Will Google searches soon become a thing of the past? Will apps become extinct? Decades ago, Tim Kitchens served in the Air Force as a Russian intel analyst, but after the military he trained to become a Senior Software Engineer and expert programmer. We sat down with him to get an in depth look at how the explosive growth of AI technology is poised to revolutionize the way we work and interact with the Internet. Kitchens begins by explaining the basics of AI technology; What is it? How does it work, etc. He later expands on how ChatGPT can be incorporated into our daily lives and how other AI driven tech is transforming online content and digital video.   He reflects on the dark side of AI too, ie; the dangers it presents when used to promote greed, misinformation and other dark desires. But it’s not all dark. He shares how the traditional Internet search will eventually be replaced by “Prompt” technology, allowing for AI to perform search, research and other mundane tasks within minutes. He also sheds light on how AI is responsible for light-speed advances in medicine; the COVID vaccine and hopefully someday for diseases like cancer.     We also discussed how to “future proof” your career with “prompt skills”, and the surprising places to find training.  Check out Tim Kitchen’s article “Embrace AI or Fall Behind: Yes, Resistance IS Futile” here: www.linkedin.com/in/timkitchens To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today, we’re talking about a groundbreaking new book, “The Unit” by Adam Gamal and Kelly Kennedy. It delivers a look inside the military’s most secretive special missions unit, which is so covert that even its name is classified. Our book reviewer is National Security reporter Jack Murphy who served as an Army Ranger, Sniper, and Special Forces operator within Joint Special Operations Command. He describes some stories inside the book, and shares personal anecdotes about the rare occasion when he encountered this covert team in the field. We are currently working our back channel communications to land interviews with authors Adam Gamal and Kelly Kennedy ... but the book is so damn intriguing, we couldn't wait to discuss it! Check out "The Unit" here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250278180/theunit Follow SF veteran and journalist Jack Murphy on X @JackMurphyRGR To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

We’re talking with Navy veteran Jenna Carlton, who founded the massively popular Facebook group “The Millennial Veterans.” Between Facebook and Instagram, Millennial Veterans has amassed millions of views, and their content reaches thousands of vets every week. We jump right into her recent spicy article that tells VA why many younger vets do not recommend joining the military. She talked about her days aboard the carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and like her Millennial Vet followers have come to appreciate, she didn't shy away from sharing personal experiences and the uncomfortable reality of military sexual trauma. Carlton also shared how she was inspired to create a Facebook group to connect with other millennial vets, after her internship with the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill. It was front row seat to the frustration many feel after watching Congress put politics before the immediate needs of our vets. She also delivers fascinating observations on whether the military truly helps younger service members prepare for life after the military. And a great take on whether that's the role of DoD, VA or millennial veterans themselves. We also examine her latest book, "The Veteran Workbook" and learn how veterans from all eras can benefit from putting their thoughts in a journal. And may be surprised by the benefits of looking in the rear view mirror. With one scroll through the MV page, the sense of community found within her audience is apparent, and in this episode she shares exactly how many of them feel. Check out The Millennial Veterans Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/themillennialveterans Follow Jenna on Instagram @themillennialveteran https://www.instagram.com/themillennialveteran/ And even if you're too tough to journal ... check out "The Veteran Workbook" here: https://www.amazon.com/Veteran-Workbook-Jenna-Carlton/dp/B0C6W1GB96 To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Whether you're starting college after the military, finishing a degree or just looking for skills to advance your career, we discover the innovative ways University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) delivers. UMGC President, Dr. Gregory Fowler describes their "student-centric" approach. More than just a catch phrase, he shares an in-depth look at things like:Helping deployed students from Forward Operating Bases to AntarcticaUnderstanding the specific needs of veteran students from all racial and cultural backgroundsHow their process uses a "Sherpa" approach to ensure all students reach the topEmployer verified certifications for cyber, business, IT and human resources Dr. Fowler also describes the way UMGC programs use AI technology to; prompt students when they need it most; identify when life factors may be getting in the way and how instructors can see student performance in real-time, which allows them to assist every student on a personal level. We also examine how students looking to launch their own business can benefit from a focused delivery of the specific skills related to business. Whether it's fundamentals or advanced accounting, this streamlined approach gives veteran small business owners exactly what they need to succeed. Want more on UMGC's 125 degree programs? Check out their bachelor's, master's, doctoral and targeted certificate programs here: https://www.umgc.edu/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re discussing the new book “Dead Man’s Hand” with author, Army veteran Brad Taylor, former member of the highly classified 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (Delta Force). This high adrenaline novel tracks: a plot to kill Vladimir Putin; a fight between Putin’s brutal National Guard henchmen, the GRU- a Russian Intelligence unit and a Ukrainian hit squad; and ultimately the dangerous work of American commandos led by veteran Pike Logan. It’s a twisted plot that takes us to the brink of nuclear war. As we discussed the players in the book (based on actual military/intelligence units) I asked Brad if the details come from his experiences while serving with Delta Force? Taylor also describes the brutality of Russian Intelligence forces and shares behind the scenes look at locations in Sweden and Denmark.   We dive deeper into tradecraft used by military and spies around the world. And in one of the most revealing parts of our interview, we consider what these missions look like in real-life, as the President and Congress deal with deadly Islamic terror groups and the ominous situation developing with Iran. More on Dead Man's Hand and Spec Ops vet Brad Taylor here: https://bradtaylorbooks.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

