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Season 2 Interviews
Interview 51- Army Veteran, Pro Para Athelete, Brian Conwell
Brian “Big Country” Conwell served his country proud in the United States Army from 2006 to 2015 when he was medically retired after losing his leg on fort Riley January 7th, 2014. He went through five to six years of heavy depression, PTSD and suicidal thoughts after being told that he would never walk again from the doctors in 2020, he learned how to walk again, got his paralympic license and shot-put disc and powerlifting has won multiple national and international medals and continues to compete and help others with disabilities, train and fitness and adapt sports.
Interview 52- USMC Veteran, Nathan Grothe
Come listen in as Bryan talks with a good buddy of his that he served with and reported to at one time, Nathan Grothe of the United States Marines. They share some great personal stories as well as some stories that will make you belly laugh. Nate’s son also just recently joined as well. Definitely one you’re not going to want to miss.
Interview 53- Active Duty Marine, GySgt Cruz Aka "Jonas the Mad Hatter
Come listen in as Bryan sits down with a familiar face on the show, GySgt Cruz of the United States Marine Corps. Cruz talks about transitioning back to the fleet after spending 3 years as Drill Instructor, how it’s been since getting promoted to GySgt and what is in store for his future. Great interview you’re not going to want to miss
Interview 54- From the Combat fields to the Music Stage, U.S. Marine Veteran
Scotti Fraser served his country proud in the United States Marine Corps. After returning home from frontline combat service in the Middle East, Scotti took time off to reflect, and heal, through writing music. He now embarks on a soul-searching road to redemption through rock and roll. His Americana style of rock combines groove-oriented riffs, lyrics inspired by his time in the military, and a message of standing tall in the face of personal hardships. His mission is to offer hope and empowerment to Veterans through the healing powers of music.
Interview 55- Dr. Greg Carder: From Marine Corps Service to Pioneering the Field of Integrative Medicine
Dr. Greg Carder served his country proud in the United States Marine corps from 1985-1991 and shortly after he left the Marines he went to school in Orlando, Florida and has spent the last 20 years as a doctor in Central FL. His scholastic career started out in Human Anatomy & Physiology, He eventually attended the Fl College Of Integrative Medicine. Over the last 20 years he has practiced in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Functional Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine and Bio-Hacking
Interview 56- The Unwavering Journey of SSgt Nichols, from Marines to Entrepreneur Serving Veterans
Michael “SSgt” Nichols graduated from Marine Corps Boot Camp on May 5, 1995. He attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton and then Motor Transportation School. Subsequent duty stations included Iwakuni, Japan, 29 Palms, California and MCRD San Diego (for Drill Instructor duty). In 2004, he became the Protocol Chief for the MARFORPAC 3 Star Commanding General. he deployed to Iraq in 2006. Based in Al Asad Iraq, completed 27 combat missions, 13 as a Platoon Sergeant and 14 as the Platoon Commander after his Lieutenant was severely injured in an IED attack. Since leaving the Marine Corps, he’s completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Management, owned ten convenience stores, launched a film company, a fitness company, appeared in television and film, and produced several feature length motion pictures. He is actively involved in serving Veterans and serving his community as a CARE Pastor in Southern California.
Interview 57- From Service to Soundwave: Retired Airforce Veteran Joe Allen Christi
Joe Allen Christi served his country proud in the United States Air Force making a career out of it, doing 24 years after retiring he’s followed his passion in music and is making great music as a singer, songwriter.
Interview 58- From Combat Arms to Compassionate Care: Army Veteran, Dr. Aaron Bryant
Dr. Aaron Bryant served his country proud in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger. He has transformed his career from combat arms to passions of helping others. He has worked in healthcare while creating personal opportunities of long-term financial freedom. He has studied and acquired certifications in various IPO trading and real estate. Today he’s an executive healthcare consultant, published author, speaker, world traveler, avid golfer and a mental health advisor.
Interview 59- From Military Service to Life Coaching and Empowering Veterans James Stockley Jr.
James Arthur Stockley Jr. served his country proud in the United States Army for 6 years as a 25B IT Specialist. He has been married for 16 years and has 3 children. He grew up as a military brat with his mother, father and uncles all serving in the military. The army was all he knew. When He got out of the military he began working for the department of Justice. He hit his rock bottom a few years after that addicted to porn and video games and made a tremendous shift in his life quitting cold turkey on everything. From there on, he became a coach first and Fitness, then nutrition, then mindset, and then life coaching. He’s now a life coach for Operation Dream Big which is in the process of being converted to a nonprofit. His goal is to make sure that every veteran that comes to him has the resources they need online to heal themselves emotionally and mentally and get the support that the military didn’t give them when they got out.
