Mike Nares is a two-time Purple Heart recipient, combat veteran, and leader within Freedom Alliance.In this episode, Mike shares his story of service, combat, loss, recovery, and finding purpose after war. He also talks about Freedom Alliance, War Heroes on Water, and the power of getting veterans back around people who understand what they have been through.This conversation is raw, personal, and powerful.Stories • Resources • Connection

In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh and Hodge sit down with Drew Jones, founder of The Veteran’s Veteran, also known as The Vets Vet.Drew shares his journey from the Mississippi Army National Guard and law enforcement into veteran advocacy after navigating his own VA claim process. After years of denials, paperwork, appointments, and hard lessons, Drew reached 100% permanent and total status — then began helping other veterans do the same.This conversation covers the gaps many veterans face when leaving the military, especially in the Guard and Reserve, where transition support can be limited. Drew explains what makes his one-on-one coaching different, why veterans should not feel guilty about seeking benefits, and how VA disability can unlock access to healthcare, community care, student loan forgiveness, CHAMPVA, tax benefits, license benefits, and more.The episode also highlights the emotional side of transition — losing the brotherhood, the phone getting quiet, and the importance of asking for help before things get worse.Whether you are a veteran, first responder, spouse, or family member trying to help someone navigate the VA, this episode is packed with practical insight and real talk.

In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh and Hodge sit down with Vern from Game Day Men’s Health for a real conversation about men’s health, women’s wellness, preventative medicine, testosterone, peptides, veteran and first responder health, and why so many people wait too long to get checked.Vern brings a military and DoD background, a lifelong passion for exercise science and wellness, and a mission-driven approach to helping people take ownership of their health. This episode goes beyond clinic services and digs into education, access, resources, and the barriers veterans, first responders, active duty members, spouses, and families face when trying to get help.We talk about:• Why men and women often ignore symptoms until they become bigger problems• Testosterone, energy, sleep, confidence, libido, and overall wellness• Peptides and the future of preventative medicine• Women’s wellness and services available through Game Day• Why education is one of the biggest missing pieces in health care• Active duty and veteran barriers when trying to get help• The importance of working with qualified medical providers• Why Game Day supports veteran and nonprofit organizations•How purpose, service, and giving back shape Vern’s businessVern also shares powerful stories about people who walked through the doors struggling physically and mentally, and how getting educated, getting checked, and finding the right care helped change the direction of their lives.This episode is not medical advice. It is a conversation about awareness, education, and encouraging people to ask better questions, get checked, and speak with qualified medical providers.MISSION SPONSORGame Day Men’s HealthThank you to Game Day Men’s Health for supporting The Outreach Project and helping us continue connecting veterans, first responders, and families to stories, resources, and real conversations that matter.Game Day Men’s HealthPODCAST SPONSORIron Soldier Coffee CompanyThis episode is also supported by Iron Soldier Coffee Company. Thank you for standing behind the mission and helping fuel conversations that connect service communities to real resources.THE OUTREACH PROJECT LINKSWebsite: https://www.theoutreach-project.comPodcast: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/podcastNonprofit Directory: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectoryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/YouTube: @TheOutreachProjectHqABOUT THE OUTREACH PROJECTThe Outreach Project connects veterans, first responders, and their families to nonprofits, resources, and stories that matter. Through long-form conversations, community partnerships, and a growing nonprofit directory, we help bridge the gap between people who need support and the organizations built to serve them.Stories • Resources • Connection#menshealth #womenshealth #veteranhealth #firstresponders #gamedaymenshealth #theoutreachproject #testosterone #peptides #preventativehealth #veterans #firstresponders #wellness #podcast #militarycommunity #healthawareness

DESCRIPTION:In Episode 26 of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge sit down with Courtney, Lori, and Hannah from The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project — a pin-up service organization supporting veterans, active duty military, first responders, and their families.This conversation covers QPR suicide prevention training, support after line-of-duty death or injury, family trauma, first responder mental health, service after service, and the power of simply making people feel seen.The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project brings the spirit of Rosie the Riveter into modern service — showing up at events, supporting other nonprofits, building community, and helping provide tools that can save lives.Guest Links:Website: https://therivetinrosiesproject.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therivetinrosiesproject/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Rivetin-Rosies-Project-61573835770010/Mission Sponsor:Gameday Men’s Health Alamo RanchWebsite: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-tx/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameday_alamoranch/Podcast Foundational Sponsor:ROPE SolutionsWebsite: https://www.ropesolutions.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesolutionsofficial/The Outreach Project:Website: https://www.theoutreach-project.comNonprofit Directory: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectoryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/YouTube: @TheOutreachProjectHqIf you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.#TheOutreachProject #RivetinRosiesProject #Veterans #FirstResponders #MilitaryFamilies #QPR #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #ServiceAfterService #RosieTheRiveter

After 26 years in law enforcement, Dwayne Brown found himself battling isolation, depression, and thoughts of suicide following an officer-involved shooting.Today he leads Shepherd's Light Foundation, helping veterans and first responders find hope, healing, and purpose through faith-based retreats and peer support.This conversation explores trauma, faith, resilience, and the power of finding purpose after life's darkest moments.

