. And if I did, I probably couldn't tell you that either.” ~Lauren M. Sippel, PhD Our guest, Lauren Sippel, PhD, is the Deputy Director of the Northeast Program Evaluation Center in the Department of Veterans Affairs and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. She co-leads the ADAA PTSD Special Interest Group. Her research focuses on improving the quality and effectiveness of psychotherapies, particularly those for PTSD, using strategies such as medication augmentation and family involvement. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can't imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We got two great guests for you this hump day. First, we talk to Brandon Roberts, an investigative journalist for ProPublica about the error prone AI program that DOGE implemented to determine Veterans Affairs cuts. We also discuss how FDA cuts have made it difficult to regulate the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals imported from other countries. Then we talk to Memo Torres an award-winning food and lifestyle Journalist and director of L.A. Taco who has been doing incredible work covering ICE's attacks on California. Check out their coverage here: L.A. TACO - Celebrating The Taco Lifestyle in Los Angeles. Also if you are in the LA area and you spot ICE agents in the wild notify L.A. Taco by emailing tips@lataco.com and they will spread the word. In the fun half we watch Hakeem Jeffries struggle to cope with the idea of getting primaried. Then we check in with Dave Rubin and his old boss, Glenn Beck. They provide some clarity on the future of the Democratic party and their plot to destroy the west. Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors SHOPIFY: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/majority   SUNSET LAKE: Use coupon code “Left Is Best” (all one word) for 20% off of your entire order at SunsetLakeCBD.com Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder – https://majorityreportradio.com/  

In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Stephen Parker, architect and mental health planner at Stantec, to explore the power—and responsibility—of trauma-informed design. Stephen shares how his personal and professional experiences have fueled his mission to create spaces that foster safety, dignity, and belonging for people in crisis. From veterans living with PTSD to individuals overcoming addiction, Stephen explains why the built environment is never neutral—and how even simple details like door placement, daylight, and acoustic privacy can make or break a healing experience. They also discuss cultural competency, the hidden triggers in institutional settings, and the crucial role of co-design with communities. This conversation is a masterclass in designing buildings that heal not just bodies, but hearts and minds.More About Stephen ParkerStephen Parker is a dedicated Mental + Behavioral Health Planner with significant healthcare projects across the US, Canada, China, Kenya, Australia and India. A Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Rising Star, Parker is a proponent of “architect as advocate” for colleague, client, and community alike, he believes strongly in leadership through service. Stephen has served a diverse client base, including the Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, helping develop the VA's new Inpatient Mental Health Design Guide. An accomplished design researcher and pro bono community designer, Stephen is a Behavioral Health Business Future Leader, AIA AAH Best Healthcare Designer Under 40, ENR Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional, HCD Rising Star, HFSE George Pressler Under 40 Award recipient, and ULI Health Leader. Stephen championed the AIA Strategic Council's Mental Health + Architecture during the pandemic and is a US representative to the International Union of Architects' Public Health Group. He currently serves as Associate Director for the Design in Mental Health Network headquartered in England, Founding Member of the Center of Health Design's Behavioral & Mental Health Environment Network, among other service leadership roles at organizations advocating for mental health environments from the Arctic to Australasia.CONTACT:https://www.stantec.com/en/people/p/parker-stephen https://healthcaredesignmagazine.com/trends/2024-hcd-conference-preview-evolving-crisis-care-models-in-behavioral-health/67229/ https://www.stantec.com/en/projects/united-states-projects/s/southeast-psychiatric-treatment-center-norristown-state-hospitalhttps://www.mentalhealthdesignandbuild.com/story/44645/drawn-together-through-lived-experiencehttps://www.stantec.com/en/projects/united-states-projects/w/womens-hospital-perinatal-mental-health-unithttps://urbanland.uli.org/planning-design/returning-home-advancements-in-mental-health-design-for-u-s-veteran-facilitieshttps://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/rising-stars-2024-stephen-parkerWhere To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd

