What does a Navy CH-46 helicopter mechanic, a mortgage underwriter, and a successful UGC content creator have in common? In this case, it's all the same person. In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Trish Leto, a Navy veteran turned digital entrepreneur who has built a thriving career in user-generated content creation and brand consulting. Trish breaks down exactly what UGC is, why brands are paying everyday people (not influencers) to create authentic content,...
May 21, 2026•36 min•Ep. 311
In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Adam Bird sits down with Rick Sherak, Air Force veteran and CEO of Exokinetics, to discuss the game changing mobility device, the Zeen. With over 30 years in the medical diagnostics industry, Rick shares his unique journey from military service to leading a company at the forefront of mobility innovation. Listeners get an inside look at the Zeen’s development, its impact on users’ independence, and how it bridges the gap between wheelchairs and walkers,...
Apr 16, 2026•36 min•Ep. 310
In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird dives into the entrepreneurial journey and business wisdom of Barry Bradham, a business systems architect and founder of DigiLink. Barry shares his story of growing up between Washington and Alaska, transitioning from rodeo and agriculture to business, and discovering his passion for automation and CRM systems. Together, they discuss the critical role of CRM platforms for startups, the importance of finding the right community for business...
Apr 09, 2026•39 min•Ep. 309
On this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Anna Redmond for an inspiring conversation that goes from entrepreneurship to the evolving world of challenge coins. A Harvard alum and founder of BRAAV, Anna shares her journey from venture capital and thought leadership into transforming the physical security industry with a mission centered on helping people feel safe. The conversation also dives into how Anna’s connection with the veteran community inspired her to reimag...
Apr 02, 2026•38 min•Ep. 308
In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Brett Cotter, award-winning author and founder of the Stress Is Gone Wellness Platform, to discuss practical methods for managing stress, anxiety, and deep-rooted trauma. Brett shares his personal story of growing up in Queens, his journey through generational trauma, and his transformative experience with meditation and spiritual healing. Listeners are guided through a calming breath exercise, and Brett explains the science...
Mar 26, 2026•54 min•Ep. 307
In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with operations strategist Lindsey Korell, founder of Daily Principal, to discuss the critical importance of building businesses that thrive without relying solely on their founders. Drawing from her global experiences and a personal wake-up call after a heart attack, Lindsey Korell reveals why entrepreneurs often become bottlenecks in their own companies and how letting go, through intentional delegation and smart structural pla...
Mar 19, 2026•33 min•Ep. 306
In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Dr. Jacob Guidi, Account Director at Thrive Benefits Group and Doctor of Musical Arts, for a heartfelt conversation on career pivots, the value of discipline, and making meaningful choices for family and work. Dr. Jacob Guidi shares insights from his transition from music performance and teaching to employee benefits, detailing how his passion for helping nonprofits and small businesses is rooted in supporting those underser...
Mar 12, 2026•29 min•Ep. 305
In this powerful and candid conversation, your host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist Riley Gruppo. From her roots as an Army brat to breaking barriers as the first woman in her infantry unit, Riley shares her journey with raw honesty—revealing the challenges and triumphs she experienced on and off the battlefield. You'll hear about Riley’s unique path through the military, her transition to entrepreneurship, and how she found healing and pur...
Feb 19, 2026•59 min•Ep. 304
In this episode, Dr. Saarah Nicolas, Ph.D. joins Adam for a clear, practical conversation about veteran mental health. Drawing on her background in a military family and clinical work with service members, Dr. Nicholas explains how evidence-based therapies help veterans process trauma, reduce symptoms, and rebuild daily functioning. What You’ll Learn Path & Purpose: How a military upbringing shaped Dr. Nicholas’s mission to serve veterans. PTSD & MST 101: What these diagnoses mean, commo...
Nov 20, 2025•41 min•Ep. 303
After 26 years in commercial printing, Jay Garstecki walked away to serve a higher mission: helping veterans heal. In this episode, Jay shares the moments that sparked his calling, how Take a Vet Fishing began, and the evolution into Operation Healing Heroes—the TV series documenting veterans’ stories and shining light on effective PTSD treatments. What You’ll Hear The leap from corporate stability to purpose-driven service The origin story of Take a Vet Fishing and its impact on veterans and fa...
