Drive On Podcast

Laura Early shares insights into how WISE Advise + Assist Team is redefining the employment landscape for military spouses and veterans. Discover how this organization connects small businesses with the immense talent and expertise of military spouses, enabling them to pursue fulfilling careers in a remote work environment. Join us as we look into the stories of success and empowerment made possible by WISE Advise + Assist Team. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line4PatriotsDRIVEONhttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://www.wiseadviseteam.comhttps://facebook.com/wiseadviseteamhttps://instagram.com/wiseadviseteamhttps://twitter.com/wiseadviseteamhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/wise-advise-and-assist-team/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraearly23/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Army veteran Michael Conner discusses the career opportunities available to veterans transitioning out of the military in the trades. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line4PatriotsDRIVEONhttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelconner2/https://eascarpenters.org/https://www.carpenters.org/https://ubcpiledrivers.org/mconner@eascarpenters.org Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Military life often involves frequent relocations, presenting unique challenges for families searching for a new home. Tiffany Klusacek and Ashlee Jankovich, real estate agents and military spouses, shed light on their specialized approach to making long-distance moves smoother. Discover how they leverage technology and community connections to support military families in finding the perfect place to call home. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line4PatriotsDRIVEONhttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://www.instagram.com/realestatable/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode of the Drive On podcast, we talk to Mike Nelson, a fiction author and Vietnam War veteran, about the importance of storytelling and documentation. Mike discusses how storytelling can be a powerful way to leave a legacy and preserve the stories of veterans. He also shares some examples of people who have inspired him with their stories. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line4PatriotsDRIVEONhttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://www.AuthorMikeNelson.comhttps://authormikenelson.com/my-books/https://instagram.com/mikenelson373https://twitter.com/michael92087385 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode of the Drive On podcast, we talk to Paul Lawrence, the former Under Secretary for Benefits at the VA, about his book "Veterans Benefits for You: Get What You Deserve." Paul shares his insights on the VA benefits system and how veterans can get the benefits they deserve. He also discusses some of the challenges that veterans face when navigating the system and offers advice to veterans who are thinking about applying for VA benefits. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line4PatriotsDRIVEONhttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://a.co/d/a8qKUSYhttps://paulrlawrence.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaullawrence/https://twitter.com/PaulRLawrence Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we have the honor of chatting with Lance Nutt, a Marine Corps veteran who dedicated an impressive three decades to serving his country. Lance is now the founder and CEO of Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA), which is committed to supporting veterans and first responders. Lance then shares the inspiration that led to the creation of SDIA. He discusses the organization's multifaceted approach, encapsulated by the "Get Off The Couch™" programming, which encompasses outdoor adventures, mental wellness training through Warrior PATHH, and the significance of continued service and disaster response. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://sheepdogia.org/https://www.facebook.com/SheepDogIA/https://www.instagram.com/sheepdogia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheep-dog-impact-assistance Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode of the Drive On podcast, we chat with Navy veteran and author Jeffrey Wilson about his journey from the battlefield to the page. Jeff talks about his experiences writing the TIER ONE series, a military thriller based on his own experiences. He also discusses the challenges of writing military fiction and the importance of using his platform to uplift his fellow veterans. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://www.andrews-wilson.comhttps://instagram.com/andrewsandWilsonhttps://twitter.com/BAndrewsJWilsonhttps://foldsofhonor.org/https://www.seallegacy.org/https://www.allsecurefoundation.org/https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

BJ Ganem takes us back to his time in Iraq when his vehicle was struck by an I.E.D. This life-altering moment left him with an amputated leg, a mild brain injury, and shrapnel wounds. It was also a pivotal moment that reshaped his perspective on life and led him on a path of service and advocacy. Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, and BJ shares his personal experiences with this process. He discusses how he found his purpose in helping other veterans navigate this journey, particularly through his roles as an accredited Veteran Service Officer and his involvement in establishing the Veteran to Veteran Program with the Semper Fi & America's Fund. BJ's commitment to supporting veterans led him to pursue a Master's in Social Work, with a focus on military life, further enhancing his ability to make a difference in the lives of veterans. BJ is now the founder and CEO of Sierra Delta. Under BJ's leadership, Sierra Delta combines the love of dogs with service to veterans. The organization's core programs, the Life Buddy Program and the Life Force Program play a crucial role in supporting veterans. The Life Buddy Program assists veterans in obtaining and training dogs tailored to their specific needs. The Life Force Program unites veterans and supporters through various activities and initiatives that make a meaningful impact. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://www.sierradelta.com/https://www.facebook.com/SierraDeltaServiceDogshttps://www.instagram.com/sierradeltadogs/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjganem/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Yoga has gained popularity worldwide, but some veterans may not fully understand the depth of its benefits. Today's guest, Nicole Byars, highlights how trauma-informed yoga can be a powerful tool for veterans, addressing both physical and mental well-being. Beyond the physical postures, Nicole unveils the broader aspects of yoga, including its profound impact on mental and emotional health. For those looking to try trauma-informed yoga but don't know where to start, check out The Honest Yoga (link below) on Veterans Day to try a free virtual session. You can do it from the privacy and comfort of your home or wherever you are able to access the internet. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://www.thehonestyoga.comhttps://www.facebook.com/NicoleAByars/https://www.instagram.com/nicbyarshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-byars-58a6b95https://veteransyogaproject.org/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we look into the world of Cyber with Steve Stratton, a retired Green Beret who is on a mission to empower veterans to embrace exciting careers in technology. Steve's journey from his time in the US Army White House Communications and US Secret Service to becoming a Green Beret equipped him with invaluable insights into the skills veterans bring to the table. With the Cyber industry facing an unprecedented talent shortage, veterans possess a unique combination of decision-making, leadership, and adaptability skills that make them ideal candidates for roles in this evolving field. Steve sheds light on the traits veterans should focus on developing to excel in entry-level and higher positions within Cyber, showing how their military background can be a driving force for success. Steve also addresses the concerns veterans might have about entering a tech industry without prior experience. He discusses the companies and industries that are eager to train the right candidates, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing landscape. Join us as we uncover the endless opportunities that Cyber presents for veterans and learn from Steve's expertise on how they can confidently transition from combat to the cutting-edge world of technology. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.com Links & Resources https://stevenstrattonusa.comhttps://instagram.com/stevestrattonusahttps://twitter.com/strattonbooks Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Join us for a conversation with Justin Crane, a former rescue swimmer with a 12-year military background, including special operations missions. Justin's journey took an unexpected turn as he battled depression, substance abuse, and the feeling of being trapped in a victim mentality. However, a powerful transformation awaited him as he chose to take control of his life, embrace self-love, and rediscover his passion. Now, Justin helps others on their paths to empowerment and fulfillment. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-patriot-box/ Links & Resources https://www.instagram.com/justincrane_fit/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we explore veterans' fitness and well-being with Matt Priess, a Marine veteran and the founder of Body Ops Coaching. With a deep understanding of the toll that combat and post-deployment life can take on veterans, Matt embarked on a mission to provide personalized support and guidance in the fitness realm. Matt's journey from his military service to founding Body Ops Coaching is a testament to his commitment to empowering fellow veterans. He seamlessly transitioned his expertise from owning and operating physical gyms to establishing a dynamic online platform that extends support to veterans far and wide. The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be an opportunity to reach even more veterans in need. Tune in to this episode to gain insights into how Body Ops Coaching is not only transforming veterans' physical fitness but also fostering holistic well-being, making a lasting impact on the lives of those who have served. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-patriot-box/ Links & Resources https://www.instagram.com/body_ops/https://twitter.com/matt_priesshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-priess-2709617b/https://thebodyops.com Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Barry Krakow, a highly regarded sleep medicine specialist with an extensive career spanning over three decades. One of the significant topics we address is the connection between trauma and chronic nightmares. Dr. Krakow sheds light on this link and shares valuable insights into managing and treating these distressing nightmares. We also discuss insomnia, exploring effective strategies that veterans and anyone grappling with insomnia can incorporate into their lives to achieve better sleep quality. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-hero-company/ Links & Resources https://www.barrykrakowmd.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Life-Saving-Sleep-Horizons-Treatment/dp/0971586926 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this insightful conversation, we dive into the transformative journey of Ryan Timmermans, who turned his experiences as an Intel Analyst and Psychological Operations specialist in the US Army into a mission of hope. Join us as we explore how Veterans Off-Grid, the organization he founded, is revolutionizing veteran reintegration by providing housing stability, purpose, and holistic healing through sustainable eco-communities and innovative training. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis LineDRIVEONhttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-patriot-box/ Links & Resources https://veteransoffgrid.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VeteransOffgrid.org/https://www.instagram.com/veteransoffgrid/https://twitter.com/Vets_Offgridhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-offgrid/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Joseph Malone's life story is a remarkable journey of transformation and empowerment. From his troubled youth and a life on the streets, he took a courageous step by enlisting in the Marines, ultimately dedicating 13 years to service, including deployments to highly classified operations. Joseph's military journey wasn't without its challenges. He faced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD, struggles that many veterans confront. However, through his determination and resilience, he found a path towards healing and recovery. His story of transitioning from a broken state to a life of purpose serves as an inspiration to countless others. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-patriot-box/ Links & Resources https://www.instagram.com/joseph_malone_official/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-malone-753b10169/https://southerncross.company Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

As a military and civilian police mom, Suzi Freeman possesses a unique perspective on the impact of high-stress professions on mental health. Her determination to equip herself with knowledge in suicide prevention stemmed from her desire to support her own children in their demanding roles while also recognizing the significance of mental health in these communities. Suzi's approach to mental wellness is holistic and multidimensional, incorporating a diverse range of modalities. Her insights as a mother of five children have provided her with valuable insights into the needs of young minds and the challenges they face in navigating life's complexities. Through her work, Suzi aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within professions where seeking assistance might be misunderstood. Her journey of healing from childhood traumas also informs her approach to providing the support she wished she had received during her teenage years. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-hero-company/ Links & Resources https://www.facebook.com/suzi.freeman.ceohttps://www.instagram.com/suzifreemanhttps://www.twitter.com/meetsuzifreemanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/suzifreeman/https://suzifreeman.com Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode, we listen to the powerful story of Kyle Perry, a USMC veteran. Kyle's journey to sobriety is a testament to his resilience and determination. After shedding an astounding 100 lbs following his decision to get sober, he has dedicated his life to helping others, particularly men and veterans, regain their strength and embrace a life of sobriety. Kyle's mission goes beyond physical fitness; it extends to fostering a sense of masculinity that has often taken a back seat in today's discussions. His own experience with sobriety shapes his approach to guiding men and veterans through the process of regaining strength, both physically and mentally. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Kyle Perry shares insights, strategies, and guidance for anyone seeking to embrace sobriety, unlock their strength, and thrive in both body and mind. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-patriot-box/ Links & Resources https://www.instagram.com/perrys_powerhouse_fitness/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Tina Erwin, a retired US Navy Commander, uses her deep understanding of human behavior shaped by her military career to offer healing for veterans who often grapple with the trauma of death, loss, and PTSD. Explore how a holistic approach that blends spiritual insights, metaphysical perspectives, and psychological strategies can aid veterans in their journey to healing from trauma, grief, and PTSD. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-hero-company/ Links & Resources https://tinaerwin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-erwin-0a5b8919/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Mik Milem, the Executive Director of Soldier's Best Friend, joins us to discuss how his organization is on a mission to heal and transform the lives of veterans living with combat-related PTSD or TBI. Soldier's Best Friend pairs veterans with service and therapeutic companion dogs after an extensive training process. The organization also uses rescued dogs from local shelters to help the pet overpopulation problem while offering veterans a lifeline of support and healing. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-patriot-box/ Links & Resources https://soldiersbestfriend.orghttps://www.facebook.com/SoldiersBestFriend/https://instagram.com/Soldiers_best_friend Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Veronica Karaman, a true inspiration who has transformed her athletic journey into a powerful framework for success. "The Champion's Way" is not only a mindset but a holistic approach to peak performance, touching on physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional resonance, and spiritual harmony. Veronica's belief that there's a champion within everyone carries immense relevance for those in the military, as she offers strategies to overcome obstacles and embrace change with resilience. Tune in to discover how you can activate "The Champion's Way" and unleash your highest potential. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Linehttps://4Patriots.comhttps://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-hero-company/ Links & Resources https://TrueChampionAcademy.comhttps://www.facebook.com/veronicakaramancoachinghttps://instagram.com/veronicakaraman Transcript View the transcript for this episode.