Summary

In this conversation, Matthew "Whiz" Buckley discusses the founding of the  No Fallen Heroes Foundation, which aims to combat veteran suicide through psychedelic therapy. He shares his personal experiences with trauma, the transformative power of psychedelics, and the importance of integration and support systems in the healing process.

We also discussed the political landscape surrounding psychedelics and the need for a shift in perception regarding their therapeutic potential.

This conversation delves into the transformative power of psychedelics, particularly in the context of healing from addiction and trauma. The speakers share personal experiences with various plant medicines, emphasizing the importance of individual journeys in understanding oneself and the universe. They discuss the significant impact of psychedelics on mental health, spirituality, and the nature of God, challenging traditional religious views and advocating for a more personal connection with the divine.

The conversation highlights the need for a supportive community and resources for veterans seeking healing through these methods. Whiz shares his profound experiences with psychedelics and their potential for healing. He discusses the infinite nature of existence, the importance of enjoying life, and the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy in the U.S.

Buckley additionally emphasizes the need for integrity in the nonprofit sector and the importance of leading with truth and heart in healing journeys.

Resources

No Fallen Heroes

Veteran's Guide to Psychedelic Medicine

Top Gun Options

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to No Fallen Heroes Foundation

06:50 The Impact of Psychedelic Therapy on Trauma

12:43 The Politics of Psychedelics and Healing

17:25 Personal Healing Journeys and Integration

31:04 Support Systems and Transformational Experiences

33:45 The Journey of Healing and Transformation

38:02 Understanding the Impact of Psychedelics on Addiction

41:05 Exploring Spirituality and the Nature of God

50:52 Experiencing the Infinite: A Personal Account

58:58 The Role of Psychedelics in Modern Healing

01:05:44 Experiencing the Infinite: A Journey with God

01:09:02 Psychedelics and Healing: A Vision for Veterans

01:16:30 The State of Psychedelic Therapy in the U.S.

01:23:11 The Future of Healing: A Call for Truth and Integrity

Summary

In this episode of Veteran Success Story, Will Yeske speaks with Patricia King, the first openly transgender soldier to serve in the U.S. Army infantry.

They discuss the challenges faced by transgender service members, the impact of recent policy changes, and the importance of resilience and support within the military community.

Patricia shares her personal journey, the realities of medical care for transgender individuals in the military, and offers advice for those navigating these complex issues. The conversation highlights the need for awareness, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance in the armed forces.

Resources

⁠Modern Military Association of America⁠

⁠Sparta⁠

Minority Veterans of America

⁠Suicide & Crisis Lifeline⁠ -or call: 988

Takeaways

Transgender people within society face significant challenges and discrimination.

The cost of transgender medical care in the military is relatively low.

Transgender individuals have served in the military for a long time, despite historical stigma.

Support networks are essential for marginalized communities.

Legislation cannot change a person's identity or existence.

The military's readiness is impacted by the removal of experienced service members.

Advocacy and civic engagement are vital for protecting rights.

The fight for equality in the military is ongoing and requires resilience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Patricia King's Story

03:28 The Impact of Policy Changes on Trans Service Members

07:59 Advice for Trans Service Members Facing Uncertainty

10:20 Understanding the Cost of Trans Care in the Military

13:02 Personal Experiences of Transitioning in the Military

19:37 The Value of Experience in Trans Service Members

21:10 The Long-Term Consequences of Marginalization

24:09 Historical Context of Trans Rights and Marginalization

26:34 Advice for Navigating Current Challenges

28:01 Navigating Identity and Self-Care

31:24 Community Support and Resources

33:10 Military Experience and Advocacy

37:09 Tactical Patience in Uncertain Times

42:40 The Ripple Effect of Policy Changes

48:13 Preparing for Ongoing Challenges

50:39 Introduction to Veteran Success Stories

51:11 The Importance of Awareness

51:56 Call to Action and Future Episodes

In this episode of Veteran's Success Story, Will Yeske interviews Philip Palmer from Warrior WOD, discussing the transformative power of fitness, community, and nutrition in the lives of veterans. They explore personal journeys of overcoming mental health struggles, the importance of camaraderie, and the mission of Warrior WOD to support veterans dealing with PTSD and suicidal ideations.

Phil shares his military background, the challenges he faced, and how he found purpose through fitness, ultimately leading to the creation of Warrior WOD. The conversation highlights the measurable impact of their programs on veterans' mental health and well-being, emphasizing the need for community support and the benefits of physical activity. In this conversation, Warrior WOD discusses the profound impact of their program on veterans' mental health, sharing personal stories of struggle and transformation.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support, awareness, and the need for research-backed approaches to mental health. The conversation also highlights the broader implications of mental health issues across various demographics, including first responders, and the significance of movement and fitness in recovery. Warrior WOD's mission to save lives through fitness and mentorship is underscored, along with the call for community involvement and support.

You can find WarriorWOD at warriorwod.org

Takeaways

In this conversation, Ethan Brown discusses his book on the experiences of JTACs in the Air Force during the Global War on Terror. He shares insights into the misconceptions surrounding close air support, the rigorous training and evolution of the JTAC community, and the emotional challenges of writing about military experiences. We also touch on the importance of shared experiences among veterans and the future of military storytelling.

