The Veterans Breakfast Club: Stories That Heal and Connect with Shaun Hall

In this episode of Untold Valor, we sit down with Shaun Hall, Director of Programming at the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC). Since 2008, VBC has created spaces (both in-person and online) where veterans from all eras and branches can share their stories, connect with one another, and preserve history for future generations.Shaun shares how he discovered VBC through his theater work, why storytelling is so powerful in the veteran community, and how the organization pivoted during the pandemic to expand its reach nationwide. From intimate one-on-one interviews to large gatherings with hundreds of attendees, the VBC provides a safe, welcoming place where every veteran’s voice matters. Learn how you can join, listen, and support this mission of connection, healing, and inspiration.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:Shaun’s journey from theater to the VBCHow VBC grew from local breakfasts in Pittsburgh to a national communityThe power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspirePreserving stories through magazines, history projects, and one-on-one interviewsWhy listening is the best way to thank a veteran0:00 – Intro1:01 – Getting to know Shaun and VBC6:16 – The power of storytelling7:22 – VBC events and getting involved11:36 – Highlighting lesser-known conflicts and stories 16:09 – Shaun’s message to listenersShaun HallShaun is host and producer of VBC’s podcast, The Scuttlebutt. He is not a veteran but has a passion for veterans’ stories. Shaun received his BFA in Acting from Point Park University in 2004 and has spent over a decade in the non-profit sector supporting missions that focus on storytelling. Veterans Breakfast Club https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/OTHER RESOURCESNeed immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzgVoice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoyCompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryUInformation on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWSView more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q