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
49 episodes
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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1:00:23
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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49:36
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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44:27
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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38:40
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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38:11
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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56:01
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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1:04:18
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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51:29
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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39:17
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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1:02:39
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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1:02:22
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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50:21
Ep. 37 - 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 36 - 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. 35 - 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. 34 - 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. 33 - 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. 32 - 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. 31 - 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. 30 - 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. 29 - 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