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
61 episodes
Ep. 63 - Marine Combat Veteran, John Schrey. From Combat To The Streets To Recovery
We trace John’s path from Marine combat engineer to addiction, homelessness, and back to purposeful service, detailing how brotherhood, hard choices, and real treatment rebuilt his life. We also break down gaps in VA community care and how Have...
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Episode 63
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1:15:31
Ep. 62 - Bob: From High School Drop Out at 16 to Vietnam At 17 to The Streets For 18 Years to Saving Veterans
A veteran’s life arcs from a 17-year-old paratrooper in Vietnam to 18 years on New York streets, to a late-life mission rescuing fellow veterans. Raw scenes of war, failed recovery, homelessness, and hard-earned redemption shape a clear path to...
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Episode 62
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1:12:01
Ep. 61 - Art, Hands, and a Flag. Artist Ariel Basso's Journey to the "We Are America" Project
We talk with artist and musician Ariel Basso about a life in art shaped by Miami roots, Brooklyn grit, and a mother’s blindness that sparked a tactile mixed-media method. The conversation builds toward “We Are America,” a community flag made fr...
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Episode 61
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52:02
Ep.60 - From Vietnam Vet to The No White Flags Project: How Art Brownstein Builds Dignity With Adaptive Bathrooms
A veteran’s spark in a public restroom becomes a nationwide mission to restore independence in the most private room of the home. We unpack the tech, the funding grind, the caregiver load, and the culture shift that lets amputees lead with prid...
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Episode 60
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53:37
Ep. 59 - From Marine to Law Enforcement to First Responder Nonprofit Founder: Jeremy Tindall's Operation Mayday 13
Jeremy Tindall, Marine Corps veteran and former police officer, shares the inspiring story behind Operation Mayday 13, his emerging nonprofit dedicated to supporting injured first responders through custom t-shirt fundraising campaigns. After w...
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Episode 59
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43:41
Ep. 58 - Sazha Ramos: How One Navy Veteran Overcame Opioid Addiction and Found Her Path to Helping Other Veterans
Navy veteran Saja Ramos shares her powerful journey from military service to addiction recovery, now serving as VP of Military and Veteran Affairs at American Addiction Centers. After a traumatic brain injury and vision loss from a car accident...
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Episode 58
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48:43
Ep. 57 - Teeing Up Hope: Golf's Impact on Veteran Recovery. Talking With Melvin Azofeifa, Founder And CEO of Stairway For Heroes
Melvin Azofeifa, founder and CEO of Stairway for Heroes, shares how a golf nonprofit is helping veterans heal through camaraderie, connection, and community. His personal journey from military transition struggles to finding purpose through gol...
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Episode 57
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52:08
Ep. 56 - Creating Sanctuary: The Journey of Iraq War Veteran Lucas Lewis And The Founding Of Project Gallantly Forward
Lucas Lewis transforms his family farm into a free mountain retreat for veterans, giving them space to rest, relax, and reconnect through Project Gallantly Forward. The nonprofit offers cabins, RV hookups, and a peaceful natural setting where v...
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Episode 56
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35:22
Ep. 55 - From Combat to Community: Building Veteran Support Systems Through Clear Path For Veterans Nonprofit
Ryan Woodruff shares his journey from Marine Corps combat veteran to Program Director at ClearPath for Veterans, revealing how his own healing path led him to help fellow veterans through comprehensive support programs.• Established in ...
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Episode 55
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50:24
Ep. 54 - Evan Graver, Disabled Navy Veteran, Author and Veteran Nonprofit Advocate
When Navy veteran Evan Graver's motorcycle collided with a semi-truck in 2001, his life changed forever. The accident left him a T10 paraplegic, abruptly ending his military career just months before 9/11 and forcing him to rebuild his identity...
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Episode 54
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51:52
Ep. 53 - Film Director/Documentarian Jake Rademacher Talks About His Latest Documentary: Brothers After War. The Follow Up to His 2009 Award Winning Documentary: Brothers At war
What happens when the guns fall silent? When a director embarks on a journey to understand his brothers' experiences in war, he discovers a story far more complex than he anticipated—one that spans 15 years and follows the profound transformati...