Interview 60- From Marine to Mentor: Tom Ettinger's Journey of Service and Support
Tom Ettinger served his country proud in the United States Marines, making it a career and retiring after 20 years of honorable service. He continues to serve his brothers and sisters through his nonprofit Sit Rep 22 and supporting other nonprofits as well. He’s doing big things in the veteran community.
Interview 61- From Corpsman to Content Creator: Doc Mata's Retro Gaming Journey
Meet Jose Mata, his Marines still call him Doc or Doc Mata. He enlisted on 21 Aug 03 It was a Thursday, a day he never forgot. 3rd LAR was his 1st unit in the fleet, he was in just over 11 years. His final rank was HM1, E-6. He worked at 2 different VAs and worked himself up from a call center operator to a clinic supervisor. He started on YouTube 24th or 26th Dec 2022. Jose wanted to jump into the retro gaming scene since back in 2010 but couldn’t really start until he was medically retired. Retro Doc 70 YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@RetroDoc79?si=oq… @RetroDoc79
Interview 62-The Multifaceted Journey of Steven Leapley: From Navy Corpsman to Executive Ghostwriter
Come meet Steven Leapley, a seasoned executive ghostwriter with over 30 years of experience across various fields. Here’s a glimpse of some fun facts: 10+ years US Navy Corpsman (Medic) 16 years as a Paramedic / Working in medical community Dad to 8 kids Fulltime RV living Minimalist (since 2017) Run a Family Farm Fortune 50 company Mid Level Management Entrepreneur (4 businesses)
Interview 63- The Journey Within: A Soldiers Tale, Army Retired Frank Demith
After twenty-eight years on active duty, Army veteran Frank Demith is turning to a new career path: writing. His debut novel, Of Vital Interest, is a fast-paced, exciting book perfect for lovers of Vince Flynn.
Interview 64- USMC Veteran and CEO of Nonprofits, Warrior Legacy, Patrick Jump
Patrick Jump served in the United States Marine Corps, where he was a Corporal in the 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment, Weapons Co, CAAT platoon. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2004 and to Fallujah, Iraq in 2005. After his military service, Patrick transitioned to civilian life. He is now the President of Warrior Legacy Ranch. Their mission is to provide veterans with the opportunity to reunite with their unit members in a single location, aiming to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide
Interview 65- Army Veteran, Podcast Host, CEO of Heroes Media Foundation and Author, Donald Dunn
Donald Dunn join us on the show again, he was a guest on Season 1. On this interview we talk about all the great things Donald Dunn is doing in the Veteran community from starting Heroes’ Voices Media Foundation which consists of Gun Room Radio, Military United Podcasts Streams and Words from Warriors. We also talked about him changing his podcast name from Two Drunk Dudes in a Gunroom to Spirits and Stories, and his book he wrote Echos of War: The Silent Transformation of a Soldier.
Interview 66- Navy Veteran, Corpsman, Founder of Utopic Essential Nutrients, Rodney "Doc" Walbecq
Come meet Rodney “Doc’ Walbecq, Navy Veteran, Corpsman, He was Born 4-5-65 , Detroit Michigan Raised middle class suburb. Dad was 3rd Generation Detroit Union Plumber Great childhood 300 Cannabis Grow Operation 1 year. Grew Cannabis for wife. 4 years 2019 Found Utopic Essential Nutrients Became Founder 2020.
Interview 67- USMC Veteran, Machine Gunner to Singer Song Writer, Sal Gonzalez
Born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA, Sal Gonzalez learned to sing in grade school while performing in the choir and quickly fell in love with the whole process. He later picked up playing guitar partially by learning from his self-taught father and partially by playing in bands with much better guitar players. Sal quickly started singing lead in bands throughout high school, having small success with his Spanish rock band “La Cabaña,” playing locally all-over Southern California. After the terror attacks of 9/11, Sal decided to serve his country and shifted his focus from music to being a United States Marine—a title he would later earn in late 2003. After training to become a machine gunner, Sal proudly served with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and would later be deployed to Iraq in the late summer of 2004. On October 31, 2004, Sal’s vehicle was struck for the 7th time during that deployment, killing Lt. Matthew D. Lynch and severely injuring Sal and one other Marine Sal was flown to Bethesda Naval Hospital, where, after coming out of a weeklong coma, he learned the extent of his injuries. After more than 30 surgeries and 4 months of hospitalization, his left leg was amputated below the knee. Once healed, he was sent to San Antonio Medical Center in Texas, where he spent the next year learning to walk on his new prosthetic leg. Sal retired from the United States Marine Corps in late 2005 and, after a quick stay back home in Los Angeles, CA, he moved to Nashville, TN to pursue his dreams of songwriting and performing.
