S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
By: Theresa Carpenter
Language: en-us
Categories: Education, Self Improvement, Business, Non-profit, Entrepreneurship
From the little league coach to the former addict helping those still struggling, hear from people from all walks of life how they show up as a vessel for service and drive for transformational change. Hosted by Theresa Carpenter, a 29-year active duty U.S. naval officer who found service was the path to unlocking trauma and unleashing your inner potential.
Episodes
The Military History USMA Never Taught… and Tried to Bury | S.O.S. #245
Dec 15, 2025Send us a text
A forgotten reformer changed how we think about military education, then got written out of the story. We dig into Alden Partridge’s bold vision for the citizen-soldier, why his mastery-based model threatened entrenched interests, and how his practical ideas—shorter paths for proven mastery, rigorous field training, and decentralized leadership—can still fix what’s broken in today’s force.
Franklin Annis walks us through Partridge’s rise at West Point during the War of 1812, the political crossfire that led to his court-martial, and his pivot to building militia-focused academies that influen...
Killing Busywork and Reclaiming Your Brainpower | Juliet Funt - S.O.S. #244
Dec 12, 2025Send us a text
Imagine trading a wall of meetings for a calendar with white stripes where thinking, planning, and decisive action actually happen. That’s the shift we explore with Juliet Funt—keynote speaker, author, and founder of the Juliet Funt Group—whose work helps teams cut busy work and create the bandwidth to do their best thinking.
We dig into why white space isn’t idleness; it’s a performance tool. Juliet shows how modern work confuses motion with progress, burying judgment under email, back-to-back calls, and task churn. She shares simple, sticky tools that...
Inside the Army’s SHARP Meltdown with Jeff Gorres | S.O.S. #242
Dec 11, 2025Send us a text
Power reveals character, and nowhere is that more visible than inside military sexual assault response. We sit down with Jeff Goris—career aviator, senior SHARP advocate at Fort Hood, and later a Department of the Army civilian—to unpack how a program meant to protect survivors gets kneecapped by backlogs, weak command emphasis, and investigations run by the very people with skin in the game. From the McQueen scandal to the wake-up after Vanessa Guillén, Jeff traces the specific mechanisms that fail victims and also crush the falsely accused: preliminary inquiries used to pr...
Duration: 01:07:26From Kicked Out to Cleared of 19 Federal Charges with Forrest Mize | S.O.S. #243
Dec 11, 2025Send us a text
What does it really cost to lead with integrity when the system leans the other way? We sit down with Forrest, a former naval flight officer and mission commander, whose career bends from high school dropout to strike planner for Kosovo—and later into the crosshairs after he refused to hide a serious security breach on a remote island base. The stories move fast: carrier decks and air tasking orders, isolated duty stations that no one wanted, and the everyday creativity required to keep crews motivated and safe.
Forrest opens up ab...
62 Miles of Grit: Honoring a Navy SEAL Through the Ultimate Adventure Race - S.O.S. #241
Dec 09, 2025Send us a text
A 62-mile race that lets you sleep at night and still pushes you to your edge? We’re bringing a new kind of endurance event to the Colorado backcountry to honor Navy SEAL Ryan Larkin and fund life-changing sleep recovery through 62 Romeo. Over three days from Montrose to Telluride, ten fire teams face rugged terrain, military-style navigation, and surprise challenges that reward strategy and teamwork—not just speed.
Rob Sweetman, a former SEAL and founder of 62 Romeo, shares how Ryan’s legacy fueled nearly a decade of work in sleep science and wh...
Are Veterans Getting too much Disability with Clay Simms | S.O.S. #240
Dec 05, 2025Send us a text
Headlines say the VA system is broken and rife with abuse. Our conversation with Marine veteran Clayton Sims tells a different story—one grounded in lived experience, policy fluency, and a community-first approach to getting claims right without fear or costly consultants.
Clayton shares how a rough transition and a hurried VSO visit pushed him to learn the language of 38 CFR and the evidence behind service connection. We unpack the realities of infantry life—miles in boots under load, daily wear that wrecks feet, ankles, and backs—and why conditions like flat f...
Flordia Tech, DEI and Rick Addante’s Fight | S.O.S. #239
Dec 01, 2025Send us a text
A university president tells faculty to “keep doing what you’re doing” on DEI and critical race theory—just don’t get caught. That’s the moment Dr. Rick Adante, a cognitive neuroscientist and NASA analog mission lead, decided to blow the whistle. What follows is a rare, unvarnished look at how policy theatre and word swaps can allegedly shield millions in federal and state funds while undermining the very laws and standards meant to protect students, researchers, and the public.
We walk through Rick’s path from a turbulent childhood to leading-edg...
The Cost of Integrity: COL (ret) Tony Bianchi on False Accusations | S.O.S. #238
Nov 26, 2025Send us a text
A decorated field artillery officer and former West Point garrison commander says one strange night derailed 27 years of service—and exposed how fragile due process can be on a military post. Tony Bianchi recounts leading a week of storm recovery, an alumni dinner where a trivial carving-station moment sparked a rumor, and a late drive home later portrayed as a gate run. Hours after he went to bed, senior MPs gathered behind his house and colleagues woke him at 2:45 AM—an entry a DMV judge would later label a Fourth Amendment violation.
W...
Exposing Lies at NATO | One Officers Battle Against Corruption- S.O.S. #237
Nov 25, 2025Send us a text
This episode pulls back the curtain on a NATO headquarters usually seen only through press releases. Marine officer and Foreign Area Officer Andres Caceres explains how honest analysis on Afghanistan, ISIS’s rise, and Russia’s moves toward Crimea collided with a staff culture that valued appearances over results—and what happened when he refused to go along.
Andres contrasts early command lessons—where clear standards cut alcohol incidents to zero in Japan—with a Joint Operations Center focused on tracking numbers instead of real effects. He outlines overlooked signs of the Afghan Ar...
Duration: 02:20:56Finding Purpose in Adversity with Daniel O’Dell & The Fluffy Poodle | S.O.S. #236
Nov 19, 2025Send us a text
The story starts where most stay quiet: a violent childhood, a foster system built on survival, and a hunger to belong somewhere that demanded excellence. Daniel Odell found that place in the Army—even in a role many dismiss. As a cook in Iraq, he saw how a hot meal and a few kind words could calm fear. Volunteering for flights, he witnessed medevac shock up close, carrying home images that didn’t fade when the war quieted.
Back in the States, ambition collided with injury. A fall during advanced training damage...
Duration: 01:09:35Inside the Battle to Fix Military Family Care - Jeremy Hilton’s Story | S.O.S. #235
Nov 07, 2025Send us a text
A submariner’s guide to fixing family policy does not begin in a committee room; it begins in a NICU. Jeremy Hilton joins us to share how his daughter’s complex medical needs reshaped his Navy career and pushed him into a mission to reform the Exceptional Family Member Program and modernize Tricare for military kids. He walks through how lived experience can drive real policy change, from filing an IG complaint that actually moved the needle to finding mentors who opened Hill doors and building coalitions that delivered wins like hospice access for...
