What drives a military logistics specialist to become a champion for veteran suicide prevention? For Brianne Brown, it wasn't just career evolution—it was a calling born from personal experience.

In this powerful conversation, Air Force veteran Brianne Brown pulls back the curtain on her journey from military service to her vital work as Central Florida Regional Program Director for The Fire Watch. With raw honesty, she reveals how her experiences as both a veteran and former spouse of a combat veteran shaped her understanding of the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

Brown introduces us to The Fire Watch's innovative community-based approach to veteran suicide prevention. Unlike traditional support models, The Fire Watch trains everyday citizens to recognize warning signs and connect veterans with resources before they reach crisis—a strategy proving essential in Florida, where veteran suicide rates are 2.5 times higher than non-veteran rates.

The discussion delves into the military mindset that can sometimes work against veterans in crisis. "Our motto is to solve the problem and eliminate the threat," Brown explains, revealing how this training can become dangerous when veterans view themselves as the problem. She also explores the complex interplay between psychological, social, spiritual, and physical health that creates true well-being for veterans.

Perhaps most compelling is Brown's perspective on healing: "Healing happens in community, not in isolation." This simple truth drives The Fire Watch's mission to create networks of trained supporters throughout Florida communities.

Whether you're a veteran, know a veteran, or simply care about preventing suicide, this episode offers practical wisdom and a path to make a difference. Brown shares how anyone can complete the free one-hour training at thefirewatch.org to become what she calls a "Watch Stander"—someone equipped to recognize warning signs and connect veterans with life-saving resources.

Ready to stand in the gap for veterans in your community? This conversation will show you how one hour of your time could save a life.

Norman Harris welcomes Michelle Hogan, Associate Director of Community Donations at Metropolitan Ministries, for a conversation about finding purpose through service and making an impact on homelessness.

• Michelle's childhood experiences with racism sparked her passion for advocacy and social justice
• Metropolitan Ministries serves the homeless through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity, and instill self-sufficiency
• Coordinating a donation of 300 bed sets from Ashley Furniture provided essential comfort to children and elderly individuals who previously had nowhere to sleep
• Becoming homeless is often just one missed paycheck away, but helping those who've lived outside for years requires addressing deeper issues beyond just resources
• Metropolitan Ministries offers multiple ways to help, including volunteering at meal sites, sorting donations, participating in food drives, and hosting collection drives
• Michelle's personal journey from corporate life to homelessness to nonprofit leadership demonstrates resilience and the importance of following your purpose
• Finding your voice through platforms like podcasts and social media can create change by helping people understand issues from new perspectives

To learn more about Metropolitan Ministries or to get involved, visit metromin.org or follow Michelle Hogan on LinkedIn.

Dr. Rainey Semia shares her journey from healthcare to real estate, demonstrating how to build multiple successful businesses through systems, processes, and a servant's heart. Her path from occupational therapist to nursing home administrator to real estate entrepreneur offers valuable insights for professionals seeking to diversify their careers and income streams.

• Moving from occupational therapy to nursing home administration after observing leadership gaps
• Earning a PhD in Healthcare Services with specialization in healthcare administration
• Transitioning to real estate during COVID to pursue investment goals
• Expanding into mortgage lending, credit restoration, and financial literacy coaching
• Owning an event venue and developing international real estate connections
• Using systems and processes to successfully manage multiple businesses
• Finding motivation in helping clients achieve homeownership dreams
• Building leadership skills through healthcare administration experience
• Planning to establish nonprofits focused on affordable housing and senior equipment needs
• Emphasizing the importance of building relationships early in your career

For more information about Dr. Rainey's services or to connect with her, search for Rainyouri Semia on social media platforms. For those seeking an event venue in the Tampa/Brandon area, her 900-square-foot venue is located at the intersection of 301 and Adamo Drive and can accommodate up to 50 people.

Miranda Johnson's entrepreneurial intuition first sparked in middle school when a teacher suggested she'd make a good secretary. Her response? "No, I'm going to be Miranda Queen instead of Burger King." That early confidence blossomed into a remarkable business journey spanning construction, transportation, and now leadership development.

From her earliest days selling candy in school hallways and braiding hair for cash, Miranda displayed an innate talent for sales and reading people. By age 20, she was securing direct contracts with major builders, eliminating middlemen and maximizing profits. Later, she built a transportation company with over 20 trucks, even obtaining her commercial driver's license along the way.

After 15 years in transportation, Miranda made the difficult decision to sell her trucks and focus on her family. This pivot led to the creation of Mirage Collective, a leadership community built around her mantra: "Authenticity is the new blue check." The platform provides entrepreneurs with powerful tools to showcase their businesses, sell products, and connect with a global community.

Throughout our conversation, Miranda emphasized that "consistency is the ruler that measures results." When entrepreneurs feel like quitting, it's typically because inconsistency has made it impossible to gauge progress. She advocates starting with three fundamental areas: watching your words, guarding your mind, and prioritizing health. Working out, she shared, is her therapy—creating the mental clarity needed for business success.

