Shows
On Your Lead|int| Charting a New Course: Sean Duclay on Sailing as Sanctuary for Veterans' Reintegration and Recovery | Ep 104Send us a textAs a former Marine ReconScout Sniper, I've weathered storms both literal and metaphorical, but nothing quite mirrors the tempest of reintegration that veterans face. Sean Duclay from Sail Ahead joins me, your host Thad David, to navigate these choppy waters, revealing how sailing provides a lifeline to veterans adrift in the civilian world. We set sail on a remarkable voyage where Sean charts the course of Sail Ahead's origin, its impactful mission, and the community's fervent support that's been the wind in its sails, touching over 4,000 veterans' lives.The tales we...
2024-04-1249 minOn Your LeadSubtracting to Enhance Life: How Less Became More in My Journey to Health and Happiness | Ep 101Send us a textWhen I stripped away the excesses from my diet—sweets, booze, and meat—I stumbled upon a transformative power that reshaped my life. It's Thad David here, your host and former Marine recon scout sniper, and I'm thrilled to share with you how the art of subtraction has revolutionized my health and personal well-being. This isn't just my own tale; it's an homage to the veterans and listeners who've dramatically altered their lives by simply taking away rather than piling on. Our 101st episode is a veritable celebration of the victories and revelations that...
2024-03-0610 minOn Your Lead|int| Navigating Depths and Resilience: Navy Veteran Bart Bartholomew's Voyage of Service and Survival | Ep 99Send us a textWhen Bart Bartholomew, a Navy veteran with an incredible life story, joins me, Thad David, you know you're in for a journey that traverses the depths of the ocean and the human spirit. Bart's unexpected draft notice at 17 thrust him into an adventure with the Navy, a tale of resilience he narrates with humor and honesty. His vivid recounting of boot camp antics, the camaraderie found on the flight deck, and the inter-service rivalries unfolds a tapestry of military life at sea that's both engaging and enlightening.Throughout our conversation, we...
2024-01-271h 06On Your Lead|int| Exploring the Canvas of Veteran Recovery w/ Jackie Jones | Ep 97Send us a textWhen Jackie Jones of Flourish Momentum shares her journey from an art educator to a therapist, we're reminded that sometimes the most profound changes in our lives come from unexpected transitions. This episode is a testament to how embracing the art of healing can illuminate a path toward reclaiming life after trauma, particularly for veterans and active-duty military personnel grappling with PTSD and its complex cousins. Together with Jackie, we uncover the layered realities of psychological conditions like moral injury and complicated grief, and the ways in which creative self-expression can be a...
2024-01-111h 08On Your Lead|int| Navigating Service and Sacrifice: Navy Veteran Bob Merrick's Journey from Vietnam to Civilian Triumph | Ep 96Send us a textImagine enlisting in the Navy seeking freedom, only to confront the paradox of military hierarchy and the stark realities of war. Our distinguished guest, Navy Veteran Bob Merrick, takes us through the gripping twists and turns of his service—from deciding to join during the Vietnam War to the chilling recollection of Christmas in boot camp. His story is a rich tapestry, a vivid narrative that weaves through the structured chaos of military life, the Mediterranean's false sense of peace, and the sudden thrust into the Vietnam conflict.The heartbeat of th...
2024-01-0458 minOn Your Lead|int| Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: Army Ranger Lt. Col. Lisa Jaster on Shattering Stereotypes and Leading With Purpose | Ep 95Send us a textWhen a Vietnam vet's road to reconciliation with his son intersects with my own journey as an author, the result is a poignant exploration of familial bonds, military service, and the lingering echoes of PTSD. Join us for an enlightening chat with Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Jaster, an icon of determination and one of the first women to graduate from Ranger School, as she recounts the challenges she faced and the stereotypes she shattered along her path. Her story is not just inspiring—it's a blueprint for leadership and perseverance in the face of ad...
2023-12-211h 35On Your Lead|int| Forging the Path to Healing: Sue Johnson's Journey from Vietnam to Veterans' Advocate | Ep 94Send us a textFrom the heart-wrenching tale of Sue Johnson, a retired Army veteran and an adoptee from Vietnam, to the candid accounts of veterans grappling with PTSD, this episode is a tapestry of stories that explores the power of forgiveness, the journey of self-discovery, and the resilience of the human spirit. Sue's riveting story offers an insightful glimpse into the essence of identity and the significance of giving back. The episode further unravels narratives of veterans, their battles with their past, and how supporting each other provides a unique therapeutic comfort. The episode l...
2023-12-131h 22On Your Lead|int| Preserving the Past: Brad Hoopes's Mission to Chronicle Veterans | Ep 93Send us a textWhat if you could peek into the seldom-shared tales of our veterans - those who have bravely served our country? In our engaging conversation with Brad Hoops, the founder of Remember and Honor, we bring you just that. Brad’s remarkable project is dedicated to preserving the stories of our veterans through personal interviews, and our discussion uncovers the impact they have on both veterans and interviewers. We learn about Brad's moving experience with a World War II veteran, which deeply impacted him and shed light on the generational disconnect between ve...
