The MisFitNation

Join The MisFitNation as host Rich LaMonica welcomes US Army Veteran Lori McVicar-Peltan — MP pioneer, private investigator, actress, comedian, and the definition of grit. Lori’s journey is unlike any other. She served in the first group of women to go coed at Fort McClellan in 1978, trained as the first female Military Police boxer, and served on the streets of Frankfurt. After the military, she became the first female to start her own PI firm in Buffalo, NY, earned top investigative honors at AIG, and now continues her mission as a grandmother of 11, actress in the film Lucy and the Lake Monster, presenter at the VETTYS, and graduate of a comedy writing program. In this episode, we dive into trailblazing military history, resilience, humor, survival, and the courage to keep reinventing yourself through every season of life. 🔥 If you love stories of courage, pioneering leadership, and unstoppable grit — this is your episode. What it was like to join the first coed MP training with men in 1978 The path to becoming the first female MP boxer Why Lori shattered barriers in law, investigations, and entertainment How humor and creativity help heal trauma The reality behind veteran reinvention after service (You can add her website or IMDB link here if needed) • YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn • Podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn & more ⭐ What You’ll Learn🔗 Connect with Lori📢 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with John DeDakis, former CNN journalist turned award-winning novelist, editor, writing coach, and keynote speaker. With 45 years in journalism, including 25 years at CNN, John covered presidents, riots, and history in the making—while also facing unimaginable personal losses: his sister to suicide and his son to a heroin overdose. John shares how these experiences shaped his acclaimed Lark Chadwick thriller series, and how writing can become a powerful tool for healing from grief and trauma. He also pulls back the curtain on publishing—sharing his 10-year journey to find an agent and how persistence and resilience fuel success in both writing and life. 📚 Whether you’re an aspiring writer, navigating grief, or simply love political thrillers, this conversation will leave you inspired. 👉 Subscribe for more powerful stories: https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation #WritingCommunity #GriefHealing #PoliticalThriller #Journalism #MisFitNation #JohnDeDakis #VeteranPodcast #AuthorInterview #BookTalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The ToosDay Crue as we welcome Bart Merrell—International Entrepreneur, Author, and Creator of Monetize Your Mindset. Bart has been building businesses since he was a kid, taking on wild opportunities (including introducing the first commercial bungee jump to Japan!) and turning everyday skills into sustainable income streams. Bart’s mission is simple but powerful: help ordinary people create extraordinary financial security by monetizing what they already know. In this episode, Bart breaks down: 👉 How to spot opportunities hiding in plain sight 👉 Why mindset—not money—is often the real barrier 👉 How to build side hustles that actually work 👉 What financial freedom really looks like 👉 The mental framework behind Monetize Your Mindset Find out more here: https://bartmerrell.com/ If you’re looking to prepare for life’s curveballs, take control of your financial foundation, or build a future-proof side hustle, this episode is packed with actionable value. Hit LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to support veteran-led shows and keep the mission growing. 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Challenge Accepted. Stack Victories. Do Hard Things. Don’t talk about it—be about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Stephen and Jake on The ToosDay Crue as they welcome US Army Retired 1SG Will Eller, an EOD veteran, firearms and situational awareness instructor, and community enabler. Will shares his journey from the Gulf War to deployments in Bosnia and Serbia, and the lessons learned through service, family, and life after the military. 