Duration: 00:55:04Air Force OSI Agent Now Serving 30 Years | The Robert Condon Story - S.O.S. #234
Oct 31, 2025Send us a text
A decorated OSI agent who helped capture Taliban fighters and aided disaster survivors should be building a life in his forties. Instead, Robert Condon has spent 12 years behind bars, sentenced to 30, while his mother—retired Toledo police officer Holly Yeager—keeps fighting a case she believes was built on pressure, politics, and broken process. We open the file and follow the twists: a drug ring investigation that put Robert at odds with command priorities, a single accuser whose SANE exam reportedly found no injuries consistent with her extreme account, and two more “victims” cultivat...
Duration: 01:32:34Turning Trauma into Purpose | Lisa Regina S.O.S. #233
Oct 22, 2025Send us a text
A single afternoon changed everything. Lisa Regina—actor, filmmaker, and founder of A Right to Heal—was assaulted by her fiancé, then thrust into a tabloid cyclone that made recovery even harder. What followed wasn’t a rebrand; it was a rebuilding. With a legal pad and a pen, she wrote her way out of shock, turned fragments into a monologue, and found a voice that could lift others who felt alone.
We dive into Lisa’s creative roots, the grind of early set life, and the quiet lessons she learned watching...
The Shocking Truth Behind the 2021 Border Crisis with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Lenore Hackenyos | S.O.S. #232
Oct 17, 2025Send us a text
Headlines rarely match the ground truth. We sit down with retired Lt Col Lenore Hakinos to unpack what it took to stand up Camp Delphi in Donna, Texas during the 2021 surge of unaccompanied minors. As a joint planner with deep logistics and emergency management experience, Lenore helped build an expeditionary base camp—dorms, medical intake, process flow—all under HHS leadership with ORR and FEMA in support. What she found was a system designed for care but strained by scale: no biometrics at intake, thin sponsor vetting, rotating leaders, and case managers overwhelmed by t...
Duration: 01:02:35Green Beret Forced Out for Following His Conscience: The John Frankman Story | S.O.S. #231
Oct 16, 2025Send us a text
What would you do when the order on your desk contradicts the conviction in your gut? We sit down with former Green Beret captain John Frankman to unpack the moment duty collided with conscience during the COVID vaccine mandate—and the ripple effects that followed. From early pressure cues and deployment rules to a surreal JRTC pause where troops were told to decide in the woods, John walks us through the machinery of coercion as he experienced it: shifting policies, career threats, and a system that prized compliance over competence.
John’s pa...
Army Veteran Exposes Family Court Bias Against Service Members | S.O.S. #230
Oct 10, 2025Send us a text
A uniform shouldn’t cost a parent their child. We sit down with retired Army officer, attorney, and parent advocate Erhan Bettistani to unpack how military service collides with family court—and why a little-known administrative process, the Family Advocacy Program’s Incident Determination Committee (FAP IDC), can tilt custody decisions without basic due process. Erhan brings research published in Family Court Review and Military Law Review, plus firsthand stories from Warrior Family Advocacy, to show how “substantiated” findings spill into civilian courts, inflame stress, and even factor into veteran suicide risk.
Across...
Combat Pilot to Million Dollar CEO | Jeff Moss - S.O.S. #229
Oct 09, 2025Send us a text
What does leadership look like when control disappears? We sit down with Jeff Moss—Bronze Star Army aviator, bestselling author of My Leading Edge, Pfizer veteran, and Inc. 5000 franchise owner—to trace a life built on moral courage, mentorship, and service that lasts. From piloting AH-1 Cobras in Desert Storm to refusing to field unsafe aircraft under pressure, Jeff explains how clear standards and documented truth protect people and missions. Then we pivot from the flight line to the family room: his daughter Mallory’s intractable epilepsy, two brain surgeries, and the night a hosp...
Duration: 01:12:49Whistleblower vs. The Military Machine: Sgt. Lindstrom’s Shocking Update - S.O.S. #228
Oct 03, 2025Send us a text
What do you do when the institution you served closes ranks—and you’re left to fight alone? We sit down with Marine veteran and former Nevada National Guard member Andy Lindstrom to unpack a hard, complicated story: years of reporting alleged misconduct, a firing justified as “not a good fit,” and a hearing that arrived nearly three years late. From claims of fraternization and sexual harassment to allegations of wage suppression and payroll fraud on the state side, Andy walks through the paper trail, the “inquiry” that wasn’t called an investigation, and why he bel...
Duration: 01:03:49Fix Our Military “Justice” System! | R. Davis Younts - S.O.S. #227
Oct 01, 2025Send us a text
Justice should not depend on who’s most afraid of a headline. We sit down with nationally recognized trial lawyer and former Air Force JAG Davis Younts to examine where military justice goes off the rails—and how to bring it back on track. Davis shares the moment a 15‑minute acquittal at the Air Force Academy changed his career path from prosecution to defense, revealing what happens when allegations gain momentum and no one can find the off‑ramp.
We dig into the uneasy balance between command authority and legal oversight, why the...
Chris Burnett – A Veteran Running for Congress | S.O.S. #226
Sep 20, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a Marine JAG officer trades combat zones for campaign trails? Chris Burnett is finding out firsthand as he runs for Maryland's 6th congressional district.
After 22 years in the Marine Corps navigating the complexities of international and operational law across multiple deployments to Iraq, Burnett now faces a different kind of challenge. His military career taught him to translate complex legal frameworks into practical guidance for commanders making high-stakes decisions. Now he's applying those same analytical skills to the regulations strangling opportunity in his community.
The spark...
Wrongfully Convicted | Former Navy SEAL Keith Barry - S.O.S. #225
Sep 17, 2025Send us a text
When a nation asks its warriors to defend freedom and uphold justice abroad, shouldn't those same warriors expect justice at home? This powerful episode unravels the harrowing journey of Keith Barry, a decorated Navy SEAL whose 25-year military career crumbled under the weight of a false accusation and a system corrupted by political pressure.
Keith opens up about his transition from elite special operator to facing unimaginable accusations without evidence. His conviction—secured without NCIS testimony and based solely on an accuser's statements—exposes critical flaws in our military justice system. The...
Veteran discrimination? | Former Navy SEAL Bill Brown | S.O.S. #224
Sep 12, 2025Send us a text
The aftermath of national tragedy provides a somber backdrop as Navy SEAL veteran Bill Brown joins us to discuss his fight for veteran equality – a battle that extends from courtrooms to state legislatures and strikes at the heart of how America treats those who served.
Bill's journey began at prestigious law firm McCarter & English, where his outspoken conservative views and veteran advocacy allegedly made him a target. While parts of his discrimination lawsuit continue moving forward under federal protections, a New Jersey judge delivered a critical message: comprehensive workplace protection for ve...
Unjustly accused | Faces 240k in debt!!! - S.O.S. #223
Sep 08, 2025Send us a text
A life's trajectory derailed by a single night, a textbook case of injustice unfolding at one of America's most prestigious military academies. This urgent special episode of Stories of Service brings to light the troubling case of Joseph Fernau, a wrestler and former Air Force Academy cadet fighting to save his military career and avoid crushing debt after being falsely accused of sexual assault.
When a devastating ankle injury sidelined Fernau from his beloved wrestling team, he made a mistake while heavily medicated - fraternizing with a freshman cadet. What followed...
