Drive On: Helping Veterans Navigate PTSD & Life After Military Service

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: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.overwatch6.com/https://www.mentoragility.com/find-a-vttv-meetinghttps://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 Linehttps://drbarbthompson.comhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100025177493267https://instagram.com/barb.r.thompsonhttps://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 Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://thefilthyheathens.comhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555576782240https://www.instagram.com/the_filthy_heathens/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

A troubled past led one Marine to find redemption and purpose, turning adversity into a powerful mission. After struggling through his own difficult transition from military to civilian life, Logan Spiewak founded Boots to Health, a groundbreaking program dedicated to helping veterans and first responders reclaim their physical and mental health. Listen to hear how veterans are finding strength, hope, and a supportive brotherhood through a unique fitness initiative that goes beyond the gym. Timestamps: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://bootstohealthfoundation.orghttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083860142817https://www.instagram.com/bootstohealthfoundation/https://x.com/FoundationBTHhttps://www.youtube.com/@bootstohealth Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

When the pills stop working and therapy feels like talking to a brick wall, where do you turn? Dr. Charlie Powell, a veteran and multi-board certified physician, opens up about a journey most in his shoes would never talk about, finding healing through psychedelic medicine after years of battling PTSD, depression, and emotional numbness. His new project, Healing Heroes, captures this radical, personal transformation and the stories of six veterans and first responders who risked everything to find themselves again. In this episode, we tear down the walls of stigma, see what healing looks like, and share why recovery demands more than just prescriptions and checklists. This is a conversation for anyone who's ever felt broken, lost, or tired of fighting the same battles inside their own head. Timestamps Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://solovive.comhttps://www.facebook.com/healingheroestvhttps://www.instagram.com/healingheroestvhttps://www.tiktok.com/@healingheroestvhttps://www.youtube.com/@HealingHeroesTV Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Military spouse Marla Ballard discusses her journey from a farm in Kentucky to navigating the challenges of being a military spouse in the bustling D.C. area. She shares her story of resilience and reinvention after her husband's severe injuries from an IED in Iraq that dramatically reshaped their lives. Marla faced her own internal struggles, questioning her worth and her future. Now, as the CEO of YU2SHINE, Marla has pioneered a powerful approach known as quantum personal development, helping veterans and military families break free from the limiting beliefs that hold them back. This conversation will challenge you to rethink your perceptions, cultivate gratitude, and build practical strategies to navigate life's toughest transitions. Timestamps: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://empower-me-academy.yu2shine.com/marla-ballardhttps://www.facebook.com/marla.ballard.9https://www.instagram.com/marla.ballard/https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlafballard/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

After the service, feeling isolated can hit harder than expected. You move to a new place, start a new chapter, and suddenly realize that building real connections isn't easy anymore. That's where today's conversation lights a fire. Michael Chahinian opens up about his own post-Navy struggles with loneliness and the incredible journey that led him to create Krew Social. This tool helps veterans and civilians alike build vibrant, in-person communities based on shared interests. This episode talks about reclaiming the camaraderie, connection, and purpose that so many miss after military life. From organizing bike rides and book clubs to hosting lunch meetups after church, Krew Social shows how simple moments can lead to lifelong bonds, and even life-changing moments like finding a spouse. If you've been feeling the weight of isolation, this episode delivers hope, real-world solutions, and a new path forward. Timestamps: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.krewsocial.comhttps://instagram.com/krewsocialhttps://x.com/krewsocial1https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikechahinian/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Sometimes, the funniest stories are also the most revealing. Andy Dietrich takes us from his teenage years in Germany to the icy roads of Alaska and eventually into the structured chaos of the Marine Corps. His new book, Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes, is packed with personal stories. Some hilarious, others humbling, but all brutally honest. This episode digs into why he wrote it, what it means to own your story, and how military experiences, no matter how "unremarkable" they may seem, shape us for life. Whether you're dealing with transition guilt, wondering if your service was "enough," or just need a laugh with someone who gets it, this one hits home. Timestamps Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.andysbook.com Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Losing the uniform doesn't mean losing your mission. That's the focus of this episode with Marine veteran Sean Abrusci and Warrior Strong founder Tom Tice. Warrior Strong has created a way for veterans to reconnect through fitness, support, and purpose-driven programs that meet people where they are. They dive into what it looks like to transition out of the military. The questions no one prepares you for, the moments of doubt, and the search for something that feels like it matters. Sean opens up about life after leaving the Marine Corps, the challenge of finding direction, and why so many veterans feel lost even with family and careers around them. Tom breaks down the Warrior Strong mission and how they're building partnerships across the veteran nonprofit space. If you've ever felt like you were floating without a map after service, this is the conversation you didn't know you needed. Timestamps: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://warriorstronginc.org Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Losing the uniform doesn't mean losing your mission. Daniel O'Dell opens up about the brutal reality of life after service. Physical limitations, mental health battles, and the crushing loss of identity. But when everything felt broken, he found healing in the most unexpected way: through his voice and a green-haired service dog named The Fluffy Poodle. Daniel shares how filming his daily routines with his service dog led to national recognition, community healing, and a renewed purpose. His story is relatable. We discuss struggles with fatherhood, finances, and just getting through the day. If you've ever felt like the world moved on without you, this is the episode that reminds you that you're not alone, and there's always another mission. Timestamps 01:30 - Losing purpose after the Army and the job market shock 05:45 - Dark thoughts, survivor's guilt, and saving grace from one powerful speech 09:15 - Building a military-style "sandbox" to navigate civilian life 13:00 - How a service dog rebuilt Daniel's confidence and routine 24:45 - Carrying forward the legacy of those who didn't make it home Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://motivefate.com/https://www.facebook.com/p/MotiveFate-LLC-61557755683896/https://www.instagram.com/the_fluffy_poodle/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-o'dell-823650269https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgtLvpZ4HzG6byTdbIirauQ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