2023-12-0656 minOn Your Lead|int| Teimojin Tan's Guide to Navigating Survival Medicine and Personal Finance | Ep 92Send us a text* Check out Teimojin's Early Bird Registration on the link below*Prepare yourself as we journey into the heart-pounding realm of survival medicine with our esteemed guest, Teimojin Tan. This Canadian veteran, doctor, and finalist of the ninth season of a survival show, Tan enlightens us with his wisdom from his new book, "Survival Medicine 101: Your First 72 Hours." He illustrates the pivotal role of the initial 72 hours in any survival scenario, and how managing our emotions can make or break our survival chances. Tan's insights will definitely leave you better prepared for...
2023-11-2949 minOn Your Lead|int| From Attempted Suicide to Physically Fit and Mentally Sound w/ Lieutenant Commander Dave Snell | Ep 91Send us a textImagine, you've seen the world, fought wars, studied international relations, and yet, your toughest battle is the one within. This episode, we tackle the rarely discussed topic of mental health within the military. Our guest, a retired veteran, is candid about his personal journey of recovery, offering us a glimpse into a world that often goes unseen. We discuss the importance of open communication, therapy options, and the need to normalize mental health discussions, especially in the military. Finally, we lace up our shoes and delve into the world of marathons. O...
2023-11-221h 36On Your Lead|int| Leading With Precision: A Dive Into the Life, Lessons and Leadership of Marine Sniper Instructor Caylen Wojcik | Ep 90Send us a textAs a seasoned Marine and former scout sniper school instructor, Caylen Wojcik joined us on the podcast to lay bare the trials and triumphs of his military journey. We traverse the storied corridors of our military experiences, reflecting on the pivotal roles of mentorship and the impactful life lessons that service so generously offers. Caylen cracks open the door to his past, shedding light on his personal decision to step into the shoes of a sniper, and detailing the varied roles he undertook during his service.Our conversation takes a mathematical...
2023-11-151h 54On Your Lead|int| From Vietnam to the Homefront: SL Waller's Battle to Adapt | Ep 89Send us a textHave you ever wondered what it's like to make a combat jump in the midst of the Vietnam War? SL Waller, a seasoned US Army veteran, takes us through his riveting journey, beginning from the moment he enlisted in November 1964, through his first combat jump in 1967, and beyond. His story doesn't just end on the battlefield, but extends into his journey reintegrating into a society deeply divided over the war.Join us as we navigate Waller's life post-war, where the challenge of adjustment is a battle in itself. But with the...
2023-11-081h 10On Your Lead|After Action| Redefining Happiness: How Steve Found Contentment in Serving Others | Ep 88Send us a textWhat if the key to happiness lies not in our personal accomplishments, but in serving others? In this debrief of our last interview with our guest, Steve from Hives for Heroes, knows this concept all too well. As a former marine, he had achieved traditional success— a loving family, financial stability, a fulfilling job — but he wasn’t truly content until he shifted his focus towards serving others. This profound change not only enriched his life but also brought about an unparalleled sense of joy.Our conversation explores this transformative idea of suc...
2023-11-0106 minOn Your Lead|int| Steve Jimenez: A Tale of Triumph, Bees, and the Power of Mentorship | Ep 87Send us a textThis week On Your Lead, we're diving into an extraordinary conversation about the journey from chaos to contentment, and the surprising ways honey bees impact us all. Meet Our Guest:Steve Jimenez - Founder of Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit that uses beekeeping to support veterans. Steve opens up about the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping and how caring for these little pollinators can actually teach us big life lessons.And Your Host:Thad David - A former Recon Scout Sniper with First Recon and o...
2023-10-301h 10On Your Lead|After Action| How Daily Gratitude Journaling Transformed an Ex-Ranger's Life | Ep 86Send us a textIn this After Action we glance back at the previous interview we had with Griff, Former Ranger and Co-Founder of Combat Flip Flop. Griff's story is a powerful one. What stood out to me most was the profound impact that gratitude and daily journalling had on his life so I decided to deep dive into it in this episode. Contact Thad - VictoriousVeteranProject@Gmail.comThanks for listening!
2023-10-2709 minOn Your Lead|int| From Army Ranger to Entrepreneur: Griff's Journey of Resilience and Ingenuity | Ep 85Send us a textWhat happens when an Army Ranger's path takes a sharp detour towards entrepreneurship? Our guest Griff gives us an inside look into this unexpected journey. Griff, co-founder of Combat Flip Flops, started his military career in a bid to attend the Coast Guard Academy, but life had other plans. He ended up at West Point, aiming for the skies as a pilot until an injury grounded him. Instead, he found himself at Fort Bragg and then to Ranger school- a grueling journey that left him 44 pounds lighter but infinitely richer in respect for...
