Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

Retired Air Force physician Dr. Mary Ann Kiel reveals how lifestyle medicine transformed her health and revolutionized her approach to treating servicemembers and military families.

As a board-certified pediatrician and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Kiel explains the six pillars of wellness: whole food plant-based nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, social connection and avoiding harmful substances.

Learn evidence-based strategies for disease prevention, increasing healthspan (not just lifespan), and addressing the root causes of chronic illness without relying on medications. Dr. Kiel shares practical behavior change techniques she teaches as a Food for Life Instructor and discusses why military members face unique health challenges.

Perfect for veterans, military families, health-care professionals, and anyone interested in preventive medicine, holistic health and sustainable wellness practices.

Sleep isn't a luxury — it's a mission-critical function. And for veterans, the stakes are even higher. Dr. Sara Alger, Sleep Research Scientist with the Psychological Health Branch at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, unpacks what chronic sleep deprivation is actually doing to your brain and body — and what you can do about it.

Alger explains why the military culture of "I'll sleep when I'm dead" carries real long-term consequences, how combat-trained sleep patterns can follow you home long after deployment, and why those 3 a.m. wake-ups may be more biology than disorder. She also makes the case for tactical napping as a legitimate performance tool — not a sign of weakness.

Whether you're dealing with PTSD-related sleep disruption, years of short nights, or just waking up exhausted, this conversation offers science-backed answers and practical strategies.

Also in this episode: a bipartisan effort to expand overdose protection for veterans, the wartime origins of Daylight Saving Time, and how the Star-Spangled Banner became official.

SHOW LINKS

Learn more about Buddy Checks

Join The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge

Learn more about the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Facts about tactical napping

Defense Health Agency Continuing Education Program Office

Be a part of The American Legion Oratorical Contest

Learn more about the End Veterans Overdose Act of 2026

Wartime history of Daylight Savings Time

Health tips for help you Spring Forward

Star-spangled history or The National Anthem

Learn more about the U.S. Flag - Indivisible: The Story of Our Flag

Navy veteran Kelley Gilberry shares his inspiring transformation story from obesity and heart disease to optimal health.

Before age 40, Gilberry battled cardiovascular disease, high blood sugar and a 70-pound weight problem fueled by fast food. Discover how he reversed heart disease naturally through plant-based eating and lifestyle changes, and became a certified health coach and nutritionist. Learn about his "Medicine Free Method" and "Ant Philosophy" for sustainable weight loss, diabetes prevention, and getting off medications.

Gilberry, founder of One Determined Vegan and author of "Plants Saved My Life," provides practical guidance on eliminating processed foods, reducing carcinogens, and adopting whole food nutrition.

Essential listening for veterans struggling with obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or anyone seeking health transformation without pharmaceuticals.

SHOW LINKS

Plants Saved My Life on Amazon

Learn more at KelleyGilberry.com

Mark Schatzker "The Dorito Effect"

From childhood trauma to military service, from a career-ending brain injury as a paramedic to Paralympic glory — Shawn Cheshire's story is one of extraordinary resilience.

In this powerful episode, the former US Army helicopter mechanic and 13-time US para-cycling national champion shares how she rebuilt her life after losing her sight at age 36. The Army veteran opens up about her journey from contemplating suicide to becoming a Paralympian, crossing the Grand Canyon solo as the first blind woman to complete Rim to Rim to Rim, and cycling across America on a single bike.

Her new documentary "Blind AF" captures her incredible endurance challenges and the trauma she's overcome. This is a conversation about refusing to be defined by your circumstances and choosing to see possibility even in darkness.

Also in this episode: the BEACON Act, the magic of audio books and more.

SHOW LINKS

Military memoir audiobook recommendations

AURA Special Offer

Learn more about Shawn Cheshire

Choosing to See

Join the USA250 Challenge

American Legion Advocacy Toolkit

American Legion Grassroots Action Center

Visit Legiontown

Reddit Rabbit Hole: Tall tales and fish stories in the military community

Discover proven strategies for improving heart health and living longer with interventional cardiologist Dr. Columbus Batiste.

