In this enlightening episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna welcomes Megan Andros from the Heinz Endowments for a powerful conversation on the challenges and opportunities veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. As a veteran and thought leader in veteran philanthropy, Megan brings a wealth of experience and research to the table. Together, they explore: The role of soft skills in post-military success How nonprofit support systems can make—or break—the transition experience Why ...
Jun 20, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 89
In this episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Thomas LaGrave, a Veteran and the passionate founder of Honor Bound Academy. Together, they dive into a powerful and moving conversation about the importance of mentorship—especially for youth impacted by the absence of parental figures due to military service, incarceration, or other life challenges. Thomas opens up about his personal story, sharing his journey from battling addiction to finding purpose through recove...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 88
In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna welcomes Ryan Woodruff, a combat veteran and the CEO of Clear Path for Veterans. Together, they explore the life-changing role service dogs play in the lives of veterans, offering comfort, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose. Ryan opens up about his personal journey from military service to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping fellow veterans. Through initiatives like peer mentoring, canine programs, and co...
Jun 17, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 87
In this episode of Beyond the Frontline , Donna is joined by Sharron Stewart, a proud Army veteran and passionate advocate with the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Sharron opens up about her own journey transitioning from military to civilian life and offers valuable insights into the wide range of resources available to Texas veterans. From benefits and education to employment and mental health support, Sharron walks us through the many services TVC provides to empower veterans and their famil...
Jun 09, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 86
In this episode Donna welcomes Patrick Trujillo, a Marine Corps veteran and current team member at the Warrior Scholar Project. Patrick opens up about his own transition from military to civilian life, highlighting the unique educational challenges veterans often face after service. He shares his personal journey, including the pivotal moment he connected with the Warrior Scholar Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans with the academic skills and confidence they need ...
May 26, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 85
In this episode, Donna welcomes Marine James Eastland, a man on a mission to make a difference. James is gearing up for the Transamerica Non-stop bike ride, a grueling 8,300-mile journey across the country to raise funds and awareness for the Transition Warrior Foundation , a supporting veterans and first responders. Donna and James dive deep into the “why” behind his ride, the physical and mental demands of such a monumental trek, and the broader impact of community-driven support for those who...
May 22, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 84
In this episode of Beyond the Frontline , Donna sits down with active duty Army veteran Anthony Peterson to share a deeply moving and inspiring conversation about loss, healing, and resilience. Anthony opens up about his military journey, the emotional burden of service, and the heartbreak of losing close friends to suicide. In response to his personal struggles and grief, Anthony founded Flags to Remember , a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring fallen service members through handcrafte...
May 12, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 83
In this powerful episode of Beyond the Frontline , Donna sits down with Stephanie Gattas, a founding member of the Pink Berets and a passionate advocate for women veterans. Together, they tackle some of the most urgent issues facing the veteran community today, including military sexual trauma , veteran suicide , and the crucial role of legislative advocacy in creating systemic change. Stephanie shares her deeply informed perspective, drawing from her experience serving on military committees ai...
