Episodes
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Show Summary
On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Chris Gonzalez, Co-Founder of A-G Associates, an organization that provides insight, expert guidance, and lived experience to strengthen public health and safety systems, advance military and veteran wellbeing, and help mission-driven organizations achieve measurable impact. We talk about their partnership with PsychArmor to support MCON Health, and their recently announced Fall In initiative.
Episode Partner:
This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support.
Provide Support:
Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Chris Gonzalez is President and Co-Founder of A-G Associates (A-G). Chris’ accolades range from entrepreneurial awards on the Inc, 5000 (Inc. Magazine) Vet100 (Institute for Veteran and Military Families) and Young Alumni Achievement Award (Frostburg State university) to Bridging the Gap Achievement Award by the Greater Baltimore Committee for philanthropic efforts.
Under Chris’ leadership, A-G has grown into one of the fastest growing companies in the country, placing in the top 15% of the Inc. 5000 list (#592). A-G has made a significant contribution to the fields of mental health and substance use for military personnel, military families, veterans, behavioral health clinicians, peer support specialists and others. These events have led to the development of policy, resources and grant programs.
A U.S. Marine and combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Chris drives organizational and program transformation initiatives across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Chris is the Associate Producer of Bastards’ Road, a full-length film about a Marine Corps Veteran who conquers post-traumatic stress by walking across the country. He has also coached several fitness programs and served on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Health Care Access Maryland, Mentoring Mentors and American Warrior Festival/Strength in Numbers.
Chris has been a keynote speaker at the Center for Naval Analyses, Mental Health America, Frostburg State University’s Sloop Leadership Institute, and the Project Management Institute. He is a certified Facilitator/ Trainer through the Marine Corps, WholeScale Change™ facilitator and Project Management Professional (PMP). He is a graduate from Operation Hand Salute, an Executive Development program through John F. Kennedy University and AT&T. He received his BS in Social Science from Frostburg State University in 2001, and his Master of Arts in Education from Towson University.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Links Mentioned During the Episode
A-G Associates
MCON Health
The Fall In Initiative
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the Behind the Mission podcast episode 223 of the Behind the Mission Podcast highlighting MCON. In this episode, we have a conversation with Marine Corps veteran Waco Hoover, an entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, M&A, entertainment, media and live events. We talk about MCON, an annual event that celebrates military culture and includes MCON Health conducted in partnership with PsychArmor.
You can find the resource here:
https://psycharmor.org/podcast/waco-hoover-mcon
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
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PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Navy Veteran Steve Kappes, the 2026 board chair for the San Diego Military Advisory Council and one of the leaders of the San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program, a program that uses tennis as a means of rehabilitation for service members and veterans who've become wounded, ill, or injured.
Episode Partner:
This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support.
Provide Support
Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Captain Steve Kappes, USN, Ret. served on active duty for 24 years and has volunteered in support of military members, veterans, and their families for more than 20 years. As a cofounder and the Director of the San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program, he and his team have improved the quality of life for more than 1,500 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans through free weekly tennis clinics and annual tennis camps. Run in collaboration with Naval Medical Center San Diego and VA Medical Center San Diego, this program has been recognized by members of Congress, the Department of the Defense, and the U.S. Tennis Association for its excellence and impact and serves as a national model. Steve is also a Certified Nonprofit Professional, committed to supporting the community through military advocacy and health and wellness programs. He has served in leadership roles on eight nonprofit boards including the San Diego Military Advisory Council where is the current Board Chair.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
San Diego Military Advisory Council
CBS8 Zevely Zone - San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program
San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program Website
PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the Behind the Mission podcast episode with SDMC CEO Rear Admiral (Retired) David Boone. During the conversation, we dive deeper into SDMAC, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of the service members, veterans, and their families in the greater San Diego region.
You can find the resource here:
https://psycharmor.org/podcast/btm243-david-boone-san-diego-military-advisory-council
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Missing episodes?
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Show Summary
On today’s episode, we’re replaying a conversation with Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of Leadership Programs for the George W. Bush Institute. We talk about some of the initiatives of the Bush Institute, including the Veteran Leadership Program, the Democracy is a Verb initiative and the Bush Institute's efforts to celebrate America 250.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Michael Bailey serves as Deputy Director, Leadership Programs, for the George W. Bush Institute. In this role, he manages the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which focuses on developing the leadership skills of veterans and those who serve them and their families. Bailey also supports alumni engagement efforts for the Institute’s international leadership programs.
