In this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Paul Pape, creator of Gamify Business and the man behind the TEDx talk Santa for Nerds. Paul spent 20 years proving the critics wrong—transforming from a struggling theater designer into a thriving creative entrepreneur. Along the way, he’s worked with Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon, and The Tonight Show, and built a coaching methodology that helps creatives understand business through gaming concepts. With Gamify Business (👉 www.gamifybusiness.com), Paul turns intimidating business jargon into quests, levels, and character creation that make sense for creative minds. What you’ll get from this episode: 🎭 Paul’s journey from starving artist stereotype to successful entrepreneur 🎮 How to translate business strategies into gaming language 🚀 Practical tools creatives can use to thrive without sacrificing artistry 💡 Entertaining behind-the-scenes stories from working with major entertainment companies If you’ve ever thought business wasn’t for you, Paul will change your mind. #BusinessCoaching #Entrepreneurship #GamifyBusiness #MisFitNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with US Air Force Veteran, entrepreneur, author, and speaker Dennis McCurdy to talk about resilience, business, and the power of connection. Dennis’s story is one of grit and determination—starting work at age 12, graduating near the bottom of his class, and bouncing back after early career setbacks. By 36, he had built a net worth of over a million dollars, launched 10 businesses, and authored four books, including Suck It Up Cupcake and his newest release, Unleash the Power of Connection. Today, Dennis helps others break through procrastination, set meaningful goals, and embrace the power of mastermind groups and accountability partners. His mix of humor, authenticity, and no-nonsense advice makes this conversation one you won’t want to miss. 👉 Learn more about Dennis: www.dennismccurdy.com 👉 Subscribe for more stories of grit and resilience: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation #Veterans #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The ToosDay Crue, the crew welcomes Sean McManus, Men’s Strength Coach and founder of McManus Strength & Nutrition, a movement helping Christian men reclaim confidence, discipline, and leadership through faith and physical strength. After years chasing corporate success, Sean hit a breaking point—burnout, disconnection, and a crisis of identity. What followed was a divine wake-up call that led him to rebuild his life from the inside out as a man, husband, father, and leader. Today, Sean coaches high-performing Christian men to break free from mediocrity, self-doubt, and burnout by aligning biblical wisdom with strength training, nutrition, mindset, and masculine leadership. This conversation dives into: • Faith-driven discipline • Strength as a leadership responsibility • Overcoming burnout and cultural passivity • Building strong men who lead strong families This episode challenges men to take ownership, walk boldly in their calling, and lead with integrity at home and beyond. 📺 Catch all episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Erik Holt—a former Fire Chief who took a stand for integrity, free speech, and the Constitution. After uncovering election misconduct in his Colorado community, Erik refused to destroy evidence and was fired in retaliation. Despite 18 years of federal service and transforming his fire department into a thriving team, he found himself battling not just local corruption—but the very system designed to protect him. Now, Erik is preparing his appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, fighting for First Amendment rights, ethical leadership, and accountability in public service. His story raises urgent questions about whistleblower protections, constitutional freedoms, and the real cost of integrity. 👉 Follow and support Erik’s fight for justice: Twitter/X: https://x.com/JusticeForHolt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justiceforholt TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justiceforholt Don’t miss this raw, eye-opening conversation on free speech, retaliation, and the price of doing what’s right. #FreeSpeech #FirstAmendment #WhistleblowerProtection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Snyder: Navy EOD Warrior to Paralympic Champion | The MisFitNation Show In this powerful episode, Host Rich LaMonica welcomes US Navy Veteran, Paralympic Gold Medalist, and Ethical Leadership Scholar Brad Snyder. From surviving a life-changing IED blast to becoming one of the world’s most decorated Paralympic athletes, Brad’s story is a masterclass in resilience, virtue, and purpose-driven leadership. Brad served as a Naval Academy graduate, Navy EOD Officer, and combat veteran in Iraq and Afghanistan before an explosion caused him to lose his sight. Exactly one year later, he won Paralympic gold. Today, he is a world-record holder, triathlon champion, leadership instructor, Ph.D. candidate, and advocate for empowering future generations. In this episode, Brad shares: His journey from combat to the Paralympic podium How purpose and virtue drive his leadership philosophy What resilience truly means when facing life-altering adversity His mission to inspire future warriors and leaders through education Lessons from navigating elite athletics, military service, and personal growth Subscribe and stay connected to more powerful veteran stories of grit, resilience, and transformation. Learn more about Brad: bradsnyder.usFollow The MisFitNation everywhere you listen and watch!  📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #MisFitNation #BradSnyder #Paralympics #VeteranStories #USNavyVeteran #EOD #Leadership #VeteranResilience #ParalympicChampion #Inspiration #MilitaryPodcast #AdaptiveAthlete #Tokyo2020 #Veterans #GritAndResilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes U.S. Navy Veteran and former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam for a deep conversation on leadership, service, and decision-making at the highest levels. Matt served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy, deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Pacific, operating in some of the most dangerous environments in the world to disrupt terrorist networks and protect American lives. His exceptional leadership led him to the White House, where he was selected to serve as President Barack Obama’s Military Aide, carrying the nuclear football—the briefcase containing the tools required for the President to respond to catastrophic threats. After transitioning from military service, Matt brought his mission-first mindset into the private sector, leading a 2,000-person team at Under Armour, proving that elite leadership principles transcend uniforms. This episode explores combat leadership, national-level responsibility, high-stakes decision-making, and how to lead with integrity in both military and civilian life. 🔔 Subscribe to The MisFitNation: https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Learn more about Matt: https://mattmaasdam.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Landchild: Stick Vet Comics & The Veteran’s Healing Journey | The ToosDay Crüe This week, The ToosDay Crüe welcomes U.S. Army Veteran, Mental Health Specialist, author, and creator of Stick Vet Comics—Travis Landchild. His work blends truth, humor, spiritual conflict, and the raw reality of military transition into one unforgettable veteran-focused storytelling universe. As the author of Stick Vet Comics, Travis brings to life the challenges Veterans face as they re-enter the civilian world—using stick figures, dark humor, sarcasm, and spiritual symbolism to expose the invisible battles warriors carry long after service ends. His book, “From Warrior, To Veteran,” breaks down the emotional and spiritual path of cleansing, reintegration, and healing after war. Through YouTube chapter readings, teaching videos, and his Stick Nation Discord community, Travis continues his mission of helping Veterans grow, heal, and rebuild a meaningful identity beyond the uniform. As a former Army Mental Health Specialist responsible for the wellbeing of thousands of soldiers, Travis continues his purpose through storytelling, peer support, and a unique, brutally honest approach to the Veteran journey. In this episode, we explore: The origins and message of Stick Vet Comics Why humor—especially dark humor—is essential for Veterans The spiritual battle of transitioning from warrior to civilian The path of healing described in From Warrior, To Veteran The power of community, support, and telling the truth about trauma Learn more at stickvet.com Join Stick Nation. Heal. Laugh. Climb the mountain together.   🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #StickVetComics #VeteranLife #ToosDayCrue #VeteranHumor #TravisLandchild #CombatVeteran #MilitaryMentalHealth #DarkHumor #FromWarriorToVeteran #VeteranHealing #StickNation #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #PostMilitaryLife #GritAndGrowth #MisFitNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Sravan Ankaraju, Founder of Divergence Academy—one of America’s fastest-growing vocational schools. Sravan shares how his mission-driven vision is transforming the modern workforce by equipping veterans and career changers with hands-on, career-ready skills in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI. Recognized on the Inc. 5000 and honored with the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Gold Medallion, Sravan and Divergence Academy are redefining workforce training for high-demand tech roles. Whether you’re a transitioning service member, career changer, or someone passionate about the future of work, this conversation offers invaluable insights on tech training, workforce development, and veteran empowerment. 🌐 Learn more at: www.divergence.one 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if you enjoy the episode! 