Sometimes the hardest battles aren't fought overseas. They're fought in living rooms, late at night, when the weight of war refuses to let go. In this powerful conversation, Ashley Sylvester shares the story of her husband, Army Sergeant Jason Sylvester, whose deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan left invisible scars that followed him home. Ashley walks us through the subtle shifts she saw over time: sleepless nights, changes in mood, outbursts, and moments when Jason seemed present in body but gone in spirit. She describes the impossible balancing act of protecting their children, seeking help inside and outside the military system, and watching the walls close in. Her honesty shines a light on the barriers veterans face, the threat of losing security clearances, stigma, and fear of losing careers, which keep too many from getting the support they need. Most of all, she shares the heartbreak of losing Jason to suicide, and why recognizing the warning signs and having hard conversations could make all the difference for another family. This episode covers a difficult topic, but it's also a call to action: don't ignore what you see, don't wait, and don't give up on finding the help that's out there. Timestamps: 04:27 - The first signs of sleepless nights and nightmares 13:00 - The rucksack of trauma that only grows heavier 18:00 - Creative strategies Ashley used to get her husband to talk 31:00 - When Jason began to mentally check out 44:15 - The tornado, the loss of everything, and the final spiral Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JasonSylvester2017 Follow Ashley Sylvester on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sylvester-b426a4263 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

