Summary

In this episode, Will speaks with Joseph Fontenot, author of 'Sons of the Argandab', about his experiences in Afghanistan, the importance of storytelling for veterans, and the impact of war on mental health. They discuss the bonds formed in combat, the challenges of writing about traumatic experiences, and the necessity of community support for veterans.

Joseph shares his journey of writing the book, the therapeutic process it provided, and the ongoing struggles with mental health within the veteran community.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and the collective responsibility of supporting one another.

Resources

Buy Sons of the Arghandab Book (Amazon)

Instagram

Facebook Group

Casemate Publishers

Buy The Devils Playground Book

Buy Damn the Valley Book

Takeaways

The call to duty often leads to profound experiences on the battlefield.

Storytelling is crucial for preserving the legacy of those who served.

Brotherhood formed in combat creates lasting bonds among soldiers.

Writing about war can be therapeutic but also challenging.

Mental health issues persist long after deployment ends.

Community support is vital for veterans facing mental health challenges.

Leadership in the military involves looking out for the well-being of others.

Healing from trauma is a journey that requires support and understanding.

Veteran narratives are essential for understanding the complexities of war.

Stronger together: the importance of camaraderie and support in the veteran community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joseph Fontenot and His Journey

08:56 Creating the Sons of the Argandab Community

18:18 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

23:49 Intertwining Stories: The Connection Between Books

31:29 The Therapeutic Process of Writing

37:50 Facing Trauma Through Storytelling

44:36 Setting the Record Straight

51:33 The Weight of Trauma

01:02:58 Reaching Out for Help

01:13:08 Building Camaraderie and Brotherhood

01:22:19 The Legacy of Stories and Memories

01:25:49 Outro

01:27:17 Promoting Veteran Literature and Audiobooks

Keywords

veteran stories, mental health, Afghanistan, brotherhood, storytelling, legacy, support systems, healing, military experience, combat narratives

Summary

In this episode of Veteran Success Story, Will reflects on the current state of chaos and uncertainty in society, discussing the implications of political division, immigration issues, and the importance of community action. He emphasizes the need for individuals to stand up for their values and to be proactive in their communities, rather than relying solely on leadership from above. Will encourages listeners to remain true to their beliefs and to resist being swayed by external influences.

Takeaways

Stand for what's right and what you know to be true.

Don't let outside influence push you towards anger.

It's going to take a lot of America banding together.

If something rubs you wrong, there's probably a reason.

The courts exist for a reason.

Don't allow that stuff from the higher levels to get to you, it' a distraction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context

03:31 Reflections on Current Events and Personal Impact

09:10 Call to Action for Community Engagement

11:58 Emotional Resilience and Staying True to Values

Keywords

chaos, community, political division, immigration, personal values, democracy, social issues, military influence, geopolitical concerns, activism

Summary

In this episode of Veteran Success Story, host Will Yeske speaks with Juan Perez, a veteran coach and founder of Vet Rise Academy.

They discuss Juan's journey from military service to becoming a police officer and eventually a coach for veterans.

The conversation delves into the struggles of transitioning to civilian life, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for veterans to find their identity and purpose outside of the military.

Juan shares his insights on building a supportive community, the power of self-reflection, and the significance of setting boundaries.

They also explore the impact of social media on veterans and the importance of seeking help and accountability in personal growth.

Resources

VetRise Academy

Takeaways

Accept that you are the main character of your life.

You have to be your own hero.

Veterans often feel they don't belong in society.

Your environment is a product of your decisions.

Boundaries are for you to respect your own boundaries.

You can be a lighthouse for others.

Every day is a gift and should be treated as such.

Success leaves clues; pay attention to them.

Unbecoming is a crucial part of personal growth.