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #Leadership #VeteransInTech #CybersecurityCareers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The ToosDay Crüe, we welcome Laura Lindsey, Development Director for Heroes on the Water, an incredible nonprofit helping veterans, first responders, and their families find healing through kayak fishing and outdoor wellness programs. Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water provides free, community-driven, recreational wellness experiences proven to reduce stress, improve cognitive balance, and rebuild emotional resilience. Through volunteer-led chapters and therapeutic partnerships with the VA and DoD, this mission is changing lives nationwide. Laura brings her expertise in impact storytelling, philanthropy, and community engagement, helping supporters understand how purpose, connection, and belonging fuel true healing. Her message bridges the civilian–military gap and inspires every viewer to invest in our heroes’ wellbeing. Join us as we dive into the science behind nature therapy, why kayak fishing works, the unseen struggles of veterans and first responders, and how YOU can help create meaningful change. 👉 Learn more about Heroes on the Water: heroesonthewater.org 👉 Subscribe & watch all episodes of The ToosDay Crüe: youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ToosDay Crue welcomes Elaine Brewer — trauma-informed transformation coach, educator, author, and advocate for veteran wellness. Elaine is the author of Fck You, Watch Me*, a raw memoir about overcoming addiction, reclaiming purpose, and writing a new life script. Through her work as a Psychedelic Integration Coach with Transcend Coaching & Integration Services, Elaine helps veterans and individuals process trauma, regulate the nervous system, and transform identity. As the spouse of a retired Navy Special Operations veteran, she brings personal insight into the invisible wounds of service and the healing power of compassion and science-based practices. 🌐 Learn more about Elaine at: https://elainebrewer.com 👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation with the Crue — subscribe, like, and share to support stories of grit, resilience, and transformation! 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #VeteranWellness #PsychedelicIntegration #ToosDayCrue #ElaineBrewer #TraumaHealing #AddictionRecovery #MilitaryFamilySupport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Juan: Combat Veteran to Sacred Storyteller | The MisFitNation Show In this powerful episode, Host Rich LaMonica welcomes US Army Veteran, Cultural Support Team pioneer, multidimensional artist, and healer Samantha “Sam” Juan. Her life story spans war zones, sacred spaces, and the transformative power of creativity. Born Filipino-Persian, raised in Bahrain, and shaped by combat deployments in Afghanistan, Sam has lived at the intersection of cultures, conflict, and calling. She served alongside Navy SEALs, battled trauma and addiction, and rebuilt her life through art, ritual, spiritual inquiry, and soul-deep truth work. Today, Sam is a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar, multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, and guide who helps others transform their pain into purpose. Through her work, she integrates military experience, creativity, and healing into a path of resilience, reinvention, and sacred reclamation. In this episode, Sam shares: Her journey from soldier to artist and spiritual seeker Lessons from serving on Cultural Support Teams with special operations How art became her medicine, mirror, and mission Her healing process through ritual, truth-telling, and self-rebirth What it means to turn trauma into something sacred Learn more about Sam: the1samjuan.com Subscribe for more veteran stories of grit, healing, and transformation. 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes USMC Veteran, 4-time best-selling author, and founder of The Strategic Boardroom — Mark Dolfini. Mark is a business and life strategist who guides Christian entrepreneurs and married business owners to build systems that support their home, faith, and future. Through his signature V.I.P.E.R. Framework, he helps leaders clarify their vision, create infrastructure that works, and reclaim time and margin so they can lead intentionally and love faithfully. In this interview, Mark shares transformational insights on leadership, discipline, faith, systems thinking, and how veterans and entrepreneurs can create meaningful lives without burning out. 🎯 Whether you’re growing a business, strengthening your family, building better habits, or rediscovering your purpose — this episode will challenge and inspire you. 🔥 Subscribe for more stories of grit, resilience, leadership, and the warrior spirit. https://www.themisfitnation.com 👉 Visit Mark’s work: StrategicBoardroom.