In this moving episode of The Resilient Life, host Ryan Manion sits down with Brielle Persun, a young widow navigating life after the sudden loss of her husband, Tyler, earlier this year. With raw honesty and courage, Brielle shares her journey through grief, the challenges of raising her son in the wake of tragedy, and the ways she is discovering resilience in the hardest season of her life.

She opens up about the loneliness of grief, why she chose to speak out and become a voice for other young widows, and the strength she draws from her son and community. Brielle’s story is one of heartbreak—but also of hope. It’s a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, resilience can light the way forward.

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On August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan claimed the lives of 13 American service members and 170 Afghan civilians. Marine Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews survived that day, though with life-changing injuries, and has since carried the stories of those who were lost.

In this moving episode of The Resilient Life, Ryan Manion is joined by Tyler as well as Zachary Bell—best known as Veteran With a Sign—for a conversation about service, sacrifice, and healing. Tyler shares candidly about his survival, the weight of grief, and how he continues to find purpose in honoring his brothers and sisters in arms.

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MEET Tyler Vagas-Andrews and Zach Bell

• Tyler's Twitter: https://x.com/TylerAndrews13
• Tyler's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whistlingdeath/
• Zach's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteranwithasign/
• Zach's Twitter: https://x.com/zacharyebell

In this powerful episode of The Resilient Life, Ryan Manion sits down with retired Marine and Fox News contributor Johnny Joey Jones for an honest, moving conversation about purpose, perspective, and the people who inspire him most. From his combat experience and recovery journey to his latest book Behind the Badge, Joey shares why telling the stories of others is just as important as sharing his own. With heart, humor, and unshakable grit, this episode is a reminder that true resilience is found not just in what we overcome—but in how we lift others along the way.

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LEARN about Travis Manion Foundation: www.travismanion.org

MEET Johnny Joey Jones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnny_joey/
Twitter: https://x.com/Johnny_Joey

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Christian Schauf, the founder of Uncharted Supply Co., a company built to help people navigate emergencies and embrace the unexpected with confidence. He’s an entrepreneur, adventurer, and musician who once toured the globe bringing smiles to the faces of our troops through morale-boosting performances in some of the world’s most dangerous places.

Christian shares what led him from concert stages in Iraq and Afghanistan to designing gear that could save lives in a snowstorm or blackout. Find out which life skills really matter, how resilience shows up in preparation, and why helping others is at the heart of everything he does.

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LEARN about Travis Manion Foundation: www.travismanion.org

MEET Christian Schauf
https://www.instagram.com/christianschauf/

In this powerful Memorial Day episode, Ryan Manion sits down with Sarah Ross Geisen, Gold Star sister of Captain Andrew Ross. Ryan and Sarah share their deeply personal stories of loss, resilience, and remembrance. As Gold Star siblings to fallen service members, they offer a moving perspective on what Memorial Day truly means beyond the barbecues and long weekends. Reflecting on both Travis Manion and Drew Ross' legacies, Ryan and Sarah reveal how each of us can honor the true meaning of sacrifice.

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LEARN about Travis Manion Foundation: www.travismanion.org

MEET Sarah Ross Geisen 

https://www.instagram.com/srgeisen/

Charlotte North isn’t just a lacrosse player—she’s a force of nature. A two-time Tewaaraton Award winner, a national champion, and one of the most electrifying players the sport has ever seen, Charlotte has redefined what’s possible on the field with her record-breaking shots and unmatched intensity. But off the field, she’s just as impressive—an advocate, a mentor, and a role model for young athletes everywhere. 

In this episode, Ryan dives into Charlotte’s journey from picking up a stick for the first time to becoming a household name in lacrosse. Charlotte talks about pressure, perseverance, the power of leadership, and what drives her to keep raising the bar—not just for herself, but for the next generation of players. So whether you’re a fan of the sport or just love a good story about grit and greatness, this one’s for you. 

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LEARN about Travis Manion Foundation: www.travismanion.org 

MEET Charlotte North
https://www.instagram.com/charlottenorth8/ 
https://x.com/charlotten8rth

In this powerful and compelling episode, Ryan Manion sits down with Norm Hooten, a legendary figure whose heroic actions during the Battle of Mogadishu were immortalized in the film Black Hawk Down. Norm reflects on the harrowing events of that day, sharing firsthand insights on courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the heat of battle.

Beyond the battlefield, Norm’s journey didn’t stop. He opens up about life after combat, his continued service in the military community, and his mission to support veterans in their fight for resilience and mental health. From his transition to working as a clinical pharmacist helping those struggling with opioid addiction to lessons learned from a lifetime of service, Norm’s story is one of leadership, purpose, and perseverance.

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MEET Norm Hooten

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• Hooten Young

A Green Beret, former NFL player, and co-founder of the veteran-focused nonprofit Merging Vets and Players (MVP), Nate Boyer's path has been anything but ordinary. From deploying to combat zones with Special Forces to walking onto the football field as a 34-year-old rookie with the Seattle Seahawks, his journey is a testament to pushing limits and chasing purpose, no matter the odds.

In this episode, Nate sits down with Ryan Manion and explores how he navigated the challenges of military service, transitioned into the world of professional sports, and became a leading voice for veterans and athletes tackling life after service through MVP. Don't miss this conversation on the power of teamwork, finding identity beyond the uniform, and the importance of community in building resilience.

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MEET Nate Boyer 

• Twitter: https://x.com/NateBoyer37
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateboyer37/

In this episode, Ryan and Blayne dive into Veteran Check-In, a powerful, no-cost initiative that encourages veterans, service members, and their families to stay connected and supported by providing a bridge to needed resources and care. 

Blayne discusses challenges facing our nation's veterans, and how those challenges have shown up in his own life. Listen in as he reveals his own personal mission to be present for others and create deep, meaningful relationships in his new community. Whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or someone who wants to support those who’ve served, this episode is for you.

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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blayneps/

On this episode of The Resilient Life, Ryan sits down with a guest who defines resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic confidence—Erika Jayne. You know her from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, her electrifying music career, and the headlines that have followed her every move. But today, we're getting the real story—straight from her. From the highs of performing on stage to the challenges of navigating personal and legal battles, Erika sets the record straight and shows you who she really is.

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MEET Erika Jayne

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