Best Veteran Reintegration Podcasts (2025)

1
Empowering Service with Brigadier-General Mark Parsons 35:55

Play Pause

20h ago35:55

35:55

Brigadier-General Mark Parsons, CD, from the 5th Canadian Division, joins host Colonel Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia and a senior officer in the Primary Army Reserve, for a compelling conversation about the vital role of the Canadian Reserve Force in national security and community support. Often referred to as “citizen soldiers…

1
Canadian Defence with the Honourable Peter MacKay 46:59

22d ago46:59

46:59

In this inaugural episode, Commissionaires Nova Scotia CEO and host, Barry Pitcher, sits down with the Honourable Peter MacKay, PC, KC, to discuss the evolving security landscape and the importance of supporting Canada’s veterans. From service to defence, this conversation explores leadership, legacy and national purpose. Topics Covered: Peter MacK…

1
Introducing: Purpose & Protection 1:44

1M ago1:44

1:44

Commissionaires Nova Scotia proudly presents Purpose & Protection, a podcast dedicated to the people behind Canada’s security: veterans, their families, civilians and all those dedicated to keeping our communities safe.By Commissionaires Nova Scotia

1
|int| From Battlefields to Breakthroughs: Mark Cunningham on the Healing Journey of Veterans Through MDMA-Assisted Therapy | Ep 106 1:16:42

11M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

What if the key to healing trauma lies in the unexpected fusion of military discipline and psychedelic therapy? This episode features an enlightening conversation with Army veteran Mark Cunningham, who reveals his journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the nuanced world of MDMA-assisted therapy. With a rich background in anthropology and m…

1
|Int| Transforming Trash to Treasure with Neil Krovats's Green Business Breakthroughs | Ep 105 1:14:08

1+ y ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Embark on an enlightening journey with Neil Krovats, the mastermind behind Clearline Technologies, as we unveil the secrets of his entrepreneurial metamorphosis. Discover how this visionary ventured beyond the family business to sculpt an eco-friendly empire from recycled tire rubber, crafting pipe supports that redefine industry standards and envi…

1
|int| Charting a New Course: Sean Duclay on Sailing as Sanctuary for Veterans' Reintegration and Recovery | Ep 104 50:28

1+ y ago50:28

50:28

As a former Marine ReconScout Sniper, I've weathered storms both literal and metaphorical, but nothing quite mirrors the tempest of reintegration that veterans face. Sean Duclay from Sail Ahead joins me, your host Thad David, to navigate these choppy waters, revealing how sailing provides a lifeline to veterans adrift in the civilian world. We set …

1
|int| Bridging the Battlefront to Homefront: Dr. Chris Frueh on Confronting Operator Syndrome | Ep 103 1:22:41

1+ y ago1:22:41

1:22:41

When my great grandfather returned from the Spanish-American War, the battle followed him home, casting a long shadow over his daily life. Dr. Chris Frueh joins us to shed light on this very darkness that many veterans confront, known as Operator Syndrome—an affliction that intertwines mental and physical health, leaving a complex legacy of sufferi…

1
|int| Unmasking the Invisible Wounds: A Deep Dive into Moral Injury and the Rebirth of Hope for Veterans | Ep102 1:04:02

1+ y ago1:04:02

1:04:02

As a former Marine Recon Scout Sniper, the invisible wounds of moral injury in veterans are a subject close to my heart. It's why I'm honored to sit down with Mary Scott from Pivotal Impact Programs, who joins us with over three decades of mental health expertise. Together, we peel back the layers of this complex issue, sharing insights and stories…

1
Subtracting to Enhance Life: How Less Became More in My Journey to Health and Happiness | Ep 101 11:14

1+ y ago11:14

11:14

When I stripped away the excesses from my diet—sweets, booze, and meat—I stumbled upon a transformative power that reshaped my life. It's Thad David here, your host and former Marine recon scout sniper, and I'm thrilled to share with you how the art of subtraction has revolutionized my health and personal well-being. This isn't just my own tale; it…

1
|int| Redefining the Possible: John Register's Journey from Combat Veteran to Paralympic Triumph and Beyond | Ep 100 1:12:42

1+ y ago1:12:42

1:12:42

When life threw John Register a curveball that would make most people give up, he turned it into a stepping stone for something greater. Sit back and be inspired by the incredible journey of this combat veteran and Paralympic silver medalist, as he shares with us the indomitable spirit that drove him to redefine the possible after a life-altering i…