From Navy Corpsman to MARSOC 3 | Eric Gilmet - S.O.S. #222
Sep 06, 2025Send us a text
A decorated Navy corpsman's career derails when military justice turns against him. Eric Gilmette served 21 honorable years, deploying as a medic with Marine infantry and special operations forces, only to find himself embroiled in a four-year legal nightmare stemming from a New Year's Eve incident in Iraq.
After an altercation at a bar in Erbil left a civilian contractor unconscious, Gilmette's medical training kicked in. He monitored the man throughout the night, performing neurological checks and positioning him to maintain his airway. Despite these efforts, tragedy struck when the contractor stopped...
The Legendary Ron Deanne | S.O.S. #221
Sep 04, 2025Send us a text
The most meaningful connections in military service often come from those who guide us through our most challenging moments. Ron Dean represents this kind of transformative mentorship—a Vietnam-era Navy veteran whose expertise in aircraft electrical systems made him legendary among maintainers across four decades of service.
Born to a World War II B-25 radio gunner, Ron joined the Navy in 1965 under the draft, deliberately choosing a different path than his Air Force father. As an Aviation Electrician's Mate, he quickly distinguished himself through exceptional troubleshooting abilities and a practical approach to...
Damo Unfiltered: Giving Sailors a Voice the Navy Can’t Ignore | S.O.S. #220
Aug 29, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a sailor takes his leadership philosophy beyond the quarterdeck and into the podcast studio? Command Master Chief Damo McCullough's story illuminates how authentic conversations can transform military culture.
From his Philadelphia roots to becoming a respected Navy leader, Damo shares the unfiltered journey that led him to create a podcast platform now boasting over 550,000 YouTube views and 100,000 downloads. His approach—speaking the "quiet parts out loud"—has created a unique space where sailors and leadership alike can engage in honest dialogue about military life, leadership challenges, and cultural issu...
From Soldier to Whistleblower | Welcoming back Mandy Feindt - S.O.S. #219
Aug 27, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a decorated Army officer discovers her family is being poisoned by contaminated water on a military base – and then faces retaliation for speaking out? Major Mandy Feindt takes us inside one of the largest toxic exposure cases in U.S. military history, revealing how the Red Hill fuel facility in Hawaii contaminated drinking water for over 93,000 military and civilian families.
With raw honesty, Mandy shares the devastating health impacts her family experienced – from her 13-month-old son developing mysterious rashes and respiratory issues to her own unexplained symptoms that left...
Hots&Cots: The App Giving Military a Voice with Rob Evans | S.O.S. #218
Aug 22, 2025Send us a text
When you're a young service member preparing for your first PCS, finding honest information about where you'll live and eat can be nearly impossible. Military barracks and dining facilities remain one of the most significant blind spots in our support system for junior enlisted personnel.
Rob Evans, an Army veteran and software developer, experienced this firsthand during his 12 years of service. After transitioning to civilian life, he noticed something critical was missing: a platform where service members could openly discuss the conditions of their living quarters and dining facilities. This realization...
From Bobsled to Baghdad: Active Duty Marine Riley Tejcek | S.O.S. #217
Aug 20, 2025Send us a text
What happens when you refuse to let the world put you in a box? Marine Corps officer Riley Compton reveals the extraordinary journey that unfolded when she decided to pursue every passion without limitation.
Riley's story begins in the Midwest, where she never saw women serving in the military while growing up. After earning a Division I softball scholarship, a chance encounter with a Marine recruiter opened doors she never knew existed. What followed was a remarkable balancing act—commissioning as a Marine officer while simultaneously pursuing a spot on Team US...
Inside the Mind of a Military Psychiatrist with Dr. Robert Marietta | S.O.S. #216
Aug 14, 2025Send us a text
Military psychiatrist Dr. Robert Moretta exposes the hidden flaws in our armed forces’ mental healthcare system—where administrative convenience often trumps genuine healing. From the overuse of adjustment and personality disorder diagnoses to avoid benefits, to a culture that discourages sailors from seeking help, Dr. Moretta reveals how these practices harm trust and recovery.
He shares firsthand accounts of blurred confidentiality, where providers are told to avoid diagnosing PTSD to keep paperwork simple, and how fragmented records across clinics and agencies leave struggling service members to piece together their own care.
Battlefield to Brotherhood | Aaron Love - S.O.S. #215
Aug 13, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a warrior who's dedicated to never leaving anyone behind is forced to witness a fellow airman lost at sea? Aaron Love's journey from elite Air Force Pararescueman to outspoken veterans advocate reveals the profound cost of service and the power of principle-based leadership.
In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Aaron takes us through his 22-year military career, from his post-9/11 enlistment to becoming part of the elite Air Force special warfare community. With remarkable candor, he shares the traumatic events that ultimately led to his medical retirement – including the he...
When The System Turns On Its Own | Doug James - S.O.S. #214
Aug 07, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a system designed to protect our warriors becomes their greatest threat? In this powerful conversation, retired Air Force Colonel Doug James exposes the devastating impact of false allegations in military justice—a crisis he knows firsthand.
As the former President of Save Our Heroes, Colonel James witnessed hundreds of cases where innocent service members faced career destruction from unsubstantiated claims. The patterns were disturbingly consistent: allegations emerging during contentious divorces, after relationship breakups, or when service members sought career advantages. Even more alarming was how the military justice sy...
From Shadowland to Freedom: Frank Soonius | S.O.S. #212
Aug 01, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful episode, Frank Sunius takes us on a remarkable journey—from a difficult childhood in Amsterdam to wrongful imprisonment in Australia, and ultimately, to his rebirth as an inspirational speaker and author.
Born to a mother who survived Japanese concentration camps and a father who valued success over connection, Frank grew up feeling unseen. To cope, he created what he calls his “Shadowland”—an imaginary refuge where he felt safe and valued.
As a highly sensitive child in a world that rewarded toughness, Frank found his footing in sport...
Duration: 00:59:28Inside 500 Military Cases of False Allegations with Investigator Mike Conzachi | S.O.S #213
Aug 01, 2025Send us a text
The military justice system is failing our warriors through a perfect storm of bias, incompetence, and political pressure. In this eye-opening episode, Mike Konzachi—Army veteran, retired homicide detective, and private investigator—pulls back the curtain on how false allegations destroy military careers.
After nearly three decades in specialized law enforcement units and investigating over 500 military cases, Konzachi delivers a scathing assessment of military investigative practices. "The objective is not to learn the truth of what occurred, but to gather sufficient evidence that will sustain a conviction," he reveals, highlighting a fund...
The DeRito Act and the Fight for Military Justice | Adam DeRito- S.O.S #211
Jul 28, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, decorated veteran and military justice reform advocate Adam DeRito takes us through his remarkable journey from Air Force Academy cadet to the frontlines of a battle few civilians understand: the fight against military retaliation.
Adam's story begins with his post-9/11 commitment to service, arriving at the Air Force Academy with real-world experience as a firefighter and EMT. After becoming an OSI confidential informant reporting cadet misconduct, his life took a devastating turn when he experienced sexual assault off-campus—and faced dismissal rather than support from hi...