You've heard the lie: "You'll do great after the military. Companies are lining up to hire vets." But what if that's exactly what's breaking us? Jason Anderson spent 20 years in the Air Force, leading international missions, and closing out his career at the Pentagon. He was ready for the civilian world, or so he thought. What followed was years of hidden anxiety, 3 a.m. panic, and strained family dynamics, all while climbing the corporate ladder. On the outside, he looked successful. Inside, he was unraveling. In this eye-opening conversation, Jason dismantles the flawed assumptions behind the military's Transition Assistance Program and reveals the hidden link between poorly executed transitions and veteran mental health crises. He introduces the Modern Military Transition Framework, an approach built by veterans, for veterans, that finally treats post-service life as a whole new operating environment, not just a career move. Whether you're still serving, just got out, or 10 years post-military and still feel like something's off, this episode is your wake-up call and your blueprint for doing it better. Timestamps (04:00) - The invisible struggle behind Jason's "successful" post-military career (07:00) - Why transition stress quietly breaks even high-performing veterans (11:00) - The lie TAP tells and how it sabotages mental health (20:15) - How Jason's modern framework flips the script on transition (38:30) - Retraining your mind for civilian life without losing who you are Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://preveteran.com/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Morgan Lerette didn't grow up dreaming about being a private military contractor. Like a lot of veterans, one thing led to another. He got pulled into Blackwater during the height of the Iraq War, rolling through Baghdad with no real rules of engagement, no clear mission beyond keeping people alive, and making more money than he ever thought possible. In this episode, Morgan talks openly about what contracting was really like. Driving armored SUVs through war zones, making split-second decisions, and dealing with the consequences afterward. He explains how contractors operated alongside the military, why so many signed up, and how the people of Iraq saw it all from their side. We also get into what happened after he left that world. Morgan shares what helped him figure out the next steps after war and contracting, how he finally built a steady life, and what advice he has for vets who are trying to do the same. This is the kind of honest conversation you only get from someone who's actually been there. Timestamps Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://instagram.com/blackwaterDude1https://tiktok.com/BlackwaterDude1https://x.com/blackwaterdude1http://linkedin.com/in/morgan-lerette-73b01352 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Strength doesn't always look like what you think. For years, Adam Kasix wore the mask, the intense energy, the warrior mindset, the high-functioning chaos. But behind the scenes, his life was crumbling. Addiction. Divorce. Anger. PTSD. It all came crashing down. What changed? Adam stopped hiding behind the persona and started doing the real work. In this conversation, he talks about what it really means to become a man, not just a "guy", and how confronting the internal beast is the key to leading your family, healing your past, and building a life that actually feels worth living. We talk identity, fatherhood, post-service disconnection, and why some of the toughest men Adam coaches are the ones who finally learn to soften. Timestamps Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://chat.adamkasix.com/coffeehttps://youtube.com/@realadamkasix Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

What happens when the mission ends but the war inside you doesn't? Ryan Reichert opens up about life after nearly two decades in the Army, including leading troops in combat, battling chronic PTSD, and losing everything he thought defined him. After a hard fall from grace, broken marriage, lost job, and hitting rock bottom with addiction, Ryan chose a different path. He shares how he found faith, sobriety, and a renewed sense of purpose through his work at Our Protector Development, a consultancy focused on building strong leaders through lived experience. If you're battling with purpose, pain, or what comes after service, this episode will hit home. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.ourprotectordevelopment.com Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