1
|int| Navigating Depths and Resilience: Navy Veteran Bart Bartholomew's Voyage of Service and Survival | Ep 99 1:06:54

1+ y ago1:06:54

1:06:54

When Bart Bartholomew, a Navy veteran with an incredible life story, joins me, Thad David, you know you're in for a journey that traverses the depths of the ocean and the human spirit. Bart's unexpected draft notice at 17 thrust him into an adventure with the Navy, a tale of resilience he narrates with humor and honesty. His vivid recounting of boo…

1
|int| The Unseen Battles: Marshall Spring on Veterans' Mental Health and the Quest for Post-Traumatic Growth | Ep 98 57:05

1+ y ago57:05

57:05

The weight of a service member's armor never fully lifts, even long after the battlefields have fallen silent. Marshall Spring, a former Marine Corps canine handler, joins us to navigate the labyrinth of veterans' mental health, illuminating the darkest corners where depression and suicide lurk. His story is a stark reminder that the fight for our …

1
|int| Exploring the Canvas of Veteran Recovery w/ Jackie Jones | Ep 97 1:09:28

1+ y ago1:09:28

1:09:28

When Jackie Jones of Flourish Momentum shares her journey from an art educator to a therapist, we're reminded that sometimes the most profound changes in our lives come from unexpected transitions. This episode is a testament to how embracing the art of healing can illuminate a path toward reclaiming life after trauma, particularly for veterans and…

1
|int| Navigating Service and Sacrifice: Navy Veteran Bob Merrick's Journey from Vietnam to Civilian Triumph | Ep 96 58:57

2y ago58:57

58:57

Imagine enlisting in the Navy seeking freedom, only to confront the paradox of military hierarchy and the stark realities of war. Our distinguished guest, Navy Veteran Bob Merrick, takes us through the gripping twists and turns of his service—from deciding to join during the Vietnam War to the chilling recollection of Christmas in boot camp. His st…

1
|int| Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: Army Ranger Lt. Col. Lisa Jaster on Shattering Stereotypes and Leading With Purpose | Ep 95 1:35:52

2y ago1:35:52

1:35:52

When a Vietnam vet's road to reconciliation with his son intersects with my own journey as an author, the result is a poignant exploration of familial bonds, military service, and the lingering echoes of PTSD. Join us for an enlightening chat with Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Jaster, an icon of determination and one of the first women to graduate from R…

1
|int| Forging the Path to Healing: Sue Johnson's Journey from Vietnam to Veterans' Advocate | Ep 94 1:23:01

2y ago1:23:01

1:23:01

From the heart-wrenching tale of Sue Johnson, a retired Army veteran and an adoptee from Vietnam, to the candid accounts of veterans grappling with PTSD, this episode is a tapestry of stories that explores the power of forgiveness, the journey of self-discovery, and the resilience of the human spirit. Sue's riveting story offers an insightful glimp…

1
|int| Preserving the Past: Brad Hoopes's Mission to Chronicle Veterans | Ep 93 56:51

2y ago56:51

56:51

What if you could peek into the seldom-shared tales of our veterans - those who have bravely served our country? In our engaging conversation with Brad Hoops, the founder of Remember and Honor, we bring you just that. Brad’s remarkable project is dedicated to preserving the stories of our veterans through personal interviews, and our discussion unc…

1
|int| Teimojin Tan's Guide to Navigating Survival Medicine and Personal Finance | Ep 92 49:54

2y ago49:54

49:54

* Check out Teimojin's Early Bird Registration on the link below* Prepare yourself as we journey into the heart-pounding realm of survival medicine with our esteemed guest, Teimojin Tan. This Canadian veteran, doctor, and finalist of the ninth season of a survival show, Tan enlightens us with his wisdom from his new book, "Survival Medicine 101: Yo…

1
|int| From Attempted Suicide to Physically Fit and Mentally Sound w/ Lieutenant Commander Dave Snell | Ep 91 1:37:17

2y ago1:37:17

1:37:17

Imagine, you've seen the world, fought wars, studied international relations, and yet, your toughest battle is the one within. This episode, we tackle the rarely discussed topic of mental health within the military. Our guest, a retired veteran, is candid about his personal journey of recovery, offering us a glimpse into a world that often goes uns…

1
|int| Leading With Precision: A Dive Into the Life, Lessons and Leadership of Marine Sniper Instructor Caylen Wojcik | Ep 90 1:55:07