From Battlefield to Policy | Troy D. Carico - S.O.S #210
Jul 25, 2025Send us a text
The remarkable journey from combat Infantry officer to veteran advocate unfolds as Troy Carrico shares his extraordinary path of service beyond the battlefield. A highly decorated, service-connected disabled Army veteran, Troy reveals how childhood dreams of becoming a fighter pilot evolved into a distinguished military career after learning his eyes weren't suitable for flight.
Troy's storytelling captivates as he recounts his transition from Infantry operations to tactical human intelligence following 9/11. With refreshing candor, he describes his work with the elite Iraqi Survey Group—traveling on blackout flights with "suitcases full of mo...
The Silent Warriors: How False Accusations Destroy Military Careers | Darin Lopez - S.O.S. #209
Jul 18, 2025Send us a text
What happens when political pressure infiltrates military justice? Navy veteran Darin Lopez and retired Navy SEAL Keith Barry pull back the curtain on one of the most troubling chapters in modern military history - a period when false accusations could destroy careers without meaningful due process.
Lopez, who held high-level intelligence positions requiring FBI clearance, found himself convicted of sexual assault despite overwhelming evidence of his innocence. The shocking details of his case reveal a system where truth became irrelevant - military prosecutors were explicitly instructed to pursue charges "even if...
Lauren Palladini’s Fight for Justice in Military Medicine | S.O.S. #208
Jul 11, 2025Send us a text
“It doesn’t matter, you can’t sue anyway.”
From Battlefield to Birth Trauma: Lauren Palladini’s Fight for Justice in Military Medicine
This week’s guest, Lauren Palladini, is a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division whose life took a harrowing turn—not on the battlefield, but in a military hospital. At just 22 years old, Lauren experienced a catastrophic case of military medical malpractice during childbirth at Womack Army Medical Center. A lacerated uterine artery was left undiagnosed and concealed, leading to weeks of life-threatening hemorrhaging, multiple emergency surg...
From Combat to Corporate: Dr. Michael Hackney on Leadership, Change & Service Beyond the Uniform | S.O.S. #207
Jul 04, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful episode of Stories of Service, host Theresa Carpenter sits down with Dr. Michael Hackney—Army veteran, business leader, coach, and author—to explore the dynamic intersections of military service, organizational leadership, and personal reinvention.
Dr. Hackney shares his journey from commanding infantry units in Germany and supporting operations during the Gulf War to leading corporate turnarounds at Fortune 500 companies like PepsiCo, Sara Lee, and ConAgra. With a doctorate in organizational psychology from USC, he brings a unique perspective on what it takes to sustain meaningful change in both mili...
A Navy SEAL’s Battle for Justice in Big Law | Bill Brown - S.O.S. #206
Jun 27, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Stories of Service host Theresa Carpenter talks with Navy SEAL veteran Bill Brown and his attorney Chris D’Alessandro about Bill’s firing from McCarter & English. What began with a LinkedIn post reveals a deeper story of alleged discrimination and retaliation tied to Bill’s military service and beliefs.
Chris breaks down the legal side as Bill shares what it’s like to challenge a system that preaches diversity but often excludes veterans.
🎙️ Topics include:
Transitioning from military to lawThe LinkedIn post that triggered the... Duration: 00:56:22Guilty Until Proven Innocent | Arvis Owens - S.O.S. #205
Jun 20, 2025Send us a text
The U.S. military justice system was designed to uphold discipline and integrity—but what happens when it becomes a tool for political agendas instead of truth?
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, former Navy Commander Arvis Owens shares his harrowing experience of being falsely accused of sexual assault. What unfolds is a disturbing look at a system that, under pressure to show progress on sexual assault cases, has sacrificed due process and fairness in pursuit of conviction rates.
Key Topics Discussed:
•The rise of metrics-based justice sinc...
Flagged and Forgotten | Ricki Laahs - S.O.S. #204
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ricki Laahs, a United States Marine Corps veteran whose career journey spans from military network administration to critical care nursing—and whose personal story raises urgent questions about civil liberties and government overreach.
Ricki began her service as a 0651, specializing in network administration. Her ability to bridge complex IT systems with real-world solutions propelled her quickly into leadership roles, both in uniform and as a government contractor. She later transitioned into project management before answering a deeper call: to serve others through nursing. To...
From whistleblower to cyber advocate | Paul Pearson - S.O.S. #203
Jun 13, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul Pearson, a seasoned IT professional and mission-driven leader whose journey took a life-altering turn after he unintentionally blew the whistle while contracting for the Department of Defense. What followed was a deep dive into ethical leadership, digital justice, and community empowerment.
Paul brings over 15 years of IT experience, including a decade of service in the U.S. Air Force with expertise in digital forensics and cyberspace operations. He now leads Running Name LLC, a veteran-owned business offering cybersecurity, managed IT, and digital...
Leadership Beyond Rank: Neil Jurd Returns to S.O.S. #202
Jun 11, 2025Send us a text
Back by popular demand, Neil Jurd OBE returns to Stories of Service to explore leadership, service, and the changing needs of those who lead—both in and out of uniform.
A former British Army officer and Sandhurst instructor, Neil is the founder of Leader Connect and author of The Leadership Book, aiming to make leadership accessible, values-led, and impactful across all sectors
In this episode, Neil dives deeper into:
• 🧠 The mindset of a true servant leader
• 🔄 How the best leadership is grounded in simplicity and human connection
• 📚 His v...
From adversity to advocacy | Chris Greco - S.O.S. #201
Jun 06, 2025Send us a text
In today’s episode, we sit down with Chris Greco — a dedicated father, husband, and executive performance coach whose journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. Known for his unwavering faith, grit, and perseverance, Chris brings a boundless energy and a core-values approach that has helped transform both people and organizations.
Chris shares his experiences leading high-stakes turnarounds, including his role as CEO in 2023, where he revitalized a struggling retail tech company — saving jobs and delivering investor returns in under four years. Praised by a former food industry CEO as someon...
A Broken System: One Officer’s Fight for Accountability in the Armed Forces | S.O.S. #200
Jun 03, 2025Send us a text
***Apologies for the sound. Thankfully, it's fixed after a few minutes in.***
Imagine dedicating 30 years to the Air Force, retiring with honors, and returning to serve again—only to be abruptly terminated without explanation. Publicly shamed, later vindicated, and still left in limbo more than a year later. This is the reality for today’s guest: Doug “Cinco” DeMaio.
Doug’s story is not just about personal resilience—it’s a stark indictment of a broken administrative system within the U.S. military. In this powerful episode, he shares his experience...
From Warzones to Wagging Tails: The Journey of Christopher Lamy | S.O.S. #199
May 23, 2025Send us a text
In this in-person episode of Stories of Service, Theresa Carpenter speaks with Christopher Lamy—veteran, dog trainer, and her SkillBridge provider—about his journey from Air Force K-9 handler to community advocate. Growing up as the oldest of seven, Chris developed leadership skills and a bond with animals early on. After 10 years in the military, including deployments with Navy SEAL Team 2, he pursued a law degree but ultimately returned to dog training after a mentor’s passing. Now based in Long Beach, MS, he runs Canine Coaching with Chris, leads a nonprofit for shelte...
Duration: 01:01:41Rewiring the mind | Rob Sweetman - S.O.S. #198
May 22, 2025Send us a text
Can a Navy SEAL serve in our toughest military roles, launch multiple companies, speak hard truths, and still have the heart to lead a movement in wellness? Rob Sweetman is living proof.
