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 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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Step inside the garage of a WWE Icon and legend Bill Goldberg. In this raw episode of American Grit, WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg joins host Tim Jensen for a one-on-one like you’ve never seen before. Filmed straight from Goldberg’s own garage, this conversation hits harder than a spear from the man himself.They break down what’s next for Goldberg as he eyes his retirement match in 2025, reflect on the wild ride of his wrestling and football career, and dig deep into life after the ring. Goldberg opens up about being a present, proud father and watching his son Gage forge his own path in college football.#wwe #goldberg #wweraw #wwesmackdown

On this episode, we welcome Dr. Larry Miller, a father, physician, and now a passionate advocate for systemic reform in veteran mental health care. His son, Mark Miller, a 53-year-old Navy veteran and former sniper, tragically died by suicide on April 7, 2025, in the parking lot of the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio.

Mark's final act was a profound statement against what he perceived as inadequate mental health care provided by the VA. In his own words, he felt that the system was "just like robots handing out pills, poisoning our people."

Dr. Miller joins us to share his son's story w/ host Tim Jensen, together they discuss the systemic issues within the VA's mental health services, and advocate for meaningful change to prevent such tragedies in the future.