HOV: Veterans Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Veterans Chat Ep.012 w/ O'Keefe & Tashima "Cannabis and Recovery" Aug 23, 2019

Show notes

New episode layout for today, working on testing the ability to bring on multiple Veteran co-hosts and be able to have a good convo. Today we sat back and just let the conversation roll and came up with why cannabis is still so frowned upon. To wade in we had Byran Tashima and Duane O'Keefe back on the podcast to talk about the stigma and the uses that cannabis has in their recovery programs. Compassionate care requires us to look into the idea that we are holding people in terrible positions by not allowing them to have unobstructed access to cannabis and its many benefits. Reduction of SSRI and pain medication has been a big thing, not to forget the benefits of natural sleep versus walking around eating a bag of dog food. The list goes on, most Veterans aren't getting younger, but still workout, CBD might be the thing to help reduce recovery, or extend recovery further into your day.

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Veterans Chat Ep.011 w/ Pat Russell "SGB Update #1" Aug 21, 2019

Show notes

Pat Russell returns to the show, go check him out on this episode, and discusses his journey through the PTSD Treatment known as "SGB" or Stellate Ganglion Block. Pat lets us into his world for a bit, one that is rich in description as to how the procedure has effected his life and that of those around him. This was his second injection, he fills us in on his experience as the first started to wear off, reminding us that using the treatment in conjunction with a good counseling/therapy program can help maintain control when the symptoms return. Pat will be back on to talk about Resilency Outreach and how they are helping Veterans overcome obstacles and get back into the game. Solid American that is getting taken care of as all Veterans should be. Continue to fight for your health care, it could be your life in the end!

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Veterans Chat Ep.010 w/ Evan McDonald Aug 19, 2019

Show notes

Evan McDonald assumed duties as co-host today and talked to us about part of his military transition that how one day can change the course of ones history. With a "No shit there I was" start, 2004 in Iraq for a young PFC was truly just like that. PFC McDonald spent three short months in Iraq before an EFP (Explosively Formed Projectile) faded his memory to black. One could say that having your vehicle attacked and blown up would be the highlight, but try having your MEDVAC helicopter shot down. Listen to Evan talk about the "Mad Max Patrols" and try not to let hindsight effect the emotions of mounted patrols during that time period. We are going to have Evan back on as a co-host, he has lived an amazing life, one that he has thought about and can talk about with full knowledge of how he feels about it and largely..how it effects him and his life. There are a lot of lessons learned in just this story alone. Stay tuned for more of Evan McDonald, great American!

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Saga Ep.020 w/ Tyson Bostelman "Play Your Game" Aug 16, 2019

Show notes

Tyson Bostelman assumes co-hosting duties for todays episode and he brings the excitement right from the beginning. His message is very clear, play your game, don't let those around you slow you down or run counter to what you know inside is right for "you". Also, don't work to long at a place that cans beans or corned beef hash, get a sweet gig as a State Farm Agent and have a boss named "Jared", who happens to be a really cool dude. This great work environment allows for Tyson to engaging in his passion, Golf. One of Tyson's strategies for a successful occupation of Veteranland was to get back to what he knew and golf was it. He worked things out swinging the sticks, but along the way his passion attracted like minded individuals and he stayed connected and didn't withdraw. Great time catching up with Tyson and we'll have him back on to chat again.

During Veterans Business today Tyson talked about the young man who was killed in Afghanistan, PFC Brandon Kreischer. July 29, 2019, PFC Kreischer and SPC Michael Nance were killed when Afghan Soldiers opened fire on them. Tyson is asking if you'd like to help his young pregnant fiancé out, then send your assistance to: Farmers and Merchants State Bank, C/O Brandon Kreischer Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 216, Archbold, OH 43502.

Have a wonderful weekend and get out there to SSG Aaron Butler Purple Heart Memorial Run in Eagle, Idaho (if you close by at this point) or anywhere there's a trail and get after it with some folks. Be safe and blessings.

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Veterans Chat Ep.009 w/ Carl McBride "Bagpipe World Championship" Aug 14, 2019

Show notes

Carl McBride joined us today from Edinburgh, Scotland to talk about the Bagpipe World Championships that are going on this coming weekend and the North Berwick Highland Games. Carl is the "Pipe Sergeant" in the "High Desert Pipe and Drum" team, in 1999 they were the Bagpipe World Champs, so we hope for a great performance this year to reignite that fire. If you've ever wanted to get into being a piper then you need to reach out to Carl and get some "free chicken". We are going to have Carl back on to co-host again, looking forward to it too.

Get back into school folks. You can't go wrong with getting smart, open new doors and your mind with knowledge. In case you didn't know, the reality you live in is driven by those that know, if you don't know, well your reality is being made for you. Get the knowledge, know yourself and take it to the next level. Blessings and catch ya Friday!

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Saga Ep.019 w/ Duane O'Keefe "Crazy Isn't Always Good" Aug 09, 2019

Show notes

Duane O'Keefe assumes co-host duties today and unpackages his life and the struggles that he has overcome to become that husband, father and Veteran that he is today. The life we lead isn't an easy one, sometimes we start the game off at what would seem a disadvantage, only to find that it is our strength - One that has to be managed and controlled. Duane talks about his love for Soldiers and how he is on the path of reconnecting and adding them back into his life post-Army. The struggle to find a job that fit his skillset and where he can grow was real, but having taken advantage of the VA Voc. Rehab program and only a handful of credits left to graduate. (Get on this folks, college isn't a joke!) Pushing through the issues, joining the podcast and social media for starters, that was holding him back. Think on his perspective towards transition and living life. Very gracious Veteran and a friend to all. Enjoy the episode and blessings.