You have to stop being the tugboat and start being the lighthouse.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Veteran Coaching and Connection

07:45 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

14:32 Transitioning from Military to Law Enforcement

21:46 The Impact of Military Experience on Personal Growth

27:43 The Cost of Growth: Investing in Yourself

34:05 Unbecoming: The Journey to Emotional Healing

40:46 The Power of Self-Awareness and Daily Choices

45:47 Navigating Identity: The Veteran Experience in Society

51:50 Accountability and Healing in the Veteran Community

55:08 Veterans and the Weight of Trauma

59:58 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

01:04:21 Time Management and Energy Protection

01:11:25 Implementing Change and Building Habits

01:20:24 Introduction to Veteran Success Story and VetRise Academy

01:21:46 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

Keywords

veteran success, coaching, emotional intelligence, military transition, personal growth, community support, time management, self-reflection, boundaries, social media

Summary

In this conversation, John Wayne Troxell, the third Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shares his journey through military leadership, the evolution of the SEAC role, and the importance of integrity in leadership.

He emphasizes the need for soldiers to own their careers, the challenges faced by transitioning service members, and the significance of giving back to the veteran community.

We also discusse the complexities of military readiness, the role of merit in the armed forces, and the ongoing challenges of serving in a global security environment.

Resources

PME Hard Consulting

Takeaways

Leadership in the military is about continuous service.

The SEAC role has evolved to better represent enlisted personnel.

Facing adversity is a test of leadership integrity.

Owning your career means setting and achieving personal goals.

Transitioning from military to civilian life requires adaptation and resilience.

Giving back to the veteran community is essential for continued service.

Meritocracy should guide promotions and opportunities in the military.

Military readiness is paramount in an unpredictable global landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to SEAC and Its Evolution

06:02 The Role of Senior Enlisted Advisors

09:01 The Importance of Distinctive Rank Insignia

11:52 Challenges in Military Bureaucracy

14:45 The Shift in Military Training Focus

17:43 The Balance of Inclusion and Military Readiness

20:20 Transgender Service Members and Military Policy

29:12 The Essence of Military Readiness

29:45 A Journey Through Military History

34:35 Honoring Service and Legacy

35:32 The Transition from Combat to Peacetime

40:02 The Mental Shift in Combat

42:57 Preparing for Future Conflicts

46:31 Understanding the Military's Role in Society

49:59 The Importance of Offensive Strategy

54:59 Annihilating the Enemy: A Military Philosophy

55:59 The Power of Words in Leadership

01:01:54 Facing Adversity and Standing Firm

01:07:44 Owning Your Career and Setting Goals

01:13:48 Giving Back and Supporting Fellow Veterans

01:16:39 Episode Outro

01:17:29 Continuing the Mission for Veterans

Keywords

military leadership, SEAC, veteran support, career ownership, combat readiness, military culture, physical fitness, leadership integrity, veteran community

Summary

In this episode, Will interviews Jared Reinhart from the Heroic Hearts Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing veterans access to psychedelic therapy.

They discuss the mission of the organization, the importance of set and setting in psychedelic experiences, and the profound impact these therapies can have on veterans dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues.

Jared shares insights on the differences between psilocybin and ayahuasca, the significance of group healing, and the importance of preparation and integration after therapy.

The conversation highlights success stories and the transformative potential of psychedelics in healing and personal growth.

Resources

Heroic Heart Project

Psychedelic Guide for Veterans

Takeaways

The Heroic Hearts Project aims to provide veterans access to psychedelic therapy.

Psychedelic therapy can help veterans with PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues.

Set and setting are crucial for a positive psychedelic experience.

Group healing among veterans fosters connection and understanding.

Preparation and integration are key components of the psychedelic journey.

Psilocybin and ayahuasca are the primary substances used in therapy.

Psychedelics can lead to neuroplasticity and positive changes in behavior.

Success stories highlight the transformative effects of psychedelic therapy.

The Hope Project supports military spouses in their healing journey.

