The Outreach Project

Episode 12 drops a day early — and we’re cooking. 🎙️🔥This week we’re joined by Tyler Stankye (Active Duty Army Captain & Ops Manager) from Hero to the Line (HTTL), plus Dustin Brister (our Episode 7 guest and an HTTL dog recipient).HTTL is building community by placing well-bred Labrador Retriever puppies with veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star families — then surrounding them with a tribe of support, training knowledge, and real-life connection. We talk:Why a dog can create routine, purpose, and momentumHow HTTL protects the mission with accountability + standardsThe difference community makes when the uniform comes offDustin’s story: how his pup changed the way he leads at home🔗 Learn more / apply / support: https://hero2theline.org/ 🐾 Want to donate or partner? media@hero2theline.org Follow + Subscribe:🎧 Spotify / 🍎 Apple / 📺 YouTube: @TheOutreachProjectHq(And yes… we still want Raising Cane’s to sponsor the dog community. 😄)

n Episode 11 of The Outreach Project Podcast, we sit down with Steve Brush, former Force Recon Marine, 13-time combat veteran, and leadership coach with Rope Solutions.Steve served with both 5th and 1st Force Recon Companies and completed multiple deployments to Afghanistan — including operations in Sangin and during the fall of Kabul. After transitioning from the Marine Corps, Steve led large-scale security operations in the Middle East overseeing more than 2,000 personnel.But this episode isn’t just about combat.It’s about identity loss.It’s about transition.It’s about suicidal ideation.It’s about finding purpose again.Steve shares his battle with post-deployment isolation, depression, and nearly taking his own life — and how the Warrior PATHH program helped him rediscover purpose, leadership, and faith.Today, Steve serves as a leadership coach with Rope Solutions, helping high-risk industries build elite culture through special operations leadership principles.This is one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had.Growing up in a Marine Corps familyForce Recon selection and deployment to SanginCombat trauma and identity lossThe fall of Afghanistan from inside KabulVeteran transition challengesPost-Traumatic GrowthWarrior PATHH programLeadership culture in high-risk industriesRope Solutions methodologyFaith, sobriety, and rebuilding family relationshipsTopics Covered:Growing up in a Marine Corps familyForce Recon selection and deployment to SanginCombat trauma and identity lossThe fall of Afghanistan from inside KabulVeteran transition challengesPost-Traumatic GrowthWarrior PATHH programLeadership culture in high-risk industriesRope Solutions methodologyFaith, sobriety, and rebuilding family relationships

Mike and Natalie Evans—founders of Rucking Realty Group—join us for Episode 10. Mike is a Marine Corps infantry veteran, and together they’ve built a family-run real estate business in San Antonio rooted in leadership, service, and doing the hard work others won’t.Mike explains why the home-buying process is like rucking up a mountain—and why the right team carries the load with you until you reach the summit.Connect with Rucking Realty GroupWebsite: https://ruckingrealtygroup.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rucking.realty.groupllc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rucking-Realty-Group/61579340832737/#Explore The Outreach Projecthttps://www.theoutreach-project.comhttps://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectory

Tyler Burgett is a retired Special Warfare operator who faced some of the hardest battles of his life after leaving active duty.Following medical retirement, a divorce, and the loss of close family members, Tyler found himself struggling with substance abuse and thoughts of suicide. The identity he built through service felt stripped away. The mission was gone. The structure was gone. And for a while, so was hope.But this is not a story about defeat.With the help of close friends and veteran-serving nonprofits, Tyler began rebuilding his life. Today, he is on the path to becoming a therapist — committed to helping others navigate the same darkness he once faced.In this episode, we discuss:Identity loss after military transitionSubstance abuse in the veteran communitySuicidal ideation and breaking the silenceThe real impact of nonprofit support organizationsRebuilding purpose after rock bottomIf you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Explore veteran and first responder nonprofits nationwide:https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectoryListen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY?si=86cd961bcbe84f41Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHqThe Outreach Project exists to connect people with real resources — and the stories behind them.

