Vet stories are more than just war stories. They’re stories that changed our lives, stories of hope, loss, and sometimes the laughter where no one else can find it.
This is VetStory.
Vet stories are more than just war stories. They’re stories that changed our lives, stories of hope, loss, and sometimes the laughter where no one else can find it.
This is VetStory.
Copyright: 2022 © 2021 Audacy, Inc.
While we're producing the next season of VetStory, we're happy to introduce you to one of our podcast partners "Team Room Talk with Chris Mcphee". Host Chris Mcphee is a retired Green Beret who has some amazing and candid conversations with his guests that range from entrepreneurs to elite military operators. I think you're really going to like this show.
Go to ConnectingVets to learn more or go to Team Room Talk with Chris Mcphee
VetStory is proud to present "Prisoners of War", from the Radio Diaries podcast. This is the untold story of US service members who did time in an American military prison during the height of the Vietnam conflict.
*Discretion is advised*
This story was produced by Sarah Kate Kramer for Radio Diaries, with help from Joe Richman and Nellie Gilles [GILL-es] and was edited by Deborah George and Ben Shapiro. To hear more stories from Radio Diaries, subscribe to their podcast. Use your podcast app of choice or visit www.radiodiaries.org. Radio Diaries is part of the Radiotopia network from PRX.
In No Surrender, Chris Edmonds tells the unforgettable story of his father, Roddie Edmonds, an American POW, and the acts of defiance against his Nazi captors that saved hundreds of Jewish American soldier's lives.
Leave a review and tell us what you think about this episode!
Visit us at ConnectingVets.com!
George Blake was a member of the Allied Secret Intelligence Service and one of the most notorious Soviet spies of our time. Author Steve Vogel takes us inside the Berlin Tunnel, one of the greatest espionage operations of the Cold War to tap and record KGB communications, and the spy who almost brought it all down.
Christopher Strom's new book Brooklyn to Baghdad tells his story from former NYPD cop to being part of the elite counterinsurgency group "Phoenix Team". Chris takes you on a harrowing journey from stopping terrorists in a post-911 New York to working alongside Special Operations taking down insurgent leaders. All that and more...
Combat veterans can often suffer from anxiety and depression. Whether it's from post-traumatic stress or other issues, Army veteran, Dr. Geoffrey Grammer, Chief Medical Officer and Bill Leonard, President / CEOof Greenbrook TMS NeuroHealth Centers, discuss how electromagnetic stimulation works and if TMS can successfully treat brain regions directly associated with mood regulation.
Kyle Carpenter earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010. In this VetStory we talk about his new book "You Are Worth It; Building a Life Worth Fighting For" where he takes us back to that fateful day, his long road to recovery, and why you are worth it.
Antietam National Battlefield is the sight of the deadliest day in Civil War history. 23,000 men were killed, wounded or missing in action. We talked about the legend of Bloody Lane and heard actual paranormal recordings shared by researcher Angela Sounders, author of Ghosts in Sight.
NBC's hit show "This Is Us" has shown us the Vietnam veteran's experience. This season it adds a Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan. The realism of her emotional scenes is due in part to a real Marine, James LaPorta. We talked with James about his infantry days, the hidden tributes he built into the show, and how he went from combat to become an acclaimed writer for Newsweek and The Washington Post.
Is there a plot to privatize the VA? Why won't they speed up resaearch on medical marijuana? Why was he ousted from his job? These are just a few things we asked former Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David Shulkin, as he discussed his new book, "It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Serve Your Country."
Sean Spicer had to do some serious tap dancing as the White House spokesperson. But when we recently caught up with him, it was all fun as he told us about being a Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer, and a contestant on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Plus the behind the scenes stories of the incredible veteran charities he's dancing for.
Dakota Meyer's words are as powerful as a .50 cal! The Maine Corps Sniper and combat vet opened up about; life, death, battle, PTSD and why nobody wants the Medal of Honor. But we were spellbound when he shared his thoughts on "Veteran Suicide". If you're looking for inspiration and somebody who understands what it's like, just click play! Enjoy.
