Adam Peters is a 13-year Army veteran, founder of The Strategic Veteran, speaker, AI educator, podcast host, and partner at Amakaya, a plant medicine retreat in the Peruvian Amazon.In this episode, Adam opens up about the brutal reality of military to civilian transition, PTSD, identity loss, entrepreneurship, and how ayahuasca helped him uncover trauma he didn’t even realize he had buried.We talk about the “false transition” many veterans experience after leaving the military, why civilian life can feel harder than expected, and how plant medicine, integration, breathwork, mindfulness, and purpose helped Adam rebuild his life.This conversation is for veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, first responders, and anyone interested in PTSD, ayahuasca, plant medicine, veteran mental health, and finding purpose after service.Disclaimer: This episode is not medical advice. Ayahuasca is not legal or appropriate for everyone, and active duty military members and many DoD personnel are not allowed to use it.Timestamps:04:44 - Meet Adam Peters07:24 - The false transition after military service12:04 - Why civilian life can feel so disorienting40:48 - Ayahuasca, PTSD, and veteran healing57:15 - Integration and doing the real workConnect with Adam Peters:Website: https://www.thestrategicveteran.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestrategicveteranYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thestrategicveteranSubstack: https://thestrategicveteran.substack.comEpisode recorded summer 2025.

“If service is below you, then leadership is above you.”Cassie Donegan is not your typical Miss America. Raised in a military family and shaped by real adversity, she grew up navigating financial stress, family illness, and the quiet weight of feeling different. But instead of allowing those challenges to harden her, they became the foundation for her purpose. A lifelong artist, performer, and advocate, Cassie now uses her platform to champion access to arts education and remind people that visibility means nothing without authenticity.In this episode, we sit down for a raw, deeply personal conversation about her unexpected road to becoming Miss America 2026. We talk about the behind-the-scenes twists, public perception, and how she stayed grounded through it all. Cassie opens up about reframing trauma, the myth of the perfect background, and the cost of stepping into your calling when the world expects someone else.

Scott Stalker led at the highest levels of U.S. national security for more than 30 years. Then one day, his career ended with a call. He didn’t ask to retire, and he wasn’t ready for what came next.In this episode, Scott talks openly about what it felt like to leave the uniform behind, how he processed the emotional weight of transition, and how he began rebuilding his purpose. We dig into identity, resilience, the quiet moments that followed retirement, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.We cover:• The reality of losing a role that defined you• Why he boxed up his medals and left them for his daughters• How physical habits helped ground him• What identity and leadership mean after serviceScott’s new book Left of Leadership: The Prequel to Success explores the mindset leaders need before they step into positions of influence and shares lessons from his remarkable journey.Learn more and connect with Scott:Website: https://stalkersolutions.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/s2stalkersolutionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstalker/Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/LEFT-LEADERSHIP-Scott-H-Stalker/dp/1960299913

There are moments where the mission chooses you.Marine Corps Radio Operator SgtMaj Ted Painter was stationed in Okinawa when everything changed. A sudden illness left him paralyzed, intubated, and fighting his way out of an ICU with no windows and no clear answers.In this episode, Ted walks through how he went from that hospital bed to Iraq, then into Fortune 500 work, and finally into his role at CareSource Military and Veterans. He now focuses on improving how military families get care and support.We talk about Okinawa, Guillain-Barre, transition, mental health, TRICARE, military transition, and why Marines never really stop being Marines.Timestamps:00:00 Waking up paralyzed in the ICU00:38 How the crisis became a mission05:21 Okinawa, Guillain-Barre, and learning to walk again15:42 Fighting out of the hospital with Marine grit24:20 Finding purpose in healthcare29:39 What the TRICARE Prime demo actually is35:04 How this could change care for military families45:47 Open season, eligibility, and how to enrollHow veterans can use CareSource Military and Veterans:If you are in the Tampa or Atlanta areas and you are eligible for TRICARE Prime, you may be able to choose the TRICARE Prime demo with CareSource Military and Veterans. This is a Defense Health Agency program that gives families another option for how their care is supported. It does not replace TRICARE.What it offers:Simpler access to specialists within the networkHelp from real people when you need it (not chatbots)A focus on scheduling appointments faster and closer to homeFor eligible retirees and their family members who choose CareSource during the demo, the TRICARE Prime enrollment fee is waived for the first 12 months. Open season runs from Nov 11 to Dec 9. That is the window where you can choose CareSoure.To learn more or check your eligibility:CareSourceMilitary.comQuestions about the TRICARE Prime demo: 1-833-230-2080Ready to enroll during TRICARE Open Season: 1-877-996-9333

What happens when the life you’re proud of starts to feel like the one that’s breaking you?In this deeply honest conversation, Jessie G opens up about motherhood, military life, identity loss, and the quiet pressure of always being the strong one. From “babies raising babies” to learning how to turn anger into purpose, she shares the emotional truth behind what strength really costs.Jessie reflects on holding a family together through deployment, supporting a partner navigating identity loss, and the moment she realised that feeling like she was failing wasn’t weakness, it was transformation.This episode explores what no one prepares you for: • Losing yourself while trying to serve everyone else • The emotional weight of being “the strong one” • Navigating identity shifts in marriage and motherhood • Using anger as power instead of punishment • Why feeling behind may actually mean you’re evolvingIf you’ve ever felt like you’re falling apart while still showing up, this conversation will make you feel seen.This isn’t about perfection.It’s about survival, growth, and becoming.

