Episodes

  • Chad Lacek on Aging in Place and Leadership After Service
    Mar 10 2026

    How can technology help families care for aging parents, disabled Veterans, or loved ones living far away?

    In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry speaks with Chad Lacek, Marine Corps Veteran and CEO of Aging In Place Monitoring. Chad shares how his company uses modern monitoring technology to help families ensure the safety and well-being of loved ones who want to remain in their homes as they age.

    The conversation explores the concept of “aging in place,” the emotional and logistical challenges families face when caring for elderly parents, and how new tools can provide real-time insight into health, safety, and daily habits without being intrusive. Chad explains how these systems can help families monitor sleep patterns, medication adherence, movement, and health indicators while maintaining dignity and independence for those being cared for.

    Chad also reflects on leadership lessons from the Marine Corps, why respect and admiration define real leadership, and how Veterans can apply those lessons when building businesses and serving their communities.

    Learn more about Aging In Place Monitoring: https://aipmonitoring.com

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    9 mins
  • Kishla Askins on Service, Leadership, and Running for Congress
    Mar 3 2026

    What does 30 years of service in uniform teach you about leadership — and how does that shape the decision to run for Congress?

    In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry speaks with Kishla Askins, a Navy Veteran who served 30 years as a Physician Associate, including extensive service with the Marine Corps. A Mustang who began her career enlisted and rose to senior leadership roles at the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs, Kishla shares how her journey from corpsman to senior executive shaped her perspective on service and governance.

    The conversation explores combat medicine, the burden of command, leadership in large bureaucracies, and the importance of listening before leading. Kishla discusses her time writing legislation in the U.S. Senate, serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the VA, and why she believes Veterans bring a critical lens to public service.

    From battlefield triage to policy reform, this episode highlights how purpose, humility, and constitutional stewardship continue long after the uniform comes off.

    Guest Links:
    Kishla Askins for Congress

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    39 mins
  • Michael “Sully” Sullivan on Team RWB and Veteran Community
    Feb 24 2026

    What happens when the uniform comes off — and the team disappears?

    In this episode, John S. Berry speaks with Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Army Special Forces Veteran and Executive Director of Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), about building community and purpose after military service.

    Sully shares the origin story of Team RWB, how it grew from a small grassroots effort into a nationwide health and wellness movement, and why physical fitness remains one of the most powerful tools for resilience. He explains how Team RWB creates micro-communities inside local neighborhoods that restore identity, connection, and service for Veterans transitioning into civilian life.

    The conversation explores leadership lessons from Special Forces, the importance of humility, and why “freedom” is not isolation — it’s choosing to do hard things with people who push you forward. If you are looking for purpose, connection, or simply a reason to get moving again, this episode will resonate.

    Join Team RWB:
    Website: https://teamrwb.org

    Download the Team RWB app in the App Store or Google Play


    Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

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    35 mins
  • Veteran Cancer Advocacy with Ashton and Casey Kroner
    Feb 17 2026

    What happens when a young Veteran is diagnosed with cancer after being misdiagnosed by the system meant to protect him?

    In this episode, John S. Berry speaks with Ashton and Casey Kroner, Marine Corps Veterans and founders of the Veteran Cancer Network, about the urgent need for earlier cancer detection in the Veteran community. After Casey was misdiagnosed at the VA and later diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 34, they began asking hard questions about age-based screening protocols and toxic exposure risks for post-9/11 Veterans.

    They discuss increased cancer risk among Veterans, gaps between active-duty and VA medical systems, and the importance of persistent self-advocacy in healthcare. Ashton and Casey also share the mission behind Pedal for Impact, a cycling initiative from Florida to Washington, DC to raise awareness and push for policy change.

    Support their initiative:
    https://www.change.org/EarlyDetectionForVeterans


    Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

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    29 mins
  • Leadership, Logistics, and Courage from the Cockpit with Mark Hasara
    Feb 10 2026

    Some of the most critical leadership decisions in modern warfare happen far from the spotlight.

