The Vantage Point

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lori James, a cognitive psychologist whose research explores the intricate relationship between memory, language, and aging. Drawing on decades of scholarship, Dr. James guides us through the fascinating science behind how new memories are formed and why some experiences remain vivid while others fade. Our conversation also explores reframing stress, and how it can act as a powerful tool that sharpens learning and strengthens memory. Finally, we examine the profound influence of language on thought through the lens of the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis, discussing how the words we use shape not only how we communicate but how we perceive and interpret the world around us.

In this episode, Vietnam veteran and former combat medic Jay Maloney reflects on the unseen weight carried by those who step into humanity’s darkest moments. But this episode is not only about trauma—it is about transformation. Jay speaks candidly about the lingering imprint of his experiences and the quiet reckoning that follows service. More importantly, he shares how he has refined that cost into clarity, developing a philosophical lens through which suffering refines clarity and deepens wisdom.

Inspired by a family legacy of service, Ted Severn entered the Army during one of the most turbulent periods in American history—the Vietnam War. As an infantry officer, he led young soldiers through unforgiving terrain, impossible decisions, and conditions that tested both the body and the conscience. In this powerful conversation, we explore what persevering truly means when survival is the reward for doing so. Ted reflects on leadership under fire, the moral weight carried long after the battlefield, and the kind of resilience that is not learned from books—but forged in necessity. This is not simply a story of endurance, but of perspective earned at great cost—an honest look at what remains after war, and how hardship can shape a deeper understanding of life itself. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:09 Tell Us About This Jeep 4:06 Life Before The Military 8:32 Family Legacy of Service 18:02 Preparing For War 25:53 A Warm Welcome to Vietnam 36:47 Operation Bach Ma 46:20 Hot LZ 54:51 Enemy Contact 1:08:35 Psalm 23 1:18:11 Evacuation 1:28:19 Controlling Fear 1:45:42 Family 1:47:42 Three Lessons From Vietnam 1:53:10 Advice For Young Men Thank you to our sponsors: Optum Medical - https://www.optum.com/en/ USAA - https://www.usaa.com/ Colorado Computer Support - https://www.coloradosupport.com/ Medicare Mentors - https://medicarementorsllc.com/ Visit https://www.veteranscenter.org/ to show your support. #PhilosophyOfLife #PsychologyMatters #Mindfulness #Belonging #VeteranMentalHealth #ptsd #ptsdawareness #USArmy #USMC #USNavy #USAF #CoastGuard #MilitaryLife #Veterans #VetTalk #VeteranVoices #HonoringHeroes #VeteranStories #RealTalk #MilitaryMinds #motivation #motivationalvideo #supportourtroops #wisdom #wisdomquotes #leadership #psychology #education #socialism #capitalism #vietnam #vietnamveterans #vietnamwar #TheVeteransVoicePodcast #TheVantagePointPodcast

Dr. Janice Thorpe, communications professor and researcher from the University of Colorado, joins us to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in higher education and the architecture of effective communication. In this episode she talks about how to overcome public speaking fears, online vs. traditional classes, as well as AI guardrails in college, policy and society. As a professor, her career has been devoted to understanding how meaning is created, transmitted, and sustained through conversation, body language, cultural understanding and much more.

