Dylan Tête is the Executive Director and founder of Bastion Community of Resilience. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Economics and Systems Engineering at West Point, as well as a Master’s in Public Health at the LSU School of Public Health. During a combat tour in Iraq as second-in-command of an Infantry company, Dylan established multiple recovery projects in collaboration with the Department of State. He moved to New Orleans in 2005 where he managed the construction of several FEMA housing...
Sep 24, 2018•44 min
Chris Nowinski, Ph.D., is co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to solving the sports concussion crisis through education, policy, and research. A former collegiate football player and professional wrestler, Chris suffered a serious concussion in June, 2003, but due to a lack of understanding, was not honest about his symptoms and continued to wrestle and work out for five weeks while symptomatic. He developed post-concussion syndrome and was...
Sep 17, 2018•55 min
Danny Chung, is the business manager and chief of staff for Military Affairs at Microsoft, manages the Military Affairs team. Before coming to Microsoft, Danny provided strategic communications support for Ingram Micro, Southern California Edison and BRTRC Federal Solutions after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2010. In this episode we discuss: The Old Glory Relay, and why it’s such an important event The power of community and why Microsoft cares so much Veterans in our communities and w...
Sep 03, 2018•46 min
Jake Harriman is a former Force Recon Marine who started Nuru International during his time at Stanford. His experiences deployed led him to see the devastating effects of extreme poverty, and how it was affecting the war on terror - and inspired him to start an organization to break the cycle. In this episode we discuss: The nexus of security and rural development His belief that only kinetic action will not win the war on terror The importance of removing isolation How to help yourself by help...
Aug 20, 2018•43 min
Stand To is a national veterans convening, hosted by the George W. Bush Institute. In its second year, Stand To II brought influential leaders together with the purpose of advancing effective veteran support. Team RWB Executive Director, JJ Pinter, had the opportunity to host our first ever live podcast on stage at this incredible event, highlighting real life stories of health and wellbeing from 3 incredible veteran leaders. Joe Quinn - Executive Director of the Headstrong Project Kayla William...
Aug 06, 2018•34 min
Dr. Dan Gade is a retired army officer who was massively injured in Iraq, leading to the amputation of his leg, amongst other injuries. Through his experiences in recovery, he has come to believe that the structure of the VA disability system is hurting veterans and creating a culture of entitlement. He’s become a vocal supporter for change, and is a driving force in trying to force an overhaul in the way the VA addresses disability compensation. In this episode we discuss: The incentives for di...
Jul 30, 2018•1 hr 35 min
You can’t help but get fired up talking to Tiffany Hendrick! She’s a military spouse, Eagle Leader, and one of the most genuine and engaging people to spend some time with. We recently sat down with Tiffany to learn more about her involvement with Team RWB, the work she’s done as a military spouse and on behalf of other military spouses, and the importance of family. If you’re a Team RWB member, a military spouse, or you just want to get to know the “Next Oprah”, you don’t want to miss this epis...
Jul 23, 2018•53 min
Phil Carter is a writer, lawyer and a former Army officer who’s worked everywhere from the Pentagon to a Los Angeles law firm. He’s currently a Senior Policy Researcher at the RAND Corporation, but has researched and written extensively on veterans issues for many years where he’s widely respected as an expert. In this episode we discuss: Veteran demographics and how they are changing How the VSO landscape is changing and evolving How physical fitness has changed his life...
Jul 16, 2018•55 min
Harriet Williams is an Army veteran and the Chapter Captain in Clarksville/Fort Campbell. She’s a combat veteran, just like her father. Service runs in the family and Harriet and her Chapter have done a phenomenal job building a dynamic team that is engaging veterans and enriching lives while also being incredibly integrated with their local community. In this episode, you’ll gain insights into the success of one Chapter as well as the story of service and family from one authentic and loyal com...
Jul 09, 2018•54 min
Team RWB Founder, Mike Erwin, is a very special person and the perfect guest to commemorate our 100th episode of the Eagle Nation Podcast. Mike is our first repeat guest, and we dive into some very little known stories about both the very early days of Team RWB, and his military career. A great deal of this podcast is spent in reflection on the Team RWB of today, and there’s some great insight in here for everybody. In this episode we discuss: Mike’s transition from a college baseball player to ...
