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

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: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.persperity.nethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbump/https://www.cameron-brooks.com/https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/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 00:04:3000:09:3000:12:5000:21:2000:29:40 Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/https://www.instagram.com/thejenniferballou/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferballou/https://www.facebook.com/gwotmf/https://www.instagram.com/gwotmf/https://twitter.com/GWOTMF/https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-war-on-terror-memorial-foundationhttps://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: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line 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 Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://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 Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/ree-medical/https://www.facebook.com/reemedicalvetshttps://www.instagram.com/reemedicalvets/https://x.com/REEMedicalhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ree-medicalhttps://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 Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.warriorstronginc.org/https://www.facebook.com/warriorstronginchttps://www.instagram.com/warriorstronginc/https://www.youtube.com/@warriorstronginc.9685https://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 Notable Quotes Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://teamrwb.orghttps://www.facebook.com/mpsulli335https://www.instagram.com/sully_rwbhttps://twitter.com/teamrwbhttps://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 Linehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/2335103330160442https://www.instagram.com/josephfontenot74/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 Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://totalforceplus.moaa.org/https://www.facebook.com/moaahttps://www.instagram.com/moaaofficial/https://twitter.com/MilitaryOfficerhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/moaahttps://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: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://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: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://militaryhomeschoolers.org/https://www.facebook.com/natalie.minormack/https://www.facebook.com/militaryhomeschoolersassociationMHA https://www.instagram.com/military_homeschoolers/https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolnataliemackhttps://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 Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.markhaddadauthor.comwww.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: Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://www.counterculturesolutions.com/https://herogamescharity.com/https://www.facebook.com/JDxHGCxCCShttps://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: 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.