Interview 68- US Navy Veteran, Corpsman, Seal Team 6, Adventurist & TV host, Don Mann
Mann’s impressive military biography includes being a decorated combat veteran; Corpsman; SEAL Special Operations Technician; jungle survival, desert survival, and arctic survival instructor; small arms weapons instructor, foreign weapons instructor, armed and unarmed defense tactics, advanced hand-to-hand combat instructor; and Survival, Evade, Resistance and Escape Instructor; in addition to other credentials. Mann is the author of 22 books including the New York Times Best Selling autobiography Inside SEAL Team SIX: My Life and Missions with America’s Elite Warriors. When Osama bin Laden was assassinated, the entire world was fascinated by the men who had completed the seemingly impossible mission that had dogged the U.S. government for over a decade. SEAL Team SIX became synonymous with heroism, duty, and justice. Only a handful of the elite men who make up the SEALs, the U.S. Navy’s best and bravest, survive the legendary and grueling selection process that leads to SEAL Team SIX, a group so classified it technically does not even exist. There are no better warriors on earth. Mann knows what it takes to be a brother of these ultra-selective fraternities. As a member of SEAL Team SIX he worked in countless covert operations, operating from land, sea, and air, and facing shootings, decapitations, and stabbings. He was captured by the enemy and lived to tell the tale, and he participated in highly classified missions all over the globe, including Somalia, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. As a training coordinator for several civilian SEAL training programs, and as a former Training Officer of SEAL Team SIX, he was directly responsible for shaping the bodies and minds of SEALs who carried out the assassination of Osama bin Laden as well as many other classified missions. But to become a SEAL, Mann had to overcome his own troubled childhood and push his body to its breaking point–and beyond. At the podium and in Inside SEAL Team SIX, he shares a high-octane narrative of physical and mental toughness, giving unprecedented insight to the inner workings of the training and secret missions of the world’s most respected and feared combat unit. Don Mann has over 40 years (1,000+ races) worth of competitive racing experience, completed 2 Ironman triathlons in a day and was once ranked 38th in the world as a triathlete. Mann received a Master’s in Management from Troy State University, in Troy, AL, a B.S. in International Relations & Criminal Justice, from Florida State University, in Tallahassee, FL, and a B.S. in Liberal Science, from State University of New York. He lives in Cape Charles, VA.
Interview 69- Army Veteran, Special Forces, Singer Song Writer, Derek Stoner
Derek Stoner retired from the U.S. Army in January of 2022. He served as a Special Forces Green Beret for 20 years wherein he was deployed to the Middle East 16 times. Derek’s passion for Country Music stems from his roots growing up in small town America near the little town of Craig, MO. Craig is situated right alongside the Missouri River where Derek spent his childhood hunting, fishing and learning the value of a hard earned dollar on family farms and in the forestry business. His love for Country Music was cultivated through hours of listening to his musical heroes such as Travis Tritt, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr. and many more. Derek bought his first guitar and slowly taught himself to play during downtime while deployed overseas. Prior to leaving the Armed Forces, Derek decided to take the first steps in pursuing a lifelong dream of writing and performing music. He quickly amassed the material required to perform live shows through both original and cover music and began to book live venues near his home in Western KY. Now two years into his music career, Derek has released his first Album, multiple Singles and is currently in studio recording his Sophomore Album titled ‘Truth’. Derek played nearly 200 shows in 2022, many of which were as a circuit artist performing at multiple world-famous honky-tonks in Nashville, TN. Derek’s fan base continues to grow as music lovers of all sorts are attracted to Derek’s powerful vocal presence and his ability to fill songs with true emotion.
Interview 70- USMC Veteran, Gunny, Gamer, Content Creator, Marine1169
Marine1169 spent 20 years in the United States Marine Corps achieving Gunnery Sergeant before retiring. He always had a passion for playing video games so after retiring he decided to take on his dream and become a streamer as well as being a content creator. Come check out this great episode.
Interview 71- USMC Veteran, Homefront Sitrep Podcast, David Willis
Come meet David Willis Jr. a United States Marine Veteran who uniquely earned two DD 214’s (separation papers) He was an 0311, infantryman while serving. He also has a podcast show called Homefront Sitrep where they bring on Veran Services Organizations, bringing awareness to the Veteran community. Come check it out it’s a great episode.