Nov 06, 2025•49 min•Ep. 302
This week on The Decision Hour, we confront the reality of veteran suicide—and what each of us can do about it. Marine Corps veteran Jerry Shaffer, founder of the Red Star Foundation, joins us for a powerful, deeply human conversation about remembrance, stigma, and actionable hope. Jerry lays out the hard numbers behind the veteran suicide crisis—not as statistics, but as stories of lives cut short and families forever changed. He introduces the Red Star banner and lapel pin, symbols that honor ...
Oct 23, 2025•37 min•Ep. 301
Welcome back to The Decision Hour! In this episode, we sit down with Barry Todd — U.S. Army veteran, financial advisor, and author of "Stand Your Ground: One Man's Self-Defense Nightmare." Barry takes us on a riveting journey through his military career, transition to finance, and a harrowing personal experience that changed his life forever. Listen in as Barry shares invaluable financial wisdom, emphasizing the importance of working with fee-only advisors and defining success beyond mere wealth...
Oct 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 300
Welcome back to The Decision Hour! In this episode, we're joined by the multifaceted Shaun Murphy — Army veteran, educator, motivational speaker, musician, and best-selling author. Known as "Mr. Motivation," Shaun takes us on an inspiring journey through his life's pivotal moments and the decisions that shaped his remarkable career. Listen in as Shaun shares his transition from military service to civilian life, including his unexpected leap into education with Teach for America. He offers inval...
Sep 25, 2025•32 min•Ep. 299
Welcome back to The Decision Hour! In this episode, we're serving up a hearty helping of inspiration with Stan Hays, founder of Operation Barbecue Relief. Stan takes us on a mouthwatering journey from competition barbecue to large-scale disaster relief, sharing how a simple idea born from the Joplin tornado grew into a nationwide movement of hope and hot meals. Listen in as Stan recounts heartwarming stories of impact, from elderly tornado survivors to struggling veterans finding solace in culin...
Sep 10, 2025•52 min•Ep. 298
In this powerhouse episode of The Decision Hour , we welcome back Ansel Brown—a seasoned country music artist returning to the stage after more than 12 years away. With his new single “The Whiskey Makes Her Miss Me” and the upcoming album “Gravity” both set to drop on June 13, Ansel is ready to shake up the country music scene once again. This is more than just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. Ansel shares the deeply personal and professional journey that pulled him away from music—and the calling tha...
Jun 12, 2025•40 min•Ep. 297
Today, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Carlos Garcia—a clinical psychologist, Marine Corps veteran, and former firefighter. Dr. Garcia shares his compelling journey from military service to psychology, revealing how personal struggles with anxiety and depression led him to a career in mental health. His story is one of resilience and transformation, offering a unique perspective on healing and personal growth. Listen in as we explore the root causes of depression and anxiety, empha...
May 01, 2025•43 min•Ep. 296
In this special episode, we're celebrating a major milestone — the 250th anniversary of the United States Army! Our guest, Tom Long, Army veteran and event organizer, joins us to share a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible festivities planned for June 14-15, 2024, in Philadelphia. From a powerful naturalization ceremony to a dynamic historical reenactment featuring George Washington, this once-in-a-generation celebration honors the Army's legacy while uniting communities in the birthplace o...
Apr 24, 2025•22 min•Ep. 295
Welcome to another episode of "The Decision Hour"! Today, we're thrilled to feature Franco Sapia, a Marine Corps veteran and innovative entrepreneur. Franco's journey is a testament to resilience and creativity, transitioning from military service to law enforcement, and ultimately, to launching his own apparel brand, Zero Six Reveille. ( https://zerosixreveille.com ) In this episode, Franco shares how his structured lifestyle in the military and law enforcement laid the foundation for his entre...
Apr 10, 2025•28 min•Ep. 294
In this episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of holistic mental health with the multifaceted Hilary Russo—award-winning journalist turned Havening practitioner and wellness expert. Listen in as Hilary shares her inspiring journey from a 30-year career in journalism to becoming a champion for mental well-being. She'll introduce us to Havening, a groundbreaking neuroscience-based technique she describes as "CPR for the amygdala." Prepare to be moved by Hilary's personal story of d...
Apr 03, 2025•42 min•Ep. 293
In this episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of public relations with Jeremy Knauff, founder of Spartan Media and Marine Corps veteran. Listen in as Jeremy shares his incredible journey from struggling entrepreneur to PR powerhouse. You'll hear how he overcame a life-threatening health crisis and rebuilt his career using the very strategies he now teaches others. Stick around as Jeremy reveals the secrets of effective PR, emphasizing that it's all about relationships, not just transa...