His "Raised on Country World Tour" is crossing the country and Chris Young takes every chance he can to meet up with military and veterans. After a recent stop at Naval Base San Diego, we talked with him and were surprised to learn about the Marines in his family, his unforgettable trip to Iraq and the vet he calls a friend for life.
Former Spec Ops Marine Intelligence Officer Nick Karnaze is on an unprecedented global investigation to determine if aliens have made contact with Earth! He stars in the new docu-series "Contact" airing on Discovery Channel, and on this episode, he shares with us the stories about UFO encounters with Navy fighter jets and an unexplained sound that was heard across the state of Florida. Need proof of aliens? Just click play.
It's been more than 2,557 days since Austin Tice, Marine, journalist, son and brother was captured in Syria. Connecting Vets reporter shares with us her conversation with Austin's father Marc and what we can do get our leaders to bring him home.
Jack Murphy has been a Ranger, Green Beret, a journalist, and author. On this episode, he shares stories about a character he rarely talks about- himself. We discuss his new autobiography "Murphy's Law", the questionable state of today's Spec Ops community and the global terror threats that nobody is talking about. Get ready, this is one hell of a story!
From charging into fierce storms to stopping armed drug smugglers, the stories of the Coast Guard are truly epic. Phi Briggs talked with Coast Guard Historian Dr. William Thiesen and (Ret) LCDR John Hartlove about the history and the real-life adventures from a career at sea.
What started out as a small twitter page to talk politics, Code of Vets now changes lives. From helping vets get back on their feet and find jobs to finding homes for the homeless, Code of Vets founder Gretchen Smith is the Angel of Twitter to many veterans in need. She shares how she built the community that now has over 160K followers and friends in the highest levels of government.
Combat veteran Doc Todd brings the sounds of summertime to his latest hip hop album. In this interview, he talks about how to "Feel Good", what vets need to remember and how his story got picked up by Diet Coke for a national ad campaign focused on helping people overcome post-traumatic stress and other negative stereotypes.
The powerful vocals of Voices of Service earned a resounding "Yes" from every judge on America's Got Talent. Army veterans Caleb Green, Ron Henry and Army Sergeant First Class Jason Hanna, and Army, Sergeant Major Christal Rheams shared their TV experience, how music can heal and how it was with them, even during combat.
Recently Army veteran David Bellavia was awarded the Medal of Honor. We were honored to talk with him and hear about everything from boot camp to the firefight he'll never forget. Plus the untold story of the heavy metal song that was the soundtrack to the battle of Fallujah. David is an incredible vet, with an awesome sense of humor!!
Doctors give antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and even Botox to alleviate PTSD. But Nicole Amelio-Casper, a veteran's spouse and a documentary filmmaker, shows us how alternative therapies are really curing it. And the story of how Army veteran Joshua Mantz survived, after being dead for 15 minutes, will teach everyone a powerful lesson about life.
Seventy-five years ago, he hit Omaha Beach with the first wave. We had the honor of talking about it with Army veteran, Ray Lambert. Now ninety-eight years old, his latest book "Every Man a Hero, A Memoir of D-Day" delivers one of the most remarkable stories of our time. In this episode, he recalls his role as a World War II medic who risked his life on the beach, to save the heroes of D-Day.
VoteVets Co-founder Jon Soltz, and CVA Senior Advisor Dan Caldwell sit down with Eric Dehm, Host of CBS Eye on Veterans to talk about how they fond common ground after fighting for years.
As we celebrate this holiday weekend we'll bring you 3 people who will teach us how to do it right. Gold Star widow Ursula Palmer shares a love story, Army veteran Ray Lambert shares an epic story about sacrifices he witnessed on D-Day and author Joanne Steen shares her new book and some great ways everyone can honor the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Dropping Spec Ops teams onto rooftops, avoiding RPGs and firing 3000 rounds a minute from the helo ... and doing it all in total darkness. Army veteran and author David Burnett shows us the secret world of the Night Stalkers, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and shares his journey from deployments to conquering his demons at home.