In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, we sit down with Joe and Gabriella, founders of Hero’s Journey Healing Foundation, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about healing, identity, and rebuilding life after service.Joe, an Army veteran, shares his journey through military transition, PTSD, addiction, and the loss of identity that so many veterans and first responders face. Together with Gabriella, they discuss how their experience with ayahuasca-assisted healing, combined with counseling, community, and spousal support, helped transform not just the individual — but the entire family unit.This episode explores:The hidden mental health struggles after military and first-responder serviceWhy identity loss fuels isolation, addiction, and depressionWhat it truly means to heal the unit, not just the individualHow ayahuasca is discussed as part of a responsible, guided healing processThe critical role spouses play in long-term recoveryWhy community, accountability, and integration matter after breakthroughs⚠️ This is not a conversation about shortcuts or quick fixes. Ayahuasca is discussed in the context of intentional healing, proper guidance, and long-term support.If you or someone you love is struggling with transition, trauma, or purpose after service, this episode offers perspective, hope, and a reminder that you don’t have to walk the path alone.🌐 Website: https://www.herosjourneyheals.org/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/heros_journey_foundation/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Heros-Journey-Healing-Foundation/61584080139744/📧 Email: herosjourneyheals@gmail.com▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHq🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outreach-project/id1863858977🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4c598486-8ada-4af2-b950-60d5e32812ad/the-outreach-project🔗 Guest Resources — Hero’s Journey Healing Foundation🎧 Listen / Watch Now — The Outreach Project

In our first Spotlight episode, we sit down with Navy veteran and Austin-based taxidermist Dustin Brister. Dustin shares his journey from small-town Texas to the Navy, the loss of his younger brother to suicide, and the moment he decided to break the cycle of alcohol and generational trauma. We talk about healing through the outdoors, the power of community, and why “reaching out” can change everything especially for those carrying the aftermath.🔹 Animal Art Taxidermyhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Animal-Art-Taxidermy-Austin-TX/100063545984378/🔹 Archery Country http://austinarcherycountry.com/

In this powerful episode of The Outreach Project, we sit down with Tom Kilgannon, President of Freedom Alliance, to explore how immersive outdoor experiences can help veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war. Freedom Alliance has spent decades honoring and supporting America’s military community, and in this episode we go beyond the mission statement — into the forests and waters of Sitka, Alaska — to hear firsthand how nature, purpose, and camaraderie are reshaping lives. From quiet riverbanks to misty mountain trails, we talk with Tom about:The transformative role of the outdoors in veteran recoveryFreedom Alliance’s programs that foster peer connection and supportVeteran stories of resilience, renewal, and rediscoveryFinding peace after service through purposeful experienceThis episode is a journey into the restorative power of nature, the strength of shared service, and what it truly means to heal through the outdoors.🌐 Website: https://freedomalliance.org/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFreedomAlliance🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/FreedomAlliance📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedom.alliance/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreedomAlliance/

In Episode 5 of The Outreach Project, we highlight Southern Outdoor Dreams, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outdoor adventures for disabled youth and combat wounded veterans.Southern Outdoor Dreams believes the outdoors can be a powerful source of healing, confidence, and connection. By bringing together volunteers, guides, and community partners, they create safe, accessible, and meaningful hunting and fishing experiences at no cost to participants.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:The story behind Southern Outdoor DreamsHow outdoor adventures support healing and resilienceThe impact on veterans, youth, and familiesHow you can support or get involved

In this episode of The Outreach Project, we’re honored to welcome Jordyn Jureczki — U.S. Navy Veteran, former law enforcement officer, and CEO of Frontline Healing Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to removing financial barriers to mental health and addiction treatment for military, veterans, and first responders). frontlinehealingfoundation.orgJordyn shares her deeply personal journey from the military and LEO patrol work through her own challenges with trauma and healing, to leading a foundation that helps warriors access critical care — often when insurance and traditional resources fall short. We dive into the mission of Frontline Healing Foundation, its impact on PTSD, addiction, TBI support, and how communities can come alongside those who have served. Learn how you can support warriors on their healing journey, and why breaking the silence around trauma matters now more than ever.🔗 Follow & Support Frontline Healing Foundation:Website: frontlinehealingfoundation.org frontlinehealingfoundation.orgFacebook: facebook.com/frontlinehealingfoundation FacebookInstagram: instagram.com/frontlinehealingfoundation Instagram🎥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring stories on The Outreach Project!

