Eye on Veterans

Each week, Navy veteran and journalist Phil Briggs looks at life from the military veteran's perspective. We highlight veterans finding success as business owners and industry leaders. We also examine topics like treating PTSD, TBIs with innovative alternative therapies; hyperbaric oxygen, cannabis, psychedelics, etc. Plus, we hear dramatic stories from combat veteran authors, discover job openings, and meet celebrity actors, athletes, and musicians.

News
Society & Culture
Government
1
Vet Phoenix: Rising from ashes of adversity to ...
Navy veteran Manuel Gomez has an awe-inspiring comeback story. In this episode he describes his unlikely journey from the military to prison to the master’s degree earning Founder of Vet Phoenix, a nonprofit which helps prior incarcerated veterans recover, rehabilitate and create a bright future.
40 min
2
The Last Prisoner Project: Fighting for veteran...
Air Force veteran Robert Deals was busted for cannabis in Phoenix. Years later it became legal in Arizona. Today his daughter owns a state-legal dispensary, while he remains in prison. We hear the story from Alicia Deals and how The Last Prisoner Project fights for veterans convicted of cannabis related crimes.
31 min
3
The Power of Dogs: Vets share how incredible ca...
It’s National Service Dog Month and we’re honoring the amazing service dogs from Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD). We talked with two veterans whose stories demonstrate the primal connection we have with dogs and how they truly saved their lives.
43 min
4
Is Psychedelic Therapy the suicide solution? Co...
This week we’re talking about Ibogaine Psychedelic Therapy with former Army Paratrooper, decorated combat veteran, and Purple Heart recipient Clayton Smith. We discussed his experience with ibogaine treatment which he reluctantly did, just so he could claim he "tried everything" before ending his life. Instead, it transformed him completely and gave him a new mission- healing fellow veterans through the nonprofit “Beond Service” which helps fellow vets gain access to this life-changing, and remarkable treatment.
42 min
5
Cyber Command vet shares AI, data threats and h...
Dr. Calvin Nobles, (Ret.) U.S. Navy Cryptologic Warfare Officer and Dean of Cybersecurity & Information Technology at UMGC, reveals the threats that exist all around us including; how the military is defending against rogue nations, AI, and drone technology. Nobles also shared the types of threats he witnessed while commanding Cyber Operations for the US Navy and his time at the National Security Agency.
46 min
6
Armed with AI: Navy SEAL’s Vetavize aims at VA ...
Navy SEAL veteran Chief Anthony Rivera shares an inside look at Vetavize, the digital platform he founded to navigate the complex and frustrating VA Disability Benefit process. Powered by artificial intelligence, it guides veterans through filing their claim while helping them identify conditions and gather medical evidence needed to get their claims approved.
56 min
7
Behind The Medal of Honor: Army Cavalry vet sha...
Army Cavalry Scout veteran, and Medal of Honor recipient SSGT Clint Romesha shared the story of Combat Outpost Keating, and how it was almost overrun by 300+ Taliban terrorist forces. From the brutal combat that changed his life, to his search for a new life after the military, Romesha offers a fascinating look at his transition and how he continues to help fellow vets in need, though the incredible veteran service organization America’s Warrior Partnership.
45 min
8
Navy vet found huge success in skilled trades …...
Navy veteran Matt Thompson built an incredible post-military career in the skilled trades. We hear how his use of Tik Tok has made his heating and air conditioning business wildly successful in Southern California.
36 min
9
Forged in Chaos: Elite Delta Force veteran’s ne...
Army veteran, elite Delta Force Operator, Tyler Grey conducted some of the most dangerous and classified missions. After an explosion during a covert mission shattered his arm, he discovered his wounds were not limited to just flesh and blood- his entire identity was fractured. In his new book “Forged in Chaos, A Warriors Origin Story” Grey seeks to help veterans deal with post combat anxiety and depression. He describes his own “addiction to chaos” through drugs, sex and toxic relationships. And how he developed the groundbreaking LTSD theory .. or “Lack of Traumatic Stress Disorder”. We also hear more about the serious flaws behind modern medicine’s current PTSD diagnosis.
48 min
10
Blazing Star BBQ: Travel + Asian flavors led US...