For many veterans, the hardest battles often come long after the uniform comes off. Erik Lawrence knows what that feels like. After years in Special Forces and contracting, he found himself running on fumes, mentally and physically, until he started digging into why he felt the way he did. From TBIs to toxic exposure, he explored every option available and built a resource to help others find their way. In this conversation, Erik opens up about the traps veterans often fall into, why transitioning into a new chapter is so important, and the practical steps that can make a real difference. From fasting and detoxing to sorting through endless programs and figuring out what actually fits your needs, this episode will help give veterans the tools to take back their health and move forward. Timestamps: 03:15 - From the Army straight into an African conflict 04:45 - How chasing the "glory days" wrecks lives 09:30 - Why he built a 500-page guide for veterans 15:30 - Burn pits, heavy metals, and toxic exposure 17:45 - Fasting as a reset for body and mind Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://Www.vssbooks.com Fire Support Book: https://a.co/d/4yqy2eI Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Losing your sense of identity after service feels like freefall. For Lee Freeburg, that struggle was real. A Navy hospital corpsman who fought to find his place in uniform and beyond, Lee spiraled into what he calls his weak man phase, living for temporary pleasures, drifting without direction. It took a violent quad accident and a broken collarbone to spark a 180 that changed his life. Lee opens up about finding purpose through discipline, rebuilding after hitting rock bottom, and using storms as teachers rather than excuses. He shares how faith, fatherhood, and accountability became the anchors for his transformation. From designing a tool to revolutionize an industry to writing a book so his daughter would always know his values, Lee proves that rebuilding starts with self-awareness and grows through action. This is a powerful journey through loss of identity, rediscovering mission, and the fight to leave a legacy worth carrying forward. Timestamps: 00:09:00: Facing heartbreak when leaving the uniform behind 00:12:30: The quad accident that became a life reset 00:14:45: Breaking free from the weak man mindset 00:18:00: Lessons from storms and the sailor's analogy for life 00:23:30: Writing a book for his daughter and defining faith Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Book "How to Live a Better Life": https://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Better-Life-Principles/dp/B0DGQ79QKY/ Follow Lee Freeburg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lee.freeburg/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Leaving the military can feel like stepping off a cliff. One day, you've got steady pay, housing, and a community that's always around. The next day, it's all gone. That's the reality Robert Wheeler faced when he left the Navy. He went from structure and purpose to bills stacking up, silence from the people he served with, and depression that pushed him past 300 pounds. In this conversation, Robert opens up about why he once threw out his uniforms and refused to even call himself a veteran. He shares the hard lessons he learned about VA benefits, how Chapter 31 gave him time freedom to rebuild, and why fitness is needed for more than just looks. You'll hear him talk about how to handle when negative spirals hit, and how gratitude helped him get out from under that constant rain cloud. If you've ever felt like you lost everything overnight after taking off the uniform, this episode is a blueprint for finding your footing again. Timestamps: 03:01 Losing community, pay, and benefits all at once 07:27 Throwing out uniforms and hiding veteran identity 17:49 How fitness pulled him back from depression and 300 pounds 28:40 Pain into progress, building discipline one day at a time 35:36 Emotional regulation and telling yourself to "shut up" Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.battlefittedbrand.com Follow BattleFitted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/battlefitted Follow BattleFitted on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/battlefitted Follow BattleFitted on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/battlefitted Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Losing the uniform can mean losing identity, reputation, and even the sense of mission that kept you moving forward. For many, the transition feels like starting from zero. That is exactly what Stephen Bump faced after 12 years in the Air Force. His journey carried him from aerospace engineering to Eli Lilly, through business school, and finally into building his own consulting firm. Along the way, he learned to trust others, embrace humility, protect family time, and make career moves that aligned with his own values, not just someone else's definition of success. This conversation is about facing the uncomfortable reality that no one in your civilian job cares about your rank or medals, and how that is not the end but the beginning. From finding purpose in unexpected industries, to reclaiming fitness and family balance, to using the GI Bill and veteran resources to carve a better future, Stephen lays out a roadmap any veteran can use to transition with clarity and confidence. Timestamps: 00:07:45 - The hardest part of starting over in civilian careers 00:15:45 - Losing fitness and regaining it through entrepreneurship 00:22:15 - The freedom and responsibility of choosing your own clients 00:28:30 - Breaking free from other people's definitions of success 00:39:00 - The veteran resources that made the biggest difference Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.persperity.net Follow Stephen Bump on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbump/ Resources mentioned in the episode: Cameron Brooks Headhunter: https://www.cameron-brooks.com/ Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/ GI Bill: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Jennifer Ballou's deployment to Afghanistan was supposed to overlap briefly with her husband's fourth combat tour. They'd have a couple of months in-country together, then he'd head home to the kids while she finished her year. That plan ended the night she learned he'd been killed in action. She came home with his flag-draped casket and stepped into a new reality: single parent, senior leader, and a grieving spouse trying to make sense of it all. She talks about the tough balance between duty and family, the moments the Army got it right, the times they didn't, and how her kids showed resilience she'll never forget. Now, as Chief of Staff for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Jennifer is still serving. This time, by making sure the stories of service and sacrifice are never lost. This conversation is about loss, leadership, and finding purpose on the other side of tragedy. Timestamps 00:04:30 - The night everything changed in Afghanistan 00:09:30 - Flying home with her husband's casket 00:12:50 - Trying to lead soldiers while grieving 00:21:20 - When leadership fell short-and when they stepped up 00:29:40 - From Gold Star fellow to Chief of Staff at the GWOT Memorial Foundation Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/ Follow Jennifer Ballou on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenniferballou/ Follow Jennifer Ballou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferballou/ Follow the Global War on Terrorism Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/gwotmf/ https://www.instagram.com/gwotmf/ https://twitter.com/GWOTMF/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-war-on-terror-memorial-foundation https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqTW0t9gKm7c7k_G8xv9Cw Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

The battlefield changes you, but the real fight might start when you get home. Ben Sykes went from web designer to Marine machine gunner during the invasion of Iraq, living through relentless firefights, surreal moments in Saddam's palaces, and the strange calm of enemy fire becoming routine. But nothing prepared him for the turbulence of reintegration. Restless nights, the crash of losing combat's adrenaline, and the struggle to fit into a world that no longer made sense. In this conversation, Ben opens up about the chemical withdrawal of leaving war, the dangerous paths veterans can fall into, and the hard-earned lessons he wishes he'd known during his transition. Whether you've been in the fight yourself or love someone who has, his story is a brutally honest look at what it takes to reclaim your footing after service. Timestamps: 00:10:40 - Trading Hollywood for the yellow footprints 00:12:50 - First firefight on the road to Baghdad 00:23:10 - Securing Saddam's palace and the gold they never saw 00:28:50 - The chemical withdrawal of coming home 00:37:00 - From homelessness to finding a new mission Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

