The climb out of the lowest moments isn't clean or quick, and this conversation holds nothing back. A young airman who sprinted out of a rough home life, Brandon Held built a future through grit, service, and education. Then life took the legs out from under him. Losing his marriage. Losing daily life with his kids. Losing his career. Losing his footing. One night, he downed a bottle of sleeping pills and waited for the silence. Someone found him in time. That one act gave him a second chance he didn't think he deserved. Brandon opens up about how he rebuilt his mind, confidence, habits, and purpose. He talks through the years of suicidal ideation, how old patterns nearly destroyed him, and the moment he drew a line and chose to fight his way back. Timestamps: 13:45: The first time suicide crossed his mind 16:30: The night he tried to end everything 21:00: Learning how to rebuild his mindset from scratch 33:45: Surviving every bad day and seeing the shift 47:45: His final message for anyone stuck in a dark season Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.brandonheld.com/ Follow Brandon Held on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bh_life_is_crazy/ Follow Brandon Held on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-l-held-m-b-a-lifeiscrazy/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

A lot of vets say music is the only thing that still makes sense, and for Tony Kessel, that idea runs deep. He built a 366-song playlist of his life, wrote the story tied to each track, and found himself looking at a full account of growing up in a foster home, serving in the Army National Guard, and working through suicidal thoughts. With more than two decades in uniform, he talks about being raised by a Vietnam veteran NCO, commissioning as an officer, and learning to lead while valuing the experience that NCOs bring. Music runs through all of it, from Garth Brooks and old country to heavy metal and the tracks that shaped the post-9/11 years. Our conversation covers how music served as both a coping tool and a warning sign, why non-combat deployments can still weigh on you, and how suicide intervention training pushed him to speak openly about his lowest points. We get into the shock of coming home from Kuwait or Afghanistan almost overnight, the support he has offered other vets, and why simply sitting with someone who is struggling matters. Tony also shares how he is using his home studio and writing to reach people who think they are carrying their pain alone. Timestamps 00:06:30 Tony's wide musical background and how different genres shaped his life. 00:09:45 The late-night drive after drill that sparked the 366 song playlist. 00:18:30 Using music to cope, the risks of relying on it to numb pain, and the moment he knew he had to face things directly. 00:26:30 Suicide intervention training, opening up about suicide attempts, and why sharing his story matters. 00:31:30 Returning home too fast after deployment and how that sudden shift affects veterans. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://dualistmedia.com Follow Tony Kessel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dualistmedia Follow Tony Kessel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dualistmedia Follow Tony Kessel on Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/dualistmedia Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

When the Army chapter closed, Cory Brown didn't know what came next. A decade later, he's a veteran, entrepreneur, and creator of "Eat Your Feelings," a YouTube show that pairs cooking with honest talk about mental health. What started as a lighthearted project became a space for veterans and civilians alike to laugh, cry, and talk about the heavy stuff while breaking bread. In this conversation, Cory shares how food became his outlet as a way to manage stress and reconnect with others. He opens up about the transition from the military to the corporate world, the pull to create something meaningful, and how showing vulnerability on camera helped others do the same. Timestamps: 00:03:00: Leaving the military and rebuilding life from scratch 00:06:00: How "Eat Your Feelings" began and what it really stands for 00:10:45: Cooking as therapy and the role of humor in healing 00:18:15: Breaking stigma and creating real conversations about mental health 00:28:00: Why action, no matter how small, beats fear every time Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.eatyourfeelingsshow.com/ Eat Your Feelings on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatYourFeelingsShow Eat Your Feelings on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatyourfeelingsshow/ Follow Cory Brown on Twitter/X: https://x.com/Pcorybrown Eat Your Feelings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eat-your-feelings-media Eat Your Feelings on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EatYourFeelingsShow Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

