Shows
The Common VeteransSeason 3: Episode 10: Married to a Veteran (The Spouse Episode)Married to a Veteran – The Spouse EpisodeSeason 3, Episode 10 of The Common VeteransWhen we think of service and sacrifice, it’s easy to focus on the Veteran — but what about the ones who held the line back home? In this episode of The Common Veterans, Jeff Schrock sits down with two of those very people: Sarah Holmes (wife of Army Veteran Kenny Holmes) and Katy O'Toole (wife of Marine Veteran Adam O'Toole). And when Jenn Schlorke couldn’t make it, her husband — and our own Fred Schlorke — stepped up to represent their marriage and share his pe...2025-07-292h 04
The Common VeteransSeason 3: Episode 9: Game Night and Interview with John BurkRoll for initiative! In this high-spirited episode, the crew sits down to talk about the games that shaped them—on and off the battlefield. From heated rounds of beer pong in the barracks to late-night strategy battles over Axis & Allies, games have always been a part of the Veteran experience.But this week isn't just about dice and drinks—we're proud to welcome our keynote speaker for the 2025 Remember Event: John Burk. A no-nonsense Army Infantry Veteran, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and gamer, John brings raw honesty, humor, and energy to everything he touches. Whether you're familiar with his...2025-07-082h 04
The Common VeteransSeason 3: Episode 8: You Can't Do ThatFor those who’ve served, transitioning to civilian life can feel like entering a different world. In Episode 8: You Can’t Do That, the hosts of The Common Veterans take a humorous but honest look at what doesn’t translate from the military to the civilian world—and how Veterans are forced to adjust.Field Habits Die HardFrom combat parking at Target to scanning rooms like a security team, old habits are hard to break. Military communication styles—direct and loud—don’t always fly in corporate settings. Even eating habits, like wolfing down meals in two m...2025-06-232h 28
The Common VeteransSeason 3, Episode 7: Trust Me, I Am From the GovernmentThe Common Veterans explores the seven most dangerous words in the world. In this episode, we dive deep into the promises, pitfalls, and realities of government systems affecting Veterans’ lives—blending candid discussions, expert insights, and real-life experiences. Sponsors Winter Oak Studios Mission: Communicate Setting the Stage Government programs have long been touted as a safety net for Veterans. From the GI Bill and VA Home Loan to the Vet Center and VA Healthcare, they promise opportunity, stability, and care. But how often do those promises match reality? What they should do: Prov...2025-05-271h 41
The Common VeteransSeason 3 - Episode 6 - TimeThrough music, the Common Veterans reflect on the songs that helped them survive the suck… and maybe even dance in the rain with a poncho and an MRE.I. IntroductionIn this episode, we dive into how music shaped our military experiences—from boot camp blues to barracks karaoke. Shoutout to our sponsors: FreedomSystem.org, your go-to for veteran support, and whoever left that Bluetooth speaker in the latrine… thank you for your service.II. Setting the StageMusic during service wasn't just background noise—it was therapy, a hype man, and some...2025-05-051h 36
The Common VeteransSeason 3 - Episode 5 - HollywoodEpisode 5: Hollywood In this episode of The Common Veterans, we take on Hollywood and its portrayal of the military. What’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what just makes us laugh? Before we roll, check out FreedomSystem.org for upcoming events, including our charity poker night and cook-off fundraiser. Call to Action: Subscribe, rate, and share. Support Veterans by spreading the word. Sponsored by VFW Post 985, FreedomSystem.org, and local Vet orgs. What Hollywood Gets Right Camaraderie: Films like Band of Brothers show real brotherhood. Leadership Stress: Black Hawk Down captures the burden of command. Combat Trau...2025-04-221h 58
The Common VeteransSeason 3: Episode 4: Honkey Tonk Bar Association Honky Tonk Bar Associations – The Common Veterans Podcast Honky Tonk Bar Associations – The Common Veterans Podcast Don't worry—we aren’t showing up in boots to ruin their black-tie affairs. But we do see these organizations for what they are, and in this episode, we break down the VFW, DAV, American Legion, and even our own FreedomSystem.org. What do they do well? Where do they fall short? And most importantly, how can they actually help Veterans? Breaking Down the Big Names VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) – Open to combat veterans, great for camaraderie and advoca...2025-03-312h 03
