The MisFitNation

What happens when the military career you planned ends unexpectedly—and the civilian world tells you the experience you spent years building somehow “doesn’t count”? In this episode of The MisFitNation, U.S. Navy veteran Diana Ocasio shares her powerful journey from military service to entrepreneurship, identity rebuilding, and helping other veterans and military spouses recognize the value of the skills they already have. Diana served nearly a decade in the Navy as a Yeoman Petty Officer Second Class and Command Career Counselor, helping sailors manage careers, records, personnel issues, and the complex systems behind military life. She planned to serve 20 years, but a medical discharge in 2016 abruptly changed that path. At nearly the same time, her marriage ended, leaving Diana navigating civilian life as a newly separated veteran, single mother of three, student, and job seeker. The transition was anything but easy. Diana describes years of feeling lost, struggling to translate her military experience into the civilian workforce, and hearing employers dismiss her background because it wasn’t earned in a traditional corporate environment. Instead of allowing those experiences to define her future, she began building a new one. Today, Diana is the founder of Mission Driven Digital, a veteran-owned business systems and growth studio that helps small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, veterans, and military spouses build the backend systems they need to grow without creating more chaos. She is also the creator of Mission to Monetize, a program designed to help veterans and military spouses identify transferable military skills and turn those skills into potential income through freelancing, service-based businesses, digital products, content creation, and entrepreneurship. Diana and host Rich LaMonica explore the realities of military transition, veteran employment, entrepreneurship, identity after service, technology overwhelm, military spouse careers, and translating military skills into civilian value. They also discuss why Diana believes veterans should keep an open mind about what comes next. A traditional job is not the only option. The organization, leadership, communication, administration, problem-solving, personnel management, research, and operational skills developed during military service may already provide the foundation for a business, freelance career, or new professional mission. In this episode: Diana’s path from young mother to U.S. Navy sailor Making E-5 within her first two years of service Life as a Navy Yeoman and Command Career Counselor An unexpected medical discharge after nearly a decade of service Becoming a single mother and jobless veteran during transition Why leaving the military can create an identity crisis Being told military experience “doesn’t count” in the civilian workforce Challenges veterans face during the military-to-civilian transition Why veteran transition programs may not prepare everyone for entrepreneurship Translating military skills into civilian careers and income Building a veteran-owned business from the ground up How Mission Driven Digital helps entrepreneurs manage backend systems Why one working system can be better than five unfinished tools Overcoming technology overwhelm as a new business owner Helping veterans identify skills people will pay for Business opportunities for military spouses Why female veterans remain an underserved part of the veteran community Entrepreneurship, motherhood, identity, and rebuilding after service How listening to people’s problems can reveal business opportunities The value of continually adding new “tools to your toolbox” Finding purpose and creating a new mission after the uniform comes off Diana’s story is a reminder that leaving the military does not erase the experience, leadership, discipline, and skills built during service. Sometimes the next mission is not about starting over. It is about learning how to recognize the value you already carry. Connect with Diana Ocasio Visit MissionDrivenDigital.org to learn more about Mission Driven Digital, Mission to Monetize, business resources, templates, and tools for veterans, military spouses, and entrepreneurs. About The MisFitNation The MisFitNation features conversations with veterans, entrepreneurs, authors, leaders, and people who have faced adversity, rebuilt their lives, and continued moving forward. Follow or subscribe to The MisFitNation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the power goes out, the roads are blocked, and 911 can’t get to you? For Patrick Thibeault, preparedness isn’t a theory. It was forged in places where hesitation, poor training, and bad decisions could cost lives. In this episode of The MisFitNation, Rich LaMonica sits down with Patrick — retired U.S. Army combat veteran, former combat medic, paratrooper and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment flight medic, ICU registered nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner, author, survivalist, and creator of the Total Preparedness Program. Patrick served during Desert Storm and Afghanistan, treated casualties under extreme conditions, and later carried those lessons into civilian medicine. Today, he teaches ordinary people how to become more capable when the systems they normally rely on suddenly aren’t available. And one message runs through this entire conversation: Buying emergency gear is not the same thing as being prepared. Patrick explains why skills, repetition, mindset, and knowing your limitations matter far more than filling a closet with survival equipment. You’ll hear why he believes one of the most important medical skills a family can learn is how to properly use a tourniquet, what belongs in a realistic trauma kit, why people need to actually practice with their equipment, and how staying calm can dramatically change the outcome of a high-pressure situation. Patrick also shares a powerful reminder that even experienced preppers get caught off guard. When severe storms hit his area, his solar backup failed, his generator developed a broken fuel line, his sump pump stopped working, and his basement flooded. Instead of hiding the failure, Patrick uses it as a lesson: You cannot prepare for everything — but you can learn from every failure. In this episode: The emergency medical skill Patrick believes every family should know Why you should own two tourniquets — one for emergencies and one for training What belongs in a practical trauma and medical kit Why skills matter more than expensive survival gear Staying calm when everyone around you is panicking Preparing when EMS or hospitals may be hours away Why children should learn age-appropriate emergency skills Ham radio, GMRS, CB radio, and backup communication Land navigation and survival training Why the “lone wolf” approach to preparedness can fail Building a network of people with complementary skills Food storage, gardening, freeze-drying, and long-term self-reliance Preparing for children, older adults, and family members with medical needs What combat taught Patrick about pressure, resilience, and decision-making His transition from an elite military environment to McDonald’s, CNA work, nursing, and becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner How veterans can rebuild identity and purpose after military service Why teaching preparedness has helped Patrick reclaim part of what combat took from him One of the most revealing moments comes when Patrick describes what combat can do to a person: It can take part of your soul. For Patrick, teaching others has become one way of putting some of that back. That turns this episode into something larger than a conversation about prepping. It’s about service, resilience, humility, competence, community, and becoming the person others can depend on when life goes sideways. Whether you're a veteran, parent, first responder, healthcare professional, prepper, survivalist, or simply want your family to be more prepared for the unexpected, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what being “ready” actually means. Learn More About Patrick Thibeault Total Preparedness Program: https://tpp.suburbanprepper.com/ Patrick's Total Preparedness Program covers hundreds of lessons involving medical readiness, emergency planning, survival skills, communication, land navigation, food preparedness, gardening, city survival, self-reliance, and more. Search Suburban Prepper on YouTube for Patrick's additional preparedness content. A Question to Consider If the power went out tonight and emergency services couldn't reach your family for several hours… Would you have the skills to handle what happens next? Follow The MisFitNation for more conversations with veterans, leaders, survivors, entrepreneurs, authors, and people who have turned adversity into purpose. Be humble. Stay hungry. Keep hustling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the military justice system gets it wrong—and where can a service member turn when the system meant to deliver justice refuses to reconsider the case? Arvis Owens returns to The MisFitNation for a powerful and challenging conversation about wrongful convictions, military justice, false accusations, due process, court-martials, UCMJ reform, and the lack of an independent system for reviewing disputed military convictions. A 1995 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Arvis served as a Supply Officer in the United States Navy and rose to the rank of Commander before being accused and convicted at a military court-martial—a conviction he maintains was wrongful. That experience changed the direction of his life. Today, Arvis advocates for service members, veterans, and military families who believe they have been falsely accused, wrongfully convicted, or denied meaningful due process. And his argument is not that legitimate victims should receive less protection. It is that true victims deserve justice—and the accused deserve a fair, evidence-based process too. In this episode, Arvis updates The MisFitNation on what has happened since his previous appearance, including his outreach to members of Congress, his efforts to bring greater attention to disputed military convictions, and his push for an independent civilian-led Conviction Integrity Unit or Innocence Project for military cases. Arvis argues that the existing military appeals process is not enough for service members who believe critical evidence was ignored, excluded, or never properly considered. The conversation also explores a lesser-known consequence of military investigations: according to Arvis, some service members can continue to face significant administrative and database consequences even when they were never convicted at court-martial—or were ultimately found not guilty. Arvis also discusses what he says is a growing shift from traditional court-martial proceedings toward administrative actions and nonjudicial processes, where different evidentiary standards may apply. Throughout the conversation, Rich and Arvis tackle difficult questions: Can someone be wrongfully convicted inside the military justice system? What options exist for a service member who believes their conviction was unjust? Why doesn't the military have the equivalent of a civilian Innocence Project or independent conviction integrity unit? What happens when potentially exculpatory evidence is excluded? Can a service member continue to experience consequences even after being found not guilty? How do we protect legitimate victims of sexual assault and domestic violence while also protecting the due process rights of the accused? And what would meaningful military justice reform actually look like? For Arvis, the answer begins with something simple but fundamental: Follow the evidence. He believes an independent civilian body should have the authority to review disputed military convictions, identify potential miscarriages of justice, and recommend corrective action when warranted. Arvis says his advocacy has now connected him with hundreds of service members and military families seeking guidance, and he continues to hear from people who believe the system failed them. Some cases, he says, have evidence supporting claims of innocence. Others do not. And Arvis is clear that advocacy should not mean automatically believing everyone who says they were wrongfully accused. He argues that evidence must remain the standard on both sides. This episode of The MisFitNation is a difficult, provocative, and necessary examination of a part of the American justice system most civilians rarely see. If you are active duty, a veteran, part of a military family, an attorney, an advocate for victims, a supporter of due process, or someone interested in criminal justice reform, this conversation raises questions that deserve serious discussion. Because justice cannot simply mean securing a conviction. Justice must also mean having the courage to correct one when the evidence shows something went wrong. Listen now to Wrongly Convicted in the Military: Arvis Owens Is Fighting to Change the System on The MisFitNation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really mean to become a strong man—and can you still change your life after decades of mistakes, setbacks, and hard lessons? On this episode of The MisFitNation, Rich LaMonica sits down with Victor Bretting, author of *The Man That I Would Become* and founder of Bretting Texan Ranch, for a powerful conversation about faith, perseverance, masculinity, servant leadership, conservation, and the legacy we leave behind. Victor grew up without a father, watching his single mother work 60-hour weeks to provide for their family. Coaches became father figures, sports taught him discipline, and after losing his opportunity to continue college, a tough lesson from his mother sent him searching for his next chapter. That journey eventually became a nearly 50-year career in construction, where Victor built companies, led people, made mistakes, and discovered that leadership requires far more than being the toughest person in the room. For much of his life, Victor believed strength meant carrying the pressure, pushing forward, providing for his family, and never showing weakness. It took failed relationships, hard-earned perspective, and eventually writing his memoir to recognize something was missing: empathy. Today, his definition of strength looks very different. Victor talks candidly about why men need permission to communicate, feel, ask for help, and admit when they don't have all the answers. He also addresses the devastating suicide rate within the construction industry and why creating spaces where men can actually talk matters. His transformation didn't stop with business. What began as a retirement dream became Bretting Texan Ranch in North Texas—a family-centered operation with a mission of conservation, mentorship, service, and giving back. The ranch has donated dozens of hunts and experiences to combat veterans, terminally ill children, and faith-based youth organizations. Victor also takes us inside his life as an international sportsman, from hunting more than 140 species across six continents to tracking Cape buffalo in Mozambique and participating in rhino conservation efforts in Africa. He explains why responsible hunters and ranchers can play an important role in wildlife conservation and protecting species for future generations. But perhaps the most powerful part of Victor's story is when he found his greater mission. It wasn't at 25. It wasn't at 40. It came in his 60s. For anyone who believes they've wasted too many years, made too many mistakes, or missed their opportunity to become someone different, Victor has a message: It's not too late. Believe in yourself. Get off the couch. Keep moving forward. And persevere until you find the light at the end of the tunnel. In this episode: • Growing up without a father and finding mentors through sports • The lesson from Victor's mother that changed his life • Nearly 50 years of leadership lessons from construction • Why strength without empathy can become a weakness • Men, mental health, and learning to ask for help • Faith and perseverance during difficult seasons • Servant leadership and what it means to lead from the front • Learning from mistakes instead of being defined by them • Hunting, conservation, and protecting endangered species • Giving back to combat veterans and youth through Bretting Texan Ranch • Why Victor wrote *The Man That I Would Become* • Redefining success, purpose, and legacy later in life • Three things you can start doing tomorrow to become better Learn more about Victor Bretting, his book, and Bretting Texan Ranch: https://brettingtexanranch.com/ Follow The MisFitNation for more conversations with veterans, leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, and people who have been tested by life and turned those experiences into something that can impact others: https://www.themisfitnation.com/ If this conversation resonates with you, follow The MisFitNation on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Victor's message. Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling. We are The MisFitNation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ToosDay Crüe, presented by The MisFitNation, welcomes legendary investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author Cathy Scott for an unforgettable deep dive into some of America's most notorious true crime investigations. Known for her groundbreaking books on Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Robert Durst, Susan Berman, and true crime icon Ann Rule, Cathy shares decades of investigative reporting and the real stories behind the headlines. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why Cathy believes the Tupac murder case was always solvable • Her firsthand reporting on the investigations into Tupac and Biggie • The Robert Durst case and the murder of Susan Berman • Behind-the-scenes stories from writing about Ann Rule • What television gets wrong about investigative journalism • Las Vegas organized crime and mob history • Cold cases that continue to haunt her • Audience questions covering journalism, murder investigations, and unsolved mysteries Whether you're a true crime fanatic, an aspiring journalist, or simply fascinated by the pursuit of truth, this conversation delivers an inside look at how major investigations unfold and what it really takes to uncover the facts. About Cathy Scott Cathy Scott is a New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestselling author and award-winning investigative journalist. Her books include The Killing of Tupac Shakur, The Murder of Biggie Smalls, and The First Lady of True Crime: Ann Rule. She has appeared as a crime expert on CNN, Dateline NBC, A&E, Investigation Discovery, and numerous national media outlets. Connect with The MisFitNation 🌐 Website: https://www.themisfitnation.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 📧 Contact: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Presented by The MisFitNation Where powerful stories, veteran voices, authors, creators, entrepreneurs, musicians, and leaders come together to inspire, educate, and build community. Subscribe for new episodes of The ToosDay Crüe every week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the mission ends—but the hardest battle is just beginning? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Jake welcomes Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Michael Carmichael, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret with 26 years of service, including 22 years in Special Forces and 10 combat deployments across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and the Middle East. After retiring from one of America's most elite military units, Michael faced an enemy he never expected: isolation, loss of purpose, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Instead of surrendering to that battle, he founded Check A Vet, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing veteran suicide through community, accountability, education, and meaningful human connection. Together, Jake and Michael discuss: • Life inside the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) • The difficult transition from military service to civilian life • PTSD, moral injury, and the invisible wounds of war • Why loneliness is one of the greatest threats facing veterans today • The reality behind veteran suicide statistics • Leadership lessons forged in combat and carried into everyday life • How families, friends, and civilians can recognize warning signs and help • Why simply checking on someone can save a life This episode is an honest conversation about resilience, purpose, service, and hope. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military family member, or someone who wants to better understand the challenges facing those who served, this discussion offers insight that could make a lasting impact. If this episode resonates with you, please follow The MisFitNation, leave a five-star review, and share this conversation with someone who needs to hear it. Remember: No veteran should ever fight alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to earn the trust of one of America's most respected communities when you have none of the traditional credentials? In this powerful episode of The ToosDay Crüe Show, Stephen and Jake sit down with Anna Redmond, Founder & CEO of Brav, to discuss her unlikely journey from Harvard and venture capital into the world of physical security, where she built a company trusted by veterans, first responders, and organizations across the country. Anna shares how she entered an industry where she had no military or law enforcement background, why humility became her greatest leadership tool, and how surrounding herself with experienced professionals helped transform an ambitious idea into a thriving business. The conversation also explores her latest venture, AllCoin, an innovative platform preserving the legacy of military and first responder challenge coins through blockchain technology—ensuring that the stories, service, and sacrifice behind every coin are never lost. Along the way, the crew dives into entrepreneurship, servant leadership, trust, security, resilience, innovation, and the value of doing hard things. Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, business owner, first responder, or someone looking for the courage to take your own leap into the unknown, this episode delivers practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and plenty of laughs. In This Episode: • Building credibility in an industry where you're the outsider • Leadership lessons learned from veterans and first responders • Why humility is one of the greatest business advantages • How Brav is changing physical security consulting • The future of digital challenge coins through AllCoin • Entrepreneurship, innovation, and taking calculated risks • Why "Do Hard Things" is more than just a slogan • The importance of preserving military traditions for future generations If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow The ToosDay Crüe Show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's building something bigger than themselves. Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the mission ends, the uniform comes off, and the survival skills that once made you strong begin working against you? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Sonya Achara, a United States Marine Corps veteran, former Gunnery Sergeant, author, speaker, and founder of the Human Potential Project. Sonya served 14 years in the Marine Corps, including a deployment to Afghanistan, recruiting duty in Kansas, leadership assignments at Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton, and service as a Force Fitness Instructor Trainer at the Martial Arts and Fitness Center of Excellence. Throughout her career, she became known for discipline, physical strength, motivation, and leadership. She served as a radio operator, martial arts instructor, marksmanship coach, recruiter, bodybuilding competitor, mentor, and senior enlisted leader. But beneath that strength were emotional and subconscious patterns she did not yet fully understand. After leaving the military while also ending a toxic relationship, Sonya faced a new battle: discovering who she was beyond the Marine Corps, beyond constant performance, and beyond survival mode. That journey led her to study the nervous system, emotional intelligence, subconscious conditioning, attachment styles, neuroscience, human consciousness, and transformational leadership. In this conversation, Sonya explains how childhood experiences, military conditioning, toxic relationships, and unresolved trauma can influence the way people lead, love, react, perform, and view themselves. She also challenges the idea that relentless discipline, hyper-independence, emotional suppression, and constant achievement are always signs of strength. In some cases, they may be survival responses hiding in plain sight. Sonya shares how a difficult childhood shaped her desire to find belonging through athletics and the Marine Corps. She reflects on the leadership lessons she learned from both effective and ineffective leaders and explains why genuine leadership is rooted in consistency, humility, example, trust, and care—not fear, rank, or intimidation. She also discusses how recruiting duty changed her understanding of influence. She could not force anyone to join the Marine Corps. She had to inspire people through the way she carried herself, the relationships she built, and the standard she modeled. The episode explores how the nervous system can become stuck in fight-or-flight mode and why people often repeat unhealthy relationship patterns. Sonya explains that people frequently choose what feels familiar rather than what is actually healthy. That insight became a turning point in her own healing. Through self-awareness, accountability, emotional regulation, boundaries, compassion, and nervous-system work, Sonya began changing patterns that had followed her from childhood into the military, relationships, leadership, and motherhood. She shares how this work transformed the way she responds to conflict, co-parents, listens, sets boundaries, and repairs connection after emotional reactions. Sonya also discusses the difference between understanding trauma intellectually and actually embodying change. Knowing why a pattern exists is not the same as recognizing it in real time and choosing a healthier response. The conversation also addresses a question many military families struggle with: How do you support a veteran who refuses to talk about what they are going through? Sonya’s advice is simple but important: do not force disclosure, do not try to fix everything, and do not underestimate the power of consistent presence. Sometimes the most meaningful support is listening without judgment, pressure, interruption, or an immediate solution. This episode is for veterans, first responders, military families, leaders, parents, high performers, and anyone who has spent years believing they must carry everything alone. It is an invitation to examine whether your discipline comes from purpose or from a need to prove your worth. It asks whether your relationships are built on security or familiarity. Most importantly, it reminds listeners that the patterns they developed to survive are not necessarily who they truly are. In This Episode Sonya and Rich discuss: Her journey from a difficult childhood to collegiate athletics and the Marine Corps Why she chose the toughest military branch Her experience as a radio operator, recruiter, martial arts instructor, marksmanship coach, bodybuilder, and Gunnery Sergeant Her deployment to Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province How hypervigilance can develop before military service and intensify during it The difference between fear-based leadership and authentic leadership Why yelling, humiliation, and intimidation do not build strong teams The emotional impact of leaving the military and a toxic relationship at the same time How childhood experiences shape adult relationships Why people often confuse familiarity with safety Anxious, avoidant, disorganized, and secure attachment patterns What it means to live in survival mode How emotional suppression can lead to explosive reactions The difference between intellectual understanding and embodied healing How boundaries and accountability improve relationships The role of repair after conflict Why constant achievement may be connected to unresolved trauma How veterans and high performers can lose themselves in performance Why some people listen to respond instead of listening to understand How families can support veterans who do not want to talk Why vulnerability can create safety for others The importance of humility, compassion, and personal responsibility Key Takeaways Strength is not emotional suppression. Real strength includes recognizing, processing, and communicating what you feel. Familiar does not always mean safe. People often repeat unhealthy patterns because those patterns resemble what their nervous system already knows. Leadership is demonstrated through behavior. Trust, consistency, humility, compassion, and example influence people more effectively than fear. Healing requires accountability. Understanding where a pattern came from does not remove responsibility for changing it. You cannot force someone to open up. Supporting a veteran may begin with patience, compassion, presence, and listening. Discipline can come from purpose or pain. Achievement may be meaningful, but it can also be driven by fear, shame, insecurity, or the belief that worth must be earned. Repair matters. Healthy relationships do not require perfection. They require honesty, accountability, and reconnection after conflict. Your patterns are not your identity. The responses that helped you survive may not reflect who you are capable of becoming. About Sonya Achara Sonya Achara is a United States Marine Corps veteran, former Gunnery Sergeant, author, speaker, and transformational leader. She is the founder of the Human Potential Project and the author of Remember Who You Are: My Journey to Higher Consciousness. Her work helps veterans, first responders, leaders, and high performers identify subconscious survival patterns, regulate their nervous systems, strengthen emotional intelligence, build healthier relationships, and reconnect with purpose. She also hosts the Identity Recode Masterclass, focused on subconscious patterns, healing, relationships, leadership, and personal transformation. Connect With Sonya Achara Website: sonyaachara.com Instagram: @rememberwhoyouare Facebook: Sonya Achara Connect With The MisFitNation Visit themisfitnation.com for past episodes, community updates, guest interviews, and MisFitNation merchandise. Follow the show for more conversations with veterans, first responders, authors, entrepreneurs, athletes, leaders, and changemakers who have transformed adversity into purpose. What survival pattern have you mistaken for part of your personality? Share this episode with a veteran, leader, parent, first responder, or high performer who needs the reminder that healing is possible. Be humble. Stay hungry. Keep hustling. Because we are MisFitNation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the career that helped define you ends—and life hands you an entirely different mission? U.S. Air Force EOD veteran Erin Willoby, founder of Buffalo Gals Company, joins