A submarine is one of the most demanding workplaces on Earth. Confined, tense, and utterly dependent on trust and focus. William Spears has spent his career in that world, learning how to lead and think clearly when everything around him demands perfection. His journey led him to Stoicism, a philosophy that teaches emotional discipline, clarity, and responsibility. In this episode, William explains how the same ideas that once guided ancient philosophers can help today's service members, veterans, and families face the stress of modern life. He talks about the link between Stoicism and modern therapy, how the idea of total responsibility changes how we lead and parent, and why writing down our thoughts can be one of the most powerful tools for mental clarity. This conversation is a practical guide to keeping your balance when life feels like it's closing in. Timestamps: 00:07:00: How Stoicism became a modern tool for resilience 00:13:00: The connection between ancient philosophy and therapy 00:21:00: Redefining responsibility and control 00:29:00: The "Responsibility Heuristic" and how it applies to leadership 00:49:00: The journaling habit that builds steadiness and focus Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://williamcspears.com/ Follow William Spears on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spears-89130443/ Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy Book: https://a.co/d/j09noDt How to Think Like a Roman Emperor Book: https://a.co/d/cJagK5C Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Cheri Carandanis spent her career caring for others as an Air Force nurse and later in hospice. After two brain injuries forced her to retire, she had to face life without the role that once defined her. What began as a simple attempt to follow medical advice led her to something unexpected: painting. Through it, she found healing, direction, and a deeper understanding of herself. In this episode, Cheri talks about growing up in a military family, serving through deployments, and learning to rebuild after loss. Her story is a reminder that recovery takes time, creativity can be medicine, and there's always a way forward, even when life throws you a curveball. Timestamps: 04:00 - What deployment is like for a nurse 10:00 - Life on an early base in Afghanistan. Chaos, humor, and teamwork 15:00 - The brain injuries that ended her nursing career 17:30 - Picking up a paintbrush for the first time and finding peace 30:00 - Why she now sees the injury as a turning point, not an ending Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.carandanisfineart.com Follow Cheri Carandanis on Facebook: www.facebook.com/carandanisfineart Follow Cheri Carandanis on Instagram: www.instagram.com/carandanisfineart Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

When your mission shifts from the battlefield to the bedside, how do you keep going? This episode features Dan Contreras from Disabled American Veterans, who opens up about the emotional realities of becoming his wife's caregiver after her cancer diagnosis and how that experience reshaped his understanding of service. Dan shares how DAV's Caregiver Support Program empowers those who carry the invisible weight of caring for a loved one, connecting them to resources, community, and hope.From learning to accept help to balancing self-care and duty, Dan's story reminds us that strength comes from knowing when to reach out. Whether you're a veteran, spouse, or friend, this conversation shines a light on the people who quietly keep others alive and the programs that stand ready to support them. Timestamps: 00:03:00 - The day Dan's life changed forever: stepping into the caregiver role 00:07:15 - The unexpected impact of that first call with a DAV Care Specialist 00:14:45 - How the Caregiver Program creates real respite and connection 00:21:15 - Redefining strength: when asking for help becomes wisdom 00:47:00 - The truth about caregiver burnout and why no one can do it alone Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://dav.org DAV Caregivers Program: https://davcaregivers.org Follow DAV on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dav Follow DAV on Instagram: http://instagram.com/davhq Follow DAV on Twitter/X: https://x.com/davhq Follow DAV on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/davhq Follow DAV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/disabledamericanveterans Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

After serving in the Air Force, Billy Rudd spent over two decades leading massive teams in corporate America. On paper, he had everything figured out. He had a great title, a solid paycheck, and constant travel. But something had to give. With two growing kids and a business idea that wouldn't leave him alone, Billy took the leap and turned his side hustle into a full-time gig. In this episode, he shares what it takes to walk away from "safe," how his military background shaped his leadership style, and why authenticity matters more than marketing. He also talks about bringing his kids into the business, the lessons they're learning, and what it means to finally have control over his own time. Timestamps: 00:03:00: How Billy's Air Force years shaped his mindset 00:07:30: Leaving the corporate world for something meaningful 00:09:45: The origins of Cloud Splitter Coffee 00:14:30: Authenticity, community, and building a real brand 00:26:45: Involving his kids and finding balance at home Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://Cloudsplittercoffee.com Follow Billy Rudd on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DDK7YTgVs/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow Billy Rudd on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cloudsplittercoffee Follow Billy Rudd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-rudd-14a433241 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

