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Monday, 21 March, 2022 an EF2 Tornado brought heavy destruction as it ripped across the community known as "Sherwood Shores". Grayson County reported that 10 tornados had touched down. Across the entire state only one life was lost, Mrs. Viranda Rogers was a resident of Sherwood Shores, TX. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and to the families of those injured. With no warning from sirens, this could've been much, much worse. Very blessed. Ways to help those in need can be found at: The United Way of Grayson County (www.unitedwaygrayson.org), for those that are looking to help, thank you! Continue listening folks, the studio and equipment are gone, but I'm going to keep things going. Maybe the source of my sanity is this podcast right now!!! Everyone stay safe and we'll talk to ya again.

Zach Carpenter, Army Veteran, joins the show to chat about how he trains his bird dogs. Zach spends a lot of time afield, so no surprise that he has seen Sasquatch twice. Great chat and information.

What does "Duty" mean to you? When does duty change into something lesser or greater? As Veterans we know what duty means, we were guided by it, in some cases saved by its call to others in our time of need. But what happens when you step beyond duty? Can you name a situation that has a grip on you, have instances of "stated learning"? Wonder what it looks like to flip the script on your emotional connection to certain environments? What about Old Age, have you thought about it? Have you covered your bases so that you're not dying alone in a ditch or just staring out the window of a Veterans Home? This episode I will talk about these things. I spent 30-days as the primary caregiver for my 94yo Marine Veteran Grandpa. As my oldest friend, my Grandpa has guided me throughout my life and supported me. I had a crisis of just what I was doing, was this a duty or something else? In terms of Kantian Ethics it would "duty based", but Noellian Ethics says otherwise. My personal perspective, in regards to my Grandpa, has changed. I've caught myself standing before him and feeling like a 16yo again. I spent a lot of time with this man, folks, so taking on that persona when I was around him was natural. After switching roles, me taking care of him, changed my perspective on our relationship, with growth in the relationship happening at the same time. I feel pretty good mentally in this area. Of course that all changes when I think of my own old age. Holy shit, what a shit show I will be if I don't get squared away now. Gotta work on that character or it's going to be a rough, tough last few years!! Everyone stay safe out there. Share the podcast with other Veterans, your friends, family and those you pass on the street whom you don't know...those kinda shares! Catch ya next time!

Dan Hurd, from "Ride with Dan USA" talked about his cycling journey across the lower 48 states for suicide awareness and how it changed him. There are a total of five episodes where Dan talks about his journey. Here they are: S1, Veterans Chat 18, 23 & 34, and S2, Veterans Chat 3.

Dr. Katie Kopp joins me for a second time on the podcast, this time we tackle suicide and turning our mental health around. Won't lie, had a really tough week. Someone who holds a place in my heart took his life, I haven't felt this level of loss in a very long time, so very fortunate to have Dr. Kopp available to come on and have a chat. Opening things right up, Katie asked me when suicide first effected me. I have to say, two hours later and I feel really good about opening up, sharing my feelings on it and having her there to help me sift through things. Each of us have a had experience that we have a hard time getting around, opening up about these sticking points is clutch. If you're listening to yourself and you're not healing, then you need someone to help you out.  From the point of hopelessness, we talk about not being able to find a way out of our situation, life, and how suicide feels like the only option. How do we gain a footing here and pull ourselves back from the brink?  1) Take care of your personal hygiene and stay healthy. 2) Get a Veteran or 100 in YOUR LIFE! You are either helping or being helped, either way its a win-win for everyone. Everyone needs someone to call them out. This isn't a daily thing here, this is a check-in, get on in there. 3) Know yourself and seek self-improvement. Find out and understand what makes you who you are. Dive deep into what is bothering you, break it up into pieces and understand those little chunks. Stay in the zone of understanding it, gain full knowledge and understanding, move to the next chunk. 4) Don't get comfortable, our demons are waiting...keep your head on a swivel and keep moving! 5) Normalizing Trauma means that you have understanding of what makes you tick. Now its time to make it normal, this trauma is apart of you, your personality will always have elements of this trauma. Breaking the cycle of silence, opening up and getting sound advice from those you trust. 6) Build Compassion & Empathy for yourself, you've been through a lot, take credit for it. If it makes you sad then imagine how others feel, you showing that this too effects you, that is having compassion and empathy. This also helps others to normalize their trauma. A damn win-win again.   Everyone take it easy out there. Reach out to someone and have a meaningful conversation about life. Reach out to Dr. Kopp if you have questions or need guidance on getting plugged into a counselor, [email protected]. Any Veteran that would like to come on and have a chat on the show, email: [email protected]. Let's get it done.   Stay safe and blessed! HOV©2021

