In this inspiring episode of the Military Transition Resources Show , we sit down with Brian Cain , Director of Development at Guitars for Vets , a nonprofit putting guitars—and hope—into the hands of America’s veterans. Brian opens up about his personal battle with PTSD and brain injury following service in the Marine Corps and law enforcement. He shares how music, Boulder Crest’s Warrior PATHH, and the Guitars for Vets program helped him rediscover purpose—and how he’s now helping others do th...
Jul 05, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 5
This week on the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we speak with Shannon Huffman Polson —veteran Apache pilot, leadership expert, and founder of The Grit Institute . Shannon opens up about her military service, her unexpected pivot into corporate life, and the mindset and values that helped her lead with purpose through it all. Shannon introduces us to her powerful Grit Triad model—Commit, Learn, Launch—and shares how veterans can embrace transition by reconnecting with their story, building new skills, and s...
Jul 04, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 4
In this dynamic episode of the VET S.O.S. , we're joined by returning guest Peter Cline , founder of Boots to Books and co-founder of the new MilMentor platform. Peter shares: His authentic and humbling military transition story. How MilMentor is filling the void left by Veterati. The importance of fast feedback and one-on-one calls for career clarity. His advice for young veterans on taking smart risks. How mentorship, networking, and strategic career moves can lead to thriving post-military su...
Jul 03, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Lacey Craig of T-Mobile joins VET S.O.S. to spotlight how the company is leading the way in veteran hiring, retention, and military family support . As Senior Program Manager for Military and Partnership Recruiting, Lacey discusses the importance of long-term success for veterans and military spouses in the civilian workforce. You’ll hear about T-Mobile’s industry-leading initiatives including: PCS Paid Leave and Remote Work Flexibility SkillBridge and Military Fellowship Programs Internships fo...
Jul 02, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Tony Grinston , the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army and current CEO of Army Emergency Relief (AER) . In this VET S.O.S. episode, Tony talks about his transition from military leadership to nonprofit CEO, shares valuable advice for separating service members, and details the many ways AER supports soldiers and families. We dive deep into: Tony’s personal transition story (and name confusion!) Leadership lessons from 36 years in uniform Financ...
Jul 01, 2025•30 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Michael Haltman, Chairman of the Heroes to Heroes Foundation, joins VET S.O.S. to share how their powerful peer-driven and faith-based program helps combat veterans overcome moral injury and suicidal ideation. From intensive one-year coaching to deeply spiritual journeys to Israel, the Heroes to Heroes Foundation delivers a proven path to healing and community reintegration. Learn about their impact, how to apply, and why this model stands out among veteran support efforts. This episode explores...
Jun 25, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 29
Welcome to the VET S.O.S. Podcast! In this episode, Shawn and Dr. Hira talk with Matthew Louis , acclaimed author of Mission Transition and Hiring Veterans , and a leading voice in the military transition space. Matt discusses his own journey from the Army to the corporate world, how he’s helping bridge the civil-military divide, and why employment is the cornerstone of successful transition. You'll hear insights on: Translating military skills to civilian careers Building veteran-inclusive hiri...
Jun 18, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 28
Join the VET S.O.S. Podcast for a high-impact conversation with Jai Salters , Navy veteran and founder of Act Now Education , MilMentor , and Service to Success . With over 77,000 served, Jai and his team are redefining what veteran and spouse support looks like—offering free certifications, job prep programs, tailored mentorship, and real hiring opportunities. Cohosted by Dr. Hira, this episode explores: Jai’s ongoing transition journey How Act Now helps veterans reskill before they leap Why me...
Jun 11, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 27
Three Years Strong! Dr. Vincent Soto on Transition, Transformation & Dressing for Success We’re celebrating three years of VET S.O.S. with a returning guest and key figure in our journey — Dr. Vincent Soto ! From his early days on Season 1 to now leading two powerful organizations — Navigating Solutions and Transition2Transformation — Dr. Soto embodies what it means to lead with passion and purpose after service. In this episode: Reflecting on the podcast’s 3-year journey Dr. Soto’s transiti...
Jun 04, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 26
This week on the VET S.O.S. podcast, we bring you an essential conversation that every veteran and their family needs to hear. Our guest is Inspector Carroll Harris , a 33-year government service professional, Marine Corps veteran, and national advocate for the Operation Protect Veterans campaign through the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Scams targeting veterans are on the rise—and they’re more sophisticated than ever. From fake charities to fraudulent VA loan schemes, scammers are leveraging ...