We're talking with vets in Vegas at Super Bowl LVIII about their NFL partnership, and how they're looking for fellow vets to tackle a mission vital to our democracy. Marine Corps veteran Ben Keiser and Air Force veteran Anil Nathan share how the organization We The Veterans recently launched the “Vet The Vote” campaign, with a goal of recruiting over 100K veterans to serve as election poll workers in upcoming elections. They describe how the veteran community can play a crucial role in this year’s elections. And how their presence can help rebuild trust in a process that's been marred by political division and conspiracy theories. Both Keiser and Nathan share their personal experiences serving as poll workers, and describe what they saw firsthand as they answer the important question, "Are elections really safe?" And of course we also talk football, and what the vibe is like in Vegas, during the biggest sports week of the year. For more on Vet The Vote and how you can get involved check out: Vet The Vote To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re talking with Navy SEAL veteran and marketing mogul John Timar. During his post military career, he achieved success bringing Kill Cliff energy drinks to the forefront of the highly competitive US energy drink market and established partnerships with podcast giant Joe Rogan, the mixed martial arts community and raised millions for the Navy SEAL Foundation. But his latest venture steps outside of the energy drink business and introduces us to "Grapple Science" a new nutritional supplement targeting Jiu Jitsu athletes and other forms of mixed martial arts, wrestling, etc. Timar offers an in-depth look at the supplement industry, and explains the science behind terms like "nutraceutical". We also examine their new supplement “Cognition” which claims to enhance cognitive function, learning, memory, and mental stamina.  So, does it really work? Timar, who claimed even he feared supplements in his early days, offered a closer look at Grapple Science's rare ingredients like; Lion’s Mane, Alpha GPC and nooLVL. And he shared how some of their ingredients are currently being used within the medical community to treat diseases like Parkinson's. For more on Grapple Science nutritional supplements: https://grapplescience.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

