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Host Tyler Pieron chats with Dr. Amanda Kline, Executive Director of the Patriotic Kenny Foundation and Head of Creator Partnerships at Remento. They discuss how a chance neighborhood encounter with the late social media sensation 84-year-old Navy veteran Kenny Jary ("Patriotic Kenny") sparked a nationwide mission to help veterans overcome isolation. Resources & Links Patriotic Kenny Foundation: patriotickenny.com (Nominate a veteran or donate)Remento: remento.co (Preserve family voices and create keepsake books)Contact Amanda: [email protected] or [email protected] Connect with our partners: Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More (New Braunfels, TX): bigfrognb.com V2M Veteran Magazine at v2mag.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Changing careers or transitioning out of the military can feel like an uphill battle, especially in today’s digital-first job market. In this episode of Coming Home Well, host Tyler sits down with Charlotte Creech from Hire Heroes USA to discuss how veterans, active duty service members, and military spouses can find meaningful, long-term careers. They break down the common pitfalls of modern job applications, the realities of skills translation, and how personalized, free career coaching can transform the transition process. Important Links & Resources Mentioned Hire Heroes USA Official Website: hireheroesusa.orgRecommended Timeline: Ideally start engaging with career advisors about 6 months prior to your military transition (though active duty members can register up to a year out). Connect with our partners: Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More (New Braunfels, TX): bigfrognb.com V2M Veteran Magazine at v2mag.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Tyler talks with veteran and author Steven Andrews about his unique historical fiction book, See the Light, Kiss the Ground. Andrews shares what it was like being drafted in 1969, thrust into leadership as an E-6 Staff Sergeant, and using his contemporaneous notes to capture the realities of combat, gallows humor, and moral injury. Key Takeaways The "Shake and Bake" Route: The Army's urgent need for small-unit leaders rushed Andrews through NCO school straight into Vietnam as an inexperienced E-6.Docu-Novel Format: The book pairs fictional combat timelines with real historical events like Kent State and the My Lai trials.Processing Trauma: Andrews discusses how writing honest letters home and documenting his experiences acted as a critical pressure release.Veterans Across Eras: A comparison of the hostile homecomings Vietnam veterans faced versus today's community support. Mentioned in This Episode Book: See the Light, Kiss the Ground by Steven Andrews (available on Amazon)References: Kent State, My Lai Massacre, Karl Marlantes' What It Is Like to Go to War Our Partners Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More (New Braunfels, TX): bigfrognb.com V2M Veteran Magazine: v2mag.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Tyler sits down with Drew LaBoon, a 17-year U.S. Army Special Operations veteran and Chief Operating Officer of Warrior's Heart. Drew shares his raw, powerful journey through severe TBI, complex PTSD, and alcoholism, and explains how finding a specialized, peer-driven treatment community changed everything. Warrior's Heart: Co-occurring treatment programs for warriors in Bandera, TX, and Milford, VA. Visit warriorsheart.com. Our Partners Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More (New Braunfels, TX): bigfrognb.com V2M Veteran Magazine: v2mag.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

What do the Revolutionary War, Navy P-3 Orion flights, and modern executive boardrooms have in common? In this episode, host Tyler Pieron sits down with Navy veteran and author Dr. Andy Moye to unpack his book, From Bunker Hill to the Boardroom. Tune in as they reveal how a 250-year family military lineage sparked a blueprint for translating battle-tested grit into civilian leadership success. Get the Book: From Bunker Hill to the Boardroom: Battle-Tested Leadership for Today's Executives by Andy Moye Andy Moye, PhD Check out V2M Veteran Magazine: v2mag.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

Tyler welcomes licensed therapist and author Cyndi Doyle to discuss the unique challenges faced by law enforcement families. Cyndi, who is also the wife of a police officer, shares insights from her book, Hold the Line: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship, focusing on the psychological and biological impacts of the profession on both the officer and their family. Resource Mentioned Book: Hold the Line: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Law Enforcement RelationshipWebsite: codeforcouples.com. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