The Military trained me for war — not for what came after.In this raw and powerful episode of the HeroFront Podcast, recorded live at the Military Influencer Conference 2025 (MIC Atlanta), host Josh White sits down with Dr. J.R. “The Hood Motivator” McIntyre and SFC Akeem “Fly Recruiter” Daley to talk about what happens after the uniform comes off.This conversation dives deep into veteran mental health, PTSD recovery, faith, and finding purpose beyond the military. Both guests share how they turned pain into purpose, rebuilt their lives, and now use their voices to inspire and lead others.If you’ve ever struggled with identity, faith, or direction after service, this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over, it’s just beginning.Featuring:Dr. J.R. “The Hood Motivator” McIntyre (@TheHoodMotivator)SFC Akeem “Fly Recruiter” Daley (@FlyRecruiterKeem)Recorded live at MIC 2025, Atlanta, GATimestamps:0:00 - Intro & MIC 2025 vibes2:30 - Meeting The Hood Motivator & Fly Recruiter5:10 - Turning trauma into purpose10:45 - Faith, timing, and divine alignment17:20 - Veteran mental health & healing25:00 - The power of storytelling and influence33:40 - Akeem’s story: from struggle to leadership42:00 - Dr. J.R.’s message on identity & purpose50:15 - Josh opens up about depression and recovery58:30 - Closing motivation: “Your story saves lives”#HeroFront #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryInfluencer #FaithAndResilience #LifeAfterTheMilitary #MentalHealthAwareness #MotivationalPodcast #VeteranStories #PurposeAfterService #TheHoodMotivator #FlyRecruiterKeem

FROM MILITARY LEADER TO MISS USA INTERNATIONALLisa Tauai’s Unbelievable Transition Story | HeroFront PodcastWhat happens when a 20-year Air Force commander trades her uniform for a crown? In this epic episode, we sit down with Lisa Tauai — a retired Lt. Colonel, nationally recognized dietitian, and current Miss USA International 2025 — to explore what it really takes to reinvent your life after military service.Whether you’re navigating transition, battling imposter syndrome, or dreaming bigger than your circumstances, Lisa’s story is your roadmap to rising strong.00:00 – Intro Trailer04:50 – Lisa’s Joyful Energy and “Flow” Mentality05:31 – Fish-Forward Nutrition and Sustainable Wellness06:49 – True Crime TV and America’s Most Wanted Story09:39 – Instagram Growth and Meta Verification Secrets14:50 – Pageant Queen Origins: First Time on Stage18:44 – Air Force to Runway: How She Did It22:54 – Squadron Commander Lessons on Leadership29:50 – Veteran Depression and Finding Post-Service Identity34:35 – Launching “Vegas Saints” and Creating Legacy Content39:52 – Why Veterans Need to Prioritize Health Now46:15 – Purpose and Longevity: What Blue Zones Teach Us52:13 – Lisa’s NICU Trauma and Motherhood Resilience1:04:09 – Parenting, Perspective, and Post-Military Healing1:16:04 – Where Lisa’s Going Next (Cosmetology and Coaching)1:21:04 – Military vs Civilian Mindset: Owning Your Voice1:24:04 – Final Message: “You’re Not Too Late — Start Now”GUEST: LISA TAUAIMiss USA International 2025Registered Dietitian, Veteran, SpeakerInstagram: @lisatauaiIf Lisa’s story inspired you, be sure to follow, rate, and share this episode. Your support helps us continue amplifying the voices of veterans, leaders, and everyday heroes.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🧭 Veterans are quietly leaving the United States… and never looking back.In this emotional conversation, John H. Davis — combat veteran, Harvard grad, and author — shares why he left America and how life abroad is saving veterans’ lives.He opens up about:The mental health crisis in AmericaWhy veterans abroad rarely die by suicideThe dating scene overseasCost of living and living like royaltyHow to start fresh in another countryCould moving abroad be the answer?📍 TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Why so many veterans are leaving the U.S.05:15 – What it’s really like to live abroad10:42 – Mental health and PTSD abroad vs U.S.14:35 – “I started sleeping through the night again…”18:00 – Freedom, peace & perspective22:55 – Cost of living abroad as a veteran28:20 – Dating, relationships & lifestyle35:48 – Suicide rate overseas: near zero42:10 – Roadmap: how to move abroad48:36 – Advice for veterans on the edge54:02 – The retreat idea that could save lives1:01:05 – Final thoughts & where to find John🔗 FIND JOHN H. DAVIS🌍 Website & Free Guide → johnhdaviswriter.com📚 Books: Combat to College, 365 Days of Veteran Affirmations📸 Instagram → instagram.com/johnhdaviswriter🎥 TikTok → tiktok.com/@johnhdaviswriter🎙️ Subscribe for more powerful veteran stories.New episodes every other week.#VeteransLivingAbroad #LifeAfterMilitary #PTSDRecoveryForVets#VeteranSuicidePrevention #VeteranDatingAbroad #AmericanExpatLife#JohnHDavis #LoveOverseas #LivingAbroad #HeroFrontPodcast💬 “I’ve never heard of a veteran suicide overseas.”