He thought he'd miss the war, but fate had other plans. Marine aviator Don Eggspuehler's story begins with a stack of letters written from the jungles of Thailand during the last year of Vietnam. Those letters, saved by his mother and rediscovered decades later, became the foundation for something bigger. A way to connect generations through humor, heartbreak, and hard-won wisdom. In this conversation, Don opens up about the fear of flying through tracer fire at night, the loss of fellow Marines, and the long road toward peace that followed. He draws parallels between Vietnam and Afghanistan, the shared feeling of coming home to a country that doesn't quite understand, and the importance of preserving your story before it disappears. Don also shares how writing helped him heal not just from combat, but from losing his wife, facing grief, and finding purpose again through storytelling. His message is clear: your memories, your lessons, and your story matter. Whether it's for your kids, your grandkids, or someone you'll never meet, those stories have power. Timestamps: 02:15: Letters to mom from Vietnam 06:00: Flying night missions through enemy fire 10:30: Parallels between Vietnam and Afghanistan 17:00: Lessons from loss and grief worth sharing 25:30: Finding healing in talking, writing, and connection Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://lifelessonsbooks.net Follow Don Eggspuehler on Instagram: https://instagram.com/doneggspuehler Follow Don Eggspuehler on Twitter/X: https://x.com/DonEggspuehler Follow Don Eggspuehler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/don-eggspuehler-54b71227b Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Sometimes healing feels more like trial and error than progress. Brian Livesay knows that firsthand. After a decade in uniform and years working in veteran care, he's learned that recovery is about connection, honesty, and finding what actually works for each person. In this conversation, Brian and Scott talk about how therapy can go wrong when it's too rigid, the fear of making that first call for help, and why moral injury still gets overlooked in veteran care. It's a hopeful look at what happens when we stop trying to "fit" into a treatment plan and start listening to what we really need. Timestamps: 00:06:24 - Why "treatment-resistant PTSD" misses the mark 00:11:19 - Making the first call and facing the unknown 00:15:00 - How trust opens the door to healing 00:21:00 - The weight of moral injury 00:38:30 - A therapist's real job: guide, not fixer Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://arisealliance.org/ Follow Arise Alliance Institute on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriseAllianceInstitute/ Follow Arise Alliance Institute on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariseallianceinstitute/ Follow Arise Alliance Institute on Twitter/X: https://www.instagram.com/ariseallianceinstitute/ Follow Arise Alliance Institute on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arise-alliance/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Aaron Hale's story is about what comes next after tragedy strikes. After serving as a Navy cook, he switched to the Army to become an explosive ordnance disposal tech, leading teams through dangerous missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. A blast left him blind, and years later, meningitis took his hearing. Instead of giving up, Aaron focused on how to move forward. He learned new ways to live, connected with other veterans who had faced similar losses, and found purpose in helping others do the same. This episode is a conversation about persistence, service, and learning to build a new life one step at a time. Timestamps: 00:08:11 - From Navy kitchens to Afghanistan's front lines 00:17:49 - The meaning of "initial success or total failure" 00:27:42 - The explosion that changed everything 00:33:30 - Finding mentors and new purpose 00:45:12 - Turning his story into strength for others Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.pointofimpactpod.com/ Follow Aaron Hale on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclayhale Follow Aaron Hale on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ Follow Aaron Hale on Twitter/X: https://x.com/aclayhale Follow Aaron Hale on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hale-1861477/ Eod fudge: https://eodfudge.com/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Getting out of the military doesn't come with a manual. You leave one world behind and step into another that doesn't always make sense. In this episode, Air Force veteran and counselor Timothy Wienecke shares how he rebuilt his life after service and helps other vets do the same. Timothy opens up about how the Air Force turned things around for him, what he's learned about masculinity, and why finding real connection,  not just surface-level stuff, makes all the difference. This episode shares how to move forward without losing yourself in the process. Timestamps: 00:01:34 - How the Air Force helped him reset his life 00:04:27 - Lessons from working with others in tough situations 00:10:15 - What healthy