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Saga Ep.018 w/ Luke Davis Aug 02, 2019

Show notes

Luke Davis assumes duties as co-host today on the podcast and we had a great time talking about his journey. Luke is a very good communicator and he takes on a trip through his Saga, starting on graduating from AIT on Sept. 11, 2001, he almost got stuck. Fast forward and Luke, a 92Y-Supply Specialist, is in Hawaii training and building friendships that will last a lifetime. A situation like Bill Brodie's Saga from Vietnam, Luke operated as an Infantryman during a large portion of his Afghanistan deployment. But once the Battalion made manning adjustments, Luke turned in his M14 and went back to supporting his friends and comrades in another way. Luke's transition was an up and down process, having it all, family, Crossfit gym and money rolling it, but like a house of cards it all came tumbling down. Luke shares his struggles with transitioning and taking care of past issues to heal. Being faced with the loss of his marriage, Luke has been leaning forward to gain control of his mental health. You are listening to an amazing American ladies and gents. Luke will be back on, he has some amazing info for Veterans who are ready to level up. Thank you Luke for coming on, sharing your Saga and struggles with us. Blessings brother!

Continue to stick with us folks, we are working on the series: "PTSD: Roadmap to Healing". This is going to be an amazing series that is being developed to highlight the "Process" by the numbers. Less guess work for Veterans out there was weren't given the new information that is available. Giving ever Veteran, no matter the generation, an idea of the resources to help them.

SHARE and SPREAD the WORD!!!

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Saga Ep.017 w/ Michael Hodge "Get a Mentor!!" Jul 26, 2019

Show notes

Michael Hodge joins the show as co-host today and highlights the need for a "Mentor" in the transition process. Without a doubt, Michael has been down a path that most don't get to go down. As an older Soldier and Leader during GWOT, he had multiple injuries to his ankles and knees, but after numerous surgeries and years of rehab he is still out there helping Veterans. Michael's message of getting a mentor to help get through the tough beginning times as a Veteran and to keep the process tight, becoming a Mentor yourself. I very much enjoyed the insight that he brought in regards to living for those that gave it all. Would that buddy be out there mixing it up, smiling, taking care of his or her family? If the answer is yes, then you need to re-eval the path that your on. I hope this episode serves many Veterans well. Thanks again Michael for your amazing insight.

Don't forget about Buffalo Commons, they are performing at the Yarmony Grass Festival in Rancho Del Rio, CO. Right on the river folks. This is going to be an amazing event! August 8-11, they take the stage on Friday. If you go, get pics and link up with Tyree and the Band, tell em HOV sent ya!! Here is the link to the "Traveler" being performed by them too.

Nick Sterling and the Nomads are heading into the studio folks, should be churning out some music shortly. Nick and the show are working to fit schedules and bring an amazing episode for you all. Going to be a fun, stay tuned!

Wounded Warrior Peer-Mentor Program: Get involved! Help another Veteran get him/herself back on to as close to normal as possible. Don't let a Veteran NOT get that Mentor, so valuable in transitioning.

Stay safe out there and blessings. Continue sharing the podcast, only way we can reach the Veterans that need it.

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Veterans Chat Ep.008 w/ Will O'Brien "So You Want To Be A Teacher?" Jul 22, 2019

Show notes

Will O'Brien took over the podcast today and brought a professional standard to the show. Will was an Infantry Officer, who's excellent leadership skills he refocused and is now applying, in the true nature of a Volunteer, to the minds of our youth in a classroom environment. Will points out key areas that Veterans need to think about if they are thinking about making a second career out of teaching. The strength of this episode is built within these areas:

1) Understand your military service and work through all mental health and service related issues.

2) Focus on a teaching school that is going to accredit you for the state that you are planning on teaching and living in. Set up the conditions for the final shot.

3) Discover what grade your skills and personality match with. Go on student teacher visits, get as much exposure that you can to help you "see" the environment you are going to be working in.

4) Defining your passion in the subject that you teach, this can be a sticking point. As Will points out, wanting to be a history or gym teacher is great, put those positions are hard to get, don't let this deter you, come in where you can and make your moves through your strengths.

5) Getting hired on can be an easy to hard process. Along with getting your certifications, you need to network. Call Veterans and see if they know Veterans or family that are in the system you're applying. NETWORK it!!

6) The personal nature of teaching has the potential to be a real life changer. Will brings his dedication to teaching to the whole episode, but he really understands and performs his duties far beyond what is normal. Know your students as you did those you led in the military, get into their lives and be a force of change for the good.

Amazing episode and once again, a great chat with a truly great American and friend.

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Saga Ep.016 w/ Sean Hess "The Comeback is Stronger than the Setback" Jul 19, 2019

Show notes

Sean Hess takes over co-hosting duties today as we talk about some outdoor activities there in his city of Charlotte, NC and beyond. Got him hooked up with the contact for "Team River Runner - Charlotte" too. BOOM! Sean is doing great things out there and he took time out on his day off to talk about his Saga up to this point. I still find it wild that Sean's mom was missing for 3-days after 9/11. He gives his road map to combat through Basic and onto Afghanistan, Iraq and then contracting with Triple Canopy. Sean, like many of us, was moved by the leaders that he had while serving, these leaders passed onto him the torch and he has done an excellent job of keeping it going. Come check it out. Great time catching up with Sean and very happy to have him on the podcast to just sit back and have a nice chat.

Team River Runner (teamriverrunner.org) is an amazing resource for Veterans. Reach out to them and see what services they have and help em' out if you have the ability.

Thank you again to all the Veterans that are supporting the podcast, either by coming on, having a chat off-show, sharing, commenting and most of all, being there for fellow Veterans. Everyone stay safe out there and reach out if you're interested in coming on. Be glad to have a chat. Blessings.

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