This week we’re talking with Dr. Robert Beckman, Executive Director of Treat Now dot org. He’s one of the premiere experts in the treatment of brain wounds with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Although this technology is FDA approved for things like burns and diabetic foot ulcers, Beckman says the VA ignores proof that it's effective for treating brain wounds, TBI’s, concussions and depression which has fueled the suicide epidemic in America.  While ending suicide remains a top priority for VA , DoD, Beckman slams their decision to pump millions of mental health dollars into psychedelic research to merely treat symptoms. He offers several real-world examples of HBOT effectively treating the root cause and thus eliminating symptoms in ways current VA strategies do not. In one powerful segment he shares how over the years the VA has amputated hundreds of thousands of feet, due to diabetic foot ulcers. Beckman claims most of which could have been avoided if HBOT was introduced earlier in their care. He also shares vivid examples; NFL players treating concussions, combat veterans' fighting effects of toxic exposures and many clinics who are currently embracing HBOT therapy for treatment of brain wounds, PTSD and MS. For more on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy including powerful research data and published studies, see TreatNow.org's website: https://treatnow.org/ Read the latest newsletter "VA Continues to Avoid Treating and Healing Brain Wounds" here: https://treatnow.org/va-continues-to-avoid-treating-and-healing-brain-wounds/ VIDEO: MSG Scott Rossler's HBOT testimony https://youtu.be/N-CkR5shqEM?si=UmUhF_jKxPHjjzkq VIDEO: NFL great Joe Namath shares how HBOT changed his life: https://youtu.be/s7nxU3QadIA To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re talking with former student veterans who testified before the US Dept. of Education in Washington DC, regarding for-profit colleges that failed to provide the useful degrees they promised, all while burning through the GI Bill funding they earned and even their private student loans. We start with Air Force veteran Stephanie Pollay who shared her experience getting a degree from ITT Tech, the $200K debt she incurred, and the harsh reality she faced after trying to apply it to the real world. We also hear from Navy veteran Angela McMillen, who describes how her college merged with Ashford University, and although she paid for post graduate studies intended for a PhD in Clinical Psychology Research, the school was never accredited.  Marine Corps vet Will Hubbard describes what Veteran Education Success is doing in DC to ensure proper oversight and laws to protect student veterans from for profit schools targeting military vets and other low-income students.    If you're a veteran who was scammed by a college or online degree program, contact Veterans for Education Success https://vetsedsuccess.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we learn how Marine Corps Spec Ops vet Derek Herrera has built a business around a digital skin inspection tool, known as the "Habit Camera" thanks to a partnership with VA’s Technology Transfer Program. We begin with his journey into the elite Marine Corps unit known as, MARSOC aka Marine Corps “Raiders”. Herrera shares the dramatic story of the firefight with Taliban forces in Afghanistan, the shot that wounded his spine and the heroism of his fellow Marines.   After a tough recovery, Herrera described the cutting-edge VA medical technology he discovered, including a device that allowed him to stand tall during his retirement ceremony. We also learn about the Habit Camera, which will do amazing things for those with spinal cord injuries, diabetes and assist others in the early detection of skin cancer. Dr. John Kaplan, VA Technology Transfer Program Director, describes other medical device technology currently available for licensing and the opportunities this incredible program creates for small businesses. Check out more from Marine Corps vet Derek Herrera and make skin inspection a regular habit, with the Habit Camera. https://habitcamera.com/ For more information about medical technology available for licensing to small businesses, check out the VA Technology Transfer Program here: https://www.research.va.gov/programs/tech_transfer/default.cfm See all the cutting-edge tech at VA's Tech Link here https://techlinkcenter.org/va-technologies/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on X @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans  

We’re talking with Joan Lynch, Chief Content Officer at WorkingNation.com about companies desperate to hire veterans right now. We examine the certifications required for hot jobs in Cyber, and Lynch shares insight from recent conversations with veteran hiring officers for companies like Space X. We also talk about the huge growth in trucking, and healthcare plus how within every category, there are tons of high-paying roles on the back end. Lynch also maps out an effective strategy for finding these growing companies.  We also look at how AI and ChatGPT are changing the American workforce, and Lynch reveals how this tech is actually opening new doors for veterans. For more on the hottest trends in employment check out Working Nation here https://workingnation.com To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Social @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans And find more great stories at Connecting Vets dot com https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

British paratrooper veteran James Thornett tells the epic story of smuggling a truckload of liquor down the deadliest road in Iraq. This epic Christmas Eve story was the start of the legendary bar known as "The Baghdad Country Club”. For more about James Thornett and pics from “The World’s Most Dangerous Bar” check out: https://www.baghdadcountryclub.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