2023-10-2550 minOn Your Lead|int| Grounded in Discipline: Unlocking Wealth and Conquering Fear with Jay Ly | Ep 84Send us a textImagine what would happen if you harnessed the discipline of a former EOD Technician and applied it to your personal and financial life. That's exactly what we explore in this fascinating conversation with Jay Ly. Jay, a seasoned personal finance, leadership, and communications coach, emphasizes the significance of regular and precise coaching to master skills and gain proficiency. Jay shares invaluable insights on overcoming fear and setting transparent goals for personal and financial growth.Ever wondered how the thrill and discipline of skydiving can offer life lessons? Jay shares his skydiving ex...
2023-10-1942 minOn Your Lead|int| Embracing Adversity: How Recon Marine Jammer Actual Learns From Failures | Ep 83Send us a textReady to be emboldened? Join us as we invite Erin Switzer aka Jammer Actual, Recon Marine, and Call of Duty character, to our show. Embark on an exhilarating journey as Erin, a man who tackled college football before pivoting to a rewarding military career, unrolls the map to his life. The call to action is clear: time waits for none, and neither should you. If your dreams are waiting, Erin’s story will inspire you to reach out and grab them.Fear, a universal feeling, is a beast we all face. An...
2023-10-091h 03On Your Lead|int| Discovering Strength: How Meg Tucker is Revolutionizing Women's Fitness in The Military | Ep 81Send us a textImagine taking a leap of faith, shifting careers from aviation to Psychological Operations (PSYOP) in the military, and then venturing into fitness entrepreneurship! That is precisely what our guest, military officer Meg Tucker did. In this riveting episode, Meg shares her journey, the lessons she learned, and how she leveraged her experiences to lead the Valkyrie Project, which is empowering women in physical challenges. Her story is an inspiring tale of resilience, leadership and pioneering change in a male-dominated field.We also get a front row seat into Meg's innovative fitness...
2023-10-041h 02On Your LeadConquering The Pikes Peak Marathon: Unearthing Life Lessons & Power of Mentorship | Ep 80Send us a textEver faced a daunting goal and wondered how to conquer it? I just completed a goal I made to myself 10 years ago. Amid the struggle and sacrifice, an unexpected joy and appreciation for life unfolded through each step taken towards the finish line. This personal journey of mine was not just about crossing the finish line, but the lessons unearthed along the way.The journey doesn't end there. As I reflect on the winding path to my goal, we dive into the power of mentorship and owning your success. Mentors can gu...
2023-09-2516 minOn Your Lead|int| Triumph Over Transition: Exploring a Navy Veteran's Journey from Military to Civilian Life w/ Lara Beltz | Ep 79Send us a textCan you imagine the strength it takes to transition from a military career to civilian life? This week we're privileged to share a deeply personal conversation with Lara Beltz, a Navy veteran who courageously shares her journey through transformative military experiences, shedding light on the internal struggles many veterans face post-service. Lara's incredible journey begins in Sicily, where she worked in the ER and ran EMS in a military setting and faced life-altering events that took years to process.Together, we navigate the tumultuous path to recovery, highlighting how integral veteran's...
2023-09-2056 minOn Your Lead|After Action| Dissecting Chaos: Insights from our interview w/ Matt Stack, Author of "Killing Chaos" | Ep 79Send us a textThis weeks after action takes us on a dive into a key take away from the last interview that we had with Matt Stack, Author of Killing Chaos. Matt's perspective takes veterans on an incredible journey into the why behind are seemingly always chaotic lives. Once you identify what it is then you can start to shift how we let it into our lives and this, Kill the Chaos.Check out the previous episode to hear the full interview with Matt, it's a great one. Id also recommend you grabbing his boo...
2023-09-1506 minOn Your Lead|int| From Battlefield to Balance: Matt Stack Discusses Killing Chaos | Ep 78Send us a textJust imagine, trading a life of partying and video games for the disciplined world of the Marines. That's precisely the journey Matt Stack, author of "Killing Chaos: How Veterans Can Win the War They Didn't Even Know They Were Fighting," embarked on. From being a party-loving high school student to an esteemed Marine Corps veteran, Matt opens up about his experiences, the distinct personalities he met along the way, and the camaraderie that kept them strong.It's natural to wonder, how does the rigidity of military life shape a person? And...
2023-09-131h 02On Your LeadThe Impact of Your Actions: Why Intention Isn't Enough | Ep 77Send us a textDo you ever wonder what separates the successful from the rest? The answer lies in the power of discipline, intention, and action. This engaging conversation will help you embrace these key elements as we discuss overcoming fear to take consistent action and the significance of doing what needs to be done, even if it's uncharted territory for you.But how do you ensure that your actions are meaningful and lead to real change? We shed light on this by exploring the role of intention and the crucial part your 'why' plays...
2023-09-1210 minOn Your Lead|After Action| A Heart for Empathy and Combatting Challenges | Ep 76Send us a textIn this After Action we take a dive into some key take aways that I had from the previous interview we had with Katheryn Basso. In the previous interview she shared a hidden yet crucial issue is gripping our military - ill-fitting gear for women. Imagine being in the line of duty and being hindered by your own equipment. That's the reality many women in the military face. Our guest today, Katheryn Basso, founder of Cadre Clothing, not only understands their plight but is taking remarkable steps to rectify it. Katheryn shares her s...
2023-09-0911 min