📌 Topics Covered: EOD and tactical experiences in combat Firearms training and situational awareness strategies Overcoming TBI, PTS, and military injuries Serving the community through leadership and mentorship Faith-driven purpose and ministry with Fishers of Men 🌐 Connect with Will Eller: Website & Info: Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail   🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #ToosDayCrue #WillEller #EODVeteran #FirearmsTraining #SituationalAwareness #USArmyVeteran #MilitaryLeadership #FaithAndService #CommunityImpact #FishersOfMen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Rich LaMonica welcomes USMC Veteran, attorney, and author Rand R. Timmerman, Esq. to The MisFitNation for a powerful conversation spanning combat, law, leadership, trauma, recovery, and a life dedicated to service. Rand enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966, serving with the 1st Marines in Vietnam, where he rose to Corporal and was temporarily promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in-country. Following combat service, Rand became a JAG officer, serving four additional years before transitioning into a 40-year career as an attorney across multiple New York counties. After retiring in 2012, Rand began writing books and short stories, including A Spiritual Passage, chronicling his Appalachian Trail journey with his brother at ages 71 and 73. Today, he divides his time between Knoxville and Syracuse, remains deeply committed to the recovery community, and continues writing stories that honor service, spirituality, and resilience. In this episode you'll hear: • Rand’s journey from a small rural village to the Vietnam War • What it was like to serve as a Marine infantryman and later a JAG officer • Lessons from 40 years in the legal profession after combat • His long-distance Appalachian Trail hike in his 70s • His work in alcohol recovery and advocacy • How writing became a new mission after retirement Learn more at RandTimmerman.com This is an inspiring, grounded, and deeply human conversation with a Marine who has spent a lifetime serving others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Rich LaMonica on The MisFitNation as he welcomes US Navy Veteran Chris Norris, founder of Cognitive Fitness Coach, endurance athlete, mindfulness teacher, and a veteran with 24 years supporting Naval Special Warfare Operators across the most demanding environments on Earth. Chris’s journey is equal parts grit, trauma, transformation, and rebirth. After years of high-stress operations led to burnout, addiction, anxiety, and depression, he rebuilt his life from the inside out—earning a Master’s in Social Work, recovering his mental health, and discovering the power of meditation, breathwork, and neuroscience-based training. Today, Chris helps high performers, veterans, teams, and leaders develop clarity, focus, emotional balance, and sustainable resilience. His approach—Cognitive Fitness—trains the mind like a muscle, blending mindfulness, breathwork, and neuroplasticity to help people break patterns, rewire habits, and create a healthier, more intentional life. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Chris’s raw personal story—from combat support to collapse to rebuilding • How mindfulness and breathwork changed his life and now change others • What “Cognitive Fitness” really means and how to train it • Tools for managing stress, trauma, and mental overload • How veterans and high performers can create balance without losing their edge Learn more at CognitiveFitnessCoach.com 🔥 This is a powerful, necessary conversation for anyone navigating pressure, trauma, or the pursuit of clarity and purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Host Rich LaMonica on The MisFitNation as he welcomes David Pasqualone, marketing guru, sales coach, and host of the Remarkable People Podcast. David shares insights on clarifying purpose, leading with vision, and achieving personal and professional growth. Learn how to take consistent action, inspire others, and live a remarkable life guided by faith and focus. 📌 Topics Covered: Leadership principles and vision clarity Motivation and personal growth strategies Purpose-driven life and decision making How to take daily action and achieve goals 🌐 Connect with David Pasqualone: Website & Podcast: remarkablepeoplepodcast.com   🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #MisFitNation #DavidPasqualone #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #FaithDrivenSuccess #PurposeDrivenLife #MarketingGuru #SalesCoach #RemarkablePeople Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this electrifying episode of The MisFitNation, Host Rich LaMonica welcomes Cauveé—TEDx speaker, strategist, coach, and The Inspiration Engineer®. With unstoppable energy and wisdom, Cauveé blends strategy, instruction, and programming (S.I.P.®) to ignite personal growth and business acceleration like never before. Known for his signature MotivationMusic™, Cauveé fuses entertainment with empowerment to help clients build legacy-driven brands, optimize performance, and awaken their inner greatness. Featured in Forbes, Influencive, HuffPost, Spotify, Thrive Global, and more, Cauveé’s impact reaches entrepreneurs, dreamers, and visionaries around the world. 