After getting out of the Marine Corps, Rob Bracero found himself stuck, detached from purpose, struggling with chronic pain, and missing the community that used to push him forward. He's not alone. A lot of veterans find that once the structure of military life disappears, it's easy to fall into isolation and let their physical and mental health slip. That's where Warrior Strong comes in. In this episode, Rob shares how Warrior Strong helps veterans rebuild strength and connection through virtual and in-person fitness programs designed specifically for the veteran community. Whether it's yoga for back pain, breathwork to improve sleep, or strength training that takes service-related injuries into account, these programs offer more than just a workout. They bring back a sense of tribe. Rob also opens up about how this work helped him personally reclaim his sense of direction. We talk about the real-world impact of veterans who went from nearly giving up to running marathons again, Vietnam vets trying yoga for the first time, and the power of being seen and supported. If you've been putting off taking care of yourself or think group workouts aren't for you, this conversation might change your mind. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.warriorstronginc.org/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Blown up. Burned out. Ready to end it all. That's where Sam Peterson found himself after his second deployment as an EOD tech. He nearly took his own life until one unexpected moment changed everything. What followed was a raw journey through trauma, healing, and finding purpose on the other side. In this episode, Sam lays it all out. The silent epidemic of blast-induced brain trauma. The VA's broken model that tells you to "just manage it". And most importantly, the groundbreaking treatments that are helping veterans reclaim their lives in days, not years. Ketamine therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, hyperbaric oxygen, and guided psychedelic experiences aren't fringe anymore. They're saving lives. Sam breaks down exactly how they work, who they're for, and why veterans need access to them now. If you're tired of the runaround, if you feel like you've hit a wall, this episode might be the first real step toward getting your life back. Timestamps Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.mindspadenver.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-peterson-mba/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Kijuan Amey had a plan. He was finishing school, building a business, and still serving in the Air Force Reserves. Then a motorcycle crash changed everything. He lost his sight, suffered major injuries, and had to figure out how to move forward in a world that suddenly looked very different. In this conversation, we talk about what that recovery really looked like. Not just the surgeries or physical rehab, but the mental side too. The frustration, the isolation, the doubt. And also, the turning point when Kijuan decided that this wasn't going to be the end of his story. He talks about learning to live with blindness, adjusting to daily challenges, and building a new mission through mentoring, speaking, and writing. For veterans who feel stuck or disconnected, this episode is a reminder that your circumstances don't define you. How you respond to them does. If you're navigating life after service and trying to figure out what's next, there's a lot here that will hit home. Timestamps Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://ameymotivation.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kijuan-amey-783889121 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Jake Rademacher didn't wear the uniform, but the war still shaped his life. His two brothers served in Iraq, and that personal connection drove him to create the documentary Brothers at War. What started as a way to understand his siblings' experiences turned into something much bigger: a tool to help other veterans process their own stories. In this conversation, Jake shares how storytelling, film, and honest dialogue can open doors for healing. He talks about sitting in on veteran groups, watching men let go of years of silence, and seeing the impact of simply being heard. We also get into why journaling works, what post-traumatic growth really looks like, and how small acts of reflection can lead to big changes. There's a lot here for veterans who are working through their own transitions. Whether you're dealing with trauma, searching for purpose, or just trying to feel a little more understood, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone and that sharing your story can be part of the solution. Timestamps Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://brothersafterwar.com/https://www.facebook.com/brothersafterwar/https://www.instagram.com/brothersafterwar/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Not everyone who served in the Global War on Terrorism wore a uniform. Ganpat "Gunner" Wagh started as a Marine, moved into law enforcement, and then spent years as an FBI agent working everything from cybercrime to counterterrorism. Eventually, that led him to Afghanistan, where he deployed alongside Special Forces as part of a quiet but critical support mission. In this episode, Gunner shares what it's like to carry the mission forward in less visible ways and why those roles still carry the weight of service. He also talks about reconnecting with an old teammate in the most unexpected place and how that moment pulled him into the heart of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://gwotmemorialfoundation.org Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Pain and anxiety don't always show up on the outside, but they can dominate your inner world. That's the reality Ann Swanson lived with until she discovered practical, science-backed ways to reduce her chronic pain and anxiety. Mike Swanson, a former Army intelligence officer, faced a different battlefield. Stress, leadership pressure, and the hidden stigma around mental health in the military. Together, they share how yoga, meditation, and small breathing practices helped them take back control. They share stories about anxiety attacks in doctor's offices, suicide attempts in a bunker in paradise, and why leading from the front requires taking care of your mind. From box breathing to the "3-3-3" method and one-minute meditations you can do at work or before opening that stress-inducing email, this episode gives you a whole new toolkit. If you think meditation isn't for you, this one might change your mind. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.scienceof.yoga/https://www.instagram.com/scienceof.yogahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-swanson/www.meditationfortherealworld.comhttps://www.youtube.com/ANNSWANSONWELLNESS Transcript View the transcript for this episode.