Interview 72- Army Veteran, Dr. Aaron Bryant, Round 2, Developmental Coaching Opportunities
Come join in with Dr. Aaron Bryant and Bryan Roof as they discuss what Dr. Bryant is currently working on as well as talking about how he’s providing opportunities for Veteran’s and others to train and become a Coach with an opportunity to join his team and make some extra money with the freedom of being able to do it right from home.
Interview 73- USMC Veteran, Bryan Parkman, Serving Together!
Come meet Bryan Parkman a United States Marine Veteran who served his country proud. Come listen in as Bryan and Bryan reminisce about their time spent serving together in the same unit 1st MEF Headquarters Group and deployed to the Middle East in 2003 together. He also talks about how he struggled after leaving the Marines but after struggling he was able to take his struggles and turned them into success! Great interview!
Interview 74- Navy Seal Veteran, Don Mann and His Mission
Come join in on this big interview! This is Every Day’s a Saturday’s largest shows. There are 9 amazing humans that joined in to talk about Don Mann’s Mission that is created to build stronger communities. You are going to want the chance to listen on the amazing things these individuals are doing to try to make this world a better place. Don Mann- Navy Veteran Randy Nantz- Army Veteran Dean Joyce- Navy Veteran Bonnie Lucas- Law Enforcement Specialist Donald Dunn- Army Veteran Matthew Thomas- Chief Deputy, Pinal County Sheriff’s Ace (Bulletproof Podcast)- Former Missing Person Incident Report Commander Dr. Seth Stankus- OCS Marines, Army Veteran, Medical School, Army Family Doctor, Neurologist Dr. Jennifer Stankus- Navy Veteran, Law Enforcement, Law, EMT, Medical School, Expert Witness
Interview 75-US Army Veteran, Special Forces, Randy Nantz
ome Meet Randy Nantz he enlisted in the Army after 9/11/01 at 33 years old, upon completing basic training in March of 2002, at Fort Benning, GA, he reported to 3rd Infantry Division located at Fort Stewart, GA. In January of 2003, he deployed to Kuwait to prepare for the initial invasion of Iraq. After the completion of that tour, he redeployed back home August 25, 2003.He then volunteered for and attended SFAS, Special Forces Assessment and Selection course in January of 2004, after getting selected, he continued to graduate successfully, Airborne, and the Special Forces Qualification Course, as a Communications Sergeant in March of 2006. At that time, SGT Nantz then reported to 5th Special Forces Group Airborne and deployed back to Iraq, in August 2006. On Dec. 22nd of 2006, while taking part in a small recon mission, in Baghdad Jadida, Baghdad, Iraq, an Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP), a devastating roadside bomb and shaped charge, struck his Humvee. Randy’s body sustained 22% total body surface, 3rd-degree burns, considerable muscle tissue loss, and severe nerve damage. The nerve damage was severe enough, it ultimately led to a below the knee, left leg amputation. To date, he has undergone four amputations on the same leg because of multiple infections and difficulties. Late OCT 2017, he underwent surgery, to place a full thickness graft over a problem area, and so far it has been successful, and its prognosis is promising.
Interview 76- Chief Deputy Matthew Thomas, Pinal County Sherriff Department
Come meet Chief Deputy Matthew Thomas of the Pinal County Sherriff Department, who has been in law enforcement for a little over 31 years. Chief Deputy Thomas became a Sherriff and worked on the streets for about 5 years before being promoted to Sergeant and then would go on to work, Uncover, SWAT and other positions before becoming Chief Deputy. Matthew and Bryan discuss the challenges with dealing with PTSD and how the Law Enforcement world is starting to embrace mental health and working on helping officers through the rough times that they face on the daily. This is a great episode you’re not going to want to miss.
Interview 77- Navy Veteran, Author, Bill Cushing
Bill Cushing enlisted in the Navy where he was assigned to electrician’s school before joining the fleet. He returned to college later only to drop out. As a result, He spent about 16 years drifting between numerous jobs (bartender, cabbie, retail sales, truck driver) with the bulk of his work life continuing as a shipyard electrician—mostly on oil tankers. Then, a series of work-related accidents and the coaxing of a good friend convinced him to try completing his academic coursework one more time. He began at a community college in Jacksonville, Florida intending to major in history but met an English instructor who roped him back into his interest in writing, so by the time he entered the University of Central Florida, he focused on American and modern literature but also took enough creative writing classes to declare a double major in English. After moving to Puerto Rico with his wife (then girlfriend), he began work on his MFA at Goddard College in Vermont. He intended to write a novel based on the Norwegian folk tale of Peer Gynt using the backdrop of his years as a “yard bird,” but after only three months of marriage, his wife died, so he took a semester off, returning with an entirely new project in mind—the memoir of her, their relationship, and the effect that cancer had on them. Go check out his work on mywriter.net and his newest Non-Fiction book “Heroic Brothers of the Civil War.”