In Episode 24 of The Outreach Project, Ross Alewine from Rope Solutions joins us for one of the most honest and impactful conversations we’ve had to date.We discuss military transition, trauma, addiction, suicide survival, fatherhood, leadership, and what it really takes to rebuild your life after hitting rock bottom.Ross opens up about the moments that nearly broke him, the people who helped pull him back, and why purpose, accountability, and showing up for your family matter more than ever.This episode is about resilience, vulnerability, and the reality that even the strongest people still struggle.If you’re fighting battles silently right now — this conversation is for you.🪢 Rope Solutions:https://www.ropesolutions.com/📱 Rope Solutions Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ropesolutionsofficial/🌐 The Outreach Project:https://www.theoutreach-project.com📺 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHQ📱 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/#TheOutreachProject #RopeSolutions #Veterans #Leadership #MentalHealth #Fatherhood #Podcast #MilitaryTransition #MensMentalHealth

Justin from Changed by Nature Outdoors joins The Outreach Project to discuss how the outdoors became a way to reconnect, heal, and build community.This episode dives into hunting, fishing, suicide prevention, mentorship, nonprofit collaboration, and the powerful role the outdoors can play for veterans, first responders, youth, and families.Powered by Apex Global Outdoors and VetNav Services.Learn more:https://changedbynatureoutdoors.org/The Outreach Project:https://www.theoutreach-project.com

In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, we sit down with Raffy Morales from Sheepdog Impact Assistance to talk about purpose, PTSD, post-traumatic growth, and the reality many veterans and first responders face after service.From disaster response missions and outdoor adventures to Warrior PATHH and Sheepdog University, Sheepdog Impact Assistance is helping veterans and first responders get off the couch, reconnect with purpose, and realize they are not alone in the fight.This conversation dives deep into:• PTSD in veterans and first responders• Post-traumatic growth• Suicide prevention• Disaster response missions• Outdoor adventure therapy• First responder mental health• Veteran transition struggles• Warrior PATHH• Community and purpose after serviceOne of the most powerful moments of this episode comes when Raffy shares the story of a veteran who arrived with a suicide note in his pocket — and left with hope.👇 SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH THESE ORGANIZATIONS 👇🐑 Sheepdog Impact Assistance:https://sheepdogia.org/🏡 Hometown Hero Outdoors:https://hometownherooutdoors.org/🎯 Veterans Creed Outdoors:https://www.vcousa.org/🇺🇸 Say When & Remember Him Foundation:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092266125091⚔️ Til Valhalla Project:https://tilvalhallaproject.com/👇 SPONSORS 👇💪 Game Day Men’s Health (Mission Sponsor)https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-t🏠 Rucking Realty Group (Impact Sponsor)https://ruckingrealtygroup.com/👇 THE OUTREACH PROJECT LINKS 👇🌐 Website:https://www.theoutreach-project.com📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/🎥 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHQ#Veterans #FirstResponders #PTSD #MentalHealth #SheepdogImpactAssistance #WarriorPATHH #PostTraumaticGrowth #VeteranSupport #TheOutreachProject #DisasterResponse #SuicidePrevention #OutdoorTherapy #Podcast

This week on The Outreach Project, we sit down with CJ from Rope Solutions — a veteran-led team bringing elite leadership, communication, and performance coaching into high-risk industries like oil & gas.From Green Beret experience to real-world leadership on the rig, this episode breaks down what leadership actually looks like when it matters most.🔗 ROPE SOLUTIONS🌐 https://www.ropesolutions.com📸 https://www.instagram.com/ropesolutionsofficial/💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/rope-solutions-llc/🎙️ WATCH MORE FROM THE OUTREACH PROJECT👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHQ🇺🇸 THE OUTREACH PROJECT🌐 https://www.theoutreach-project.com📸 https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject🔥 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNLeadership under pressureBuilding trust in high-risk environmentsWhy execution beats theoryHow veteran leadership translates to industry⚠️ SHARE THISIf this episode resonates — send it to someone who needs it.#RopeSolutions #Leadership #Veterans #Podcast #OutreachProject #HighPerformance #Teamwork #MentalHealth #FirstResponders #MilitaryTransition

Maybe it’s not about the activity… maybe it’s about connection.The Fallen Outdoors is doing far more than outdoor trips — they’re building a nationwide community where veterans, Gold Star families, and first responders can reconnect, heal, and find purpose.With operations in over 35 states and thousands of veterans impacted each year, this organization proves that sometimes the most powerful resource… is simply being around people who understand.In this episode, we sit down with the leadership behind The Fallen Outdoors to talk about:Building connection through shared experiencesSupporting veterans beyond traditional systemsCreating real community at scaleWhy “meeting people where they are” actually works🎯 SUPPORT / LEARN MORE🌐 The Fallen Outdoors: https://thefallenoutdoors.org/📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFallenOutdoors📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefallenoutdoors🇺🇸 THE OUTREACH PROJECT🌐 https://www.theoutreach-project.com📱 https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject🤝 SPONSORThis episode is brought to you by The Vets VetHelping veterans navigate the VA disability process with real guidance from people who’ve been there.🌐 https://thevetsvet.com🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYThis episode reinforces exactly what TOP is about:👉 It’s not a lack of resources👉 It’s a lack of connectionAnd that’s what The Fallen Outdoors is solving.#veterans#thefallenoutdoors#veteransupport#mentalhealth#outdoortherapy#veterancommunity#ptsdrecovery#theoutreachproject