Mar 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 292
In this compelling episode of "The Decision Hour," host Adam Bird sits down with Eric Hommel, a retired Lieutenant Colonel whose extensive military career offers a unique perspective on the intricacies of service across different branches. Eric's journey is a fascinating one, beginning as a Navy submariner before transitioning to an Air Force officer, providing him with a broad view of military operations and leadership dynamics. Eric's time in Afghanistan is a focal point of the discussion, whe...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 291
In this powerful episode of The Decision Hour , we sit down with Jeremy Hill, founder of JB Capital and host of The Jeremy B. Hill Show . Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to thriving entrepreneur, proving that your profession does not define your identity. "What you do isn’t necessarily who you are," he reminds us. 🚀 Inside This Episode: Jeremy’s unconventional path to business success and the lessons he learned along the way. Balancing entrepreneurship and family life—r...
Mar 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 290
Join us as we sit down with Renee Wagner, a dynamic entrepreneur and the driving force behind The Mag Lifestyle. Renee shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in southern Massachusetts to becoming a successful publisher. Her story is one of perseverance, shaped by the determination she witnessed in her single mother raising six children. In this episode, we explore the evolution of The Mag Lifestyle—how it transformed from a traditional magazine into a vibrant community platform during t...
Mar 06, 2025•38 min•Ep. 289
Today, we sit down with Michael Smith, an Air Force veteran and author, who shares his profound journey through mental health challenges, homelessness, and eventual recovery. Michael opens up about his experiences with bipolar disorder, detailing the extreme highs and lows that led to two suicide attempts. He recounts a pivotal moment when a quiet voice stopped him, reminding him of his purpose in life. Listen in as Michael discusses his military background and the struggles he faced post-servic...
Feb 26, 2025•24 min•Ep. 288
Today, we sit down with Stephen Russell, an Iraq War veteran turned author and artist. Stephen shares his journey from the battlefield to the creative world, offering a unique perspective on life after military service. Join us as we explore Stephen's military background, including his deployment to Iraq and the challenges he faced transitioning to civilian life. He candidly discusses the misconceptions veterans often encounter in the job market and how these experiences shaped his path. Stephen...
Feb 20, 2025•38 min•Ep. 287
In this powerful episode of The Decision Hour , host Adam Bird sits down with Gino and Terry “Ranger” Johnson, the father-son team behind Champions for Veterans. Their mission? To help veterans secure the VA benefits they’ve earned by providing expert guidance and game-changing tools like the VA Claim Builder app. Terry, a former Army Ranger and Green Beret, shares his firsthand experience of navigating the complicated VA system and how his struggles led to the creation of Champions for Veterans...
Feb 06, 2025•44 min•Ep. 286
Welcome to the 2025 season premiere of The Decision Hour with your host, Adam Bird! This powerful episode features an extraordinary guest, Pat Wetzel, whose story will ignite your courage and inspire your soul. Pat Wetzel is more than an award-winning author, speaker, and podcaster; she’s a force of nature. As a pilot and acclaimed photographer, she’s the living embodiment of resilience and determination. Her book, "Bump in the Road," weaves together 15 heartfelt stories of courage, hope, and th...
Jan 30, 2025•32 min•Ep. 285
We have an incredible guest whose story of resilience and healing is sure to inspire you. Join us as we sit down with Holly Joy McCabe, a neurosomatic trauma therapist who specializes in healing trauma and optimizing performance and she is the founder of Brain Body Speak. In this episode, Holly shares her tumultuous journey through a challenging childhood, including her escape from an abusive cult, battling trauma and overcoming a violent assault. Drawing from her personal experiences and profes...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 284
Welcome back to another episode of The Decision Hour! Today, we sit down with the multifaceted Sean Frost — entrepreneur, real estate broker, property investor, and President of Black River Homes. Sean takes us on a journey through his fascinating career transitions, from the music industry to real estate. He shares personal anecdotes about receiving a signed jacket from a music artist, his pivotal decision involving a $25,000 check on his vision board, and how hitting rock bottom emotionally le...
Jul 25, 2024•30 min•Ep. 282
Today, we dive deep into the mission and endeavors of Operation Vet Now (OVN) with our special guest, Tony Aubrey. Tony, a retired Air Force mechanic and recruiter, shares his compelling journey from military service to founding OVN, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans. Tune in as we discuss the origins of OVN, its innovative outreach approach, and the transformative Ambassador Athlete Program that utilizes sports as therapy for veterans. Join us as we explore how OVN is making a si...
Jul 18, 2024•27 min•Ep. 283