The Common VeteransSeason 3: Episode 3: Phreaks on a LEashIntro & BanterBefore we dive into the madness, a quick shoutout to our sponsor, Winter Oak Studio. If you’re looking for high-quality custom woodwork, whether it’s for your home, office, or something special, check them out!Now, let’s talk about why we’re here: Phreaks on a Leash. Yeah, it’s a nod to Korn, but more importantly, it describes the absolute circus that our military has become under weak and misguided leadership.Who is Pete Hegseth?Pete Hegseth is a former Army officer, Fox News contributor, and a staunch...2025-03-171h 15
The Common VeteransSeason 3 Episode 2: Another, Another Brick in the WallBreaking the Wall: Veterans and Career Transitions By The Common Veterans Reintegration into civilian careers can feel like slamming your head against a brick wall. For many veterans, translating military experience into civilian job qualifications is an uphill battle. Resumes get overlooked, HR departments misunderstand skill sets, and the struggle to fit into the civilian workforce becomes a frustrating ordeal. But here’s the truth: Veterans bring leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills that businesses need—if they can recognize them. The Language Barrier One of the biggest challenges veterans face is how military experience is perc...2025-02-281h 55
The Common VeteransSeason 3 Episode 1: The Reintroductions
The Common Veterans Podcast: Season 3, Episode 1
The Common Veterans Podcast: Season 3, Episode 1 – The Reintroductions
January 27, 2025
The Common Veterans Podcast is back for Season 3! In The Reintroductions, the hosts reintroduce themselves and discuss their mission alongside the work of FreedomSystem.org.
Meet the Hosts
Kenny Holmes: Medically retired Army veteran (Iraq 07-08), President of FreedomSystem.org, and a jack-of-all-trades.
Jeff Schrock: Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, former police officer, and author.
Anthony Buoscio: Navy veteran, IT Director, and Bud Light connoisseur.
Fred Schlorke: Retired Army Colonel, medical doctor, and FreedomSystem.org Vice-President.
Ca...2025-02-061h 28
The Common VeteransEpisode 15 : Let's Talk About Series - ReligionCommon Veterans: Episode 15 - Let’s Talk Politics
Common Veterans: Season 2 Addendum
Episode 15: Let’s Talk Series: Politics
In this episode of The Common Veterans podcast, part of the "Let's Talk About" series, we break the rule:
“Never talk politics, religion, or money at the dinner table.” We’ll dive into politics, its intersection with military life,
and a political card game for a bit of fun (and maybe some chaos).
Who Are We?
Each host shares their perspective, kicking off with Casey explaining the rules of "Leftdiculous",
a political card game. Before playing, we discuss what politics m...2024-11-281h 27
The Common VeteransEpisode 14: Let's Talk Series - Ethics and MoralityWelcome back to The Common Veterans podcast! We’re excited to bring you another episode in our "Let's Talk About" series, where we dig deep into issues that impact Veterans and service members. Today, we’re taking on the complex topic of Ethics and Morality—a subject that touches every part of life, but one that takes on unique meanings in the military and Veteran communities.
Understanding Ethics and Morality in a Military Context
When we talk about ethics and morality, we’re discussing the foundation of how we judge right from wrong and act accordin...2024-11-051h 41
The Common VeteransEpisode 13: Let’s Talk Series: ReligionIn this episode of The Common Veterans podcast, we continue our "Let's Talk About" series by diving into the topic of religion. We explore what religion means, its role within the military, and how it impacts the lives of Veterans. Whether deeply religious or not, we open the floor for a thoughtful discussion on how faith and spirituality intersect with military life.
Introduction to the “Let’s Talk About” Series
Our “Let’s Talk About” series is a space for veterans to explore important topics in a deeper way. We started with Religion, with upcoming episodes focused on ethics, m...2024-10-282h 00
The Common VeteransEpisode 12: The Burn PitWelcome back to The Common Veterans! In this special edition of the blog, we’re introducing a new segment: The Burn Bit. This is where things get wild and we let the conversation flow, no script, no agenda—just pure, unfiltered thoughts on everything from politics to what made us laugh so hard we spilled our coffee this morning.
If you tuned in to our latest podcast, you probably heard us go from discussing some serious political issues to cracking up over completely unrelated stuff. That’s The Burn Bit for you—it’s the chaos you never knew...2024-10-211h 04
The Common VeteransEpisode 11: Bunker BanterSeason 2: Episode 11 of the Common Veterans Podcast brings a new level of fun and unpredictability! In this episode, titled “Bunker Banter: The Common Veterans Game Night”, our hosts take a break from their usual deep-dive discussions to bring listeners into the world of Game Night. But this isn't just any game night—this time, AI joins the party, and things take an unexpected turn.
