As part of Grunt Style’s Featured Veteran campaign, this episode of the American Grit Podcast shines the spotlight on Derek Blumke, Veteran Impact Fellow at the Grunt Style Foundation, and a leader on the front lines of veteran mental health reform. The Featured Veteran campaign exists to honor the men and women who continue to serve long after they hang up the uniform by showcasing their missions, their impact, and their leadership in their communities. Derek’s journey, from a 12-year Air Force and Michigan Air National Guard veteran with multiple deployments to Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, to a national advocate for mental health accountability, is a powerful example of what service looks like beyond the battlefield.In this episode, Derek breaks down what he’s uncovered over the last two years while leading the fight against the veteran overprescribing crisis: the VA’s heavy reliance on psychiatric drugs, resistance to reform, and the push for informed consent and safer treatment practices. He also shares how WarCry for Change summits have brought together families, lawmakers, and medical experts to confront the realities behind veteran suicides and demand change. About Featured VeteranVeterans are leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs and often represent the best in our communities. Grunt Style's featured Veteran campaign is an initiative to celebrate these veterans' hard work and spirit, from showcasing their talents to highlighting their accomplishments and aspirations. We hope these Men and Women will serve as an inspiration and a positive example of what the American warfighter can do when they hang up their uniform and take on the role of community leaders. Join us on this mission, and meet the movers and shakers in your community today.https://www.gruntstylefoundation.org/

This week on the American Grit Podcast, host Tim Jensen sits down with Jennifer Marshall, a U.S. Navy and California State Guard veteran, actress, cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for veterans and recovery. Jennifer opens up about the challenges of life after uniform, the long shadow of military healthcare failures, and the brutal reality of a cancer diagnosis delayed by COVID. But it’s not just about survival, it’s about reinvention. From military grit to Hollywood hustle, and now a voice for others navigating illness and identity, Jennifer’s story is a raw, unfiltered look at resilience. American Grit Website

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This episode of The American Grit Podcast kicks open the door to a revolution in mental health care. Tim Jensen sits down with two trailblazers driving Texas push for psychedelic reform—Bryan Hubbard and Logan Davidson.Bryan, Executive Director of the American Ibogaine Initiative at the REID Foundation, fuses grit and policy expertise in a mission to end the opioid crisis. Logan, Executive Director of Texans for Greater Mental Health and legislative powerhouse behind HB 1802, has been pivotal in opening the door for psychedelic therapies targeting PTSD and addiction.Together, they helped make history with House Bill 3717 and Senate Bill 2308—securing a $50 million investment into FDA-approved ibogaine trials. It’s the largest publicly funded psychedelic research initiative in U.S. history—and it started in Texas.From behind-the-scenes battles to the science poised to change lives, this episode dives deep into a movement that’s breaking barriers, challenging stigma, and finally offering real hope to veterans, first responders, and anyone fighting silent wars within.Texas is leading. The future is here. And this conversation is just the beginning.Learn more about REID Foundation: https://www.reid.foundation/texas-ibogaine-initiativeLearn more about Texans for Greater Mental Health: https://www.t4gmh.com/

In this powerful episode, Tim Jensen sits down with Dr. Lynnette Averill — Clinical Director of the Emerge Research Program at Baylor College of Medicine . As one of the nation’s leading experts on trauma, PTSD, and suicidality, Dr. Averill is at the forefront of revolutionizing mental health care for veterans through groundbreaking treatments like ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy.They dive deep into her work with psilocybin, ibogaine, and other psychoplastogens, and how these therapies offer real hope for healing the invisible wounds of war. Dr. Averill shares firsthand insights from recent clinical trials, her experience lobbying for HB1802 in Texas, and why untreated PTSD should be seen as life-threatening. She also discusses her advocacy through Reason for Hope and the Veterans Mental Health Leadership Coalition — all aimed at expanding access to effective, urgent treatment.Dr. Lynnette Averillhttps://www.bcm.edu/people-search/lynnette-averill-69166