In this episode of The Outreach Project, we sit down with Ariel Lara from The Warrior’s Refuge to discuss their mission to end veteran homelessness in Texas — and ultimately across America.We explore how The Warrior’s Refuge helps veterans restart life with dignity through shelter, transitional living, case management, counseling, vocational training, and job placement. Ariel shares how veterans are brought in from across Texas and beyond to receive the stability and support needed to rebuild and move forward.This conversation is a reminder that visibility leads to action — and action creates real impact.If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of help, please reach out. You don’t have to do this alone.🔗 CONNECT WITH THE WARRIOR’S REFUGE🌐 Website: https://thewarriorsrefuge.us📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorsrefugeofficial/🔗 CONNECT WITH THE OUTREACH PROJECT🎧 Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY🎧 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outreach-project/id1863858977🎧 Amazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4c598486-8ada-4af2-b950-60d5e32812ad/the-outreach-project📺 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHq📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/

In Episode 2 of The Outreach Project (TOP), we sit down with Leo Richardson, who leads the Texas Chapter of Veteran’s Creed Outdoors, to highlight the mission, impact, and national reach of this veteran-led nonprofit organization.Veteran’s Creed Outdoors is a national organization dedicated to helping veterans reconnect with purpose, brotherhood, and service through outdoor experiences rooted in faith, accountability, and community.While Leo shares insight into the work being done in Texas, this conversation intentionally elevates Veteran’s Creed Outdoors at the national level, the values they stand for, the lives they are impacting across the country, and why their model continues to resonate with veterans searching for connection after service.In this episode, we discuss: The national mission and vision of Veteran’s Creed Outdoors. Why brotherhood and service still matter after military service. How local chapters support a unified national purpose. The role of the outdoors in restoring identity and connection. How veterans can get involved and support the missionThis episode is about giving Veteran’s Creed Outdoors the recognition they deserve nationwide.⸻🔗 LinksVeteran’s Creed Outdoors (National)https://veteranscreedoutdoors.orgVeteran’s Creed Outdoors — Texas Chapter (Instagram)https://www.instagram.com/veterans_creed_outdoors_texasReferenced Video:“He Came Home From War Broken – Then Built Redemption by Hand”Josh Melching | I Am Redemptionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T5doZbPHO4Community Support:Support Jamie Melching’s Cancer Battlehttps://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jamie-melchings-cancer-battleListen to The Outreach Project:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-hometown-hero-outdoors-reconnecting-through/id1863858977Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4c598486-8ada-4af2-b950-60d5e32812ad/the-outreach-projectWatch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHqFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/Contact the Podcast:theoutreachprojectpodcast@gmail.com

In our first episode of The Outreach Project, we sit down with Hometown Hero Outdoors, a nonprofit dedicated to reconnecting veterans and first responders through peer-led outdoor experiences.Hometown Hero Outdoors creates space for healing, connection, and community by getting people outside — hunting, fishing, camping, and simply spending time together with others who understand the weight of service. This conversation goes beyond the mission statement to explore why this work matters, how shared experiences build trust, and what real outreach looks like when it’s done with intention.We talk purpose after service, the power of community, and how organizations like HHO are filling gaps that formal systems often can’t. This episode sets the tone for what The Outreach Project is about: honest conversations, real impact, and highlighting organizations that are doing the work when no one’s watching.🎙️ Featured Organization: Hometown Hero Outdoors🌲 Focus: Veterans, first responders, outdoor connection, peer support🤝 Get involved: Learn more, volunteer, donate, or attend an event