In this special episode, the Common Veterans decided to embrace technology by using AI to help craft a unique game. What makes it even better? No one is held accountable for the things that c...2024-09-241h 11
The Common VeteransEpisode 10: The Truth Is...In this episode of The Common Veterans, the hosts dive deep into "the truth" about military life, veteran experiences, and how these realities are often misunderstood by the public. This episode aims to debunk myths, confront negativity in the media, and provide insights into what it truly means to be a service member. Here’s a summary for those who prefer reading over listening:
The episode begins by defining what the military is: a structured, disciplined organization tasked with protecting and serving a nation. The hosts explain the different branches of the military and th...2024-09-171h 06
The Common VeteransEpisode 9 - What's Your Victor, Vector? The military has a unique culture and language, with acronyms being a significant part of it. These abbreviations are essential for communicating complex information quickly and effectively. For those outside the military, this can seem confusing. Here’s a brief look at why acronyms are so important in the military and some of the most common and humorous ones used.
Why Are Acronyms Important?
Acronyms are crucial in the military for efficient communication, especially in high-pressure situations where speed and clarity are vital. They condense lengthy terms into shorter, memorable forms, reducing the chance of mi...2024-08-2757 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 8: Meme Me: What’s Your Favorite Meme?In this episode of The Common Veterans, the hosts dive into the world of memes, exploring how humor plays a crucial role in the lives of veterans. “Meme Me: What’s Your Favorite Meme?”, this episode promises a blend of laughter, nostalgia, and insightful discussions about the unique sense of humor within the military community.
I. Favorite Memes
The episode starts with each host sharing their favorite memes and explaining why they resonate with them. Tony, for instance, brings in his collection of Gay (Navy) Memes, sparking a lively discussion about the background and context of the...2024-08-061h 11
The Common VeteransEpisode 7: Got Any More of those Deployments, Man?!Welcome back to another episode of Common Veterans, where we delve into the diverse and often untold stories of those who have served our country. In this seventh installment of Season 2, titled "You Got More of Those Deployments," we explore a theme that resonates deeply within the veteran community: the complexities of multiple deployments.
For many veterans, the question "You got more of those deployments?" encapsulates both the camaraderie and the challenges of military service. Each deployment represents a chapter in the lives of these brave men and women, marked by duty, sacrifice, and a unique blend...2024-07-1954 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 5: Proud to be an AmericanThe Common Veteran’s Season 2
Episode 5: Proud to be an American
The Common Veterans are all United States Military Veterans. Pride in the country is pride in their service because they were willing to write a blank check to include up to their lives. The life of a Veteran often revolves around their service and how much they love their country. The Common Veterans discuss their love for God and country and the transition back into a noncombatant once back home…
I) Correlation Often Relates to Causation
a. Being an American
i. Being proud to be an American often stems from...2024-04-291h 14
The Common VeteransEpisode 4: Let’s Talk About WarThe Common Veteran’s Season 2
Episode 4: Let’s Talk About War
“War, huh, yeah… What is it good for?” The Common Veterans take on war – the amount of Veterans that have fought in combat – or been to a combat zone, and why it is so hard to transition back into a noncombatant once back home…
I) Defining War and Combat Experiences
a. What is war?
i. Is it just a state of mind or an actual state of being?
b. What is considered a combat experience?
i. Combat arms vs. Support
1. Define POG
2. Define Combatant
II) What does war do to Veterans?
a. ...2024-04-2255 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 3: Free Lunch DayThe Common Veteran’s Season 2
Episode 3: Free Lunch Day
The Common Veterans discuss Free Lunch Day. Free Lunch Day is and was Veteran’s Day. The Common Veterans talk about their favorite meals and why it is now been adopted by this pet name. The dangers of it and the gratitude that comes with getting a free meal, or are they free?
I) Free Lunch Day?
a. Discuss the historical significance of Veteran's Day and how it has evolved into being referred to as "Free Lunch Day" among veterans.
i. Veterans were not always recognized.
ii. Soldiers start to expect it.