After two deployments and a solid run in the Marine Corps, Susannah Stokes did what a lot of vets do-she took her leadership skills into the corporate world. But even with a great job at Facebook and everything looking good on paper, something still felt off. This episode talks about what happens when the structure goes away, and you're left trying to figure out who you are. Susannah opens up about feeling undervalued, disconnected, and stuck in roles that didn't reflect what she was capable of. She talks about the identity crash after service, the limits of traditional therapy, and how psychedelics helped her see things differently, without numbing out. We also get into how she's helping others now and what legal psychedelic support can look like. Timestamps 00:02:00 - From a Marine Corps deployment to Facebook's corporate culture 00:06:45 - Why many vets are under-placed in civilian roles 00:14:20 - Losing faith, identity, and the question that changed everything 00:23:40 - How psychedelics rewired trauma loops and revealed purpose 00:44:20 - Finding legal, structured healing through guided plant medicine Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.metamorphosis.ventures/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

You served your country, endured physical pain, and now struggle to get the benefits you rightfully earned. If navigating the VA disability claims system feels like a second battle, this episode is your lifeline. Dr. Adam Weissman, an emergency physician turned veteran advocate, pulls back the curtain on the VA disability rating process. He shares insider knowledge to help you sidestep common pitfalls, clarify confusing terms, and leverage expert medical evaluations from REE Medical to achieve the disability rating you truly deserve. Stop settling for less. Here's your path to securing better support, financial stability, and peace of mind. Timestamps 00:02:00 - The Hidden Roadblocks in VA Disability Claims 00:10:30 - How Expert Evaluations Can Boost Your Rating 00:21:00 - What Happens When You're Underrated 00:28:15 - The Extra Benefits of Higher Ratings 00:34:00 - Avoiding Predatory Disability Claim Services Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/ree-medical/* Follow REE Medical on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reemedicalvets Follow REE Medical on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reemedicalvets/ Follow REE Medical on Twitter/X: https://x.com/REEMedical Follow REE Medical on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ree-medical Other links: https://www.youtube.com/@REEMedicalVets Transcript View the transcript for this episode. * - This page contains affiliate links. If you click a link and purchase a product or service, I may earn a small commission, which in no way affects the price you pay for the service.

Chris Smith didn't plan to become the program director of a veteran fitness nonprofit. When he left the Army, his only goal was to stay afloat. But after facing down PTSD, relationship struggles, and a stretch of homelessness, he found himself on a new path-one focused on health, consistency, and community. In this episode, Chris talks about how Warrior Strong helped him rebuild his identity and give back to others dealing with similar struggles. He shares what it was like to go from engineering missions in Iraq to sleeping in his car, and how a single yoga class turned into a whole new way to serve. Whether you're a veteran looking for your next step or just trying to feel a little more grounded, this conversation is about what's possible when you stop waiting and start showing up. Timestamps 00:01:00 - 9/11 hit during basic training 00:12:30 - Losing stability after service 00:17:00 - How yoga and fitness changed everything 00:34:15 - What Warrior Strong offers right now 00:44:00 - Advice for veterans stuck in place Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.warriorstronginc.org/ Follow Warrior Strong on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorstronginc Follow Warrior Strong on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/warriorstronginc/ Follow Warrior Strong on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorstronginc.9685 Follow Warrior Strong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warrior-strong Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

