In this episode, host John Donovan sits down with Pastor Ed Treat to explore the profound intersection of faith and addiction. Pastor Ed opens up about his journey from a chaotic childhood in a high-intensity military family to intravenous drug use, and eventually, his transformative 40-year path of recovery and 25 years in the ministry.

Together, they discuss the "geographical cures" that never work, the moment Pastor Ed realized he had to "fire" his version of God, and how the Center of Addiction and Faith is now bridging the gap between the pulpit and the 12-step meeting.

Resources & Links

• Center of Addiction and Faith: addictionandfaith.com
• Contact Pastor Ed: [email protected]
• Mobile App: Search "Center of Addiction and Faith" in your app store for webinars, courses, and recovery tools.
• The Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy: Supporting pastors in recovery since 1990.

Major John Donovan (Ret.) welcomes clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Zhang to discuss digital behavioral addictions, including gambling, pornography, and gaming and their growing impact on veterans, service members, and families. Dr. Zhang breaks down the psychology behind these addictions, why they’re so hard to escape, and how technology has accelerated the crisis.

The conversation explores the rise of online gambling, cross-addiction patterns, and the lack of real-time recovery support. Dr. Zhang also shares practical tools, resources, and hope for recovery, reminding listeners they are not alone and change is possible.

Guest: Dr. Michael Zang, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of Incumental

Resources: incumental.com | Gamblers Anonymous | Sex Addicts Anonymous

Recovery is possible. Support is available. You don’t have to fight this alone.

Major John Donovan sits down with Major General (Ret.) Maureen Banavige for a heartfelt conversation on military service, leadership, loss, and recovery. Together, they explore what “recovery” means in the context of veterans’ lives—from substance use and mental health challenges to finding purpose after trauma.

This episode is a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and connection. Whether through leadership, recovery, or healing from loss, Banavige reminds us that service extends far beyond the uniform—it’s about caring for one another as humans.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Bravo Zulu House: https://bravozuluhouse.org
• Supporting veterans in recovery and mental wellness.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1 for 24/7 support.

In this episode of Veterans 4 Recovery, host Retired Major John Donovan sits down with Cara, a flight attendant and person in long-term recovery. Together, they explore Cara’s courageous journey of overcoming addiction and navigating sobriety while working in the demanding airline industry.

Through open conversation, Cara reflects on her early recovery experiences, the influence of family and loss, and the support systems that have sustained her along the way. She shares insights on how peer mentorship, recovery capital, and programs like the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) have been instrumental in her success.

Listeners will find parallels between recovery in the military and civilian worlds—especially when it comes to resilience, structure, and mutual support.

Resources Mentioned

• Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP)
• 12-Step meetings and online recovery resources

Connect with Us

💬 Leave a review, share, and download this episode!

🌐 Learn more at the Coming Home Well Network.

🙏 Thank you to all veterans, service members, and their families for your service and support.

In this inspiring episode, Major John Donovan talks with his friend Simon about the meaning of recovery, courage, and perseverance. Simon shares his journey from addiction to long-term recovery, the challenges of staying sober as a long-haul truck driver, and how faith, consistency, and connection helped him rebuild his life.

Together they explore how veterans can channel discipline, service, and resilience into lasting recovery—proving that no matter where you are, healing is always possible.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and The Big Book

In this episode, John Donovan talks with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Sam Andrews about the challenges veterans face with PTSD and substance use disorder—and how Bravo Zulu House is redefining recovery. Sam shares his 27-year military journey, personal insights from deployment, and the urgent need for specialized veteran support.

Highlights

• Sam’s path from the Marine Corps to the National Guard.
• The impact of PTSD and substance use disorder on veterans.
• Why veteran suicide rates demand urgent solutions.
• The mission of Bravo Zulu House: holistic recovery, community, and dignity.
• How therapy, fitness, canine support, and vocational training create lasting change.

