Best Wounded Warrior Project Podcasts (2025)

1
Behind the Scenes: Upcoming Events at Warrior Retreat 36:42

3d ago36:42

36:42

The transformative power of community support takes center stage in this revealing conversation with your host and Diane Lunsford, the Warrior Retreat Events Coordinator. As the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary of opening its doors to wounded warriors, it shares the profound impact its work has had on over 2,700 service members and thei…

1
Championing Veteran Health: Dr. Matthew Reinhard on Interdisciplinary Approaches to Military Exposure Research 27:47

10d ago27:47

27:47

Ever wondered how military service shapes a career in healthcare? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Matthew Reinhard, a leading figure in neuropsychology and the Director of the Complex Exposure Threat Center of Excellence at the VA in Washington, DC. Discover the personal journey that led him to champion veterans' health, inspired by…

1
Military Kids Matter: The Blog Giving Voice to Children of Wounded Warriors 23:11

17d ago23:11

23:11

What happens when the children of wounded warriors grow up and decide to create the support system they wish they'd had? Meet Sinaiyah (16) and Azara (14) Emami, two remarkable sisters who are changing the landscape for military children navigating the complexities of life with a wounded parent. When the Emami sisters first visited the Warrior Retr…

1
From Military Paychecks to Civilian Budgets: Creating Your Financial Battle Plan 27:42

24d ago27:42

27:42

Financial transitions can be just as challenging as emotional ones for our military service members. Veterans who once had legal, financial, and human resources support readily accessible suddenly face navigating these complex systems alone—often at significant out-of-pocket expense. The Warrior Retreat at Bull Run's innovative Financial Literacy P…

1
Ep 72 - The Stonerifics of It 25:23

25d ago25:23

25:23

After a break since December, Jon D. is back with Episode 72! He’s celebrating a big sobriety milestone and diving into everything from streaming service price hikes to freezing cold snaps and Canadian winters. Jon also chats about this year’s National Film Registry picks, shares a quick story about meeting Tommy Chong, and wonders—just how tall is…

1
Defending Our Hidden Heroes: Colonel Schaffer's Mission to Protect Military Children 30:43

1M ago30:43

30:43

Colonel Adrienne L. Schaffer Esq., a retired Army JAG officer with over 33 years of service, reveals the often-overlooked struggles of military children and the powerful work of the Military Children's Six Foundation. As founder and CEO, she champions a mission of leadership development and advocacy for these "hidden heroes" who sacrifice alongside…

1
Serving Those Who Served: Inside The Warrior Retreat Volunteer Community 32:57

1M ago32:57

32:57

The heart and soul of the Warrior Retreat beats through its remarkable volunteer community. With only one full-time executive director and six part-time staff members, this extraordinary sanctuary for wounded veterans thrives thanks to the dedication of over 1,300 volunteers who contributed their time and talents last year alone. Volunteer Coordina…

1
SEAL Team 6: Inside Stories with an Original Plank Owner 44:17

2M ago44:17

44:17

A rare conversation with Frank Phillips, one of the original "plank owners" of SEAL Team 6 and Red Cell, takes us behind the curtain of America's elite counter-terrorism unit and reveals startling truths about national security vulnerabilities that later became tragic realities. Frank shares his remarkable journey from being a restless 17-year-old …

1
Empowering Military Families: Overcoming Challenges with Operation Homefront 26:30

2M ago26:30

26:30

What unique challenges do military families face, and how can we support them in times of need? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Vivian Dietrich, the Senior Regional Director for Region 4 of Operation Homefront, who brings 17 years of experience to the table. Gain insight into the critical financial assistance programs aimed at allevia…

1
Supporting Veterans Through Mindfulness and Compassion 23:09

2M ago23:09

23:09

What if the key to healing and thriving after service lies in mindfulness and community? Join us as we welcome Charla and David Truesdale, the dynamic force behind the Warrior Spirit Project, a nonprofit that’s making waves in Texas by transforming the lives of veterans and first responders. Charla's expertise in health education and yoga, combined…