The war documentary Combat Obscura shows us boredom, bullshitting, firefights and smoking hash. The footage came from the video that Marine Corps veteran and filmmaker Miles Lagoze shot while deployed in Afghanistan with Combat Camera. We talked with him about the incredible stories in the film and the friction it caused within the Marine Corps and the Pentagon before it was released.
The Mueller Report did not find President Trump guilty of collusion with Russia. Yet Congress continues to argue and the political games continue. Army veteran and author Sean McFate explains that f#ing with America is all part of Russia's master plan.
Author and spec ops veteran Dan Schilling tells the incredible story of TSgt John Chapman, Medal of Honor recipient and shares details about the elite world of USAF Special Ops Combat Controllers. His forthcoming book "Alone At Dawn" documents Chapman's heroic firefight against fierce terrorists that saved the lives of 23 fellow warfighters on a snow-covered mountain in Afghanistan.
The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters was a band of brothers in combat. But off the battlefield, with their leader James Reese Europe, they conquered France with their music. We talk with Jason Moran, The Kennedy Center's Artistic Director for Jazz, to hear the story of how these soldiers were the original pioneers of Jazz.
WWI may have ended in 1918, but for the American soldiers, known as the Michigan Polar Bears — the fighting did not. They battled the Russian Army in brutal arctic cold and the blood-stained snow. Author James Carl Nelson shares their story in his book, The Polar Bear Expedition: The Heroes of America's Forgotten Invasion of Russia.
He’s a veteran, a chef, an amputee and for a moment he was the most viral story on the Internet. We met Chef Maddog Tony Maggert and learned about General Colin Powell flat tire, his twisted sense of humor, his crazy career path in 3 military branches and his big plans to be the sausage king of the world!
Shadow wars, Mercenaries, ISIS, are we at war with Russia and China now? Dr. Sean McFate’s latest book "The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder" is wake up call to the Pentagon and Congress. Hear his journey from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to advice from some of America's greatest General's to rewriting the rules of war. This is episode delivers a new strategy for victory in this bloody era of global war.
Becky Hinkhouse was only 18 when she learned her boyfriend Kade, a Marine deployed in Iraq, was seriously wounded in battle. He lost a leg, was put into a coma and eventually endured a 2-year long recovery. The journey was hell for both Kade and Becky, until a life-changing moment in the mountains. Hear Becky describe their veteran love story and how the Vail Veterans Project healed a warrior and his wife with powder power.
Just why was a Marine Corps veteran arrested in Russia? Connecting Vets Reporters Phil Briggs and Libby Howe discuss. Plus special guests; Sarah Verardo, CEO of the Independence Fund and Dr. Keita Franklin, VA Director of Suicide Prevention, unveil a new program designed to combat veteran suicide.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward “Eddie” Gallagher has been charged with multiple war crimes in connection with the 2017 stabbing death of an ISIS detainee in Iraq. Task & Purpose Editor, Paul Szoldra attended the Article 32 hearing and explains how this is not a clear-cut case. And we'll hear from a Special Forces veteran who describes the fine line between being a war hero and a criminal.
Phil Briggs, Jake Hughes, and Abbey Hartley explore the ball busting between the Army and Navy. We hear about; POTUS kicking field goals from Navy Football Announcer, Pete Medhurst, How Ens, Rylan Tuohy got 9M views on Youtube, and edgy-awesomeness from Army Veteran owned apparel company Ranger Up.
When Bush became CIA Director, most Americans did not trust it. But he became the agency's biggest champion, and by the end of the following decade, it would become one of our nation's most vital tools. Former CIA Intelligence Officer and Historian Nicholas Dujmovic and George Washington University professor Matt Dallek, describe how together President Bush and the agency changed the world.
