USA Cares Podcast

This week, Matt & Alexis talk with Joshua White. Joshua is a USMC combat veteran, co-founder and owner of Midwest Elite Services, LLC, and author of "Among the Greatest."  Twenty years ago, Scottsburg, Indiana native Joshua White was in his freshman year of college at Indiana University Southeast when he watched the twin towers collapse live in TV. A few weeks later, he enlisted in the marines and was sent overseas to Iraq. White was one of the first to take part in what was then known as “Operation Enduring Freedom." Upon return, White, like so many active military and veterans, started to have PTSD. He became a firefighter and was one of the first responders during the Henryville tornado. “Among the Greatest” is not just a typical book about his time in Iraq, but it’s a legacy piece with inspiration and support for others who may have PTSD and similar experiences. It’s more than just about struggles on the battlefield — but also about what comes after and learning to heal. Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links Buy Joshua's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QWCZPT3/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1  Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com

This week, Matt & Alexis are joined in studio with Retired Coast Guard Veteran and bourbon Connoisseur, Mike "Big Chief" Hiatt. Mike, was a search and rescue specialist while active in the Coast Guard and share with the crew some great stories of his time in. Mike is also a host of a well-known whiskey podcast called "The Bourbon Road." Over the last few years, he and his team of whiskey experts joined with USA Cares to provide great bourbon for some of the amazing events USA Cares has put on. This year they will be offering some rare bottles again at the annual gala. Make sure to get your favorite whiskey neat for this episode and also give Mike's Podcast a listen after!  Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links The Bourbon Road Podcast - https://thebourbonroad.com  Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com

In this week's edition of the USA Cares Podcast, Alexis and Matt have a great discussion with army veteran, fitness model, and serial entrepreneur Colin Wayne.   A very patriotic Colin joined the military as a military police officer when he was just 17. While on deployment, Colin sustained very serious injuries from a rocket blast, and ultimately was medically retired from the Army.   Colin found himself through the trauma, depression, and PTSD that came from his injuries at the gym. He became one of the top fitness models in the world and has been featured in just about every single magazine you can think of. Without a high school education, he also started a company called Redline Steel which has passed the $100M mark. Colin's story is one of inspiration, and if you are an aspiring veteran entrepreneur yourself, you are not going to want to miss this one. Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links The Bourbon Road Podcast - https://thebourbonroad.com Sponsors Colin Wayne -   LN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinwayne1/  FB - https://www.facebook.com/colinwayneofficial  IG - https://www.instagram.com/colinwayne1/?hl=enTwitter - https://twitter.com/colinwayne1 Redline Steel - https://www.redlinesteel.com

This week, Matt & Alexis have a heart-wrenching discussion with Jessica Buchanan. On October 25, 2011, while on a routine field mission in Somalia, working as the Education Advisor for her non-governmental organization, Jessica was abducted at gunpoint and held for ransom by a group of Somali pirates for 93 days. Forced to live outdoors in deplorable conditions, starved, and terrorized by more than two dozen gangsters, Jessica’s health steadily deteriorated until, by order of President Obama, she was rescued by the elite SEAL Team VI on January 25, 2012. Jessica’s ordeal is detailed in her New York Times bestselling book, Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six. Jessica has been named one of the ‘150 Women Who will Shake the World’ by Newsweek, and her story was the most highly viewed 60 Minutes episode to air, to date. Jessica is a highly sought-after inspirational speaker, podcast co-host, and founder of a transformational coaching program. Jessica also works as a family liaison volunteer for the non-profit organization, Hostage US, supporting former hostages and their families during captivity and eventual return, and also continues to serve as a dedicated Ambassador for the Navy SEAL Foundation, which works to support families of fallen SEALs.Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links https://www.jessbuchanan.com We Should Talk About That Podcast: https://www.westatpod.com  Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com

This week, Matt & Alexis video in Jon Houlberg all the way from Traverse City Michigan. Jon is a retired Coast Guard Petty Officer, Rescue Swimmer, Adventurer, and business owner with a unique and thoughtful perspective of just about everything. In this episode, Jon shares a bunch of cool stories from his time serving in the Coast Guard, what his life has been like since he has retired, and also reflects on how much the great outdoors has helped him cope with his own struggles that veterans commonly hold. If you are ever up in Traverse City, you should pay a visit out to Jon's paddling boarding shop, the Fresh Coast Surf Co.Also, Jon might have mentioned that Marines were his favorite service members to work with... Robert made us put that in here! Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links Jon's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-houlberg-9a54801b2/ Jon's Surf Shop - www.freshcoastsurfco.com  Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com

On this week's episode, Alexis & Matt introduce the new executive director of the Kentucky USA Cares Fundraising Chapter, Stephen Brown. Stephen is no stranger to the military or to fundraising. He spent 4 years in the Marine Corps and has a family history of working with non-profits to raise money.Stephen has spent the last few months working hard to get things moving quickly and is set on his mission to make the Kentucky Chapter the most successful chapter in the organization. Stephen shares his vision for the upcoming year, and his reasons for taking on the role. Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links Mark's LinkedInThe Washington TattooThe Washington Tattoo Podcast Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com

This week, the USA Cares crew brings on another fantastic guest, Mark Reilly. Mark is a Sergeant Major in US Army, and the acting senior enlisted bandleader at the historic U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum unit out of Washington D.C. Mark is also the CEO and President at The Washington Tattoo.The mission of The Washington Tattoo is to uphold the tradition of military tattoo by producing world-class music performances. Mark discusses the future goals of The Washington Tattoo and music therapy for service members and veterans. Mark also hosts the Washington Tattoo Podcast. Be sure to listen through the links below! Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links Mark's LinkedInThe Washington Tattoo  The Washington Tattoo Podcast  Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com

In this episode, Special Guest Michael "Rod" Rodriguez joins the conversation with Matt & Alexis.  Rod joined the U.S. Army in 1992 and attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course to become a Green Beret in 1997. In 2013, he was medically retired due to numerous combat injuries. His last assignment as a Green Beret came as a Sniper Instructor assigned to the JFK Special Warfare Center (Range 37) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He has deployed ten times in service to our nation.Rod's portrait is featured in the best-selling book "Portraits of Courage" by former U.S. President George W. Bush. Like his friend, President Bush, Rod is also an artist, and he spends much of this episode discussing how he has used art and its therapeutic nature to help him through his struggles of PTSD and post-military transition. Rod is the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation and is currently working to build a new monument that honors the post-911 military members to add to the historic grounds of Washington D.C's Reserve section of the National Mall. The current administration has recently approved the project and is now in the funding phase.  If you would like to learn more about Rod, "Portraits of Courage," or if you donate to the GWOT Memorial Foundation, be sure to visit the links below! Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-“rod”-rodriguez-367b7b58  Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org Portraits of Courage: https://bushpresidentialcenter.shoptruespirit.com/BOOKSTORE/THE-BUSH-FAMILY/Portraits-of-Courage-A-Commander-in-Chiefs-Tribute-to-Americas-Warriors/p/222168546  Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com

Matt & Alexis are back in the studio this week with returning guest, Marla Kiser. Marla first recorded with USA Cares on episode 45 and shared a very personal story of her experiences dealing with post-military mental health. Both Marla's, and USA Cares' inboxes were flooded with feedback from many veterans who have experienced similar stress, cognitive dissonance, and PTSD after their contracts ended. Today, Marla has been in contact with many veterans and has been able to have some amazing healing conversations. On this episode, she provides an update on where the experience has taken her so far. Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marla-kiser-757a3864 Episode 45: Invisible Wounds  Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com

Matt and Alexis have a conversation today with retired veteran, Lt. Col. Krist Thodoropoulos. Kirst served over 20 years in the Army filling many roles. His life took a unique career twist as he was departing his military when him and his wife Amity, found an opportunity to purchase a Louisville candy company.In this episode, Krist shares:

• His military background and history (He has a great Bill Murray story, SEE THE LINK BELOW!)
• How to continue to use military skillset, even when it doesn't seem like it will apply to your new career. 
• Some very sound advice on business ownership and finances. 
• His involvement with the Alaska Project through The 98 Fund.

Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Guest Links Old Louisville Candy Kitchen/Happy Balls: /https://gethappyballs.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krist-thodoropoulos-72680837/ Bill Murray & The accordion incident: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=4joMqcacSjM  The 98 Fund: https://the98fund.org  Sponsors Speakeasy Podcast Network - www.speakeasynetwork.com