Helping The Brave Podcast

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Heather McLean for a conversation about Air Force service, veteran transition, technology leadership, AI, and building a company after military and corporate life. Heather shares how she joined Air Force ROTC while trying to figure out how to pay for college, started as a supply officer, and built a twenty-year career that moved through logistics, recruiting, reserves, IT portfolio management, and communications work with U.S. Transportation Command. She explains what it was like managing large legacy systems, working around siloed technology, and helping determine which systems...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut welcomes back Tim Thomas, an Australian Army commando and veteran of Afghanistan and East Timor, for a deep conversation about breathwork, sleep, isolation, healing, and the long road back after service. Tim shares how he entered Australia's direct recruiting pathway into special forces, how deployment and transition shaped his life afterward, and how a simple breathing practice became one of the first tools that helped him rebuild energy, awareness, and a sense of possibility. He and Ed talk about the painful reality many veterans face after service: feeling isolated, exhausted...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Dr. Chrisanne Gordon for a passionate and eye-opening conversation about traumatic brain injury, PTSD, veteran transition, and the urgent need to rethink how America cares for those who served. Dr. Gordon explains why she believes PTSD should be understood through the lens of brain trauma, survival response, and rewired fight-or-flight pathways rather than shame or weakness. She shares how her work with traumatic brain injury screenings, Global War on Terror veterans, and the Resurrecting Lives Foundation opened her eyes to the disconnect between what veterans need and...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Ken Mellott for a powerful conversation about Air Force service, survival, PTSD, identity, and rebuilding life after a near-fatal aircraft accident. Ken shares how his father's Air Force service inspired him from a young age, why he attended the Air Force Academy, and how his career took him through pilot training, Beale Air Force Base, Berlin during the Cold War, RC-135 reconnaissance, and later the Air Force Reserve. One of the defining moments of his life came in 1979, when he survived a T-38 ejection after losing engines...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Jason Sharon for a practical conversation about Navy service, veteran transition, mortgage brokerage, and helping veterans use their VA loan benefit the right way. Jason shares how he joined the Navy in 1993, went through the nuclear program, served twenty years, and spent time on the USS Nimitz, USS Enterprise, and USS Anzio. After retiring, he was ready to leave engineering behind and do something different. A short-duty real estate license eventually led him into mortgages, where he learned VA loans, worked under another mortgage professional, and later...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Jonathan Knaul for a thoughtful conversation about military service, operational stress, combat deployments, test piloting, and the hidden weight of caring for loved ones. Jonathan shares how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986, first serving in the Navy after Top Gun inspired him to pursue aviation. After four years, he transitioned into pilot training and went on to serve more than three decades full-time, mostly within the Royal Canadian Air Force. His career included time at Royal Military College, a PhD in chemical and materials engineering...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Jared Maxwell for a raw conversation about Army service, combat deployments, PTSD, law enforcement, and writing as a way to process the aftermath of war. Jared shares why he joined the Army after 9/11, how he became an Airborne infantryman, and what it was like deploying with the 82nd Airborne to Iraq in the early days of the war. He talks about serving in Fallujah before most Americans knew the name, conducting raids, and experiencing the confusion of fighting an enemy that did not wear a uniform. The...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Fenix Shepard for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about Navy service, military sexual trauma, PTSD, addiction, faith, forgiveness, and healing. Fenix shares why she joined the Navy after 9/11, how she served aboard the USS Vella Gulf and USS Preble, and how her life changed after being assaulted during service. She talks openly about the impact of military sexual trauma, the years of addiction and instability that followed, and the moment she finally reached out to the VA for help. The conversation also explores what recovery looked...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Scott Lackey for a conversation about Army service, Desert Storm, military transition, endurance, writing, and what it means to keep rebuilding after life gets hard. Scott shares why he chose the Army, how he served in tactical telecommunications, and how a surprising assignment in Germany eventually led him into a front-row view of leadership and responsibility. He also talks about serving during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the chaos of early deployment conditions, and the lasting impact of military experiences that are not always easy to explain...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Sean Adelman for a thoughtful conversation about Air Force service, military medicine, transition, family, and what it means to keep growing after the uniform comes off. Sean shares why he chose the Air Force, how military service helped make medical school possible, and what it was like serving as a physician during a period marked by 9/11 and deployments to the Middle East. He also talks about taking care of special operations personnel, the unique culture of military medicine, and the difficulty of leaving a system and identity...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Ryan Matthews for a conversation about Army service, military working dogs, trauma, entrepreneurship, and purpose after the uniform. Ryan shares why he chose the Army, how he became a bomb dog handler, and what it was like working with explosive detection dogs on missions that included clearing areas during elections in Iraq. He talks about discovering his love for working dogs, how his understanding of training has evolved over the last twenty-five years, and why the real work is often not just training the dog, but helping...