🎙 In this episode: How to reverse-engineer your dreams into reality The S.I.P.® Methodology for lasting success Branding with soul, impact, and strategy MotivationMusic™ and why energy drives action How Cauveé coaches through love, alignment & purpose 🔔 Subscribe to The MisFitNation:https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌍 Learn more about Cauveé: https://www.inspirationengineer.com/ Free Gift for The MisFitNation http://www.inspirationegineer.com/monetizeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The ToosDay Crue as hosts Stephen and Jake sit down with Gene Campbell, founder of True Patriot Outfitters, an organization changing lives through mission-driven outdoor experiences, kayak fishing, and friendship-centered healing. Gene spent 20+ years in the IT industry, coached youth athletics for over a decade, and rediscovered purpose after volunteering with Purple Heart veterans—a moment that reshaped the trajectory of his life. Today, his nonprofit brings connection, coping tools, and renewed purpose to veterans, first responders, and warfighting families through the power of the outdoors. In this episode, Gene breaks down: • How fishing becomes a vehicle for emotional reset and resilience • Why outdoor-based healing works for veterans and first responders • The “Fishin’ With a Mission” model and how it transforms lives • His personal journey through coaching, career transitions, and rediscovering purpose • What drives TPO to build mission-oriented healing experiences Learn more about True Patriot Outfitters at TruePatriotOutfitters.org 🔥 If you believe in our veterans and our heroes, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Dr. Eugene Lipov — physician, researcher, and the world’s leading expert on using Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to treat post-traumatic stress. Dr. Lipov pioneered the use of SGB for trauma recovery in 2006, adapting a decades-old FDA-approved procedure into a breakthrough therapy for PTSD. He later developed the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) protocol, which has helped thousands experience rapid and life-changing relief. Motivated by his own family’s experience with trauma, Dr. Lipov is also a global advocate for redefining PTSD as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) — a term that removes stigma and reflects the biological nature of the condition. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fox National News, NBC, and numerous medical journals. He has testified before Congress, worked with military organizations worldwide, and continues to push trauma treatment into a new era of science-backed innovation. Learn more at DrEugeneLipov.com http://thegodshotbook.com 🔥 Like • Comment • Subscribe to support veteran voices and trauma-healing education. 🎙️ More episodes at TheMisFitNation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Veterans Week, The MisFitNation welcomes U.S. Army Veteran Olivia Nunn — a trailblazer who transformed two decades of military service into a mission of empowerment, advocacy, and authentic storytelling. As CEO of Olivia Nunn Communications, host of Unbreakable Storm and Women of War, and VP of Communications for PPALM, Olivia helps shape conversations on leadership, resilience, and the veteran experience. Join us as we explore her journey from Army officer to public relations powerhouse, her dedication to veteran mental health, and the power of storytelling to heal and connect communities. 🎙️ Watch, subscribe, and share this episode to honor those who serve and continue to lead beyond the uniform. 🔗 Connect with Olivia: 🌐 https://www.olivianunn.com 🎧 Unbreakable Storm & Women of War — Available on all major podcast platforms #VeteransWeek #OliviaNunn #MisFitNation #WomenOfWar #UnbreakableStorm #VeteranAdvocate #Leadership #Resilience #MilitaryWomen #MentalHealth #VeteranVoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Veterans Week Special, The MisFitNation proudly welcomes COL (Ret.) Buck Connor, a West Point graduate, decorated combat leader, scholar, and veteran of over 24 years of U.S. Army service. Commissioned as an Armor Officer in 1981, Buck’s distinguished career spanned leadership roles across the globe — including Germany, Bosnia, and multiple tours in the Middle East. He commanded Task Force 1-12 Cavalry in Bosnia and later the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in Iraq (2003–2004). For his bravery and leadership in combat, he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, and Legion of Merit. After retiring, Buck brought his leadership to the private sector — serving as President of Calytrix Technologies and leading