We’re doing some last-minute Christmas shopping and highlighting veteran-made products that make great stocking stuffers. Triangle Fragrance: Army veteran Magda Khalifa, launched Triangle Fragrance, a scent line for men and women that draws its inspiration from her own transition and the self-help book she wrote. She also shares the meaning behind these luxurious scents and how one cologne was inspired by the classic military movie, "Apocalypse Now". Check out Triangle Fragrance here https://trianglefragrance.com/ Tiny Human Skin Care: After the military, former Army Captain Liz Reid struggled to help her son effectively treat his eczema. Mainstream soaps and moisturizers only seemed to aggravate his skin, so she decided to create the solution herself. Armed with skin care knowledge as a licensed esthetician, she began experiments that lead to founding Tiny Human Skin Care, an entire line of all-natural skin care products.  For healthy skin, check out Tiny Human Skin Care here https://www.tinyhumanskincare.com/ Retro Warrior Coffee Retro Warrior Coffee is a military spouse owned coffee company that offers more than just eye-opening coffee. Lisa Johansen explains how each bag is a tribute to vintage military ad campaigns and a salute to great moments in US military history. We also discuss how one blend pays homage to The Ghost Army unit that helped make a crucial difference in WWII. Follow link below and subscribe to Retro Warrior Coffee. You can support their "Thank a Hero" program, which provides free coffee for law enforcement, Fire-Rescue, First Responders and other vital workers who could always use a cup of joe! https://retrowarrior.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans, Host Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Social @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans And find more great stories at Connecting Vets dot com https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

In this episode we’ll go from the jungles of Vietnam to a small-town diner in Illinois! Mr. Lynn Lowder is a Vietnam veteran and former Marine Corps Force Recon Team Leader who in his seventies, founded Rosie's Home Cooking. This classic diner builds off the famous portrait of Rosie the Riveter and delivers the vintage 1950's experience. But his impact is felt far beyond his small town in Illinois. He's also the co-founder of The Veterans Business Project, a non-profit organization that has helped thousands of vets start their own business.  We open the show with his memories from Vietnam.  Few people can say they were part of a team who invented something that has saved countless lives in combat. Lynn Lowder recalls how members of his Marine Force Recon unit invented the "SPIE" rig (Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction) a strap that’s used to deploy and extract combat forces and is still being used by Special Operations teams today.  After the military, Lowder founded the Veteran Business Project. This non-profit organization has helped many veterans become business owners, through mentorship and a unique way of pairing aspiring veteran entrepreneurs with successful founders who wish to sell their business to a skilled vet. Lowder concludes our conversation with the inspiring story of Rosie’s Home Cooking. And how it's become so successful paying homage to our nation’s heroes while serving up American diner classics.  For veterans dreaming of owning their own business, check out Veteran Business Project here: https://veteranbusinessproject.org/ Contact CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com   Follow on Social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans For more veteran news and stories check out: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

This week we discuss an epic short film “The Metal Detector”. It's a WWII veteran story with a modern twist. The film documents how Georg, an Austrian retiree whose mother witnessed the crash of an Allied B-17 during World War II, takes up metal detecting to find the wreckage.  His fascination (and sheer determination) lead him on a heartfelt mission, to not only research the backgrounds of the American crewmembers who parachuted off the plane into enemy territory, but also locate their descendants, and bring them to his Austrian town for the 75th anniversary of the crash. Our guests; Filmmaker Brendan Patrick Hughes and documentary subject Mick Berry, an actor, musician and gifted playwright, discuss the trip to Austria where they met the townspeople who helped their fathers, other descendants of the crew, and discover pieces of the wreckage. We also discuss the lives of these brave men, and are offered a glimpse into how they dealt with their PTSD after the war, as told through Berry’s one-man play “My father fought Hitler, the bottle and me”. It's a fascinating story of empathy, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection. See The Metal Detector trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5nQe52xqAk Watch the film on PBS here (or stream on the PBS app): https://www.pbs.org/show/the-metal-detector/ More from Mick Berry here: https://www.mick-berry.com/index.html   Contact CBS Eye on Veterans, Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com   Follow on Social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans For more veteran news and interesting stories check out: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets

Thanksgiving week has us in the mood for food, so we’re talking about how a former Apache helicopter pilot launched Arbo’s Cheese Dip into a huge success. Andrew Arbogast opens our interview with some memories about his days in the cockpit of world's most advanced attack helicopter. Arbogast shares memories of meats and cheeses on a Forward Operating base in Afghanistan, and the early days of Arbo’s Cheese Dip. He also explains how Bunker Labs played a pivotal role in the explosive growth of the company and how it gave him the connections he needed to scale from a home-based business to a cheese dip that’s now available in 20 states, over 1000 grocery stores ... and will soon be available nationwide! Plus, we hear about his appearance on the CMA Awards and his encounter with Country superstar Jelly Roll. To order Arbo's Cheese Dip, check out: https://www.arboscheesedip.com/ Veterans ready to start or scale their business, check out Bunker Labs: https://bunkerlabs.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

