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
251
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master Rickson Gracie
His family is the origin of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and World Champion Rickson Gracie is considered the greatest fighter of all time. He talked about his new book, "Breathe: A life in Flow" and reveals how this martial art form is changing lives. Plus we discuss his epic past and why Jiu-Jitsu is studied by everyone from elite military units to veterans around the world.
47 min
252
Why our plan failed in Afghanistan
Army veteran and DoD Intelligence Contractor, Pete A. Turner spent years outside the wire meeting with Afghan locals, leaders, and military officials. His recent article "Losing Afghanistan, Robert Gates Folly" explains how our failure can be traced all the way up to the former SECDEF. Hear exactly what it was like on the ground and some crucial mistakes that cost us more than just a battle. Pete Turner hosts The Break It Down Show podcast.
26 min
253
Why the military should burn it's weed policy
Former Naval Officer Thibaut Delloue says military policy on cannabis is ALL wrong! He shares the injustice he's witnessed, the dangerous double standard of alcohol, the ugly truth about military sexual assaults, and how getting marijuana wrong creates problems for veterans.
22 min
254
The Black Rifle Coffee Controversy!
Cofffee, Guns and Spec Ops loving Black Rifle Coffee Company is under attack ... from a portion of their own conservative customers. SF veteran Jack Murphy discusses his latest article "The Great Vet Bro Coffee War of 2021". Hear how an interview with the NY Times and hating on the Proud Boys is turning into a dumpster fire that could cost them a latte customers.
23 min
255
How to become an app developer
USAF veteran Janelle Fields went from unemployed to developing apps for USAA thanks to the software company Sales Force. Hear how she got her training and credentials all online ... and all for free.
10 min
256
Workshops for Warriors: Rebuilding America with...
Want a job starting at 60K? Workshops for Warriors in San Diego, CA can certify veterans in welding, machining, and other high-paying skilled trades in 4 months. Hear Navy veteran Hernan Luis y Prado and USMC vet Sean Weaver describe this awesome program.
17 min
257
March On! A Veterans Travel Guide
Navy veteran, writer, historian, and beer lover Michael Embrich talks about his book "March On! A Veterans Travel Guide". He shares cities to visit, historical sites, stuff to do, and great veteran-owned breweries! This book is something you'll definitely want to get for your next summer road trip!
33 min
258
Project Recover: Finding MIAs from the jungles ...
Marine Corps veteran Derek Abbey discovers crash sites and then brings our MIA service members home. He shares incredible stories from being a fighter pilot to diving for wreckage deep in the Pacific Ocean. And how Project Recover discovers a legacy that offers a lasting impact for many generations.
45 min
259
Navy SEAL Chief (Ret.) Eddie Gallagher: “The Ma...
A photo with a dead ISIS fighter, a murder trial that sent shock waves to the White House, Navy SEAL Chief Eddie Gallagher’s story illustrates the ugly reality of war. In this interview he shares his story, details from his book “The Man in the Arena: From Fighting ISIS to Fighting for my Freedom” and offers a glimpse into the biggest clash within the Navy SEAL community.
63 min
260
Marijuana Meds: AMVETS hosts major cannabis event
It’s not about getting high, it’s about saving lives! We examine AMVETS' Alternative Healthcare Summit, a virtual event on Sunday, June 27. These veterans; shatter misconceptions about weed, explain why Feds keep it illegal and how pot policy fuels modern slavery. Guests: Wanda James, Simply Pure CEO, Etienne Fontan, Berkley Patients Group, and AMVETS’ Chief Medical Officer Cherissa Jackson.  
45 min
261
A closer look at VA’s LGBTQ program
Gender confirmation surgery, hormone therapy, gender-affirming prosthetic devices? We talked with Dr. Tiffany Lange, VHA Clinical Psychologist about the support they offer LGBTQ veterans and the services they offer within the “PRIDE in all who served” program.
15 min
262
Operation Protect Democracy: The General’s figh...
Elections need protection. But who can stop politicians from passing bullsh#! laws? Or fix the process? We get deep with USMC Gen. (Ret) Tony Zinni, Count Every Hero.org Co-Chair as he lays out the 6-point attack plan of Operation Protect Democracy.  
45 min
263
Fighting the ruthless hackers behind ransomware...
Who is behind the attacks? Is our power grid safe? We asked Army veteran Jason Crabtree, former Army Cyber Command, Senior Advisor, and CEO of cybersecurity firm QOMPLX, if they can be stopped.
29 min
264
How “The Power of Awareness” can save your life
Can you spot a threat in a crowded store? Would you know what to do if they approached you? Air Force Spec Ops veteran and best-selling author Dan Schilling shares how we can all use the tactics of elite military and intelligence operators. Check out his new book “The Power of Awareness: And other secrets from the world’s foremost spies, detectives, and special operators on how to stay safe and save your life” 
19 min
265
Badass Book: "Baghdad Underground Railroad"
Army veteran (Ret) Col. Steve Miska offers a stunning, first-person account of how he and his teammates established an underground railroad for dozens of Iraqi interpreters to escape “death squads” and get to the US after risking it all to help our forces win the fight.
39 min
266
UPDATE: VA reopens claims for Vietnam vets
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced it will adjudicate claims for veterans who served offshore during the Vietnam War. Rashmi Matarese, Senior Advisor at Veterans Benefits Administration explains.
9 min
267
Roll to Remember: AMVETS, 100K Bikers in DC
Did the Pentagon turn its back on veterans this Memorial Day? Joe Chenelly, AMVETS talks about how the nation's largest motorcycle demonstration is radically different this year, but the mission remains the same.
17 min
268
Healing Wounds: Incredible memoir from Vietnam ...
Diane Carlson Evans shares powerful stories from the front lines in Vietnam and how she later battled Congress and founded the Women’s Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC.
26 min
269
Gary Sinise, Steve Buscemi and The National Mem...
Host Gary Sinise talks about veterans and Lt. Dan. Acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi describes his time as an NYC firefighter. The National Memorial Day Concert airs Sunday, May 30 on PBS.   
18 min
270
Hell yeah! Tribute to my buddy Ronnie
From stage diving at Offspring to a naked backyard bash, my buddy Ronnie will forever be a legend. Hear a tribute that captures the meaning of Memorial Day and celebrates the life of a friend!
24 min
271
Project Resiliency: Warriors, Healer and Def Le...
Marine Corps vet John Roberts, musician Lauren Monroe, and iconic drummer Rick Allen talk about Project Resiliency and the incredible ways they live the program's mantra "mind, body, and drum." 
40 min
272
Beer, Bud and my bro’s Bipolar journey
When my Army vet buddy and fellow journalist Matt Saintsing revealed his bipolar diagnosis on social media, I called him right away. This is our honest conversation about mental health, cannabis, and beer.        
28 min
273
Veteran Staffing Network can find jobs for vets...
Way more than just a job board, Army veteran David Muir Jr. explains how VSN can place veterans directly into their next career.
13 min
274
Serving Together Project: They can help vets wi...
Ann Mazur, CEO of Every Mind, explains how the Serving Together Project is dedicated to helping all vets with employment, food, shelter, mental health … they can even get you a computer.
12 min
275
Blue Star Families: Survey, support, and family...
Julie Riggs, DC Region Chapter Director shares how they support our military, veterans, and spouses with unique programs including national parks and museums.
9 min