The Supreme Court has upheld President Donald Trump's executive order targeting the federal workforce. The decision opens the door to massive layoffs and restructuring across key agencies like the EPA, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a forceful dissent. Critics warn of unchecked executive power. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Department of Veterans Affairs says it's no longer pursuing widespread layoffs as part of a plan to downsize its workforce. Instead, the VA expects tens of thousands of employees to leave the agency voluntarily by the end of the fiscal year. That means the VA is no longer considering a department wide reduction-in-force and Federal News Network's Jory Heckman is here with more details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tipan Lopez v. Att'y Gen. U.S., No. 24-1444 (3d Cir. June 30, 2025) nexus; subordinate; religion; Evangelical Christian; M-R-M-S-; incorporation of international law; no animus requirement; fervent but unsuccessful resistance to torture can be acquiescence; Ecuador  Matter of A-A-F-V-, 29 I&N Dec. 118 (BIA 2025) suspected gang members with tattoos; bisexual individuals; state exception policy in El Salvador; prison conditions; sharing criminal information with El Salvador;  standard of review; use of statistical information  Lanoue v. Att'y Gen. U.S., No. 24-2583 (3d Cir. July 1, 2025) deceit; INA § 101(a)(43)(M)(i); 18 U.S.C. § 287; 18 U.S.C. § 2; false claims to Veterans Affairs; $10,000 amount; restitution; retroactive INA § 212(h) waiver; not an applicant for admission when under investigation  Sponsors and friends of the podcast!Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli and Pratt P.A.Immigration, serious injury, and business lawyers serving clients in Florida, California, and all over the world for over 40 years.Cerenade"Leader in providing smart, secure, and intuitive cloud-based solutions"Demo Link!Click me too!Stafi"Remote staffing solutions for businesses of all sizes"Promo Code: STAFI2025Click me!Gonzales & Gonzales Immigration BondsP: (833) 409-9200immigrationbond.com Want to become a patron?Click here to check out our Patreon Page!CONTACT INFORMATIONEmail: kgregg@kktplaw.comFacebook: @immigrationreviewInstagram: @immigrationreviewTwitter: @immreviewDISCLAIMER & CREDITSSee Eps. 1-200Support the show

Are you the kind of person who takes pride in sticking it out during difficult work situation to the point where you don't always know when it's time to move on or have any strategy for how to know when to endure and when to move on? We can definitely all grow from those tough experiences. But there is also growth in the wisdom gained from knowing how to strategically use the right timing to move on. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:Dr. Sonja Batten has taken multiple bold moves in her career, moving across sectors and leadership roles. In this episode, we'll take an insider's look into what one leader learned (good and bad) about taking big leaps, especially when others might not. ***ABOUT OUR GUEST:Dr. Sonja Batten is an experienced and transformational leader, with demonstrated success in the private sector consulting, government health care, and nonprofit industries. Sonja has provided her unique blend of candid, decisive, and sometimes vulnerable leadership in policy, administrative, clinical, research, and academic contexts, having served as an executive at a Fortune 500 company, a Chief Clinical Officer at a fast-growing nonprofit, and a Senior Executive in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She was also the first Deputy Director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as the first Associate Director for Women's Health Research at Yale University. In addition to being a licensed clinical psychologist, she is also a Certified Executive Coach, and Change Management Practitioner, and provides training to mental health practitioners around in the world on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Batten has expertise in authentic leadership style and voice and has authored two books and dozens of scientific articles. ***IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE, CAN I ASK A FAVOR?We do not receive any funding or sponsorship for this podcast. If you learned something and feel others could also benefit, please leave a positive review. Every review helps amplify our work and visibility. This is especially helpful for small women-owned boot-strapped businesses. Simply go to the bottom of the Apple Podcast page to enter a review. Thank you!***LINKS:www.gotowerscope.comhttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-hard-skills-dr-mira-brancu-m0QzwsFiBGE/www.flexibleedgesolutions.com www.sonjabatten.com#FederalCareer#FindingYourVoice#CareerPath#ItsAllInTheTiming#TheHardSkillsTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

President Donald Trump submitted a nomination Tuesday for Ryan Cote to serve as assistant secretary of information and technology and CIO of the Department of Veterans Affairs. If confirmed by Senate vote, it would be Cote's second run as a CIO under Trump. He served in the IT chief role at the Department of Transportation during the first Trump administration. Cote started his career as a U.S. Marine but went on to hold jobs in technology at firms like HP, Northrop Grumman, Gartner and IBM, before he entered federal service in 2019 at Transportation. Since leaving government at the end of Trump's first term, Cote has served as a board adviser for a company called Nubeva and as a so-called “private” global CIO, according to his LinkedIn profile. The VA has been without a Senate-confirmed CIO since the Trump administration took office. Kurt DelBene held the role during the previous administration. Eddie Pool, the agency's deputy CIO for connectivity and collaboration services, has been serving as the acting CIO. The Department of Defense is standing up a joint interagency task force to tackle drone threats, according to a senior officer. “We recently did a session with the secretary of defense and we are going to stand up a joint interagency task force” focused on thwarting drones, Gen. James Mingus, vice chief of staff of the Army, said during an event Wednesday co-hosted by AUSA and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), as it is known in DOD parlance, is a key challenge for the military. Commercial technology has evolved in recent years such that drones on the civilian market are extremely cheap to buy and simple to operate. It has also become less challenging to 3D print parts and devices that can fly. This has made it significantly easier for nation-states and terrorist groups to procure these types of systems and strap bombs to them, allowing adversaries to level the playing field against higher-tech combatants such as the U.S. military. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

In this episode of Cancer Registry World, Kerry Rowe, Oncology Data Program Manager for the National Oncology Program at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, joins Dr. Rick Greene to share insights about the critical role cancer registries play within the VA system. They also explore the history and future direction of the Veterans Cancer Registry. Tune in to learn more about this vital work supporting veteran cancer care.