2y ago1:55:07

1:55:07

As a seasoned Marine and former scout sniper school instructor, Caylen Wojcik joined us on the podcast to lay bare the trials and triumphs of his military journey. We traverse the storied corridors of our military experiences, reflecting on the pivotal roles of mentorship and the impactful life lessons that service so generously offers. Caylen crac…

1
|int| From Vietnam to the Homefront: SL Waller's Battle to Adapt | Ep 89 1:11:10

2y ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Have you ever wondered what it's like to make a combat jump in the midst of the Vietnam War? SL Waller, a seasoned US Army veteran, takes us through his riveting journey, beginning from the moment he enlisted in November 1964, through his first combat jump in 1967, and beyond. His story doesn't just end on the battlefield, but extends into his jour…

1
|After Action| Redefining Happiness: How Steve Found Contentment in Serving Others | Ep 88 7:13

2y ago7:13

7:13

What if the key to happiness lies not in our personal accomplishments, but in serving others? In this debrief of our last interview with our guest, Steve from Hives for Heroes, knows this concept all too well. As a former marine, he had achieved traditional success— a loving family, financial stability, a fulfilling job — but he wasn’t truly conten…

1
|int| Steve Jimenez: A Tale of Triumph, Bees, and the Power of Mentorship | Ep 87 1:11:35

2y ago1:11:35

1:11:35

This week On Your Lead, we're diving into an extraordinary conversation about the journey from chaos to contentment, and the surprising ways honey bees impact us all. Meet Our Guest: Steve Jimenez - Founder of Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit that uses beekeeping to support veterans. Steve opens up about the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping and how …

1
|After Action| How Daily Gratitude Journaling Transformed an Ex-Ranger's Life | Ep 86 9:45

2y ago9:45

9:45

In this After Action we glance back at the previous interview we had with Griff, Former Ranger and Co-Founder of Combat Flip Flop. Griff's story is a powerful one. What stood out to me most was the profound impact that gratitude and daily journalling had on his life so I decided to deep dive into it in this episode. Contact Thad - VictoriousVeteran…

1
|int| From Army Ranger to Entrepreneur: Griff's Journey of Resilience and Ingenuity | Ep 85 50:53

2y ago50:53

50:53

What happens when an Army Ranger's path takes a sharp detour towards entrepreneurship? Our guest Griff gives us an inside look into this unexpected journey. Griff, co-founder of Combat Flip Flops, started his military career in a bid to attend the Coast Guard Academy, but life had other plans. He ended up at West Point, aiming for the skies as a pi…

1
|int| Grounded in Discipline: Unlocking Wealth and Conquering Fear with Jay Ly | Ep 84 42:57

2y ago42:57

42:57

Imagine what would happen if you harnessed the discipline of a former EOD Technician and applied it to your personal and financial life. That's exactly what we explore in this fascinating conversation with Jay Ly. Jay, a seasoned personal finance, leadership, and communications coach, emphasizes the significance of regular and precise coaching to m…

1
|int| Embracing Adversity: How Recon Marine Jammer Actual Learns From Failures | Ep 83 1:04:20

2y ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Ready to be emboldened? Join us as we invite Erin Switzer aka Jammer Actual, Recon Marine, and Call of Duty character, to our show. Embark on an exhilarating journey as Erin, a man who tackled college football before pivoting to a rewarding military career, unrolls the map to his life. The call to action is clear: time waits for none, and neither s…

1
|int| Discovering Strength: How Meg Tucker is Revolutionizing Women's Fitness in The Military | Ep 81 1:03:23

2y ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Imagine taking a leap of faith, shifting careers from aviation to Psychological Operations (PSYOP) in the military, and then venturing into fitness entrepreneurship! That is precisely what our guest, military officer Meg Tucker did. In this riveting episode, Meg shares her journey, the lessons she learned, and how she leveraged her experiences to l…

1
Conquering The Pikes Peak Marathon: Unearthing Life Lessons & Power of Mentorship | Ep 80 17:10

2y ago17:10

17:10

Ever faced a daunting goal and wondered how to conquer it? I just completed a goal I made to myself 10 years ago. Amid the struggle and sacrifice, an unexpected joy and appreciation for life unfolded through each step taken towards the finish line. This personal journey of mine was not just about crossing the finish line, but the lessons unearthed …

