Warriors & Quiet Waters Podcast

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

A core pillar of our Built for More Program—and really all of our programs from the beginning—is the deep immersion in nature that participants experience in our programs.In this exciting episode, we welcome John Barklow, Senior Product Manager at Sitka along with Brian Gilman, CEO of Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW). Together, we dive into one of WQW’s favorite topics—the transformative power of nature. Brian and John discuss how WQW’s partnership with Sitka was formed and why nature plays a crucial role in veterans' post-military transition. John shares his personal journey from military service to becoming a leader in the outdoor and hunting community, reflecting on the challenges he faced and how time spent outdoors helped him navigate life after service.

We explore the science behind WQW’s Built for More program, which immerses veterans in nature with a purpose. Brian explains the physiological and psychological benefits of outdoor experiences, while John shares personal stories of how the wilderness has shaped his life.

As avid hunters, both guests discuss their love for hunting, their most memorable hunting experiences, and what the sport has taught them. John also provides expert advice for veterans looking to get into hunting, and offers practical survival tips for thriving in unforgiving outdoor environments.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about adventure, perseverance, and the healing power of nature!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join me for a very special episode in honor of Memorial Day as I sit down with Dr. Pat Scannon, MD, PhD, Founder of Project Recover, and Dr. Derek Abbey, PhD, the organization’s CEO.

Project Recover is a nonprofit dedicated to locating, recovering, and repatriating U.S. service members who have been listed as Missing in Action (MIA) since World War II. Their mission is a powerful blend of cutting-edge technology, historical research, and deep-sea exploration, all aimed at bringing closure to families who have waited decades for answers.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to learn about Project Recover’s global search and recovery efforts, the challenges they face, and the profound impact their work has on the loved ones of MIAs. From remote jungles to the depths of the ocean, their efforts honor the sacrifice of those who never made it home, ensuring they are not forgotten.

Tune in for this moving conversation about service, sacrifice, and the mission to bring our heroes home.

Learn more about their work at ProjectRecover.org.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for an special episode with Warriors & Quiet Waters Founder Colonel Eric Hastings! Eric reflects on his history and experiences serving in Vietnam and explains why he and his late wife, Jean, chose to start Warriors & Quiet Waters in 2007. He also expresses his gratitude for the generous volunteers and donors who supported him and played a pivotal role in shaping Warriors & Quiet Waters into what it is today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for an inspiring episode with United States Post-9/11 Combat Veteran Navy Corpsman Steve Flemming! Steve takes us through his personal journey—detailing why he chose to serve, his experiences during his time in the military, and the challenges he faced. He opens up about his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, followed by a rare diagnosis of stage 4 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer while still serving in the military. Through it all, Steve’s resilience shines as he shares his remarkable story and his mission to support other veterans navigating similar health struggles.

For more information or support on service-related cancer, visit the HunterSeven Foundation's website at https://hunterseven.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for an inspiring episode of The Warriors & Quiet Waters Podcast as we sit down with WQW Alumni and Army veteran Shaun Tichenor. In this heartfelt conversation, Shaun takes us through his personal journey—from why he decided to join the military to his experiences and challenges during his service. He opens up about the struggles he faced, the triumphs that kept him going, and the profound impact Warriors & Quiet Waters had on his healing and growth. Don’t miss this incredible story of resilience, hope, and transformation.

This podcast was made possible by The Amicus Foundation, and John and Sheila Lake

If you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email [email protected].

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for the second season of the Warriors & Quiet Waters Podcast, where we sit down with WQW Fishing Guides Ryan Caldwell and Sean Gifford, along with WQW Staff and Guide Jesse LeNeve! In this episode, we hear the stories of how Ryan, Sean, and Jesse became fishing guides. They offer valuable advice for anyone interested in pursuing a guiding career, share the pros and cons of the job, and, of course, plenty of laughs along the way!

This podcast was made possible by The Amicus Foundation and John and Sheila Lake

If you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email [email protected].

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for an exciting episode with Warriors & Quiet Waters Alumni Advisory Council Vice Chair & Marine Corps Veteran, Brett McCoy!

In this episode, Brett shares his personal experience going through his first fishing experience with Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW) and the Alumni Engagement Program. We also dive into questions submitted by you, our audience, as well as some of the frequently asked questions we get about the program.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with a dedicated veteran and passionate advocate for WQW's mission!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

A call to action: Join us for the final episode in our series before the Question & Answer episode. This episode will inspire you to be an agent for positive change in your community. Veterans are uniquely equipped to be leaders and pillars in their communities: Our country needs you. You are Built for More. 

Portraits of Courage: https://www.bushcenter.org/events-and-exhibits/portraits-of-courage

This podcast was made possible by The Amicus Foundation and John and Sheila Lake

We are recording a Q&A episode, so if you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email [email protected] and we will answer your questions at our Q&A episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for another inspiring episode featuring Warriors & Quiet Waters alumni, Navy veteran Cal Brierley and Army veteran Ryan Losonsky. In this conversation, we’ll explore the themes of Potential and Purpose as they reflect on their experiences in the Built for More Program.

Both Cal and Ryan felt a profound loss of purpose upon transitioning out of the military. They’ll share how the Built for More Program equipped them with valuable tools to rediscover their sense of purpose and unlock their potential once again.

Tune in for an uplifting discussion filled with insights and personal stories that highlight the journey from struggle to renewal!

We are recording a Q&A episode, so if you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email [email protected] and we will answer your questions at our Q & A episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW) is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Mark Schwartz and Jim Sheridan, two veterans who have made significant impacts in their communities after transitioning from military service.

Mark served 33 years in the United States Army as a Green Beret, with extensive experience overseas in the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. His final assignment was as the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Now living in Colorado, Mark is the Owner and Principal of Indelible Alliance LLC and currently serves as the WQW Board Vice Chair.

Jim dedicated 23 years to the Army as a Field Artillery Officer, retiring in 2020 after 14 deployments to Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Now based in North Carolina, Jim works for Anduril, and, along with his wife Jessica, has been actively involved with WQW since 2020 as both alumni and volunteers.

In this episode, Mark and Jim discuss the struggles veterans face during their transition out of the military and explore the concept of thriving—both personally and within their communities. Tune in for a candid conversation about resilience, support, and the path to thriving after service!

We are recording a Q&A episode, so if you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email [email protected] and we will answer your questions at our Q & A episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.