Singles looking for love online and military veterans looking to get a college education. They sound like noble goals- but for some, it ends with a con artist taking all their money, and for others, it ends with getting screwed by the VA. Reporters Kaylah Jackson and Matt Saintsing share with us two radically different stories, and the lessons we can learn from each.
Explore the drunk history of Thanksgiving, memories of Thanksgiving in Afghanistan with Germans and the 10 question trivia game that will help you avoid unwanted conversations with relatives.
Afraid of drowning? Public speaking? Taking the leap and changing your career? Or just plain afraid of dying? Former SEAL and best-selling author Brandon Webb reveals the 5-step process to conquering anything that holds you back. Click play and learn how to achieve your dreams.
After almost 2 decades of war and millions of patriotic promotions, the phrase "Thank You for Your Service" has almost lost all meaning. In fact, it sometimes it has the opposite effect. Veterans Matt Saintsing & Phil Briggs explore what Americans should do to express their appreciation and what everyone should really know about Veterans Day.
Earlier this year, when we met former Navy SEAL, LCDR Dan Crenshaw (Ret.), he had his trademark Navy Blue glass eye, equipped with a gold Trident in the center. But, beyond his "Eye of the Trident", is an incredible story. In this episode from the archives, he shared with Eric Dehm and Phil Briggs details about the fight which cost him an eye, his faith, and his politics.
On the day we met former Navy SEAL, LCDR Dan Crenshaw (Ret.), he had his trademark Navy Blue glass eye, equipped with a gold Trident in the center. But, beyond the "Eye of the Trident", is an incredible story of battle, faith and his current fight for a seat in Congress. In this episode he shares his story and his politics with Eric Dehm and Phil Briggs.
He's flown combat missions in Iraq and now plans strikes on NFL opponents. Meet Ben Kotwica, Washington Redskins’ Special Teams Coordinator and all around badass. We recently talked with him about everything from combat ops, Army football and if the new "roughing the passer" penalty is too soft.
This Labor Day we will remember a veteran who has changed more lives than any of us can imagine. Former Army Linguist Janiece Marquez has gone from Afghnistan to South America to Africa and along the way become a business owner, and a global force whose work changes the world.
Retired Navy Adm. James “Sandy” Winnefeld dropped off his 19-year-old son at college. Three days later he got news no parent ever wants to receive ... his son had been found dead. Now he's dedicated his life to fighting his son's killer, and the enemy that is ravaging America.
Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Mike Daggett is half the man he once was. But, on this episode of VetStory, he tells us the whole story of how he lost almost 100 pounds. And, he shares the seriously simple and effective things we can do, to get into great shape.
"Flying the friendly skies", may be a slogan but airlines are less than user friendly. But did you know the government promised to do something about it over 30 years ago? Navy Veteran Tom Wheaton is on a mission to fix the problem for everyone.
We learned about; a study that stated Marines drink too much and have a lot of sex; we met a former Marine who ran across the field in his underwear during a Houtson Astros game, and we'll ask an Air Force veteran about why he's being accused of enjoying Bigfoot erotica. Seriously, we can't make this up ...
As a former British Paratrooper, James Thornett has jumped out of planes and survived combat. So what’s the most dangerous thing he's ever done? Bootleg booze through the battlefields of Iraq! This is the story of “The Baghdad Country Club” and the booze filled days that earned the slogan, "It takes Real Balls to Play Here".
It’s not often that a hip hop artist’s experience with guns includes firefights in Afghanistan. And it’s even more rare when the story of trauma, death and addiction has a happy ending. But, the story of hip hop artist / Navy Veteran, Doc Todd, is truly inspiring. We sat down with Doc and he shared vivid details about his life, his current single "Not Alone" and his mission to stop veteran suicides.
