Kruse Corner Podcast

Listen in to hear the interview with Vigilant Valkyrie's founder, Smiles. Vigilant Valkyrie's mission is to connect and support female warriors of all branches. In this episode, we discuss tough lessons learned in the military, overcoming female stereotypes/stigmas, and Vigilant Valkyrie's future goals for continuing their support for sister vets everywhere. To contact Vigilant Valkyrie, look for them on Facebook and/or Instagram, or send an email to [email protected]. Also, make sure to check out their awesome merchandise at https://vigilantvalkyrie.bigcartel.com/. 

Mark Czarnecki has returned to the Kruse Corner Podcast to talk about a cross-country motorcycle ride he will be completing  to help raise money for the Green Beret Foundation. Listen in to hear important details about this charity ride so that you can track Mark's progress as he rides from coast to coast, conducting challenges along the way. Follow Mark's journey on Instagram @caesar1911. If you would like to make a donation to the Green Beret Foundation to support their cause, please visit https://fundraise.greenberetfoundation.org and make sure to spread the word.

The disappearance of Vanessa Guillen from Fort Hood has gained national attention. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we tell our stories. MST is a painful topic, but our stories can be what brings about the change that will keep our brothers and sisters that still wear the uniform--or those that wish to serve one day--safe from experiencing the pain and trauma too many of us know too well. We cannot stay silent about military sexual trauma any longer. DISCLAIMER: this episode covers military sexual trauma and may be difficult for some listeners. Please be aware that this could trigger or remind people of their own experiences with MST.

Army Veteran Jon Bradshaw joins me to talk about his Veteran Owned and Family Operated business, Household 5 Soap Company, which specializes in handmade vegan soaps and other body products. Jon and I discuss the struggles of reintegrating into a civilian life, connecting with other veterans, and dealing with stereotypes. Jon also describes what it was like to leave the military at 25 and still not be considered an "adult" by civilians. If you would like to contact Jon or check out his company, look for them on Facebook or Instagram @household5soaps, online at www.household5.com/, or in person on East State Blvd in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Army Veteran Lauren Feringa from Hippie and a Veteran joins me to talk about the struggles of being a woman and a mother with PTSD. Lauren talks about a number of alternative therapies that exist outside of the VA system such as Stellate Ganglion Block, cannabis, and psychedelics. We also discuss the difficulties that came from leaving the service and the unexpected grieving that followed the removal of the uniform. This is an amazing episode for learning more about PTSD, alternative therapy, and women veterans. If you would like to reach out to Lauren or learn more about what she is doing, check out Hippie and a Veteran on Facebook, @hippieandaveteran on Instagram, or her website at https://hippieandaveteran.com/.

Army Veteran, Robert Dabney Jr, joins me to talk about his Veteran-Owned organization VetPark. VetPark is on a mission to encourage healing through creativity, supporting the arts, building community, connecting veterans, and providing opportunities to those that are interested in alternative therapies. Robert and I also talk about PTSD, life after leaving the military, and the struggle of getting help when you want to either avoid or fight against being labeled. If you would like to contact Robert or learn more about VetPark, check them out and support them on Facebook (VetPark), Instagram (@Vetprk), or online at vetpark.myshopify.com.

Marine Veteran and founder of the I Got Your 6 Podcast, Brian Basho, joins me this episode to talk PTSD, inner demons, and military service. We also break down the ridiculous criticisms and unnecessary competition that takes place when people attempt to open up about struggle and trauma. From finding your tribe (community) and ignoring the person trying to compare war stories or traumatic experiences, to using things like art and writing to heal, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Make sure to check out what Brian has going on with his podcast by visiting his Instagram page @igy6podcast.

In this episode I am joined by Air Force Veteran, Ron Millward, who is also the founder of the nonprofit organization, Balanced Veterans. How do you find balance? Listen in to find out how faith, the VA, and cannabis all played a part in this veteran’s story to discover who he is underneath the trauma and outside the military. Ron's story is one that many veterans can relate to and many more can benefit from hearing. Check out what he and his organization are up to on Facebook and Instagram @balancedveterans or at linktr.ee/balancedveterans.

Custom guns, cerakote application, public and private classes! What more could you want? Maybe a .50 Cal Pirate Pistol? Listen in to hear my conversation with Army Veteran Mark Czarnecki from The Rock Guns. We talk business, transitioning out of the Army, and a custom Deadpool gun. If you can dream it, they can build it. Check these guys out at www.therockguns.com or on Instagram @therockguns.

There is a side to the military that is rarely talked about, along with the actions of service members that are too often swept under the rug. In this episode, I am joined by Army Veteran, Rebecca VanReenen. Rebecca served as a paralegal and her experience in JAG offers insight into the darker sides of the military. We talk about finding your place inside of the military when everything is used against you, how motivation fades after trauma occurs, and the impact of toxic leadership. If you would like to reach out to Rebecca, you can find her on Instagram @ms.bomb_blondeshell.