Apr 29, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 82
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Dale Mullin, a devoted veteran and the visionary founder behind Warrior Homes of Collier . Together, they shine a light on one of the most urgent issues facing our veteran community today: homelessness. Dale opens up about his personal journey, transitioning from a successful logistics career to launching a nonprofit driven by purpose. With raw honesty and hope, he shares how Warrior Homes of Col...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 81
In this episode, Donna sits down with Chris Carroll , the inspiring founder of CWR Warriors , a nonprofit organization that’s changing the game for veterans—one race at a time. Chris shares the powerful story behind CWR Warriors and how his own journey led him to create a space where veterans can find purpose, camaraderie, and healing through the adrenaline-filled world of racing. From the challenges of transitioning to civilian life to the unexpected ways car racing can be therapeutic, this con...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 80
In this episode of Beyond the Frontline , host Donna sits down with U.S. Army veteran and Save Our Allies co-founder, Nick Palmisciano, for a compelling conversation about life after service. From the battlefield to the entertainment industry, Nick shares his journey of transition, the challenges of civilian life, and the drive to find new purpose. As a New York Times best-selling author, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, he discusses his latest venture—the comedy series Office Joe . Join us for an e...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 79
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring parallel narratives of military veterans returning home from their tours of duty and multiple myeloma patients facing their relentless battles for survival. We explore both groups' challenges, including emotional, mental, and physical struggles, as they strive for healing and remission. Join us as we highlight the collaboration between Coming Home Well and the Kut2ThaChase Foundation for the project "Reclaiming Life: A Cancer Story of Hope," an upcomi...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 78
Donna welcomes veteran Lucas Predmore to discuss CHAMP VA, a vital healthcare program for veteran families. Lucas shares his journey from Army service to founding ValorWell,org which addresses mental health care gaps for veterans. Key Topics: Understanding CHAMP VA and veteran family healthcare. Lucas Predmore’s transition to mental health advocacy. Challenges in accessing veteran healthcare. How ValorWell improves mental health services. https://www.valorwell.org/ Listen & Subscribe: Stay u...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 77
Donna speaks with Victor Colon, a 26-year Army veteran and ambassador for Ryder. They discuss the Pathway Home program, a 12-week initiative designed to help veterans transition into civilian careers by providing essential training in mechanics and heavy-duty electrical systems. Victor shares his journey from military service to becoming a technical trainer, the challenges faced during the transition, and the valuable skills veterans bring to the workforce. Tune in for insights on how programs l...
Mar 05, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 76
Donna welcomes Karen Unrue, a British advocate and former combat medic, to discuss her journey through complex PTSD and the importance of thriving despite trauma. Karen shares her inspiring story of overcoming an abusive marriage, her experience in the military, and how she transitioned into mental health advocacy. Together, they explore the nuances of trauma, the significance of trauma-informed therapy, and the journey of healing. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with hope and re...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 75
Donna delves into the challenging topic of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) with special guest Stephanie Gattas, founder and CEO of The Pink Berets. Discover Stephanie's inspiring journey from Navy corpsman to leading a transformative organization dedicated to supporting women veterans through holistic healing approaches. Learn about the unique programs offered by The Pink Berets, including equine therapy, culinary arts, and more, designed to provide a safe space for healing and empowerment. This ep...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 74
Donna Hoffmeier explores into the fascinating world of epigenetics and its impact on trauma transmission. Joined by developmental psychologist and UCLA lecturer Bonnie Goff, they explore how trauma is not only passed behaviorally but also genetically across generations. Discover the science behind epigenetic changes, the stress response, and how interventions like neurofeedback and mindfulness can help reverse negative patterns. Learn about the groundbreaking research on psychedelic-assisted the...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 73
Donna explores the unique partnership between former Navy SEAL Rob Sarver and New York City corporate lawyer Alex Gendzier. Discover how these two individuals from vastly different backgrounds came together to address the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life. Learn about their co-authored book, "Warrior to Civilian: The Field Manual for the Hero's Journey," which serves as a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families. This episode digs into the importance of...
Jan 08, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 72
Donna sits down with Elizabeth Long from Fidelis Homes to discuss the pressing issue of veteran homelessness. Elizabeth shares her insights on real estate's role in alleviating homelessness among veterans and highlights the importance of education and support networks. Discover how realtors can make a difference and learn about programs like Homes for Heroes and Operation Stand Down. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on how we can all contribute to reducing veteran homelessness.
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 71
In this episode of Beyond the Frontline Donna explores into the challenges and innovations in rural healthcare. Discover how Dr. Ron Moody, Chief Medical Officer at Accenture Federal Services and an Army veteran, is leveraging virtual-first strategies to enhance healthcare access. From the importance of patient-centric care to the transformative potential of telehealth technologies, this episode explores how modern solutions can bridge the gap in rural and urban healthcare. Tune in for insights ...
