The Vantage Point

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lori James, a cognitive psychologist whose research explores the intricate relationship between memory, language, and aging. Drawing on decades of scholarship, Dr. James guides us through the fascinating science behind how new memories are formed and why some experiences remain vivid while others fade. Our conversation also explores reframing stress, and how it can act as a powerful tool that s...

In this episode, Vietnam veteran and former combat medic Jay Maloney reflects on the unseen weight carried by those who step into humanity’s darkest moments. But this episode is not only about trauma—it is about transformation. Jay speaks candidly about the lingering imprint of his experiences and the quiet reckoning that follows service. More importantly, he shares how he has refined that cost into clarity, developing ...

Inspired by a family legacy of service, Ted Severn entered the Army during one of the most turbulent periods in American history—the Vietnam War. As an infantry officer, he led young soldiers through unforgiving terrain, impossible decisions, and conditions that tested both the body and the conscience. In this powerful conversation, we explore what persevering truly means when survival is the reward for doing so. Ted reflects...

Dr. Janice Thorpe, communications professor and researcher from the University of Colorado, joins us to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in higher education and the architecture of effective communication. In this episode she talks about how to overcome public speaking fears, online vs. traditional classes, as well as AI guardrails in college, policy and society. As a professor, her career has been devoted to understandin...

Charles “Chuck” Anderson is a man who has spent his life in the arena. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Chuck carries over 43 years of leadership experience directing organizations from 400 to over 21,000 personnel. As an Air Defense Artillery officer who served across six Army divisions, he became the first and only officer from that branch to command a U.S. Army division and retired as a Major General. His career embodies t...

In this episode, we sit with Angela Darling—massage therapist, somatic practitioner, and author of The Age of Enough—to explore a question most people avoid: What if the life we’re chasing isn’t the one we actually need?

Specializing in the Trager Approach, Angela works directly with the nervous system, helping people loosen the physical and emotional patterns they’ve carried for years. Her insights mo...

Michelle “Sonic” Ruehl, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, Colonel, and White House Fellow with over two decades of leadership experience as an instructor at the Air Force Academy, leadership coach, youth mentor, and nonprofit founder. In this episode she talks about business, education, technology, parenting, equity, and more. She brings an unshakable belief that every child deserves to learn in an environment that challen...

In this dual-guest episode, we explore the anatomy of entrepreneurship through two lenses—academic expertise and lived experience.

Our first guest, Blake Schwank, embodies the resilience and grit it takes to launch a business during uncertain times. After losing his job in the fallout of the dot-com bubble, Blake leaned on his military background and passion for service to build Colorado Computer Support, a nationally recogni...

Ray Linbaugh is one of the few survivors of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines of the U.S. Vietnam War. They were called The Walking Dead—not from Hollywood, but from the hardened jungles of Vietnam, where the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines earned one of the highest casualty rates of any unit in U.S. military history. In this powerful episode, we sit down with a veteran of this fabled battalion to explore what it truly means to walk ...

Retired Colonel, Bob McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, as well as the former Chief of Staff of US forces Afghanistan and Fort Carson Garrison Commander. In this discussion we explore the mindset of the “Soldier for Life” not as a slogan, but as a philosophy. Service doesn’t retire. It transforms. And those who continue to give, whether through mentoring, volunteering, ...

Dr. Eric Abbott is an Air Force Veteran and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently working as a board-certified family medicine physician with Optum Medical. Mental health is a common subject these days, but a less common topic of discussion are the detrimental effects that not taking care of your mental health can have on your overall well-being. We are all busy, we are all stressed out, and things don’t seem to b...

Dr. Tom Francis is a seasoned psychologist, educator, and executive coach whose career bridges the academic, corporate, and creative worlds. Holding a Psy.D. in Organizational Leadership and an M.A. in Psychology from the University of the Rockies, he has spent over a decade teaching undergraduate and graduate psychology courses at institutions such as Pikes Peak Community College and CSU-Pueblo. Known for his engaging, inclusive t...

Sam Westfall is an Army Veteran and passionate bow hunter. After being medically retired from the military following a debilitating injury as a tank mechanic, Sam struggled to find his place. It wasn’t until a friend put a bow in his hand for the first time that Sam started to feel the vivaciousness of life again. Sam tells us about one of his bear hunts, as well as why he made the morally driven decision to switch from rifle...

Retired Colonel, Bob McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, as well as the former Chief of Staff of US forces Afghanistan and Fort Carson Garrison Commander. In this episode, we’re discussing Leadership. Whether you are a parent, member of an organization, or an individual trying to achieve your goals, being an effective leader plays a critical role in the success of each one of these ...

Kirsten Belaire is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor.  Her role is the Director of Behavioral Health at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center where she provides therapy to Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Veterans, and their families. In this episode we talk about how to navigate difficult relationships with those we love. Issues like differing personalities, needs, and expectations, along with the n...

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, utilizes the unique relationship between humans and horses to promote healing and self-discovery. It encompasses various activities with horses, such as grooming, feeding, and riding, all while under the guidance of a mental health or physical therapy professional. The goal is to leverage the horse's natural qualities and behavior to help individuals develop emotional regulatio...

Scott Wilson is a pastor of 32 years, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, and a father of four. In this intimate discussion, we talk through the importance of fostering a community and loving one another while working through dilemmas that may come up along the way. How can I love others when I don’t even love myself? Where do I vent my emotions when it seems like everyone else is dumping theirs onto me? How do I know ...