In this episode, I sit down with Rob — a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist and founder of 62Romeo and Sleep Genius — who’s on a mission to radically improve how veterans, first responders, and high-performers sleep, recover, and live.
After serving with SEAL Team Seven and navigating injuries including PTSD and TBI, Rob took a pivotal turn i...
Guarding the Guardsmen: Andy Lindstrom’s Pro Se Fight for Justice - S.O.S. #197
May 21, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful episode, we follow Sgt. Andrew “Andy” Lindstrom — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Nevada National Guardsman — as he takes on the military establishment in a courageous solo legal battle.
After reporting military sexual trauma (MST) and financial misconduct within the Nevada National Guard, Lindstrom faced harsh retaliation and was removed from both his military and civilian roles. Refusing to back down, he chose to represent himself pro se, navigating a complex legal fight without an attorney.
Key Topics:
US Veteran turned whistleb...
How do we exhaust all forms of military redress? | S.O.S. #196
May 15, 2025Send us a text
What real options do service members have when seeking redress through their chain of command—and do those systems actually work the way they’re supposed to?
My next guests say no. But they’re not giving up.
This week, I’m joined by Major Katie Pappa, a highly decorated Marine Corps Supply Officer, and her attorney, former Navy SEAL William Brown, Jr. Together, they’re taking their case all the way to the Secretary of the Navy, challenging a review process they say is broken—and still failing those who sp...
Combat to Comedy: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robin “Phoenix” Johnson | S.O.S. #195
May 13, 2025Send us a text
This week, we're joined by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robin "Phoenix" Johnson—combat veteran, international comedian, and leadership expert. With 20+ years in the U.S. Army and five combat deployments, Robin now uses humor to inspire and lead across the globe. From Armed Forces Entertainment to Stanford classrooms, she shares how laughter can reduce burnout, boost empathy, and reshape workplace culture. Don’t miss her powerful insights, leadership lessons, and hilarious takes on soccer sidelines and the mystery of the offsides rule!
In This Episode:
Robin’s path from the batt... Duration: 00:54:52Resilience in Action: The Inspiring Journey of T.Shane Johnson | S.O.S. #194
May 10, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful episode, we sit down with T.Shane Johnson—U.S. Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and best-selling author. T.Shane opens up about his extraordinary journey from surviving a brutal gang attack and homelessness to building a successful business empire and making a national impact.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How T.Shane overcame life-threatening adversity and found his purpose
• The lessons he learned during his two years of homelessness after the 2008 crash
• How he built multiple successful ventures, including Big Guns Coffee with h...
From Special Forces to Storytelling with Randall Surles - S.O.S. #193
May 09, 2025Send us a text
This week’s guest is Randall Surles—a retired Sergeant Major with over 40 years of experience bridging elite military service and the literary world. From leading missions as an infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment and a Green Beret, to crafting bestselling books as a Story Grid Certified Editor, Randy’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
• Randy’s shift from combat zones to creative writing.
• How military precision influences his storytelling process.
• The behind-the-scenes world of ghostwriting high-stakes nonfiction.
• The art and discipline behind edi...
Charting a course with Navy Recruiting | Capt. Gervy Alota - S.O.S. #192
Apr 23, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we sit down with Captain Gervy Alota, a decorated Surface Warfare Officer, Naval Academy graduate, and proud son of a Navy Chief. He shares his journey from playing Navy football to commanding multiple amphibious warships and pioneering the Navy’s first LCS Mine Countermeasures Mission Package Detachment. With over two decades of service, Captain Alota reflects on the leadership lessons he’s learned, the role of mentorship and family in his career, and how he stays mission-driven. Now serving as Director of Community Outreach at Navy Recruiting Command, he’s focuse...
Duration: 00:55:42Navy Vet turned Filmmaker | Kerron Andrews - S.O.S. #191
Apr 18, 2025Send us a text
Why is military transition so difficult?
Kerron Andrews captures it perfectly: “It’s the loss of our entire identity.”
For so many of us, the military isn’t just a job—it’s our foundation, our purpose, and at times, the only constant we’ve had. Even when we felt alone, even when we doubted ourselves, service gave us a sense of belonging. So when that chapter ends, it’s not just a career we leave behind—it’s a version of ourselves.
That’s my story. And it’s the story of...
Healing Eyes and Minds - Dr. Andrew Doan | S.O.S. #190
Apr 11, 2025Send us a text
There’s nothing better than connecting with fellow active duty content creators—especially when they’re active duty senior naval officers! When Andrew first reached out months ago asking how to “do both”—serve our country and show up authentically on social media—I knew he was onto something powerful.
Since then, it’s been amazing to watch his YouTube channel take off, tackling topics like screen addiction, mental health, and so much more with insight and heart. His voice is one the world needs right now.
I’m beyond excited for...
Restoring Military Justice: Inside Nevada Senate Bill 95 ⚖️| S.O.S. #189
Apr 10, 2025Send us a text
🎙️ New Episode Drop!
Restoring Military Justice: Inside Nevada Senate Bill 95 ⚖️🇺🇸
Should National Guard members have the right to demand a court martial instead of facing non-judicial punishment? Nevada lawmakers think so — and we’re diving into why.
💥 Highlights:
✔️ Allison Bailey’s case & the push for due process
✔️ Zero fiscal impact confirmed
✔️ Due process gaps in the current system
✔️ Lessons from California’s Guard
✔️ Should lack of resources justify denying rights?
This isn’t just policy—it’s about fairness, rights, and real people in uniform. 🎧 Don’t miss it.
🔗...
From Service to Policy: How Veterans Are Shaping the Future | Jason Loughran - S.O.S. #188
Apr 04, 2025Send us a text
What better people to shape policy than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve their nation?
In this episode, we discuss the critical nature veterans can play within the political arena- think politics is not for you? You may change your mind after this episode!!!
Jason Loughran is a United States Navy veteran and a dedicated advocate for veterans’ rights. As the Senior Advisor of Intergovernmental Affairs at the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, Jason plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and legislation that suppo...
Turning Pain into Purpose - The Story of Resilience | S.O.S. #187
Apr 02, 2025Send us a text
The wounds of war must never be forgotten—but for many, that pain becomes a driving force for something greater.
This Tuesday, I welcome back returning guest Michael Meyers, II, who joins us to discuss an ambitious new filmmaking project with Nicole Amelio. We also welcome Robert Vincent O’Berg whose own story of hope and healing is part of the series.
Their docuseries, Resilience, brings to life the raw and powerful stories of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) generation, told by those who lived it. This six-season ende...
Military Sexual Trauma Survivor - Jean Payne | S.O.S. #186
Mar 28, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Jean Payne, a Navy vet and MST survivor, shares her journey of empowerment. As CEO of TI Verbatim Consulting, she advocates for systemic change, including VA House Bill 2520. Jean is also the author of Reclaim Your Worth and Jean and the Magnificent Mirror, promoting self-worth and justice.
🔹 Tune in to hear:
✔️ Jean’s personal story of survival and advocacy
✔️ The challenges of addressing Military Sexual Abuse
✔️ How Reclaim Your Worth is inspiring others to heal and fight back
✔️ Her mission to pass critical legislation across the U.S.