In this episode, Tim Jensen sits down with Michael Lynd Sr., Vietnam veteran and founder of the Vietnam Grunt Museum in San Antonio. Lynd shares raw stories from the jungles of Nam, leading infantry through chaos, the weight of command, and the grit it took to come home and build something that honors those who never did.This isn’t about medals or speeches. It’s about the truth of the grunt’s war, mud, fear, loyalty, and the brotherhood that outlasts everything. Lynd’s mission: to make sure no soldier’s story dies in silence.Visit https://www.americangrit.com/series/american-grit-podcast to watch more episodes!American Grit Websitehttps://americangrit.com

Kash Patel is the former chief of staff to the Secretary of Defense. Kash also served in the National Security Council as a counter-terrorism prosecutor for the D.O.J. and served in the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Tim and Kash discuss everything from the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan to the inner dysfunction of the D.O.D and the many challenges facing the military community on a strategic level. #kashpatel #fbi #veteranpodcast #veteran American Grit Websitehttps://americangrit.comGrunt Stylehttps://gruntstyle.com

Join host Tim Jensen on The American Grit Podcast as he welcomes Russell Acord, U.S. Army veteran and survival expert from "Expedition Bigfoot." In this episode, Russell shares essential survival tips and thrilling experiences from both his military background and his adventures in the wild. Dive into the world of 'Expedition Bigfoot' with behind-the-scenes insights and explore the art of survival and the mysteries of nature with a seasoned wilderness explorer.About the American Grit PodcastAmerican Grit hosts tough and often avoided conversations with people of influence that look to illuminate our listeners by sharing information that directly impacts the Grunt Style Culture. Our guests come from all walks of life: Military Veterans, Law Enforcement, First Responders,Veteran Entrepreneurs, Former DOD Chief of Staff’s, Skilled shooters , Professional wrestlers, Hall of Fame Martial Artist, Blue collar professionals and everyone in between.Visit https://americangrit.com/series/american-grit-podcast to watch more episodes!

VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt is a battle-tested infantryman turned national leader, serving as the voice of more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, and he’s not afraid to use it.From the jungles of Vietnam to the halls of Congress, Lipphardt has fought both on the battlefield and in the broken systems veterans face after war. In this episode, he dives into the cold truth about burnout, veteran suicide, and what real leadership looks like when the parades end and the pain sets in. This one’s for every vet who still carries the fight.#vfw #veteranpodcast #podcast

Join us talking to Michael Merzke is a retired U.S. Army veteran with over 24 years of service, including deployments with Military Police and elite Special Operations units in Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama, Kosovo, and beyond. Today, he serves as Program Manager at Extivita, a leading hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic, and volunteers with HBOT4Heroes, helping veterans heal from TBI and PTSD through cutting-edge, oxygen-based treatment. Michael’s mission is deeply personal, shaped by his own recovery journey and his son’s battle with cerebral palsy. From combat zones to healing chambers, Michael embodies relentless service, fierce advocacy, and the true meaning of American grit.https://itsallaboutthemiles.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmerzke/https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthemiles/https://x.com/Mike_Merzke

On this episode of The American Grit Podcast, USMC Veteran Tim Jensen sits down with country music powerhouse John Rich, half of the multi-platinum duo Big & Rich. From humble beginnings at Opryland to penning and producing over 40 Top 40 singles (including 14 #1 hits), John’s story is one of grit, hustle, and undeniable talent. But John Rich isn’t just a chart-topping artist, he’s a patriot, a builder of legends, and a relentless supporter of America’s heroes. He’s helped launch careers like Gretchen Wilson’s, written for icons like Faith Hill and Jason Aldean, and raised millions for St. Jude’s as the Celebrity Apprentice winner. Now, through his lifestyle brand Redneck Riviera, he continues to give back, supporting Folds of Honor and the VFW. This is a deep dive into music, patriotism, and the power of staying true to who you are.‪@johnrichmusic‬

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