Donna sits down with Noah Smith—Marine Corps veteran, mailman, and military science fiction author—to talk about rediscovering creativity after military service. Noah shares his journey from serving in Afghanistan to transitioning into civilian life, the loss of creative identity many veterans face, and how writing became a powerful outlet for healing, calm, and purpose.

This conversation explores the challenges of transition, the importance of support systems, and why finding a creative outlet can be life-changing.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Noah’s background: joining the Marines at 24 and serving in Afghanistan
• The struggle of losing and rediscovering creativity after military service
• The role of family support, especially Noah’s wife
• How writing military science fiction became a therapeutic creative outlet
• Creating and publishing his debut novel After the Change
• A look ahead at his upcoming sequel Nightfall
• Advice for veterans and creatives: Adapt and overcome

Guest Links & Resources

📘 After the Change — Available on Amazon (paperback, hardcover, Kindle, audiobook)

🌐 www.milsyfy.com — Sign up for Noah’s newsletter

Listener Takeaways

• Creativity is essential for mental health and personal growth
• Support systems matter—especially during life transitions
• It’s never too late to try something new

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In this episode, Donna welcomes Jason Kulchar, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and current Director of Learning, Development, Culture, and Belonging at ISS North America, for an engaging conversation about leadership grounded in service, humility, and authenticity. Jason reflects on his evolution from an enlisted Airman to senior leader, sharing how curiosity, connection, and a people-first mindset shaped his approach both in uniform and beyond. Listeners will hear practical insights on leading diverse teams, learning from failure, and why Jason lives by a simple but powerful philosophy: keep being awesome.

Learn More About Jason

Connect with Jason Kulchar on LinkedIn (K-U-L-C-H-A-R) and follow along for updates on his book, scheduled for release on February 5, 2026.

For questions or feedback, reach out at cominghomewell@gmail.com.

New episodes drop every other Wednesday, featuring conversations and resources designed to support the transition from frontline service to life at home.

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Donna Hoffmeyer chats with Tony Aubrey, co-founder of Operation Vet Now (OVN), and ambassador athlete Craig Rundell. They discuss the challenges veterans face after service, gaps in traditional support, and how OVN uses sports, music, and community to foster connection, purpose, and resilience.

Key Topics

• Tony’s journey from Air Force service to founding OVN
• Addressing veteran suicide and the need for outreach
• OVN’s programs connecting veterans through sports and music
• The ambassador athlete program and peer support
• Craig’s personal transition story and giving back
• Collaboration between nonprofits and grassroots impact

Resources

• Operation Vet Now: opvetnow.org
• Social Media: Search “Operation Vet Now” on Instagram & Facebook
• YouTube: OVN channel for videos and stories

Call to Action

Veterans or first responders seeking support—or anyone wanting to get involved—can reach out to OVN or connect with ambassadors. Help and community are available.

Connect with Beyond the Frontline

• Email: cominghomewell@gmail.com
• Website: cominghomewell.com

Donna sits down with Dr. Sheila McHenry, President and Clinical Director of Smithson Valley Counseling, to unpack the science and healing potential behind EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and other non-talk therapy approaches for trauma recovery.

Drawing from her background as a military nurse and mental health advocate, Donna explores with Dr. McHenry how EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories, why it’s often more effective for veterans and first responders, and how trauma-informed care can support long-term resilience and healing.

Together, they shed light on the body’s remarkable ability to heal — and how the right therapeutic approach can help individuals move beyond survival and into recovery.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• 🌐 Smithson Valley Counseling
• 🌐 EMDR International Association
• 📘 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Call to Action

If you or someone you love is struggling with trauma, know that help is available — and healing is possible. Explore the resources above, ask questions, and find a therapeutic approach that feels right for you.

For more information on EMDR or to find a qualified therapist near you, visit emdria.org.

In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, host Donna sits down with Jonathan Knaul, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, test pilot, materials engineering PhD, author, and devoted caregiver. Jonathan shares his remarkable journey from a decorated military career to becoming the primary caregiver for his aging parents, both survivors of the Holocaust and World War II.

Donna and Jonathan explore the emotional terrain of caregiving, the weight and wisdom of intergenerational trauma, and the deeply human moments that come with supporting loved ones through dementia. This episode is an intimate look at resilience, identity, compassion, and the healing power of presence.

Resources & Links

• Jonathan’s Book: Final Approach: A Test Pilot Story of Caring for Loved Ones — available on Amazon and major booksellers
• Website: finalapproachbook.com

Donna welcomes Doug Lynam, whose extraordinary journey spans service in the U.S. Marine Corps, monastic life, and a successful career as a money manager and author. Doug shares his story of rebelling against materialism, taking a vow of poverty, and ultimately discovering purpose in helping others achieve financial literacy and well-being. From lessons in mindfulness to practical money management tips, this episode blends spirituality, personal growth, and financial wisdom.

Connect with Doug:

• Website: douglynam.com
• Email: doug@douglynam.com
• Social: @DougLynam on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Substack
• Books available on Amazon and major booksellers

Connect with Doug:

• Website: douglynam.com
• Email: doug@douglynam.com
• Social: @DougLynam on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Substack
• Books available on Amazon and major booksellers

Connect with Doug:

• Website: douglynam.com
• Email: doug@douglynam.com
• Social: @DougLynam on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Substack
• Books available on Amazon and major booksellers

Share your thoughts or questions: cominghomewell@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share with friends and fellow veterans!

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Dr. Charlie Powell, a decorated Navy veteran, trauma surgeon, innovator, and mental health advocate to explore his extraordinary path from military service to medical entrepreneurship and personal healing.

Dr. Powell opens up about his battle with PTSD, offering rare insight into the experience of high-functioning individuals who struggle silently. The conversation bravely tackles the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within veteran and first responder communities, and explores the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine, focusing on Dr. Powell’s profound experience with ibogaine treatment.

Listeners will hear about the creation of “Healing Heroes,” a new documentary that follows veterans and first responders on their journeys to recovery through innovative therapies and shared storytelling. Dr. Powell’s message is one of hope, community, vulnerability, and self-forgiveness and a reminder that healing is possible for everyone.

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Season 4 is here!

Host Donna Hoffmeyer opens with a personal reflection on her journey from service to storytelling. She shares lessons on family, creative renewal, and the importance of taking breaks to recharge.

This season, you’ll hear inspiring stories from veterans, first responders, and advocates who are reshaping what healing and community look like. Expect conversations that highlight resilience, vulnerability, and the power of connection.

Plus, Donna shares exciting updates on the Coming Home Well podcast network, and the upcoming Ride for Heroes cross-country bike event.

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