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Rich LaMonica on The MisFitNation as he welcomes Dr. Marissa Heisel, a visionary healer with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Marissa lives her motto: “You are your own best medicine.” With a background in chiropractic care, midwifery, and child development, she integrates bioenergetic healing, nutrition, essential oils, herbalism, and holistic health practices to help others discover their soul truths and embrace personal sovereignty. In this episode, we dive into how natural healing empowers transformation, the role of integrative health in reducing modern stress, and why aligning with our true selves is the key to lasting wellness. 👉 Connect with Dr. Marissa: Instagram: @elemental.healing_arts Website: elementalhealingarts.life Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this conversation to spread empowerment and resilience. #MisFitNation #NaturalHealing #SoulTruths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Julian Raven — British-born, Spanish-raised, American artist, entrepreneur, and First Amendment activist. Raven’s story is as unique as his art: from missionary work to becoming a multidisciplinary artist, and from the pulpit to the courtroom. He became nationally known after his Trump portrait was rejected by the Smithsonian, launching an eight-year legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. His fight revealed deep questions about free speech, artistic freedom, and government accountability. 📚 Raven tells the full story in his book Odious and Cerberus: An American Immigrant’s Odyssey and His Free-Speech Legal War Against Smithsonian Corruption. 👉 Learn more at www.julianraven.com 🔥 Topics we cover: The Smithsonian legal battle that exposed systemic flaws How art and faith can inspire resilience What “free speech” really means in America today The intersection of politics, culture, and creativity Why Raven continues to fight for truth, liberty, and accountability 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #JulianRaven #FreeSpeech #Smithsonian #FirstAmendment #ArtAndPolitics #TheMisFitNation #TruthToPower #OdiousAndCerberus #RichLaMonica Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The MisFitNation as host Rich LaMonica welcomes US Army Veteran Lori McVicar-Peltan — MP pioneer, private investigator, actress, comedian, and the definition of grit. Lori’s journey is unlike any other. She served in the first group of women to go coed at Fort McClellan in 1978, trained as the first female Military Police boxer, and served on the streets of Frankfurt. After the military, she became the first female to start her own PI firm in Buffalo, NY, earned top investigative honors at AIG, and now continues her mission as a grandmother of 11, actress in the film Lucy and the Lake Monster, presenter at the VETTYS, and graduate of a comedy writing program. In this episode, we dive into trailblazing military history, resilience, humor, survival, and the courage to keep reinventing yourself through every season of life. 🔥 If you love stories of courage, pioneering leadership, and unstoppable grit — this is your episode. What it was like to join the first coed MP training with men in 1978 The path to becoming the first female MP boxer Why Lori shattered barriers in law, investigations, and entertainment How humor and creativity help heal trauma The reality behind veteran reinvention after service (You can add her website or IMDB link here if needed) • YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn • Podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn & more ⭐ What You’ll Learn🔗 Connect with Lori📢 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with John DeDakis, former CNN journalist turned award-winning novelist, editor, writing coach, and keynote speaker. With 45 years in journalism, including 25 years at CNN, John covered presidents, riots, and history in the making—while also facing unimaginable personal losses: his sister to suicide and his son to a heroin overdose. John shares how these experiences shaped his acclaimed Lark Chadwick thriller series, and how writing can become a powerful tool for healing from grief and trauma. He also pulls back the curtain on publishing—sharing his 10-year journey to find an agent and how persistence and resilience fuel success in both writing and life. 📚 Whether you’re an aspiring writer, navigating grief, or simply love political thrillers, this conversation will leave you inspired. 