Hear deadly scientific proof, historical examples and shocking news of botched surgeries, plus must watch movies! This is the ultimate Friday the 13th podcast
Reporters Phil Briggs, Amanda "Mac" Macias and Matt Saintsing discuss- Which President racked up a huge bar tab and didn't pay it? What is Whiskey Camp? and How did Army Veteran Ryan Plachetti go from Army Intelligence to a beer career?
He may not be a household name, but Terry Weeks made one of the most incredible transitions in military history. After serving in the Air Force, he's now a singer in one of all-time greatest, American music groups- The Temptations.
1 IED, 2 Amputations ... but the only thing that made former Green Beret, Caleb Brewer, surrender was the California surf. Along with pro surfer Danny Nichols, hear the amazing story of Operation Surf.
Joshua Mantz died. He was flatline for 15 minutes. But, he came back from the dead. In this gripping interview, you'll hear him talk about; what it's like to die, come back and how everyone can go from trauma to transformation. This story is not just for veterans- our conversation reveals many life lessons, documented in his new book, "The Beauty of a Darker Soul: Overcoming Trauma Through the Power of Human Connection".
Every time we hear about one, it stings. What the hell can we do? How can we help? Where do we start? This podcast offers guests who have lived through it, and they'll give you; 1. Advice 2.Things to do right now and 3.Resources that will help. VetStory Host, Phil Briggs hears some much needed advice from VA reporter Jonathan Kaupanger, Kim Ruocco from TAPS & Shawn Jones, Stop Soldier Suicide.
In the second part of our conversation with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), Brad Burge told us how MDMA works on the brain of veterans with severe PTS. And, clinical trial success story, Jonathon Lubecky, shared more details about taking Ecstasy during these intense therapy sessions.
We talked with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) about the success they're having treating veterans with severe PTSD. And we got a glimpse inside the experience, from Jonathon Lubecky- a trial participant and a combat veteran with one hell of a story!
Matt Saintsing gets his Aloha on with awesome Hawaiian brew. Hear Glen Tomlinson, President/Owner of Home of the Brave Brewing Co. talk about his love of WWII History, Sharing pints with Pearl Harbor Survivors and of course tasting some high octane Mighty American Ale.
2 POWs, and 1 Marine … they went through hell in Korea & Vietnam. But their inspiring stories will make you feel the love and honor that is part of every Memorial Day.
My buddy Ronnie is a legend. Before he deployed to Afghanistan, he dove off the stage at an Offspring concert and got buck naked at his backyard birthday bash. So his death was hard for all of his friends- but hardest for his family. Gold Star sister, Christie Berkey shared her experience, and how the caring people at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) help families feel whole again.
Both Air Force Tech Sergeant John Chapman and US Navy SEAL Britt Slabinski fought bravely on a snow covered mountain in eastern Afghanistan. Chapman died and Slabinski survived. Now both are up for the Medal of Honor- but their stories are conflicting. Army Ranger, Spec Op veteran and SOFREP.com's Editor in Chief, Jack Murphy tells more, and reveals other conflicts within US Special Forces.
After reading Echo in Ramadi, we couldn’t wait to meet author / USMC Maj. (Ret) Scott Huesing. And our interview did not disappoint. Host, Phil Briggs talked with him about the most gripping scenes in the book, and learned that the stories of Echo Company are more than tales of defying death .. they are lessons for a better life.
We talked to Sean Doolittle, Washington Nationals pitcher and USMC Spec Op veteran Nick Karnaze about a lot of things. Do pitchers hit batters on purpose? The relative that bombed Japan after Pearl Harbor, Metallica, Sean's hilarious celebrity twin and why you should get your beard hooked up with Stubble and Stache.com.
If you think you've got to be a combat vet to worry about service related toxic exposures- think again. We talked about the effects on vets from every era (doing seemingly safe jobs) with Dr Tom Berger, Executive Director and Maureen Elias, Assistant Director of the Veteran's Health Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Meet Minx- she's the host of the Tied-Up Tuesday on "WTF Nation Radio," an Army Veteran, and works at hospital. In our awesome conversation, we learned why she loves the .50 cal, conspiracy theories and carrying a gun in her purse. And deep into the podcast (no pun intended) and she shared the strange things she's had to remove from people's posteriors.