Her book "The Pain Principle" explores how temporary discomfort leads to long-term growth, while her upcoming "Lead Loud: 11 Commandments of the Next Gen Leader" will further expand her leadership philosophy. Miranda and her husband are also launching "Couples and Entrepreneurship," addressing the unique challenges business owners face in maintaining strong relationships.

Ready to build your business without sacrificing your authenticity or family life? Miranda's journey offers a roadmap for success that values consistency, community, and alignment. Connect with her on LinkedIn or at www.mirageoco.org to learn more about joining her leadership community.

What happens to mental health when independence is lost? Steve Lamonaco, President and CEO of Thrive Behavioral Science, pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked psychological challenges facing nursing home residents and their families.

Drawing from his remarkable journey spanning four decades in elder care—from nursing assistant to CEO—Steve shares how his firsthand experiences shaped Thrive's innovative approach to providing psychiatric and psychological services to over 9,000 elderly patients monthly across Florida's nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the profound adjustment disorders many seniors face when entering long-term care. "Nobody sits back and says 'I can't wait to get to the nursing home,'" Steve notes, highlighting how depression and anxiety often accompany the loss of independence, financial control, and familiar routines. Particularly moving is his insight into the parallel suffering of caregivers left at home, whose own routines and mental health frequently deteriorate after placement decisions.

Steve's perspective is uniquely valuable because he bridges clinical understanding with administrative expertise as a licensed nursing home administrator. This dual perspective allows him and his team to create systems that effectively address resident needs while helping facilities maintain compliance and quality measures—reaching far more seniors than traditional approaches.

Beyond professional insights, Steve shares personal reflections that reveal his deep commitment to this work, including his habit of working 80+ hour weeks and not taking a vacation since 2004. His advice to aspiring healthcare administrators emphasizes humility, continuous learning, and genuine empathy for both residents and staff.

Want to learn more about supporting elderly mental health or connect with Steve's team? Visit www.thrivebehavioralsciences.com or find Thrive Behavioral Sciences on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Caitlyn Whitmoyer shares her journey from burnout as an educational consultant to becoming a wellness coach and entrepreneur helping educators find freedom and balance through holistic health practices.

• Owner of Hand in Health Wellness, helping educators find their pathway to freedom
• Co-founder of Thread Education, bringing well-being into schools to strengthen culture
• Defines holistic health as multidimensional, addressing spiritual, relational, financial, and vocational wellness
• Experienced severe burnout and health issues that led to her career transformation
• Offers Access Bars therapy, a technique involving gentle touch on 32 points on the cranium
• Teaches mindfulness as simply being present rather than complicated practices
• Prefers "work-life harmony" over "work-life balance"
• Uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients build neuroplasticity
• Growing Thread Education to secure district contracts and expand impact
• Working with Reach University to help fast-track education degrees

Connect with Caitlyn on Instagram @Hand.in.health_wellness and @Thread_edu or visit their websites.

Arlene Grasso’s inspiring journey reveals the importance of creating accessible living spaces for seniors wishing to age in place. Through her work with Access and Design, she empowers individuals and their families to prepare proactive modifications that ensure safety and independence at home.

• Aging in place as a desire for over 95% of seniors 
• Importance of home modifications to maintain independence 
• AARP’s HomeFit program and its significance 
• The Falls Free Florida Coalition and falls prevention strategies 
• The role of community and resources in supporting seniors

Caregiving can be both a rewarding and overwhelming experience, but there is power in community support and self-care. Jazmar Bennett shares her journey of resilience and motivation as a caregiver and offers valuable insights on the importance of prioritizing mental health and utilizing available resources. The conversation emphasizes that every caregiver has the potential to make a significant comeback, urging listeners to embrace their strength and passion in their journey.

• Caregiver's need for a support system 
• Jazmar's experiences with her father's health decline 
• Importance of mental health awareness in seniors 
• Utilizing community resources effectively 
• Jazmar's podcast journey and its inspiration 
• The role of resilience in caregiving 
• Hosting community events for health education 
• Transformation and personal growth are always possible 
• Encouragement to seek help and prioritize self-care 
• Jazmar's empowering message on comebacks through faith

Dr. Thomas Edwards shares his extensive journey through healthcare, highlighting the importance of personalized and compassionate patient care. The episode discusses challenges in communication, the role of technology, and memorable experiences that shape a physician's approach to healthcare. 
• Dr. Edwards' background and early influences in medicine 
• The evolution of his career from paramedic to physician 
• The significance of family dynamics in patient care 
• Emphasis on patient-centered care and open communication 
• Challenges posed by HIPAA in healthcare communication 
• Insights into advancements in healthcare technology and AI 
• Valuable lessons learned from memorable patient interactions 
• The need for credible sources of medical information 
• Dr. Edwards' commitment to providing dignified care for aging patients