Veterans are encouraged to seek out trusted sources and do their research before engaging in psychedelic therapy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heroic Hearts Project

04:06 Mission and Vision of Heroic Hearts Project

05:49 The Importance of Vetted Experiences

08:01 Set and Setting in Psychedelic Therapy

13:35 Group Healing and Veteran Connection

20:04 Seeking Psychedelics: First Steps

23:21 Post-Experience Integration

27:08 Preparation for Psychedelic Experiences

35:03 Psilocybin: A New Frontier

38:31 Cultural Context of Psychedelics

42:01 Experiencing Clarity Through Breathwork

42:56 The Importance of Letting Go of Pressure

45:27 Creating Your Own Obstacles

48:42 The Need for Support Systems

51:19 Understanding Psilocybin vs. Ayahuasca

57:20 The Healing Power of Psychedelics

01:03:13 Neuroplasticity and Habit Formation

01:05:07 Transformative Experiences of Veterans

01:15:00 How to Get Involved with Heroic Hearts Project

01:21:56 Outro

Keywords

Heroic Hearts Project, psychedelic therapy, veterans, PTSD, ayahuasca, psilocybin, mental health, integration, healing, support

SummaryIn this conversation, Will and Tim Kolzak discuss the importance of storytelling in the veteran community, exploring Tim's journey with the Veterans Project. They delve into the power of sharing personal experiences, the significance of community support, and the lessons learned from leadership and adversity. Tim shares impactful stories of resilience and triumph from veterans, emphasizing the need for authentic storytelling to inspire future generations. The discussion highlights the evolution of veteran storytelling and the ongoing mission to support and uplift the veteran community. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, the weight of responsibility in sharing personal narratives, and the lessons learned from failure and growth in creative endeavors. The focus of the conversation touched on the transformative impact of storytelling and the need for authenticity in content creation. Kolczak reflects on the future of his project, the revitalization of past stories, and the ongoing journey of connecting with individuals through their unique experiences.ResourcesThe Veterans ProjectTakeawaysStorytelling is a powerful tool for veterans to share their experiences.Community support is crucial for veterans transitioning to civilian life.Tim Kolzak emphasizes the importance of humility in storytelling.The impact of sharing difficult experiences can resonate for generations.Veterans need to be seen as human beings, not just soldiers.Leadership in the military shapes character and resilience.The mission of supporting veterans continues beyond service.Authenticity in storytelling fosters deeper connections.Tim's journey reflects the evolution of veteran narratives.The Veterans Project aims to inspire future generations through shared stories. Diving deep into storytelling requires understanding the 'why' behind emotions.Empathy is essential in connecting with storytellers and their narratives.Silence can be powerful in allowing deeper stories to emerge.Storytelling is a responsibility to honor the individuals involved.The impact of storytelling can transform lives, even if it's just one person.Surrounding yourself with wise counsel enhances creative growth.Authenticity in content creation resonates with audiences.Repurposing content can breathe new life into important stories.The journey of storytelling is ongoing and ever-evolving.Every story shared contributes to a larger legacy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Veterans Project Podcast05:33 The Importance of Storytelling in Veteran Experiences06:26 Tim's Journey: From Military Service to Storytelling12:21 The Power of Sharing Veteran Stories18:29 Building Community and Leadership Among Veterans30:10 Reflections on Adversity and Resilience in War39:04 Honoring the Past: The Legacy of Veterans39:08 The Role of Leadership in Military Service41:44 Building Discipline and Camaraderie42:49 Transitioning to Storytelling and Podcasting48:43 The Importance of Empathy in Storytelling54:38 Capturing Untold Stories and Their Legacy01:00:48 Lessons from Duty and Leadership01:06:47 Navigating Failure and Business in Creativity01:14:13 Embracing Change in Creative Work01:16:49 The Importance of Community and Mentorship01:19:46 Taking Opportunities and Learning from Failure01:23:02 The Power of Authentic Storytelling01:27:13 Impacting Lives Through Shared Experiences01:30:25 Future Directions in Storytelling01:36:37 The Legacy of Veterans' Stories01:52:09 The Power of Perspective01:55:06 Honoring the Stories of Veterans01:57:51 Impacting Future Generations02:01:00 The Role of Storytelling in Healing02:04:02 Finding Purpose in Work02:06:59 Connecting Through The Veterans Project02:08:32 Introduction to Veteran Success Story02:09:04 Encouragement to Subscribe and Engage02:09:28 Looking Ahead to Future Episodes

Summary

In this episode, Ruben Ayala shares his inspiring journey from being a special forces operator to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for diversity in the military.