Air Force veteran Mike Starr shares how Blazing Star BBQ sauce and spices went from his kitchen to major retailers nationwide. His story begins flying aboard the US airborne command center known as “The Doomsday Plane”. His global travels ignited a love of food and Asian flavors, which made his brand a favorite among world renowned Pit-Masters and backyard BBQ enthusiasts alike.
40 min
11
Ranger to Rancher: Valor Provisions delivers gr...
Army veteran Patrick Montgomery, former Ranger turned cattle rancher, founded Valor Provisions.us with a mission to support American ranchers. He shared his journey into the beef industry, how one great national review resulted in 12K orders (which almost collapsed the company) and his mission to deliver ethically raised steaks, burgers and hot dogs via a unique online membership model.
41 min
12
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Pioneering Psychi...
Psychiatrist and Psychedelic Research Expert, Dr. Will Van Derveer shared how after working with veterans he became discouraged by standard mental health care practices. Now, after years of research, he says it’s “insanity” that psychedelics are not widely available for veterans.
47 min
13
Power Chords! Songwriting with Soldiers helps v...
Air Force veteran Bruce Anderson and his wife Lesley shared how a weekend retreat with Nashville hit songwriter Trent Willmon yielded music more powerful than medicine.
45 min
14
Fuji Fire: USMC veteran and journalist document...
It may have been the Marine Corps’ worst-ever peacetime tragedy. So why have you never heard of the 1979 typhoon, fuel spill and fire at Camp Fuji, Japan? This four-year, two-continent investigation details what happened and why.
42 min
15
Fight for your Rights! Unite 4 Vets + Dropkick ...
Hear about the “Unite 4 Veterans” rally on June 6th in DC, w/ legendary Irish punk band The Dropkick Murphys. And the crucial VA programs, staff being cut without regard for vets.
32 min
16
What makes a hero? Just show up! Army vet, acto...
Army combat vet, actor and inspiring author J.R. Martinez gives a look at Season 2 of “Medal of Honor, Stories of Courage” podcast, and gives some of the best life advice.
48 min
17
Nashville’s Rising Star! Army combat vet Scotty...
Army vet Scotty Hasting is a new star in country music. He shares combat memories from Afghanistan, a song for his fallen brother and the summer anthem “Pro Beer”!
52 min
18
Rangers Lead The Way! Col Larry Perino talks Bl...
Army veteran, Col. Larry Perino was one of the elite Rangers that fought in The Battle of Mogadishu. We hear about their incredible bravery, and how he now helps veteran small business owners grow with Navy Federal Credit Union.
42 min
19
Vet Entrepreneur Success! Navy Rescue Swimmer d...
Navy veteran John Barile always loved the skilled trades. Hear how amidst this challenging economy, he will always be in high demand as an owner of EverLine Coatings and Services, parking lot striping and maintenance.
41 min
20
VA Home Loans: For your First Home, Dream Home ...
Navy Federal Credit Union’s lending expert Christopher Davis explores the incredible benefits that service members, veterans and families receive from VA Home Loans.
20 min
21
Run Forrest, Run! Team RWB is running from CA t...
Hear how 12 veterans, elite distance runners from Team Red, White and Blue aim to set World Record and raise $1M, running from San Diego, CA to Washington DC.
38 min
22
Reinvent Yourself! How AMU courses and degrees ...
Marine Corps vet Misty Cook earned her degree from American Military University and now runs her own highly successful firm. AMU Provost, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson reveals AMU courses and training that lead to the jobs of the future.
36 min
23
What's it like to meet God? Navy vet, author Am...
Navy veteran Amy Mahoney struggled alone, until she experienced a miracle. Hear what it’s like to feel the presence of God, and how you can too.
48 min
24
Into the Gray Zone: Spec Forces vet Brad Taylor...
Elite Special Forces veteran Brad Taylor returns to talk about his latest thriller; Chinese backed attacks in India, modern spy craft and a deeper look at global terrorism today.
51 min
25
Miracles on a Mountainside: Winter Sports Clini...
Vets overcoming traumatic injuries discover how skiing, snowboarding and rock climbing heal the mind, body and soul.
38 min