Interview 78- Retired Special Agent with Bureau of ATF, Ignacio Esteban
Come meet Ignacio Esteban a recently retired Special Agent with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with in the United States Department of Justice. As a Special Agent in the Miami and Tampa Field Divisions, he worked undercover investigating violent street gangs, international firearms traffickers, violent repeat offenders, and other types of federal investigations. Prior to joining ATF in 2000, he was employed with the United States Customs Service, at the Miami International Airport, member of the elite Contraband Enforcement Team (CET) seizing large amounts of cocaine and heroin entering the United States from Latin America. Ignacios background was originally in Political Science and History where he has a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Leo University. He later continued studying International Relations at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. I currently reside in Northern Virginia, married with two daughters. I enjoy writing and will continue to write about events and circumstances impacting our world.
Interview 79- USMC Veteran & Founder of NPO, Combat Recovery Foundation, Marshall Spring
Come meet Marshall Spring he is a Marine Corps combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, former police officer and unyielding advocate for suicide prevention. Having served on the frontlines and battled personal demons, Marshall understands the urgency of his mission. Having witnessed and experienced the toll of mental health challenges, borne from the scars of conflict, Marshall established the Combat Recovery Foundation. Through this platform we leverage the lived experience of our team to effect lasting change, in a drive to eliminate preventable suicide deaths.
Interview 80- Navy Veteran and Co-Founder of VotRite, Angelica Kapsis
Come meet US Navy Veteran, Angelica Kapsis, her job in the Navy was a Seabee. She comes on the show to talk about Votrite, VotRite’s main intention is for all people to have access to the vote, indiscriminate of race, age, gender, ethnicity or economic situation. We design our products with this in mind, at all times. VotRite is committed to compliance with the laws and regulations in each jurisdiction or organization. We will always interface our products and services within these bounds. Votrite-Electronic Voting Technology (voterite.com)
Interview 81- Airforce Veteran and Author, Bree Sprual
Come meet Bree Sprual she is a US Airforce Veteran who ended up following in the same footsteps as her mother, not initially ever thinking she would end up not only joining the Airforce like her mother but choosing the same job as her mother, and they would up be serving at the same time. Bree had intention of also making a career out of it, but her career would be cut short putting her back into the civilian world to try and find her way. She found therapy and the ability to put her feelings into words and became an author, she talked about her upcoming book Phoenix which releases 7/2/24. This was a great interview you’re not going to want to miss.
Interview 82- Dr. Monica Sanford, Marine Spouse, Veteran Advocatere
Come meet Monica Sanford who has been married to a Marine for 35 plus years and has been a major advocate for veterans and very involved with other military spouses. She’s also an Acute care NP Doctor of Nursing Practice. She gives a lot of great advice and experiences being married to a Marine before, during and after retiring from duty. This was a great interview and you’re not going to want to miss it.
Interview 83- Retired USMC Pilot, TedX Speaker, Founder of Nonprofits, Garret Biss
Come meet Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps Pilot. Post-retirement in 2015, Garret confronted challenges common among veterans: anxiety, depression, and a sense of displacement. Turning to alcohol as a crutch, it wasn’t until suicidal ideation took hold that he sought change. Rather than traditional addiction treatments, Garret’s path was shaped by mentoring that emphasized self-worth, rediscovering identity, and tapping into inherent strengths. This approach not only alleviated his addictive behaviors but also reignited his passion for life. This started Garret’s journey into studying applied positive psychology and the science of human flourishing. Garret’s transformative experience sparked his commitment to assisting others with personal growth and recovery tools grounded in positivity and personal strengths. Garret’s purpose now extends beyond helping Veterans emerge from the darkness; his aim is to propel Veterans to their highest potential for happiness, wellbeing, success, and contribution. https://unspokentrauma.vet/ https://valiantpath.vet/ https://garretbiss.com/
Interview 84- Retired Major USMC, Founder of Fior Scotch, Eric Dominijanni
Come meet Eric Dominijanni a retired United States Marine and founder of the first black owned Scotch in the market. Eric spent 20 years in the Marine Corps working Amtraks and shares his experiences while serving. Eric has a passion in culinary arts and stumbled upon the scotch world which would lead him to be the first black owned scotch. Launched in 2023, Fior Scotch quickly garnered critical acclaim, securing double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York World Spirits Competition, as well as a prestigious 93 rating from The New York International Spirits Competition.