Jul 02, 2018•1 hr 2 min
Kristin Caples and Tara McMachen are Eagle Leaders in Team RWB Denver, and have some very interesting perspectives on what it takes to run a local chapter. They reached out to us about a podcast because they were proud of the work they were doing in Denver, and we thought it was a great idea! In this episode we discuss: Lessons learned on leading a Team RWB chapter Volunteerism, and why it’s important Why they decided to become volunteer leaders...
May 22, 2018•46 min
Mel Parker is an internationally recognized multi-industry business leader known for his ability to turnaround, transform and upgrade businesses while generating optimum value for shareholders, customers and employees. He is an Army veteran, who transitioned from the military and spent 25 years in corporate America with senior leadership roles at some of the best organizations on the planet. PepsiCo, Corporate Express(Staples), Newell Rubbermaid, Dell Computers, and Brinks. Mel is currently Pres...
May 14, 2018•48 min
Kerry Rock is an Army veteran and Team RWB member. Chris Long is a NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion. They couldn’t be any different in stature or background, but they’re making a difference in both their local community of Charlottesville, VA and on the other side of the world in east Africa. Having recently #ConqueredKili, we sit down with Kerry and Chris for a casual conversation covering everything from sports to community service. This is definitely an hour well-spent...enjoy the...
May 07, 2018•1 hr
Roderick Gabriel is an Army veteran and Eagle Leader with an incredibly inspiring story. His journey is one of contrasts...battling addictions and battling stereotypes, serving his country and serving jail time. Rod has seen and been through a lot in short period of time. Yet what shines through brightest is his candor, perspective, and continued desire to serve others. In Team RWB, he’s found the supportive tribe that he enjoyed while in the Army...and he continues to defy labels while owning h...
Apr 30, 2018•52 min
Andrew Gritzbaugh is a former paratrooper and current Vice President of Marketing at Gerber Gear. He’s a seasoned marketing leader with strengths in strategy development, brand positioning and marketing communications, as well as an avid outdoorsman and all around great guy. In this episode we discuss: His experience in the Army and how it has shaped his career What it’s like to be the steward of a longstanding brand like Gerber Gear His favorite pieces of gear and every day carry (EDC). Gerber’...
Apr 09, 2018•52 min
Among many other things, Elyse served as the first female Fire Support Officer in Afghanistan and has helped spearhead the integration of female Soldiers into combat arms. After serving 5.5 years on active duty, Elyse is currently in the Army Reserves and lives in Washington, D.C. where she is completing her Master's at Georgetown University. She is an accomplished mountaineer, with expeditions on Everest, Denali, Rainier, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, and peaks in the French Alps, Rockies, an...
Mar 29, 2018•42 min
Run as One began in 2012 as an attempt to bring previously hostile tribes in South Sudan together for healthy competition off the battlefield and has grown into a collaborative national event, bringing thousands of veterans together with their communities at close to 200 locations around the country each year. Join us this year on April 7th, at: http://bit.ly/2GamtnE In this episode we discuss: The history of Run As One and Clay Hunt What Run as One looks like on the ground, and why it’s importa...
Mar 19, 2018•28 min
Aron Lanie is an Army veteran, yoga instructor, and Eagle Leader. Her journey has taken her from the rigger sheds of Fort Bragg to yoga mats in Vietnam/Thailand and now back to the Wilmington community. Along the way she’s (re)discovered her purpose, which she now shares through yoga and her involvement with Team RWB. In this episode we discuss: Aron’s story from soldier to civilian, corporate saleswoman to yogi The physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga Building a Team RWB Chapter in ...
Mar 12, 2018•36 min
Team RWB has recently made major technology upgrades, and it’s worthy of some time to talk about why and how it will affect our members. In this episode, Team RWB’s Executive and Deputy Director sit down to discuss the recent changes in a rare in-person podcast. In this episode we discuss: The rationale and scope of the recent changes in technology. Checking in to events and why it’s important. Why Team RWB made this investment. How technology is helping us get better....
Feb 19, 2018•34 min
J.R. Martinez is an actor, speaker , and former U.S. Army soldier who was severely wounded in Iraq in 2003, sustaining burns to over 34% of his body. He played the role of Brot Monroe on the ABC daytime drama All My Children , but is best known for winning Season 13 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars and his advocacy work for veterans causes and philanthropic work. In this episode we discuss: His military experience and what he learned. His recovery process, and how he attacked it. Learning that he...