Ask former Marines about school shootings ... and the answers might surprise you. In this episode we talked to 3 members of the Coalition of Veteran Engagement at George Washington University. They shared powerful thoughts on why war fighters should not guard schools with rifles, why they think arming teachers is dumb and where they plan on taking their fight next.
Students protested against gun violence by walking out of class. #walkup encouraged them to be nicer to loners instead. Our colleague and Army veteran, Jake Hughes (once considered a dark and dangerous loner by his school) surpised us all with his story "Confessions of a Potential School Shooter".
In this episode hosts Phil Briggs & Eric Dehm discuss Johnnie Walker's transition to Jane Walker, Black Label, why American Airlines owes former Navy SEAL Rob O'Neil an apology and how VA Secretary Shulkin may have been spoofed, or whaled or whale spoofed. So shake, stir and enjoy!
Another school shooting, and another week of people begging for change. But how do we protect our kids? We talked with a veteran from #vetsforgunreform, an Army veterans and former cop, and author Paul Ratner to discover what we CAN do to make schools safe.
Eric Dehm and Phil Briggs get together to discuss this week's weird news. Including; the teacher who called military members dumb#%#, the fake 3 star General and a game we call Military Slang or Snowboard Trick?
After President Trump asked the military's top brass to look into creating a parade, "like the one in France" veterans, military members and everyone else in the country suddently had an opinion. We asked VFW National Spokeperson, Joe Davis, Connecting Vets Reporter Jake Hughes and our Facebook audience to find out how America feels about a military parade.
By rejecting AMVETS #PleaseStand ad, the NFL has pissed off a ton of Vets. Even if you're not mad, you have probably seen the arguments online. In this podcast you'll hear from AMVETS, the NFL, smack talking Twitter users and fabricated stories that are causing fights in the stands.
In this episode Matt Saintsing raises a glass with Todd Baldwin, Pres. & Founder of Red Leg Brewing Company, Colorado Springs, CO. They talked about; their memories from being stationed together in Iraq, how Todd traded camo for Colorado and how he risked it all to make damn good beer. You won't believe what happens next ...
The VA recently told Congress they CAN'T research Medical Marijuana. Is that even true? We asked policy experts Kevin Sabet, Brooking's John Hudak and Congressman (and Veteran) Rep.Tim Walz, to tell us, who is lying ... and who is just blowing smoke.
In our first podcast dedicated to beer, (Don't worry, we're gonna give it a name eventually.) Matt Saintsing, self proclaimed "Beer nerd", introduces us to Dave Kuehner, co-founder and partner, of Honor Brewing Company and Honor Winery in Chantilly, Va.
By now the world has heard President Trump declare our Nuclear "Button" is bigger than North Korea's button. Some Americans love the tough talking tweets. Others think they're dangerous. Phil Briggs asked Reporter Matt Saintsing, and Retired USAF Colonel Erik Goepner, Visiting Research Fellow in the Cato Institute's Defense and Foreign Policy Department, what's wrong with tough talk and how should we deal with this dictator?
Eric Dehm, Host, The Morning Briefing and Phil Briggs, VetStory podcast Host, look back and talk about a few of their favorite moments from 2017. From the emotional to the exciting to the inappropriate ... 2017 gave Connecting Vets a lot to talk about.
B Taylor's life is like a modern day Forest Gump tale. He started in the Navy, but quickly went from the fleet to the studio, to performing for Presidents and parties with Snoop Dogg. Phil Briggs talked with him about his star studded journey and his global tour "1 Life" a mission of Unity, Love and Peace.
Before LL Cool J was a rap pioneer, or the television star of "NCIS: Los Angeles", he was the son of a Navy Veteran. And recently he became the first Kennedy Center Honoree, for his achievements in Hip Hop. WPGC FM Morning Host, Joe Clair and Phil Briggs talk; Hip Hop, Flintstones and How LL Cool J created art that changed a generation.