Interview 85- Dr. Barry Krakow, MD, a Board-Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist and Author
Dr. Barry Krakow, MD, is a board-certified sleep medicine specialist based in Savannah, Georgia, with over three decades of experience. He transitioned from a distinguished research career focusing on sleep disorders in psychiatric patients to a pioneering clinical practice. Dr. Krakow’s expertise began in 1988 at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, where he co-authored the first randomized controlled trial on Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) for nightmares. His subsequent research at the Sleep & Human Health Institute resulted in extensive publications on IRT and the landmark manual “Turning Nightmares into Dreams.” In 2001, Dr. Krakow’s groundbreaking work on nightmare treatment in PTSD patients was published in JAMA, establishing him as a leader in the field. His research illuminated the significant comorbidity of sleep disorders in mental health patients, particularly PTSD sufferers, highlighting the prevalence of sleep apnea in this population. Dr. Krakow’s clinical practice and research have been featured in prestigious medical journals, including the American Journal of Psychiatry, CHEST, SLEEP, and the Journal of Traumatic Stress.
Interview 86- Retired Army Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, Singer, Song Writer, Scotty Hasting
Come hangout with Scotty Hasting and me as we talk about all the great things he has achieved since the last time we got to sit down with him, if you would like to know more about his story please go watch Season 1 Interviews, Interview 21. Scotty has been signed to a label (Black River Entertainment), been on Billboards in Nashville Tennessee, he got to take a trip out to France for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and meet some amazing Hero’s that were there on that day, as well as the opportunity to perform in from of thousands! This is a fun and great interview that you’re not going to want to miss.
Interview 87- Retired DEA Agent and Founder, Brian Townsend
Come meet Brian Townsend a Retired DEA agent who spent 28 years in law enforcement. He has turned his passion and founded Only2mg and Eagle 6 Training. Only 2mg, Inc. is at the forefront of addressing the catastrophic impact of the illicit fentanyl crisis that has claimed countless lives and torn apart families across the nation. Our name, “Only 2mg,” serves as a stark reminder that a mere two milligrams of fentanyl, an amount smaller than a few grains of salt, can be lethal, underscoring the urgency of our mission. Utilizing his background and experience as a law enforcement officer and educator, Brian founded Eagle 6 Training to deliver speaking, training, and consulting services around the world.
Interview 88- USMC Veteran, Podcast Host and Mindset Coach, Matt Findora
Come meet Matt Findora he served in the USMC for 10 1/2 years as an air traffic controller. He got out in Oct 2021. He is currently working as an air traffic controller, but it’s not his passion. His passion is being a mindset coach for young men, helping them overcome victim mindset so they can achieve purposeful life goals. He focusses on men because men need a lot more support than what they are getting. He’s also a board advisor for 2 local non-profits and a contract speaker for another non-profit. Come listen in on his story!
Interview 89- Navy Veteran and Author D. Paul Flemming
Come meet D. Paul Fleming is a retired 100% Disabled Navy Veteran. He has worked in various roles within both the federal and private sectors, including civil and general construction. He spent 10 years as one of eight nationally elected board members for The Vet-Force, the largest and most successful organization for veteran entrepreneurs, representing over 300 Veteran service groups. Public law 109-461, known as the Vet First Act, has been a key factor in the success of Vet-Force. Along with being a published author, Fleming also works as a consultant for various Veterans groups and advocates. He is dedicated to helping others overcome Trauma, PTSD, and Child abuse through his growing podcast platform and is a strong advocate for Mental health wellness. www.dpaulfleming.com
Interview 90- Army, National Guard Veteran and Crime Stoppers, Rob Santarsiero
Come meet Rob Santarsiero an Army and National Guard Veteran, he spent 7 years in the National Guard and 14.5 years Active Duty in the Army. Then he got into law and become part of Crime Stoppers an independent 501(c)3, non-profit corporation run by a volunteer citizen Board of Directors. We serve the citizens of Brazos County, Texas and work to prevent and solve crime in collaboration with the Brazos County citizens, media, Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, Bryan Police Department, College Station Police Department, Texas A&M University Police Department as well as other Law Enforcement agencies to prevent and solve crime in Brazos County. BCCS works in cooperation with law enforcement and public schools and some charter schools in the county. https://brazoscountycrimestoppers.org
Interview 91- Law Enforcement Officer and Co-Founder of Ireport, Wesley Hartkemeyer
Come meet Wesley Hartkemeyer, he is a passionate law enforcement officer with a mission to bridge the gap between traditional policing and innovative technology. As the co-founder of Ireport, a self-reporting software designed to streamline police processes and enhance public trust, Wesley leverages his extensive experience on the front lines to create solutions that empower both officers and communities. From Patrol Officer to Tech Disruptor, Wesley’s dedication to public service began with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from UW-Stout and a double dose of intensive training at the Chippewa Valley Technical College Police Academies. Since 2017, he has served as a patrol officer with the Madison Police Department, a department of roughly 500 officers. His daily patrol work has instilled a deep understanding of the challenges faced by officers on the ground. Committed to continuous improvement, Wesley has become a Licensed Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) certified instructor, sharing his expertise in firearms, vehicle contacts, and OMVWI enforcement with fellow officers. Ireport: A Vision for a More Efficient and Connected Future. Witnessing firsthand the demands placed on officers and the need for more streamlined processes, Wesley co-founded Ireport. This innovative software empowers officers to create standardized reports electronically, reducing paperwork and freeing up valuable time for community engagement. Wesley’s unique perspective, combining real-world police experience with a forward-thinking approach to technology, positions him as a leader in the movement to revolutionize law enforcement.