1
Brain Injury Awareness Month: Understanding TBI and Its Impact 40:47

2M ago40:47

40:47

Brain injuries are more common than most of us realize, and this episode sheds light on the critical issue of traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness. Join host Larry Zilliox, along with Donna Meltzer, CEO of Brain Injury Services, and Dr. Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, adjunct faculty in the Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, as they expl…

1
Building Stronger Veteran Communities with GenVets 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jen Wagman, the visionary president and founder of GenVets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and easing their transition into civilian life. Inspired by her father, a retired Air Force colonel and judge advocate, Jen made a remarkable shift from her Wall Street career to championing…

1
Empowering Veteran Futures: The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families 25:29

3M ago25:29

25:29

Discover Ray Toenniessen's transformative journey as he takes us from his early days as an ROTC cadet at Syracuse University to his influential role at the Daniello Institute for Veteran and Military Families. Ray shares his insights on how a generous $30 million endowment from alum Dan D’Aniello has revitalized the Institute, turning it into a pow…

1
Advocating for Affordable Military Housing Solutions 19:19

3M ago19:19

19:19

Unlock the challenges facing U.S. military service members in their pursuit of affordable housing with insights from our guest, Alissa Czyz, a Director at the Defense Capabilities and Management Section of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO report titled Military Housing: DOD Should Address Critical Supply and Affordability Challen…

1
Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs: Rachel Miller on Fostering Sustainable Growth at the PenFed Foundation 24:15

3M ago24:15

24:15

Discover the transformative journey of Rachel Miller, program manager for the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program, as she shares her inspiring transition from banking to education to empowering veterans in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Rachel gives us an inside look at the impactful initiatives designed to help veterans develop and sca…

1
Guarding Guam: Phil Massicotte on Military Life and Transitioning to Civilian Adventures 45:13

3M ago45:13

45:13

What does it take to transition from high school to the Air Force and end up guarding nuclear weapons on a tropical island? Join me, Larry Zilliox, as I chat with Phil Massicotte, a retired law enforcement officer and Air Force veteran, who shares his unexpected journey to Guam after enlisting right out of high school. We reminisce about the strang…

1
Resilience in Crisis: Supporting Veterans Through California Wildfires 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

Join us as we sit down with Commander Joe Ramirez from the American Legion Post 283 in Pacific Palisades, California, for an eye-opening conversation about the recent wildfire crisis that nearly brought their close-knit veteran community to its knees. With compelling firsthand accounts, Commander Ramirez sheds light on the harrowing experience of e…

1
Driving Independence: Tammy Phipps on Empowering Veterans Through Driver Rehabilitation 41:28

4M ago41:28

41:28

Ever wondered how a retired Army major transformed her passion for helping wounded warriors into a groundbreaking driver rehabilitation program? Meet Tammy Phipps, the driving force behind the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, LLC, where she empowers wounded warriors to regain their independence through vehicle modifications. Her journey …

1
Leading the Way: Commissioner Chuck Zingler on Transforming Veteran Services in Virginia 44:41

4M ago44:41

44:41

Join us as we welcome Chuck Zingler, the dynamic Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, who takes us on an extraordinary journey from his early days enlisting in the Navy to the pivotal role he plays today. Inspired by the disciplined footsteps of his Marine father, Chuck's career is a testament to resilience and leadership, h…

1
Navigating New Beginnings: Peter Baker on Military Transition and Finding Community in Civilian Life 25:21

5M ago25:21

25:21

Retired Army Colonel Peter Baker joins us to unravel the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from military service as an officer. Imagine standing at the crossroads of duty and personal freedom, deciding when to leave the structured life of the military behind. Peter candidly shares his journey, emphasizing the emotional weight of retirem…

1
Bridging the Gap: Michelle Lang on Supporting Rural Veterans' Transition to Civilian Life 21:36

5M ago21:36

21:36

What if transitioning out of military life was harder than being deployed? Join us as we explore this provocative question with Michelle Lang, co-founder of Operation Honor: Rural Salute. Michelle shares the poignant story of her husband, Chris, an Army veteran, and their challenging journey from military to civilian life. Despite having a job and …