Charles “Chuck” Anderson is a man who has spent his life in the arena. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Chuck carries over 43 years of leadership experience directing organizations from 400 to over 21,000 personnel. As an Air Defense Artillery officer who served across six Army divisions, he became the first and only officer from that branch to command a U.S. Army division and retired as a Major General. His career embodies the spirit of Roosevelt’s words: “the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena… whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.” Chuck’s leadership extends far beyond the military. In the private sector, he has coordinated global operations in training, security, engineering, enterprise IT, aviation, medical services, and logistics. With more than a decade of P&L leadership, he ultimately served as President of PAE—overseeing 21,000 employees across 72 countries and supporting clients such as the DoD, NASA, FEMA, and the Department of Commerce. Today, Chuck brings his combined military and business experience to Bernhard Capital Partners, where he is helping build a government services platform capable of solving some of the nation’s most complex challenges. From Afghanistan to Iraq, from Wall Street to the federal government, his leadership has been marked by humility, moral courage, and a consistent truth: his “audio matches his video.” Chuck Anderson is not a man who speaks of effort—he is the one who puts himself on the line, again and again, daring greatly. And in our conversation, he reflects on a life spent in the arena and the lessons forged through devotion, discipline, and the unrelenting pursuit of a worthy cause. Chapters: 0:00 The Man In The Arena 2:05 The Arena 4:03 Inflection Points 13:39 Squint With Your Ears 20:02 Effort vs. Outcome 24:31Humility 30:41 Preparation 33:09 The Role Of A Parent 41:57 Life Or Death Situation 46:35 Life Changing Conversation 50:32 Am I In The Arena? 51:12 Find Other Spartans 57:19 Future Leaders 59:14 The Big Eight Thank you to our sponsors: Optum Medical - https://www.optum.com/en/ USAA - https://www.usaa.com/ Colorado Computer Support - https://www.coloradosupport.com/ Medicare Mentors - https://medicarementorsllc.com/ #PhilosophyOfLife #PsychologyMatters #Mindfulness #Belonging #CombatVeteran #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranSupport #PatriotTalk #VeteranMentalHealth #LifeAfterService #MilitaryTransition #ptsd #ptsdawareness #VetLife #USArmy #USMC #USNavy #USAF #CoastGuard #MilitaryLife #Veterans #MilitaryPodcast #VetTalk #VeteranVoices #HonoringHeroes #PodcastLife #VeteranStories #RealTalk #MilitaryMinds #vetpodcast #podcast #motivation #supportourtroops #wisdom #wisdomquotes #leadership #psychology #vietnam #education #socialism #capitalism #TheVeteransVoicePodcast #TheVantagePointPodcast

In this episode, we sit with Angela Darling—massage therapist, somatic practitioner, and author of The Age of Enough—to explore a question most people avoid: What if the life we’re chasing isn’t the one we actually need? Specializing in the Trager Approach, Angela works directly with the nervous system, helping people loosen the physical and emotional patterns they’ve carried for years. Her insights move beyond theory and into the body itself—where stress, memory, and identity reside long before we speak them out loud. Together, we dive into her white paper, an sobering examination of modern excess, the quiet poverty of purpose, and the human tendency to seek meaning everywhere except within. What unfolds is part philosophy, part confession, and part invitation to step back from the noise and ask a timeless question: When is enough, enough? Chapters: 0:00 Abstract 3:13 The Trager Approach 5:01 Nervous System Regulation, A Cultural Twist 7:31 The Age of Enough 10:41 Attachment vs. Authenticity 15:41 Wired For Connection 18:03 A New Societal Framework 23:44 Without Purpose... Destruction 27:37 Filing The Void of Connection 41:30 Rewarding The Calm 48:46 A Longing For Authenticity 1:02:52 You're Right On Time Thank you to our sponsors: Optum Medical - https://www.optum.com/en/ USAA - https://www.usaa.com/ Colorado Computer Support - https://www.coloradosupport.com/ Medicare Mentors - https://medicarementorsllc.com/ #PhilosophyOfLife #PsychologyMatters #Mindfulness #Belonging #CombatVeteran #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranSupport #PatriotTalk #VeteranMentalHealth #LifeAfterService #MilitaryTransition #ptsd #ptsdawareness #VetLife #USArmy #USMC #USNavy #USAF #CoastGuard #MilitaryLife #Veterans #MilitaryPodcast #VetTalk #VeteranVoices #HonoringHeroes #PodcastLife #VeteranStories #RealTalk #MilitaryMinds #vetpodcast #podcast #motivation #supportourtroops #wisdom #wisdomquotes #leadership #psychology #vietnam #education #socialism #capitalism #TheVeteransVoicePodcast #TheVantagePointPodcast

Michelle “Sonic” Ruehl, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, Colonel, and White House Fellow with over two decades of leadership experience as an instructor at the Air Force Academy, leadership coach, youth mentor, and nonprofit founder. In this episode she talks about business, education, technology, parenting, equity, and more. She brings an unshakable belief that every child deserves to learn in an environment that challenges them, empowers them, and prepares them for the world ahead.