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Eric Goebelbecker for a wide-ranging conversation about Army service, military transition, technology, writing, and the challenge of reinventing yourself after service. Eric shares why he joined the Army, how family history shaped that decision, and what life looked like serving in Germany as a Hawk continuous wave radar repair specialist during the Cold War era. He talks about loving Germany enough to reenlist, then eventually deciding to leave the Army when the next assignment no longer fit the life he wanted. From there, the conversation shifts into...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Josh Brinson for a wide-ranging conversation about military service, transition, fitness, entrepreneurship, and finding purpose after the uniform. Josh shares how he joined the Navy, became a helicopter aircrew rescue swimmer, and found himself learning nearly every job around the aircraft. He talks about deployments, humanitarian work in Pakistan after the earthquake, the realities of leaving the military without a clear plan, and the challenge so many veterans face when they lose the structure and identity that service once gave them. The conversation also explores what came...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Faust Ruggiero for a powerful conversation about PTSD, trauma recovery, and what veterans really need in order to heal. Faust shares lessons from four decades of working with veterans, including why PTSD should not be treated as a simple mental health label and why talk therapy alone often falls short. He explains that trauma affects the body, emotions, and thinking all at once, and that real recovery takes trust, education, commitment, and the right guide. Ed and Faust also talk honestly about the frustrations many veterans face...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Dr. CM Queen Williams for a powerful conversation about Army service, military medicine, cancer care, veteran benefits, and finding purpose after burnout. Dr. Williams shares her journey from immigrating to the United States from Jamaica, to joining the Army as an enlisted soldier, to later becoming a physician and radiation oncologist through military medicine. She talks about paying for school with the GI Bill, going through medical training, serving at major military medical centers, and spending years treating cancer patients in uniform. The conversation also dives into...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with John Smith for a conversation about life after military service, VA claims, family, faith, and finding purpose in the next chapter. John shares why he chose the Marine Corps, how he built a career as a tactical air defense controller, and how that path eventually led him to the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics community. After retirement, he stayed close to the mission by continuing to support Marines and sailors as a contractor and subject matter expert, while also building a podcast and looking for more ways...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Damon Darnall, also known as the Drone Boss, for a conversation about drones, entrepreneurship, and why this fast-growing industry can be a strong fit for veterans. Damon shares how he got into flying at a young age, how the drone industry has evolved, and why he believes commercial drones are creating one of the biggest business opportunities in the years ahead. He and Ed talk about inspections, solar, dams, power lines, delivery systems, mapping, AI-powered automation, and how drones are opening doors for small business owners. One...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Aaron Crippen for a real conversation about military service, hidden trauma, transition, reinvention, and purpose. Aaron shares why he joined the Army, what life looked like in infantry service, and how injuries and experiences from that time followed him long after he got out. He talks openly about not fully understanding PTSD at first, dealing with survivor's guilt, learning how trauma shows up years later, and navigating a system that often leaves veterans frustrated when they need help most. The conversation also explores what came next. Aaron...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Terry Weaver for a conversation about military service, transition, creativity, and the power of storytelling after the uniform comes off. Terry shares how he joined the Navy, served as a Corpsman with the Marines, and eventually had to figure out what came next after service. That next chapter took him through business, entrepreneurship, writing, acting, and filmmaking. What makes this conversation stand out is how honest it is about reinvention. Terry talks about discovering creativity later in life, building a new mission around meaningful stories, and why...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Chad Singer, a Navy veteran and founder of Canine Revolution Dog Training, for a conversation about service, transition, entrepreneurship, and finding a new mission after the military. Chad shares how he came from a long family line of Navy service, attended The Citadel on a Navy ROTC scholarship, and served as a surface warfare officer before leaving the Navy and building a business in dog training. What started with a difficult personal experience with his own dog eventually became a full-time mission helping other owners better understand...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Mike LeBlanc for a conversation about military transition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the challenge of building a meaningful life after service. Mike shares why he chose the Marine Corps, what it was like coming from a non-military family, and how difficult it can be for veterans to translate military experience into civilian opportunity. He talks openly about the directness veterans carry into the civilian world, the struggles many face when trying to find their footing after getting out, and how he eventually found his path through education, leadership...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Eric Hommel for a direct and thought-provoking conversation about military service, Afghanistan, leadership, and the long-term impact war has on veterans. Eric shares his unusual path through the military, from enlisted Navy submariner to Navy reservist to commissioned Air Force officer. He talks about the systems he saw from the inside, the politics of military careers, his experience commanding in Afghanistan, and why mission clarity matters more than most people realize. This episode also explores what happens when leaders focus more on careers than mission, why veterans...