...
Duration: 00:49:38Mark C. Fava – Naval Wisdom, Aviation Law, and Leadership | S.O.S. #185
Mar 21, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we sit down with Mark C. Fava, an author, speaker, and career aviation lawyer who currently serves as a Vice President at The Boeing Company.
Mark’s career spans decades in both the military and corporate worlds. He served as a Naval Flight Officer and Mission Commander in the P-3 Orion, accumulating over 3,000 flight hours. After 30 years in the Navy Reserve, he retired as a Captain, having commanded three units, including a P-3 squadron.
Beyond the military, Mark built a distinguished legal career. He previously led a na...
From the Depths to a New Mission – DGUTS’ Journey | S.O.S #184
Mar 14, 2025Send us a text
When two fellow military podcasters get together, ones who are both deeply passionate in fighting the mental health stigma by taking better care of Sailors, well you know it’s going to be a great conversation! Ladies and gentleman, is my honor to bring you the man behind the Don’t Give Up the Ship podcast!
In this episode, we sit down with DGUTS, a retired Master Chief Petty Officer with 21 years of experience in the submarine service. Throughout his distinguished career, he served in critical leadership roles, including Division and Depa...
Brain Injury, Suicide, and Military Mental Health with Dr. Kenneth Davis- S.O.S. #183
Mar 07, 2025Send us a text
Is there a link between brain injury and suicide or other mental health challenges? Could mandatory MRI scans help identify those at risk?
In this episode of the S.O.S. Podcast, Dr. Kenneth Davis discusses his research on large-scale brain injury testing for veterans, especially those with non-combat-related injuries. We explore what this could mean for veteran care and mental health support.
Join us for this important live discussion.
About Our Guest – Dr. Kenneth T. Davis
Dr. Davis is the founder of th...
Duration: 01:03:10Removing Military JAGs: Was it Justified? | S.O.S. #182
Feb 26, 2025Send us a text
Can we hold starkly different views on hard-hitting issues while staying respectful? I believe so—and my guests do too.
This week, we tackle the controversy surrounding the dismissal of the Judge Advocate Generals from the Air Force, Army, and Navy. Is this a dangerous move to install Trump loyalists, or a much-needed reform of military justice? My guests bring opposing perspectives to the table in a conversation that challenges, informs, and seeks common ground.
Guests:
🔹 Col Don Christensen, USAF (Ret.) – Former Chief Prosecutor of the U.S. Air For...
Your leadership legacy with Lt. Col. (ret) Oak McCulloch - S.O.S. #181
Feb 21, 2025Send us a text
Oak McCulloch returns to the podcast for another discussion on servant leadership and its lasting impact. His ability to drive change continues to inspire, and his book Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be remains a valuable resource.
In this episode, we catch up on Oak’s journey, the impact of his leadership principles today, and what’s changed since our last conversation. Whether you’re leading a team or seeking growth, this episode is full of wisdom from Oak’s 40+ years of experience.
About Ou...
Duration: 01:08:24I almost died - Richard Parker | S.O.S. #180
Feb 14, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we chat with Richard Parker, a former college professor who became a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Commissioned at 43 in 2013, he left academia to serve and embraced every chance to support the Navy's global mission.
Richard’s toughest battle wasn’t on the frontlines—it was for his life. In January 2022, complications from a medical procedure led to septic shock, and he nearly died twice. After 88 days in the hospital, losing 45 pounds, and relearning to walk, his recovery was miraculous, thanks to his wife’s love, p...
Duration: 01:02:28Terminal CWO: Exposing the truth within the DoD - S.O.S. #179
Feb 13, 2025Send us a text
I’m beyond thrilled to welcome Sam Shoemate to the show—one of the most fearless voices in military whistleblowing today. If you believe in due process for those who’ve sacrificed for our nation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
You may remember Sam from The Shawn Ryan Show this past January—one of the many who received an email from the Cybertruck driver who detonated his car outside a Las Vegas Trump hotel. But what you might not know? Sam is often the first to break stor...
Buying or Selling in Central Ohio? Meet Karen Mavis! - S.O.S. #178
Feb 12, 2025Send us a text
Are you buying or selling a home in Central Ohio? If so, you need a trusted expert who understands the market inside and out. Karen Mavis, owner of the Karen Mavis Home Team with RE/MAX Achievers, joins us to talk about what makes a great real estate experience and how she’s helped clients navigate the process for over 22 years.
Not only that, she’s a dear friend from high school!
In This Episode, We Cover:
🏡 The Journey of a Real Estate Pro – Karen’s passion for real est...
Command IG: Is There Due Process - S.O.S. #177
Feb 07, 2025Send us a text
This is a show I wish I didn’t have to do. But the truth is, the command investigation system is broken, and if no one else will fix it, we’re going to shine a light on the harm it causes—directly from those who have lived it.
It’s our love for the military that compels us to speak up. We believe in accountability, justice, and taking care of our own. This episode features firsthand accounts from survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and bullying—not just about what happened to them, b...
Amber Kulesza – From Fighter Jets to Empowering Adventures- S.O.S. #176
Jan 31, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we sit down with Amber Kulesza, an Air Force Disabled Veteran and the Chief Adventure Officer (CAO) of AmbersAdventures, LLC. Amber’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering passion for helping others.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Rebecca McFadden – Creative Visionary, Advocate for Individuality, and Lifelong Optimist - S.O.S. #175
Jan 29, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we chat with Rebecca McFadden, a creative force and founder of Fresh Pointe Studio, about her journey from sketching animals as a child to becoming a successful designer. She shares her path through art, fashion design, and interior design, including her experiences in NYC, corporate roles, and how motherhood and the pandemic inspired her to create Fresh Pointe Studio.
Rebecca discusses the power of individuality and design’s impact on mental health and well-being.
Tune in for a conversation about resilience, passion, and staying true to yo...
Duration: 00:48:24Leading from the Frontlines: A Conversation with Andrea Goldstein - S.O.S. #174
Jan 24, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we chat with Andrea Goldstein, a senior executive and national security leader, whose career spans from active-duty U.S. Navy officer to shaping policy at the highest levels of government. Andrea has driven cultural transformation in major U.S. institutions, including her pivotal role in passing the Deborah Sampson Act, which improved services for women veterans.
She’s served in leadership roles across the Biden-Harris Administration and continues her military service as a Navy Reserve commanding officer. Andrea is also an award-winning writer and a member of prestigious or...
Duration: 01:06:49The Fight for Accountability – Major Mandy Feindt on the Red Hill Water Crisis - S.O.S. #173
Jan 23, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Major Mandy Feindt, an active-duty Army officer, devoted mother, and fearless advocate for military and civilian families affected by the 2021 Red Hill Water Crisis in Hawaii. As one of 93,000 individuals impacted by the crisis—including her own children—Major Feindt has dedicated the past three years to demanding justice and accountability.
From serving as a Department of Defense whistleblower to representing her community in the EPA’s Community Representation Initiative (CRI), Mandy has been on the frontlines of advocacy. She shares her ex...