...2024-04-1850 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 2: Navigate the VAA Veteran who needs to navigate the VA is frequently turned off by the lengthy process that is sometimes experienced. The Common Veterans discusses best practices on how to get started with the process and how to be your own best advocate. 2024-03-181h 07
The Common VeteransEpisode 1: The Stories Are RealThe Common Veterans take on the stories that Veterans tell – are they real or lies? Do the fish get bigger by the year, or does the memory of the storyteller seem to tell some tales? The Common Veterans bring a fresh perspective on the whopper that got away…
2024-03-111h 04
The Common VeteransEpisode 12: Take This Job and Shove ItCommon Veterans Podcast
SEASON 1 ADDENDUM
Episode 12: TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT
From getting out of the military to new jobs as civilians, the transition inevitably feels like it was forced! The Common Veterans take a stab at why everything seems so difficult to do in a civilian job.
I. Introduction
a. Welcome to the addendum to Season 2
i. Why we do what we do
ii. Brief introduction to being a military member and the sense of humor and mindset that goes along with it
II. I QUIT
a. Leaving the military and returning to civilian life perspectives
i. Initiative
...2024-01-291h 35
The Common VeteransEpisode 11: Addendum 1: Oh Say Can You SeeUnderstanding Military Traditions: Exploring the Why Behind the What
Introduction
Welcome readers to the "Common Veterans Podcast: Season 1 Addendum," where we delve into the rich tapestry of military traditions, unraveling their deeper meanings and historical significance. We'll uncover why these practices endure, shedding light on the unique mindset and sense of humor prevalent among military members.
The Purpose of Traditions
Military traditions are more than rituals; they serve as threads weaving together the fabric of camaraderie, honor, and history within the armed forces. Understanding their origins provides a deeper appreciation for...2024-01-031h 57
The Common VeteransEpisode 10: Friends in Low Places
Common Veterans Podcast
Episode 10:
Friends in Low Places
VFW,
DAV, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and other fraternal organizations
are there for Veterans. This breakdown of the organizations talks to members about
the benefits of these program's camaraderie. The Common Veterans represent
FreedomSystem.org’s martial arts and mountain bike association.
I.
Introduction
i.
Friends in Low Places
1.
Introduce the standby Veteran Fraternal Organizations and their
missions and why.
ii.
Brief Overview of the benefits of the group
1.
Positives
2.
Negatives
II.
More Than Just Bars
a.
Bartenders are there, but that isn’t the only reason for them to
be there.
...2023-12-051h 39
The Common VeteransEpisode 9: ValhallaCommon Veterans Podcast
Episode 9: Valhalla
The belief that dying in battle brings soldiers to the table of Odin. The Common Veterans take on the sensitive topic of suicide and PTSD.
** WARNING ** This episode discusses a very sensitive subject with Common Veterans. This episode discusses suicide, religion, the different beliefs of certain religions, and triggers that could be hard to handle.
I. Introductions
a. Which of us has experienced someone that has suicided or attempted suicide
i. Fred
ii. Jeff2023-11-3051 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 8: Old LA Tonight I. Introduction
- Greetings from the Common Veterans podcast
- Hosts: Kenny, Jeff, Tony
- Topic: Military movies, their accuracy, and the downtime in the military for movie-watching
II. Introducing Tony, the Resident Navy Guy
- Tony's military background (8 years in the Navy, overseas service, instructor in Great Lakes)
- Banter about Tony being a "bud light drinker"
III. Military Downtime and Movie Watching
- Discussion about the hosts' experiences with movie-watching during military downtime
...2023-11-141h 17The Common VeteransEpisode 7 All in the Family
·
The Common Veterans explore what it is to be a Veteran and use
verbiage like “Brother.” Where blood ties are not necessary to be siblings…
2023-10-2440 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 6: All In The Family
The Common Veterans explore what it is to be a Veteran and use verbiage like “Brother.” Where blood ties are not necessary to be siblings…
2023-09-0752 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 5: Just Do ItIn the military, members have to be something of an athlete to ensure combat effectiveness; in the same way, Veterans need to maintain some semblance of fitness to stay healthy.
2023-07-2845 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 4: The WallVeterans always have slammed their heads against the wall on the
reintegration into careers, mainly when translating their military career to civilian counterparts. This week, the Common Veterans look at the
transition to becoming a military member and why it’s so hard to transition back to civilian status. 2023-07-201h 01
The Common VeteransEpisode 3: Time in a Bottle
Through music, the Common Veterans can look back and see what
songs got them through the military.
2023-07-1039 minThe Common VeteransEpisode 2: HeroesThe Common Veterans look back at their careers and describe the heroes they had in their careers.
2023-07-0744 min
The Common VeteransEpisode 1: The IntroductionThe Common Veterans introduce Kenny and Jeff as our hosts; they introduce the format and structure of the podcast, including what FreedomSystem.org is and why.
2023-04-2032 min