Prior to joining the George W. Bush Institute, Bailey provided operations, media, and communications support to The American Choral Directors Association, a music organization dedicated to the excellence and advancement of choral music.
Bailey is a native of Arlington, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music (Voice) from The University of Oklahoma, and he holds a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in finance and real estate from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. He has a passion for running and enjoys racing in half and full marathons.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
George W. Bush Institute
Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program
America 250
Democracy is a Verb initiative
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course The Myths and Facts of Military Leaders. This course identifies four of the most popular myths about military leaders and how they don’t align with the reality of working alongside Veterans and Service members.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/The-Myths-and-Facts-of-Military-Leaders
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Army Veteran Ramon Salazar, Senior Manager of Learning and Experience Design for PsychArmor, as well as Executive Director for Warriors At Ease, an organization dedicated to empowering the military and veteran community with the tools and knowledge to harness the transformative power of yoga and meditation.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Ramón Salazar is a US Army Veteran with a diverse background in education and wellness. Holding a Master's degree in Education and experience in instructional design, he currently serves as an instructor at the University of Arizona. As an E-RYT 500 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher that has completed at leased 500 hours of advanced yoga teacher training and logged a minimum of 2,00 hours of teaching experience), Ramón brings a deep understanding of yoga practice, skillfully tailoring his approach to the specific needs of the military community. He incorporates trauma-informed techniques and mindful movement to foster healing and resilience. Ramón also holds various certifications in other wellness areas. His commitment to education and holistic well-being reflects his belief in yoga's power to positively impact individuals and communities.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Ramon on PsychArmor
Warriors At Ease website
PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s resource of the week is PsychArmor’s online course library, including many courses designed and led by Ramon. PsychArmor offers trusted, expert-led training for anyone who wants to better understand and support service members, Veterans, and their families.
Whether you're a health care provider, educator, employer, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to make a difference — these courses are designed for you.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/collections
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on Twitter
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Amanda Noyes, the founder of Finding Freedom Therapy and member of the DFW First Responders Support Network. We talk about Trauma therapy and mental health networks for service members, veterans and first responders
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Amanda Noyes is the founder of Finding Freedom Therapy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Supervisor with over 25 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work in numerous crisis situations where she witnessed firsthand the gravity of trauma and grief. It was in these situations that she realized there were not enough opportunities to heal from trauma and loss after the initial crisis. With this knowledge, she formed Finding Freedom Therapy, PLLC, in 2014 with the vision of providing specialized treatment to those who have endured (or are continuing to endure) horrific traumas and unspeakable losses.
After earning her degree in psychology and international studies from Texas A&M University, Amanda pursued her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her career, she has had the unique opportunity to gain notable hands-on experience, much of which was working in conjunction with the military, first responders, and frontline workers. She has worked alongside probation and parole officers in the field, with police officers on-scene, supported doctors and nurses in the ED and ICU departments of level-one trauma centers, counseled families of the recently deceased at the moment of loss, and worked next to the U.S. National Guard when assisting during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey.
Amanda's experience with veterans and military service members began early in her career with her graduate internship at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital, and later continued with her work as lead trauma therapist for an inpatient military program, Freedom Care, where she worked with active-duty combat military and veterans suffering from PTSD. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET). Each and every step of her career has shaped and strengthened her ability to better assist clients through the most difficult times in their lives.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Finding Freedom Therapy Website
DFW First Responders Support Network
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Trauma Informed Interactions with Veterans. This course defines trauma and how it presents itself and is specifically designed to help volunteers interact with Veterans dealing with trauma that affects their health and/or ability to function.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/trauma-informed-interactions-with-veterans
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on Twitter
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Marine Veteran Luke Urick, the Executive Director of the Montana Vet Program, an organization that takes Veterans into the Montana wilderness to rediscover strength, purpose, and camaraderie through therapeutic adventure and conservation.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
LUKE URICK
Luke Urick is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and the Founder and Executive Director of the Montana Vet Program, where he has led transformative outdoor-based experiences for Veterans for the past nine years. Serving from 2003 to 2012 as a Scout Sniper, Mountain Leader, and Survival Instructor, Luke deployed in support of combat operations and earned numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor and the Purple Heart. His military service shaped a lifelong commitment to resilience, leadership, and helping others navigate adversity.