The Toosday Crüe for a deeply personal conversation about military service, identity, marriage, caregiving, resilience and finding purpose after leaving the military. Erin entered the Air Force in 2002 and took on one of the military’s toughest career fields: Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). At a time when female EOD technicians were still extraordinarily rare, Erin remembers being told that women typically didn’t make it through the training. She took that as a challenge. Erin graduated from EOD school at Eglin Air Force Base and earned her place in the EOD community. But her military career took an unexpected turn when asthma and medical concerns forced her to confront a devastating decision: continue pursuing the career she loved or step away rather than risk putting herself or another technician in danger. Leaving active duty also created a struggle many veterans understand—the loss of identity that can come when military service ends before you expected it to. But Erin's story was far from over. Years later, her husband and fellow EOD technician, Stephen, suffered a catastrophic diving accident that left him with a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. At the time, Erin and Stephen had already divorced. Then one phone call changed everything. As Stephen fought for his life, the problems that had once seemed large suddenly became insignificant. Erin returned to his side, the two reconnected, and eventually remarried from his hospital bed before beginning the long road of rehabilitation and rebuilding their lives together. Erin opens up about becoming a military caregiver, learning how to build a marriage again under unimaginable circumstances, and the hard-earned lessons they discovered about communication, forgiveness, grace and fighting for one another. She also shares one piece of advice for caregivers and military families facing a life-changing injury: The situation you are facing today may feel impossible—but with each day, you learn, adapt and become better equipped to face what comes next. The conversation also explores Erin's continued connection to the EOD community and her struggle with feeling worthy of calling herself an EOD technician because her active-duty career was cut short. The Crüe has a very different message for her: You volunteered. You completed the training. You earned the badge. You were EOD. Period. That identity eventually became part of Erin's next mission. A lifelong artist, Erin began using creativity as a form of therapy. What started as artwork eventually grew into Buffalo Gals Company, where she creates original art, apparel, gifts and designs inspired by the EOD, military, veteran, first responder and public-service communities. Her work also provides another way to give back to the EOD family that has meant so much to her. In this episode, Erin and The Toosday Crüe discuss: Becoming a female Air Force EOD technician What EOD school was really like Women in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Leaving the military because of a medical condition Losing your identity after military service The bond of the EOD community Life as both an EOD veteran and military spouse Stephen's catastrophic spinal cord injury Becoming a military caregiver Divorce, reconciliation and remarrying from a hospital bed Marriage after catastrophic injury Caregiver burnout, communication and resilience Veteran mental health and identity after service Finding purpose after leaving the military Using art as therapy Veteran entrepreneurship Founding Buffalo Gals Company Creating EOD artwork with deeper meaning Giving back to the EOD Warrior Foundation and EOD community Erin’s story is ultimately about something many veterans, caregivers and military families understand: The mission can change without your purpose disappearing. Sometimes rebuilding becomes the mission. Sometimes caregiving becomes the mission. Sometimes creating something meaningful from everything you've survived becomes the mission. And sometimes the community you thought you left behind reminds you that you were part of it all along. Learn more about Erin Willoby and Buffalo Gals Company: https://buffalogalsco.com/ Follow The Toosday Crüe / Misfit Nation for more conversations with veterans, military families, first responders, entrepreneurs and everyday people with extraordinary stories of service, adversity, resilience and purpose. If this episode resonates with you, follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share it with a veteran, military spouse, caregiver, EOD technician or anyone navigating a major life transition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to transition from nearly 20 years as a U.S. Army Green Beret to becoming one of the newest voices in military thriller fiction? In this powerful episode of MisFitNation, host Stephen Box sits down with US Army Special Forces veteran and author Alex Dekker for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, purpose, and life after military service. Alex shares his incredible journey from serving with the legendary 5th Special Forces Group and U.S. Army Special Operations Command to writing his debut novel, Desert Heist. Drawing from years of deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, and other high-risk environments, he discusses how real-world experiences shaped both his leadership philosophy and his storytelling. This episode dives deep into the realities of Special Operations, the misconceptions Hollywood gets wrong about Green Berets, the importance of discipline over motivation, and the challenging but rewarding transition from military service to becoming a published author with Simon & Schuster. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, aspiring writer, leader, or simply a fan of military history and action thrillers, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons that extend far beyond the battlefield. In This Episode You'll Discover: Alex Dekker's journey from Army brat to Green Beret Life inside U.S. Army Special Forces Leadership lessons learned in combat The truth about Special Operations teams How Desert Heist was inspired by real experiences Transitioning from military service to publishing Building discipline, resilience, and purpose after service Advice for aspiring authors and veterans Why teamwork always beats the lone hero mentality The importance of checking on your brothers and sisters after service Alex also shares the incredible story of how a manuscript written between deployments eventually landed him a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster, proving that persistence, preparation, and purpose can open doors you never imagined. If you're searching for authentic conversations about military service, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming life's toughest challenges, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Subscribe to MisFitNation for more conversations with military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, authors, athletes, and everyday heroes who continue serving long after the uniform comes off. About Alex Dekker Alex Dekker is a retired U.S. Army Green Beret who spent nearly two decades serving in Special Operations, including assignments with the legendary 5th Special Forces Group and U.S. Army Special Operations Command. A Georgetown University graduate, Arabic speaker, lifelong student of history, and world traveler, Alex now brings his real-world experiences to life through military fiction with his debut novel, Desert Heist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of life's toughest battles aren't fought on the battlefield—they're fought within. In this unforgettable episode of The ToosDay Crüe, host Cagney welcomes Brandon Burton, a retired U.S. Army veteran whose 20-year military career included two deployments to Afghanistan, seven years as an instructor, and leading soldiers as a Company Commander. Brandon's experiences shaped more than his military career—they transformed his understanding of leadership, humility, responsibility, and what it truly means to care for the people entrusted to you. Inspired by becoming a grandfather, Brandon wrote Authority Without Control, a memoir that goes beyond traditional military stories. Rather than focusing solely on combat, he shares powerful lessons about servant leadership, personal accountability, healing from trauma, fatherhood, marriage, and the lifelong pursuit of becoming a better leader. Throughout the conversation, Brandon discusses: • Why leadership is about influence—not control • Lessons learned from Afghanistan • Toxic leadership versus servant leadership • Transitioning from military to civilian life • PTSD, self-care, and asking for help • Building trust inside organizations and families • The inspiration behind Authority Without Control • Advice for young leaders beginning their journey Whether you're a veteran, first responder, business owner, manager, coach, parent, or someone searching for practical leadership wisdom, this episode delivers authentic stories and meaningful takeaways that extend far beyond the military. Featured Guest Brandon Burton • Retired U.S. Army Veteran • Combat Engineer • Afghanistan Veteran • Leadership Author • Speaker • Author of Authority Without Control In This Episode • Serving after 9/11 • Combat engineering • Military leadership • Company command • Building strong teams • Leading with humility • Healing after service • Becoming a grandfather • Writing a leadership memoir • Lessons every leader should know If this episode inspired you, please follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with someone striving to become a better leader. Every download helps us continue bringing authentic conversations to the Misfit Nation community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the institution you trusted to build you nearly breaks you? In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of The MisFitNation Podcast, Navy veteran, podcaster, mentor, and mental health advocate Mr. Whiskey shares the difficult realities many service members experience but few openly discuss. Joining the U.S. Navy at just 17 years old, Mr. Whiskey expected purpose, brotherhood, and leadership. Instead, he found himself navigating toxic leadership, overwhelming pressure inside the Navy's elite nuclear training pipeline, addiction, suicide, broken systems, and a culture that too often ignored the emotional wellbeing of those serving. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, he transformed pain into purpose by creating a platform dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, and anyone battling life's darkest moments. During this powerful conversation, we discuss: • Toxic leadership inside the military and its lasting effects • The hidden mental health struggles facing today's service members • Suicide prevention and why the statistics don't tell the whole story • Emotional intelligence and what great leaders do differently • Mentorship, accountability, and changing military culture • Childhood trauma and how it follows many into military service • Finding hope, healing, and purpose after military life • Why humor can become one of our greatest tools for resilience This isn't simply another military interview. It's an honest conversation about leadership, responsibility, healing, and creating a future where service members are supported before they become another statistic. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty military member, first responder, leader, family member, or someone searching for hope through difficult seasons, this episode offers powerful insights that extend far beyond military service. Learn More from Mr. Whiskey Visit CoupleOnNukes.com to explore his podcast, educational resources, speaking engagements, books, and free content focused on leadership, resilience, mental health, and personal growth. Explore More from MisFitNation Visit TheMisFitNation.com for hundreds of inspiring interviews featuring veterans, entrepreneurs, first responders, athletes, musicians, authors, and leaders who prove that adversity doesn't define your future—it strengthens it. If this conversation impacted you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear its message. Remember: Your story isn't over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if one of the toughest battles a service member faces isn't on the battlefield—but within themselves? In this compelling episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Leah Stiles, retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, Founder and CEO of SEA WAVES, to discuss the often-overlooked issue of eating disorders within the military community. For more than 20 years, Leah served her country while privately fighting an eating disorder, a struggle hidden behind the expectations of strength, discipline, and resilience. Today, she has transformed that experience into a national mission, leading SEA WAVES to provide education, advocacy, prevention, and resources for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families affected by eating disorders and mental health challenges. Together, Rich and Leah explore the realities of military culture, the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and why asking for help is one of the greatest acts of courage. In This Episode You'll Discover: • Leah Stiles' remarkable journey from Navy Senior Chief to nonprofit founder • Why eating disorders remain one of the military's least discussed mental health challenges • The connection between trauma, military service, perfectionism, and recovery • How leaders can identify warning signs and create supportive environments • The mission and impact of SEA WAVES in the military community • Practical insights into resilience, healing, and breaking the stigma around mental health Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, healthcare professional, leader, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this conversation offers powerful lessons in courage, resilience, and hope. Learn more about SEA WAVES: https://www.sea-waves.org/ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow The MisFitNation Show, leave a rating and review, and share this conversation to help amplify awareness around mental health and support those who may be struggling in silence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does over two decades of military leadership teach about war, leadership, service, and America's future? In this episode of **The MisFitNation**, we welcome **Lt. Col. Paul Darling**, a 23-year U.S. Army veteran, West Point graduate, combat leader, author of *Taliban Safari*, host of the **War 102 Podcast**, and advocate for veteran suicide prevention through **Real Plastic Heroes**. Paul shares honest perspectives on combat leadership, lessons from Afghanistan, military reform, recruiting America's next generation of warriors, and why every citizen should better understand the profession of arms. He also discusses the realities of serving in today's military, developing resilient leaders, supporting veterans after service, and preserving the values that strengthen our nation. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone passionate about service and personal growth, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and thought-provoking insight. In this episode: • Leadership lessons forged in combat • The biggest mistakes America made in Afghanistan • The military recruiting crisis • Why accountability matters in leadership • Raising resilient leaders • Supporting veterans beyond the uniform • Real Plastic Heroes and veteran suicide awareness • The War 102 Podcast and military education Connect with Paul Darling 🌐 Real Plastic Heroes https://realplasticheroes.com/ 🎙️ War 102 Podcast https://war102.buzzsprout.com Connect with The MisFitNation 🌐 https://www.themisfitnation.com ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation If you enjoy conversations with military leaders, first responders, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and people who continue serving long after the uniform comes off, be sure to follow The MisFitNation and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that inspire resilience, purpose, and service. Remember... Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when someone you love is spiraling into addiction or a mental health crisis—and they refuse help? This week on The ToosDay Crüe, a MisFitNation Production, Cagney welcomes nationally recognized attorney Mark Astor for one of our most important conversations yet. After more than three decades practicing law, Mark has become one of the country's leading advocates for families navigating addiction, mental illness, involuntary treatment, guardianship, and the legal complexities surrounding the Baker Act and Marchman Act. In this powerful discussion, Mark shares his remarkable journey—from prosecuting violent felony cases to dedicating his career to helping families save loved ones caught in the devastating grip of substance abuse and mental illness. Together, we explore the legal realities most people never learn until they're in crisis, including why waiting for someone to "hit rock bottom" can be a fatal mistake. Whether you're a parent, spouse, veteran, first responder, healthcare professional, recovery advocate, attorney, or someone searching for answers, this episode delivers practical knowledge, compassion, and hope. In This Episode • Mark Astor's incredible career transformation • Understanding the Baker Act and Marchman Act • Mental illness vs. addiction: what families need to know • Why trauma is often the hidden cause of addiction • Helping someone who refuses treatment • The legal rights families have during a crisis • Veterans and the challenges of mental health care • Common misconceptions surrounding involuntary treatment • Why early intervention saves lives • Hope, recovery, and finding purpose through service This isn't just another interview. It's a conversation that has the potential to change lives. If someone you love is struggling, don't wait until tomorrow to start looking for answers. Connect with Attorney Mark Astor 🌐 Mental Health & Addiction Law Firm https://mentalhealthaddictionlawfirm.com 🌐 Baker Act Attorneys https://bakeractattorneys.com ▶️ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@astorsimovitchlaw 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astorsimovitchlaw 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/markastor/ 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astorsimovitchlaw/ About The ToosDay Crüe The ToosDay Crüe is the flagship podcast of MisFitNation, where authentic conversations inspire action. Every week we feature veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, nonprofit leaders, and everyday people making an extraordinary impact. We believe in resilience. We believe in community. We believe every story has the power to help someone else. If today's conversation inspired you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Because sometimes one conversation can save a life. Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling. Welcome to MisFitNation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when history isn't learned from textbooks—but from your own family? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica sits down with author Heidi Langbein-Allen to discuss the remarkable true story behind her book, Save the Last Bullet: Memoir of a Boy Soldier in Hitler's Army. At just 13 years old, Heidi's father, Wilhelm Langbein, was taken from his family, indoctrinated by the Nazi regime, and forced to fight as a child soldier during the final months of World War II. Decades later, after years of silence and recurring nightmares, he finally recorded his memories onto sixteen cassette tapes—preserving a firsthand account that would eventually become an extraordinary memoir. This conversation explores far more than military history. It is a deeply human discussion about trauma, survival, leadership, democracy, resilience, forgiveness, and the responsibility we all have to preserve the stories of those who lived through history. Throughout the episode, Heidi shares how her father's experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to peace and democracy, his work with NATO, and why telling these stories has become her life's mission. She also discusses her upcoming anthology featuring additional firsthand accounts from World War II survivors across Europe. Whether you're a veteran, history enthusiast, educator, student, or someone searching for stories of perseverance and hope, this conversation offers timeless lessons that remain just as relevant today. In this episode, you'll discover: • What life was like for children growing up under Nazi rule • How propaganda and indoctrination shaped an entire generation • The brutal realities of serving as a child soldier on the Eastern Front • The emotional scars carried by veterans long after the fighting ends • Why preserving personal history matters more than ever • Lessons about democracy, leadership, resilience, and courage • How one family's story became a mission to educate future generations Connect with Heidi Langbein-Allen 🌐 https://www.heidilangbeinauthor.com/ Learn more about Heidi's books, speaking engagements, upcoming releases, and her continuing work preserving the stories of World War II survivors. Connect with The MisFitNation 🌐 https://www.themisfitnation.com/ Explore hundreds of inspiring interviews with veterans, authors, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, first responders, and leaders who prove that adversity can become purpose. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow The MisFitNation on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who values history, service, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it truly mean to become unbroken? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Jake Holland sits down with author Adriene Caldwell for one of the most emotional and inspiring conversations ever featured on the show. Adriene's story is one of unimaginable hardship—and extraordinary resilience. After surviving childhood abuse, foster care, homelessness, addiction, family trauma, mental illness, and devastating personal loss, Adriene refused to let her past define her future. Instead, she rebuilt her life, broke the cycle of generational trauma, became a successful financial professional, raised an incredible daughter, and wrote her powerful memoir, Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines. Throughout this deeply personal interview, Adriene opens up about the darkest moments of her life while offering hope to anyone struggling with trauma, depression, grief, addiction, or the weight of their past. In this episode, you'll discover: • How childhood trauma shapes adulthood—and how healing begins • What surviving abuse and foster care taught her about resilience • Breaking generational cycles and becoming the parent she never had • Living with depression and chronic illness without losing hope • Why forgiveness is one of life's most difficult—and freeing—journeys • The surprising life lessons that came from a year living in Germany • Why Adrienne believes "Boring is Underrated" • How writing her memoir forced her to confront buried trauma • Advice for anyone afraid to tell their own story • Three simple principles for becoming a better human: Love Yourself. Be Honest. Be Kind. This conversation is more than an interview—it's a reminder that your past does not have to determine your future. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, a veteran, a first responder, or someone searching for hope, Adriene's story proves that healing is possible and resilience can be learned. If this episode speaks to you, please follow The MisFitNation, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today. Guest: Adriene Caldwell Book: Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines Website: unbrokencaldwell.com About MisFitNation The MisFitNation Podcast brings together veterans, first responders, authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, musicians, actors, and changemakers who have overcome adversity and are committed to helping others rise. Every episode delivers authentic conversations about leadership, resilience, purpose, mental health, and the relentless pursuit of becoming better humans. Because every story has the power to save a life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the mission ends? For retired U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician Jeff Truex, the most important mission of his life didn't begin on the battlefield—it began after he took off the uniform. In this inspiring episode of The Misfit Nation Podcast, Jeff shares his remarkable journey from serving 23 years in the United States Army, including 17 years as an EOD Bomb Disposal Technician, to becoming a passionate advocate for veteran mental health and suicide prevention. After losing a fellow EOD technician to suicide, Jeff helped launch After the Long Walk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring no veteran fights their battles alone. Through peer support, crisis intervention, education, and community outreach, the organization continues to save lives by reminding veterans that asking for help is one of the strongest things they can do. Throughout this conversation, Jeff opens up about military service, combat deployments, life after retirement, rediscovering purpose, motorcycles, brotherhood, outdoor cooking, and why authentic human connection is one of the most powerful forms of healing available. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military spouse, or simply someone looking for an inspiring story about resilience and leadership, this episode is packed with meaningful conversations that matter. In This Episode • Jeff's journey into Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) • Serving 23 years in the U.S. Army • Combat deployments and military life • Transitioning from military service to civilian life • The veteran mental health crisis • Preventing veteran suicide through connection • Why asking for help isn't weakness • Brotherhood beyond the battlefield • Finding purpose after military service • Motorcycles, cooking, and building community About Jeff Truex Jeff Truex is a retired United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician who served for more than 23 years, including 17 years performing one of the military's most dangerous jobs. Throughout multiple deployments, Jeff dedicated his career to protecting others by confronting explosive threats around the world. Today, Jeff serves as the President of After the Long Walk, a nonprofit organization committed to preventing veteran suicide through peer support, education, outreach, and community engagement. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure that every veteran knows they never have to fight alone. Learn more about Jeff's mission and the work of After the Long Walk: https://www.afterthelongwalk.com/ If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is always hope, and there are people who care. Follow The MisfitNation for more conversations with military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday people making an extraordinary impact. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when unimaginable loss becomes a lifelong mission to save others? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation Podcast, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Dr. Pam Arnell, Executive Director of Twenty Two Zero, psychologist, educator, suicide prevention advocate, and one of the nation's leading voices for veteran and first responder mental health. After losing her husband, Desert Storm veteran Sgt. Benjamin Arnell, Dr. Arnell transformed personal grief into a mission that has helped thousands of veterans, first responders, military spouses, and Gold Star families recover from trauma through innovative, evidence-based programs offered at no cost. Together, they explore the realities of PTSD, the hidden struggles facing military families, the importance of peer support, and why asking for help is one of the greatest acts of courage. This conversation also dives into: • PTSD as an injury—not a life sentence • Veteran suicide prevention and warning signs everyone should recognize • Mental health challenges facing first responders • Rural America's access to trauma care • Healing without reliving traumatic memories • Leadership through service and resilience • Faith, family, and finding purpose after devastating loss • How Twenty Two Zero is changing the future of trauma recovery nationwide Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, caregiver, family member, or someone passionate about mental health advocacy, this episode delivers practical insights, hope, and inspiration that could change lives. One conversation can start a lifetime of healing. About Our Guest Dr. Pam Arnell serves as the Executive Director of Twenty Two Zero, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free trauma recovery services for veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, military spouses, dependent children, and Gold Star families. Her work spans psychology, education, emergency services, suicide prevention, legislative advocacy, and trauma research, helping reshape how communities approach healing and resilience. Key Topics • PTSD Recovery • Veteran Mental Health • Suicide Prevention • Trauma Healing • First Responder Wellness • Military Families • Peer Support Programs • Leadership • Faith and Resilience • Twenty Two Zero Connect with Twenty Two Zero Website: 22zero.org Follow The MisFitNation New episodes feature military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, leaders, authors, athletes, and changemakers sharing the lessons they've learned through adversity, service, leadership, and resilience. Subscribe, follow, and share this episode to help us reach more people who need these conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