1
|int| Triumph Over Transition: Exploring a Navy Veteran's Journey from Military to Civilian Life w/ Lara Beltz | Ep 79 56:49

2y ago56:49

56:49

Can you imagine the strength it takes to transition from a military career to civilian life? This week we're privileged to share a deeply personal conversation with Lara Beltz, a Navy veteran who courageously shares her journey through transformative military experiences, shedding light on the internal struggles many veterans face post-service. Lar…

1
|After Action| Dissecting Chaos: Insights from our interview w/ Matt Stack, Author of "Killing Chaos" | Ep 79 7:22

2y ago7:22

7:22

This weeks after action takes us on a dive into a key take away from the last interview that we had with Matt Stack, Author of Killing Chaos. Matt's perspective takes veterans on an incredible journey into the why behind are seemingly always chaotic lives. Once you identify what it is then you can start to shift how we let it into our lives and thi…

1
|int| From Battlefield to Balance: Matt Stack Discusses Killing Chaos | Ep 78 1:03:15

2y ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Just imagine, trading a life of partying and video games for the disciplined world of the Marines. That's precisely the journey Matt Stack, author of "Killing Chaos: How Veterans Can Win the War They Didn't Even Know They Were Fighting," embarked on. From being a party-loving high school student to an esteemed Marine Corps veteran, Matt opens up ab…

1
The Impact of Your Actions: Why Intention Isn't Enough | Ep 77 11:33

2y ago11:33

11:33

Do you ever wonder what separates the successful from the rest? The answer lies in the power of discipline, intention, and action. This engaging conversation will help you embrace these key elements as we discuss overcoming fear to take consistent action and the significance of doing what needs to be done, even if it's uncharted territory for you. …

1
|After Action| A Heart for Empathy and Combatting Challenges | Ep 76 11:48

2y ago11:48

11:48

In this After Action we take a dive into some key take aways that I had from the previous interview we had with Katheryn Basso. In the previous interview she shared a hidden yet crucial issue is gripping our military - ill-fitting gear for women. Imagine being in the line of duty and being hindered by your own equipment. That's the reality many wom…

1
|int| Bridging the Gap: Katheryn Basso on Women’s Tactical Gear and Military Challenges | Ep 75 1:10:44

2y ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be the only woman in a room full of military personnel? Our guest, Katheryn Basso, a former Marine officer, shares her inspiring journey from studying sports medicine at the University of Virginia to navigating a male-dominated military landscape. Basso's remarkable military career was fueled by her passion and …

1
The Power of Action: Shedding Light on Fear and Self-Belief | Ep 74 7:42

2y ago7:42

7:42

Ever felt like you're stuck in a rut, unable to break free and reach your goals? This episode uncovers the hidden mental barriers that might be holding you back. We discuss how our belief system can dictate our actions and achievements, and why the notion that something is impossible might just be in our head. Discover the art of breaking down thes…

1
|After Action| Cultivating Gratitude: Lessons from Teimojin Tan | Ep 73 6:06

2y ago6:06

6:06

In this episode we break down one key concept from the full interview we had earlier in the week. Teimojin Tan's full interview is the previous episode, episode 72. This week, we sat down with the one-and-only Teimojin Tan, a seasoned surgeon, Canadian Veteran, and reality TV star, whose stories of survival and resilience are nothing short of remar…

1
|int| Alone Season Nine's Teimojin Tan Takes Us Beyond the Cold | Ep 72 47:10

2y ago47:10

47:10

Have you ever wondered what it takes to survive in sub-zero temperatures? Join us as we journey into the icy realms of cold weather warfare with our guest, Teimojin Tan, a physician, and former infantryman of the Canadian Armed Forces. A seasoned survivalist, Teimojin sheds light on the extreme challenges he faced while trudging through arctic envi…

1
|int| OODA Loop: Mastering Decisions in High-Stakes Scenarios w/ Jeremy Dodson | Ep 71 35:01

2y ago35:01

35:01

Ever felt stuck in a high-tension scenario, with seconds to decide your next move? Join us in a riveting chat with previous guest, Jeremy Dodson, where we unpack the OODA Loop, a decision-making process that could quite possibly be your lifeline in such situations. Originally devised by Air Force Colonel John Boyd, this Observe, Orient, Decide, and…

