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
26 episodes
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
Ep. 13 - The Fire Watch - Combating Veteran Suicide Through Community and Training
What happens when a community comes together to combat veteran suicide? In this episode, we welcome Henry Angulo, the Regional Programs Director for the Firewatch in South Florida, who shares the organization's profound mission and its grassroo...
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Episode 13
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39:46
Ep. 12 - An Update Episode On Our Journey So Far and What's Brewing Ahead
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of the VetsConnection Podcast? Join me, Scott McLean, for an update as we celebrate a major rebranding milestone and some impressive podcast statistics. You’ll discover why we transitioned from Vets Co...
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9:59
Ep. 11 - From Haiti to the Marines to College Graduate: One Young Veterans Inspiring Journey
What inspired a young boy from Haiti to not only conquer the challenges of immigration but to thrive in academia, athletics, and ultimately serve in the Marine Corps? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Djery Clement, a Marine veteran ...
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41:46
Ep.10 - Recorded Live From The West Palm Beach V.A. Wellness and Mental Health Fair.
Unlock the treasure trove of veteran support and heartening tales of triumph over adversity in our latest episode, where empathy meets action. Our vibrant West Palm Beach VA Wellness and Mental Health Fair interviews begin with Catherine Doe ...
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Episode 10
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41:11
Ep. 9 -The Legal Aid Society Advocates For Veterans and It’s Free! Attorney's Melva Rozier and Brittany Horton From The Legal Aid Society Of Palm Beach County Explain How It Works.
Discover the unsung heroes of the legal battlefield as I, Scott McLean, sit down with Melva Rozier and Brittany Horton from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. These legal champions are not just attorneys; they're lifelines to veterans ...
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Episode 9
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28:27
Ep. 8 - Teaching Trauma-Conscious Yoga To Veterans With PTSD andTBI. Judy Weaver, Co-Founder Of Connected Warriors.
When Judy Weaver connected her passion for yoga with a commitment to support those bearing the invisible scars of service, Connected Warriors was born. Hear Judy's remarkable tale of overcoming her own health challenges with yoga and how it ign...
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Episode 8
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30:50
Ep.7 - From War to Home to Homeless to Recovery. Veteran, John Schrey, National Director of Veterans Affairs for The Haven Talks About His Journey.
When courage falters and the battle within rages, where does a veteran turn? John Schrey, a Marine Corps veteran and our guest from Haven for Heroes, shares his harrowing yet hopeful story of confronting the invisible wounds of war. From the du...
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Episode 7
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25:15
Ep. 6 - Honoring and Advocating for Women Veterans. Lisa Browne-Banic, Women Veteran's Advocate, Talks About Her Experiences And What's Needed.
My conversation this week is with Lisa Browne- Banic. As Lisa walks us through her incredible life's journey, you'll feel the gravity of her mission and the weight of her achievements. This episode is an intimate exploration of the trials and t...
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Episode 6
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36:02
Ep. 5 - Panhandle Warrior Partnership Doing Great Work For Veterans. Dan Hendrickson, Program Lead, Located In Ft. Walton Beach Florida.
Embarking on a journey laced with bravery and resilience, we sit down with Dan Hendrickson from the Panhandle Warrior Partnership, whose life narrative binds the legacy of a Marine father with his own valorous chapters in the Marine Corps. Dan ...
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Episode 5
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28:39
Ep. 4 - Mission United, A Key Link Between Veterans And Veteran Nonprofits. Jonathan Oakley, Senior Director, Mission United, United Way Of Palm Beach County.
Imagine unlocking the full potential of support for our veterans. That's exactly what Jonathan Oakley, Senior Director of Mission United at United Way of Palm Beach County, and I delve into in a heart-to-heart conversation about bridging the ga...
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35:47
Ep. 3 - Providing Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments To Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury And PTSD. Talking With Ashley Williams, 22 Project, Boca Raton, Florida.
When I first crossed paths with Ashley Williams at a veterans outreach event, I knew I’d stumbled upon someone extraordinary. Her dedication as Program Director for 22 Project shines through as she aids veterans in their battle against traumati...
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Episode 3
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30:19
Ep. 2 - Providing Equine Assisted Services For Veterans Diagnosed With PTSD And TBI. Talking With Rhonda Fritzshall And Nongae Johnson, HERD Foundation, Delray Beach, Florida
When Rhonda Fritzshall and Nongae Johnson, the dedicated souls behind HERD Foundation, sat down with me, we didn't just chat about equine-assisted services for veterans - we ventured into the profound impact that horses can have on the human sp...
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Episode 2
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29:34