**What happens when the mission ends?** For thirteen years, **Reid Cross** led elite U.S. Army Green Berets through some of the world's most dangerous environments across the Middle East and Africa. He understood combat, leadership, sacrifice, and the responsibility of leading soldiers in life-and-death situations. But nothing prepared him for the battle that came after leaving active duty. In this powerful conversation, Reid opens up about the identity crisis that nearly consumed him after transitioning from active duty, the silent struggle so many veterans face when purpose disappears, and how writing **Nation Fall** became the lifeline that helped him rediscover his mission. This isn't just a conversation about military service. It's about resilience. It's about rebuilding. It's about finding purpose when everything you once defined yourself by is suddenly gone. Rich LaMonica and Reid dive deep into leadership under pressure, overcoming failure, transitioning into civilian life, PTSD awareness, family, faith, resilience, and why storytelling can sometimes reveal deeper truths than history itself. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone searching for your next chapter, this episode will challenge, inspire, and remind you that your greatest mission may still be ahead. In this episode you'll discover: • Reid's unlikely journey from struggling college graduate to Green Beret Officer • The leadership lessons forged in Special Operations • Why transitioning out of the military can become life's hardest battle • The hidden danger of losing purpose after service • How writing "Nation Fall" literally changed—and may have saved—his life • Lessons in resilience, mental health, and PTSD awareness • The importance of family, accountability, and brotherhood • Three practical habits anyone can begin today to build a stronger life **About Reid Cross** Reid Cross is an active-duty Green Beret Officer, combat veteran, and author of the bestselling thriller **Nation Fall**. After more than a decade leading Special Operations Forces across the globe, he now advocates for veteran mental health, leadership, and finding purpose beyond the uniform. If this episode resonates with you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Mission first. Family always. Purpose never ends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the uniform comes off and the built-in community disappears? In this powerful ToosDay Crüe interview, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer Becca Spahr joins the show to talk about one of the most overlooked challenges veterans face after service: loneliness. After a 20-year Marine Corps career, including service in Iraq, Okinawa, and Special Operations Command, Becca found herself navigating a transition she never expected—the loss of daily connection, identity, structure, and belonging. That experience led her into her current work as a certified relational health coach, keynote speaker, educator, and advocate for social wellness among veterans, first responders, and their families. This episode digs into veteran transition, mental health, social wellness, leadership, military families, and the real work of rebuilding community after service. You’ll hear: The hidden emotional toll of leaving the military Why loneliness can affect resilience, health, and performance How veterans can rebuild purpose and belonging after service Why social wellness matters as much as physical and mental health The “trash can test” for knowing if you have real support How military spouses and families experience transition too Marine Corps leadership lessons that still apply in civilian life Becca’s practical advice for finding your people again Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military spouse, or someone rebuilding your own sense of community, this conversation is a reminder that connection is not weakness—it’s fuel. Connect with Becca Spahr: Website: beccaspahr.com LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: Becca Spahr Need help now? If you’re struggling, dial 988. Veterans can press 1 for veteran-specific support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything we've been told about society's problems is missing the bigger picture? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with retired U.S. Army Colonel Scott Paradis for a deep conversation about leadership, personal responsibility, economic systems, political division, human potential, and the future of civilization itself. Drawing from a distinguished 30-year military career, service in Congress, experience as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University, and over a decade of research and authorship, Scott presents a thought-provoking perspective on what he calls the "Five Storms" converging across society today. Together, Rich and Scott explore whether humanity is facing collapse—or standing at the threshold of a major evolutionary leap. Throughout the conversation, Scott challenges listeners to rethink power, question fear-based narratives, understand the influence of money and institutions, and recognize the role each individual plays in shaping the future. This episode dives into: • The difference between societal collapse and societal transformation• Why fear remains one of the most powerful tools of influence• The growing divide between wealth, power, and opportunity• How technology is reshaping human behavior and relationships• The hidden impact of political polarization• The importance of awareness and personal responsibility• Why human connection may be the key to navigating uncertainty• Lessons learned from military leadership, Capitol Hill, and Harvard• The concept of Apocalypse vs. Evolution• What signs humanity should watch for over the next five years• How individuals can reclaim their power and influence their future Scott also discusses themes from his books, TEDx Talk, leadership programs, and his latest work examining whether the chaos we see around us is evidence of decline—or a catalyst for growth. If you've ever wondered: "Why does the world feel so divided?""Who really holds power?""Is humanity headed toward collapse?""What can I actually do to make a difference?" This conversation is for you. About Scott Paradis Scott Paradis is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former Congressional Fellow in the United States Senate, former National Security Fellow at Harvard University, TEDx Speaker, leadership expert, educator, and author of 11 books focused on leadership, personal development, success, economics, and human potential. Connect with Scott Paradis: TEDx Talk:https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_paradis_embrace_your_superpower LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-f-paradis/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/scott.f.paradis/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ2pP-qh78QZ00YsttyWhNw YouTube Handle:https://www.youtube.com/@ScottFParadis Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-F.-Paradis/author/B00JCCQOZM Online Courses:https://know-the-truth.thinkific.com/ Connect with The MisFitNation: Website:https://www.themisfitnation.com The MisFitNation Show features conversations with veterans, entrepreneurs, first responders, leaders, creators, coaches, authors, and changemakers who challenge conventional thinking and inspire others to grow, lead, and overcome adversity. If you enjoyed this episode, follow, rate, and review The MisFitNation Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite podcast platform. Remember: Be Humble.Stay Hungry.Keep Hustling. #TheMisFitNation #ScottParadis #Leadership #HumanPotential #ArmyVeteran #MilitaryLeadership #TEDxSpeaker #PersonalDevelopment #Mindset #Money #Power #Economics #FutureOfHumanity #SelfImprovement #Podcast #VeteranPodcast #GrowthMindset #Success #Transformation #Awareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the thing people praise you for is the very thing that's breaking you? In this unforgettable conversation, Allison Burton joins The Misfit Nation to challenge one of society's favorite compliments: "You're so resilient." As a military spouse, speaker, writer, and advocate, Allison has spent years navigating deployments, parenting, relocation, career disruption, emotional labor, and the invisible responsibilities that often go unnoticed—but never disappear. Through her work, she has become a voice for women who are exhausted from carrying everything while being expected to smile through it. Together, we unpack: • Why burnout has become normalized • The emotional toll of invisible labor • Identity loss after years of putting others first • The reality of military family life behind the headlines • Why asking for help feels so difficult • The myth of "just stay strong" culture • How resentment quietly grows when needs go unmet • What it takes to rebuild yourself after years of self-sacrifice One of the most powerful moments comes when Allison explains why she no longer wants to be called resilient: "Don't call me resilient. Ask me why I have to be." Whether you're a military spouse, parent, caregiver, entrepreneur, leader, or someone silently carrying too much, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, understood, and empowered. Key Takeaways ✓ Burnout is not a personal failure ✓ Invisible labor is real labor ✓ Strength doesn't mean suffering in silence ✓ Asking for help is not weakness ✓ Your identity deserves space beyond your responsibilities If this episode resonates, follow The MisfitNation and share it with someone who needs to hear that they don't have to carry everything alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people believe human trafficking happens somewhere else. Another city. Another state. Another country. Former undercover detective Heidi Chance says that's one of the biggest misconceptions keeping communities vulnerable. In this powerful episode of TheMisFitNation, Heidi shares what she learned during more than 27 years in law enforcement and over 13 years investigating human trafficking and exploitation crimes undercover. From targeting traffickers and buyers to rescuing victims and training law enforcement agencies nationwide, Heidi has spent her career fighting one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in America. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how trafficking really works today—and why parents, educators, law enforcement, and community members need to pay attention. In This Episode: How traffickers identify and groom victims online Why social media has transformed human trafficking recruitment The warning signs parents often overlook The rise of sextortion and online exploitation What undercover operations are really like Why trafficking is happening in rural communities and small towns The psychological impact on survivors How law enforcement investigates trafficking cases Why awareness and education are critical to prevention Practical steps families can take to protect children online Heidi also shares shocking real-world cases from her undercover career, including investigations that led to traffickers receiving decades—and even hundreds of years—behind bars. She explains the challenges investigators face, the resilience of survivors, and why community awareness remains one of the most powerful tools in combating trafficking. Whether you're a parent, first responder, educator, veteran, community leader, or simply someone who wants to better understand what's happening around us, this episode delivers information that could help protect lives. About Heidi Chance Heidi Chance is a nationally recognized expert in human trafficking investigations, victim identification, undercover operations, forensic interviewing, and community awareness training. She trains law enforcement agencies across the country and continues her mission to educate families and communities about modern trafficking threats. Learn more about Heidi's work: https://www.achanceforawareness.com/ Connect With TheMisFitNation If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow TheMisFitNation on Spotify & Apple Podcasts ⭐ Leave a 5-Star Review ⭐ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it ⭐ Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, authors, athletes, musicians, and leaders making an impact Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling. #TheMisFitNation #HeidiChance #HumanTrafficking #OnlineSafety #Podcast #LawEnforcement #Parenting #Awareness #Sextortion #ProtectOurChildren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the true cost of freedom? In this deeply moving and unforgettable episode of MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Army Veteran Ethan Groce and Gold Star Son Jason Galvan, co-hosts of the Operation Insight Podcast, for a powerful conversation about military service, sacrifice, resilience, purpose, and preserving the stories of America's heroes. Ethan shares his firsthand experiences serving during the Afghanistan withdrawal and being within hearing distance of the devastating Abbey Gate bombing that claimed the lives of thirteen American service members. He reflects on the emotional impact of witnessing history unfold, the responsibility of carrying forward the memory of those who never returned home, and how service continues long after the uniform comes off. Jason opens up about becoming a Gold Star Son at just eleven years old after losing his father, Air Force Captain Arthur Galvan, during Operation Desert Storm. Rather than allowing tragedy to define his future, Jason transformed grief into purpose by dedicating his life to honoring veterans, supporting military families, and ensuring the sacrifices of America's service members are never forgotten. Together, Ethan and Jason discuss: • The realities of military service beyond the battlefield • The emotional and generational impact of war on families • Abbey Gate and the Afghanistan withdrawal • Desert Storm and Gold Star family experiences • PTSD, healing, and finding purpose after trauma • Why preserving veteran stories matters now more than ever • Leadership lessons learned through service and sacrifice • The importance of community, connection, and remembrance • The mission behind Operation Insight Podcast • How ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things every day The conversation also highlights powerful stories from World War II veterans, Battle of the Bulge survivors, Vietnam veterans, Cold War servicemembers, and military families whose experiences continue to shape American history. Through Operation Insight, Ethan and Jason are creating a living archive of courage, perseverance, and service that future generations will be able to learn from for decades to come. This episode is not just about war. It is about humanity. It is about carrying the torch for those who can no longer tell their own stories. It is about understanding that heroes walk among us every day. If you believe stories matter, if you value service, or if you've ever wondered what freedom truly costs, this conversation is one you won't forget. Key Topics Gold Star Families Army Veteran Stories Afghanistan Withdrawal Abbey Gate Bombing Operation Desert Storm Military Leadership Veteran Mental Health PTSD Recovery Veteran Advocacy Military Family Support Storytelling and Legacy American Heroes Operation Insight Podcast Military History Service and Sacrifice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does real leadership look like when everything is falling apart? In this unforgettable episode of MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Keni Thomas, a former U.S. Army Ranger with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Bronze Star with Valor recipient, Ranger Hall of Fame inductee, bestselling author, country music artist, Emmy-winning producer, and survivor of the Battle of Mogadishu, made famous by Black Hawk Down. Keni shares the untold human side of one of the most iconic battles in modern military history, revealing what happened beyond the Hollywood version. He explains how young Rangers led under unimaginable pressure, why leadership has nothing to do with rank, and how servant leadership, accountability, trust, and teamwork continue to shape his life long after combat. The conversation explores the transition from military service to civilian leadership, overcoming trauma, sharing veterans' stories, building resilient teams, and why every leader—whether in business, public service, or at home—can learn from the battlefield. Keni also discusses: The true story behind Black Hawk Down Leadership lessons forged in combat The importance of serving those beside you Building trust before asking people to follow Why veterans must continue telling their stories Faith, resilience, and finding purpose after service How military leadership translates into business success Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, executive, first responder, leader, or someone striving to make a greater impact, this episode delivers timeless lessons on courage, sacrifice, and leading by example. If you're still breathing, you belong. 