What happens when the host becomes the guest?
In Episode 56, the mic gets turned around. Brandon āBRamzā Ramsey of RamZ Consulting takes over and interviews Joshua āJMachā Machāthe Marine Veteran behind the JMach Podcast & Sandboxāabout the story heās been avoiding telling in full.
In this episode, JMach opens up about:
Life after the Marine Corps and feeling like he āfailedā because he never saw combat
How anger, alcohol, and self-isolation nearly destroyed his marriage and family
Snapping at his kids and the shame that followed
Living in a constant cycle of āhealingā without ever feeling truly free
Suicidal thoughts he refused to name but couldnāt outrun
He also shares in detail how an Ayahuasca ceremony with The AYA Mission helped him:
Purge years of depression and emotional weight
See his childhood and marriage through a new lens
Reconnect with his wife and daughters in a healthier, more present way
Shift from āIām brokenā to āIām living againā
This is a raw, unfiltered mental health conversation about Veteran life, marriage, parenting, trauma, psychedelics, and what it actually looks like to fight the war after the uniform comes off.
If youāve ever asked yourself, āWhen do I finally get to feel happy?āāthis episode is for you.
š§ If this episode resonates:
Tap Follow on the JMach Podcast
Rate the show 5 stars so more Veterans & first responders can find it
Share this episode with someone who needs to know theyāre not alone
The JMach Podcast exists to combat Veteran & first responder suicideāone story, one conversation at a time.
Episode sponsor & partners mentioned:
TRC ā Total Roofing & Construction ā Treating Veterans & first responders like family and standing behind every roof.
Glow Frame Initiative ā Creating real creative-industry career pathways for Veterans.
Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) ā Powering the Sandbox and elevating Veteran voices.
The AYA Mission ā Veteran-owned nonprofit guiding psychedelic-assisted healing for Veterans.
Organizations who shared their mission at the end of this episode:
Canvas of Courage / Phoenix Center for the Arts
Home of Record Project
Home Base
Foundation Fortified
Remedical
First Page
AI Joe
Veterans Medical Leadership Council (VMLC)
Veteran Village / The Patriot All-America / West Valley Mavericks
Jeff Reynolds Productions / Reynolds Ranch
CertaPro Painters of Phoenix
Glow Frame Initiative
Youāre not alone. Press play, take a breath, and keep going. š
Remember: your mental health matters, you're not alone.
In this episode, Josh sits down with Dave Waltzer, an entrepreneur whose childhood challenges drove him to seek purposeāfirst through military service, and now through building community and celebration. Dave opens up about his rough upbringing, how that background shaped his determination, and what ultimately led him to join the military.After service, Dave channeled that perseverance into founding Wicked Awesome Events and Wicked Awesome Happy Hour, ventures designed to bring people together, create memorable experiences, and foster connection. They discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the motivation behind his work, and how building āwicked awesomeā events isnāt just business ā itās a mission to spread positivity and connection.Check out Wicked Awesome Events:Instagram: @wickedawesomeeventsWebsite: https://wickedawesomeconnections.com/ ā find upcoming events, community gatherings, and ways to get involved.Follow Dave Waltzer:Instagram: @davewaltzer
Don't forget to show JMach Instagram some love!
Instagram: @jmachpodcast & @jmachsandboxRemember: your mental health matters, you're not alone.
In this episode, Josh sits down with Demetrius āMeech Speaksā Thigpen, U.S. Marine veteran, motivational speaker, and the creator behind his widely-followed brand of candid leadership and mental-strength coaching. Drawing from his time in the Corps and his journey through lifeās most challenging seasons, Meech opens up about how he turned pain into purpose.
Throughout the conversation, Josh and Meech stress the importance of community, mentorship, and staying true to your values ā especially as a leader, veteran, and someone whoās not afraid to ātalk crazyā when the truth needs to be said.
Connect with Meech Speaks:
Instagram: @meech.speaks ā where he shares unfiltered motivation, mindset reflections, and glimpses of his life after service.
Check out the Talkin' Crazy Podcast!
Remember: your mental health matters, you're not alone.
In this episode, Josh sits down with Mayor Kevin Sartor of Surprise, Arizona to explore his journey from military service and public-safety roots to leading one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Mayor Sartor shares how his two decades in the U.S. Army shaped his sense of duty, and how heās translated that same ethic into his role as mayor beginning January 2025.