Brad Miller: From West Point to Resignation – A Journey of Service, Conviction, and Freedom - S.O.S. #172
Jan 17, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we sit down with Brad Miller, a former lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, to discuss his inspiring journey of service, principles, and standing up for his beliefs. Brad graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2003 and went on to serve nineteen years on active duty. His career took him across the globe, with assignments in Afghanistan, Honduras, South Korea, and various locations throughout the U.S.
Brad shares insights into his time in the military, the diverse roles he held, and the...
Ponder On It, Pilgrims: Wisdom, Wit, and Texas Grit with Charles Hamm- S.O.S. #171
Jan 10, 2025Send us a text
You ever get tired of the noise of social media and just yearn for some good ole fashioned common sense?
In this episode, we sit down with Texan-to-the-bone Charles Hamm, a former Marine sergeant, retired entrepreneur, and 3x #1 International Bestselling Author. With over 75 years of life experience, Charles has worn many hats, from doting husband and grandfather to social media sensation and celebrated author.
Residing in the Texan countryside, Charles turned to social media as an outlet for his reflections on society, inclusivity, and mindful living. His authentic voice...
Chasing Summer: Stories of a Nomadic Life | Christina Gawlik - S.O.S. #170
Jan 03, 2025Send us a text
Ever wonder what it would be like to quit your job, live on your savings, and explore the world? My next guest has been doing just that for a number of years. Thanks to smart financial decisions and a passion for exploring, she travels internationally meeting people from all walks of life and shares her experiences (and cost cutting hacks) online!
In this episode, we dive into the sun-soaked, wanderlust-filled life of Christina Gawlik, a true nomad who’s made the world her home. Christina shares what it’s like to chas...
From Navy SEAL to Advocate – The Journey of Bill Brown - S.O.S. #169
Dec 27, 2024Send us a text
From Navy SEAL to Advocate – The Journey of Bill Brown
In this episode, we sit down with Bill Brown, an Iraq Veteran Navy SEAL who served honorably for eight years, completing three deployments. Bill shares his incredible journey from the battlefield to higher education, where he utilized the Montgomery GI Bill to attend Rutgers University and Rutgers Law School.
Now, Bill works alongside renowned military and veteran attorney Tim Parlatore at Parlatore Law Group, where he advocates for the rights and well-being of service members and veterans.
Bi...
USS Cole Survivor Now Inspirational Leader with Amaury Ponciano- S.O.S. #168
Dec 21, 2024Send us a text
Can you heal yourself and rise to leadership in the Navy’s highest enlisted ranks?
In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Amaury Ponciano—an inspiring example of authenticity, accountability, and transformation. From surviving the tragic USS Cole bombing to battling his own personal demons, Amaury’s story is a raw and honest reminder that true leadership begins with owning your struggles and turning them into strengths.
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey, Amaury’s 20+ years of Navy service have been defined by resilience, sacrifice...
Breaking Barriers in the Skies with Lt Col (Ret.) Jessica Ruttenber - S.O.S. #167
Dec 15, 2024Send us a text
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jessica Ruttenber, a trailblazing U.S. Air Force pilot who turned her “vertical challenges” into an incredible aviation career. With over 3,000 flight hours, Jessica soared as a Senior Pilot and became a fierce advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality in the military and aviation industries.
We discuss her groundbreaking achievements, including:
• Advocating for the Department of Defense’s first maternity flight suit, meeting the unique needs of female pilots.
• Leading efforts to redesign Air Force aircraft standards, eliminating height restr...
Building Authority, Crafting Legacies, and Mastering Marketing with Rob Anspach - S.O.S. #166
Dec 07, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Anspach, a seasoned entrepreneur, marketing consultant, prolific author, and podcast host with over 30 years of experience helping businesses build authority, craft legacies, and achieve long-term success.
Known for his no-nonsense approach to marketing, Rob shares his famous “Rob-isms”—memorable principles like “The cheaper the client, the more hassles involved”—that have guided countless entrepreneurs in attracting high-value clients and avoiding unnecessary headaches. He’s passionate about empowering business owners to recognize their worth, charge accordingly, and create enterprises built to last.
As the host of T...
Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform with Col. (Ret) Bill Butler – S.O.S. #165
Dec 04, 2024Send us a text
The transition from military service to civilian life is one of the most profound journeys a veteran can face. Finding a renewed sense of purpose is key to shaping this next chapter.
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Col. (Ret) Bill Butler, the acting president of The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. Known as the only museum of its kind that honors all U.S. veterans, the NVMM tells the deeply personal and inspiring stories of those who answered the call to serve.
Through...
Duration: 00:31:02Fighting for Veterans: Ted Blickwedel’s Battle for Better Care | S.O.S. #164
Nov 23, 2024Send us a text
This week, I sit down with Ted Blickwedel, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who risked everything to expose critical issues within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system.
Ted’s journey began at the VA VET Center in Warwick, RI, where he provided mental health care to fellow veterans from 2009 to 2018.
In 2017, he witnessed how harmful clinical productivity policies were jeopardizing the well-being of counselors and the quality of care for veterans. When his concerns were repeatedly dismissed by supervisors, Ted decided to sp...
Free speech for troops: fact or fiction? | Dr. Chase Spears - S.O.S. #163
Nov 16, 2024Send us a text
Can U.S. military members truly exercise their First Amendment rights? What are the limits on free speech within the armed forces, and why do these boundaries exist? While everyone agrees on the importance of protecting operational security, how do we also encourage innovation and support those willing to step forward with bold ideas to solve complex challenges?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chase Spears, a former U.S. Army public affairs officer who recently completed his Ph.D. dissertation on the diminishing First Amendment protections for service...
When good jobs go bad | Kate Goggin - S.O.S. #162
Nov 09, 2024Send us a text
“You take every job assuming it’s a good one. Yet, at any point, your intuition might signal that something has changed—whether it’s the organization, or you. Either way, only you can take charge of fixing your work and your life.” - Kate Goggin
In this episode, we sit down with Kate Goggin, author of 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs Go Bad. Through her experiences, Kate has distilled powerful insights for anyone who feels stuck, frustrated, or unfulfilled in their career. This isn’t your typical career advice; it’s an honest, d...
From the Navy to Tech Leadership | Julie Vida - S.O.S. #161
Nov 03, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, we’ll sit down with Julie Vida, a distinguished technology and business executive with a career that spans military service, high-impact roles in the public sector, and leadership in the tech industry. Currently, Julie leads the growth team for the Defense sector at ManTech, focusing on innovative solutions to secure the Department of Defense’s future. With past roles like Group Vice President & Chief Strategy Advisor for the Public Sector at Splunk and Executive Partner at Gartner, Julie brings deep insight into the intersection of data, analytics, and government operations.
...
Veterans Healing Farm | Alan Yeck - S.O.S. #160
Oct 28, 2024Send us a text
My next guest runs a property that helps our veterans in many ways and was recently granted new land to continue their mission.
Yeck is a former United States Marine, Special Intelligence Communications (MOS 2651—Company L, Marine Support Battalion, NSGA, Guantanamo Bay, and 1st Radio Battalion, Kaneohe, Marine Corpe Air Station), and Information Management Officer (IMO) with the U.S. Department of State, Foreign Service, Diplomatic Corps. Among his postings, he served three tours at the American Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, during its 18-year civil war, the American Consulate in Jeddah, Sa...