masculinity actually looks like 00:18:51 - The identity shift that happens after leaving service 00:29:41 - Why connection is the key to feeling grounded again Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://empoweredchangece.com/american-masculinity-podcast Follow Timothy Wienecke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselor_tim_wienecke/ Follow Timothy Wienecke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothywienecke/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Sleep can feel like the enemy when nightmares, racing thoughts, or old deployment habits keep you wired at night. In this episode, Dr. Leah Kaylor, a prescribing psychologist and sleep expert for the FBI, explains why so many veterans and first responders struggle to rest and what happens in the brain when we avoid sleep altogether. This episode will help you understand how REM sleep helps process trauma, and learn why caffeine and alcohol quietly sabotage your nights. Dr. Kaylor shares simple, cost-free fixes like getting morning sunlight, adjusting caffeine timing, and creating better sleep routines to help you finally get real rest. If you've ever wondered why your body won't shut down or how to stop the cycle of sleepless nights, this conversation delivers both clarity and hope. Timestamps 09:00 - Veterans avoiding sleep to escape nightmares 11:30 - How REM sleep acts like overnight therapy 17:15 - The hidden cost of caffeine and late-night pre-workouts 37:15 - Why alcohol is the worst "sleep aid" 41:30 - Building self-awareness with sleep logs Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 If Sleep Were A Drug Book: https://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/if-sleep-were-a-drug/ Website: https://DrLeahKaylor.com Follow Leah Kaylor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drleahkaylor/ Follow Leah Kaylor on Twitter/X: https://www.tiktok.com/@drleahkaylor Follow Leah Kaylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-kaylor-ph-d-mp-rxp-a75497222/ Follow Leah Kaylor on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LeahKaylorShorts https://www.youtube.com/@DrLeahKaylor Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

What happens when the war follows you home, and no amount of alcohol, drugs, or violence can silence it? Andrew Jones lived that reality. After Iraq, PTSD nearly destroyed him. Nightmares, hallucinations, broken relationships, and suicidal thoughts became his new battlefield. But when he reached his breaking point, he dropped to his knees and cried out to God. That moment changed everything. In this episode, Andrew shares how faith pulled him from the edge of death and gave him a new mission. From leading men in combat to leading men in faith, he's found purpose in helping others discover hope, strength, and identity through Christ. This episode is about one veteran's encounter with God that turned despair into joy and chaos into peace. Timestamps: 00:06:30 - The breaking point: Andrew's lowest moment, when he prepared to end his life and instead cried out to God. 00:14:00 - The encounter: Describing the moment he felt God's presence and the peace that replaced years of despair. 00:19:30 - Learning to turn it off: How faith helped him lay down the constant fight-or-flight mindset of combat. 00:29:00 - Identity restored: Finding purpose again through faith and realizing what it means to serve a new mission. 00:41:30 - The miracle of fatherhood: After years of hopelessness, God answers prayers and brings new life into his family. 01:38:00 - Hope for the hopeless: Andrew's message to veterans who feel too far gone, why it's never too late to start over. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.lockedandloadedfaith.com/ Follow Locked and Loaded Faith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedandloadedfaith/ Follow Locked and Loaded Faith on Twitter/X: https://x.com/lockedloadedfth Follow Locked and Loaded Faith on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedandloadedfaith Follow Locked and Loaded Faith on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedandloadedfaith Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

The toughest battles don't always happen overseas. Sometimes they hit when you're back home, trying to figure out how to live with injuries, stress, or changes you never saw coming. Karen Hetherington knows this firsthand. She's part of the team at Semper Fi & America's Fund, and she has spent years walking alongside service members and their families during some of their most challenging moments. In this conversation, Karen shares how The Fund got its start and how it's grown into a lifeline for thousands of veterans. We talk about the little things that make a big difference, like covering bills while a family sits through long hospital stays, and the big things, like connecting someone with life-changing medical treatment or helping them find a new purpose after leaving the military. You'll hear about fast action that saved a Marine in crisis, the cutting-edge care that helped an amputee get back on his feet, and why listening closely matters more than any program on paper. The Fund restores independence, eases the weight on families, and proves that no veteran has to figure it out alone. Timestamps: 00:03:15: The dining room table where it all began 00:07:45: Breaking