1
Ep 71 - PBR & Pork Rinds 36:59

5M ago36:59

36:59

Welcome to Episode 71 of Jon D Podcast! In this episode, Jon reflects on almost four years of no booze, he shares insights from his recent stand-up experiences, explores the art of building comedy routines, and answers a listener question about transitioning into a "working" comic. Plus, he gives updates on the NHL season, particularly his beloved …

1
Empowering Homeownership: Jennifer Beeston on Unlocking the Full Potential of VA Loans for Veterans 19:41

5M ago19:41

19:41

Discover how VA loans can be a powerful asset for veterans and active duty service members with insights from the nation's top VA loan officer, Jennifer Beeston. In our conversation, Jennifer unravels the intricacies of VA loans, from eligibility criteria to the standout benefits like zero down payment and exemption from monthly mortgage insurance.…

1
A Legacy of Love: Larry Jackson on Reconnecting Families and Honoring Active-Duty Service Members 17:06

5M ago17:06

17:06

Larry Jackson's journey from a Navy veteran to the co-founder of the Ben Jackson Foundation is both touching and inspiring. In this episode, we're honored to hear from Larry as he shares the heartfelt story of his late son Ben, whose legacy lives on through the foundation. Designed to support young active-duty service members in reconnecting with t…

1
The Healing Canvas: Zach Herrick on Harnessing Art Therapy for Veteran Recovery 24:33

6M ago24:33

24:33

Could art be the key to healing wounds? Join us as we sit down with Zach Herrick, a combat veteran whose story of resilience is both harrowing and inspiring. Inspired by his father's footsteps, Zach joined the Army at 20, seeking a higher purpose. During a deployment to Afghanistan, he endured a life-changing ambush that tested his grit and determi…

1
Healing Through Faith: Eric Brew on Overcoming Personal Battles and Advocating for Veterans 24:59

6M ago24:59

24:59

What happens when a veteran's fight is no longer on the battlefield but within themselves? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Eric Brew from Warriors Set Free, a veteran service organization dedicated to supporting those grappling with PTS, TBI, and alcoholism. Eric candidly shares his transition from serving in the Marine Corps and the…

1
Chef Jeff Fritz on Blending Military Experience with Culinary Entrepreneurship 34:32

6M ago34:32

34:32

What if the skills you honed in the military could transform you into a culinary entrepreneur? Meet Jeff Fritz, a retired Air Force chef whose journey from a SEER instructor to a successful food industry leader offers a masterclass in leveraging military discipline for civilian success. Jeff's story is a remarkable testament to adaptability and res…

1
Holistic Healing: Holly Crocker on Transformative Massage Therapy for Veterans 28:35

6M ago28:35

28:35

Veterans and anyone seeking relief from physical pain, join us for an enlightening discussion with Holly Crocker, the visionary owner of Balanced Arch Massage in Haymarket, VA. Holly's personal transformation from debilitating pain to a skilled massage therapist offers hope and inspiration. Her expertise in Western and Eastern techniques, including…

1
Empowering Veterans: Justin Henderson on Harnessing AI for Seamless Career Transitions 25:46

7M ago25:46

25:46

Can artificial intelligence truly transform a veteran's job search experience? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Justin Henderson, a former Marine now leading the charge at Veteran Hiring Solutions. Justin shares his personal path from the battlefield to the boardroom, highlighting how his company is breaking new ground with AI to ai…

1
Preserving History: Jim Porter on the Freedom Museum's Role in Honoring Local Military Veterans 21:50

7M ago21:50

21:50

Jim Porter, the highly respected president of the Freedom Museum in Manassas, takes us on a journey through time as he shares his remarkable life story. From the moment he was drafted in 1968 to his illustrious 26-year career as a Navy pilot, Jim recounts his experiences with over 900 carrier landings and his service during the Vietnam War. Transit…

1
Honoring Our Fallen: Laura Herzog on Bridging Military Protocols and Family Needs Through Compassionate Support 28:29

7M ago28:29

28:29

Laura Herzog, the founder and CEO of Honoring Our Fallen, joins us to share her incredible journey from a civilian public affairs officer to leading a nonprofit that supports families of deceased military service members. Despite never having served in the military, Laura found herself deeply moved by the overwhelming challenges faced by grieving f…