After transitioning from the military, Luke earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Organizational Management, combining his understanding of human behavior with strong leadership expertise. Through the Montana Vet Program, he guides Veterans into the wilderness to rediscover purpose, strength, and camaraderie through shared challenge and therapeutic adventure. His work reflects a deep belief in the healing power of connection, nature, and service.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Montana Vet Program Website
MVP Trips
PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Slowing Down and One Pointed Attention. In this course, Dr. Jill Borman discusses the tools that make mantram repetition more effective and useful: slowing down and one-pointed attention.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/slowing-down-and-one-pointed-attention
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on Twitter
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Bill Birnie, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major, CEO of Frontwave Credit Union, and member of the PsychArmor Board of Directors. We have a great conversation about serving those who served, promoting financial stability, and brining his expertise in the financial sector to the board of PsychArmor.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Bill Birnie’s lifelong dedication to serving the military community, coupled with his extensive leadership and financial expertise, makes him an outstanding candidate for our PsychArmor Board. A 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Bill retired in 1997 as a Sergeant Major, having served in combat operations during Operation Desert Storm and Operation United Shield. His military career also included assignments as a Marine guard and detachment commander at U.S. Embassies worldwide, where he cultivated a deep understanding of service, leadership, and teamwork.
Transitioning from military service, Bill brought his strategic mindset to the credit union industry, where he has built a remarkable 26-year career. Currently, as President and CEO of Frontwave Credit Union, he leads a $1.4 billion institution dedicated to empowering military families and veterans. Bill’s leadership, understanding of financial systems, combined with his ability to create sustainable growth, aligns with our strategic needs, and will support our long-term vision.
Bill has served on Boards that address the unique needs of military families and veterans, including as Chairman of the Defense Credit Union Council and Vice Chair of the Armed Forces Financial Network. His experience as a Western Credit Union Management School graduate and 15 years as a faculty member further underscores his ability to mentor and guide organizations toward financial and operational excellence. In his spare time, Bill enjoys golf, traveling and attending theater or concerts with family and friends.
With his unparalleled military and leadership experience, Bill Birnie brings the expertise and insight to strengthen PsychArmor’s mission, ensuring it continues to create meaningful impact for the military and veteran community.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Frontwave Credit Union Website
Frontwave Credit Union Military Resources
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s resource of the week is the Preparing Your Finances for Transition.
In this course, service members, Veterans and their families will learn about some major financial considerations associated with transition, as well as five useful tips for preparing their finances.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Preparing-Your-Finances-for-Transition
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on Twitter
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today’s episode, talking with comedian Brad Bonar, founder of One Degree of Separation, an organization that uses stand-up comedy to spark honest conversations about depression and suicide prevention. We discuss his lived experience, breaking the silence with comedy, and turning their live shows into official training for service members, Veterans and their families
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Brad Bonar Jr. is the founder and creative force behind 1° of Separation. A seasoned stand-up comedian and magician by trade, Brad has spent nearly 30 years making people laugh around the world. He built a successful entertainment career headlining clubs and corporate shows, including a popular Dry Bar Comedy special that has garnered over 13 million online views. His comedy draws on everyday life and family, and is known for its clean yet keenly observant humor. But beneath the laughter, Brad quietly fought his own battles with depression since childhood.
A turning point came a few years ago when Brad discovered an old keepsake: “I found a suicide note that I wrote in the 6th grade,” he recalls. “At first I kinda laughed about it, but then it became very sobering.“ Realizing that he had been struggling in silence for decades, and seeing so many others still doing the same, Brad felt compelled to act. He channeled his talents and insider knowledge of comedy into a deeply personal mission: “I’ve spent the past 25 years traveling the world making people laugh. Now I’m using my talents for something more personal. It’s time to cast a spotlight that removes the stigma of mental illness.” With that, 1 Degree of Separation was born in 2019 as a project to fight depression with comedy.
Brad immersed himself in learning about mental health, interviewing doctors and therapists to shape a show that was both funny and responsible in its messaging. He crafted the Five Questions after hours of writing and self-reflection one night. And he recruited fellow comedians (including his wife, Victoria, and others) willing to share their stories on stage. As a performer, Brad has a disarming, warm presence. Audiences often don’t expect a comedian to talk about subjects like suicidal ideation, but Brad does so with authenticity and even hope. He frequently opens up about his own experiences – from that sixth-grade note, to a more recent mental health crisis that landed him in a 5150 psychiatric hold, to how “comedy saved me” when he learned to talk about his pain rather than hide it.