Get Involved

• Volunteer or donate to Bravo Zulu House.
• Sponsor a kennel suite.
• Refer a veteran in need—nationwide referrals accepted.

👉 Learn more: Bravo Zulu House

Closing Thought: Recovery is possible with the right support and community.

Dr. Heidi Bausch Ryan — Clinical Psychologist & Director, Chair of the Mental Health and Addiction Philanthropic Advisory Council, University of Minnesota

In this episode, Major John Donovan sits down with Dr. Heidi Bausch Ryan to explore the changing landscape of recovery for veterans, service members, and their families. Drawing from her leadership at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Ryan discusses cutting-edge research in addiction neuroscience, the growing emphasis on integrated care for mental health and substance use disorders, and how philanthropy fuels innovation in treatment.

Key Topics Covered

• The mission and work of the Mental Health and Addiction Philanthropic Advisory Council
• Breakthroughs in brain imaging and addiction neuroscience
• Why mental health and addiction must be treated together
• How strategic funding accelerates progress in research and care
• The staggering economic and human toll of substance use disorder in the U.S.
• Shifting toward whole-person, integrated care for co-occurring disorders
• Building “HERO” recovery capital: Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism
• The power of community, mentorship, and never facing recovery alone

Resources & Links

• University of Minnesota’s Medical Discovery Team on Addiction
• Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain

In this gripping and deeply personal episode, Maj. Donovan is joined by John Graham, a former diplomat, mountain climber, and self-described adrenaline junkie. Together, they explore the surprising parallels between thrill-seeking and substance use disorder.

John reflects on a life spent on the edge—scaling perilous peaks, navigating war zones, and diving headfirst into revolutions. But what happens when the rush fades and the risks take their toll? For John, the path to healing wasn’t through more danger—it was through service.

Discover how John found purpose in The Giraffe Heroes Project, a global movement encouraging people to "stick their necks out" for the greater good. From the battlefield to the community, John’s journey illustrates how bold action and service can be the antidote to addiction and restlessness.

He now shares his hard-won wisdom and stories on TikTok as Badass Granddad, inspiring a new generation to live with courage and compassion.

In This Episode:

• The psychology behind thrill-seeking and addiction
• John’s harrowing and heroic adventures
• How service can ground and transform a life
• The origins and impact of The Giraffe Heroes Project
• Why John believes "wisdom is worthless unless it's passed on"

Resources & Mentions:

• 🌍 Learn more about The Giraffe Heroes Project: https://www.giraffe.org
• 🎥 Follow John Graham on TikTok: @BadassGranddad
• 📚 John’s books and talks: johngraham.org

It has long been said that music can soothe the savage soul. Research has shown that music improves mood, focus, reduces stress, decreases anxiety and is the universal language of humankind. John Logan once said, "Music is the medicine of the mind." 

In this episode of Veterans 4 Recovery, John chats with Paul Diethelm a renown musician and inductee of the MN Music Hall of Fame. John and Paul will discuss Paul's incredible musical journey and finally discuss how music is helping Vietnam Veterans deal with lingering issues related to their wartime experiences.  

🎙️ In This Episode:

What happens when the battle ends, but the struggle continues? In this powerful episode, Major John Donovan sits down with veterans Greg and Lisa to explore the vital role of recovery in the military community. They open up about their personal journeys and the driving force behind Outdoor Warrior Nation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through outdoor adventures.

🌿 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How Outdoor Warrior Nation helps veterans and first responders heal through nature

✔️ Greg and Lisa’s personal experiences with recovery and resilience

✔️ The impact of outdoor activities in fostering camaraderie and mental well-being

✔️ Ways you can support and get involved

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming challenges, building community, and finding purpose beyond service.

🔗 Links & Resources:

https://www.outdoorwarriornation.org/

Follow Outdoor Warrior Nation on Social Media

IG @outdoor_warrior_nation1

FB Outdoor Warrior Nation

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