through pride and asking for help 00:12:15: Losing purpose when service ends overnight 00:24:45: Saving a Marine before it was too late 00:29:30: New hope through groundbreaking prosthetics Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://thefund.org/ For the 14th consecutive year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) will partner with Semper Fi & America's Fund in the Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign. Through the end of the year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG, will match every donation made to The Fund dollar-for-dollar up to $7.5 million. Follow The Fund on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/semperfiandamericasfund Follow The Fund on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semperfiandamericasfund/ Follow The Fund on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/semperfifund Follow The Fund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/semper-fi-fund/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Sometimes the hardest battles aren't fought overseas. They're fought in living rooms, late at night, when the weight of war refuses to let go. In this powerful conversation, Ashley Sylvester shares the story of her husband, Army Sergeant Jason Sylvester, whose deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan left invisible scars that followed him home. Ashley walks us through the subtle shifts she saw over time: sleepless nights, changes in mood, outbursts, and moments when Jason seemed present in body but gone in spirit. She describes the impossible balancing act of protecting their children, seeking help inside and outside the military system, and watching the walls close in. Her honesty shines a light on the barriers veterans face, the threat of losing security clearances, stigma, and fear of losing careers, which keep too many from getting the support they need. Most of all, she shares the heartbreak of losing Jason to suicide, and why recognizing the warning signs and having hard conversations could make all the difference for another family. This episode covers a difficult topic, but it's also a call to action: don't ignore what you see, don't wait, and don't give up on finding the help that's out there. Timestamps: 04:27 - The first signs of sleepless nights and nightmares 13:00 - The rucksack of trauma that only grows heavier 18:00 - Creative strategies Ashley used to get her husband to talk 31:00 - When Jason began to mentally check out 44:15 - The tornado, the loss of everything, and the final spiral Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JasonSylvester2017 Follow Ashley Sylvester on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sylvester-b426a4263 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

For many veterans, the hardest battles often come long after the uniform comes off. Erik Lawrence knows what that feels like. After years in Special Forces and contracting, he found himself running on fumes, mentally and physically, until he started digging into why he felt the way he did. From TBIs to toxic exposure, he explored every option available and built a resource to help others find their way. In this conversation, Erik opens up about the traps veterans often fall into, why transitioning into a new chapter is so important, and the practical steps that can make a real difference. From fasting and detoxing to sorting through endless programs and figuring out what actually fits your needs, this episode will help give veterans the tools to take back their health and move forward. Timestamps: 03:15 - From the Army straight into an African conflict 04:45 - How chasing the "glory days" wrecks lives 09:30 - Why he built a 500-page guide for veterans 15:30 - Burn pits, heavy metals, and toxic exposure 17:45 - Fasting as a reset for body and mind Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://Www.vssbooks.com Fire Support Book: https://a.co/d/4yqy2eI Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Losing your sense of identity after service feels like freefall. For Lee Freeburg, that struggle was real. A Navy hospital corpsman who fought to find his place in uniform and beyond, Lee spiraled into what he calls his weak man phase, living for temporary pleasures, drifting without direction. It took a violent quad accident and a broken collarbone to spark a 180 that changed his life. Lee opens up about finding purpose through discipline, rebuilding after hitting rock bottom, and using storms as teachers rather than excuses. He shares how faith, fatherhood, and accountability became the anchors for his transformation. From designing a tool to revolutionize an industry to writing a book so his daughter would always know his values, Lee proves that rebuilding starts with self-awareness and grows through action. This is a powerful journey through loss of identity, rediscovering mission, and the fight to leave a legacy worth carrying forward. Timestamps: 00:09:00: Facing heartbreak when leaving the uniform behind 00:12:30: The quad accident that became a life reset 00:14:45: Breaking free from the weak man mindset 00:18:00: Lessons from storms and the sailor's analogy for life 00:23:30: Writing a book for his daughter and defining faith Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Book "How to Live a Better Life": https://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Better-Life-Principles/dp/B0DGQ79QKY/ Follow Lee Freeburg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lee.freeburg/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Leaving the military can feel like stepping off a cliff. One day, you've got steady pay, housing, and a community that's always around. The next day, it's all gone. That's the reality Robert Wheeler faced when he left the Navy. He went from structure and purpose to bills stacking up, silence from the people he served with, and depression that pushed him past 300 pounds. In this conversation, Robert opens up about why he once threw out his uniforms and refused to even call himself a veteran. He shares the hard lessons he learned about VA benefits, how Chapter 31 gave him time freedom to rebuild, and why fitness is needed for more than just looks. You'll hear him talk about how to handle when negative spirals hit, and how gratitude helped him get out from under that constant rain cloud. If you've ever felt like you lost everything overnight after taking off the uniform, this episode is a blueprint for finding your footing again. Timestamps: 03:01 Losing community, pay, and benefits all at once 07:27 Throwing out uniforms and hiding veteran identity 17:49 How fitness pulled him back from depression and 300 pounds 28:40 Pain into progress, building discipline one day at a time 35:36 Emotional regulation and telling yourself to "shut up" Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.battlefittedbrand.com Follow BattleFitted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/battlefitted Follow BattleFitted on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/battlefitted Follow BattleFitted on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/battlefitted Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Losing the uniform can mean losing identity, reputation, and even the sense of mission that kept you moving forward. For many, the transition feels like starting from zero. That is exactly what Stephen Bump faced after 12 years in the Air Force. His journey carried him from aerospace engineering to Eli Lilly, through business school, and finally into building his own consulting firm. Along the way, he learned to trust others, embrace humility, protect family time, and make career moves that aligned with his own values, not just someone else's definition of success. This conversation is about facing the uncomfortable reality that no one in your civilian job cares about your rank or medals, and how that is not the end but the beginning. From finding purpose in unexpected industries, to reclaiming fitness and family balance, to using the GI Bill and veteran resources to carve a better future, Stephen lays out a roadmap any veteran can use to transition with clarity and confidence. Timestamps: 00:07:45 - The hardest part of starting over in civilian careers 00:15:45 - Losing fitness and regaining it through entrepreneurship 00:22:15 - The freedom and responsibility of choosing your own clients 00:28:30 - Breaking free from other people's definitions of success 00:39:00 - The veteran resources that made the biggest difference Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.persperity.net Follow Stephen Bump on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbump/ Resources mentioned in the episode: Cameron Brooks Headhunter: https://www.cameron-brooks.com/ Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/ GI Bill: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Jennifer Ballou's deployment to Afghanistan was supposed to overlap briefly with her husband's fourth combat tour. They'd have a couple of months in-country together, then he'd head home to the kids while she finished her year. That plan ended the night she learned he'd been killed in action. She came home with his flag-draped casket and stepped into a new reality: single parent, senior leader, and a grieving spouse trying to make sense of it all. She talks about the tough balance between duty and family, the moments the Army got it right, the times they didn't, and how her kids showed resilience she'll never forget. Now, as Chief of Staff for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Jennifer is still serving. This time, by making sure the stories of service and sacrifice are never lost. This conversation is about loss, leadership, and finding purpose on the other side of tragedy. Timestamps 00:04:30 - The night everything changed in Afghanistan 00:09:30 - Flying home with her husband's casket 00:12:50 - Trying to lead soldiers while grieving 00:21:20 - When leadership fell short-and when they stepped up 00:29:40 - From Gold Star fellow to Chief of Staff at the GWOT Memorial Foundation Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/ Follow Jennifer Ballou on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenniferballou/ Follow Jennifer Ballou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferballou/ Follow the Global War on Terrorism Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/gwotmf/ https://www.instagram.com/gwotmf/ https://twitter.com/GWOTMF/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-war-on-terror-memorial-foundation https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqTW0t9gKm7c7k_G8xv9Cw Transcript View the transcript for this episode.