When the uniform comes off, many veterans feel like they've lost their team. And with it, their purpose. Michael "Sully" Sullivan knows that feeling firsthand, having spent 30 years in Special Forces. But instead of fading into isolation, he stepped into a new mission with Team RWB, helping veterans reconnect, rebuild accountability, and strengthen their health. In this conversation, Sully shares how Team RWB brings veterans together around fitness, connection, and community. From cross-country flag relays to local meetups. Topics Discussed How Sully's Special Forces career led him to Team RWB's mission The story and impact of the Old Glory Relay How accountability and community crush isolation after service The connection between physical activity, health, and mental wellness How Team RWB helps veterans stay engaged through local chapters and the app Notable Quotes "It took a team to get the team across the country." "Your participation is helping out that person that you're seeing at these different events." "You join the team, you see yourself as like, not only taking care of yourself, but your participation is helping out that person." "There's just so much power, I think, in the veteran population." "The idea is that we're always there for you to come back." Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://teamrwb.org Follow Michael Sullivan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpsulli335 Follow Michael Sullivan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sully_rwb Follow Team RWB on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/teamrwb Follow Team RWB on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamrwb/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Joseph Fontenot gave up a rising career in music to enlist in the Army, only to be thrust into unexpected combat roles in Iraq and Afghanistan. He discusses his experiences while deployed, injuries that aren't always physical, and the challenge of finding direction and building a meaningful life after returning home. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Follow Joseph Fontenot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2335103330160442 Follow Joseph Fontenot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephfontenot74/ Follow Joseph Fontenot on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-j-fontenot-322a8088/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Transitioning out of the military brings challenges that don't end when the uniform comes off. Benefits, family readiness, and the search for a new purpose can all feel overwhelming. In this conversation, USAF Lt. Gen. (Ret) Brian Kelly, President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America, shares how his decades of service have led him to focus on protecting what veterans and their families have earned. A key part of that mission is the TotalForce+ conference, a groundbreaking event designed to connect service members, veterans, government leaders, and industry partners. Brian breaks down the four pillars driving the conference: career transition, community support, benefits advocacy, and crisis response, and why bringing all these voices together matters for the future of the military community. From scholarships for military kids to disaster relief when veterans are displaced, to real solutions being built at TotalForce+, this episode gives you a look at how advocacy and action come together. If you've been searching for hope that someone is fighting for you and your family, this conversation will show you exactly where that work is happening. Timestamps 00:02:30 - Why Brian Kelly chose to continue serving after 33 years in uniform 00:06:45 - How MOAA scholarships help military kids overcome constant moves 00:08:45 - Crisis relief for veterans who fall through the cracks 00:17:15 - The four pillars shaping the Total Force Plus conference 00:23:00 - Using new tools to make transition smoother for veterans Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://totalforceplus.moaa.org/ Follow MOAA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moaa Follow MOAA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moaaofficial/ Follow MOAA on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/MilitaryOfficer Follow MOAA on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moaa Other links: https://moaa.org/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Cole Grace knows danger up close. In Iraq, he spent his days disarming IEDs and dodging sniper fire. But coming home wasn't the relief he'd expected. Instead, he found himself at war again, trapped in a loop of relentless perfectionism, unexplained chronic pain, and an addiction that crept up quietly, almost unnoticed. In this conversation, Cole opens up about the brutal reality of fighting battles you can't see. He shares how he finally confronted childhood wounds that had intensified his combat trauma and what it took to silence the inner voice that always said he wasn't enough. If you've ever felt stuck in your head, lost in your own pain, or wondered if peace is even possible, this episode is for you. Timestamps: 01:00 - Facing bombs and bullets in Iraq 08:45 - How combat fuels relentless perfectionism 20:30 - Addiction, chronic pain, and medical dead-ends 28:15 - Rewiring trauma without the BS 35:45 - Finding peace after chasing success Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Follow Cole Grace on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cgrace21 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

If you're active duty or a veteran with kids, you already know the school system doesn't move with you. New duty station, new rules, new problems, and your kids pay the price. Natalie Mack has been homeschooling for over two decades while her family bounced from base to base, including overseas. She's not selling you sunshine and Pinterest-perfect school days. She breaks down exactly what it takes to homeschool in a military lifestyle, what families screw up, and how to do it smarter. This episode discusses: What you need to know before your next PCS How to deal with overseas laws that technically ban homeschooling Why more military families are ditching public school and how it affects military retention The benefits for your kids (and yourself) when you take back control Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://militaryhomeschoolers.org/ Follow Natalie Mack on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalie.minormack/ Follow MHA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/militaryhomeschoolersassociationMHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/military_homeschoolers/ Follow Natalie Mack on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolnataliemack Follow Natalie Mack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-mack-homeschool/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Veterans often return home to a world that feels muted. Mark Haddad, a former Army soldier and contractor, breaks down the reason why: our body-mind-soul system gets rewired by trauma and adrenaline, and everyday life just can't compete. This episode talks about the science behind why vets crave danger, sabotage stability, and feel disconnected from "normal." From surviving a parachute malfunction to confronting evil in Africa, Mark shares stories that any vet who's struggled to slow down will understand. You'll learn how to stop blaming yourself for what your brain and body were trained to do. Timestamps 00:02:15 - Surviving a combat parachute malfunction 00:06:45 - Realizing your purpose isn't downrange 00:10:15 - Why veterans chase chaos after war 00:16:30 - The adrenaline bar theory explained 00:44:30 - How to regain control over your internal chemistry Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.markhaddadauthor.com Follow Mark Haddad on Instagram: www.instagram.com/markhaddadauthor1 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