In this encore episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, Dr. Batiste shares expert guidance on cardiovascular diseaseprevention, plant-based nutrition, and cardiac rehabilitation specifically for veterans and military families.

Learn about Healthy Heart Nation, his nonprofitorganization helping thousands reverse heart disease through whole food nutrition, exercise, sleep and lifestyle medicine. Perfect for veterans facing increased heart disease risk, anyone interested in preventive cardiology, or those seeking natural approaches to cardiovascular wellness.

Topics include cardiac rehab programs, heart-healthy eating, the physiology of heart disease and practical steps to reduce your risk of the leading cause of death in America.

SHOW LINKS

Dr. Columbus BatisteHeart Healthy Nation

Army veteran Kayla Williams served in combat, deploying to Iraq in 2003 as an Arabic linguist with the 101st Airborne Division.

Since retiring from the military, she has become a bestselling author, and leading advocate for women veterans and military families.

From serving without body armor plates during the 2003 Iraq invasion to navigating her husband's traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery, Williams shares her journey of resilience and her ongoing fight to preserve the hard-won gains women have made in the military.

Discover why hope matters more than hardship, and why evidence-based policy changes are critical for the future of veteran health care.

Also in this episode: a VA health care change that will help women veterans, tips on how veterans can protect themselves against scammers, the legend of Cafe Ground Zero and more.

SHOW LINKS

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) eligibility

American Legion Junior Shooting Sports

VA makes it easier for women to access gynecology care

Avoid veteran scams

The legend of Cafe Ground Zero

What does it take to make 200 armed, exhausted Marines laugh? Michael D'Angelo knows. The Las Vegas street punk turned Marine Corps veteran turned comedian created Rapid Fire Comedy Tour, a nonprofit delivering free standup shows to military bases nationwide.

From surviving Vegas streets — including a razor attack that required 32 stitches to his face — to living in his car while pursuing comedy in LA, D'Angelo's journey to serving those who serve is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

In Episode 299 of Tango Alpha Lima, discover how comedy became his way of continuing to serve, how he's exposing young troops to diverse perspectives through art, and why performing for skeptical Marines is the ultimate comedy bootcamp.

Also in this episode: the truth about the notch in dog tags, can this platform save veterans money and more.

SHOW LINKS

Join The American Legion Family USA250 Challenge

Learn more about Rapid Fire Comedy Tour

Join The American Legion

Go down the Reddit Rabbit Hole

Is it Military Fact or Fiction

ExpertVoice

For Navy veteran Shawn VanDiver, a 2021 call from Afghanistan sparked the creation of AfghanEvac, now one of the most successful refugee advocacy organizations.

In this season premiere, VanDiver discusses his path from getting his GED to military service, his work with the Truman National Security Project, and how a single emergency became a mission supporting more than 195,000 Afghan refugees. He explains his community-first approach, why this work extends beyond Afghanistan, and concrete ways veterans can advocate for allies worldwide.

Plus: Tango Alpha Lima hosts warn about predatory VA claim services, explore the Together We Served veteran network, and honor WWII veteran and Beetle Bailey cartoonist Mort Walker.

LINKS

The War Horse: VA Warned These Companies They May Be Breaking the Law. Most Are Still in Business

NPR: Congress calls for a crackdown on companies charging disabled vets

Join The American Legion Family USA250 Challenge

AfghanEvac Website

Afghan Allies Vetting process

How you can help AfghanEvac

AfghanEvac Store

The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program

Learn more about Together We Served

Remembering Beetle Bailey creator Mort Walker

Legion calls for Congress to include Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Amendment in 2025 NDAA

One of our first episodes of Season 6 resonated the most for us. Retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Col. Lee Ellis, who was shot down and captured during the Vietnam War, talks about leadership and team building lessons he learned during his five years as a prisoner of war, as well as throughout his military service and his 25 years as a leadership coach.

After making history as the Navy’s first Black female helicopter pilot, Dr. Kamin Samuel went from thriving to surviving when she transitioned out of the military.

Plagued by financial troubles after her business went bankrupt, Samuel put her faith and military discipline into action to overcome the suicidal thoughts that crept in.

Now she helps others identify their character strengths, is a best-selling author and documentary filmmaker.