The VetsConnection Podcast
Join host Scott McLean, a veteran and also a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being. Each week Scott will bring you an episode that will feature insightful conversations with representatives from non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting veterans, as well as experts discussing programs within the Veterans Affairs (V.A.) aimed at assisting veterans with their needs. From discussing innovative therapies to highlighting community resources, this podcast sheds light on the myriad of ways veterans can find support and healing thru nonprofit organizations and also to connect nonprofits with each other in hopes of creating a network that will be beneficial to all.
Episodes
38 episodes
Ep. 39 - From Green Beret to Civilian: Joshua Wathen's Journey of Resilience and Renewal
Joshua Wathen's extraordinary journey from a young man in Katy, Texas, to becoming a Green Beret is unlike any other. Our episode dives into the life of this exceptional individual, exploring his initial leap from automotive studies to the ardu...
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Episode 39
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50:21
Ep. 38 - One Life To Live Foundation: Empowering Caregivers of Veterans Through Community and Wellness Initiatives
Daphne Uter, Founder and CEO of the One Life to Live Foundation, joins us to share her inspiring journey and the heartfelt mission of her nonprofit organization, rooted in a powerful family legacy. Journeying from Haiti to the United States, he...
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Episode 38
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36:23
Episode 37 - The Call On Me Foundation, Providing Short-Term Financial Support To The Families Of Veterans Who Have Passed Away Unexpectedly
James Jackson, president of the Call on Me Foundation, shares an incredible story of transformation from his time in the Marine Corps to starting a powerful nonprofit. With heartfelt sincerity, he reveals the personal experiences and passions t...
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Episode 37
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31:23
Ep. 36 - Talking With Dr. Mitch Maki From The Nonprofit Go For Broke: Honoring Japanese American WWII Veterans and Inspiring Future Generations
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Mitch Maki, President of the Go For Broke National Education Center, as we uncover the enduring legacy of Japanese American veterans from World War II. Discover the powerful story behind the phr...
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Episode 36
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1:22:46
Ep. 35 - Army Veteran's Journey: From Combat to The Ft. Hood Incident To Finding Peace In Art Therapy. I talk With Army Veteran And Artist Michael Vascellaro
Michael Vesalero, an army veteran, artist, and poet, shares a moving and deeply personal story that opens the door to understanding the often-hidden struggles of military life and its aftermath. Growing up in upstate New York after being born i...
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Episode 35
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1:15:37
Ep. 34 - Mission United's Impact In South Florida and Its Future: Jonathan Oakley Talks About Bridging Gaps for Veterans
Unlock the secrets to effective collaboration and agency cooperation in supporting veterans, as we welcome back Jonathan Oakley, the Senior Director of Mission United of Palm Beach County, on the Vets Connection podcast. Jonathan shares the rem...
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Episode 34
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47:37
Ep. 33 - Healing Through Golf: The Journey of Jon Sessa And The Warrior Golf Academy
Join us as we explore the compelling journey of Jon Sessa, the visionary founder of Warrior Golf Academy, whose transformative experiences from military service to civilian life have shaped a sanctuary for veterans through the healing power of ...
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Episode 33
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51:26
Ep. 32 - Cell Phones for Soldiers: Transforming E-Waste into Support for Veterans
Can you imagine launching a nonprofit at just 12 years old? That's exactly what Rob Bergquist did, and today, he's the driving force behind Cell Phones for Soldiers, a remarkable initiative that has turned old cell phones into a lifeline for tr...
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Episode 32
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46:53
Ep. 31 - Special Edition: The One Man One Mic Foundation's Story Lab: A Night Of Veteran's Stories
These nine stories were recorded in front of a live audience for the One Man One Mic Foundations Fundraiser, Story Lab: A Night Of Veterans Stories.Have you ever faced a challenge so daunting it felt insurmountable? Meet Ms. Williams, a bea...
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Episode 31
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1:38:14
Ep. 30 - Bob DeMascola - A Vietnam Veteran's Journey and Homecoming
Imagine being thrust into a world of chaos just as a historic offensive looms on the horizon. Bob DeMascola, a Vietnam veteran, takes us through his gripping journey from civilian life as a mechanic and night student to a soldier deployed in th...
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Episode 30
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35:38
Ep. 28 - Healing Through H.O.O.V.E.S: Amanda Held's Journey with Equine Therapy for Veterans
Ever wondered how a wild Mustang could transform a life? Amanda Held joins us to share her journey from the Air Force to founding H.O.O.V.E.S, an equine therapy program dedicated to healing veterans. Amanda's personal story is one of serendipit...
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Episode 29
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1:01:56
Ep. 27 - Preventing Veteran Suicide with Community Connection. Talking With Cecilia Baez From The West Palm Beach V.A.
What if you could play a crucial role in saving a veteran's life? This episode brings you an enriching discussion with Cecilia Baez, the unstoppable advocate for veteran suicide prevention from the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. With her de...