In this episode, Tyler sits down with Heidi Langbein-Allen to discuss her father's harrowing experience as a conscripted boy soldier during the final, brutal days of World War II. At just 13 years old, Heidi's father was taken from his parents under the guise of "protection," only to be indoctrinated and thrust into combat against the Russian advance on the Eastern Front. Heidi shares how she eventually turned her father’s taped recollections into a poignant memoir, detailing his journey from a child in the Hitler Youth to a soldier in the Wehrmacht, and his eventual post-war life dedicated to diplomacy and the defense of democracy in Europe. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting trauma of war and the critical importance of documenting oral histories before they are lost to time. Featured Resources Book: Save the Last Bullet: Memoir of a Boy Soldier in Hitler's Army by Heidi Langbein-Allen.Upcoming Work: Heidi discusses her upcoming anthology, Lost Youth: The Horrors of World War II Seen Through Young Eyes, which collects firsthand accounts of childhood survivors of the war. Connect with Coming Home Well Listen to more episodes on your favorite podcast platform.Follow us on social media for show updates and additional resources. Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government."

Why do standard post-deployment screenings miss the mark? What happens when a warrior loses their "tribe" and transitions back to civilian life? In this episode, Tyler sits down with Dr. Shauna "Doc" Springer—a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and one of the world's leading experts on psychological trauma, military transition, and suicide prevention. Doc Springer breaks down why lumping trauma, grief, and moral injury together leads to poor treatment outcomes, and she shares groundbreaking insights on why moral injury may be more closely linked to suicide attempts than trauma exposure itself. From the cutting-edge neuroscience of Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB) to actionable strategies like navigating "Hulk mode" at home, this conversation is an essential blueprint for veterans, first responders, and the families who love them. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Featured Book: Fallout: Ten Common Beliefs that are Killing our Bravest and the Truths that Can Save Them by Dr. Shauna Springer — BOOKS Book: Warrior: How to Support Those Who Protect Us by Dr. Shauna Springer — BOOKSBook: Beyond the Military: A Leader's Handbook for Warrior Re-entry by Dr. Shauna Springer & Jason Roncarati — BOOKSBiological Treatment: Stella Mental Health (SGB Treatments for Veterans & First Responders) — Visit Website Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government."

Navigating the mental health care system can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Tyler sits down with Kate Weaver, Executive Director of NAMI Charlotte, to discuss free, peer-led support networks and revolutionary new tools designed to connect individuals, veterans, and families to care faster than ever. Key Highlights The 11-Year Gap: It takes an average of 11 years from the onset of a mental health issue to receive treatment. NAMI is working to shrink that timeline to just 4 weeks.The NAMI Navigator: A groundbreaking new tool featuring a searchable provider directory (by ZIP, insurance, language, and diagnosis) backed by personal follow-up calls to ensure connection to care.Confidentiality Matters: Critical insights into how NAMI protects anonymity, especially for first responders and veterans concerned about career impacts.Targeted Support: Overview of specialized groups for veterans (Homefront course), LGBTQ+, young adults, neurodivergent individuals, and faith communities (Bridges to Hope).The Impact of 988: Discussion on how states with higher 988 utilization saw an 18% reduction in young adult suicide rates. Resources Mentioned NAMI National: nami.orgNAMI Charlotte & Navigator Tool: namicharlotte.org (Email: [email protected])988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, free, and confidential) Help us share these vital resources by subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast app! Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the U.S. Government."

If you found value in this episode leave us a review and be sure to subscribe so you do not miss an episode. Are you planning your retirement using civilian tools and calculators? If so, you’re likely leaving millions of dollars on the table. In this episode, host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Randy Senkle, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, first sergeant, and the creator of the popular YouTube channel The Enlisted Millionaire. Randy joins the show to break down the "hidden math" of military service. We dive deep into why your benefits—pension, VA disability, and TRICARE—aren't just perks; they are massive financial assets that change your net worth overnight. Whether you are active duty, Guard/Reserve, or a veteran, this episode will help you understand the real dollar value of your service and how to avoid the predatory traps waiting at the base gates. Resources Mentioned YouTube: The Enlisted MillionaireMentorship: American Corporate Partners (ACP) – Free veteran mentorship programs.VA Home Loan: Request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)Planning Ahead: VA Burial Benefits Pre-Registration Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the U.S. Government."