    In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Mark Hasara, an Air Force Veteran, tanker pilot, author, and podcast host, to explore leadership lessons learned from the cockpit. Mark shares stories from his career flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, including missions during Desert Storm and later air campaigns where aerial refueling became the linchpin of success or failure.

    The conversation dives into courage under pressure, logistics as a decisive factor in warfare, and how intuitive expertise is built through training, repetition, and trust. Mark also discusses his book Tanker Pilot, which combines first-hand accounts with rare, color cockpit photography, and how capturing lessons learned ensures they are passed to the next generation. This episode offers perspective for Veterans, leaders, and professionals who want to understand how preparation, adaptability, and humility shape outcomes when the stakes are highest.

    Guest Links:
    Book inquiries: mark@markhasara.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@markhasara

    Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

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    47 mins
  • Veteran Leadership and Corporate Culture with Jason Smith
    Feb 3 2026

    Why do so many high-performing Veterans struggle in corporate America — and what needs to change?

    In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Jason Smith, an Air Force Veteran, business consultant, and nonprofit leader who has worked extensively with Veteran service organizations including FourBlock and Bunker Labs. Jason shares what he has seen over years of helping Veterans transition into corporate roles and why too many are being placed into environments that are not prepared to support them.

    The conversation explores the cultural gap between military service and corporate America, why Veterans often feel underutilized or misunderstood, and how organizations fail when they treat Veterans as a hiring initiative instead of a performance advantage. Jason also discusses entrepreneurship as a powerful alternative path, the responsibility Veterans have to show up prepared, and the responsibility corporations have to recognize and leverage Veteran leadership. This episode offers clear-eyed insight for Veterans navigating corporate careers, leaders building teams, and organizations seeking to unlock elite performance.

    Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

    Guest Links:
    Website: https://futurevetconsulting.com

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    50 mins
  • Values, Leadership, and Responsibility After Service with Kevin Miller
    Jan 27 2026

    What happens when leadership is guided by values instead of convenience?

    In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Colonel (Ret.) Kevin Miller, founder of Know Power Know Responsibility, to discuss leadership, critical thinking, and the responsibility that comes with personal and professional power. Drawing on more than three decades of military service and a civilian career in education and leadership development, Kevin explains how values-based decision-making shapes stronger individuals, organizations, and communities.

    The conversation explores critical thinking, accountability, vulnerability in leadership, and why taking responsibility only for what you can control reduces anxiety and strengthens resilience. Kevin also shares insights from his books, including Know Power, Know Responsibility and his upcoming release Superhero Nation, which focuses on helping people live their best lives while strengthening communities and the nation as a whole. This episode offers thoughtful perspective for Veterans, leaders, educators, and anyone seeking clarity, purpose, and integrity after service.

    Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

    Guest Links:
    Website: https://knowresponsibility.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knowresponsibility
    Instagram: @kevinmillerkpkr

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    45 mins
  • Leadership, Purpose, and Resilience After Service with Jason Dickinson
    Jan 20 2026

    Leadership after military service is not about rank or title. It is about purpose, resilience, and continuing to serve in meaningful ways.

    In this episode, John S. Berry sits down with Jason Dickinson, founder of Veterans on the River and Director of People and Leadership Development at DLB Associates, to discuss how Veterans can build purpose-driven lives after the uniform comes off. Jason shares his journey from combat arms and leadership roles in the Army to building both a civilian career and a Veteran-focused nonprofit.

    The conversation explores leadership development, resilience, and why creating space for reflection is critical for long-term growth. Jason explains how Veterans on the River uses outdoor experiences and leadership education to help Veterans reconnect with purpose, community, and self-awareness. This episode offers insight for Veterans searching for their next mission, leaders developing others, and anyone seeking to balance career, service, and personal fulfillment.

    Learn more at ptsdlawyers.com

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    1 hr and 8 mins