Today we’re talking about how a Special Forces veteran met a Hollywood actor on a career website and the result was a groundbreaking new video game “With Them: Frontlines” where players experience combat ops in the places where US forces actually fought.  Army Special Forces vet Shawn Piatz received creative help from Hollywood Actor/Producer Devin Reeve when they met on the veteran career site Heroes Linked. We start with some fascinating stories about Shawn’s experiences as a Green Beret in Afghanistan.  Shawn also talks about his career transition and the unlikely path from Spec Ops to becoming Chief Operating Officer of a video game studio. We also discuss how it includes in-game applications that assist veterans’ mental health and hearing.  Shawn and Devin also share how this game will continue to expand by openly inviting veterans to become game characters, tell their story, and possibly revolutionize the ways we treat PTSD. For more on the game “With Them: Frontlines: check out https://withthem.co/ For more on career mentors from Heroes Linked https://heroeslinked.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on social: @philbriggsVet @EyeOnVeterans

On Veterans Day, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will grapple, choke and arm bar each other to determine which branch has the ultimate fighter. Although it sounds brutal, off the mat it’s a brotherhood and the story of how Air Force veteran Pow Srikachorn founded a martial arts training facility that is helping his community and vets thrive through their love of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Pow’s journey into martial arts began in Afghanistan, where he worked on some of the most important missions of the Iraq War. (He shared some epic stories of hostage rescues and a behind the scenes look at the mission that took down Osama Bin Laden). He shared how he started Jiu Jitsu training on base and many returned home “addicted” to the thrill this combat martial art provides. Eventually Pow and other veteran partners founded “The Compound” a martial arts training facility to give back to his community in Silver Spring, Maryland. We also hear about the unique Veterans Day match called “The Battle of Branches” which will highlights incredible fighters from every branch of the military. In Pow’s words, “…whether it’s the physical or mental aspect of it or just the tribe you develop, training with each other and trying to kill each other … it’s such a beautiful thing to see.” For more on Air Force vet, Pow Srikachorn Check out The Compound here: https://www.thecompoundsilverspring.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Social @philbriggsVet @eyeonveterans

We look at the recent survey of “The Best Places for Veterans to Live” with Cassie Happe from Wallet Hub dot com. Their recent survey analyzed the top 100 US cities and looked at where veterans are finding employment, great health care and the best quality of life. (Hello Florida and Texas) We also looked closely at additional metrics used to rank US cities, including growing economies and places where veterans are likely to find jobs based on their military experience. Find why vets are loving; Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, Nevada and Idaho. See WalletHub’s entire survey of 100 cities here: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-veterans/8156   To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs   phil@connectingvets.com   Follow on Social   @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

Today we’re talking with Cal Thomas, about his latest book, “A Watchman in the night: What I’ve seen over 50 years reporting on America”. Thomas is a Vietnam era veteran who served as a radio broadcaster on Armed Forces Radio and then went on to become a legendary conservative journalist and Fox News broadcaster.  We discuss what inspired his thoughts on American culture and conversations with Presidents, politicians, and world leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Thomas reflected on the way news is reported and consumed today, and offered some advice for the way all Americans should pursue the truth in today’s ratings-driven media landscape. He also shares how lunch meetings he had with President Ronald Reagan shaped his conservative ideals. Thomas also discussed his Christian faith- and how it has been received as a journalist in the national media, his thoughts on the current Israel-Hamas War, and why he does not believe in a two-state solution. Find more from Cal Thomas here: https://calthomas.com/ Check out his book “A Watchman in the night: What I’ve seen over 50 years reporting on America” https://www.amazon.com/Watchman-Night-Years-Reporting-America/dp/1630062375 To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

