PODCASTS
On Friday, March 22nd, RLF recorded their 1st podcast and wished to thank the OVERWATCH Alliance for this opportunity to reach veterans and their families through this amazing platform. The first of the series entitled,
Brainstorms: Real Voices/Real Strategies for Veterans with TBI
Produced by Sycamore Studios in Plain City and included moderator Gordon and guest USN retired Chief Joe Pisano, from San Diego - Gordon and Pisano spoke about the creation and launch of the VSTAA program for veterans suicide prevention, which incorporates community events to honor veterans and their service while providing resources for health care, education and employment.
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Please like and share our videos and podcasts so we can continue to get the word out and offer support to veterans and their families!
Watch PODCASTs
Season 2
The Healing Mission: Veterans, Faith, and Community - S2 E6
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Ed Dennard a Vietnam veteran, community organizer, and co-founder of the Veteran/Military Friendly Congregations (VMFC) initiative. Ed shares his incredible journey from serving in Vietnam to building a successful professional career, only to later face the heavy weight of PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. His story of recovery and renewed purpose through peer support and spiritual healing offers critical insight into the challenges veterans face—and the hope that comes from connection, community, and faith. This episode explores how faith communities can become essential partners in the recovery process. Ed discusses the founding of the VMFC initiative, the reality that veterans are ten times more likely to seek help from a clergy member than from the VA, and how churches and congregations across the country can step up to provide meaningful, nonclinical support. He and his co-founders have trained hundreds of peer recovery specialists, hosted boot camps for congregations, and created a simple but effective way for churches to become sanctuaries for healing—especially in rural areas where traditional services are lacking. This conversation is a call to action. Whether you're a clergy member, a veteran, or a concerned community member, there is something you can do. Visit the VMFC website to learn how your congregation can get involved and support those who have served. And if you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This podcast is made possible through support from the Fred and June MacMurray Foundation, the Resurrecting Lives Foundation, and is recorded at The Sycamore Studio in Plain City, Ohio.
Season 2 - Episode 5: A Mother's Voice. A Hero's Legacy
In this powerful and moving episode of Brainstorms, we sit down with Gold Star Mother Jody Davids for an intimate and emotional conversation about love, loss, resilience, and purpose. Jody shares the story of her son Lance Corporal Wesley Davids, who was killed in action while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps, and how that devastating loss shaped her family and her own life’s mission. From Wesley's decision to serve after 9/11 to the emotional letter he left behind, this episode honors his legacy and the families of the fallen. We also hear how Jody’s younger son, Steven, found healing and purpose by following in his brother’s footsteps, and how Jody turned her grief into advocacy and storytelling—writing a children's book "A Tale of Two Heroes" and helping to bring to life the Eyes of Freedom memorial. Recorded at Sycamore Studios and supported by the Fred and June McMurry Foundation, this episode is a solemn, heartfelt reminder of the real cost of war and the power of community, remembrance, and grace. Trigger warning: This episode discusses topics related to combat death, grief, and trauma.
Please check out the following links:
National Veteran Leadership Foundation - https://nvlf.us/
Eyes of Freedom - https://www.limacompanymemorial.org/
Season 2 Episode 4 - Breaking Barriers: Rural and Minority Health in the Veteran Community
This month’s Brainstorms episode is one for the books! We sit down with the incredible Dr. Christopher Brown—nephrologist, public health leader, veteran advocate, and all-around change-maker. From his rural roots in North Carolina to medical school at UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Brown has dedicated his life to bridging the gap in minority and rural healthcare, especially for our veterans. In this powerful conversation, we explore the unique health challenges veterans face in rural communities and the systemic barriers that continue to impact minorities seeking quality care. Dr. Brown shares how service, lifestyle, and long-term health are deeply connected, and we dig into how income, food access, and infrastructure limitations like broadband access can drastically affect health outcomes. We also touch on creative and community-based approaches to care—yes, even barbershop medicine—and the critical importance of viewing public health through a preventive, population-wide lens. As we recognize Minority Health Month, this episode is a timely and moving reminder that health equity isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
Season 2 - Episode 3: Veterans’ Healing Through Design: The Sky’s the Limit
For our March episode we discuss rejuvenation and growth and talk with the designer of The Sky Eagle fashion brand seen on red carpets about their journey many veterans face and how he used fashion and design to help with this. And March is Brain Injury Awareness month so share this podcast with friends or family to spread awareness of the challenges and resources available! https://www.dantebissgrayson.com/works https://www.skyeaglecollection.com/
Season 2 - Episode 2: From Combat to Career: The Real Challenges of Transitioning
In this powerful episode of Brainstorms, we sit down with U.S. Army veteran Dave Hartman to discuss the challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. From his experiences as a tank crewman in the Gulf War to his current work helping veterans find meaningful careers, Dave shares valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of employment support for those who have served. Join us as we explore how businesses can step up to truly employ veterans—not just hire them—and how mentorship and training programs can change lives.