In this dual-guest episode, we explore the anatomy of entrepreneurship through two lenses—academic expertise and lived experience. Our first guest, Blake Schwank, embodies the resilience and grit it takes to launch a business during uncertain times. After losing his job in the fallout of the dot-com bubble, Blake leaned on his military background and passion for service to build Colorado Computer Support, a nationally recognized IT firm supporting healthcare and defense sectors. He shares the hardships of transitioning out of uniform, the loneliness of starting a business, and the mindset shifts that make all the difference. Joining him is Dr. Larry Plummer, Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at UCCS, whose research and teaching focus on the entrepreneurial mindset, strategy, and the socioeconomic dynamics of business creation. With clarity and precision, Dr. Plummer outlines what entrepreneurship really means—beyond the buzzwords. He helps us reframe it as a discipline, not just a dream, offering insights on risk, motivation, and what separates a great idea from a viable venture. Together, Blake and Larry bridge theory and practice, showing that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for the fearless or the lucky—it’s a path shaped by reflection and perseverance. Whether you're a veteran contemplating your next chapter, a young professional toying with a business idea, or simply someone craving autonomy and impact, this episode is your invitation to start building. You're not alone.

Ray Linbaugh is one of the few survivors of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines of the U.S. Vietnam War. They were called The Walking Dead—not from Hollywood, but from the hardened jungles of Vietnam, where the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines earned one of the highest casualty rates of any unit in U.S. military history. In this powerful episode, we sit down with a veteran of this fabled battalion to explore what it truly means to walk through fire and come out the other side. It’s a conversation about grit, sacrifice, and survival—one that echoes far beyond the battlefield. Through the lens of lived experience, we unpack how these Marines carried the weight of their legacy, how war shaped their minds, and how they continue to serve in silence today. Perspective is earned in the trenches of life—and this story is no exception.

Retired Colonel, Bob McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, as well as the former Chief of Staff of US forces Afghanistan and Fort Carson Garrison Commander. In this discussion we explore the mindset of the “Soldier for Life” not as a slogan, but as a philosophy. Service doesn’t retire. It transforms. And those who continue to give, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or simply showing up for someone in need, often find that in healing others, they begin to heal themselves. After 28 years in the U.S. Army—serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and across the globe—Bob could have stepped back. Instead, he stepped forward, founding and leading Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, a national model for veteran reintegration and community healing.

Hollywood Film Producer Tyler Kindred leads the Light Shop LA, a production studio that crafts commercials for brands across the globe and music videos for major record labels and stars like Beyonce. Tyler recently released Abbey Gate, a short film born from the harrowing real-life escape of his wife during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Dr. Eric Abbott is an Air Force Veteran and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently working as a board-certified family medicine physician with Optum Medical. Mental health is a common subject these days, but a less common topic of discussion are the detrimental effects that not taking care of your mental health can have on your overall well-being. We are all busy, we are all stressed out, and things don’t seem to be getting easier. So, let’s learn about how we can lower our stress levels while maintaining our busy schedule and, understand the dangers if we don’t.

Dr. Tom Francis is a seasoned psychologist, educator, and executive coach whose career bridges the academic, corporate, and creative worlds. Holding a Psy.D. in Organizational Leadership and an M.A. in Psychology from the University of the Rockies, he has spent over a decade teaching undergraduate and graduate psychology courses at institutions such as Pikes Peak Community College and CSU-Pueblo. Known for his engaging, inclusive teaching style and consistently high student evaluations, Dr. Francis brings humor, empathy, and intellectual depth to subjects ranging from Abnormal Psychology to Leadership Ethics. Outside the classroom, Dr. Francis is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and a longtime facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership, where he has guided hundreds of senior leaders through transformative coaching engagements.

