Robin Johnson, an Army veteran and the CEO of Best Medicine Brigade, shares her journey from a military career to becoming a comedian and creating a platform for other military-connected comedians. Discussing her organization, she explains how she offers performance opportunities for veteran and military spouse comedians. In addition, Robin highlights how humor can be used as a tool for improving mental well-being, reframing negative thoughts, and building trust within organizations. While extensively discussing the importance and benefits of humor, Robin also shares her personal experiences and funny anecdotes.

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In this engaging discussion with Army veteran Donald Dunn, we follow his personal journey through PTSD and his innovative use of podcasting and music as therapeutic channels. Donald discusses the Heroes Voices Media Foundation, which is a platform empowering veteran musicians, podcasters, and authors. The foundation supports platforms like 'Gun Room Radio' and 'Military United Podcast Streams,' which help promote veteran and military-connected creators.

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In this episode, Navy veteran, Phil Anderton shares his transformation story into what he calls a 'dangerous man.' Together, they discuss the importance of self-preparation, the need to reassess traditional roles, and the significance of being ready to protect one's family. Phil elaborates on his coaching programs designed to instill confidence, offer clarity, and encourage people to take more intentional actions.

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Laura Herzog, the founder and executive director of Honoring Our Fallen, discusses the organization's mission, which is dedicated to supporting Gold Star Families coping with the loss of a loved one. Using her experience in human resources management and as a public affairs officer, Laura shares how Honoring Our Fallen supports families through difficult times, offering various resources and programs such as retreats and a Random Acts of Love program. The conversation also touches on the different forms of grief, the importance of maintaining connections and building communities for support, and how different organizations can work together to fill in gaps in assistance.

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William Yeske, Army veteran and author of 'Damn the Valley', discusses his book, which provides insights into his deployment in an area known as 'The Meat Grinder' in Afghanistan. He shares the harrowing experiences of veterans, delving into the psychological impact of warfare and the importance of unity within military units. We also discuss the significance of support systems for veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

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Sarah Otto and Candace Guelzo join the show from the Ohana Homefront Foundation. The foundation aims to provide support for the entire military community - veterans, active duty, guard, reserve, and their families - primarily focusing on mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives.

Sarah Otto, co-founder and CEO of the foundation, shares her motivation behind starting this foundation - addressing the mental health challenges faced by military families and instilling a system that doesn't report back to commands.

Candace Guelzo, serving as the Chief Operating Officer on the Mental Health side, talks about breaking down stigmas around mental health in the military and creating awareness. She champions for a shift in the perspective of treating mental health like overall health. Both guests stress the importance of providing easy access to mental health services and resources.

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In this episode of the Drive On Podcast, host Scott DeLuzio engages in a heartening conversation with his guest, Zachary Layden, founder of Oceanview Stables. Zachary details his journey from being a military veteran to finding solace in horses and establishing a career in business training them. He explains how 'natural horsemanship' aids veterans to reconnect with themselves while building trust with these highly sensitive animals. Layden also shares an inspiring success story that changed his business course, leading him to offer free rides for veterans. The program aims to offer a therapeutic experience, giving them hope, strength, and purpose while subtly healing their emotional wounds. The discussion also includes insightful tips for veterans interested in getting involved with horses and offers to aid other businesses in building similar veteran-oriented programs.

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In this episode, we're joined by David Nathanson, a USMC veteran with over 30 years of experience. He's the Executive Director of the Eagle Oak Retreat Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders.

The Eagle Oak Retreat Foundation is committed to providing wellness services and posttraumatic growth training to those who dedicate their lives to serving others. Their focus is on helping combat veterans and first responders overcome the traumatic stress that often results from their service to our country.

One of the programs that Eagle Oak Retreat offers is Warrior PATHH, which was developed in collaboration with the Boulder Crest Foundation. This innovative program is designed to help combat veterans and first responders transform deep struggle into strength, fostering lifelong Posttraumatic Growth. We'll explore how this program works and its incredible impact on the lives of our nation's heroes.

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Robin Bartlett grew up in a three-generation military family, but as the Vietnam War escalated, he chose ROTC. Upon graduation, as a Distinguished Military Graduate, he volunteered for Infantry, Airborne, and Ranger training and assignment to the 82nd Airborne Division. He got everything he asked for…and more. Bartlett served as a Combat Infantry Platoon Leader at the height of the Vietnam War from 1968-69. He led 28 soldiers on helicopter combat assaults and search and destroy missions with the famed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). His book, Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History, relates his unusual experiences during that war...some horrific, some humorous. Bartlett holds a master's degree in media from Pace University in NYC and a BA degree in Comparative Literature from Claremont McKenna College in California. He is the President of the NY/NJ Chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and lives with his wife in Norwood, New Jersey. They have three sons, none of whom have pursued military careers.

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In this episode of the Drive On podcast, we talk to Kathy Gallowitz, the founder of Vanguard Veteran. Kathy shares her insights on the challenges that veterans face and how Vanguard Veteran is working to support them. She also discusses the Veteran Champions program, military ministry, and veteran hiring.

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