Harvey Weinstein, Bill O'Reilly, Louis CK, Charlie Rose and now Matt Lauer. The amount of sexual harassment being exposed is enough to make you question- Are all Men Perverts? Editor Kaylah Jackson, Producer Jake Hughes and Phil Briggs discuss Sexual Harassment from the Veteran perspective.
After returning from Afghanistan, Nick Karnaze, Marine Special Operations Command, Veteran, learned that his MARSOC teammate was KIA. So he grew out his beard for the funeral. And then grew a company dedicated to his buddy and bad ass beards. Phil Briggs spoke with Nick about Spec Ops, Breaking Bad and the building of Stubble & Stache.com
Phil Briggs talks with Reporter Jonathan Kaupanger about Thanksgiving traditions. And discovers a game which tells you a lot about American history, former Presidents and who does the damn dishes after dinner.
While the Navy didn't find it funny, it seemed almost everyone found the drawing in the sky near Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, hilarious. Well almost everyone. Podcast Host, Juvenile Humor Expert and Navy Veteran, Phil Briggs attempts to have a meaningful discussion with Social Media Director, Abby Hartley, about significance of the pilot's ode to "male military members".
When do Green Berets and SEAL teams work together? Do they get along? What is it like working with one of these elite teams? VetStory Host, Phil Briggs asked Nicholas Karnaze, founder of Stubble and Stache.com, and a Marine Special Operations Combat Veteran, for a view of the Special Forces from the inside.
In 2010, Craig Grossi, a Marine, found himself the middle of some of the fiercest fighting Afghanistan. There he was doing intelligence work with the most elite fighters in the Corps, The Marine Recon Raiders. However, in the midst of war, he found an unlikely friend, a short cream colored dog he called Fred. Matt Saintsing recently spoke with Craig about this story, which is now available in bookstores nationwide.
The American Legion's recent survey pushes Congress to act on medical marijuana. Representative Matt Gaetz declared the Federal Government has "lied about cannabis" for a generation! Reporters Phil Briggs & Matt Saintsing introduce you to 2 war fighters, and the Mother of a fallen Marine, who drop words so unforgettable, they hit you like a "Medical Marijuana Militia".
Most male Veterans have 3 things; a Beard, a Bike and a Gut, right? So why did ConnectingVets reporters Eric, Jake, & Matt re boot their face by shaving it all off? Phil Briggs discusses #vetbeard with them, and learns about shavers remorse, great Vet charities and some fun ways to make fun of each other's face.
Some say this movie is forgettable .. others say it will inspire nightmares. We spoke with a social worker, a Veteran's spouse and a film critic- and their opinions all shared one increbible thing in common. And it's something every Veteran should hear before going to see this movie
What is an appropriate sentence for Sgt Bowe Bergdahl? We admit we don't have a good answer. But we did find some interesting sentences in the comment fields. So VetStory Podcast Theater presents "Bergdahl Sentences" a musical podcast. A discussion of the Bergdahl trial plus other stories.
Both guests have glorious beards- but behind the chin curtain lies a wealth of knowledge. Reporter Matt Saintsing studied in Kenya. Eric Dehm served in Afghanistan. Together they school, podcast host, Phil Briggs. If you’ve ever questioned why US Special Forces are in Africa, listen to these beardazzled broadcasters break it down. You will learn more from Matt's experience inside Africa, than anything you hear on the daily news.
Mike Vogel, stars as Captain Adam Dalton. He leads a team of Spec Op Force Operators and CIA agents on covert missions around the world. Recently he talked Connecting Vets Reporter Phil Briggs, about how a real Navy SEAL and 2 WWII Vets added accuracy and inspiration to the show.
We asked fellow Veteran, Tim Young, FEMA Surge Capacity Force Liason, who has been working with FEMA on Disaster Relief for over a month. His answer might surprise you.