Sam Westfall is an Army Veteran and passionate bow hunter. After being medically retired from the military following a debilitating injury as a tank mechanic, Sam struggled to find his place. It wasn’t until a friend put a bow in his hand for the first time that Sam started to feel the vivaciousness of life again. Sam tells us about one of his bear hunts, as well as why he made the morally driven decision to switch from rifle to bow hunting.

Retired Colonel, Bob McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, as well as the former Chief of Staff of US forces Afghanistan and Fort Carson Garrison Commander. In this episode, we’re discussing Leadership. Whether you are a parent, member of an organization, or an individual trying to achieve your goals, being an effective leader plays a critical role in the success of each one of these situations.

Nicole Weis is a licensed professional counselor and licensed addiction counselor. She manages the Milestones mental health clinic, a resource center located within the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Nicole is also the founder of the Greater Resilience Toolkit, or GRIT program, an online course that she describes as basic first aid for social support.

Kirsten Belaire is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor. Her role is the Director of Behavioral Health at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center where she provides therapy to Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Veterans, and their families. In this episode we talk about how to navigate difficult relationships with those we love. Issues like differing personalities, needs, and expectations, along with the need for constant communication and compromise can complicate relationships.

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, utilizes the unique relationship between humans and horses to promote healing and self-discovery. It encompasses various activities with horses, such as grooming, feeding, and riding, all while under the guidance of a mental health or physical therapy professional. The goal is to leverage the horse's natural qualities and behavior to help individuals develop emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills. In this episode Alexander Varn, a troop psychologist with the German Armed Forces, dives deep into the science, biology, and theories as to why this breakthrough healing modality is so effective, while also sharing inspirational stories of real-life case studies along the way. Types of equine therapy mentioned in the episode: 1) Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Focuses on mental health issues, with individuals working with a licensed therapist and a horse specialist. 2) Hippotherapy: Utilizes the horse's movement to improve physical, occupational, and speech therapy goals. 3) Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL): Helps individuals develop life skills through interactions with horses. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:23 Meet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Varn 7:39 The Origins of Equine Therapy 25:37 The Science and Biology, Theory 1 39:54 Horse Live in the Present, Humans Do Not 41:58 Overcoming Obstacles, Theory 2 1:04:18 Horses Are Naturally Calm. Theory 3 1:14:50 Healing for Couples 1:17:08 A Success Story 1:24:23 The Future of Equine Therapy 1:36:32 An Autism Case Study 1:44:51 First Experience with a Horse 1:53:17 Words of Encouragement Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/g_ylJ5iTsn0 Resources: https://www.veteranscenter.org/ https://remountfoundation.org/ You’re not alone. #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranSupport #PatriotTalk #VeteranMentalHealth #LifeAfterService #MilitaryTransition #ptsd #ptsdawareness #VetLife #USArmy #USMC #USNavy #USAF #CoastGuard #MilitaryLife #Veterans #MilitaryPodcast #VetTalk #VeteranVoices #HonoringHeroes #PodcastLife #VeteranStories #RealTalk #MilitaryMinds #vetpodcast #podcast #motivation #supportourtroops

Scott Wilson is a pastor of 32 years, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, and a father of four. In this intimate discussion, we talk through the importance of fostering a community and loving one another while working through dilemmas that may come up along the way. How can I love others when I don’t even love myself? Where do I vent my emotions when it seems like everyone else is dumping theirs onto me? How do I know God is real? These answers, as well as an abundance of wisdom, ahead in the episode.