Interview 92- Navy Veteran, Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author, Top Rated Podcast Host, John Miles
John R. Miles is a Navy veteran and the host of the “Passion Struck” podcast. His journey is quite inspiring. Having overcome a traumatic brain injury in his childhood, he went on to serve in the military before transitioning to a successful corporate career as a senior executive. John’s journey, marked by challenges such as corporate mismanagement, a violent home invasion, and the loss of a friend, inspired him to advocate for intentional living. He imparts wisdom on resilience, purpose, and the pursuit of one’s true calling through his podcast and book.
Interview 93- USMC Veteran, CEO of Herostock Jason Steiner
Come hangout with Jason Steiner and Bryan as the talk about all things Herostock. With Rolla Missouri and Lebanon Tennessee in the books now the big focus is for a 2-day event in Ashland, Nebraska one night dedicated to rock and the next day dedicated to country. This is an amazing event that show cases Veteran Musicians and nonprofits, and a great way to reconnect with like mired people. This a great interview you’re not going to want to miss
Interview 94- USMC Veteran and Hip-Hop Artist, Ryan Doerrfeld aka Th30ry
Come meet USMC Veteran and Hip-Hop Artist Ryan Doerrfeld AKA Th30ry, come listen to his experiences while serving in the Marines and what separating from the Marines and how he decided to take a passion and make it a dream becoming an independent hip hop artist and being signed by Big Homiez Records. Come listen in as we play 3 of his songs and let me tell you’re in for a treat!!
Interview 95- USMC Veteran, Joey MacAvoy
Come meet Joey MacAvoy a USMC Veteran, come listen in to his experiences while serving as well as what he’s done since he’s gotten out.
Interview 96- Army Veteran TJ Durkin, Founder of Veterans Canna Community and Zachary McCormick
Come meet Army Veteran TJ Durkin, Founder of Veterans Canna Community and Zachary McCormick aka Pops who is dedicated to helping the Veteran community with his knowledge, expertise and connections, he lost a close friend, a Veteran to his inner demons so now it has become his mission to help wherever he can. TJ built the Veterans Canna Community to bring Veterans together to educate fellow brothers and sisters on the benefits of using alternative medicine like Marijuana, how to grow and all the other benefits that come from the plant. This was a great interview; you’re not going to want to miss.
Interview 97- USMC Veteran, Singer & Song Writer Barbara Sim
Come hangout with Barbara and Bryan as they talk about all the great things Barbara has been doing since she was last on the show. She lives in her van and travels the country doing pop up gigs and gets to see what the country has to offer. Barbara has taken advantage of the great opportunities that being a part of nonprofits offer. Come listen in as she talks about her experiences while traveling and all the great things she’s working on.
Interview 98- National Guard Veteran & Founder of a Nonprofit, John Taylor
Come meet John Taylor a National Guard Veteran and Founder of Nonprofit Crossroads Cultural Connections. He talks about his experiences while serving in the Army National Guard from 1999- 2005 and his experience while deploying to the Middle East. He also talks about his nonprofit Formed in 2021, Crossroads Cultural Connections, is a non-profit organization serving Henry County, Illinois and the surrounding area. We are dedicated to the growth and vitality of the region through the celebration of the arts by offering the community arts opportunities, programming, and community events.
Interview 99- Retired Navy Veteran & Podcast Host, Christopher Elder
Come meet Chris Elder retired the Navy after serving 20 years and became a Host of a podcast show called Mil2Vet. He shares his experiences while serving in the Navy and then what it was like for him after he retired and what inspired him to start a podcast show dedicated to helping Veterans transition from the Military to becoming a Veteran, which has been a major issue for most Veterans. mil2vet.com
Interview 100- Justin Donscheski: From Army Reservist to Kawasaki - A Journey of Resilience
On our 100th Interview! Join us for an unforgettable episode as we sit down with Justin Donscheski, a remarkable individual whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Justin spent six years in the United States Army Reserve, facing the challenges of deployment to the Middle East and adapting to various roles to support his mission. The transition back to civilian life was tough, and the loss of his battle buddy to inner demons weighed heavily on him. Determined to support his fallen comrade’s family, Justin found solace and strength in helping his battle buddy’s wife and two children. Their bond grew, leading to a beautiful marriage and the start of a new family. Now thriving in his career at Kawasaki, Justin shares his incredible experiences, the lessons he’s learned, and the resilience that has shaped his path. This interview is packed with heartfelt moments, profound insights, and a testament to the power of perseverance and community. Don’t miss this chance to hear Justin’s story of courage, compassion, and the enduring human spirit. Tune in for an episode that will leave you moved and inspired
Interview 101- Marine Veteran Kevin Gouran’s Journey to Entrepreneurial Success with Doc Good Beard
Kevin Gouran’s story is truly inspiring! From serving as a Marine at such a young age to overcoming personal challenges and eventually finding success in the business world, his journey is remarkable. His transition from military service to civilian life, dealing with addiction, and then finding a new purpose with Doc Good Beard is a testament to his resilience and determination. It’s also touching to hear about his reconnection with a childhood friend and how they turned a simple admiration for beard products into a thriving business. The fact that they caught the attention of Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank speaks volumes about their success. Despite the tragic loss of his friend and business partner to COVID-19, Kevin’s perseverance in continuing the business on his own is commendable.
Interview 102- From Vietnam Combat to Country Life: Marine Veteran Tom Williams' Incredible Journey
Explore the remarkable life of Tom Williams in this installment of “Every Day’s a Saturday – USMC Veteran.” His journey from surmounting childhood adversities and experiencing worldwide travels as a military dependent, to leading Marine units in Vietnam and engaging in the Gulf War, is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Upon retirement, he embraced an agrarian way of life in Australia and is now imparting his wisdom through his forthcoming book series, “Heart of a Marine.” Tune in to discover the priceless insights Tom has gained from his varied and profound life experiences.
Interview 103- Retired Navy Veteran Shahnaz and Her Journey with Mended Sparrow
Come meet Shahnaz Deyette, a retired Navy veteran who served her nation with pride. She recounts her intense experiences surviving four significant natural disasters and the deep effects they left on her. Her narrative also covers her tenure in the Navy, underscoring her commitment and tenacity. Furthermore, Shahnaz, along with her husband, also a retired Navy veteran, established an extraordinary nonprofit named Mended Sparrow, offering equine therapy to fellow veterans. This interview brims with captivating tales, sincere emotions, and priceless wisdom. Tune in for this enriching dialogue with a truly remarkable veteran
Interview 104- USMC Veteran and Warrior-Scholar Project CEO, Ryan Pavel
At 17, Ryan Pavel joined the Marine Corps, which led to two non-combat deployments in Iraq. He later obtained his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Ryan’s teaching roles have included serving as a Teach for America corps member in an inner-city Detroit high school and as an adjunct instructor at the Virginia Military Institute. He has worked with various legal entities, including legal aid organizations and a prominent national law firm. As the CEO of the Warrior-Scholar Project, Ryan Pavel harnesses his firm belief that enlisted veterans possess boundless potential to transform military service into significant contributions in higher education and other fields.
Interview 105- Resilience and Rescue: Lauren Burns' Harrowing Journey
In this riveting interview on “Every Day’s a Saturday – USMC Veteran,” we explore the remarkable story of Lauren Burns. Kidnapped by her father at the tender age of seven and taken to Jordan, Lauren’s mother, Cathy Hopkins, aided by former military specialists, undertook a bold rescue operation. Their efforts led to a thrilling escape across a heavily guarded military border into Israel. Lauren’s inspiring story of resilience and bravery has been highlighted in the Washington Post, New York Times, Reader’s Digest, and People Magazine. It also served as the basis for the NBC television movie, Desperate Rescue: The Cathy Mahone Story, with Mariel Hemingway in the lead role. We invite you to delve into the depths of Lauren’s experiences, which touch on themes of valor, kinship, and the indomitable human spirit.