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

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.

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.