Nate Scheer is a U.S. Air Force officer, leadership expert, and host of The Mind Force Podcast, where he tackles the mental and emotional challenges of military service, professional growth, and personal resilience. In this episode, Nate and Josh dive deep into the dark side of leadership, including the mental health struggles leaders face, the enlisted-to-officer transition, and how alcohol impacts stress management. They also discuss strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, building trust in teams, and supporting loved ones battling depression or addiction. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about mental resilience, leadership pressure, and personal growth that every leader—military or civilian—needs to hear.Check out his show here and make sure to subscribe!MindForce: Mental Fitness & Life's Stories!Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction to Nate Scheer and The Mind Force Podcast4:11 – Why Nate started his podcast and his mission to discuss mental strength7:40 – The power of unfiltered conversations and authentic storytelling in podcasting14:59 – The psychology of leadership: team dynamics, purpose, and trust-building24:59 – The impact of alcohol on mental health, leadership stress, and self-awareness39:11 – Struggles of crossing over from enlisted to officer and dealing with imposter syndrome50:06 – How to help a loved one battling depression, burnout, or alcohol addiction57:12 – Breaking down the enlisted vs. officer divide and improving communication1:03:05 – The importance of celebrating small wins and fostering a positive team culture1:09:48 – Practical coping strategies for stress management and self-care1:15:22 – Three major leadership lessons from Nate’s military career1:21:17 – Final reflections and gratitude between Nate and JoshWhat This Episode Covers:This episode is a must-listen for military members, leaders, and anyone navigating high-pressure careers. Nate and Josh expose the hidden struggles of leadership, including mental health challenges in the military, the stigma around seeking help, and why so many leaders feel isolated. They discuss the dangers of relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism, the importance of mentorship in leadership, and how to create a culture of trust and resilience. If you’re looking for honest leadership insights, mental toughness strategies, or ways to bridge the enlisted-officer communication gap, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons.🔹 Listen now and gain insights on mental resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity!

In this powerful HeroFront episode, Chief Master Sergeant Jason Stone Weiss shares the raw truth behind real leadership in the military. From losing his hearing twice to serving with elite Special Operations teams, Chief Weiss reveals how rank is earned through trust, service, and sacrifice—not chased.Bottom Line: In this military podcast, Chief Jason Weiss reveals why defaulting to your training is more powerful than motivation. His Air Force leadership story will challenge what you think you know about rank, mentorship, and purpose. Explore veteran stories like never before on HeroFront — the podcast that gives service members a voice.Hear how he turned setbacks into strengthDiscover the philosophy behind “Default to your level of training”Learn why every Airman deserves to be heardWhether you’re active duty, a veteran, or a leader in any field, this conversation will change how you think about purpose, mentorship, and resilience.Hosted by Josh WhiteFilmed at Eglin AFB, FL Medical Group⸻Chapters / Timestamps0:00 - Kadena Hearing Loss + Promotion Setbacks 10:24 - “Your Stripes Don’t Belong to You”: Leadership Truths 14:28 - The Joy of Notifying a Promotion 18:04 - Mentorship From Combat Medic Chief Jason Robbins: Know the Regs 25:52 - From Special Ops to Senior Enlisted Leader 31:49 - Family, Fatherhood, and Finding Balance 35:22 - Parenting Wisdom: Just Love Your Kids 42:13 - Why Purpose Outranks Pain in Training (TCCC) 46:01 - “You Default to Training, Not Expectations” 54:31 - The Books That Changed His Life 1:07:17 - A Trying Time (Cliffhanger Moment) 1:18:25 - History’s Boldest Young Military Leaders 1:20:22 - Civil War & Modern Decentralized Leadership 1:22:12 - AI & Adaptation in the Military Future 1:24:06 - Gratitude, Legacy, and a Leadership Salute ⸻Mentioned in this episode: • The Alchemist • The Daily Stoic • The Way of the Peaceful Warrior • National Defense Strategy • Real-world TCCC Training Insights⸻Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.#Leadership #SpecialOps #HeroFront #MilitaryPodcast #AirForce #JasonWeiss #ChiefWeiss #Resilience #PurposeDriven #VeteranVoices #TCCC #MilitaryMentorship #PodcastChapters⸻