It's Casual Friday and Sam is still hosting solo today as Emma continues to neglect the show for her “honeymoon”. Whatever. On the program today we listen to Sen Kirsten Gilibrand (D-NY) lose her mind and spew a stream of racist sewage out of her mouth towards Zohran Mamdani. Ryan Grim joins for a wrap up of the week's news. Subscribe to Ryan's newsletter here Drop Site News Dr Adam Gaffney joins us to discuss how proposed cuts to Medicaid will ultimately kill people. In the fun half we watch Sen Jon Ossoff (D-GA) expose VA Sec Collins for having no plan to execute the proposed $17-18 billion in cuts to medical services for the Veterans Affairs. Rep Liccardo (D-CA) exposes the Trump adminstration for dropping cases against those who have contributed to his slush fund. We also visit radical Mormon fundamentalist, Glen Beck as he uses tired 9/11 era Islamophobia to attack Zohran. All that and more, folks. Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase! Check out today's sponsors: NUTRAFOL: Get $10 off your first month's subscription + free shipping at Nutrafol.com when you use promo code TMR10 SUNSET LAKE: Use the code LEFTISBEST to save 20% at SunsetLakeCBD.com  on all their farm fresh CBD products for people and pets. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder – https://majorityreportradio.com/

In this video, Leah B from Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting—an Army veteran and former compensation and pension examiner—explains everything veterans need to know about cataracts and VA disability benefits. She breaks down what cataracts are, how they may be caused or worsened by military service (such as through trauma, radiation, or steroid use), and the two paths to service connection: primary and secondary. Leah also details how the VA rates cataracts under diagnostic code 6027, the role of pre- and post-operative evaluations, and what documentation veterans should gather to support their claim—including medical records, lay statements, and physician opinions. She emphasizes the importance of CMP exams and encourages veterans to seek help from accredited professionals when filing or appealing claims. 

Washington Times Commentary Editor Kelly Sadler interviews Robert Wilkie, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, about the U.S. Army's birthday.

Our anonymous guest this week reached out after we had VA whistleblower "Johnny" on back for Episode 282 in March. She's a long time employee of Veterans Affairs, is a doctor, and has evidence of further corruption at the VA that she wanted to expose. She gets into what she sees as a greater effort to privatize more components of veterans healthcare with the Trump administration. We get into all of this, as well as what Kris has been up to being away from the show the past three weeks. Follow us:http://instagram.com/battlelinepodcasthttp://x.com/battlelinepod For 15% off select Fort Scott Munitions products use the promo code Battleline at http://fsm.com   For full video of this episode, head over to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@battlelinepodcast     

After anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement rioters shut down two Veterans Affairs offices in Los Angeles, the VA secretary criticized the state's Democrat leaders for prioritizing illegal immigrants over veterans.   “Don't tell me that you're really overly concerned about veterans if you're allowing the riots to get to a point where we can't take care of our veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins told The Daily Signal in an interview.   Because of the riots, more than 600 veteran appointments were canceled, and the Veterans Affairs Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center was closed the entire week. The Los Angeles VA Regional Benefit Office is also closed.   Amid the riots, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass have blamed President Donald Trump for the violence, saying his deployment of National Guard and Marines exacerbated tensions. “They should have looked at this much more in depth and not with a political stance of illegals who come into our country, who fly other flags and claim to be a part of something that frankly, there's a privilege to be here in this country as a citizen and to other things,” Collins said. Subscribe to The Tony Kinnett Cast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tony-kinnett-cast/id1714879044⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keep Up With The Daily Signal Sign up for our email newsletters:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.dailysignal.com/email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     Subscribe to our other shows:  Problematic Women:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.dailysignal.com/problematic-women⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Victor Davis Hanson: https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL9809784327   Follow The Daily Signal:  X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=DailySignal Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Truth Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1    Thanks for making The Daily Signal Podcast your trusted source for the day's top news. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicolle Wallace on Kilmar Abrego Garcia being faced with criminal charges upon his return to the U.S., the stakes of Trump and Musk's ugly public breakup, and thousands of veterans rallying in DC today to protest the Trump Administration's proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Joined by: Lisa Rubin, Harry Litman, Tim Miller, Matt Dowd, Tyler Pager, Kyle Lewis, Rev. Al Sharpton, Paul Rieckhoff, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Lee Gelernt, and Mike Schmidt.