Jonny is the Executive Director of Wild Warrior Adventure, a non-profit organization dedicated to healing our nation's warriors through fly fishing. After partaking in some of the most violent 15 months ever documented during the war on terror in Afghanistan, Jonny struggled to stay grounded while transitioning back into civilian life. "The Valley of Death", formally known as the Korangal Valley, is located in Dara-I-Pech District of Kunar Province, eastern Afghanistan. Jonny Benton, a former Army Airborne Infantryman, shares his intimate story with this valley and paints a picture of how this place earned its nickname.

Dr. Eric Abbott, a board-certified family medicine physician, earned his medical degree from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and undergraduate degree from Colorado College. Dr. Abbott is also a United States Air Force veteran, having served 25 years. As a former flight commander, he has extensive leadership experience. Dr. Mike Hjelkrem, board-certified gastroenterologist and internal medicine physician, is a Retired Colonel from the US Army. He served for 21 years and accumulated a multitude of military accolades.

Kirsten Belaire is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor. Her role is the Director of Behavioral Health at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center where she provides therapy to Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Veterans, and their families. In this episode, we try to answer the question "how do we understand PTSD?" It starts with understanding your emotions.

Have you ever had a moment in life when you had nothing else to lose and just said "what the hell, let's do it?" This is the motto of Retired Lieutenant Colonel Joseph “M9” Markusfeld is a now a commercial pilot and former Special Operations Aircraft Commander. A US Air Force Academy Graduate Class of 1998, M9 was assigned to as a KC-135RT pilot at McConnell Air Force Base Kansas where he quickly qualified as a Special Operations Air Refueling Pilot and became one of the first aircrew deployed in response to 9/11. He would fly combat missions in the opening night of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and later as a Special Operations Aircraft Commander in the opening night of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2007, during deployment he partnered with the Iraqi Air Force at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Iraq to stand-up the first ever Pilot Training Squadron in a combat zone. Following his return he was selected to stand-up Air Education Training Command’s Special Missions/Irregular Warfare Branch as the first Chief of Special Missions/Irregular Warfare Standardization and Evaluation. He would spend the next five years deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and Ukraine embedding with our coalition partners to develop and sustain their nascent Air Forces.

Dave Profit is the Founder of mission of American Heroes In Action, a therapeutic adventures program that provides outdoor experiences to American heroes including combat wounded veterans, injured firefighters and injured members of law enforcement. Dave was inspired to create this organization after observing soldiers mailing home their Purple Heart medals while he was working in Iraq. Today, American Heroes In Action has enabled 431 participants across 125 adventures to experience the healing power of nature.

Billy Jack Barrett and his wife Anne Barrett helped found the non-profit The Remount Foundation, an equine therapy program that helps veterans struggling with PTSD. Billy Jack Barrett, a legend in the equine industry, and former Manager for 35 years at the USAF Academy Stables. Anne Barrett is a World Champion Dressage Rider, trainer and educator who attended and ran Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center.

Keith Hairston, a Navy Veteran, talks about his struggles with addiction, recovery, and resiliency. From the Beirut bombing of 1983, to the death of his own daughter, Keith walks us through how he overcame situations that most could not even fathom.

Adam Armstrong, a Veterans Service Officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs, talks about overcoming addiction, his faith and finding community.

Comeback Yoga is a free Yoga resource that travels in order to cater to the locations of veterans across Colorado. We are passionate supporters of natural, holistic measures to counter the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

CH-47 pilot Dylan Hawkins tells us about his experience with the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. This is a VA benefit separate from the GI bill that enables veterans to not only attend college, but to have a job lined up upon completion. Along the way, we hear about his journey from being a Victoria's Secret employee, to an infantryman, to finally a chinook pilot.

Dr. Shawn Murray is President of Murray Security Services and Blake Schwank is the CEO of Colorado Computer Support IT Pros. They discuss the modern landscape of cybersecurity, innovations, AI and how to avoid scams.

Angela Walter is an Army Veteran who spent her career in support of Special Operations Forces both state side, and deployed in areas of conflict. Today, she uses her education in philosophy to educate others on natural law in an attempt bring peace world wide.