Dec 11, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 70
In this episode, Donna continues her engaging series with Elizabeth Long, a dedicated realtor from Exit Realty's Fidelis Homes. Elizabeth is pioneering a unique division focused on serving veterans, teachers, and first responders. Join us as we dive into essential tips for realtors working with veterans, including understanding VA loans, building networks with veteran organizations, and fostering cultural competence. Elizabeth shares her passion for helping veterans and offers invaluable advice ...
Nov 27, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 69
Donna explores the intersection of land ownership and veteran support with Darren Fitzgerald from the Texas Veteran Land Board. Discover how the board assists veterans in acquiring land, homes, and home improvements at reduced rates, and learn about their comprehensive services including skilled nursing facilities and cemeteries. Darren shares insights into the board's history, its collaboration with the Texas Veterans Commission, and the heartwarming stories of veteran camaraderie at their faci...
Nov 13, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 68
Join Donna Hoffmeyer in this episode of Beyond the Frontline as she navigates the complexities of home ownership for Veterans. Discover insightful tips from expert realtor Elizabeth Long, who offers invaluable advice on VA loans, market trends, and choosing the right realtor. Whether you're buying your first home or seeking to understand your VA benefits better, this episode is packed with essential information for Veterans looking to make informed homeownership decisions. https://www.fidelishom...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 67
In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, Donna sits down with Daniel Belew, a Marine Veteran who has transformed his life experiences into a mission to help others. Discover Daniel's inspiring journey from a homeless teen to a successful Marine and now the founder of RescueResidence.org, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding Veterans experiencing homelessness. Daniel shares his unique perspective on overcoming adversity, the importance of changing environments for personal growth, and the innovative s...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 3Ep. 66
Join us for the kickoff the new season of Beyond the Frontline with Donna Hoffmeyer! In this episode, Donna sits down with Cindy Thompson, Executive Director of Coming Home Well, to discuss the journey of the organization, the transition from radio to podcasting, and the exciting new developments for 2024. Cindy shares her passion for supporting Veterans and first responders, and Donna reflects on her own growth as a podcaster. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about change, growth, and the...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 65
In this episode of "Beyond the Frontline," Donna and Jay discuss the intricacies of transitioning from military service to civilian life. They speak to the challenges and triumphs of growing a business, sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice. From navigating the pitfalls of rapid growth to the importance of organic development, Donna and Jay offer valuable insights for veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with humor, wisdom, and actionab...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 64
Donna and Jay welcome Jim Ravella, Senior Vice President of Programs at the Gary Sinise Foundation . Jim shares his journey from being an F-15 pilot in the US Air Force to his impactful work in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the diverse needs of Veterans, the importance of capturing the legacy of World War II Veterans, and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. Jim also provides insights into the various initiatives of the Gary Sinise Foundation and the significance ...
Jul 10, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 63
Donna goes solo and engages in a conversation with Dave Peterson, a retired One-Star General and the current Executive Vice President of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Discover the nuances of high-level transition, the value of networking, and the myriad ways the Chamber can be a catalyst for business growth and community engagement. Tune in for a blend of personal stories, expert advice, and actionable strategies that resonate with veterans and civilians alike. Tune into our CHW Streaming...
Jun 26, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 62
In this episode Donna taps into a topic we often shy away from: the intersection of mortality and legacy. She welcomes Danny Brooks, a second-generation funeral director whose mission goes beyond the somber trappings of death to celebrate life in its final farewell. Danny, hailing from Brooks Funeral Home in San Antonio, brings a refreshing perspective to coping with the inevitable, offering insights on how to pre-plan with dignity and a personal touch. From the practicalities of navigating Vete...
Jun 12, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 61
Jay Johnson is flying solo in this episode to bring you a conversation with the remarkable Louie Guzmann, a 22-year Air Force Veteran, a beacon of hope in the nonprofit sector. As a former Community Investment Partner at the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation , and now Director of Sponsorships and Development for San Antonio Sports . Louie shares his journey from his humble beginnings, through a transformative military career, to his passionate involvement in philanthropy. Louie's story is one of r...
May 29, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 60
