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 entiled, Brainstorms, was 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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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.
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/
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.