On Your Lead

When my great grandfather returned from the Spanish-American War, the battle followed him home, casting a long shadow over his daily life. Dr. Chris Frueh joins us to shed light on this very darkness that many veterans confront, known as Operator Syndrome—an affliction that intertwines mental and physical health, leaving a complex legacy of suffering. Through Dr. Frueh's compassionate lens, we navigate these challenges, illust...

As a former Marine Recon Scout Sniper, the invisible wounds of moral injury in veterans are a subject close to my heart. It's why I'm honored to sit down with Mary Scott from Pivotal Impact Programs, who joins us with over three decades of mental health expertise. Together, we peel back the layers of this complex issue, sharing insights and stories that reveal the emotional struggles veterans and their loved ones endure. ...

When I stripped away the excesses from my diet—sweets, booze, and meat—I stumbled upon a transformative power that reshaped my life. It's Thad David here, your host and former Marine recon scout sniper, and I'm thrilled to share with you how the art of subtraction has revolutionized my health and personal well-being. This isn't just my own tale; it's an homage to the veterans and listeners who've dramatical...

When life threw John Register a curveball that would make most people give up, he turned it into a stepping stone for something greater. Sit back and be inspired by the incredible journey of this combat veteran and Paralympic silver medalist, as he shares with us the indomitable spirit that drove him to redefine the possible after a life-altering injury. John's insights on shifting focus from limitations to possibilities, unde...

When Bart Bartholomew, a Navy veteran with an incredible life story, joins me, Thad David, you know you're in for a journey that traverses the depths of the ocean and the human spirit. Bart's unexpected draft notice at 17 thrust him into an adventure with the Navy, a tale of resilience he narrates with humor and honesty. His vivid recounting of boot camp antics, the camaraderie found on the flight deck, and the inter-serv...

The weight of a service member's armor never fully lifts, even long after the battlefields have fallen silent. Marshall Spring, a former Marine Corps canine handler, joins us to navigate the labyrinth of veterans' mental health, illuminating the darkest corners where depression and suicide lurk. His story is a stark reminder that the fight for our veterans' well-being continues on home soil. Together, we dissect the ...

When Jackie Jones of Flourish Momentum shares her journey from an art educator to a therapist, we're reminded that sometimes the most profound changes in our lives come from unexpected transitions. This episode is a testament to how embracing the art of healing can illuminate a path toward reclaiming life after trauma, particularly for veterans and active-duty military personnel grappling with PTSD and its complex cousins. Tog...

Imagine enlisting in the Navy seeking freedom, only to confront the paradox of military hierarchy and the stark realities of war. Our distinguished guest, Navy Veteran Bob Merrick, takes us through the gripping twists and turns of his service—from deciding to join during the Vietnam War to the chilling recollection of Christmas in boot camp. His story is a rich tapestry, a vivid narrative that weaves through the structured chaos of...

When a Vietnam vet's road to reconciliation with his son intersects with my own journey as an author, the result is a poignant exploration of familial bonds, military service, and the lingering echoes of PTSD. Join us for an enlightening chat with Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Jaster, an icon of determination and one of the first women to graduate from Ranger School, as she recounts the challenges she faced and the stereotypes she s...

From the heart-wrenching tale of Sue Johnson, a retired Army veteran and an adoptee from Vietnam, to the candid accounts of veterans grappling with PTSD, this episode is a tapestry of stories that explores the power of forgiveness, the journey of self-discovery, and the resilience of the human spirit. Sue's riveting story offers an insightful glimpse into the essence of identity and the significance of giving back. The episode...

What if you could peek into the seldom-shared tales of our veterans - those who have bravely served our country? In our engaging conversation with Brad Hoops, the founder of Remember and Honor, we bring you just that. Brad’s remarkable project is dedicated to preserving the stories of our veterans through personal interviews, and our discussion uncovers the impact they have on both veterans and interviewers.

We learn abou...

* Check out Teimojin's Early Bird Registration on the link below*

Prepare yourself as we journey into the heart-pounding realm of survival medicine with our esteemed guest, Teimojin Tan. This Canadian veteran, doctor, and finalist of the ninth season of a survival show, Tan enlightens us with his wisdom from his new book, "Survival Medicine 101: Your First 72 Hours." He illustrates the pivotal role of the in...

Imagine, you've seen the world, fought wars, studied international relations, and yet, your toughest battle is the one within. This episode, we tackle the rarely discussed topic of mental health within the military. Our guest, a retired veteran, is candid about his personal journey of recovery, offering us a glimpse into a world that often goes unseen. We discuss the importance of open communication, therapy options, and the n...

As a seasoned Marine and former scout sniper school instructor, Caylen Wojcik joined us on the podcast to lay bare the trials and triumphs of his military journey. We traverse the storied corridors of our military experiences, reflecting on the pivotal roles of mentorship and the impactful life lessons that service so generously offers. Caylen cracks open the door to his past, shedding light on his personal decision to step into th...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to make a combat jump in the midst of the Vietnam War? SL Waller, a seasoned US Army veteran, takes us through his riveting journey, beginning from the moment he enlisted in November 1964, through his first combat jump in 1967, and beyond. His story doesn't just end on the battlefield, but extends into his journey reintegrating into a society deeply divided over the war.

Join...

What if the key to happiness lies not in our personal accomplishments, but in serving others? In this debrief of our last interview with our guest, Steve from Hives for Heroes, knows this concept all too well. As a former marine, he had achieved traditional success— a loving family, financial stability, a fulfilling job — but he wasn’t truly content until he shifted his focus towards serving others. This profound change not only en...

This week On Your Lead, we're diving into an extraordinary conversation about the journey from chaos to contentment, and the surprising ways honey bees impact us all. 

Meet Our Guest:

Steve Jimenez - Founder of Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit that uses beekeeping to support veterans. Steve opens up about the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping and how caring for these little pollinators can actually teach us big life lessons.<...

What happens when an Army Ranger's path takes a sharp detour towards entrepreneurship? Our guest Griff gives us an inside look into this unexpected journey. Griff, co-founder of Combat Flip Flops, started his military career in a bid to attend the Coast Guard Academy, but life had other plans. He ended up at West Point, aiming for the skies as a pilot until an injury grounded him. Instead, he found himself at Fort Bragg and th...