1
Bringing Fallen Heroes Home: Sean Everette on DPAA's Mission to Recover and Identify Missing American Service Members 33:55

7M ago33:55

33:55

What happens when you combine an unwavering commitment to the warrior ethos with cutting-edge forensic science? Join us as we speak with Sean Everette, the Media Relations Chief for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), who shares his unique insights into the agency's tireless mission of locating and identifying over 81,000 missing American…

1
Ep 70 - Lightning Bug Down 19:41

7M ago19:41

19:41

In this episode, Jon D. kicks things off with a lighthearted story about trying to pronounce "seventy" in Spanish, sharing a bit of humor around the potential embarrassment. He then dives into the sweet world of crème brûlée, offering a short history of the famous dessert. Next, Jon covers the latest in the NFL up to Week 3, recounting a funny game…

1
Warrior Ride 2024: Your Host Introduces You to This Awesome Annual Bike Event 13:08

8M ago13:08

13:08

How do dedicated volunteers, healthcare professionals, and passionate riders come together to create an unforgettable event for our veterans? This episode promises a heartwarming and inspiring journey through the 7th Annual Warrior Ride in Haymarket. Join me, your host Larry Zilliox, as I engage with incredible individuals like Solomon Montgomery, …

1
From Troubled Youth to Apache Pilot: Gerald Gangaram on Military Leadership, Mentorship, and Civic Education 29:12

8M ago29:12

29:12

Major Gerald Gangaram, USA (Ret.) shares his remarkable journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his path from troubled youth to distinguished Army veteran. Discover how a mentor in junior ROTC guided Gerald to West Point and set the stage for his career as an Apache helicopter pilot. Gerald recounts his experiences in flight school, his service…

1
Transforming Lives: Dan Clare on DAV's (Disabled American Veterans) Mission to Empower and Support Veterans 29:39

8M ago29:39

29:39

Discover how the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) transforms lives through an inspiring conversation with Dan Clare from DAV Headquarters in Kentucky. Learn about Dan's journey from the Marine Corps to his impactful role in communications with DAV. We'll shed light on DAV's foundational mission of advocating for veterans' benefits, offering transpo…

1
Supporting Our Heroes: Bob Bauer on Trauma Recovery and Community Healing for Veterans and First Responders 38:14

8M ago38:14

38:14

Discover the transformative journey of Bob Bauer, founder of the Sergeant Robert Bauer Warriors Foundation, in our latest episode. Bob shares his personal story, from military service and law enforcement to becoming a dedicated trauma recovery and mental health coach. Learn about the foundation's vital role in providing support to military personne…

1
Healing with Paws: Brenda Lauer from the Truman Foundation on Service Dogs Transforming Veterans' Lives 24:37

9M ago24:37

24:37

Meet Brenda Lauer, founder of the Truman Foundation, who shares her remarkable journey from serving in the Army to advocating for veterans with PTSD. Discover how a service dog named Truman transformed Brenda's life and inspired her to help others through her foundation. In this episode, we explore the crucial role of service dogs for veterans and …

1
Ep 69 - That'll Happen 25:50

9M ago25:50

25:50

Jon D. Podcast Ep. 69 In this episode, Jon dives into what’s been happening in his world lately, sharing updates on some recent comedy shows and reflecting on the cyclical nature of stand-up comedy. He also revisits topics from previous solo episodes, including Pauly Shore’s upcoming movie about Richard Simmons, the troubles with making films about…

1
Rediscovering Peace: A Veteran's Path on the Camino de Santiago with Father Steven Rindahl 32:58

9M ago32:58

32:58

Ever wondered how a pilgrimage can help heal the wounds of war? Father Steven Rindahl, a retired Army chaplain, joins us to share his transformative journey from the battlefield to the Camino de Santiago. After a career in the Army and a life-changing pilgrimage, Father Steve founded Warriors on the Way, a nonprofit that leads veterans grappling wi…