🎙 Subscribe to MisFitNation for inspiring conversations with military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, authors, musicians, and leaders who continue serving their communities long after the mission changes. Episode Highlights • Survivor of the Battle of Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down) • Leadership lessons from the battlefield • Why great leaders serve first • Trust, teamwork, and accountability under pressure • Transitioning from military service to civilian life • Faith, resilience, and purpose after combat • How veterans continue serving through storytelling • Practical leadership lessons for business and everyday life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do elite leaders stay calm when everything is falling apart? Former Pennsylvania State Police SWAT Commander and NASA Kennedy Space Center tactical leader Bill Young joins The MisFitNation to share the lessons he learned from over 31 years of leading high-performance teams in high-risk environments. This conversation goes far beyond law enforcement. Bill breaks down the principles that apply to leadership, business, military service, emergency response, and everyday life. Inside this episode: 🔥 Leadership when failure isn't an option 🔥 The trust factor that separates elite teams from everyone else 🔥 Making split-second decisions under extreme pressure 🔥 Situational awareness and personal safety strategies 🔥 PTSD, resilience, and managing long-term stress 🔥 Why technology can never replace fundamentals 🔥 The SWAT mindset for overcoming uncertainty 🔥 Building teams that perform when it matters most Bill also explains his powerful WIN Mindset Model (What's Important Now) and how anyone can use it to navigate challenges, reduce risk, and make better decisions. If you're interested in leadership, resilience, tactical operations, first responders, military culture, personal growth, or peak performance, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Connect with Bill Young: CastellumGroup.org 🎙️ Follow The MisFitNation for more conversations with veterans, first responders, leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are making an impact in the world. #Leadership #SWAT #BillYoung #TheMisFitNation #FirstResponders #Resilience #MentalToughness #DecisionMaking #PoliceLeadership #Veterans #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #TacticalLeadership #Podcast #SuccessMindset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some battles end when you leave the battlefield. Others follow you home. In this unforgettable episode of The ToosDay Crüe Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Purple Heart recipient, Iraq War veteran, Combat Engineer, husband, father, and author Jason Rumbaugh for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had about war, trauma, resilience, and what it truly means to rebuild a life after combat. Jason's story begins like many young Americans seeking purpose through military service. But what followed was a journey through Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, roadside bombs, combat patrols, leadership failures, brotherhood, loss, and the kind of experiences that permanently change how a person sees the world. When an IED explosion left Jason wounded in Iraq, the physical injuries were only part of the story. The deeper wounds would take years to understand. Years of trying to adapt. Years of searching for purpose. Years of carrying memories that never seemed to fade. But instead of allowing those experiences to define him, Jason transformed them into something powerful. His memoir, Waves of Shrapnel: A Soldier's Journey, became both a tribute to the soldiers who never made it home and a roadmap for understanding the struggles many veterans face after returning from war. Throughout this emotional and often surprisingly funny conversation, Jason shares stories that are raw, human, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at once. You'll hear about: 🎖️ What life was really like as a Combat Engineer during the Iraq War 💥 The day an IED changed his life forever 🤝 The unbreakable bonds formed between soldiers in combat 😄 The dark humor that helped troops survive impossible situations 📚 How writing became part of his healing process 🧠 PTSD, therapy, mental health, and learning to ask for help ❤️ Family, recovery, and finding purpose after military service 🇺🇸 Why honoring fallen brothers remains his greatest mission What makes Jason's story different isn't just the combat. It's the honesty. The vulnerability. The willingness to discuss the moments most people avoid. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what military service truly costs—not just during deployment, but in the years that follow. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military family member, or someone who simply appreciates powerful stories of resilience, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. Because at its core, this isn't just a story about war. It's a story about survival. It's a story about healing. And it's a story about finding a reason to keep moving forward when life changes forever. Why You Should Listen If you've ever wondered: • What combat really feels like • How veterans cope with trauma after war • What the Purple Heart truly represents • Why veteran mental health matters • How storytelling can become therapy • What brotherhood means when lives are on the line This episode is for you. Memorable Quote "The most important thing wasn't selling books. It was making sure the stories of the men who didn't come home would never be forgotten." — Jason Rumbaugh About the Guest Jason Rumbaugh is a U.S. Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, Iraq War combat veteran, and author of Waves of Shrapnel: A Soldier's Journey. His writing combines brutal honesty, dark humor, military history, and personal reflection to create a powerful account of service, sacrifice, loss, and recovery. Through his work, Jason seeks to honor his fellow soldiers while helping others better understand the realities of military life and life after war. Key Topics Iraq War • Purple Heart • Combat Engineer • PTSD • Veteran Mental Health • Military Brotherhood • IED Attacks • Leadership Under Fire • Military Memoir • Trauma Recovery • Veteran Suicide Prevention • Storytelling as Healing • Family After War • Service and Sacrifice • Life After Combat Follow The MisFitNation New episodes featuring veterans, entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, survivors, and extraordinary people with extraordinary stories. Because every misfit has a story worth telling. #VeteranStories #PurpleHeart #JasonRumbaugh #IraqWarVeteran #MilitaryPodcast #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryMemoir #WavesOfShrapnel #ArmyVeteran #ToosDayCrue #MisfitNation #LifeAfterWar #StorytellingThatMatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when childhood abuse, military service, addiction, homelessness, PTSD, and personal loss collide? In one of the most powerful conversations ever featured on The MisFitNation Show, U.S. Navy Veteran, author, speaker, and advocate Joe Potosi shares his deeply personal story of surviving unimaginable adversity and finding purpose on the other side. Growing up in an abusive household marked by neglect, fear, and emotional trauma, Joe spent much of his early life searching for an escape. That search led him into the United States Navy, where he found structure, brotherhood, and purpose—but the emotional wounds he carried from childhood didn't disappear. After military service, Joe found himself battling alcoholism, depression, anxiety, PTSD, financial collapse, homelessness, and the devastating consequences of unresolved trauma. He shares how addiction became a temporary escape from pain, why rock bottom became a turning point, and the life-changing ultimatum that forced him to confront his demons. Throughout this emotional and inspiring conversation, Joe discusses: • Growing up in an abusive and unstable home • Escaping through military service • Life aboard the USS Kitty Hawk • The loss of a fellow sailor and its impact on his mental health • PTSD, depression, and emotional trauma • Alcoholism and addiction recovery • Homelessness and starting over • The power of accountability and seeking help • Forgiveness, healing, and breaking generational cycles • Faith, redemption, and personal transformation • Writing his books "When the Dust Settled" and "Unshackled" • Why your condition does not have to be your conclusion Joe's story is not simply about survival. It's about rebuilding. It's about taking ownership of your future despite the pain of your past. It's about discovering that healing is possible, even when life feels broken beyond repair. For veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, individuals struggling with addiction, and anyone searching for hope in difficult seasons, this episode delivers practical wisdom, emotional honesty, and a powerful reminder that second chances are real. One of the most impactful messages from this conversation: "If you never heal from past trauma, you'll bleed on people who never cut you." Whether you're navigating PTSD, mental health challenges, recovery, grief, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, Joe's story offers inspiration, perspective, and hope. If this episode resonates with you, follow The MisFitNation Show, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who needs to hear it. Because no matter where you've been, your story is not over. Veterans • PTSD • Military Transition • Mental Health • Addiction Recovery • Alcoholism • Homelessness • Trauma Recovery • Faith • Resilience • Personal Growth • Self-Improvement • Leadership • Recovery Journey • Navy Veterans • Veteran Advocacy • Family Healing • Forgiveness • Purpose Joe Potosi Author of When the Dust Settled and Unshackled: A Story of Redemption and Renewal Topics CoveredFeatured Guest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Monica Sanford's story begins with a mother's determination to save her child and evolves into a national mission to improve healthcare access for patients and veterans alike. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice, cardiology specialist, healthcare advocate, educator, and policy leader, Monica has spent decades helping congenital heart disease patients navigate some of healthcare's most complex challenges. In this episode, she shares: • The realities of congenital heart disease • Why patients need lifelong specialized care • The transition from pediatric to adult cardiac medicine • Healthcare access barriers • Legislative advocacy and policy reform • Telehealth's role in modern medicine • Common VA disability claim mistakes • Practical advice for veterans navigating benefits This episode combines healthcare expertise, personal experience, and real-world solutions for patients, families, caregivers, and veterans. If you've ever struggled to navigate healthcare systems or wondered how advocacy changes lives, this conversation is for you. Key Takeaways ✓ Congenital heart disease requires lifelong management ✓ Access to specialized care remains a major challenge ✓ Telehealth can dramatically improve outcomes ✓ Veterans often underreport legitimate claims ✓ Documentation is critical for successful VA claims ✓ Advocacy can create real policy change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs begin with life's hardest setbacks. Andrew Garcia never expected a career in law enforcement. He also never expected a violent encounter in the line of duty to leave him facing multiple surgeries, devastating injuries, and uncertainty about his future. In this powerful episode of The Tuesday Crew, Andrew shares the journey that transformed him from police officer and detective into entrepreneur, innovator, and CEO of Syndicus USA. As the first member of his family to graduate college, Andrew built a life centered around service, discipline, and hard work. After entering law enforcement, he quickly learned the realities of protecting communities, making split-second decisions, and navigating the pressures of modern policing. Everything changed after a violent confrontation with a suspect under the influence of PCP left Andrew severely injured. Faced with a long recovery and difficult questions about what came next, he chose not to focus on what he had lost. Instead, he focused on what he could build. During this conversation, Andrew discusses: • Growing up in Southern California • Becoming the first college graduate in his family • Leadership lessons learned through law enforcement • The incident that nearly ended his career • Recovery, resilience, and rebuilding confidence • Entrepreneurship and launching a company from scratch • Building a team and learning to delegate • Burnout and founder challenges • Innovation in public safety technology • Creating products designed to serve first responders • Why adversity often reveals purpose • What legacy truly means Andrew's story is a powerful reminder that setbacks don't have to become endings. Sometimes they're simply redirections toward something greater. If you've ever faced a major obstacle, career uncertainty, personal adversity, or the challenge of starting over, this episode will leave you inspired to keep moving forward. ✓ Leadership requires humility ✓ Burnout often comes from refusing to delegate ✓ Adversity creates opportunities for growth ✓ Purpose can evolve over time ✓ Success is built through persistence, not perfection ✓ Great leaders leave tools for others to build upon Key Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some wounds leave scars. Others stay hidden. They live inside first responders, veterans, military families, and the people who spent years running toward emergencies while quietly carrying their own pain. In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, Army Veteran Rich LaMonica sits down with Ashlea Dillard — former firefighter, paramedic, licensed professional counselor, clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapist, and host of Sit Around the Fire. Ashlea spent nearly a decade answering emergency calls, walking into crisis, and helping people through some of the worst moments of their lives. But eventually, she had to face a difficult truth: The rescuer needed healing too. This conversation dives deep into the invisible weight carried by first responders and veterans: 🔥 Burnout and compassion fatigue 🔥 Losing a crewmate to suicide 🔥 Trauma stored in the body and nervous system 🔥 Why first responders suffer in silence 🔥 Identity loss after service 🔥 Veteran transition struggles 🔥 Hypnotherapy and alternative healing methods 🔥 Building connection, tribe, and purpose again Ashlea shares her journey from emergency scenes to emotional healing and explains how she now helps others process trauma, reconnect with themselves, and move from survival into living. If you've ever worn the uniform… Carried invisible weight… Or wondered why life felt different after service… This episode is for you. Key Moments 00:00 – MisFitNation opening & episode introduction 04:10 – How Ashlea entered Fire & EMS 09:18 – Confined-space trauma and “phobic waves” 14:52 – Losing a crewmate to suicide 19:33 – Burnout and compassion fatigue inside emergency services 24:20 – Leaving the profession and becoming a counselor 30:05 – The emotional impact of children-related calls 38:12 – Why helpers struggle asking for help 47:30 – Veteran transition and identity loss after service 58:40 – Can trauma be stored in the body? 01:06:21 – Why connection matters in healing 01:13:10 – Leadership and mental health 01:19:00 – Misconceptions around trauma recovery 01:25:30 – Gratitude through difficult seasons 01:33:40 – Ashlea’s Three Things Who This Episode Is For ✓ Veterans navigating transition ✓ First responders carrying invisible weight ✓ Military spouses and families ✓ Leaders and mentors ✓ Anyone rebuilding after adversity ✓ People searching for purpose