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025Today, a federal judge rules that prisons must continue to provide gender affirming care to transgender inmates; FEMA staff was left confused after the director said he was unaware that there's a hurricane season; the Department of Veterans Affairs has ordered scientists NOT to publish in medical journals without permission from the administration; Jonathan Joss from  King of the Hill and Parks and Rec was murdered in his neighborhood in what his husband describes as a hate crime; Poland narrowly elects the Trumpian candidate in a global reversal of recent elections; Mayor Ras Baraka is suing Alina Habba and ICE for false arrest and vindictive prosecution; DOGE is actually making government less efficient and more expensive; Trump is weighing new names for Navy ships; Musk blasts the Billionaire Bailout Bill on social media; and Allison delivers your Good News.Thank You, Native PathGet up to 66% Off, free shipping, and a 365-Day Money Back Guarantee at nativekrill.com/dailybeansSat June 14 10am – 12pm PDT AG is hosting NO KINGS Waterfront Park, San Diego— If you can't make it to San Diego, head to fiftyfifty.one or indivisible.org or mobilize.us to find your local rally, or organize one yourself! Donation link - secure.actblue.com/donate/fuelthemovementMSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueCheck out Dana's social media campaign highlighting LGBTQ+ heroes every day during Pride Month -  Dana Goldberg (@dgcomedy.bsky.social)Guest: Guest: Daniel Knowles - Midwest correspondent at The EconomistElon Musk's failure in governmentDaniel Knowles - Economist, @dlknowles - BlueSky, @dlknowles) - Twitter Stories:Nawrocki's win turns Poland toward nationalism and casts doubt on Tusk's centrist government | AP NewsJonathan Joss, 'King of the Hill' voice actor, killed in San Antonio shooting | NBC NewsMusk blasts Trump's agenda bill as a ‘disgusting abomination,' catching White House officials off guard | CNN PoliticsFEMA staff baffled after head said he was unaware of US hurricane season, sources say | ReutersExclusive: US veterans agency orders scientists not to publish in journals without clearance | Trump administration | The GuardianNavy set to rename USNS Harvey Milk, mulls new names for other ships named for civil rights leaders | CBS NewsNewark mayor sues New Jersey's top federal prosecutor after arrest at immigration detention site | AP NewsJudge orders Trump admin to maintain gender-affirming care for transgender inmates | POLITICOMissoula, MT Adopts Pride Flag As "Official Flag," Legally Defying Ban On Flying It | Erin In The MorningDOGE vowed to make government more ‘efficient' — but it's doing the opposite | The Washington PostGood Trouble: Trump Burger has locations in Bellville, TX(979-270-5062)Flatonia, TX (361-865-3893)Kemah, TX (281-532-6305)Houston, TX (346-718-2850)THEY HAVE REQUESTED THAT PEOPLE STOP CALLING AND ASKING IF THEY SERVE CHICKEN TACOS!Proton Mail: free email account with privacy and encryptionFind Upcoming Demonstrations And Actions:250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and CelebrationSchedule F comments deadline extended to June 7th Federal Register :: Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service50501 MovementJune 14th Nationwide Demonstrations - NoKings.orgIndivisible.orgShare your Good News or Good Trouble:dailybeanspod.com/goodFrom The Good NewsIndivisibleNOENEMIES - FacebookFlobotsWho is Jeanette Vizguerra, immigrant rights activist fighting deportation in Denver? - CBS ColoradoJ-Rex - SpotifyCancer Care | Southeast PA | Tower HealthReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewrote , Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote,Dana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

In the next installment of the Big Ideas for Smaller Government series, host David From welcomes back Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Director at Americans for Prosperity, to take a hard look at spending within the Department of Veterans Affairs—and what reforms are needed to better serve those who served us. Mosteller breaks down how the VA's budget has quadrupled since 2004 even though the veteran population has declined by 30%. From bloated staffing levels to $4 million contracts for services that now cost just $5,000, this episode exposes how wasteful spending is draining resources from veterans and taxpayers alike. The conversation also focuses on one reform with huge potential impact: site-neutral payments. Right now, hospitals owned by large systems can charge the federal government far more than local, independent clinics for providing the exact same services to veterans. This creates perverse incentives, drives up costs, and limits care options. Adopting site-neutral payments would save taxpayers an estimated $14 billion—and give veterans more access to timely, local care. Mosteller also exposes how top VA officials actively discourage use of the Community Care Program, forcing veterans to wait months or drive hours for treatment—while simultaneously helping process healthcare claims for unauthorized migrants. This episode makes one thing clear: reforming the VA isn't about spending less on veterans—it's about spending smarter so veterans get the care they've earned.