We investigate another side of the Israel-Hamas War raging in Gaza through the eye of a veteran who was an advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Iraq War.  In a recent op-ed, Dennis Fritz (Ret.) Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant, Pentagon Senior Enlisted Advisor called out those in Congress who favor an escalation of fighting in Gaza, and even call for attacks on Iran. He calls for; the US to be a formidable peace broker in the region, lead efforts for real negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people and explains why US leaders should not be looking to take this fight directly to Iran. We also address the most vexing question regarding peace negotiations - Who represents peaceful Palestinians when their elected government is Hamas, a barbaric terrorist organization? Find more from USAF veteran Dennis Fritz, Director of The Eisenhower Media Network here: https://eisenhowermedianetwork.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs:  phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer among cancer-afflicted Veterans.  In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, VA is proud to participate in the second annual National Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) Day.  This significant day coincides with Veterans Day (November 11) emphasizing VA's commitment to our Veterans.   We spoke with Dr. Chris Slatore, Chief Consultant, National Center for Lung Cancer Screening for the Veterans Health Administration, about the importance of this cancer screening awareness campaign and why for veterans from all eras, being screened is vital.

We take a deep look into the Israel-Hamas war through the eyes of a combat veteran and author with decades of experience fighting terrorism.  Brad Taylor is a former Special Forces Lt. Colonel, who served in the Army’s most elite unit, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta … aka Delta Force. But more than just a Tier 1 Operator with vast tactical experience, Taylor’s knowledge of Hamas, Hezbollah and other Islamic terror groups stems from years of research as the best-selling author of the Pike Logan action-adventure series. His best sellers like “Hunter Killer, American Traitor, End of Days” weave together plots featuring actual Islamic Terrorist cells, intelligence tradecraft, covert ops and real world events. In this episode Taylor explains:The complicated backstory to this violent conflictConnections between Iran and militant groups like Hamas, HezbollahWhy Palestinians in Gaza elected a known terrorist organization for their leadership. Taylor also sheds light on Israeli Defense Force (IDF) capabilities, the grim chances for hostage rescue, and whether this is likely to erupt into a larger regional or even global conflict with Iran. Find more on Special Forces veteran, author Brad Taylor here: https://bradtaylorbooks.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans

MDMA, commonly known as “Ecstasy” offers way more than its psychedelic, glow stick and rave reputation lead us to believe. Marine Corps veteran Juliana Mercer, Policy Director for Healing Breakthrough, a nonprofit organization leading the charge to get the VA to begin using MDMA Assisted Therapy, shares the incredible results of a Phase 3 clinical trial. We take a detailed look at the trials, where 67% of veterans who underwent MDMA Assisted Therapy were completely healed and examine how these studies are conducted. And despite the drug receiving “breakthrough” status from the FDA, and poised for FDA approval soon, Mercer describes the challenges MDMA still faces before veterans will be able to get this treatment through the VA. For more on how MDMA Assisted Therapy is helping vets connect, transform and thrive, check out Healing Breakthrough: https://www.healingbreakthrough.org/ For more on clinical trials of MDMA and psilocybin, check out The Multi-Disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): https://maps.org/about-maps/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet   @eyeonveterans

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and his wife Lauren Monroe, a musician and holistic wellness expert, founded Raven Drum Foundation to help veterans, first responders and other trauma survivors heal. They recently hosted Mountain Rhythm reset, a weekend retreat in Jackson Hole Wyoming. The weekend included rock star friends (like Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Guns and Roses drummer Matt Sorum) but the real stars of the retreat were the veterans, first responders and trauma survivors who engaged with them in a variety of ways. We talked about the healing power of meditation and mindfulness techniques with Lauren, and they both shared powerful moments forged at the drum circle. We also dive into Lauren Monroes latest single “Brave” and discover an incredible message, and Rick shared stories about a recent portrait he painted inspired by the late Eddie Van Halen. See more from the Raven Drum Foundation’s Mountain Rhythm Reset here: https://ravendrumfoundation.org/mrr/ https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets/get-help/mental-health/raven-drum-foundation-uses-drums-to-promote-healing And more on Rick Allen and Lauren Monroe here: https://rickallen.com/ https://laurenmonroe.com/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs: phil@connectingvets.com Follow on Twitter: @philbriggsVet  @eyeonveterans