Through the course of life we find ourselves, on many occasions, barely holding on to the things we value and put our works into. These many years of life have taught me, in brutal ways sometimes, that change is all around us. We struggle, which is our nature as humans it seems, fighting against the current of life, wondering when we are going to catch a break. Well, that break will never happen, the moment and environment that made that work has passed. Change is all around us, we are in the eye of something that is in constant flux, this is unavoidable.   Resistance to change causes us to be anchored to an old way, one that has passed its period of usefulness. In saying that, the podcast is adjusting to the change times and updating itself, so as to not swim against the current of life as a Veteran.    The long standing episode, the Saga, is out. On paper this episode is amazing, Veterans Gold, but in reality this episode opens chapters of life, that for some produce setbacks. Much like the “war story” genre, if you’re not growing from it then it is holding you back from understanding it. War is not something we just do, war is lived - that lived part of life must be known to us, without the “fog of war” obscuring the truth.   More to follow in regards to episodes. “Children of Fallen Patriots” is an amazing non-profit that provides “gap” assistance to Gold Star Children for college. This organization was founded in 2002 and has provided educational funds, scholarships and more to over 2000 Gold Star Scholars. This is an organization that I know we all can get behind. Reach out to the Gold Star Families you know and ask them if they have enrolled, free benefits, don’t let em go to waste.   “Veterans Mental Health Series” will be out here in a couple of months, four episodes talking about “Our Mental Health” and how we can move up a couple of levels in owning it.    Reach out if you’d like to come on the podcast for a chat, all are welcome. Till then, everyone stay safe, blessed and engaged.

William (Bill) Broadie passed from his earthly life to his eternal heavenly home on January 21, 2021, after a six-week battle against COVID-19.  Bill was born February 26, 1948, in Ashland, KS, to Elmer (Raymond) and Leta (Luke) Broadie. Bill graduated from Ashland High School in 1966. He was a life-long resident of Ashland, KS, a fourth-generation cattleman, and a proud United States Marine. Bill loved being a cowboy. Stories of a young Bill working alongside his father and “helping” out on the ranch were frequently retold. One story often heard was of a very young Bill looking up at one of the cowboys and saying, “Do you want to have some fun?” At that moment, he spurred his Shetland pony, Dynamite Dan, as they went bucking through the middle of the herd “whoopin’ and a hollarin’” and scattering the entire herd after a full morning of gathering. Bill often said it was a good thing it took several hours to regather the cattle; otherwise his father would have killed him. Bill often told stories about growing up on the ranch as a kid. He had several mishaps, including being kicked or runover by cattle or getting bucked off his horse. The first aid administered to him by the cowboys were phrases like “I guess they won’t hurt you in football,” or “Get up it will make you tough,” or “It’s a long way from your heart.” These valuable lessons learned on the ranch of toughness, determination, perseverance, and hard work were reinforced as a Marine and carried him throughout his life. The next chapter in his life was set in motion when Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  During Bill’s deployment to Viet Nam, he was wounded twice. The second one resulted in the amputation of his leg. To put it simply, his air evacuation did not go smoothly. As his good friend Rod Raso stated, “Who the hell else can get shot, dropped out of the helicopter that is supposed to be evacuating him, and still survive?” Bill spent six months in the Philadelphia Naval Hospital recovering from his injuries. He was awarded two Purple Heart Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation. He received an honorable medical discharge in 1968. Bill returned to Ashland and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Kaye Clark, on July 27, 1968. They enrolled at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS, to pursue their educational goals and started their family with the birth of their son, William Barrett on June 8, 1970. Graduating from college, in the spring of 1971, they returned to Ashland to partner with his father & grandfather on the ranch. They gave birth to daughter, Amy Lynette on March 27, 1974. Bill’s determination for leading a full and independent life remained a focal point of his character. He resumed his normal activities of riding horses, roping, doctoring and taking care of cattle, as well as (reluctantly) learning to drive a tractor again, mastering all of these tasks with his wood leg. At one point, his prosthetist wanted to understand why he was breaking so many wood legs. After spending a couple of days on the ranch with Bill, he quickly understood and came up with a reinforced leg, designed to better withstand the cowboy life.  Bill never used his disability as an excuse. He never complained about the hand he was dealt. He led by example and taught his children to get up, keep going, and work hard. If he felt that a pity party was carrying on too long, he would offer a spare leg for a kick in the butt to get you going.  In 1988, Bill joined on with Superior Livestock Auction, a young company that was to revolutionize the cattle industry.  Setting out to build a new career with Superior, he saw the benefit for both producers and livestock in this model of bringing the traditional cattle auction to satellite TV. As a representative for Superior Livestock Auction, his circle of business associates grew nationally. Bill personally marketed ov