Michael Lear, Angela Darling, and Roberto Rangle tell us about The Trager approach, a somatic therapy method that let's the practitioner teach your nervous system exactly how to relax.

Christopher Lee is a life coach and author of the book Beyond the Battlefield. Lee is former Green Beret and special forces medic that now runs his own lifestyle coaching business, Top Tier Performance, that focuses on giving people coaching, and tools they need to achieve their goals in life.

Robert Patton is the founder and CEO of SHEATH Underwear, a veteran-owned apparel brand redefining comfort in men’s underwear. A former U.S. Army soldier turned entrepreneur, Robert developed the concept for SHEATH while serving in Iraq, driven by a personal need for performance-based comfort in extreme conditions. Since launching the company in 2013, he has grown SHEATH into a globally recognized brand known for its patented dual pouch technology, innovative design, and loyal customer base.

Peter Buckles is a retired Army Staff Sergeant who, after applying the tools obtained throughout the forging process of becoming a soldier, has lead a successful career in business management following his military career. Once a military police officer breaking up fights in Korea, today Pete is the General Manager of Phil Long Kia, the owner of Olde World Bagel, and holds a position on Mt. Carmel's Board of Directors, all here in Colorado Springs. Successfully leading such large scale business endeavors all while fathering his family, Pete has experience and wisdom that we can all take notes on.

Dr. Cristi Bundukamara is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for 25 years. A keynote speaker on mental strength and resilience and creator of the Mentally STRONG Method. She is the founder of Mentally STRONG Academy, an outpatient mental health clinic in Colorado Springs with licensee locations nationally. She is a national speaker and has authored multiple books and workbooks, and currently serves in the US Navy Reserves.

To kick off our VA series we sit down with Steve Bundy, an Army Veteran and current Peer Support Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs. From surviving disastrous airborne jumps, to saving himself and his family from homelessness, Steve shares an abundance of wisdom and resources we can all learn from. Our mission here on The Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. RESOURCES: https://www.veteranscenter.org/ https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ Watch on YouTube HERE You're not alone.

Daily tasks and routines that many take for granted can be challenging and complex for a Veteran or first responder with PTSD or a traumatic brain injury, an individual with limited mobility, or a young person with autism. Picking up a dropped phone, moving around in a busy public space, or withstanding a stressful environment can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the necessary resources to navigate the situation. At Freedom Service Dogs, they purpose-breed and custom train dogs that empower individuals with disabilities to live lives filled with possibility. In this episode, we hear from Chris and Ashleigh who both share their military story, while also showing us behind the scenes of owning a service dog. RESOURCES: https://freedomservicedogs.org/ https://www.veteranscenter.org/ Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone.

Today, it feels like we are being pulled in every direction making it difficult to push ourselves in the one direction we actually want to go. In this episode, Dr. Eric Abbott talks about focusing on our mental health needs in order to increase overall performance and focus. We also discuss loneliness and its long-lasting effects on the body. Dr. Abbot, who is a 25-year air force veteran and current Optum provider, understands firsthand how difficult mental health struggles can be. The Veterans Voice Podcast provides our community with resources, as well as actionable and authentic information regarding Veteran mental health. In keeping with that theme, we are partnered with Optum and Mountain View Medical Group. Through this partnership, we will discuss topics such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other invisible scars that often comes with a career in the military, with Optum providers to help shed light on the issues while gaining some valuable insight from doctors who understand these struggles on a deeper, more physiological level. These episodes will lead our health and wellness series here on The Veterans Voice. RESOURCES: https://www.veteranscenter.org/ https://www.optum.com/en/

Alcohol is rooted deep in military culture, but today, we are discussing protocols for when this cultural norm spirals into an unmanageable addiction. Tim Murphy battled addiction from teenage years into late adulthood but has since embarked on a journey of healing and self-recovery while overcoming the unique challenges and obstacles associated with alcohol addiction. Today, he is a recognized expert on addiction recovery and has developed a proven and successful program to help others obtain sobriety in whatever addictions they have. Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. RESOURCES: https://www.veteranscenter.org/ Tim Murphy on TEDx click here Tim Murphy's Book click here

Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. RESOURCES: https://www.veteranscenter.org/ [email protected]

This week on the show, I’m bringing on my good friend Sir Gregory Coots. Greg is a Priest, life coach, independent film producer, and former military officer. This episode is chock full of motivation, self-help tips and tricks, and as always, good old-fashioned smokin’ and jokin’. The overarching theme of this conversation is not to be taken lightly however, as we dive deep into the importance of being a logical and independent thinker in today's society. Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. RESOURCES: 1) Colorado Veterans Breakfast: First Saturday of the month at 8am HERE 2) A short film by Veterans on transitioning out of the military WATCH ON YOUTUBE HERE

On November 1st the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center is hosting the 17th annual Veterans Conference. Presented by Huntington Bank and Co-sponsored by the Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center and the Colorado Minority Business Office, this will be a one stop shop for any Veteran pursuing entrepreneurship. We hope to see you there! RESOURCES: https://pikespeaksbdc.org/ https://www.veteranscenter.org/

From the final battles of World War I, to leading the invasion of Casablanca during World War II, to surviving three helicopter crashes in the jungles of Vietnam, the Patton last name is one of the most respected and decorated in American Military history. Benjamin Patton continues his family's legacy in the veteran community through The Patton Veterans Project, a film workshop hosted by Academy award winning film producers catered to helping Veterans heal from their invisible wounds. This week on the show we sit down with Ben, Mike, and Randy to talk about the impact the program has had on everyone involved, upcoming events and workshops, and most importantly, the future wellbeing of our Veteran community. Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. RESOURCES: https://pattonveteransproject.org/ "Growing Up Patton" https://www.veteranscenter.org/ CONTACTS: [email protected]

The Veterans Voice podcast is dedicated to providing our community with resources for Veterans, as well as applicable and authentic information regarding Veteran mental health. In keeping with that theme, we are partnered with Optum and Mountain view medical group. Through this partnership, we plan to discuss topics such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other invisible scars that often comes with a career in the military, with Optum providers to help shed light on the issues while gaining some valuable insight from doctors who understand these struggles on a deeper, more physiological level. Our first interview is with Dr. Eric Abbot who is a 25-year air force veteran and current Optum provider. He understands firsthand how difficult transitioning out of the military is. In this episode we hear Dr. Abbotts personal story, as well as some detailed explanation on overcoming struggles associated with military service. Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. Resources: Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Optum Colorado

Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. Resources: https://www.veteranscenter.org/

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The Headstrong Project is a non-profit mental health organization providing confidential, barrier-free, and stigma-free PTSD treatment to our veterans, service members, and families connected to their care. This week on the show, our friend Kathryn addresses PTSD, counseling, and The Headstrong projects outlook on veteran mental health. Our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you're not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guest each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. The Headstrong Project Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center

September is Suicide Awareness Month Kevin Baldwin, a retired Reconnaissance Marine, and Bruce Parkman, a retired green beret, are on the show this week to discuss some topics that have affected both of their lives. In this episode we will shed some light on blast induced Traumatic Brain injuries and their lasting effects on mental health, conventional versus unconventional treatments for these lasting side effects, and leading indicators of suicidal ideations. Veteran mental health seems to be an ever-evolving topic with no clear and concise treatment. But one thing that proves to help time and time again is friendly support. This is why our mission here on the Veterans Voice Podcast is to remind you all that you’re not alone. As you hear through the stories of our guests each and every week, we have all struggled, we have all turned to poor outlets to cope with life, and we have all felt alone at times. But these are the reasons we need to all be there for one another within the veteran community; a community whose voice is needed in America more than ever. This is the Veterans Voice Podcast, and this is a reminder that you are not alone. RESOURCES: Mac Parkman Foundation Link Book: Operator Syndrome Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center