Jan 23, 2018•42 min
If you pay close attention to some of the world’s top performers, you may notice a common thread. Many, if not most, of them credit meditation as a key to their success. Erik Younger is an Army Veteran of Desert Storm, a husband of 27 years, and firm believer in the power of meditation. In fact, he believes in it so strongly, that he founded Vetitation , a nonprofit committed to helping Veterans find peace through the power of meditation. In week’s podcast, we dive into Erik’s personal journey a...
Jan 15, 2018•30 min
Paul Bell has been helping businesses grow his entire life - as a consultant, a corporate executive, and a growth equity investor. He’s also been heavily involved in philanthropic work, which gives him unique insight into the characteristics of successful organizations as they develop. In this episode we discuss: Some predictors of success in young businesses Common pitfalls that growing organizations face Similarities and differences between for/non profit businesses as they grow Why he’s so in...
Jan 08, 2018•44 min
Tyler Merritt makes no small plans. The CEO of Nine Line Apparel is on a mission to put relentlessly patriotic shirts on the backs of millions. Fresh off active duty in the Army, he's opened up an amazing new facility in Savannah, Georgia and is preparing for world domination. In his former life, Tyler flew helicopters in the elite Task Force 160th, Special Operations aviation regiment. With combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he's taking the lessons learned to build a business that does ...
Jan 01, 2018•36 min
Major General Jeff Snow is the Commanding General of the United States Army Recruiting Command - the entity charged with keeping the Army full of world class volunteers, so that that we can maintain our all volunteer force. This is an incredibly important part of having a world class military, and we dive into some interesting details - this episode will make you excited for the future of our military! In this episode we discuss: Why the Army is a great career option The challenges of leading a ...
Dec 22, 2017•43 min
Melissa Stockwell is an Army Veteran, severely wounded in Iraq in April of 2004, that has gone on to be a Paralympian, Triathlon coach, and an inspirational speaker. Her energy and her positive attitude are absolutely contagious. During this week’s episode, we talk about the mindset that allowed her to not only heal, but to thrive in life beyond the military. Our conversation spans: • Leadership • Overcoming adversity • The role of nonprofits • Raising kids • Training for competition • And much ...
Dec 18, 2017•34 min
Fred Wellman is a retired Army officer having served 22-years as an aviator and public affairs officer including four combat tours. He currently is the CEO and Founder of ScoutComms, Inc., a B Corp communications and corporate social responsibility firm supporting organizations addressing the needs of veterans and military families - the only one of it’s type in the world. In this episode we discuss: Telling the story of the post-9/11 veteran What the public needs to know What we get right and w...
Dec 11, 2017•58 min
In 2010, Rob Jones walked slowly down a dirt road in Afghanistan. Holding a metal detector, he scanned the path for IEDs and, unfortunately, he found one. The explosion severely wounded him, taking both his legs instantly. Since that time, Rob has been on a new mission: to recover, return stronger, and inspire people to overcome their setbacks. He’s earned a bronze medal in the Paralympics, ridden his bike across the country, and is now running 31 marathons in 31 days…all despite the fact that h...
Oct 30, 2017•26 min
Star Cathcart is an amazing lady, and a incredible leader. She’s on the tail end of a year long fellowship with Team RWB, and we spend some time talking about her experience, and what she’s learned. In this episode we discuss: Her service in the Marine Corps Her battle with MRSA, and how her illness forced important reflection in her life Authenticity, and why it’s so important to her Her journey as an Eagle Leader Fellow (ELF), and how it’s changed her life...
Oct 23, 2017•41 min
Billy Hurley is a former naval officer, and currently the only military veteran who is an active golfer on the PGA tour. In addition to being a fantastic ambassador for the military, he’s an accomplished leader and all around great guy. In this episode we discuss: His service in the Navy His road to the PGA tour How he views his responsibility as the sole veteran on the PGA Tour His views on leadership, and how is naval service has affected his golf game...
Oct 16, 2017•39 min
David Smith is a Marine combat veteran and respected advocate in the veteran community. After an extremely difficult deployment to Iraq, that included a friendly-fire incident, Dave found himself lacking confidence, purpose, and direction. Eventually, his depression led to him nearly taking his own life. An outpouring of support from friends and family convinced him to start owning his recovery and take back his life. Since that time, he’s graduated from UC Berkeley, shared the stage with Presid...
Oct 09, 2017•47 min