Jacob Bowman joins the podcast today for a chat about his time as a Ranger Medic with 2nd Ranger Battalion, the challenges of post-service and the connection back to life that Ayahuasca gave to him.  Not only is Jacob a Veteran, but he is also a Veteran Business Owner. He developed a CBD balm that jump started “Buzzed Bee Balm” with his Mother and a buddy he served with. The Lemon Grass balm is as solid as they come, I’d try that one. A few years ago, Jacob was invited to go down to Medellin, Columbia to take part in an Ayahuasca Ceremony through the non-profit “Heroic Hearts Project”. The scholarships that Heroic Hearts Project provides allow Veterans to go down and participate in the ceremonies. These retreats are not just thrown together, they are vetted by the CEO/Founder and others to insure the safety of the Veterans being sent down. Make sure to check out their website and if you’re a Veteran that thinks this is for them, reach out to them and start the process. Best of Luck! Once again, psychedelics are not a joke or a game. Serious advances in Veterans and others lives are being made by their usage. Get informed and support the advances of healing the souls and minds of those that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us. Everyone is different, that knowledge leads to different forms of treatment to get them back to living amazing lives. Everyone Stay Safe & Blessed!   HOV©2021

Christie Douglas, from Saga Ep. 25, stopped by the studio on her way back up from Dallas and we didn't waste the opportunity. Christie is the voice for the introduction on "Movement Monday", so she was gracious enough to record a few more for Dan. Dan and Christie hadn't seen each other in quite some time, so this was a much-needed reconnection, especially after all that Dan has gone through in the last couple of months. It was a reunion that they both needed and I think it comes out in the episode also. Remember, reconnecting with someone can be life-changing to you both, don't miss these chances if you can help it. I too am guilty of this, always working on rectifying that. Enjoy the episode and help the podcast out by subscribing on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts on. Take the time to comment on an episode that you enjoyed. These comments mean a lot to the podcast, help others find us. Remember, this podcast makes no money, so the little bit we can get in the form of listeners is all that matters to us. Consider helping by sharing the podcast.   Alright, stay blessed and stay tuned for more episodes.   HOV©2020  

Podcasting has really taken off during the pandemic, with folks at home or having a lot of free time, some are taking to this platform to talk about what moves, inspires, or just fills a need in their life. In terms of podcasting, finding your message and coming up with a title is a good start, but once you get past that its on to the format. Are you looking at a “1-on-1 Interview” format or are you wanting to tell a story as a series? Either way, there are five more formats to choose from to get started. Don’t really worry about the length of the podcast at this point, grab your cellphone and start putting in the work. Equipment can vary, we utilize the technology that Rode Microphones has put to get. The Rodecaster Pro w/ Podmics is a great set up, but it runs about $800-900 to get started. The set up we have here is about 2k, but we have more mics, speakers and cables. The “no budget” option with just the cellphone or purchasing a $20 mic is all you need. Practice, Practice, Practice! Spend as much time as you can on the mic w/ headphones on. The dynamic nature of you voice coming from a mic takes some practice to get the “flow” that will drive your podcast. Use an outline to organize your thoughts and practice the delivery, this will help you get your “sound”. After you’ve got that down its time to start finding the guests that have the topics you want to cover. Reach out to family, friends, and friends-of-friends to get those guests that bring the gold for your podcast format and topic.  Either way, don’t be scared! Go for it and make sure you share it with HOV so we can subscribe to your show and promote it. Everyone stay safe out there and enjoy the holiday season. Blessings. ———————————————————— HOV©2020

Victor Varela, Army Veteran, drove up from San Antonio, TX to enjoy the weekend and to have a sit down at the studio for a chat. It was a great time and the is full of Victor’s life and times. As all of us know, the reason we join the service, regardless of branch, is an individual one, framed by the needs of the time. For many college and for some following in the footsteps of a family member or mentor. A deeper connection is reserved for those that seek self-discovery and self-redemption. Victor’s “why” he joined is a story of the redeeming qualities, one that many of us can relate with. He saw his life as something much better than what he was living, joining the Army in 2006 set him on a course of self-correction and finding that sweet spot that he can lean forward and life life. Victor dug his bones in A.co, 2/35 IN BN in Iraq for two deployments, during that time his reason for joining changed to “Why I serve”. Through the struggles of deployment, hand in hand with other Soldiers, his purpose in life changed. Victor is leaning forward in life to help Veterans in need and being apart of the Veterans community in San Antonio. Great chat with Victor and a visit to San Antonio has to happen now, Victor is a member of VFW Post 76, “Oldest VFW Post in Texas”, so excited for that. Everyone stay safe and spread the word about the podcast when you get the time.   HOV©2020

Ryan Wempe - owner of "ChummyVet.com", came up to the "Lakeside Studio" for a chat about what is a Chummy Vet and how connecting with Veterans is a life-defining event. 15% Discount Code: HOVPODCAST  Chummy: Friendly, familiar, thick as thieves, matey, buddy... Veterans know all too well how this feels when you're engaged "in the suck", but we only really relate to "Battle Buddies" and pass over chances to chat with other Veterans. Ryan decided that he wanted to find a way to open the door to communication, a random chance encounter with another Veteran...stepping away with a smile and a new friend. CHUMMY! Ryan has spent the last seven months developing the designs and chatting with other Veterans so that they open the channels of communication between Veterans. When you visit ChummyVet.com, make sure that you read the write-ups, these can also be seen on Facebook and Instagram.  Check out ChummyVet.com online, Instagram, and Facebook!!   HOV©2020