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Episode 53
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1:24:58
Ep. 52 - Research Scientist, Lindsey Hildebrand Talks About Sleep Science and Brain Health for Veterans
Do you struggle with sleep? You're far from alone—especially if you've served in the military. In this fascinating deep dive, research scientist Lindsay Hildebrand reveals how the disrupted sleep patterns military personnel experience can persi...
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Episode 52
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43:16
Ep. 51 - Dr. Richard Peate, West Palm Beach V.A., Serving Those Who Served: Mental Health Month at the VA
Mental Health Awareness Month takes on powerful new meaning through the eyes of Dr. Richard Peate, a VA psychologist who's spent 18 years finding innovative ways to support veterans beyond traditional therapy. In this candid conversation, Dr. P...
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Episode 51
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31:53
Ep. 50 - Pancakes for Roger: A Veteran's Legacy
A plate of pancakes became the catalyst for a nationwide veterans support movement in this remarkable story of love, legacy, and service. After Susan Combs' father, Major General Roger Combs—who served 39 years across three military branches—de...
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Episode 50
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1:00:06
Ep. 49 - Finding Your Path: How American Corporate Partners Transforms Veteran And Active Duty Spouses Careers
The journey from military service to civilian career success can be one of the most challenging transitions many veterans and military spouses face. In this enlightening conversation with Victoria Thompson from American Corporate Partners (ACP)...
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Episode 49
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49:20
Ep. 48 - Veteran Yoga Project: Healing Through Yoga
The Veteran Yoga Project provides free yoga classes specifically designed for veterans nationwide, addressing both physical and mental health needs through mindfulness practices that complement traditional PTSD treatments.• Founded by D...
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Episode 48
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44:11
Ep. 47 - Talking With Henry Angulo From The Fire Watch: Saving Lives, The Firewatch Approach to Veteran Suicide Prevention
Henry Angulo returns to share how The Firewatch is creating a measurable impact on veteran suicide rates across Florida through their community-based approach. As Regional Programs Director for South Florida, Henry reveals the powerful statisti...
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Episode 47
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38:24
Ep. 46 - Talking with Sean MacPhee from Mission United, Broward County. We Discuss Navigating Veterans Services: Mission United's Comprehensive Approach
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Episode 46
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37:55
Ep. 45 - Talking With Tim Roberto, Founder Of Stomping Out The Stigma. How a Walk Transformed One Man's Mission for Mental Health
Mental health struggles can often go unspoken, especially within the military and first responder communities. Tim Roberto, Marine veteran and founder of the nonprofit Stomping Out the Stigma, intimately understands the pain of addiction and th...
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Episode 45
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55:45
Ep. 44 - Talking With Lindsey Hildebrand From The Florida LEADS Project (Launch Engage Activate Departments and Systems for Zero Suicide)
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Episode 44
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1:04:01
Ep. 42 - Supporting Veterans with Every Swing. Josh Sears, Co-Founder of 100Fore22 Discusses How his Foundation Was Created And The Amazing Way They Raise Money For Veterans And Veteran Foundations
Joshua Sears' transformation to a prominent advocate for veterans is nothing short of inspiring. This episode takes us through his remarkable journey, highlighting his military career as an 11 Bravo in the Army and his experiences with the 187t...
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Episode 43
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51:13
Ep. 41 - Unlocking Comprehensive Support for Veterans and the Importance of Accessible Resources and Proactive Planning for Veterans and Their Families
This episode delves into the support and services available to veterans through Trusted Companies, a suite of organizations providing healthcare and legal assistance for veterans. Stephen Wolfe, CEO, emphasizes the importance of accessible reso...
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Episode 42
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39:00
Ep. 40 - From Eight Tours In Iraq and Afghanistan to Civilian Life: Stu Sword's Journey
From a challenging start in Virginia Beach to Army Command Sergeant Major, Stu Sword's journey is anything but ordinary. Discover how a pivotal high school decision led him to a remarkable 26-year military career, including eight intense tours ...
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Episode 41
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1:02:22
Ep.- 39 - Nick Cannon, From Air Force Crew Chief to Veterans Advocate to Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
What happens when a life marked by frequent transitions meets the rigid structure of military service? Meet Nick Cannon, the Director of Operations for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, who shares his extraordinary journey from a tumultuous chi...
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Episode 40
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1:02:05
Ep. 38 - 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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50:04