Today, Brad Bonar Jr. serves as CEO of 1° of Separation, Inc., leading the nonprofit’s growth while still touring as one of its headline speakers. Under his leadership, 1° of Separation has gained national attention for its innovative approach (featured on media from local news to podcasts and even military press.) Brad’s ability to wear two hats – entertainer and mental health advocate – makes him a unique voice in suicide prevention. He often says, “Laughter changes your brain” and indeed, he’s now leveraging laughter to change lives. Brad and his wife Victoria are based in Northern California, but travel constantly for training. When not on the road, he continues to perform traditional comedy and magic shows and is at work on a book about his journey and the intersection of comedy and mental health. In recognition of his efforts, Brad was invited to present at the Department of Defense/VA Suicide Prevention Conference in 2023, where 1° of Separation received a standing ovation from 2,500 professionals. Brad’s personal mantra: “Comedy is universal… and if we can laugh at this, we can talk about it," encapsulates the spirit he brings to the cause. He proves that a comedian can change the world, one punchline and one life at a time.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
1° of Separation website
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Supporting a Veteran in Crisis. This course is designed for businesses to educate them on the differences between their Veteran and civilian employees and ways to support them.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-a-veteran-in-crisis
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on Twitter
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today’s episode, we’re replaying a conversation with conversation with playwright and producer Elizabeth Coplan, founder of the Greif Dialogues, a nonprofit theatrical movement that facilitates conversations about dying, death, and grief. We talk about her own connection to service and discuss how Grief Dialogues has developed a specific immersive experience of remembrance and reflection ahead of Memorial Day
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Elizabeth Coplan is a veteran of marketing and public relations with over four decades of experience. She began her professional journey as an aspiring actor in New York City in 1972 before pivoting to publishing, eventually becoming the managing editor of Chief Executive Magazine. After relocating to California, she climbed the ranks at Collins Foods International, ultimately serving as Director of Corporate Communications.
In Seattle, Elizabeth became a trailblazer in professional services marketing, notably serving as the first Northwest marketing director for Touché Ross (now Deloitte). She later became Director of Client Service and Development at Davis Wright Tremaine, where she helped grow the firm from three to ten offices and pioneered strategic sponsorships in the legal sector. After six years, she launched her own consulting firm, advising major clients including Merrill Lynch and the University of Washington School of Law.
Her service on nonprofit boards includes the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Intiman Theatre, where she chaired strategic planning. In 2013, after a series of personal losses, Elizabeth began writing to process her grief. This led to the creation of Grief Dialogues, a groundbreaking play and nonprofit initiative that fosters dialogue about death and grief through theatre.
Her award-winning works include Hospice: A Love Story, Untold, The Choice, and Honoring Choices, the latter adapted into a film that premiered in Los Angeles and earned multiple festival awards. She also directed and produced Juntos Nos Ayudamos, a film addressing suicide in a Hispanic family, and co-hosts the podcast Out of Grief Comes Art.
Elizabeth's writing appears in professional grief therapy publications, and her full-length play ’Til Death premiered Off-Broadway in 2023 with an acclaimed cast. She is currently working on The Book Club, a new play exploring the lives of senior women.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Grief Dialogues Website
My Guardian Angel Movie
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Good Grief. Grief is not only experienced with death, it can also occur with job loss or severe changes to physical well-being. The purpose of this course is to recognize loss and identify what is learned as a result of that loss.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/good-grief
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on Twitter
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Verenice Castillo, founder of the Military Spouse Advocacy Network, an organization dedicated to supporting military spouses through mentorship, leadership development, and community-building. Drawing from her own experience as an immigrant and longtime military spouse, Verenice has built MSAN into a global network focused on reducing isolation and empowering spouses to find purpose and connection.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guests
Verenice Castillo is the Founder and CEO of the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN), a nonprofit organization she launched to address the persistent challenges of isolation, lack of community, and limited professional opportunities faced by military spouses. Originally from Mexico, Castillo immigrated to the United States as a teenager and later became a military spouse, an experience that shaped her commitment to advocacy and peer support.