More than just the nudie pics, Playboy magazine has had a huge impact on American society. So the men and women of ConnectingVets.com discussed Hugh Hefner, his Army past and the sexy pics of Playboy magazine.
President Trump resurrected the Kneel/Stand discussion. So we asked some Veterans, an Army Ranger and Hip Hop Morning Radio Hosts, to share their thoughts. What we learned was surprising ... but we were shocked when our colleague Reporter, Kaylah Jackson described what happened at the NFL game she attended on Sunday night.
ConnectingVets.com members: Eric Dehm, Phil Briggs & Jarid Watson discuss their experience — from the cheap seats — at VetsAid 2017, featuring Joe Walsh, Keith Urban, Gary Clark Jr. and Zac Brown Band... and a Special Guest.
Join filmakers Ken Burns & Lynn Novick, Special Guests and a Veteran audience for the release of "The Vietnam War" a new 10 part, documentary series on PBS. Recorded at WCBS in New York City, Sept 14- you'll hear never before released scenes, emotional moments from the film and a conversation that will move you.
Join filmakers Ken Burns & Lynn Novick, Special Guests and a Veteran audience for the release of "The Vietnam War" a new 10 part, documentary series on PBS. Recorded at WCBS in New York City, Sept 14- you'll hear never before released scenes, emotional moments from the film and a conversation that will move you.
Marine Corps Veteran, John Preston's song, "Before I am Gone" is taking off ... and he's giving 100% of the profits to help prevent Veteran suicide. Reporter Eric Dehm spoke with him about his journey from United States Marine to a rising star on the American music charts.
Before he was a guitar legend and a member of the iconic rock band, The Eagles, Joe Walsh was the son of a Military family. After decades of making music, he is now trying to make a difference in the life of Veterans, with Vets Aid 2017. Reporter Phil Briggs, spoke with him about his cause, health care for Veterans, and the concert featuring Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban and Gary Clark Jr.
In a conversation with his old Navy buddy Rodney Weedon, Host, Phil Briggs learned what it was like to ride out a hurricane and about the fighting spirit of Texans.
The story of a Civil War era submarine, and the engineer who discovered the answers behind the crew's unusual fate. Rachel Lance, Biomedical Engineer, spoke with Reporter Abby Hartley about how she solved one of the greatest mysteries in US military history.
Navy Veteran, Rodney Weedon lives just a few miles from Corpus Christi, TX. He describes what it was like when Hurricane Harvey passed right over his house.
Marine Corps Veteran Thomas J Brennan and Photojournalist Finbarr O'Reilly went throught hell and back. After forming a friendship on the front lines, they chronicle their journey through physical and mental health recovery in the book, "Shooting Ghosts; a US Marine, a Combat Photographer and Their Journey back from War". Reporter Caitlin Kenney sat down with them for an amazing interview.
Platoon and Saving Private Ryan are just a few of the epic movies he has been a part of. As a Vietnam-era Marine Corps Veteran, he stormed into Hollywood and became it's most respected war movie advisor. Eric Dehm talks with him about his experience, taking actors deep into the jungle and coming out with Academy Award winning performances.
Before Montel WIlliams was a TV celebrity, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and graduated from the Naval Academy. Phil Briggs spoke with him about his military past, how he became one of the most popular talk show hosts in America, and his thoughts on the VA, the opioid addiction crisis and his support of medical marijuana.
It’s hard to imagine that after serving our country, a Veterans can be deported. But it happens- and it even happens to Veterans with an Honorable Discharge. To understand this issue and explore what’s being done about it, Connecting Vets reporters Matt Saintsing & Phil Briggs, spoke with Hector Barajas, founder of the Deported Veterans Support House, in Tijuana, Mexico and California Congresswoman, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan.
Jim Crigler, a Vietnam veteran, is paddling the length of the Mississippi River in a canoe to raise awareness for Gold Star Families. "This was NOT on my bucket list of things to do."