Veteran Chat Project

Ever felt like life is just happening to you, like you're caught in a relentless current with little control over where you're headed? We know the feeling. This episode is a deep-dive into intentional living, a journey of making conscious decisions that align with our core values and goals. In a world that seems to be in stark contrast with our intentions, we explore how to create a sense of direction and infuse meaning into every action."To quit, or not to quit?" - that's the question. As someone who is currently grappling with the question around marijuana usage, I share my personal struggle and the intricate balancing act between wanting to quit and the need for acceptance. We also touch on other addictive habits like cigarettes and alcohol, and even take a stroll down the contentious political avenue of addiction. It's a candid conversation about the role of addiction in detracting from intentional living.In the pursuit of intentional living, setting clear goals and prioritizing tasks is paramount. We hand over practical tips on crafting achievable goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and staying motivated. We challenge the rigid view of goals and highlight the importance of adaptability. We also delve into the realm of relationships and the search for people who can both support and challenge us. Brace yourself for a heavy note as we delve into the reality of death, the difficulty in accepting it, and the pain of loss. It's a raw, challenging, and enlightening exploration of what it truly means to live intentionally.So here's our invitation to you: join us as we peel back the layers, challenge our own perceptions, and make a conscious choice to live intentionally. It's not always an easy journey, but we believe it's worth it. Because at the end of the day, only we have the power to reshape our lives in line with our deepest values and aspirations. Let's step into that power together.

What does it take to transition from a decorated military career to everyday civilian life? Join us as we sit down with Chad Croat from Apex Animal House to shed light on the unique challenges that veterans face when they leave the military. Together, we explore the parallels between the mentalities of high-level athletes and military operators, highlighting the same level of commitment, focus and resilience that both demand. Chad opens up about his personal journey sharing how he has found a sense of purpose, motivation, and community in the gym. He talks about the difficulties in establishing a new identity after military service, and how the gym has become a positive beacon in his life, providing a therapeutic outlet for despair. His story underscores the importance of staying mission-focused and finding strength in humility to foster growth and maturity.But the conversation doesn't stop there. We also tackle the complex topic of gun ownership post-military service. Chad offers his insights on the implications, emphasizing the importance of safety and security, while also highlighting the associated risks. He shares his experiences with firearms, stressing the importance of proper instruction and understanding for those considering owning a gun. So, tune in for an enlightening, raw, and candid conversation that you won’t want to miss.

Ever wondered how your core values intersect with everyday accountability? How they guide you through life's myriad transitions, or even the role they play in your relationships? Well, that's precisely what we unravel in this thought-provoking conversation. From our personal stories of adapting to civilian life post-military, to the unwavering support we extend to veterans grappling with mental health, we've discussed it all!Accountability, as we've learned, is a core value - one that manifests differently in each of our lives. Whether it be a last-minute text to a spouse or a flash of inspiration from a social media post, accountability takes many forms. Yet, at its root, it’s about recognizing and aligning our core values, and setting healthy boundaries. It's about trusting our intuition, embracing change, and using our values to navigate life's transitions. And while we're on the topic of values, let's delve into their evolution. Through our own experiences, we've come to understand that questioning societal norms helps us better comprehend our own beliefs. We also explore the importance of diverse perspectives and role models in shaping our values and paving our own paths. So, if you're up for some self-reflection and a fresh outlook on core values, accountability, and personal growth, tune in and join the conversation!

From the barracks to the therapy couch, former serviceman David Snowis offers an intimate glimpse into his life journey in our latest episode. This isn't just another tale of a military man's transition to civilian life - it's a potent exploration of the human struggle, the power of connection, and the transformative force of self-awareness. David's stories from his army days are both humorous and sobering, revealing the shared experiences that link us all - from the pain of combat to the difficulty of changing family dynamics after service. The raw honesty of his journey uncovers the real impacts of actions and choices, demonstrating the life-changing influence of emotional processing after leaving the armed forces. His tales aren't just about military life, but also about the struggles of parenting, and the importance of mental health.By exploring his use of therapy to manage his mental health, David opens up about the realities of living with post-service trauma. The episode doesn't shy away from heavier topics, like the idea of replacing one addiction with another, and a few more! 