Visual Frindlies, Tally Target - Volume 1: Invasions can be found here.

TacP Foundation can be found at: tacpfoundation.org

In this episode, Will Yeske introduces his podcast, sharing his background and the purpose behind it, which is to help veterans through storytelling and community building. He discusses the concept of After Action Reviews (AARs) and their significance in learning from experiences.

Will reflects on his journey of writing and marketing his book, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support within the veteran community. He shares lessons learned from podcasting, the role of discipline in personal growth, and concludes with thoughts on future directions for the podcast and community engagement.

Takeaways

The podcast aims to create a movement for veterans.

AARs help in identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for healing.

Building a community is essential for support.

Discipline and intentional living are key to success.

Collaboration enhances the impact of efforts.

Sharing experiences can inspire others.

Continuous learning is vital in personal growth.

Engagement with the audience is crucial for improvement.

Future episodes will focus on community issues and solutions.

Summary

Actor, writer, director, and veteran advocate Steven Grayhm discusses his upcoming film 'Sheepdog' and his commitment to empowering veterans through film. He shares his journey of founding Team House Studios, which trains veterans in the film industry, and reflects on the importance of camaraderie and community among veterans.

Graham also delves into the origin story of 'Sheepdog', detailing the personal experiences that inspired him to tell authentic stories about veterans. He highlights the challenges faced in the film industry and the significance of staying true to one's vision.

Steven further discusses his experiences working within the film industry, particularly focusing on his dedication to portraying military stories authentically. He highlights the importance of instinct in filmmaking, the need for purpose among veterans, and the significance of building community and trust on set.

We also touched on the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and the importance of bridging the gap between civilian and veteran communities.

Resources

For up to date updates on the film release or film festival showings, visit the official website at: sheepdogthemovie.com

Find more information on Team House Studios here

Takeaways

• Teamhouse Studios aims to empower veterans in the film industry.
• Camaraderie among veterans is crucial for their well-being.
• The journey of creating 'Sheepdog' took 13 years and faced many challenges.
• Authentic storytelling is essential for connecting with audiences.

• Community support plays a vital role in filmmaking.
• Every project has a purpose and a 'why' behind it.
• The film industry can be a healing space for veterans.
• Graham's experiences shaped his commitment to veteran advocacy. The journey of filmmaking is filled with lessons.
• Passion for storytelling can dictate one's role in the industry.
• Instinct and authenticity are crucial in low-budget filmmaking.
• Empowering veterans in the film industry provides a sense of purpose.
• Building community among veterans is essential for mental health.
• Sharing stories helps bridge the gap between veterans and civilians.
• Creating a welcoming environment on set fosters collaboration.
• The audience's response to films can be deeply affirming.
• Stronger together: the importance of community support.
• Every veteran's story deserves to be told and preserved.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Serving Underserved Communities

03:07 Stephen Graham: Advocate for Veterans

06:05 Teamhouse Studios: Empowering Veterans in Film

09:09 The Importance of Camaraderie and Brotherhood

12:04 The Origin Story of Sheepdog

14:51 The Emotional Weight of Storytelling

17:48 Recognition and Awards: A Journey of Persistence

20:56 The Impact of Authentic Storytelling

23:55 The Role of Community in Filmmaking

26:46 Reflections on Career and Life Lessons

29:57 The Power of Film to Connect and Heal

38:03 The Journey of Creation and Gratitude

41:00 Passion in Storytelling: Acting vs. Directing

45:09 Instincts and Authenticity in Filmmaking

49:00 Empowering Veterans in the Film Industry

54:38 Building Community and Connection

57:50 The Importance of Sharing Veteran Stories

In this conversation, we talked with John Stryker Meyer, a Vietnam War combat veteran and author. He is most known for his book 'Across the Fence' about his experiences in the clandestine Studies and Observations Group (SOG) during the 'secret war' within Laos and Cambodia.

We discuss the challenges faced by veterans, the importance of preserving their stories, and the ongoing issues surrounding the POW/MIA situation.

John shares insights into his writing journey, the impact of his work, the significance of reconnecting with fellow veterans, and what led to the creation of his podcast, 'SOG Cast'.

The conversation highlights the need for awareness and support for veterans, as well as the importance of documenting their experiences for future generations.

Listen to episodes of SOG Cast here.

In this episode, Mikael Cook shares his journey from a civilian to a military service member, discussing his deep connection to Afghanistan and the Afghan people.

He reflects on the challenges faced during the evacuation process, the creation of the Afghanistan Project podcast, and the Digital Dunkirk initiative aimed at helping those in need. The discussion highlights the emotional weight of military service, the power of storytelling, and the importance of community and connection among veterans.

In this conversation, Mikael than shares his journey of writing and publishing his book "Life and Death at Abbey Gate", discussing the importance of finding the right co-author, the challenges of the publishing process, and the lessons learned from his experiences.

He emphasizes the need for resilience in the face of rejection and the significance of accountability for veterans. The discussion also touches on the emotional challenges of recording an audiobook and the impact of storytelling on readers' lives.

We ended the conversation with Cook reflecting on his own experiance, the importance of sticking with it, and his advice for aspiring authors.

You can find Mikael's book here.