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut talks with Scott English, a former Canadian Army medic and Navy diver who now leads Combat Fitness, a performance-focused training business for military, law enforcement, and tactical athletes. Scott shares his journey through service, his transition out, and how burnout, operational demands, and changing priorities pushed him toward entrepreneurship. He and Ed talk about the realities of military medicine, the difference between field and clinical environments, the mental toll of the COVID period on service members, and why veterans often make strong business owners after they leave the military. They...

In this episode of Helping The Brave, Ed Parcaut sits down with RaterHQ: After Dark, a former VA rater and Army veteran, for an honest conversation about how the VA claims process really works. They discuss the rise of online information around veteran disability claims, the problem of misinformation, and why veterans need better guidance when it comes to DBQs, nexus letters, secondary conditions, and evidence. RaterHQ shares how her channel began as a way to educate VSRs, raters, and authorizers after hours, and why she continues to speak out about what veterans should know before filing or appealing a...

In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with guests Chris Miles and Lee Ettinger for an engaging conversation about military service, transition to civilian life, and entrepreneurship. Chris Miles shares candid stories from his time in the Marine Corps, including challenging boot camp experiences and lessons learned from amphibious assault training. He and Ed Parcaut dive into the ways military culture has evolved over the years, the importance of community among veterans, and the struggles many face after leaving service—especially when it comes to navigating benefits, healthcare, and finding purpose. The episode also explores th...

Join Ed Parcaut as he welcomes Dean Davidson for a candid conversation about military service, PTSD, and the journey of healing. Dean shares his story of serving in the U.S. Army, the challenges of lost records and transitioning to civilian life, and how writing and acting became a creative outlet. Delving into his upcoming novel "The Emir: The Tora Bora Vendetta," Dean discusses the power of storytelling for veterans, messages of hope and redemption, and the importance of reaching out for support. If you're seeking inspiration, honest perspectives, and insight into the veteran experience, this episode delivers. *Contact Ed...

Welcome to Helping the Brave with host Ed Parcaut, the show dedicated to supporting veterans as they navigate life after service. In this episode, Ed sits down with Randy Bridge, Army veteran and author of Hard Hat Philosophy. Together, they discuss the challenges veterans face in accessing VA benefits, overcoming the stigma around seeking help for PTSD and service-connected injuries, and practical advice for maximizing your benefits and securing your family's future. Randy shares his personal journey from military service to a decades-long career in the railroad industry, overcoming periods of hardship, loss of purpose, and rediscovering meaning through helping...

In this compelling episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Eric Holt, a U.S. Army veteran and former fire chief, whose career journey took an unexpected turn after standing up for election integrity. Eric Holt shares his story, from serving as a firefighter in the Army to uncovering troubling violations during a local fire district election in Colorado. His decision to do the right thing set off a chain of personal and professional consequences—including retaliation, job loss, and a long legal battle. Listeners will hear Eric Holt candidly describe the challenges of rebuilding a fractured fire de...

In this compelling episode of Helping the Brave, Ed Parcaut sits down with Navy Chaplain Larry Brant to unpack the critical, often misunderstood topic of moral injury. Larry candidly shares his path from worship pastor to 16 years serving as a chaplain for the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Together, they explore the challenges veterans face with PTSD, moral injury, and the VA claims process, as well as Larry's upcoming book, "Restoring the Broken." If you want an honest, empathetic look at the spiritual and emotional wounds of military service—and practical advice on seeking help and healing—this episode is for...

In this candid episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed welcomes guest Alec Altamirano for an in-depth conversation about military service, veteran benefits, and life after the uniform. Alec shares his journey from joining the Marine Corps in 2005, serving as a machine gunner in Iraq, and navigating the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, including the pursuit of education and his current role as a battalion chief with CAL FIRE. Together, they dive into the complexities of navigating VA benefits—unpacking everything from disability ratings, GI Bill usage, and Vocational Rehab, to the importance of documentation and advocacy for on...