1
Supporting Fellow Veterans: Insights from Garret Biss on Transition and Recovery 25:49

9M ago25:49

25:49

Learn what it truly feels like to shift from a structured military life to the unpredictable civilian world. Retired Marine Corps Captain Garret Biss takes us on a raw and unsparing journey from his days flying the KC-130 Juliet to his transition out of the Marine Corps in 2015. Garret reveals the conflicting emotions of excitement and fear that ac…

1
Empowering Young Heroes: Michelle Tran and Chelly Criqui on Transforming the Lives of Military Children Through Extracurricular Grants 25:22

9M ago25:22

25:22

How do extracurricular activities transform the lives of military children? Join us as we uncover the heartwarming stories behind Our Military Kids with special guests Michelle Tran and Chelly Criqui. Chelly, the Director of Marketing and Communications, reveals her personal journey from a grant recipient to an advocate, sharing the profound impact…

1
From Service to Struggle: Major Amanda Feindt on the Red Hill Water Crisis and Fighting for Military Families' Health 54:34

9M ago54:34

54:34

What happens when those sworn to protect our nation become victims of its negligence? This episode features a riveting conversation with Army Major Amanda Feindt, who reflects on her military career and the devastating Red Hill fuel storage leak her family endured in Hawaii. Major Feindt takes us from her post-9/11 inspiration to join the Army, thr…

1
Navigating Justice: Donna Harrison on Supporting Veterans in the Criminal Justice System 25:05

10M ago25:05

25:05

What unique challenges do justice-involved veterans face when navigating the criminal justice system? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Donna Harrison, the Director of Housing and Criminal Justice for the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, as she unpacks the complex journey that veterans experience from pretrial to post-conviction a…

1
Ep 68 - Patrick McCarthy 1:25:04

10M ago1:25:04

1:25:04

Jon welcomes and gets reacquainted with a friend from years ago, Patrick McCarthy. Patrick is a Storyboard Artist for the hit animated TV show, Family Guy. They discuss Patrick's younger years trying stand up, moving to Hollywood, not having a plan, facing struggles, trying to go with what life gives him, and then ending up someplace great in a way…

1
Unlocking Genetic Secrets: Dr. Mark Logue on Dementia Research and the Million Veteran Program 25:12

10M ago25:12

25:12

Ever wondered how genetic and environmental factors could influence the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia among veterans? Join us as Dr. Mark Logue, statistician and researcher at the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, shares his remarkable journey from serving in Operation Desert Storm to pioneering genetic research. Disco…

1
Gearing Up for Good: Diane Lunsford's Insight on Warrior Retreat's Upcoming Events 33:25

10M ago33:25

33:25

What if you could combine your love for classic cars and patriotism in one unforgettable event? Join us as we welcome Diane Lunsford, the dedicated event coordinator at Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. Diane shares exclusive details about the highly anticipated Vets for Vets event on July 20th, featuring a dazzling showcase of vintage and modern Corvet…

1
The Ageless Call: Dr. Lanny Snodgrass on Joining the Army at Age 63 and Beyond 23:58

10M ago23:58

23:58

Have you ever wondered what it takes to answer the call to service at an age when most are retiring? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Lanny Snodgrass, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and author of the forthcoming book "The Ageless Call to Service," who shares his awe-inspiring journey from providing mental health care during the Vietnam War in Ban…

1
A Sanctuary of Support: Sarah Ford on Creating Healing Spaces for Veterans 37:09

11M ago37:09

37:09

What if a simple pizza oven could be a catalyst for healing? Join us as we sit down with Sarah Ford, the Executive Director of the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run and Willing Warriors, to uncover the transformative power of community amenities and the unwavering support that has brought their vision to life. Sarah shares the inspiring journey from the …

1
Resilience Amidst Silence: Becky Ellis on Growing Up with a WWII Veteran Father and Writing "Little Avalanches" 29:31

11M ago29:31

29:31

How does growing up with a war veteran parent shape a childhood? Join us for an emotionally charged conversation with Becky Ellis, author of "Little Avalanches," as she recounts her journey growing up with a father who was a World War II veteran suffering from PTS. Becky vividly shares the profound impact her father's unspoken combat experiences ha…

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Wounded Warrior Project Podcasts

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