The military left me paralyzed | Staff Sgt. Ryan Carter - S.O.S. #159
Oct 19, 2024Send us a text
On April 6, 2018, Sgt. Ryan Carter went to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for what is considered a routine back surgery for chronic neck pain. He left the hospital paralyzed, never to walk again.
He and his wife believe he is the victim of military malpractice, but is currently unable to litigate his case and receive due process all because he served in the military.
However, at the time of his surgery, he was not on active duty, which should have qualified him to file a claim against th...
Building bridges, healing divides | Jake Harriman - S.O.S. #158
Oct 11, 2024Send us a text
What can be do to stop the spread of divisiveness? How can we understand one another and seek to empathize with people who don’t look like us, act like us, or even think like us?
I believe this understanding is vital. One amazing veteran has founded an organization that’s on the front lines of healing our fractured communities through coffee, conversation and advocacy.
Join us on the S.O.S. podcast as we kick off season 3 with what this show has always represented - our service to others...
Why suicides are killing the military - S.O.S. #157
Oct 07, 2024Send us a text
There is nobody better out there who has the fortitude to push through change like Chris McGhee, Esq., LL.M.
His own experiences as an aircraft maintainer seeing an acute mental health crisis has pushed the United States Department of Defense to study suicide rates by job code, to which they did a “nice try” with an overdue study which contained partial information, but where clearly much more work must be done.
Tomorrow evening, Chris and I will chat live about where this important work stands and what needs to b...
Veteran entrepreneur trailblazer | Melissa Washington - S.O.S. podcast #156
Oct 06, 2024Send us a text
With a passion for giving back to the veteran community, today I am so honored to bring Melissa Washington to the S.O.S. podcast.
Melissa is an award-winning advocate, speaker, author, entrepreneur, CEO, publisher, Radio Show Host, and proud Navy veteran.
Woven throughout all of her diverse pursuits is a mission of service—and a passion to empower her fellow women veterans.
One of her most notable accomplishments founding the Women’s Veteran Alliance. This global organization seeks to empower and positively impact the lives of wome...
Sober af, Skateboarding Mom, painter, and yoga teacher | Jenni Harmon - S.O.S. podcast #155
Oct 01, 2024Send us a text
Today, I welcome Jenni Harmon. Nearly 30 years ago, we went through boot camp and Navy aircrew school together and have stayed in touch ever since.
You may recall that I hosted her on the second episode of the S.O.S. podcast three years ago. We discussed her taking up skateboarding and how her life unfolded after serving in the Navy as an avionics technician. Today, we’ll see where her life stands today, why she quit drinking alcohol (and encourages sobriety with her Unapologetic af Instagram channel), why she recently com...
Corporate executive turned educator | Zeynep Holmes - S.O.S. #154
Sep 14, 2024Send us a text
You reach the top of your career but then walk away. Why? Is there something else out there driving you?
My next guest spent nearly her entire adult life in the corporate banking sector. Grueling hours. High stakes deals. A well-paid and prestigious position. After several decades, she turns her life in another direction: teaching the next generation.
Find out what made her make such a drastic career decision, what she learned through this remarkable journey, her advice for others wishing to jump ship at their current job, and wh...
Veteran storytelling | Tracer Burnout podcast - S.O.S. Ep. 153
Aug 29, 2024Send us a text
What’s your next mission when the military ends? How do you find your tribe, your purpose, and that way to support yourself while a part of a growing community? Would you make a go at it by forming a military podcast?
Roger and Dan, hosts of the Tracer Burnout podcast, join the S.O.S. podcast to tell the deeply personal story of how, as they left the uniform behind, they picked up microphones to ensure that other veterans' stories were never forgotten.
Join us on this “collab” episod...
Save every life you can | Dr. Richard Stone - S.O.S. podcast #152
Aug 26, 2024Send us a text
What was it like running the country’s largest and most extensive health care delivery system during a global pandemic that stressed every government sector?
On this episode of the S.O.S. podcast, meet Dr. Richard Stone, a physician, a combat veteran, and former head of the Veterans Health Administration. Starting in December 2019, his team was tasked to perform the near impossible to care for those who served and take on an unprecedented natural disaster response mission that tested every leader and resource available.
Learn Dr. Stone’s best...
Your veteran benefits | Dr. Paul Lawrence - S.O.S podcast #151
Aug 15, 2024Send us a text
No better person to explain the benefits you earned by serving than a former Undersecretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs!
In this episode, learn about the overlooked, misunderstood, and underutilized service benefits that often confuse veterans and prevent them from accessing support services. There are many ways we can get smarter about these processes. Let’s use the power of community to ensure we understand all the resources.
This conversation will go one step further than a traditional TAPS class, discussing how the VA wo...
Capt. “Chowdah” Chris Hill | S.O.S. podcast #150
Aug 14, 2024Send us a text
My next guest needs no introduction for many of you. His crew’s presence this past year in the Red Sea was highly publicized. Not only that, he is part of a new era of “influencer” senior leaders, taking his leadership lessons outside the skin of the ship, and helping the public better understand our Navy!
“Chowdah” Hill is a native of Quincy, Massachusetts. He is a 1996 graduate of Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude; a 2006 graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service with...
Healing in divided times | Adam Boyd - S.O.S. podcast #149
Aug 03, 2024Send us a text
Controlling ourselves in the most stressful situations is vital to a healthy life. We can learn much from those who intentionally do hard things. This act of discipline trains us so that we are prepared when life unexpectedly hands us a traumatic experience.
Adam Boyd spent years in law enforcement as a detective specializing in domestic violence cases before becoming a wellness coach.
However, this episode of the S.O.S. podcast will focus on his latest project, Tour de Patriot, an unprecedented 1200-mile bike ride from the historic...
Residential treatment for 1st responders and veterans | Bill Reynolds - S.O.S. podcast #148
Jul 27, 2024Send us a text
Rehab is often associated with people who have the most urgent and complex addictions and mental health crises.
What if we better educate our service members on what was available, what TriCare covers, and how to spot a reputable provider? My next guest and I will explore this subject in depth and discuss how military members can significantly benefit from these organizations' targeted services.
We will also shatter the stigma, myths, and stereotypes of those who seek this care and what this treatment can do long-term for your life...
The military effect | Scott Manthorne - S.O.S. podcast #147
Jul 19, 2024Send us a text
How can you better understand how to make connections and network authentically? Do you want to understand what will lead to the most significant opportunities?
When I met Scott Manthorne, I knew I was talking to a master networker who not only talked the good game, but worked hard to build genuine relationships.
He has decades of corporate management experience working with the biggest global brands and personalities. Scott now leverages that expertise to give back by working with veterans, sharing their stories, and helping them transition from the...
Air Force JAG turned private lawyer | Ben Beliles - S.O.S. podcast #146
Jul 12, 2024Send us a text
Beyond the headlines of scandalous stories about military members getting in trouble, there are real people whose lives are forever changed. What we see in the news is often far from the truth or slanted to fit a one-sided narrative.
That's why sharing our stories is so important, especially when seeking justice. Join me as I talk to get another attorney who works with service members seeking accountability. Hear the “stories behind the story” on some of his most compelling cases and his suggestions for reforming the military justice system.
...