He gave the Army 20 years, 8 months, and 8 days, nearly all of it in special operations. From Ranger Regiment to Green Beret team sergeant, Joshua Daniel lived and breathed the mission. But when the wars ended, so did the mission, and he felt it in every bone, every memory, every unfinished story. Rather than fade out, he built something bigger than himself. In this episode, Joshua opens up about the pain of stepping away, the harsh words that forced him to rethink his exit, and how he turned guilt into leadership with Hero Games Charity and Counterculture Solutions. From one-on-one mentoring to purpose-driven events honoring Gold Star families, he's proving there's still work worth doing, and it starts with refusing to settle for half a life. Timestamps: 00:00:30 - From 134 pounds to Green Beret: Building grit through the suck 00:06:00 - The moment a younger soldier called him out-and why it changed his path 00:10:00 - Starting over with Hero Games and finding new purpose 00:19:45 - Why honoring one family a year matters more than doing it all 00:38:00 - The hard truth about veterans wasting their lives post-military Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.counterculturesolutions.com/ https://herogamescharity.com/ Follow Joshua Daniel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDxHGCxCCS Follow Joshua Daniel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdxhgcxccs/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Kris Searles got blown out, broken down, and pushed out. The VA gave him pills. He gave them the finger. Instead of numbing out, he wrote a check, got stem cell therapy, fixed his back, got his life back, and started helping others do the same. Now, through Overwatch 6, he's funding treatments that work, no pills, no surgeries, no BS. He's also training vets to coach each other through trauma. No therapy jargon. Just guys who've been through hell, helping others crawl out of it. If you've ever stared at your pill bottle and thought, "There's gotta be a better way," this may be that way. Timestamps: 00:02:30 - Iraq sniper op, hunting high-value targets 00:11:45 - Ambushed and losing his whole team days before redeployment 00:16:15 - Crawling out of bed until stem cells changed everything 00:20:00 - VA's failures and how real healing works 00:37:45 - Coaching vets through trauma without the psychobabble Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.overwatch6.com/ https://www.mentoragility.com/find-a-vttv-meeting Follow Overwatch 6 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overwatch_6/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

If life after the military feels like it's constantly on edge, you need tools that actually help you get your head straight. Dr. Barbara Thompson is an Army veteran and psychologist who worked directly with Special Operations and high-risk teams who didn't have the luxury of falling apart. She knows what high stress does to the brain and how to fix it before it burns you down. This episode is for the guy who's tried to muscle through PTSD, anxiety, or feeling disconnected (and it's not working). You'll learn how to spot when your brain is running on survival mode and what to do in the moment to break the spiral. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://drbarbthompson.com Follow Barbara Thompson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100025177493267 Follow Barbara Thompson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/barb.r.thompson Follow Barbara Thompson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-thompson-7487aa8b Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

What happens when music becomes a lifeline, capturing the stories and struggles veterans carry silently? Today's guests, Bronson Hetzer and Cody Doench, from The Filthy Heathens, take us on an emotional journey through their song "Cyril," a tribute to a fallen friend lost to suicide after combat. It's a gut-punching reminder of why staying connected matters and why reaching out could save lives. Discover how their music serves as therapy, healing wounds that words alone can't touch, and how the power of brotherhood transcends even the darkest days. Stay until the end for the full song. It's one you won't forget. Timestamps 00:01:30 - Behind the Song "Cyril" and a friend's memory 00:08:15 - Why music can say what words can't 00:16:00 - Brotherhood beyond the battlefield 00:24:30 - The impact of one powerful song 00:32:45 - The critical importance of reaching out Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://thefilthyheathens.com Follow The Filthy Heathens on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555576782240 Follow The Filthy Heathens on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_filthy_heathens/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.