Whiskey Wheels Wounds

These past 20 weeks have been a profound journey. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the support from you, our listeners, as we've shared tales of adversity, resilience, and transformation. There's an undeniable power in connection and self-awareness, and we've seen how these forces can bring about change. Together, we've explored the trials of trauma, the strength it takes to face one's reflection and the...

What if you could be a part of a conversation that echoes the thoughts you have had, but never quite knew how to phrase? What if you discovered a community that understands your struggles and shares your victories? This is what we're building here at Whiskey Wheels Wounds. While Shawn isn't with us today, I am here to give you a quick update on why we've postponed our much-anticipated 20th episode. With our annual moto...

Hold onto your hats and prepare for a wild ride as we, your hosts along with Duke and Sarge, welcome you into the brotherhood of our military pasts. Unlock the vault to some of the most hilarious, shocking, and sometimes flat-out weird experiences from our time in the service. From mischievous antics during basic training to unforgettable adventures in far-off lands, our stories offer you a peek behind the curtain into the blend of...

As veterans, we've personally experienced the trials and tribulations of transitioning from military life to civilian life, a journey we've come to term 'the new normal.' It's a challenging process, filled with a unique set of obstacles, from adjusting to a less regimented lifestyle to grappling with physical and mental restrictions. But what if there were a way to ease this transition, to find solace and unders...

Ever questioned the societal expectations surrounding volunteerism? What if we told you that often, people require some form of return to commit their time and energy to community service? This episode promises to reveal why that is, illustrated through our experiences within the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® 12-6(CVMA®12-6). We explore critical subjects like peer counseling as a motivational tool, maneuvering organizati...

What does it mean to be a patriot? This question, often polarizing and deeply personal, is at the heart of our conversation in this thought-provoking episode. Drawing from our experiences, we construct a fresh understanding of the concept of patriotism that transcends beyond mindless allegiance to one's country. We bring out the need for patriotism to be rooted in the community, in contributing to societal improvements, and in ...

Ever feel like you're juggling too many tasks? We've all been there, and in our recent road trip out West, we discovered that multitasking is not the same as doing several things at once. Join us as we share our discoveries from this adventure, the camaraderie, leadership challenges, and of course, the unexpected “Steve Tours”. We also discuss the difference between group travel and solo ventures, recounting personal anecdo...

Ever pondered upon the philosophical truth - "This Too Shall Pass"? What does it really mean when we're down in the dumps or soaring high? That's exactly what Steve and I will be rummaging through in this episode, as we dive into life's transience, suicide stigma, and the human condition. We'll also be unmasking the power of laughter, the weight of guilt, and the role we all play in our own healing journey...

How do you transition from being a Sergeant Major in the US Army to civilian life? Join us as we chat with our special guest, retired Sergeant Major Andy “Duke” Duch, about his 25-year military journey, and how he navigated the challenges of redefining his identity post-retirement. Andy takes us through his experience with the Hawk missile system, Patriot missiles, and the Avenger missile system, and shares his insights on the lead...

What does it take to master the art of long-distance shooting and find solace in the brotherhood of a motorcycle club? Join us for an insightful conversation with Gary All Out Hanes, a nine-year veteran of the US Army, as he shares his passion for guns, outdoor sports, and the camaraderie he found in the world of motorcycle enthusiasts. From competing in international pistol shooting competitions to navigating life with a prostheti...

What if a four-legged hero could change a life forever? Today, we're honored to be joined by two incredible veterans, Sean Brown and Morgan Watt, who share their heartwarming journeys with service dogs. Discover how these remarkable animals transformed their lives, offering physical and emotional support that has helped them heal from trauma and find hope.
Listen as Sean and Morgan open up about the dedication and training t...

Have you ever experienced the incredible therapeutic benefits of riding a motorcycle? Join us as we chat with Jonathan Sarge Haney, a 21-year United States Army veteran and former Veteran Service Officer, who shares his journey from racing cars to discovering the healing power of motorcycles. Sarge reveals how attending a PTSD ride with the Motorcycle Relief Project led him to upgrade his bike and ride more independently, providing...

Shawn and Steve reflect on the impact of military service on veterans and their loved ones. These powerful stories serve as a reminder of the heavy burden carried by veterans and their families. By saying their names, we uphold the promise that they will never be forgotten. 
As we gather to honor the memory of our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices they made for our freedom. We share heartfelt sto...

Annual goals are all the things you want to accomplish in a given year. Often your annual goals are very meaningful to you and can make a lasting impact on your life. They can be large and challenging goals, or they can be smaller and more personal. It all depends on what you want to achieve. Steve and Shawn talk about the 10,000 mile goal for the 2022 riding season and more importantly bonds that develop from those miles. Goal set...

In the episode Steve and Shawn address their issues with abandonment.  The toll it has taken on themselves as well as their families. Abandonment is a feeling of disconnectedness, rejection, and neediness. The aftermath of this type of trauma generates a looming fear of not only losing connection with the people you love, but being forced to fend for yourself.  Abandonment is a component of Post Traumatic Stress. It  can be  caused...

Steve and Shawn sit down with Mark “Cornbread “ Stoffer,  an 82nd Airborne Division Combat Veteran and Retired Law Enforcement officer.  Mark shared how  those “Alpha”  career fields enabled his reluctance to seek help. Alpha careers, refers to a dominant person or their behavior, especially with respect to socially aggressive, hyper-masculine people doing dangerous jobs. Mark opens up about his battles with Post Traumatic Stress a...

In the episode; Steve and Shawn sit down with their wives,  Kristina Vickers and Brandi Neighbor to discuss how our mental health battles produces ripple effects to those around us. Post Traumatic Stress  can cause problems with trust, closeness, communication, and problem solving. These problems may affect the way the Veteran acts with others. In turn, the way a loved one responds to their Veteran affects those with PTSD . A circu...

Veterans are among the most likely to develop PTSD and, unfortunately, are at the highest risk for serious side effects. Self-isolation is extremely common after returning from combat; Shawn and Steve each discuss how they both have pushed friends, family and even their spouses away, ruining relationships and exacerbated issues. They explain, how being around other people can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. This just led to even...