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55:02
Ep. 26 - Transforming Veteran Care: Dr. Rich Peate's Mission at West Palm Beach VA
Can a dedicated recovery coordinator transform the lives of veterans? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Thomas Peet, affectionately known as Dr. Rich Peate, whose move from Connecticut to Florida brought him to the West Palm Be...
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Episode 26
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55:28
Ep. 25 - Connecting Through Storytelling And Podcasting: Scott McLean's Mission To Help Veterans With PTSD and TBI With The One Man One Mic Foundation
Scott McLean's journey from military service to podcasting, to nonprofit founder is nothing short of inspirational. How does a 10-year Air Force veteran and former military dog handler transition to founding a nonprofit and hosting a successful...
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Episode 25
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47:30
Ep. 24 - Wade Waddick Creator and Founder of Evolution Fitness In Boca Raton Talks About His Journey And The Upcoming Devil Dog 5K, 10K, Fundraiser
Former Marine Corps Sergeant Wade Waddick shares his unique journey from military service to making a difference in veterans' lives. Learn from Wade's story of transitioning to civilian life and becoming the proud owner of Evolution Fitness in ...
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Episode 24
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40:03
Ep. 23 - Florida Voices For Health, Fighting To Improve Healthcare for Veterans Not Covered By The V.A. And Floridians Thorough out Florida.
Ever wondered why so many veterans in Florida struggle to access the healthcare they need? Join us as we unravel this complex issue with two exceptional guests. Nicole Grabner, a seasoned military spouse and veteran, offers a poignant look into...
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43:02
Ep. 22 - Combating Hunger and Homelessness: Maura Plante & The Living Hungry Mission
Have you ever wondered how communities can rise together to combat hunger and homelessness? Join us for a compelling conversation with Maura Plante, visionary founder and CEO of Living Hungry, a charity making waves in Delray Beach, Florida. Ma...
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33:07
Ep. 21 - Front Doors and New Beginnings: Adam Nelson, President Of Willow & Palm Construction, Talks About Being A Donor To Veterans Nonprofits
What makes a front door more than just an entryway? Join us as Adam Nelson, president of Willow and Palm Construction, shares his deeply personal journey and his company’s heartfelt dedication to supporting veterans. Inspired by his father's in...
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36:08
Ep. 20 - From The Harrowing Experiences Of Deployment, And A Particularly Life-Altering Explosion That Solidified His Resolve To Give Back To His Fellow Veterans. I Talk With Veteran Alex Briggs, Founder Of Silent Wounds And Warriors Foundation.
What drives a man to transform his life from a software engineer to a soldier, and then to the founder of a nonprofit supporting veterans with TBI and PTSD? Join us as Alex Briggs, the remarkable CEO of Silent Wounds and Warriors Foundation, na...
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Episode 20
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36:24
Ep. 19 - Eric Peterson Talks About His Nonprofit Project Headspace And Timing. Promoting Positive Mental Health Practices To Our Veterans.
What does it take to transition from serving in combat to serving your community? Join us for a profound conversation with Eric Peterson, founder and CEO of Project Headspace and Timing, as he recounts his compelling journey from his early days...
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Episode 19
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31:54
Ep. 18 - Wounded Veteran Relief Fund, Transforming Veteran Lives Through Dental and Financial Support
Ever wondered how critical dental care and financial assistance can transform the lives of veterans? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Mike Durkee, the dedicated executive director of the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund. Mike shares hi...
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Episode 18
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28:29
Ep. 17 - Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach, Florida Offers A Wide Variety Of Services To The LGBTQ+ Community In South Florida.
What does it take to build a life dedicated to the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQ community? Get inspired by Catherine Doe's incredible journey, which led her to become the Mental Health Director at Compass Community Center in Lake...
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Episode 17
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33:18
Ep. 16 - Hanley Foundation's Steve Campana Talks About His Journey From First Responder To American Patriots Program Liaison.
Unlock the powerful narrative of Steve Campana, a dedicated first responder who shares his 32-year journey through the highs and lows of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. From his first steps as a young cadet to his extensive experience as an EMS ...
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31:51
Ep. 15 - WW2, Korean War and Vietnam Veteran James Crider Talks About His 22 Years In The Navy Serving In Three Wars
What drives a 17-year-old to falsify his age and enlist in the Navy during one of history's most tumultuous periods? Meet James Crider, a Navy veteran whose extraordinary journey began in 1945. From his rebellious enlistment decision to the swi...
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Episode 15
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1:01:21
Ep. 14 - The VA's Proactive Approach To Assisting In The Transition Of Combat Veterans And Those Who Served Post-9/11. Talking With Transitional Patient Advocate, Jose Lopez-Rodriguez from the West Palm Beach VA.
Can the transition from military to civilian life be seamless? Join us as we uncover the inner workings of the Military 2 VA (M2VA) program with Jose Lopez Rodriguez, a dedicated Transitional Patient Advocate from the Department of Veterans Aff...
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Episode 14
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34:18