VET'ed. with Jen M. Wagman

William Person is a former Team USA bobsledder. He battled with CTE and an hyperbaric oxygen chamber gave him his life back. His story mirrors the struggles faced by countless Veterans living with untreated TBI and PTSD, revealing the urgent need for new solutions and compassion in the system.

Through his mission “One Man with the Chamber,” William is fighting to bring healing and hope to those who’ve sacrificed everything, proving that with the right support, recovery is possible.

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#veterans  #veteranfamily #militaryfamily  #ctevtentranceprep  #braininjury  #TBI #ptsd  #veterancare  #hyperbaricoxygentherapy  #mentalhealthawareness  #vetedpodcast

In this moving episode of the VET’ed Podcast, host Jen M. Wagman speaks with Adora Winquist, founder of Opus Gaia and creator of Mil-Spec Formulas, about the groundbreaking work being done to bring science-based sensory healing to Veterans.

Born from the loss of an Air Force nurse named Holly, the Healing Hut was created by Lt. Col. Dr. Stephanie Shaver to provide alternative therapies for service members and their families. Adora’s Mil-Spec Formulas now play a key role in that mission—helping soldiers retrain their nervous systems through scent, sound, and touch to recover faster and live with greater calm, clarity, and resilience.

To learn more about Mil-Spec Formulas go to milspecformulas.com/protocols/

🌐 Available on youtube and on all podcast platforms.

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#vetedpodcast #militaryfamily #veteranfamily #alternativemedicine  #mentalhealth  #traumarecovery  #resilience  #posttraumaticgrowth  #neuroscience

In this episode of VET’ed., Jen sits down with Erin Cardinal and Leslie Janaros of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to discuss the vision, mission, and people-first purpose behind its  groundbreaking Total Force+ Conference taking place at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Conference Center, October 27-28, 2025.

Leslie and Erin share how this first-of-its-kind event brings together active-duty service members, veterans, spouses, nonprofits, and industry leaders to find real solutions, not just discussions, around readiness, mental health, leadership, and quality of life. From keynote speaker Rob Riggle to sessions like “A Funny Look at Suicide and Depression,” Total Force Plus sets a new standard for collaboration across the military and veteran landscape. Not to mention Jen’s going to be presenting a Learning Lab on Veterans’ Benefits & VA & sponsoring a GenVETS vendor booth.

 So go to totalforceplus.org, register to attend now for FREE with special GenVETS/VET’ed. promo code 100TFPGV and join the conversation.

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#Veterans #VetEdPodcast #MOAA #TotalForceConference #MilitaryLeadership #Readiness #FamilySupport #MentalHealth #HumanPerformance #MilitaryFamily

In this inspiring episode of the VET’ed Podcast, host Jen M. Wagman sits down with Chef Larry Zilliox, Air Force Veteran, host of Welcome Home Podcast, and Director of Culinary Services at Willing Warriors’ Warrior Retreat at Bull Run.

Larry shares how his journey from military service to culinary leadership became a mission of healing—bringing gourmet meals, community, and restoration to wounded, ill, and injured Veterans and their families. From the Visiting Chefs Program that draws top culinary talent, to creating moments of connection around the table, Larry shows us how food can nurture not just the body, but the spirit.

🎙️ This conversation highlights the power of service, volunteerism, and community support in building spaces where Veterans and families can rest, reconnect, and rediscover hope.

🔔 Available on wherever you get your podcasts.

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#Veterans #Jenmwagman #Welcomehomepodcast #LarryZilliox #WillingWarriors #WarriorRetreat #MilitaryFamily #VeteranSupport

Join me today as I continue my conversation with Benjamin Pomerance, Deputy Counsel for the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, to explore the intersection of law, advocacy, and humanity in the fight for Veterans’ rights.

Benjamin shares his insider’s perspective on reforming the VA benefits system, the moral and legal responsibility of those who serve Veterans, and the power of compassion in government service. We also reflect on the need for greater accountability, transparency, and empathy across every level of the system—reminding us that behind every claim is a human story.

🎙️ This episode is a deep dive into the real work of advocacy: how to build fairer systems, hold institutions accountable, and never lose sight of the people we serve.

🔔 Available on wherever you get your podcasts.

👍 Subscribe, Like & Follow @JenmwagmanVETed for more episodes that inform and empower Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families.

#Veterans #VetEdPodcast #BenjaminPomerance #VeteransLaw #Advocacy #DutyToServe #VeteransBenefits #Justice #VeteranSupport #MilitaryFamily

In this episode of the VET’ed. Podcast, host Jen M. Wagman sits down with Benjamin Pomerance, Deputy Counsel for the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services and one of the nation’s leading voices in veterans law and advocacy.

From drafting landmark legislation to challenging systemic failures in the VA claims process, Benjamin has spent more than a decade fighting for fair treatment, education access, housing solutions, and suicide prevention initiatives for veterans and their families. He also brings his unique perspective as a prolific writer and educator, blending legal expertise with a journalist’s eye for human stories.

Together, Jen and Benjamin dig into the hard truths about the Veterans Benefits Administration, explore the evolving duty to assist, and spotlight the ongoing “renaissance” in veterans' benefits and advocacy across the country.

🎙️ This episode speaks to every veteran, loved one, and advocate working to navigate—and challenge—the systems meant to serve our nation’s heroes.

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#Veterans #VetEdPodcast #BenjaminPomerance #VeteransLaw #VeteransBenefits #Advocacy #SuicidePrevention #MilitaryFamily #MentalHealth #DutyToAssist

Jen M. Wagman speaks with Scott Rice, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major whose 30-year career spanned global deployments and elite commands. After facing the cumulative toll of TBI, PTSD, chronic pain, and substance abuse, Scott found healing through the Avalon Action Alliance, a national network of programs dedicated to closing the care gap for Veterans and first responders.

Now serving as a peer support specialist at the Marcus Institute for Brain Health in Colorado, Scott shares his powerful journey from soldier to survivor to advocate. Together, we explore what real support looks like when warriors stop surviving and start healing.

🎙️ This episode shines a light on invisible wounds, post-traumatic growth, and the critical importance of barrier-free treatment for all Veterans, regardless of discharge status or ability to pay.

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#Veterans #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #VetEdPodcast #ScottRice #AvalonActionAlliance #MarcusInstitute #InvisibleWounds #TBICare #PostTraumaticGrowth #MilitaryFamily

In this moving conversation from the VTTV Resource Fair at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in DuBois, Wyoming, host Jen M. Wagman sits down with Kris Searles, a U.S. Army combat veteran, VTTV coach, father, and founder of Overwatch 6.

Kris opens up about his personal journey from distraction to self-reflection, from search-and-rescue missions to leading peer coaching circles that blend music, storytelling, and deep emotional support. He shares how using lyrics instead of war stories sparked breakthrough conversations, and why real healing for Veterans—and their families—starts with courage, community, and doing the hard inner work.

🎙️ This episode is a testament to the evolving power of peer-led coaching and the critical role Veterans Talking to Veterans plays in suicide prevention and post-traumatic growth.

🔔 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | and wherever you get your podcasts.

👍Subscribe, Like & Follow @VETedPodcast for the full summer series from DuBois and more episodes that inform and educate the Veteran,  transitioning service members & their families on the issues affecting them most

#veterans  #mentalhealth  #suicideprevention  #vetedpodcast  #KrisSearles #VTTV #peersupport  #herojourney  #veteranleadership  #militaryfamily

In this powerful return episode of the VET’ed. Podcast, Jen M. Wagman sits down with Dr. Kent Corso, behavioral health expert, clinical psychologist, suicideologist and core partner in the Veterans Talking to Veterans (VTTV) initiative. Recorded live during Memorial Day Weekend at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in DuBois, Wyoming, this conversation marks the beginning of a special series captured on site at the VTTV Resource Fair and Coaches’ Graduation Ceremony.

Dr. Corso walks us through the mission behind VTTV’s trauma-informed coaching model—a growing movement endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that trains Veterans to support other Veterans and their families through meaningful, peer-led conversations. In an era where wait times for mental health care are dangerously long and provider shortages are worsening, VTTV offers an immediate, community-driven response rooted in empathy, trust, and shared experience.

We explore how coaching differs from therapy, why it matters, and how this program—now active in 12 communities, including the Department of Corrections—is already saving lives. Dr. Corso also shares what he sees as the biggest challenges facing today's transitioning service members, Veterans and their families—and how to meet them with practical, proven solutions.

This episode is for anyone committed to Veteran mental health, suicide prevention, and creating systems of care that work from the inside out.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | and wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe, Like & Follow @VETedPodcast for the full summer series from DuBois and more episodes that inform and educate the Veteran,  transitioning service members & their families on the issues affecting them most

 #Veterans #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #VetEdPodcast #KentCorso #VeteranSupport #Coaching #CommunityHealing #MilitaryMentalHealth

In this powerful episode of VET'ed. host Jen M. Wagman is joined by Timothy Sheppard and Dr. Julie Elledge for an inspiring conversation ahead of the 2025 Veterans Talking to Veterans Fair in Dubois, Wyoming. Together, they explore how trauma-informed coaching, faith-based leadership, and community engagement are transforming veteran care and mental health support—especially in rural America.

Dr. Elledge, founder of Mentor Agility, highlights how her team of certified coaches is addressing veteran suicide by promoting resilience, motivation, and healing outside of traditional clinical settings. She emphasizes suicide as a social issue, not just a mental health problem—and shares how veterans are thriving when reconnected with purpose and community.

Timothy Sheppard shares the mission of the VA Center for Faith, including suicide prevention webinars, Veteran Service Groups, and outreach initiatives to build trust and spiritual support for veterans across all belief systems.

📌 Topics include:

Veteran suicide prevention through non-clinical community care

Coaching veterans and families to thrive

Rebuilding trust in the VA system

Faith, healing, and connection in veteran support

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