He discusses the founding of Triple Nikel Clothing Company, the challenges faced in scaling the business, and the importance of storytelling through the Black Ops History Project.

Ruben emphasizes the need for mentorship and community engagement to inspire the next generation of veterans, while also highlighting the significance of authenticity in narratives.

Resources

Triple Nikel Clothing

BLK OPS TV

BLK OPS Foundation

National Veterans Memorial & Museum

Takeaways

Diversity in military operations enhances effectiveness and morale.

Triple Nickel was founded to challenge stereotypes in veteran culture.

The Kohl's partnership was a significant milestone for Triple Nickel.

The Black Ops History Project aims to highlight underrepresented veterans.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for community engagement and healing.

Authenticity in narratives is crucial for inspiring others.

The importance of mentorship for the next generation of veterans.

Challenges faced in scaling a business can lead to growth.

The future of veteran storytelling lies in community-driven initiatives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ruben Ayala and Triple Nickel

05:37 Diversity in Special Operations

08:25 The Founding of Triple Nickel

14:38 The Kohl's Partnership

20:19 The Black Ops Project

26:40 Challenges in Documentary Filmmaking

34:26 Elevator Pitches and Human Connections

37:00 The Weight of Responsibility in Storytelling

40:38 Building a Creative Team and Expanding Impact

44:28 Staying True to Authenticity in Storytelling

46:51 Shifting Perspectives on Veteran Narratives

55:03 Preparing for Season Two and Future Projects

01:02:03 New Chapter

Summary

In this conversation, Heath Hansen, a veteran writer and journalist, shares his journey from military service to becoming a voice in the journalism world, particularly with Soldier of Fortune magazine.

He discusses the evolution of the magazine, the importance of ethics in war reporting, and the personal experiences that shape the stories veterans tell.

Heath also reflects on the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, cultural differences in education systems, and the need for authentic journalism in today's media landscape.

He offers advice for aspiring writers and emphasizes the value of storytelling in sharing veteran experiences.

Resources

LinkedIn

Heath's MuckRack Profile

Soldier of Fortune

Takeaways

Ethics in journalism are crucial, especially in war reporting.

Personal experiences shape the stories veterans tell.

Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging for veterans.

Writing allows veterans to share their unique perspectives.

Cultural differences impact education systems globally.

Authentic journalism is needed in today's media landscape.

Aspiring writers should find their niche and write consistently.

The future of journalism relies on truthful storytelling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heath Hansen and Soldier of Fortune

12:32 Heath's Military Journey and Experiences

20:25 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Career Path

26:23 Life in Amsterdam and Family Dynamics

27:22 Education and Play: A Comparative Perspective

32:12 The Role of Bias in Media and Information

32:45 From Soldier to Writer: A Journey Begins

40:28 Exploring the Border: A Writer's Experience

48:18 Finding Your Voice: Tips for Aspiring Writers

54:14 Personal Stories and Future Aspirations

56:05 Future Collaborations and Writing Opportunities

56:37 Adventures in Parachuting: Joining the Phantom Airborne Brigade

57:50 Jump Stories: Experiences and Anecdotes from the Field

01:02:13 The Evolution of Parachuting Techniques and Equipment

01:03:39 The Unique Culture of the 82nd Airborne Division

01:10:11 The Value of Military Discipline in Civilian Life

01:12:16 New Chapter

Keywords

military, writing, journalism, Soldier of Fortune, veteran stories, personal experiences, ethics, education, cultural perspectives, storytelling