Ever had to field a pivotal call in the corner of your shared home office/bedroom while your partner tries to negotiate a zoom meeting in the background? Ever waited anxiously for a job interview feedback, feeling like the walls around you are closing in? Join us, Kyle and KZ, as we navigate through such moments, sharing our personal anecdotes about life's ups and downs. We bare it all - the challenges of family life, job searching, and managing a home office that also happens to be a bedroom. Tune in as we talk about the peaks of excitement and troughs of anxiety during job hunting, and how leaning on family keeps us anchored during uncertain times.Remember the adage 'commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality'? We, Kyle and KZ, are living proof of it. Drawing from our personal experiences, we delve into the importance of having a partner in crime to keep your motivation levels high, and the undeniable benefits of being held accountable for your actions. Join us as we talk about the trials and triumphs of hosting a podcast and how the journey instilled in us the very essence of discipline and self-awareness.Ever wondered how to transform your promises into realities? We share our insights on developing a system to keep yourself accountable for your goals and commitments. Listen in as we discuss the power of discipline, self-awareness, and internal drive that can drastically foster personal growth. From sharing our own stories on self-accountability to fostering family values through a card game, this episode is brimming with actionable tips and advice. We promise; this is not just another podcast episode. It is a stepping stone towards a disciplined and accountable life. Tune in now!

Join us for a profound journey with our guest, Mike, who takes us from his days as an Army tanker to becoming a real-life hero in the fight against child exploitation online. Raised in a tough neighborhood, Mike's path to heroism was far from easy. We dive into his early struggles, his deployment to Iraq, and his transition into a family man. In a powerful conversation, he takes us through his recruitment into the Hero Child Rescue Corps and shares a heart-wrenching story of a student who fell victim to an online predator.Imagine a world where the front lines of protecting children from online predators are manned by an Army veteran. Mike, a former Army tanker, now uses his skills as a computer forensics specialist to fight the dark side of technology. We discuss the chilling reality of child exploitation online, the importance of monitoring children's online activity and the role technology plays in catching predators. Mike's tales from the trenches of online safety will leave you on the edge of your seat.Finally, we follow Mike's journey of personal struggle and triumphant recovery. From battling depression to becoming a beacon of hope for children, Mike's story is both harrowing and inspiring. We venture into his life beyond the army, his remarkable transition into acting, and his impactful journey teaching children about online safety. We also wander into the scenic landscapes of Reno, Nevada and get a glimpse into Mike's life post-retirement from the army. Join us for a truly compelling exploration of Mike's journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a real-world hero.

What does it take to trade an alcohol-fueled life in the tattoo industry for a life of sobriety, spirituality, law enforcement, and coaching? Our guest, Stu from the Guild Fellowship, has done just that, and he shares his transformative journey with us in this episode. Stu candidly discusses the social pressures to drink he faced, especially in the tattoo industry, and how he cleverly navigated them. Stu's journey didn't stop at sobering up. He also delved into spirituality and found a profound connection with God that led him to create the Guild Fellowship. As he narrates his inspiring journey, Stu elucidates the power of aligning one's goals and actions with their spiritual mission, leading to greater clarity and fulfillment in life. He also touches on the emotional struggles common among men and introduces us to the concept of 'Yanu' (You Are Not Unique), which helps combat feelings of isolation and uniqueness in our sufferings.Wrapping up our discussion, we tackle the often overlooked need for support among first responders dealing with trauma. Stu shares his experiences and emphasizes the importance of shared experiences for mentoring and healing. He also reflects on how the divine has worked in his life and the synchronicity that led him to his mission. Join us as we journey through Stu's inspiring transformation, exploring a range of topics from sobriety and spirituality to male struggles and support for first responders.

Ever faced a challenge and felt like giving up? Found yourself in a tight spot, with nowhere else to turn? Think again. This episode is packed with stories that will inspire you to rise above your circumstances. We bring you back to the life of Captain David Van Camp, whose imprint on our lives is indelible. Listen to our conversation with a fellow entrepreneur from Tejas Fabrication, who shares his trials and triumphs of running a shop sans air conditioning.  We also take a moment to honor those who've laid down their lives for our freedom, most notably our fallen commander on 6/29. Our guest William Putnam , a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his journey of navigating challenging talks and making tough decisions. His inspiring story serves as a reminder that with self-reflection and understanding, we can rise above any situation. Ever pondered about the butterfly effect? We discuss it in depth, emphasizing its relevance and the potential perils of tampering with the space-time continuum. 