Found value in the show? Help us reach more people by leaving a review! Tell us what stands out to you, or suggest a topic you want us to dive into next. Your reviews and ideas are what keep this mission moving forward for the entire Unified Service Family. When a 34-year law enforcement veteran suffers a stroke on duty, you’d expect his department to have his back. For Randy Sutton, the reality was a heartbreaking betrayal: denied benefits, a grueling legal battle, and the sudden loss of his identity. In this powerful episode, Randy, founder of The Wounded Blue, author, and retired LVMPD Lieutenant, joins Tyler to discuss the "Thin Blue Line" of support he’s building for injured and struggling officers across the country. They dive deep into the culture of silence around mental health, the corruption of workers' comp, and the miraculous stories of recovery fueled by peer support. 🔗 Resources & Links: Official Website: thewoundedblue.orgThe 9-1-1 Campaign: Join the mission by donating just $9.11/month to support injured officers. Donate Here24/7 Peer Support: If you are an officer in need, support is available directly via the website.National Law Enforcement Survival Summit: Join Randy and the team in Las Vegas, September 28–30. Event Details Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the U.S. Government."

Leave a review if you like this episode! How do you prepare for life after the badge? Host Tyler sits down with Paul Pantani, a 35-year law enforcement veteran, to discuss the mental, professional, and personal hurdles of retiring from a career in first response. From patrol officer to Commander at a DA’s Office, Paul shares the hard lessons he learned about identity, timing, and why even two years of podcasting about "transition" didn't fully prepare him for his own retirement in December 2023. Key Takeaways & Advice The Identity Shift: Your badge is a uniform, not your entire self. Maintain hobbies (like Paul’s jiu-jitsu) and a "tribe" outside the department to soften the transition.Promotion with Purpose: Align your career advancements with civilian credentials. If you want to lead in the private sector, seek leadership roles and certifications now.The 10-Year Rule: Start planning your "Next Objective" at least a decade before your exit date.Negotiation 101: Unlike fixed government pay scales, the civilian world is negotiable. Know your worth before you walk into the interview.Permission to Pivot: Your first job after the uniform doesn't have to be your forever home. Give yourself grace to course-correct. Resources Mentioned Transition Drill Podcast: Long-form interviews with veterans and first responders.Your Next Objective: Paul’s solo show featuring condensed guidance for short, medium, and long-range retirement planning.The FIRE Movement: Exploring Financial Independence, Retire Early strategies.TAP: Insights from the military’s Transition Assistance Program. Connect with our Guest: Look for Paul Pantani on the Transition Drill Podcast and follow his latest work on Your Next Objective. Support the Unified Service Family: Visit our website to learn more about resources for veterans, first responders, and their families. Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the U.S. Government."

In this episode, Tyler sits down with Fred Apgar, a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and author of Return to the War on Plaine des Jarres. Fred served with the 7th Airborne Command and Control Squadron (7 ACCS), coordinating the clandestine air war over Laos. Fred discusses the complexities of the "Secret War," the painful homecoming many veterans faced, and his transformative 2014 return to Southeast Asia. From meeting survivors of the very bombings he coordinated to an emotional encounter with a former North Vietnamese officer, Fred’s story is a powerful testament to the healing found in forgiveness and shared humanity. Featured Books: Return to the War on Plaine des Jarres by Fred ApgarLeadership Lessons from the Field by Fred Apgar Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the U.S. Government."

Please leave us a review if you like this episode. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Rob Evans, the developer and visionary behind two disruptive platforms: Hots and Cots and Vet Stats. Rob’s mission is simple but profound: use transparency to improve the lives of those who serve. From rating moldy barracks and undercooked dining hall food to evaluating VA healthcare quality, Rob discusses how anonymous, data-driven feedback is forcing accountability at the highest levels of the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Resources & Links Vet Stats Website: vet-stats.ioHots and Cots: Hots&Cots Available on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.Social Media: Follow the mission on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook. #Military #Veterans #VAHealthcare #QualityOfLife #Transparency #MilitaryBarracks #VeteransAffairs #HotsAndCots #VetStats Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the U.S. Government."

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pieron and Michelle Schafer share practical strategies to help veterans and service members translate military experience into civilian careers, build strong resumes and LinkedIn profiles, network effectively, and find work aligned with their values. You’ll Learn: How to identify and communicate transferable military skills Resume and LinkedIn strategies for civilian employers Why referrals fill most jobs before they’re posted How to network through conversation—not self-promotion Five reflection questions to clarify your next career move Resources & Links: Career Focus Framework • Cultivating Career Growth • LinkedIn • Glassdoor Connect with Michelle: mschafercoaching.ca | LinkedIn Disclaimer: "The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War or the U.S. Government."