simulation and virtual training innovations that shaped the next generation of military readiness. Named a Veteran of Influence by the Orlando Business Journal, Buck’s post-service journey reflects a lifelong dedication to service, strategy, and mentorship. Now fully retired in the North Georgia mountains, Buck continues to share his knowledge through writing and speaking. His most recent publication appears in The Wrath of Achilles: Essays on Command in Battle. This episode honors a soldier, scholar, and leader who embodies courage, character, and the spirit of service. Subscribe & Follow The MisFitNation: 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful Veterans Week episode, The MisFitNation welcomes US Army Veteran Tammy Flake — a leader, advocate, businesswoman, and champion for veteran wellness and community connection. Tammy served from 2004-2008 as a Unit Supply Specialist and Arms Room Specialist with the 3-101 Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, supporting the Apache helicopter mission. She earned her Air Assault qualification and deployed to Iraq (2005–2006), where she played a key role in maintaining readiness and equipping soldiers for their missions. Today, Tammy brings that same discipline and compassion into her life as a wife, mother of five, entrepreneur, VFW Post Commander, and Utah VFW State Surgeon. She is driven to combat veteran suicide and works closely with Heroes Haven, which provides mentorship, connection, and healing for veterans seeking purpose after service. This conversation is about service, identity, transition, family, leadership, and hope — and the belief that no veteran should ever be left behind. Learn more about Heroes Haven: https://www.dashooah.com/heroes-haven Subscribe & Follow: 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Veterans Week, The MisFitNation welcomes US Army Veteran, poet, speaker, and healing advocate Marie Slider Henricksen. Marie served nearly 6 years as a combat medic before a medical discharge—and her journey since has been one of courage, pain, resilience, and radical healing. From growing up in foster care, surviving abuse, rape, military trauma, alcoholism, addiction, and chronic pain—to now celebrating 8 years of sobriety, Marie is a living testament to what happens when we choose to heal out loud. Marie has recently been diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a degenerative genetic disorder that affects every system of the body. In her mid-30s, she underwent bilateral hip replacements—yet she continues to create, advocate, speak, and uplift. She is the author of a published poetry collection featuring her photography, writes to inspire healing and transformation, and co-hosts the Everyday’s a Saturday; USMC Veteran podcast, giving veterans a voice in their journey with PTSD, recovery, identity, and resilience. Visit her work & poetry: https://www.sliderbabe.com https://sliderbabe.weebly.com This conversation will change people. This is why we do Veterans Week. Subscribe & Follow The MisFitNation 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for this special Veterans Week episode as we welcome Daniel and Stephanie Snyder — a powerhouse couple devoted to service, resilience, leadership, and empowering the U.S. Special Operations community. Dan Snyder served 31 years in the U.S. Navy, including as a SWCC operator and Command Master Chief of Special Boat Team TWENTY. His deployments span Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, the Philippines, and beyond — shaping his leadership, character, and calling. Today, as Director of Programs at The Honor Foundation’s Tampa Campus, he guides Special Operations service members preparing for life beyond the uniform. Stephanie Snyder, Program Coordinator at THF Tampa, brings the experience, heart, and unseen strength of a Special Operations spouse. Her work supports the transition journey with care, clarity, and community. This episode is about love, legacy, identity, purpose — and what happens when the mission changes. 🎙️ If you’ve ever struggled with transition, purpose, or rediscovering your “Why,” this episode will hit home. 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Host Rich LaMonica as he welcomes retired U.S. Army officer Kenneth Webb. With 33 years of military service and over two decades at American Airlines, Ken's life is a masterclass in grit, transition, and reinvention. Now living in Peru and working on his debut psychological thriller Trapped in Deception, Ken shares how his military past and global experiences shape his writing. Tune in for a powerful conversation on discipline, storytelling, and chasing purpose beyond the uniform. 🎙️ Guest Website: https://kenwebb69.com 📅 Thriller Release: Trapped in Deception (Coming Dec 2025) 📍 Filmed Live on The MisFitNation 🕖 New Episodes Every Week at 7PM CST  🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #VeteranAuthor #MilitaryThriller #VeteranTransition #TheMisFitNation #WritingFromExperience #USArmyRetired #TrappedInDeception #KenWebbAuthor #PsychologicalThriller #VeteranVoices #AmericanAirlinesVeteran #LifeAfterTheUniform #LivingAbroad #WritingInPeru Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ToosDay Crüe welcomes Dr. Will Van Derveer, Psychiatrist, Speaker, Psychedelics Researcher, and Co-Founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. Dr. Van Derveer is a pioneer in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and integrative psychiatry, helping people overcome treatment-resistant depression and PTSD through innovative, evidence-based care. He’s also Medical Director of the Integrative Psychiatry Center in Boulder, CO, and co-host of the Higher Practice Podcast, exploring what it takes to achieve optimal mental health. Join hosts Stephen and Jake as they dive deep into the future of psychiatry, the science behind psychedelics, and how Dr. Van Derveer’s upcoming book, Psychedelic Therapy: Restore Your Mental Health and Reclaim Your Life (2026), aims to change the conversation about healing and trauma. 🎧 Learn more about Dr. Van Derveer and his work at www.psychiatryinstitute.com 👉 Subscribe and watch more conversations at The MisFitNation YouTube Channel #TheToosDayCrue #TheMisFitNation #WillVanDerveer #PsychedelicTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this jaw-dropping episode of The ToosDay Crue, Jake and Stephen sit down with Tommy Kilpatrick, author, and banking myth-buster. Tommy shares his explosive theory about bank-issued alleged credit card debt—and why he claims it's not legally enforceable. Discover how he went toe-to-toe with banks in federal court, exposed alleged financial fraud, and now helps others challenge $1.3 trillion in so-called debt. With a background in accounting and a mission to help everyday people take back financial control, Tommy unpacks the shocking truth behind "credit" cards that are actually cleverly disguised free checking accounts. 👉 Learn more at: https://www.diy-debtrelief.com 📚 Get the book, question everything, and protect your future. 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@the_misfitnation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Views expressed by our guest are his and his alone. The tips and tricks shared by our guest are 100% his. #BankingScamExposed #CreditCardFraud #DebtRelief #TommyKilpatrick #ToosDayCrue #FinancialFreedom #ConsumerRights #BankingReform #DIYDebtRelief #MoneyMyths #MisfitFinance #FinancialLiteracy #CreditTrap 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4773991641513984 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unforgettable episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Andy Dietrich—an immigrant, U.S. veteran, and the hilariously raw author of Play Stupid Games Win Stupid Prizes. Andy shares brutally honest stories of resilience, friendship, failure, and redemption with wit, wisdom, and more than a few cringe-worthy laughs. Through dark humor, humble insight, and real-life misadventures, Andy opens up about the unconventional journey from the military to the written word—and why owning your mess might just be your superpower. 👉 Grab Andy’s book here: https://www.andysbook.com 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe 🎙 New episodes weekly at 7PM CST! #VeteranVoices #ImmigrantStory #MisFitNation #MilitaryHumor #PlayStupidGames #PodcastInterview #DarkHumorAuthor #GrowthMindset #AndyDietrich #VeteranStories #RelatableAF #FunnyVeteran #FromServiceToStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Weston Brandon — a speaker, author, and songwriter who teaches people how to guarantee success through his D.R.I.V.E. framework. After losing his wife just two weeks after their son was born, Weston faced unimaginable grief. But through faith, resilience, and reinvention, he rebuilt his life and discovered a mission to help others do the same. Today, he shares his message through speaking engagements, original music, and his book The Overhaul: Fixing Your Mindset and Driving Success. 🎵 Discover Weston’s work at www.WestonBrandon.com 🎙️ Listen to more episodes at www.TheMisFitNation.com 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @The_MisFitNation #WestonBrandon #TheMisFitNation #MindsetCoach #Faith #Resilience #MotivationalPodcast #PersonalGrowth #TheOverhaul #DriveFramework #Inspiration #Leadership #SuccessMindset #SpeakerLife #VeteranPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices