Send us a Text Message. Special guest Pete Werner, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and current Council President for the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) in Tennessee, joins Donna and Jay in this episode as they explore the pivotal role MOAA plays in advocating for veterans' rights on Capitol Hill. Pete shares stirring stories of MOAA's achievements, including the fight to protect Tricare for life and the establishment of scholarships for ROTC cadets. He also emphasizes the...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 59
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Donna flies solo with special guest Arlene Patterson, a veteran of the NYPD and a seasoned traveler who has transitioned from the frontlines to exploring the world's serene destinations. Arlene shares her insights on ideal travel spots that cater to the unique needs of Veterans and First Responders, favoring the peaceful embrace of less crowded beaches, quaint towns, and the gentle flow of river cruises. She reveals hidden gems from the Northeast coast to...
May 01, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Embark on a journey beyond the military with Donna and Jay as they dip into the world of whiskey distilling with Army Logistics Colonel Darren Bowser. In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, Darren shares his extraordinary transition from a 37-year military career to mastering the art of whiskey making. Discover how he leveraged his military skills in logistics to navigate the intricate processes of distilling, from grain to barrel, and the unexpected paths that led him to become a part of Tenn...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 57
Thinking about being on a Board of Directors? Trying to find the best people to be on your board? Check in with Donna and Jay on today's episode as they talk with Bruce Thompson, a Marine Corps Veteran, and advisor to many nonprofits. Learn about what you should be looking for in a board member, understand the roles and responsibilities of being a board member, how to be an effective board member, and why both boards and potential board members must determine the best fit. Get your notepad and p...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 3Ep. 56
Anna Larson is a woman who wears many hats. As an expert on the military spouse transition as they cross over from active duty to civilian life. It is her mission to create opportunities for connection, support, and provide resources for milspouses going through the retirement process. Anna also co-host the 15{ish} Minute Coffee Chat - a small business/entrepreneur livestream and podcast where Anna and Selena bring on experts that show you how to do business better (and WAY more fun.) Follow Ann...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 55
Joining Donna and Jay today is Ralph "Gable" Crowder, a former Navy Command Master Chief, currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement at @bigmentorsa . Gable is extremely well versed in identifying principals of leadership, motivation, empowerment, personnel management, strategic planning, and training. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% dis...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 54
What do you do when you have two vivacious guys with Parkinsons, and one witty best friend/ex-corporate lawyer? You start a podcast! Donna has the absolute pleasure to be joined by Veterans Ivan Brown and Rick Schena along with their moderator and friend Patrick Feenhan to chat about their new radio show on CHW Streaming Radio...Let's Talk Parkinson's & Other Things. Find out what Rick is determined to figure out how to do without falling down and the new gear they brainstormed to overcome t...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Donna is joined by Jeff Guinn, founder of Eagle Rest Reserve, to talk about their mission to provide outdoor and artistic restoration activities for veterans, first responders, healthcare and other public servants and their families. Jeff Guinn has been working with groups for several years teaching vets how to tie fly’s and fly fish and he and his team schedule trips on Lake Whitney in Texas. Link for Eagle Rest Reserve Facebook Facebook Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at ...
Feb 07, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 52
Donna and Jay reflect on some of the most memorable interviews of 2023 and touch on what is new for 2024. Tune in to find out about the Brand New CHW Streaming Radio channel launching in February and some of the amazing upcoming guests on Beyond The Frontline. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month. Donna’s Links Website: www.reb...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 51
Today's episode isn't just another story—it's a narrative of transformation and triumph with Carnell Smith Jr., or as he's known, Sgt WarDawg. His journey is a mirror to the many soldiers who return home to battles of a different kind—battles with PTSD, with reintegration, with finding a new mission in civilian life. His words are a beacon for the lost, as he passionately discusses his life's new direction: aiding homeless veterans through his organization and the invigorating power of nature. K...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 50
In this episode, Major (ret.) Teddy Colegate joins Donna to talk about his extensive military career, from airborne jumps to the White House, and unveils the birth of Heroes Outreach , his lifeline to fellow veterans. This decorated Marine shares the essence of camaraderie in the face of adversity and the power of support networks during the pivotal shift from active duty to civilian life. An enlightening exploration for anyone seeking to understand the military mindset, the significance of supp...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Commander Mark C. Russell joins us on BTFL to expose the harsh realities of mental healthcare with the military. A former Marine turned psychologist; Mark shares his insights into the historical patterns of neglecting lessons from past wars. This episode will shatter preconceived notions and reframe your understanding of mental health in the military. Tune in to understand why mental health care in the military is not just necessary, but crucial and how the military could potentially lead the wa...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Join Donna in welcoming Saul Paul, a musician with a message and a Grammy-nominated producer and artist. Saul’s music has not only made him a household name but a vehicle for empowerment. He shares with Donna his journey from foster care and prison to success. Today Saul is actively involved in his projects of Be the Change campaign and Change Water, his alkaline water company. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of second chances, and the human spirit in all its glory. We hope ...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Donna introduces you to her long-time friend, Tim Gagnon, who has an incredible journey from the military to an artistic career. Together they unpack the therapeutic value of art and shine a spotlight on the Patriot Art Foundation , an organization dedicated to providing free art classes and supplies to veterans. So, join us on this journey of art, healing, and camaraderie. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. Visit the www.patriotartfoundation.org to learn more. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radi...
Nov 15, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 46
On today's episode, we had an engaging conversation with a Veteran Service Officer, Mike Wyatt. We uncovered the layers of the PACT Act, a game-changer that expands VA healthcare and benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits, agent orange, and other toxic substances. Mike explores the significance of documenting these toxic exposures for future claims and the crucial role of clear communication with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). Mike also shares his personal experiences navigating this comple...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Back from a much-needed break, Donna and Jay are ready to roll. Join us as we talk about what has been going on in our lives while on break and all the new exciting topics and guests for the new season. Jay and Donna also talk about the trials and errors of stepping into entrepreneurship and making sure to find that balance between your business and time for yourself. Thank you, listeners, for standing by while we rebooted, and we are back ready to kick off the new season. Tune into our CHW Stre...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 44
When a Veteran starts a non-profit for other Veterans there is always a big reason. Meet Justin "BoFlex" Bohanan. Army Airborne turned recruiter and now Veteran, trainer, and Founder/Executive Director of Make a Vet Sweat. Justin sits down with Donna and Jay to talk about the journey from high adrenaline military career to a downward spiral into extreme activities, drugs, alcohol, and contemplating suicide; and the point in that journey that lead him to start Make a Vets Sweat. Find out who is h...
Aug 09, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Donna and Jay do a wrap-up discussion on the Veteran Treatment Court series. They discuss what they learned during the series and why connection and trust are an important part of a successful transition. Find out who lost a toe, who is getting a suite at a baseball game, what word Donna hates, what energizes Jay, and what is happening at the close of this series. Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com Download on Apple Play and Google Play Online-Therapy.com...
Jun 28, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 42
In this episode Donna and Jay talk to Carla about her service, MST, being incarcerated and finding purpose in her life. Due to her life experiences and personal knowledge of the judicial system, Carla brings an entirely different level of credibility to the conversation. Her mission to help others who are struggling both inside the prison walls and out is transparent and genuine. Carla talks about the importance of the Veteran Treatment Court Program and how things might have been very different...
Jun 14, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 41
What good is a program unless it is effective? After interviewing the team members of the Veteran Treatment Court, it only seems appropriate to interview someone that has been through the program. Jay and Donna were honored to have a chat with US Army Veteran, George Wolf. After slipping into the service at age 16, he thoroughly enjoyed his job as a 13E (part of a field artillery unit). He left the military in 1988 and after the death of his parents in his early 20s, he struggled with mental hea...
May 31, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Most everyone is familiar with a probation officer. Hopefully, most people know them on a personal or peer level versus a “professional” level. However, if you are going to need a probation officer, you would be lucky to have someone like Yenaiv. Donna and Jay chat with Yenaiv Lopez regarding her role at the Veteran Treatment Court’s probation officer, the challenges she faces as a younger probation officer, how she connects with the participants in the VTC, and why she is passionate about this ...
May 17, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Normally when you think of a courtroom, a judge and lawyer are what comes to mind, but it takes an entire team to keep everything running smoothly. The Veteran Treatment Court is a special program for Veterans with misdemeanor offenses. As Jay and Donna continue on their Veteran Treatment Court series, they talk with Laura Balo, Court Coordinator for Comal County’s Veteran Treatment Court. Laura discusses her role at the Court Coordinator, as well as her continued service in the Navy Reserves as...
May 03, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 38
As Donna and Jay continue their series on Veteran Treatment Court, they look at the resources within the Veteran Treatment Court. One of the important aspects of helping our Veterans to move forward is to have a strong peer mentoring program. Mike Fogerty is the Peer Service Coordinator for the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN). He works to recruit, educate and match mentors with Veterans in the Treatment Court. Donna and Jay talk with Mike about his Veteran background, how he became involved...
Apr 19, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 37
As Veterans, we are all aware of the difficulties transition poses. Sometimes, Veterans are coming out with unhealed trauma so severe it is leading them to make decisions that result in legal issues. Fortunately, the civilian legal system saw that these Veterans were struggling from military trauma and decided to offer them a second chance. In 2013, the Veteran Treatment Court was established. Since then, most counties in every state have implemented this program. In 2015, Judge Stephens saw the...
Apr 05, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 36
We never know how resilient we are until we meet challenges in our life. Donna and Jay catch up and discuss the various ways people show resilience. They reflect on the previous episodes and talk about the amazing people they had the honor to sit down and talk with. Listen all the way through as Donna talks about growing up with a very unusual pet and Jay’s reason on why men are so dramatic when they get colds...lol. Want to know what is coming up for Beyond The Frontline new series? Donna and J...
Mar 29, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 35
"Your life does not have to be defined by the things you go through, but really what defines you is what you grow through."~ Tami Resiliency is not developed during calm times. Resiliency occurs when you are in the midst of the storm and have no other option but to get through it. It is only when you reflect, you see how much you have grown. Tami Imlay has definitely grown through many things. The toughest one for her and her family was 28 March 2012. Dee Imlay, her childhood sweetheart, husband...
Mar 15, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 34
On 27 Nov 2006, Ginger Gilbert Ravella had the run pulled out from under her and her world came crashing down. Her husband, Major Troy Gilbert, was an F16 pilot from the 309th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Arizona. He was deployed to Balad and during a close air-support mission to a special operations forces about 40 miles north his plane crashed. Insurgents took the body as a war trophy and it would be 10 years before he was found and brought back home. Ginger was left to raise 5 children, all under ...
Mar 03, 2023•49 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Ever since Patrick Kelly can remember, he has always had the mindset to do better. He attributes a lot of this mindset to being brought up in a life of scarcity, and a grandfather that planted a seed of resiliency. It was his words that carried him through numerous difficult situations with grace and honor. Those words that still carry him through every trying situation he encounters. In 2017, he was overweight, wheelchair bound, and on a multitude of pain medication to manage his chronic pain. ...
Feb 15, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Oh how life can change direction in an instant. In today's episode Donna and Jay are joined by Jeff Caroon, a veteran with 32 years as a dual status member with the Air National Guard. Jeff maintained his love for service and being a maintenance specialist and flight engineer, however, an unfortunate chain of events led Jeff on a 5+ year journey of medical twists and turns. Tune in as Jeff talks about how he managed to stay positive when there was very little good news and how he came out on the...
Feb 01, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Who is your favorite superhero? Superman? Spiderman? Batman? After you listen to this podcast, it will probably be Matt Cable. After battling Leukemia, which included systemic organ failure, relapse, a battle with a brain fungus, and enough rounds of chemo to kill off a small horse, there is not much that gets Matt down. Especially, when he beat the odds that told him he should not even exist today. Join Jay and Donna as they sit down with this Air Force Security Forces and Titan Game Veteran to...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 30