Season 2 - Episode 1: The Flags We Raise, The Healing Stories They Carry
In the first episode of season 2 and 2025 we recap what has been accomplished in the last year and the goals to continue to work on going forward! Chief Joe Pisano shares insight into the latest flag installations and the lessons he's learned over the past year from it. A big thank you to the Sycamore Studio, the Overwatch Alliance Foundation, and the Fred and June McMurray Foundation for making this episode possible. Please like and share this video and podcast so we can continue to get the word out and offer support to veterans and their families!
SEASON 1
Season 1 - Episode 9: Homefront Holidays: The Heart of Military Families"
In this heartfelt final episode of Brainstorms for the year, we delve into the unique challenges faced by military families, especially during the holiday season. Our special guest, Jodie Arreguin, Treasurer of the Resurrecting Lives Foundation and spouse of an Ohio National Guard member, shares candid insights about her family's journey through deployment, the emotional and financial toll it takes, and the resilience required to overcome these obstacles. This episode is dedicated to bridging the civilian-military gap, fostering understanding, and highlighting the extraordinary sacrifices made by military families. A big thank you to the Sycamore Studio, the Overwatch Alliance Foundation, and the Fred and June McMurray Foundation for making this episode possible.
Season 1 - Episode 8: Roots of Purpose: How Ho'ola Farms Empowers Veterans
In this episode, we’re joined by Emily Emmons, a remarkable military spouse and founder of Ho'ola Farms in Hawaii. Emily shares her inspiring journey of resilience, beginning with her husband's return from active duty with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, and her determination to find purpose through sustainable agriculture. She discusses how Ho'ola Farms empowers veterans and their families by offering support through Victory Gardens, educational programs, and community-driven initiatives like the Hawaii Farm-to-Car Market, which connects local produce with consumers. Emily also talks about her role as a Dole Fellow, advocating for caregivers and veterans across the nation, and the challenges of sustaining a nonprofit for veteran support. Emily’s story highlights the strength, adaptability, and community-driven mission behind Ho'ola Farms. Her work goes beyond providing food—it’s about purpose, healing, and resilience for veterans and their families. Tune in to hear how one person’s dedication to service can unite a community and offer new beginnings for those in need.
Season 1 - Episode 7: From Trauma Room to Capitol Hill: A Voice for Our Veterans
This episode we talk to Dr Jayna Moceri-Brooks, a clinical professor at NYU and military spouse, for a deep dive into veteran mental health, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and suicide prevention. Dr. Brooks shares her journey, starting as a trauma nurse and co-founding Recognize the Sacrifice, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans with combat-related TBIs. They discuss her research on the link between TBI, lack of Purple Heart recognition, and heightened suicide risk, and how this omission impacts both veterans and their families. The conversation also covers Dr. Brooks' legislative efforts, including the Blast Overpressure Safety Act and the Purple Heart Amendment, designed to secure support and recognition for veterans with invisible injuries. She encourages listeners to advocate for these issues with Congress, highlighting how collective action can drive policy changes that support our service members' mental health and well-being.
Season 1 - Episode 6: Leadership, Legacy, and the Gift of Faith
This episode we talk to Chad Jenkins about his time as quarterback at West Point, helping veterans within his community and his time in the service.
Season 1 - Episode 5: Riding for Resilience: Pat Romeo and the Hoka Hey Mission
This episode we talk about Pat Romeo's experience with Hoka Hey and how Resurrecting Lives Foundation is helping to bring awareness to more veterans through such amazing events as Hoka Hey and people like Pat.
Season 1 - Episode 4: Finding Focus: A Veteran’s Path to Healing and Helping
Dr. Chrisanne Gordon has an honest conversation with veteran Corey O'Brien about getting through his personal brainstorms and how finding clarity using techniques allowed him to build a community to share resources and help connect through his Facebook pag,e Ohio Veteran Resources.
Season 1 - Episode 3: Quieting Your Brainstorms: The Path to TBI Recovery
This episodes guest is someone you've heard on every podcast before. Singer and songwriter of the Brainstorms theme song Tim Baechle joins us to discuss brain injury, addiction and healing.
Season 1 - Episode 2: Rooted in Service: OD Greens and the Power of Local Impact
We talk with OD Greens founder Don Tobul a former veteran turned clinical mental health counselor who has found a way to help connect veterans with their community through locally grown, hydroponic produce that is sold to individuals and restaurants in the Cleveland Oh area.
Season 1 - Episode 1: VSTAA in Action: Honoring Veterans Through Healing and Hope
Our first episode with special guest and friend of The Resurrecting Lives Foundation Chief Joseph Pisano! We discuss the creation of the VSTAA Program for Veterans Suicide Prevention which incorporates community events to honor Veterans and their service while providing resources for healthcare, education and employment.