Over more than a decade, she has grown MSAN into a nationally recognized organization providing mentorship, leadership training, and mental wellness resources to military spouses worldwide. Castillo has led initiatives such as the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses, in collaboration with institutions like Harvard University and University of Notre Dame, equipping hundreds of spouses each year with skills in leadership, crisis response, and ethical decision-making. Her work has positioned her as a leading voice in military spouse advocacy, particularly around issues of community connection, career development, and mental health.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
MSAN Website
Leadership Institute for Military Spouses
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Networking for Military Spouses. This course will help you define what networking means, demonstrate ways to incorporate social media into your networking task, and list tips for better networking results.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Networking-for-Military-Spouses
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a leading voice in supporting those impacted by military loss. We talk about TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guests
Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC, FT, CCTP, an expert in grief, trauma, and suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, oversees TAPS’ services for suicide-loss survivors. Carla consults with civilian providers and military leaders to provide effective outreach and clinical care to military personnel, veterans, and military families. She is certified as an ASIST trainer in suicide first aid and is qualified to conduct Psychological Autopsy Investigations through the American Association of Suicidology. Carla holds an Ed. D. in counseling psychology, an M.A. in clinical mental health counseling and school guidance counseling, and a B.S. in psychology. Carla is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Fellow Thanatologist, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Florida Qualified Supervisor, and a counseling educator. She is the surviving spouse of Sergeant Richard Stumpf, U.S. Marine Corps, who died by suicide in 1994. She is now married to a retired U.S. Marine, who was also a suicide-loss survivor, and they share five children.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Website
TAPS Postvention Model
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Treating Grief in the Veteran Population. This course discusses how the TAPS’ Suicide Postvention Model helped suicide loss survivor and Marine Corps Veteran Dana O’Brien address his grief.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Treating-Grief-in-the-Veteran-Population
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On today’s episode, we’re having a conversation with Karin Tanabe and Victoria Kelly, the creative team behind Atomic Echoes, a powerful documentary exploring the overlooked stories of American atomic veterans and Japanese survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Together, they unpack the human, historical, and intergenerational impact of nuclear war through perspectives that are rarely seen side by side.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guests
Karin Tanabe is a novelist, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. The author of seven novels published by Simon & Schuster and St. Martin’s Press, she is a former Politico reporter and frequent contributor to The Washington Post. Her writing has also appeared in the Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, and Newsday. She has been a featured lifestyle and politics expert on CNN, E!, Entertainment Tonight, and CBS Early Show. Her 2025 documentary, “Atomic Echoes,” was broadcast nationally on PBS. A graduate of Vassar College, she lives in Washington, DC.
Victoria Kelly is the producer of Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories of World War II and the author of three books of fiction and poetry. She is a graduate of Harvard and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in Virginia. She was a 2025 George W. Bush Institute Veterans Leadership Scholar.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Atomic Echoes Film website
Atomic Echoes on Instagram
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course Supporting Someone with Invisible Wounds. Not all wounds can be seen and invisible wounds are just as serious as visible ones. This course introduces the four main types of invisible wounds - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Substance Use Disorder, and Depression.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-someone-with-invisible-wounds
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On this episode, we have a conversation with Ally Wagner, a Navy veteran and board member at PsychArmor, who brings a powerful perspective on bridging the gap between veterans and the communities that support them. We explore how military service continues to shape identity and leadership, and what it really takes for civilians and organizations to move from intention to meaningful impact.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Alison “Ally” Wagner is a distinguished Naval Intelligence Veteran, military spouse, experienced leader, and advocate for Veterans' causes. Her involvement with PsychArmor began through her collaboration with The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and her extensive work across the Veteran nonprofit sector. This engagement has fueled her deep commitment to supporting the Veteran community, and she is eager to leverage her skills in strategic planning, organizational growth, and community outreach to benefit PsychArmor’s programs and initiatives.
Her professional accomplishments include honorable service in Afghanistan and Iraq, where she developed essential leadership, strategic analysis, and critical thinking skills. Ally holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, underlining her academic excellence and strategic acumen.
Ally is deeply committed to community service. She actively serves on the Board of the National Intelligence Professionals (NIP) and is passionate about fostering a sense of community across the maritime sector, particularly by supporting initiatives that enhance collaboration among the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard, while promoting awareness of the challenges and contributions of military personnel in these branches.
Ally’s unique perspective as a woman Veteran enhances the diversity of any team she joins. Her insights into the challenges faced by Veterans today, coupled with her dedication to inclusivity, align seamlessly with PsychArmor’s mission to support all Veterans, regardless of background.
Ally resides in Washington, DC with her Active-Duty military husband and three children, grounding her commitment to family and community values.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Ally Wagner on LinkedIn
PsychArmor Board of Directors
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Networking for Military Spouses. This course will help you define what networking means, demonstrate ways to incorporate social media into your networking task, and list tips for better networking results.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/What-you-Should-Know-about-Transition
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On this episode, we have a conversation with Michelle Lang, co-founder of Operation Honor Rural Salute, about the unique challenges and strengths of veterans living in rural communities. We explore how her work is bridging gaps in access by bringing resources directly to veterans in ways that feel local, familiar, and grounded in community.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Michelle and Chris Lang are the co-founders of Operation Honor Rural Salute. Chris is an Army veteran. Michelle is his wife—and a fierce advocate, caregiver, and bridge-builder.
When they returned to rural Pennsylvania, they expected the transition to be hard. But they didn’t expect to feel so alone in it. No local VA. No one who understood the weight of invisible wounds. No roadmap forward. Just a couple doing their best to hold it all together. So they did what most veterans do: they figured it out themselves. And then, they built a way forward for others, too.
Their story became the heartbeat of Operation Honor: Rural Salute™—a movement built by veterans for veterans who live beyond the reach of most resources.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Operation Honor Rural Salute Website
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Networking for Military Spouses. This course will help you define what networking means, demonstrate ways to incorporate social media into your networking task, and list tips for better networking results.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/caregiving-in-a-rural-setting
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On this episode, we have a conversation with Military spouse and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka. We talk about gaps in connection and culturally competent care for military families. We also explore how her work is strengthening social health as a foundation for well-being.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka is the Founder & Executive Director of Strength In Service. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a deep focus on addressing social isolation, loneliness, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work at USC, Crystal combines her expertise in gerontology and mental health to help those in need. In addition to her clinical work, she is honored to be a recipient of the 2024 Pat Tillman Scholarship, furthering her passion for service and leadership in the field.
As the Founder & Executive Director of Strength In Service, Crystal leads the charge in empowering military families and supporting their mental health needs. Through her therapy practice, she offers both online and in-person psychotherapy services across North Dakota, Hawaii, and California, alongside supervision for social work associates and interns. Crystal also serves as the Region E Associate Director for NASW-CA, contributing to the growth and development of the social work profession.
A proud military spouse, Crystal enjoys exploring National Parks and the outdoors with her husband and three daughters, having lived around the world throughout her husband's nearly three decades of Navy service.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Strength In Service Website
Kasley Killam Book: The Art and Science of Connection
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Networking for Military Spouses. This course will help you define what networking means, demonstrate ways to incorporate social media into your networking task, and list tips for better networking results.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Networking-for-Military-Spouses
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On this episode, we have a conversation with Air Force Veteran Spouse, Maria Gonzales. Maria and her husband, Gabe, raise awareness about Veteran Suicide and plant-based medicines through their alter at Muertos Fest, the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the United States.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Maria and Gabe Gonzalez are the co-founders of Operation Solace, a San Antonio-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through alternative healing pathways, including psychedelic-assisted therapies and integrative wellness practices. Drawing from their lived experience as a military family navigating the challenges of post-service mental health, their work is rooted in advocacy, access, and community-based healing.
Maria, a public health professional and veteran spouse, brings both professional insight and personal perspective to their mission, while Gabe, an Air Force veteran, leads with lived experience shaped by his own recovery journey. Together, they have built Operation Solace to reduce barriers to care, raising funds to help veterans access transformative healing experiences, and to create spaces for remembrance, connection, and restoration.
Their work extends beyond direct support to public engagement and awareness, including their nationally recognized veterans suicide prevention altar at San Antonio’s Muertos Fest, an effort that honors those lost while creating meaningful pathways for dialogue, healing, and community connection.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Article about Muertos Fest featuring Gabe Gonzales
OperationSolace Website
OperationSolace on Instagram
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is Episode 255 of the Behind the Mission podcast. On this episode, we have a conversation with Jesse Gould, founder of the Heroic Hearts Project and a former Army Ranger, about what it means for veterans to heal when traditional systems don’t have all the answers. Heroic Hearts works with leading medical researchers to improve veterans access to psychedelic programs for the treatment of PTSD.