May 31, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 25
🎧 Ready to amplify your voice and lead with impact? This episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast is a masterclass in communication training. Join us as we welcome John Bates , founder of Executive Speaking Success and communication coach to organizations like NASA, Navy EOD, and Google. John’s mission is to empower veterans, transitioning service members, and leaders through powerful, science-backed communication strategies. 💡 You’ll discover how communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s how ...
May 30, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 24
What happens when a veteran survives multiple traumatic brain injuries, experiences daily cognitive and emotional symptoms, and then finds a program that changes everything? In this deeply inspiring episode of VET S.O.S. , we welcome Steve Papas , U.S. Navy veteran and Executive Director of the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program at UF Health Jacksonville . Steve shares his personal healing journey—from debilitating symptoms to complete transformation—thanks to this groundbreaking initiative backe...
May 29, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 23
In this special 150th episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, we’re honored to welcome Algrish Williams , retired Command Sergeant Major, author, and CEO of Williams Leadership Consulting. Algrish shares his powerful transition story—balancing command responsibilities with preparation for civilian life—and how he leveraged intentional networking and leadership principles to thrive post-service. 🎯 Key Takeaways: The importance of knowing what you don’t want during transition Why people-first leadersh...
May 28, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 22
🎙 New Episode of VET S.O.S. Podcast! 🎙 Scott DeLuzio – Army veteran, host of Drive On Podcast , author of Surviving Son , and advocate for veteran mental health. In this powerful episode, Scott shares his unique transition story , how he coped with losing his brother in combat , and how he turned his struggles into a platform for veterans to find hope and resources . Topics covered: ✔️ Surviving the loss of a loved one in combat ✔️ Overcoming PTSD and mental health struggles ✔️ Transitioning f...
May 27, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 21
In this episode of VET S.O.S. , we sit down with Jeffrey Lodick , a retired Army Master Sergeant, veteran advocate, and leadership expert . Jeffrey has dedicated his post-military career to helping transitioning service members , supporting organizations like FourBlock , and mentoring countless veterans—including our host! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The real challenges of military transition and why it’s more than just finding a job ✅ How to build a strong network and why mentorship is...
May 21, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 20
🎙 Healing Through Horses: How Equine Therapy Supports Veterans | VET S.O.S. In this episode, we’re diving into the healing power of equine-assisted therapy with Katie Fallon, Founder & Executive Director of Bridle Paths . With over two decades of experience in equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapeutic riding , Katie shares how her journey led to helping veterans, service members, and military families overcome invisible wounds like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and traumatic brain injuries...
May 14, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 19
🎙️ Bridging the Gap: How Defenders Gateway is Connecting Veterans & First Responders to Critical Resources In this episode of VET S.O.S. , we welcome Cheri Otzenberger , Director of Member Relations at Defender's Gateway . She shares how this innovative community-driven platform is helping military service members, veterans, and first responders navigate the overwhelming number of available resources by bringing them all into one easy-to-use app . 🛠️ What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How Defender's Ga...
May 07, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 18
🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast – Featuring Kayla Milan from QRF Up In this episode, we highlight QRF Up , a game-changing nonprofit tackling veteran and first responder suicide with a mobile crisis response app . With the simple push of a big red button , veterans and first responders in crisis get instant support , connecting to a licensed therapist and, if needed, a trained responder who can be on-site within 100 miles . 🚨 Key Takeaways: ✔️ How QRF Up is revolutionizing crisis response for veterans &...
Apr 30, 2025•28 min•Season 5Ep. 17
🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast: Matt Watkins & Operation Headshot In this episode, we talk with Matt Watkins , Marine veteran and founder of Operation Headshot , about his transition from active duty , career setbacks, and how he is now empowering veterans and military spouses through professional branding, headshots, and networking . Key Takeaways: ✅ The emotional and financial struggles of transitioning from active duty ✅ How a $48K job offer changed his career trajectory ✅ The power of networking...