Welcome to Helping the Brave with your host, Ed Parcaut. In this episode, Ed Parcaut sits down with Dennis Mark Interdonato, a veteran, real estate expert, and founder of The Dennis Mark Group. Together, they dive deep into Dennis's journey from serving in the Army to building a thriving career in real estate—highlighting the challenges of transitioning from military life, the changing landscape of Army training, and the realities of running a family business. Dennis opens up about his path to finding his niche in divorce real estate, including his drive to provide a compassionate, client-focused experience for people na...

In this insightful episode, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Army veteran and financial planner Chris Pollard for an engaging conversation about military service, career transitions, and building financial security after the uniform comes off. Chris Pollard shares his journey from high school Army reserves, through West Point and active duty deployments, to his current career in personal financial planning. You'll hear candid stories about leadership, the challenges of military and civilian life, and why purpose matters when planning your next chapter. The discussion dives into practical financial topics, including: The unique financial planning needs of veterans and business owners...

In this thought-provoking episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with veteran and author Jeff Kildow for an engaging conversation about service, history, and storytelling. Jeff Kildow shares his journey from serving as a missile maintenance technician in the United States Air Force during the 1960s to a long career in aerospace engineering and ultimately becoming an author of alternative history novels about World War II and beyond. Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of military life, reflections on the evolution of technology in warfare, and insightful discussions about the importance of preserving history through literature. Jeff Kildow...

On this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Marine Corps veteran Carl Able to dive deep into a life of service, transition, and the drive to make a difference after the military. Carl shares candid stories—from his unique path into intelligence work, experiences in Iraq, learning new languages at Monterey, and navigating the world of veterans' benefits. The conversation opens up about the challenges and rewards of leaving the military after 20 years, dealing with VA disability, and why it matters to speak openly about these benefits. They also discuss Carl's ambitions for entering politics, th...

On this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut welcomes physician assistant and Navy veteran Johnnie Gilpen, who shares his journey from the Oklahoma National Guard to the Navy, and ultimately finding his calling in medicine. Together, they dive deep into the realities and aftermath of military service—from handling life-changing injuries to navigating the complex VA benefits process. Hear firsthand how Johnnie Gilpen tackles the challenges of medical retirement, deals with long-term health effects, and leverages his experience to help fellow veterans secure their benefits. The conversation is packed with practical advice for those seeking compensation, tips to or...

Join host Ed Parcaut as he welcomes Marine Corps veteran Jerry Clark for an inspiring episode of Helping The Brave. Jerry shares his journey from West Texas to Vietnam, his experiences as an 0311 grunt, and how his military service shaped his life. The conversation explores the challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, the importance of finding purpose, and overcoming invisible "blind spots"—especially those born from military training. Jerry discusses how his struggles led him to become a counselor, supporting others for over 30 years. Together, Ed and Jerry explore veteran support groups, the fight for VA benefits, PT...

In this episode, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient Omar Ritter to share his powerful story of service, transformation, and resilience. Omar Ritter opens up about following in his family's footsteps as a Cavalry Scout, his combat experiences in Iraq, and the battle he faced after returning home—a life-altering brain tumor that led to his medical retirement. Together, Ed Parcaut and Omar Ritter dive into the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, the importance of seeking help for mental health, and how pride or lack of awareness can prevent vets from accessing critical di...

In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Navy veteran and master communicator John Verrico. Listen in as John Verrico shares his inspiring journey from undisciplined young man to becoming the last master chief journalist in the Navy Reserve, and how his decades of service and unique experiences shaped his career in government public affairs and leadership coaching. John Verrico opens up about navigating independent duty on ships, handling everything from shipboard newspapers to media relations, his passion for amplifying the stories of everyday sailors, and the leadership lessons he learned from both supportive and challenging commanders...

In this powerful episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut welcomes Air Force veteran D Logan to share an inspiring journey from military service to career transformation. D Logan opens up about serving over twelve years in the Air Force, his dreams of flight, and the realities and challenges of transition after deployment—including navigating PTSD, mental health struggles, and advocating for VA benefits. Listen as D Logan describes rebuilding life post-service, finding a new calling in live event production, and the importance of community, resilience, and never giving up on yourself or your family. Learn practical advice about VA disab...

In this inspiring episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with former Navy SEAL, football player, and debut author Tom Hruby, alongside seasoned writer James Pomerantz. Together, they reveal the stories behind their new novel, "The Breacher's Playbook"—a thrilling saga loosely based on Tom's real-life experiences from the battlefield to Big Ten football and beyond. You'll hear Tom's honest account of why he joined the Navy after 9/11, pursued the challenge of SEAL training, and ultimately transitioned to Division I football at Northwestern University—all while juggling family life. The conversation explores how Tom and James met, the...