You can find the resource here:
https://psycharmor.org/podcast/btm255-jesse-gould-heroic-hearts-project-and-psychedelic-assisted-therapy
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On this episode, we have a conversation with Jessica Benson, Vice President of Market Development at Mynd Immersive, where she leads national outreach and partnerships focused on expanding the use of immersive technology to improve the lives of older adults and Veterans.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Jessica Benson is Vice President of Growth and Partnership at Mynd Immersive, where she leads national outreach and partnerships focused on expanding the use of immersive technology to improve the lives of older adults and veterans. In this role, she works with healthcare systems, senior living communities, veteran organizations, and clinical partners to bring virtual reality–based experiences into long-term care, hospice, and rehabilitation environments. Her work centers on using immersive technology to reduce isolation, support cognitive wellness, and provide non-pharmacological tools that can help manage stress, pain, and anxiety among aging populations.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Mynd Immersive Website
Mynd Immersive Veteran Programs
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Connecting with the Veteran In Your Life. This course provides information to help caregivers understand and address a lack of connection with the Veteran in their life. The new course incorporates a strengths-based approach to connections between a caregiver and a Veteran.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/connecting-with-the-veteran-in-your-life
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On this episode, we have a conversation with Keith Hotle, the Chief Executive Officer of Stop Soldier Suicide, a nonprofit with the goal of reducing service member and veteran suicide by using enhanced data insights, focused client acquisition, and suicide-specific intervention services.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
In his previous role as Chief Program Officer at Stop Soldier Suicide, Keith was responsible for all programmatic activities and strategic efforts. During his six years with the organization, he has developed, implemented and evaluated a best-in-class clinical service model to deliver suicide prevention and early intervention treatment and support services to veterans and service members. Keith directly oversees our operations for the ROGER wellness service, research and evaluation activities, and community-based suicide prevention efforts including the development of veteran firearm safety teams in three North Carolina counties. Prior to his tenure at Stop Soldier Suicide, Keith was a senior public health administrator at the Wyoming Department of Health for ten years, as well as CEO of the Prevention Management Organization, a statewide public health prevention agency. Keith has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Wyoming and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas Law School.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Stop Soldier Suicide Web Site
The ROGER Wellness Program
The Black Box Project
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course The Basics of Veteran Suicide Prevention. This course is designed to equip you with knowledge to make a difference, providing you with essential insights and practical abilities to positively impact your community by nurturing hope, healing, and resilience
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/basics-of-veteran-suicide-prevention
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On this episode, we have a conversation Today we’re having a conversation with Vietnam Era veteran and nurse Joanne Melear, who is the coordinator of the 11th Hour Squadron. They are an all-volunteer organization that believes in taking care of dying veterans like family. They can be there at a loved one’s bedside during those final nights when family members are at home getting much-needed rest.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Joanne Melear is a former U.S. Navy nurse and the founder of the 11th Hour Squadron, a volunteer initiative dedicated to ensuring that veterans in hospice care are not alone at the end of life. Drawing on her military medical experience and deep commitment to lifelong service, she created the program to bring trained veteran volunteers to sit bedside, provide companionship, and honor fellow service members in their final hours.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
11th Hour Squadron Website
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Caring for Veterans Through the End Of Life: Compassionate Communities. In this course, you will learn how you can provide compassionate care through the end-of-life for those who have served our country.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/caring-for-veterans-through-the-end-of-life-1
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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Show Summary
On this episode, we have a conversation Today we’re having a conversation Mark Solomon, co-founder of the Veterans Community Project. We talk about their innovative approach to ending veteran homelessness through tiny home communities, wraparound support, and a mission to ensure every veteran has both housing and connection.
Provide Feedback
As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories
About Today’s Guest
Mark Solomon is a Naval Reserve Officer and co-founder of the Veterans Community Project, an organization dedicated to ending veteran homelessness through innovative housing and supportive services. Drawing on his own military experience and the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life, he helped launch the project in 2014, leading efforts to create a tiny-home village and comprehensive outreach center in Kansas City that connects veterans with resources such as health care referrals, employment assistance, and counseling.
Links Mentioned During the Episode
Veterans Community Project Website
PsychArmor Resource of the Week
This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Finding Veteran Support Programs. No matter what issue you’re facing, you can use the power of the internet to reach out and get the help you deserve.
You can find the resource here:
https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Finding-Veteran-Support-Programs
Episode Partner:
Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities
Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media
Email PsychArmor
PsychArmor on X
PsychArmor on Facebook
PsychArmor on YouTube
PsychArmor on LinkedIn
PsychArmor on Instagram
Theme Music
Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.
Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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