👉 Subscribe for more powerful stories: https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation #WritingCommunity #GriefHealing #PoliticalThriller #Journalism #MisFitNation #JohnDeDakis #VeteranPodcast #AuthorInterview #BookTalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The ToosDay Crue as we welcome Bart Merrell—International Entrepreneur, Author, and Creator of Monetize Your Mindset. Bart has been building businesses since he was a kid, taking on wild opportunities (including introducing the first commercial bungee jump to Japan!) and turning everyday skills into sustainable income streams. Bart’s mission is simple but powerful: help ordinary people create extraordinary financial security by monetizing what they already know. In this episode, Bart breaks down: 👉 How to spot opportunities hiding in plain sight 👉 Why mindset—not money—is often the real barrier 👉 How to build side hustles that actually work 👉 What financial freedom really looks like 👉 The mental framework behind Monetize Your Mindset Find out more here: https://bartmerrell.com/ If you’re looking to prepare for life’s curveballs, take control of your financial foundation, or build a future-proof side hustle, this episode is packed with actionable value. Hit LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to support veteran-led shows and keep the mission growing. 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Challenge Accepted. Stack Victories. Do Hard Things. Don’t talk about it—be about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Stephen and Jake on The ToosDay Crue as they welcome US Army Retired 1SG Will Eller, an EOD veteran, firearms and situational awareness instructor, and community enabler. Will shares his journey from the Gulf War to deployments in Bosnia and Serbia, and the lessons learned through service, family, and life after the military. 📌 Topics Covered: EOD and tactical experiences in combat Firearms training and situational awareness strategies Overcoming TBI, PTS, and military injuries Serving the community through leadership and mentorship Faith-driven purpose and ministry with Fishers of Men 🌐 Connect with Will Eller: Website & Info: Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail   🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #ToosDayCrue #WillEller #EODVeteran #FirearmsTraining #SituationalAwareness #USArmyVeteran #MilitaryLeadership #FaithAndService #CommunityImpact #FishersOfMen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Rich LaMonica welcomes USMC Veteran, attorney, and author Rand R. Timmerman, Esq. to The MisFitNation for a powerful conversation spanning combat, law, leadership, trauma, recovery, and a life dedicated to service. Rand enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966, serving with the 1st Marines in Vietnam, where he rose to Corporal and was temporarily promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in-country. Following combat service, Rand became a JAG officer, serving four additional years before transitioning into a 40-year career as an attorney across multiple New York counties. After retiring in 2012, Rand began writing books and short stories, including A Spiritual Passage, chronicling his Appalachian Trail journey with his brother at ages 71 and 73. Today, he divides his time between Knoxville and Syracuse, remains deeply committed to the recovery community, and continues writing stories that honor service, spirituality, and resilience. In this episode you'll hear: • Rand’s journey from a small rural village to the Vietnam War • What it was like to serve as a Marine infantryman and later a JAG officer • Lessons from 40 years in the legal profession after combat • His long-distance Appalachian Trail hike in his 70s • His work in alcohol recovery and advocacy • How writing became a new mission after retirement Learn more at RandTimmerman.com This is an inspiring, grounded, and deeply human conversation with a Marine who has spent a lifetime serving others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Rich LaMonica on The MisFitNation as he welcomes US Navy Veteran Chris Norris, founder of Cognitive Fitness Coach, endurance athlete, mindfulness teacher, and a veteran with 24 years supporting Naval Special Warfare Operators across the most demanding environments on Earth. Chris’s journey is equal parts grit, trauma, transformation, and rebirth. After years of high-stress operations led to burnout, addiction, anxiety, and depression, he rebuilt his life from the inside out—earning a Master’s in Social Work, recovering his mental health, and discovering the power of meditation, breathwork, and neuroscience-based training. Today, Chris helps high performers, veterans, teams, and leaders develop clarity, focus, emotional balance, and sustainable resilience. His approach—Cognitive Fitness—trains the mind like a muscle, blending mindfulness, breathwork, and neuroplasticity to help people break patterns, rewire habits, and create a healthier, more intentional life. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Chris’s raw personal story—from combat support to collapse to rebuilding • How mindfulness and breathwork changed his life and now change others • What “Cognitive Fitness” really means and how to train it • Tools for managing stress, trauma, and mental overload • How veterans and high performers can create balance without losing their edge Learn more at CognitiveFitnessCoach.com 🔥 This is a powerful, necessary conversation for anyone navigating pressure, trauma, or the pursuit of clarity and purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices