Mission43 Podcast

Former NFL Player and Founder of the Adaptive Training Foundation, David Vobora, opens up in his conversation with BVH. From his identity crisis and struggles with addiction after leaving the NFL to rediscovering his purpose and passion by providing physical fitness training in the gym for military veterans and civilians with physical disabilities, David covers it all while letting his drive and passion shine. You’re in for a great listen with this one!

In this episode from Summer 2019, Brian and Bryan sit down with Navy veteran and blind adaptive athlete Scott Leason. Scott shares his journey from honorably serving for 7 years in the U.S. Navy to being shot in the head and losing his sight while working at a convenience store. 

Scott faced many challenges adapting to the loss of his sight, but eventually found the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Operation Rebound. In 2008, he received CAF Operation Rebound support for his waterski training and has since competed in multiple IRONMAN races and was the sole visually impaired athlete on Team USA at the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship. 

Oh yeah, he became an adaptive athlete in his 50s.  Listen to this incredible story!

In episode 020, we check-in with Navy SEAL and legendary adaptive athlete, Carlos Moleda. Carlos talks openly about leaving Brazil at age 18 with $300 in his pocket, joining the US Navy, learning to swim, and being shot in Panama during military operations to capture Manuel Noriega. Since his injury, Carlos has become a world-renowned athlete. He won the 367-mile Sadlers Ultra Challenge handcycle race in Alaska, is a two-time National Handcycling Champion, and a four-time Hawaii Ironman Champion.

In episode 019, Hire Heroes USA Interim CEO, Ross Dickman highlights the company’s 15 years of work and the 10,000+ military veterans and spouses HHUSA has helped find employment. Ross also imparts a message of optimism as his team continues virtually assisting clients in finding meaningful employment.

In Episode 018, retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and President G.W. Bush Institute Veteran Leadership Scholar, Jen Anthony talks with BVH about her time in service, rising up in the ranks as a woman and her personal struggles with loss of identity and purpose after departing active military service. Through therapy, self-reflection, and intentional efforts, Jen has become a positive voice and example for women service members and transitioning veterans.

In episode 17 of the M43 Podcast, BVH welcomes Ryan Manion: Gold star family member, President of the Travis Manion Foundation, and co-author of the book The Knock at the Door. Ryan shares with BVH her military upbringing and how she and her family transformed the grief from her brother Travis' death in Iraq into purpose and leadership through a national non-profit.

In Episode 016, Shaun Rieley, U.S. Army veteran and the Director of Veterans Programs at the Philanthropy Roundtable, takes BVH on a philosophical journey about rethinking how we address military veterans in the future. Shaun discusses legacy Veteran Service Organizations, the rise of post-9/11 veteran organizations, and the current philanthropic efforts to change the veteran narrative.

In Episode 015, BVH and Mike Erwin, the Founder and Executive Director of National Veteran Non-Profit Team RWB, cover a lot of ground — from farm chores and pigs to the importance of competition, veteran health and wellness, and social interaction.

In this episode of the M43 Podcast, we venture into the virtual world and connect with Garrett Cathcart of Mission Roll Call. Tune in to hear how influential leaders in the military space like Garrett are navigating the current climate and learn about some of the fascinating work he and Mission Roll Call are doing in the US.

In February 2020, Mission43 was lucky to get Kirstie Ennis to come out to Idaho for our speaker panel series, 43INC, in conjunction with Challenged Athletes Foundation - Idaho. Kirstie is as fascinating as they come and her passion palpitates through everything she does and says. Check out this inspirational episode as Brian and Dan sit down and chat with former Marine Sergeant, adaptive athlete, humanitarian, and role-model for episode 013 of the M43 Podcast.