What does it take to rise above adverse circumstances and come out stronger on the other side? Our guest, Pam Barragan, an inspiring member of the 2200TAPS podcast and organization, has certainly got some answers for you. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Pam's journey from joining the Coast Guard and being stationed in Maine, to her present position as a mental health advocate and podcaster, is a testament to her resilience and relentless spirit.In her candid conversation with us, Pam leaves no stone unturned. Recounting her experiences with harsh winters, boating safety, and being part of something bigger than herself, she strikes a chord. But it's her openness about her mental health struggles and her brush with suicidal thoughts that truly highlights her strength. She underlines the importance of being proactive, advocating for oneself, and having a robust support system, whilst navigating the often frustrating bureaucracy of Veterans Affairs to access the care she needs.Venturing beyond her military experiences, we also explore Pam's foray into podcasting, music, and mental health advocacy. She paints a vivid picture of her journey from strumming her first guitar to finding her voice through podcasting, illustrating the transformative power of self-expression and passion. Reflecting on her faith, unconditional love, and the healing power of laughter, music, and human connection, Pam leaves us with a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and resilience. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey, and hopefully, find your own sparks of resilience and growth.

Can you recognize the signs of a veteran in distress? Join us for a powerful conversation with Marcus Brewer from Nine Line Veterans Services, a Washington state-based veteran-founded nonprofit. Marcus shares the incredible work they do, such as providing transitional housing to homeless veterans, refurbishing respirators in partnership with Boeing, and engaging in suicide prevention initiatives through the Staff Sergeant Fox grant. We also discuss how to recognize signs of suicide and how to help those in need.Through our discussion, we explore the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces for all veterans, regardless of their backgrounds. Marcus shares how Nine Line Veterans Services encourages fellow veterans to connect with each other and discover their unique paths to healing, whether it's through outdoor activities, crafting, or other forms of self-care. We also delve into the power of community, rituals, and tribes in helping veterans cope with their experiences.Finally, Marcus opens up about his personal journey of navigating identity and finding his place within the LGBTQ+ community, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ military personnel. We discuss the need for understanding and acceptance within the community, and the resilience and strength that can be found in embracing life's challenges and supporting one another. Don't miss this heartfelt and insightful episode that truly highlights the importance of being open and honest with ourselves and others.

In this show we talk about how adjusting fire and thinking on your feet can be a huge asset. We also are joined by the lovely Mrs. Jannell Bouton, she shares some of story shining a light on the military spouse. Her keys to thriving through 3 deployments while raising kids. We also cover what we believe are the top ways to keep and maintain a healthy relationship not only to your spouse but your kids too. This is defiantly don't want top miss type of stuff. Love y'all and remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Tonight we will be joined by the one and only lady sister cousin herself Dannielle Sharp! She is a huge part on the growth of Axe Throwing. Join us and hear how she found her passion and turned it to her purpose! We also will talk a little about being a Navy Spouse!

We are super excited to have Justin Barton on again. For those that don’t remember he was our first guest and helped bring you the Kyle Braun story. Make sure to come hang with us as we catch up with him and continue defining our Tribe.

Come check in with us as we literally decide what to talk about 5 minutes before we go on. Will we fold under pressure? Or deliver!? Just kidding its mental health. This week we want to talk about a hash tag we use #tribeshit.

We reached out in Disgruntled Vets Entrepreneurs page for Veterans who wanted to share their story as a business owner. Benjamin is the Owner and CEO at Foundations Baseball Development in Bothell, WA. Come check out this Marines story! Also come find out how small the Armor world really is!

We wanted to talk about what Memorial Day means to us and say a few words about the ones we left behind. We love you all very much and a lot of what will be said here will be what is at the very root of this podcast.

From our live episode where we talk about ways to relieve some stress.

Our Brother Keldon Walker jumped on from El Paso and shared his journey, from being an excommunicated warrior to a self made man. From real estate needs to veteran affairs and so much more! Please check this one out! 

In last weeks Turret Talks we issued a challenge, write a letter to your younger self. Since we are stand up guys, we will go first! AND LIVE! Time Meow!

We sit down and talk past present and future!