They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building strong community foundationsāfrom fiscal responsibility and public-safety initiatives to ensuring opportunity and inclusivity for all residents. Mayor Sartor opens about the personal growth behind his leadership, reflecting on faith, accountability, and finding purpose beyond self. The conversation pulls no punches on real struggles, but also makes clear how intention, service and vision can move a city (and a person) forward.
Remember: your mental health matters, youāre not alone.
šļø JMACH PODCAST ft. Christopher Reeves
Breaking the Victim Mindset | Redefining Legacy | Choosing Who You Become
In this raw, powerful, and deeply human conversation, Christopher Reeves shares how he rebuilt his life after losing his father, battling identity loss, and nearly ending it all. Together, JMach and Reeves unpack what it truly means to take ownership of your story, slow down, and choose who you become.
This episode is a masterclass in mindset, accountability, and real growth ā for Veterans, First Responders, and anyone fighting silent battles.
š„ Youāll Learn:
ā¢ How to break free from the victim mentality
ā¢ Why slowing down can actually save your life
ā¢ How to reverse-engineer your best self
ā¢ The power of writing your truth
ā¢ How to define your legacy and live with purpose
š§± About Christopher Reeves:
Author of Legacy Defined and Legacy Choice, Christopher helps others rebuild their lives through clarity, accountability, and leadership.
š legaciesofleadership.com | @legaciesofleadership
š§ About the JMach Podcast:
The JMach Podcast is on a mission to combat Veteran & First Responder suicide through conversation, community, and connection ā proving that healing begins when youāre heard.
š Special Thanks:
Produced with Grow More Media Group and Legacies of Leadership
Sponsored by Total Roofing & Construction ā totalroofingandconstruction.com
šØ Mental Health Reminder:
Your mental health matters. You are NOT alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 (Veterans press 1) for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Veteran Podcast, Mental Health, Christopher Reeves, JMach Podcast, First Responder Support, Overcoming Victim Mentality, Rock Bottom Recovery, Menās Mental Health, Leadership, Mindset Shift, Resilience, Purpose-Driven Life, Veteran Suicide Prevention
Air Force Veteran Patrick āFitzā Fitzhugh sits down with JMach to share a story of survival, trauma, and redemption that every Veteran and First Responder needs to hear.
From growing up in West Phoenix to facing the brutal realities of SERE survival training, Patrick opens up about battling alcohol, trauma, and the struggles many of us face behind closed doors. Through faith, family, and resilience, he found a way to not just surviveābut thrive.
šÆ In this episode, youāll learn:
The lessons from Air Force SERE survival training
How to confront personal battles and find redemption
Strategies for resilience, mental health, and community support
This episode is a powerful reminder: Your mental health matters, and you are not alone.
Follow the JMach Podcast for more conversations with Veterans and First Responders, and donāt forget to share this episode with someone who might need it.
Connect with Patrick & Sponsors:
@growmoremediagroup | @legaciesofleadership | @totalroofingandconstruction
#Veterans #FirstResponders #MentalHealthAwareness #AirForceVeteran #Resilience #Survival #Leadership #JMACHPodcast
šļø JMach Podcast Ep. 49 | U.S. Navy Veteran Nicole Pogue | Veteran Advocate & Host of Defenders DenIn this episode of the JMach Podcast, we sit down with U.S. Navy Veteran Nicole Pogue ā a powerful Veteran Advocate at Azura Vets and host of the Defenders Den Podcast. Nicole shares her journey from military service to advocacy, her passion for helping Veterans and First Responders, and the mission behind Defenders Den: creating a space for real conversations, community, and support.Whether youāre a Veteran, First Responder, military family member, or supporter, this conversation will leave you inspired and motivated to keep pushing forward.š Donāt forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support Veteran voices and mental health awareness.š Connect with Nicole Pogue:Azura Vets ā https://www.azuravets.org/Defenders Den Podcast ā https://www.youtube.com/@UCdEX1p8hjeiXbTVzutwk39w #JMachPodcast #VeteranPodcast #NicolePogue #USNavyVeteran #DefendersDen #AzuraVets #Veterans #FirstResponders #MilitaryPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranAdvocate #PodcastForVeterans
In this episode of The JMach Podcast, JMach sits down with Danny Hansen, RNāan ICU nurse who faced the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and found renewed purpose through Modwellaās innovative in-home health care model.
Danny shares her journey of resilience, healing, and holistic wellness, from navigating the emotional toll of crisis care to discovering how IV therapy, hormone balance, lab draws, and personalized concierge health services can transform lives outside the hospital walls.
If youāve ever wondered how modern healthcare is evolvingāor how to rebuild strength through service and compassionāthis conversation is for you.
š Connect with Danny:
Instagram: @dannyhansenrn
Learn more about Modwella: modwella.com | @modwella
š Donāt forget to follow The JMach Podcast on Spotify for real conversations that break stigma, build community, and remind us that your mental health mattersāyouāre not alone.
Learn more about Modwella:Instagram: @modwellaWebsite: modwella.com ā where you can explore the full range of personalized, in-home health services designed to help people look and feel their bestāwithout sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Check us out on Instagram too!
Remember: your mental health matters, you're not alone.
In this episode, Josh talks with Sam Negrete, an active-duty U.S. Marine Corps fuel technician and proud member of the Travis Manion Foundation. Sam shares stories from his childhood, his time as a college athlete, and the decision that led him from sports to military service. He also discusses his current role in the Marine Corps and how working with the Travis Manion Foundation has given him a deep sense of purpose beyond the uniform.
Connect with Sam:
š² @unclesam1773
š Travis Manion Foundation
Remember: your mental health matters, you're not alone.
In this special bonus episode recorded during the JMach Sandbox event in July, Josh sits down with Jessica, founder of West Valley Women Veterans. Jessica opens up about her childhood, the traumas she faced both as a youth and while serving in an early enlistment program, and how those experiences shaped her path toward self-healing and personal growth.
Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Today, Jessica leads West Valley Women Veterans, creating a community of support, empowerment, and advocacy for women who have served.
Connect & Learn More:westvalleywomenveterans.org=
Follow us on Instagram!
Remember: your mental health matters, you're not alone.
In this episode of the JMach Podcast, host Josh is joined by TheFluffyPoodle ā a nationally recognized therapy dog and ambassador for mental health, veteran support, and disability awareness. Alongside his veteran handler, TheFluffyPoodle travels the country spreading joy, fostering connection, and providing a comforting presence in schools, hospitals, and veteran communities.
Josh and TheFluffyPoodleās team talk about how service animals can provide powerful emotional support, how this mission began, and how a little fluff and a lot of love can help people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Follow their journey:š² @thefluffypoodle ā for updates, outreach stories, and advocacy in action.
Remember: your mental health matters, you're not alone.
In this episode of the JMach Podcast, Josh sits down with U.S. Navy veteran David Hamrick, diving into the methods of managing your mental health day-to-day and how to face it head-on. David opens up about his decision to join the Navy, the unexpected ups and downs he encountered during his service, and the traumatic experience that became a turning point in his life.
They explore the practical tools David uses dailyāphysical fitness, structured routines, and mindfulnessāto maintain balance and resilience. He also shares how his post-Navy trauma inspired him to embrace mental and physical wellness, turning pain into purpose and helping others see the value of self care.
Follow David on Instagram!
@dt_hamrick ā follow along his fitness journey & witness his incredible feats as he travels the world climbing the biggest mountains he can find!
Remember: Your mental health matters; youāre not alone.
Live from The Sandbox: A Real Conversation with Chad McClean, Founder of Mental Joe Apparel
In this powerful episode of the JMach Podcast, we go deep with Chad McClean, a veteran, mental health advocate, and the founder of Mental Joe Apparel. Chad opens up about his personal journeyānavigating the struggles of life after service, building a brand rooted in purpose, and how he's using his voice to break the stigma around mental health.
We explore real-life challenges veterans and first responders face, the role of community, and the emerging conversation around psychedelics as a path to healing.
Recorded live at The Sandbox, our new monthly event that brings together veteran-focused nonprofits to network, collaborate, and grow strongerātogether.
Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or just someone who cares about mental wellness, this oneās for you. š„
šļø New Episode: From Combat Boots to Music Roots | JMach Podcast
In this powerful episode, Josh sits down with Mike Milioniāa U.S. Marine Corps veteran and rising singer-songwriterāas he opens up about the real battles behind the music.
Mike shares how the discipline of military life laid the foundation for his creative journeyābut also how early wins in the music industry quickly gave way to burnout, isolation, and mental health challenges. What pulled him out? Connection, purpose, and the courage to reach out for help.
They dive deep into:
šµ Life after service & the struggles behind the spotlight
šæ The healing power of plant-based wellness & holistic mental health
š” How veterans can find their voice & rebuild after trauma
Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikemilioniofficial
Follow the podcast: @jmachpodcast
š§ Your mental health matters. Youāre not alone.
š Hit follow, share this episode with a fellow vet or artist, and join the movement to fight veteran suicideāone story at a time.
In this episode of the JMach Podcast, Josh sits down with AJ Schoonover, an active duty Master Sargent in the U.S. Air Force and outdoor adventure enthusiast behind the @undisputed_adventures Instagram. They explore AJās journey into the Air Force and the challenges of maintaining mental health while serving full-time. AJ opens up about the importance of vulnerability and being transparent with mental health strugglesāeven in uniform.
From the intensity of deployments to navigating everyday pressures, AJ shares the tools he uses to stay mentally resilient. Josh and AJ also dive into the vision he and his wife share for their lives after military service, discussing how theyāre intentionally planning their future outside the uniform.
Follow AJ on Instagram!
@undisputed_adventures ā check out his offāroading adventures, family insights, and motivational updates about life in uniform
Follow us on Instagram!
Remember: your mental health matters, you're not alone.
In this episode of the JMach Podcast, Josh is joined by Joe Warhol, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose passion for service didnāt end with his military careerāit evolved into a mission to uplift veterans across the country. Joe opens up about his time in the Corps, the complexities of reintegration into civilian life, and the importance of community, purpose, and resources for returning service members.
After the military, Joe found new ways to serveāfirst in higher education, helping fellow veterans navigate their educational benefits and college life, and now as a product manager focused on outreach and engagement with military communities. In his role as Director of Operations at the Home of Record Project, Joe plays a key part in their mission to combat veteran homelessness through holistic, long-term solutions that go beyond housing.
This episode dives deep into what service after service looks likeāand how one Marineās continued commitment is changing lives one veteran at a time.
Connect with Joe Warhol:
š Joeās LinkedIn
Learn more about the Home of Record Project:
Website: homeofrecordproject.org
Instagram: @homeofrecordproject
Remember: Your mental health matters; you're not alone.
In this episode of the JMach Podcast, Josh welcomes Cisco āAZ Biskoā Martinezāa skilled barber at Master Phades Barbershop in El Mirage, Arizona. Cisco shares his journey from personal challenges to becoming a respected figure in the barbering community. He discusses the importance of mental health, the role of faith in his life, and how his work at Master Phades has been instrumental in his personal growth.
Cisco's dedication to his craft and his clients is evident in his work at Master Phades, a barbershop known for its premium services and community-focused approach. He emphasizes the therapeutic nature of barbering and how it serves as a platform for connection and healing.
Follow Cisco Martines on Instagram:
Learn More About Master Phades Barbershop:
Remember: Your mental health matters; you're not alone.
In this episode of the JMach Podcast, Josh sits down with U.S. Army veteran Ruben Robles to explore his transformative journey from military service to community leadership. Ruben shares candid insights into his struggles with anxiety and depression following his service from 2009 to 2012 in the U.S. Army Signal Corps . He discusses the pivotal role of faith and family in his healing process and how physical fitness became a cornerstone of his mental well-being (check out Merging Vets & Players). Ruben's involvement with the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) has been instrumental in his post-military life . As an active member of the TMF Phoenix Chapter, he leads initiatives like the "I Got Your 6 March" and organizes community events to honor the legacy of fallen heroes Through TMF, Ruben exemplifies the "If Not Me, Then Who" ethos, dedicating himself to empowering veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations.
Check out Ruben on Instagram!
Check out Travis Manion Foundation!
In this episode of the JMach Podcast, host Josh sits down with Brandon Ramsey, a dedicated member of the West Valley Mavericks Foundation! Brandon shares insights into his upbringing, we discuss the joys and challenges of parenthood, and Brandon's personal strategies for managing overstimulation and anxiety. He discusses his motivations for defining success and his journey to becoming a West Valley Maverick, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and personal growth. Lock in and listen up!
Check out the West Valley Mavericks Foundation!
Follow them on Instagram!
Follow us on Instagram!
Remember: your mental health matters; you're not alone.
In this episode of the JMach Podcast, Josh sits down with Marcus "Maniac" McGhee, a UFC fighter whose journey is built on resilience, faith, and self-discovery. They discuss the struggles of childhood, the pressure of choosing a career, and learning to love yourself. Marcus shares how he shaped his approach to parenthood, his path to professional fighting, and the mindset that got him to the UFC. They also explore the role of faith in overcoming adversity and doing whatever it takes to make your dreams a reality.
Remember: Your mental health matters; you're not alone.