16| Brian Gilman and John Barklow

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.A core pillar of our Built for More Program—and really all of our programs from the beginning—is the deep immersion in nature that participants experience in our programs.In this exciting episode, we welcome John Barklow, Senior Product Manager at Sitka along with Brian Gilman, CEO of Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW). Together, we dive into one of WQW’s favorite topics—the transformative power of nature. Brian and John discuss how WQW’s partnership with Sitka was formed and why nature plays a crucial role in veterans' post-military transition. John shares his personal journey from military service to becoming a leader in the outdoor and hunting community, reflecting on the challenges he faced and how time spent outdoors helped him navigate life after service.We explore the science behind WQW’s Built for More program, which immerses veterans in nature with a purpose. Brian explains the physiological and psychological benefits of outdoor experiences, while John shares personal stories of how the wilderness has shaped his life.As avid hunters, both guests discuss their love for hunting, their most memorable hunting experiences, and what the sport has taught them. John also provides expert advice for veterans looking to get into hunting, and offers practical survival tips for thriving in unforgiving outdoor environments.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about adventure, perseverance, and the healing power of nature! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.