Apr 23, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 16
🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast – Featuring Gavin Naples, Tunnels to Towers Foundation 🎙️ In this episode, we’re joined by Gavin Naples , Vice President for Homeless Veteran Programs at the Tunnels to Towers Foundation , to discuss their groundbreaking work in permanent supportive housing, veterans' villages, and national case management . Since 2023, the foundation has provided housing and services to over 10,000 veterans and 5,000 children , with plans to develop 1,500 housing units across 15 major ci...
Apr 16, 2025•28 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Welcome to another powerful episode of VET S.O.S.! Today, we sit down with Jonathan Sheridan, a former EOD tech in the U.S. Air Force and the host of the Normalized PTSD podcast. Jonathan shares his deeply personal journey with PTSD, mental health struggles, and the coping mechanisms that have helped him reclaim his life. From his difficult transition out of the military to exploring therapy, meditation, psychedelics, and other healing methods, Jonathan dives into the importance of normalizing c...
Apr 09, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Welcome to another insightful episode of VET S.O.S., brought to you by the Who You Know Network and a proud member of the Parade Deck Community! 🎙️ Today, we’re sitting down with Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Jason A. David, a veteran advocate who is passionate about helping service members successfully transition to civilian life. He shares invaluable insights on networking, military transition, VA benefits, unemployment compensation, adaptive sports, and career opportunities. If you’re a veter...
Apr 02, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Welcome to another inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Diane Hight, founder of Forever Young Veterans, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the silent suffering of military veterans aged 65 and older. Through her organization, Diane and her team work tirelessly to grant unfulfilled dreams for aging veterans, take them on life-changing journeys back to battlefields and memorials, and provide them with honor, healing, and hope. Since its founding, Forever Youn...
Mar 26, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 12
In this powerful episode of #VETSOS, we sit down with Michael G. Harris, the International President of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc. Michael shares his journey from military service to veteran advocacy and how Mu Beta Phi is making a real impact in the veteran community. From fighting veteran homelessness to providing mentorship programs for transitioning service members, Mu Beta Phi is leading the charge in supporting our heroes beyond their service. 💪 What You’ll Learn in This Episod...
Mar 19, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Join us for another impactful episode of #VETSOS, where we sit down with JR, founder of the True Top 1% Foundation. JR shares his incredible journey from a career in sales and behavioral science to pioneering art therapy programs for veterans. His foundation is dedicated to supporting military veterans through creative expression, helping them heal from trauma and combat stress through painting, music therapy, culinary arts, woodworking, and more. JR walks us through the powerful impact of progr...
Mar 12, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 10
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re honored to sit down with Patriotic Kenny (Kenny Jary), a Navy veteran whose story exemplifies resilience, community, and a steadfast commitment to helping others. Kenny shares his remarkable journey, from serving aboard the USS Okinawa during the Cuban Missile Crisis to his transition to civilian life and an unexpected viral moment that changed everything.After retiring from a 32-year career at Ford Motor Company, Kenny fac...
Mar 05, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In this transformative episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith are joined by the inspiring Abigail G. Manning, founder of Create Awareness...Change Lives, Inc. Abigail brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to her work as a mindset coach, empowerment speaker, and workshop instructor. With a unique blend of academic expertise and real-world resilience, she’s made it her mission to empower others to thrive during life’s most challenging transitions.Drawing from her pers...
Feb 26, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel like navigating uncharted waters. In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we’re joined by Mike Schindler, a U.S. Navy veteran, award-winning author, and the founder and CEO of Operation Military Family Cares. Mike shares his incredible story of resilience, growth, and his mission to help veterans and their families thrive after service.Mike takes us through his journey from dreaming of becoming an admiral to facing the abrupt end of h...
Feb 19, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this powerful and motivational episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re joined by JJ Hardy, a highly accomplished leadership coach, veteran advocate, and founder of Victory Leadership Coaching. With nearly two decades of military experience, JJ has dedicated his post-service life to helping veterans and civilians alike build resilience, develop leadership skills, and excel in their personal and professional lives. JJ opens up about his unexpected transition out of the military due to medical ...
Feb 12, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 6
In this compelling episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we are joined by Stephen Hudson, a Navy veteran and the visionary founder and CEO of AI Ready Veteran, to discuss his revolutionary AI platform designed to ease the military-to-civilian transition. Drawing from his own experiences as a 20-year Navy veteran and successful entrepreneur, Stephen takes us on a journey through the challenges service members face when entering the civilian workforce and how AI is now making this process more access...
Feb 05, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 5