1
|int| Relentlessly Responsible w/ Aaron Gaynor | Ep 70 59:40

2y ago59:40

59:40

Imagine loading semis for a meager $14 an hour, and then fast forward to founding a multi-million dollar company in the trades. That's the awe-inspiring journey of my great friend and mentor, Aaron Gaynor. Together, we traverse his incredible story and pull back the curtain on the true essence of responsibility and commitment in the daunting world …

1
|After Action| Shifting Mindsets: Jose Martinez's Resilient Spirit | Ep 69 10:06

2y ago10:06

10:06

Have you ever wondered how the power of a shift in mindset from negative to positive can change your life? That's just what our guest for the previous episode, Jose Martinez, an army veteran and a triple amputee, demonstrates through his remarkable story. Jose didn't play the victim card; instead, he chose to steer his life's ship, turning unfavora…

1
|int| A Story of Survival and Triumph: Jose Martinez's Inspiring Journey | Ep 68 1:36:31

2y ago1:36:31

1:36:31

Today, we introduce to you the remarkable Jose Martinez, a leader and survivor with an inspiring story of triumph over adversity. A triple amputee who defied the odds to walk again, Jose is a living testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. From a childhood marred by an abusive father in Compton to a military career that ended with…

1
|int| Childhood Trauma to Success: A Conversation w/ Dr. Robb Kelly | Ep 67 39:55

2y ago39:55

39:55

What happens when a child experiences trauma and how does it impact their journey through life? This is the hard-hitting question that Dr. Robb Kelly and I unpack in today's conversation. We traverse a path laden with insights on how childhood trauma can set us on a journey towards addiction, often resulting in destructive cycles that echo through …

1
|After Action| If Everything is Important Nothing is Important | Ep 66 7:02

2y ago7:02

7:02

Are you ready to become a master of your time? We uncover the secrets of time management and habit formation from the previous interview with Mike, a guru in intentional time management. His proven strategies will empower you to be more productive in your personal and professional life. We delve into a four-step process that will revolutionise your…

1
|int| Understanding the Value of Time: Strategies for Intentional Living and Goal Setting w/ Mike Barnhart | Ep 65 39:46

2y ago39:46

39:46

Are you ready to redefine your understanding of time and its value? Our guest for this episode, Mike Barnhart, CFO and co-owner of a $70 million shop, uncovers the secrets of achieving personal and professional goals by intentionally managing his time. Mike's journey from growing a $2 million shop into a $70 million one is nothing short of inspirin…

1
Unlocking Potential: How Your Beliefs Shape Your Reality and Influence Success | Ep 64 6:42

2y ago6:42

6:42

Ever wondered why you're not achieving the level you aspire to in your life? The culprit could be your belief system. We take a deep dive into this life-altering concept, exploring how your beliefs about the world around you, what you believe is possible and impossible shape your reality. We uncover the potent role of the Reticular Activating Syste…

1
|After Action| Running with the Bulls: An Exploration of Fear and Commitment | Ep 63 12:14

2y ago12:14

12:14

What does it really mean to be fully committed? How prepared are you when life's bulls come charging at you? Today, we take you on a journey into the heart-pounding world of running with the bulls, guided by the wisdom of army veteran and master bull runner, Dennis Clancy. Sharing his profound experience of running with these powerful beasts over a…

1
|int| Running with the Bulls in Pamplona w/ Dennis Clancey |Ep 62 1:29:06

2+ y ago1:29:06

1:29:06

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled journey with our guest Dennis Clancey, an Army veteran who has embraced life on the edge, running with bulls in Pamplona and traversing over 100 countries. We kick off the conversation exploring Dennis's military lineage that guided him into the army, and then plunge into the heart-pounding tales of his experience…

1
|After Action| Small Steps to Big Transformations | Ep 61 6:23

2+ y ago6:23

6:23

What if you could transform your daily habits and long-term goals by simply focusing on your priorities? That's the compelling question Jose Garner grappled with during his inspiring 30-day challenge. We had the honor of delving into a profound conversation with Jose, hearing about his journey in setting goals, making them his priority, and beating…

1
|int| Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Mediocre w/ Jose Gardner | Ep 60 37:07

2+ y ago37:07

37:07

I had a fascinating conversation with Jose Garner, who embarked on a 30-day challenge to fundamentally reshape his approach to discipline, health, and lifestyle habits. Strap in as we delve into Jose's journey - his struggles, his victories, and everything in between. We discuss the importance of balance - knowing when to push and when to rest, and…