again Connect with Ashlea Dillard Website: ashleadillard.com Podcast: Sit Around the Fire Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: Ashley Dillard Therapy About The MisFitNation The MisFitNation is a veteran-founded podcast built around real conversations on leadership, resilience, service, entrepreneurship, transition, and overcoming adversity. We highlight veterans, first responders, leaders, entrepreneurs, Gold Star families, and everyday people doing extraordinary things. Be humble. Stay hungry. Keep hustling. Because we are The MisFitNation. #VeteranPodcast #FirstResponder #MentalHealth #Resilience #TraumaHealing #Leadership #Veterans #EMS #Firefighter #MilitaryTransition #Purpose #StackingVictories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the answer isn’t more productivity… What if it’s stillness? In this episode of The MisFitNation, former U.S. Marine, author, and founder of Stare at the Wall, Mark Blacknell shares his incredible journey from service, struggle, and searching… to discovering peace through simplicity. After decades of meditation practice and personal transformation, Mark now shares his message with veterans, inmates, seniors, treatment programs, and communities across the country. This isn’t about escaping life. It’s about learning how to fully live it. Marine Corps lessons and resilience Meditation and mental clarity The power of stillness Simplifying life in a chaotic world Healing through presence Finding peace after struggle ✅ Veterans ✅ First responders ✅ Leaders under pressure ✅ Anyone overwhelmed by life ✅ People seeking clarity and peace ✅ Anyone searching for purpose 📺 Subscribe to The MisFitNation:https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Learn More:https://www.stareatthewall.com 🔥 In This Episode:🎯 Who This Is For:⏱️ Timestamps: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patricia Greenelle joins The ToosDay Crüe for a powerful conversation about trauma, healing, resilience, and rebuilding relationships after painful experiences. As a forensic psychologist and memoir writer, Patricia shares both professional insight and personal experience navigating complex trauma and the emotional wounds that impact trust, communication, and connection. This episode is raw, honest, emotional, and ultimately hopeful for anyone searching for healing and growth after difficult seasons in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Commander Greg Roach has spent his life serving others. After being rejected from the Naval Academy, he enlisted in the Navy's elite Nuclear Power Program, earned his way into Annapolis, became a submarine officer aboard a fast-attack submarine, taught future naval officers, and later volunteered to serve in Afghanistan. As Executive Officer of a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kunar Province, one of the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan, Greg led a diverse team of military personnel and civilians through a challenging mission during the height of the war. They completed their mission. They brought everyone home alive. But the hardest chapter of his story began after the deployment ended. In this powerful conversation, Greg opens up about leadership, service, brotherhood, resilience, and the devastating reality of losing fellow veterans to suicide after returning home. He shares lessons learned from submarine warfare, combat deployments, mentoring future leaders, and helping veterans find purpose beyond military service. This episode explores: • Overcoming rejection and adversity • Life inside the Navy's nuclear submarine force • Leadership lessons from Afghanistan • The emotional cost of command • Veteran suicide and post-service struggles • Brotherhood beyond the battlefield • Finding purpose after military service • Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness Whether you're a veteran, first responder, leader, entrepreneur, or someone supporting a loved one who served, this conversation delivers powerful lessons about resilience, responsibility, and the importance of staying connected. If this episode impacts you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Because sometimes the most important battles happen after coming home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albert Woodin joins The MisFitNation for a powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, mental health, and building a community that refuses to leave veterans behind. After serving during Desert Storm with the United States Air Force, Albert saw the silent battles too many veterans and first responders continue to fight after the uniform comes off. Through SAVE22.vet, he has spent years creating spaces for camaraderie, healing, peer support, and purpose. This episode is emotional, motivating, and packed with real conversations about leadership, resilience, and why showing up for people matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retired Army Black Hawk pilot, combat veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of RECON Real Estate & UseRECON, Eddie Hutchinson joins The ToosDay Crüe for a raw and powerful conversation about military transition, leadership, purpose, entrepreneurship, and protecting military families from financial hardship. After 20 years in the Army, Eddie faced the same battle many veterans know well — rebuilding identity and purpose after service. Instead of standing still, he built a new mission helping military families navigate the housing market while protecting the wealth they’ve worked hard to build. This episode covers:🔥 Leadership under pressure🔥 Transitioning out of the military🔥 Veteran entrepreneurship🔥 Real estate realities for military families🔥 Financial education & home ownership🔥 Building systems for success🔥 Mental health, resilience & purpose One of the most honest and practical conversations we’ve had on The ToosDay Crüe. Key Timestamps:⏱️ 05:01 – Meet Eddie Hutchinson⏱️ 15:42 – The hardest part of military transition⏱️ 20:08 – Why military families are struggling financially⏱️ 28:19 – Building RECON Real Estate & UseRECON⏱️ 57:06 – Systems, leadership & success habits⏱️ 1:18:12 – Eddie’s three non-negotiables Keep stacking victories.Keep doing hard things.Keep leading from the front. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At four years old, Andrew Meari stood at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and quietly told his mother: “Mommy, I’m going to be a soldier.” He never changed his mind. Years later, PFC Andrew Meari deployed to Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division, 1-502nd Infantry. On November 1, 2010, during combat operations in Kandahar, Andrew was killed in action while protecting his brothers during a motorcycle VBIED attack. He was 21 years old. In this powerful Memorial Week conversation, Gold Star Mother Denise Williams joins The MisFitNation to share the story behind the uniform… the little boy who loved history, the young man who dreamed of service, the soldier who stood forward, and the legacy that continues long after his final mission. But this episode goes deeper. It explores the reality of military sacrifice. The unimaginable moment a parent receives the call. The bond between soldiers. The strength of Gold Star families. And how purpose can still exist after devastating loss. Denise also shares: 🇺🇸 Andrew’s decision to serve at only four years old 🇺🇸 Life as a military parent during deployment 🇺🇸 His final leave home before returning to Afghanistan 🇺🇸 The events of November 1, 2010 🇺🇸 The homecoming that stopped highways and brought communities together 🇺🇸 Healing, advocacy, and supporting veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families today Key Moments: 09:40 – The Arlington trip that changed everything 13:05 – “Mommy, I’m going to be a soldier” 35:15 – Deployment with the 101st Airborne 43:40 – Turning 21 in Afghanistan 59:15 – The call no parent should receive 1:23:40 – The procession home that stopped Chicago 1:48:15 – The heroism of Andrew’s brothers 2:01:00 – Carrying legacy forward This episode is for veterans. For military families. For Gold Star families. For anyone carrying grief. And for anyone trying to understand the true cost of freedom. Because some stories deserve more than remembrance. They deserve to be carried. 🎙️ The MisFitNation — Real stories of grit, resilience, leadership, service, and the human spirit that refuses to quit. #GoldStarFamily #VeteranPodcast #101stAirborne #MilitaryStories #LeadershipPodcast #TheMisFitNation #Resilience #MemorialDay #Service #Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a book launch stops being about the book? It becomes a room full of stories. In this special LIVE edition of The MisFitNation, Rich LaMonica travels virtually to Southwest Oklahoma Brewing Company as US Army Veteran TJ Baird launches Warrior Dad surrounded by family, fellow veterans, friends, readers, and the community that helped shape his journey. TJ served 32 years in the Army, including nine combat deployments, but this conversation goes far beyond military service. This episode explores the quieter battles: The birthdays missed. The phone calls made from overseas. The cost of service on families. The transition from warrior to father. And the legacy we leave behind when the uniform finally comes off. What unfolds is not a traditional interview. It becomes a gathering. Family members share memories. Brothers-in-arms reflect on service. The “Warrior Wife” joins the conversation. Veterans laugh, remember, and honor those no longer with us. And TJ shares why Warrior Dad Stories is becoming more than a book — a growing platform built around storytelling, resilience, and helping others share their journeys. Topics Covered: • Leadership after service • Fatherhood and military life • Veteran transition • Family sacrifice • Purpose and identity • Resilience and recovery • Memorial Day reflections • Building legacy Key Moments: 00:00 Welcome to Warrior Dad Stories LIVE 24:00 Fatherhood after service 44:00 Family reflections 58:00 Warrior Wife joins the conversation 1:12:00 Leadership lessons from military life 1:38:00 The future of Warrior Dad Stories Some stories entertain. Others remind us who we are. This was one of those conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Army veteran and award-nominated author James Arthur Donzella joins The MisFitNation to discuss military service, life after Vietnam, creative discipline, and how storytelling helped him process experiences that stayed buried for decades. From serving in Vietnam to building the James Wolfe mystery series, James shares powerful lessons on resilience, identity, healing, and why veterans should never be afraid to tell their stories. This conversation dives into: PTSD and transition Veteran storytelling Creative purpose Brotherhood Writing discipline Finding your next mission If you’re searching for purpose after adversity, this episode will stay with you. Key Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 09:20 – Writing as therapy 20:44 – Creating The Dead Don’t Pay 43:12 – PTSD themes in fiction 56:08 – Purpose after service 01:00:55 – Three Things That Matter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest failures in war weren’t on the battlefield… but in leadership? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Eric W. Hommel—a prior-enlisted U.S. Navy Cold War submariner, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and author of the powerful memoir: 📚 The Losing Game: How to Lose a War and Fail Veterans Eric brings one of the most unique military careers you’ll hear anywhere. He served: ⚓ In the U.S. Navy aboard a fast-attack submarine during the Cold War ✈️ As a U.S. Air Force officer 🪖 Under U.S. Army command in Iraq and Afghanistan 🏛️ Ten years attached to the Pentagon 🇺🇸 Three years traveling with Congressional Representatives as a military legislative liaison 🌍 As commander of a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan’s Panjshir Province Now Eric is speaking candidly about what went wrong in Afghanistan—and why leaders often fail to take responsibility. This episode dives into: 🔥 Why misguided leadership can lose wars 🔥 How careerism destroys mission focus 🔥 The hidden realities of modern warfare 🔥 Why veterans need meaning, not just treatment 🔥 Innovative PTSD healing through immersive prolonged exposure 🔥 Accountability, humility, and truth in leadership This is not surface-level commentary. It is a firsthand perspective from someone who lived it. 🎙️ In This Episode Eric’s unusual path from Navy to Air Force officer Serving in Iraq and Afghanistan under Army command What really happened in Afghanistan Leadership failures at senior levels Winning hearts and minds vs political timelines Why veterans need context to heal The future of veteran support and accountability 🔗 Learn More About Eric Hommel 🌐 Lion Six Press https://www.lionsixpress.com/ 📄 Source Notes / Additional Background 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Community https://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z 💬 CALL TO ACTION Leadership matters. Truth matters. Accountability matters. 👉 What lesson should America learn from Afghanistan? Drop your thoughts below. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who values honest conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the alarm sounds and lives are on the line… leadership gets real. On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Fire Captain Mark Andrew, author of Leading Through the Heat—a powerful leadership book built from real lessons learned in one of the most demanding professions on earth. In the firehouse, there is no room for: ❌ Micromanagement ❌ Ego ❌ Empty commands ❌ Fake leadership There is only trust, preparation, teamwork, and decisive action. After decades in the fire service, Mark Andrew has seen what separates leaders who earn loyalty from those who lose it. In this conversation, Mark shares the hard truths about leadership that apply far beyond emergency response—whether you lead in business, the military, entrepreneurship, education, or everyday life. We dive into: 🔥 Why presence matters more than control 🔥 How to build trust when pressure rises 🔥 The difference between commanding and inspiring 🔥 Why caring for your people creates stronger teams 🔥 How to transition from worker to leader This isn’t theory. It’s leadership forged in heat, stress, and consequences. If you want to become a stronger leader, teammate, spouse, coach, or human being—this episode delivers. 🎙️ In This Episode Leadership lessons from the fireground Why poor leadership gets exposed under pressure Trust vs control in high-performance teams Presence over micromanagement Caring for people without losing standards Becoming the leader others choose to follow 🔗 Learn More About Mark Andrew 📚 Book: Leading Through the Heat https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Through-Heat-Mark-Andrew/dp/196982610X/ 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Community https://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z 💬 CALL TO ACTION Pressure reveals leadership. 👉 What’s the best leadership trait you’ve seen in action? Drop it in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who leads others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if honoring America’s heroes became your life mission? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica welcomes US Air Force Veteran Dr. Kevin Wallace and Lauren Wallace, the husband-and-wife team behind one of the most meaningful missions in America today—Van of Valor. Van of Valor is a cross-country project dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families. Their belief is simple: “The highest form of honor is to remember.” Kevin Wallace is a retired combat photojournalist who served as a photographer for Air Force One and is himself a Purple Heart recipient and Bronze Star with Valor recipient. Lauren Wallace is a cultural anthropologist and Harvard history graduate student who helps ensure these stories are preserved with historical depth and meaning. Together, the newlyweds live as unpaid volunteers in a converted FedEx van—traveling over 30,000 miles across America with their dachshund Sunny—meeting veterans in homes, VFW halls, farms, and small towns to document stories that might otherwise be lost forever. Their mission goes beyond interviews. They conduct buddy checks, reconnect forgotten histories, and remind families that sacrifice will never be ignored. One unforgettable detour led them to the forgotten gravesite of a decorated Vietnam-era pilot, where they rendered a final salute. That moment captures the spirit of this mission: No warrior left behind. No hero forgotten. This episode is about service after service, preserving legacy, leadership, sacrifice, and why remembering matters now more than ever. 🎙️ In This Episode Why Van of Valor was created Kevin’s story as a Purple Heart veteran Serving as a photographer for Air Force One Lauren’s role preserving history and legacy Life on the road in a converted van Meeting Purple Heart recipients across America Why remembrance is a duty Building bridges between military and civilian America 🔗 Learn More About Van of Valor 🌐 Website http://www.HelpVoV.com 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Community https://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z 💬 CALL TO ACTION Their message is simple: Honor through remembrance. 👉 Whose story in your family deserves to be remembered? Drop their name in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who values legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when everything you thought defined you… starts to fall apart? In this episode, Teri M. Brown joins The MisFitNation to unpack the emotional and psychological journey behind her latest book Peg, Unhinged. From divorce and menopause to identity loss and rebuilding confidence, this conversation dives into the raw truth of midlife transformation. This isn’t just about struggle—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and finding strength when life forces you to change. If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing control… this episode will show you how to take it back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some warriors fight battles long after the war ends. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Marine Corps Veteran Hartvig Holmberg V—a retired Master Sergeant whose 24-year career took him from Light Armored Reconnaissance to the elite world of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Hartvig joined the Marines in 1997 as a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Crewman, serving with the 15th and 13th Marine Expeditionary Units and deploying to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later, he answered another calling. He attended EOD School in Florida, graduating in 2009, and went on to serve with: • Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) • 3rd EOD Company • CLB 26 • MWSS 272 His deployments as an EOD technician included Afghanistan (OEF 13.2) and multiple deployments with the 26th MEU. After retiring in 2021 as a Master Sergeant, Hartvig didn’t stop serving. Today he is: • A contract instructor • Part owner of Corvus Training Group V • President of the EOD Motorcycle Club But perhaps his most important mission has been personal. Hartvig openly shares his ongoing healing journey after multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—learning self-awareness, growth, and recovery through programs like Warrior PATHH and Track Heroes. This is a powerful conversation about combat, brotherhood, identity, trauma, healing, and continuing the mission after service. 🎙️ In This Episode Life as a Marine LAV Crewman Iraq and Afghanistan deployments Becoming an EOD Technician The pressure of explosive ordnance disposal work Living with multiple TBIs Recovery, self-awareness, and healing Brotherhood through the EOD Motorcycle Club Reinventing purpose after retirement 🔗 Learn More 🌐 Website https://www.eodmc.com/home 🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe 🎥 Watch all episodes https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation Hosted by: 🇺🇸 Jake Holland – US Army Veteran 🎙 Stephen LaMonica – Business Leader & Show Host 💬 CALL TO ACTION Healing is a mission too. 👉 What helps YOU stay grounded through life’s battles? Drop it in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does over two decades of service as a combat medic and leader teach you about resilience, leadership, and purpose? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with SFC (R) Martinez Vandergrift, a highly decorated United States Army veteran whose career spans more than 20 years in military medicine, leadership, and operations. Martinez served as a Healthcare Specialist and Combat Medic (68W), operating in some of the most demanding environments—from frontline medical evacuation in combat zones to senior leadership roles within major Army medical commands. Throughout his career, he: • Served as a Medical Advisor in Iraq • Led as a Platoon Sergeant for medical evacuation and treatment units • Supported operations with the 101st Airborne Division (Rakkasans) • Held senior leadership roles including Operations NCO and Senior Enlisted Advisor • Completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan His leadership and service have been recognized with some of the military’s highest honors, including: 🏅 Bronze Star Medal 🏅 Meritorious Service Medal 🏅 Joint Service Commendation Medal 🏅 Combat Medical Badge Beyond the battlefield, Martinez pursued excellence in education, earning: 🎓 Master of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management 🎓 Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management Today, he continues to lead and serve through his work in healthcare administration, emergency management, and strategic operations. This conversation dives deep into leadership under pressure, decision-making in life-or-death moments, resilience, and building a legacy of service. 🎙️ In This Episode What it means to lead as a combat medic Lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan Leadership at the tactical and strategic levels The mindset required in high-pressure environments Transitioning from military to civilian leadership Building a legacy through service and family 🔗 Learn More About Martinez Vandergrift youtube channel: @martinezvandergrift6259 Facebook: martinez vandergrift IG: @darealheman TikTok: martymarwildin80 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Community https://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z 💬 CALL TO ACTION Leadership is forged in moments of pressure. 👉 What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way? Drop it in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone committed to growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people leave the battlefield… and build something even bigger. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Navy Veteran Terry Weaver—a former Navy Corpsman who served alongside U.S. Marines in Kuwait and Iraq (2002–2003) as a combat medic. Terry’s journey started in San Bernardino, California, and took him straight into war—where he experienced the realities of combat and the responsibility of keeping others alive. After his honorable discharge, Terry didn’t slow down. He earned a degree from Texas A&M’s Mays Business School, became a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar, and later completed a Master’s in Biblical Studies. But that’s just the beginning. Terry has since: • Founded the nonprofit VEL Institute • Written five books • Built a career in sales and marketing • Become an award-winning actor • Produced multiple films • Written, produced, and directed his first feature film — “The Beast of Trinity Texas” Today, Terry is on a mission to inspire others through faith, creativity, storytelling, and leadership. This episode dives into combat, transition, purpose, faith, and what it takes to build something meaningful after service. 🎙️ In This Episode Life as a Navy Corpsman embedded with Marines Combat deployments to Iraq and Kuwait Transitioning from war to civilian life The power of faith and purpose Building a nonprofit and creative career From writing books to directing a feature film Using storytelling to impact lives 🔗 Connect with Terry Weaver 🌐 Website https://thebeastoftrinitytexas.com/ ✍️ Substack https://terryweaver.substack.com 🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe 🎥 Watch all episodes https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation Hosted by: 🇺🇸 Jake Holland – US Army Veteran 🎙 Stephen LaMonica – Business Leader & Show Host Terry turned his life experience into purpose, creativity, and impact. 👉 What are YOU building with your story? Drop it in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this with someone chasing their next mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the mission doesn’t end with retirement from the military? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with US Navy Veteran Matt Johnson, a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer who served 22.5 years in the United States Navy. Matt’s military journey began as a Seabee, one of the Navy’s legendary construction battalions known for building critical infrastructure in some of the toughest environments around the world. Over the course of his career, Matt grew into leadership roles and eventually finished his service as a Navy recruiter, helping guide the next generation of sailors into service. But like many veterans, the real question came after the uniform came off: What’s the next mission? Today Matt is channeling his leadership, discipline, and passion for service into multiple ventures. He is the owner of GOTUR6IX CULTURE LLC, an apparel company that creates original designs, outfits businesses, and partners with nonprofits to help raise funds for causes that matter. He also works alongside his wife as she launches her art business and continues serving the veteran community as co-host of the Triple Threat Vets Podcast, where real conversations about life after service take center stage. This conversation dives into leadership, entrepreneurship, family, culture, and building a mission-driven life after the military. Matt’s journey growing up in a military family Life as a Seabee and Navy leader The transition from military service to civilian life Building a mission-driven business Supporting nonprofits and the veteran community The importance of culture, purpose, and family 🌐 Websitehttps://www.sameflagsameoath.com 👕 GOTUR6IX CULTURE Apparel 🎙 Triple Threat Vets Podcast 🎥 Subscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Communityhttps://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z Veterans often ask themselves one question after leaving the military: “What’s my next mission?” Drop a comment below and tell us: 👉 What mission are YOU building in your life right now? 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration. 🎙️ In This Episode 🔗 Connect with Matt Johnson 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the mission ends… but the battle inside your mind begins? On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Garret Biss—a retired Marine Corps pilot, TEDx speaker, recovery coach, and founder of ValiantPath™. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2015, Garret faced a struggle many veterans quietly battle: anxiety, depression, and the loss of identity after service. Like many others, he turned to alcohol to cope. But when suicidal thoughts began to take hold, Garret realized something had to change. Instead of relying solely on traditional recovery programs, Garret’s transformation came through mentorship, rediscovering self-worth, and focusing on the strengths already inside him. That journey not only helped him overcome addiction—it gave him a new mission: helping other veterans reclaim their lives. Today Garret works with veterans through his program ValiantPath™, blending coaching, emotional processing, and evidence-based recovery tools rooted in positive psychology and human flourishing. Garret has also: • Co-founded an addiction recovery residence in North Carolina • Delivered a powerful TEDx talk – Unspoken Trauma • Become an award-winning author and speaker • Served as a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol • Leads a global water charity One Million Goal, Inc. This conversation dives deep into identity, recovery, purpose, and what it truly means to rebuild your life after service. The hidden struggles many veterans face after leaving the military Garret’s battle with alcohol, depression, and suicidal ideation The turning point that changed his life Why mentorship played a critical role in recovery Building ValiantPath™ to help veterans heal Finding purpose again after losing identity 🌐 Websitehttps://garretbiss.com/ 🎤 TEDx Talk – Unspoken Traumahttps://UnspokenTrauma.vet 🎥 Watch all episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation Hosted by: 🇺🇸 Jake Holland – US Army Veteran 🎙 Stephen LaMonica – Business Leader & Veteran Advocate Many veterans struggle in silence. If Garret’s story resonated with you, drop a comment below: 👉 What helped YOU rediscover purpose during a hard season? 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs it. 🎙️ In This Episode🔗 Connect with Garret Biss🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe💬 CALL TO ACTION Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some battles follow you long after you leave the military. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Army Veteran Tia May, a telecommunications systems operator who joined the Army in 2001 and faced challenges that pushed her mental health to the edge. During her time in service, Tia experienced disrespect from fellow soldiers and constant body size shaming. The emotional toll built up over time, leading her to turn to alcohol to cope. Nightmares, anxiety, and the weight of unresolved trauma eventually brought her close to a breaking point. But her story didn’t end there. Tia found an unexpected path toward healing—motorsports. What started as an outlet became a lifeline. Getting behind the wheel gave her focus, adrenaline, and a sense of control that helped quiet the chaos she was battling internally. Now, Tia is using motorsports as a platform for mental health advocacy, helping raise awareness and encouraging veterans to find their own paths toward healing. Her mission is simple but powerful: get veterans out on the track, open the conversation about mental health, and prove that recovery is possible. Life in the Army as a telecommunications operator The mental health challenges many soldiers face but rarely talk about Coping with trauma, nightmares, and alcohol The breaking point that forced change How motorsports became therapy Using racing to help other veterans find healing 📱 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Crazycarchik 🎥 Watch all episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🎙️ Hosted by US Army Veteran Jake Holland Business Leader Stephen LaMonica If Tia’s story resonates with you, drop a comment below: 👉 What activity helps YOU clear your mind and stay grounded? And if you know a veteran who might need this conversation—share this episode with them. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share the mission 🎙️ In This Episode🔗 Follow Tia May🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe💬 CALL TO ACTION Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices