Episode 54, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chase Rowan. Chase joined the U.S. Army in 2003 and served as an Army Ranger in the 3rd Ranger Battalion.He deployed to Northern Iraq in 2005. Shortly after returning from deployment his unit did a nighttime airborne training jump in South Carolina where he suffered a severe TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and was ultimately Med boarded out of the Army in 2006.He spent the next 18 years addicted to opiates. However, in 2023 he traveled to Mexico where he underwent treatment with Ibogaine and 5meo-DMT, which he says saved his life. March 2025 he will be 2 years sober.If you are a veteran this is the episode for you. Chase's story is nothing short of inspiring; his journey was a path of many ups and downs.Now his mission is to make Ibogaine and 5meo-DMT available to the masses. He is part of the Texas Ibogaine Initiative and speaks with veterans regularly to spread the word on these life-changing medicines.This story you don't want to miss!For more information, here are some resources/organizations mentioned on the podcast.https://www.reid.foundation/texas-ibogaine-initiativehttps://missionwithin.org/https://www.theilluminating.co/justinlapree

Episode 53 of theJOURNEY podcast I was honored to speak with Joe Gionti, CEO/Founder of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, an incredible organization dedicated to pairing service dogs with veterans and first responders in need. Joe and his organization are proudly partnered with Ridgeside K9 Ashtabula. Joe’s mission is built on passion, purpose, and a deep respect for those who serve and have served. We spoke about his journey—what inspired him to start the nonprofit, the impact K9 heroes make, and the lives they’ve changed. K9 Heroes 4 Heroes connects service dogs with veterans and first responders in such a way that they incur no cost and have additional training, veterinary care, handler training and follow up maintenance training taken care of. Service dogs provide so much more than people realize, from emotional support to security, assistance with mobility to coping with flashbacks and nightmares to name a few. As their slogan says, “Heeling is Healing”. Joe is a wealth of knowledge; this episode we talk so much about the training process and collaboration with other groups to ensure those in need get the support they deserve. Check it out. For more information please visit www.k9heroes4heroes.com/

On Episode 52 of theJOURNEY podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Fitz Koehler—a dynamic fitness innovator, race announcer, keynote speaker, and breast cancer survivor. Fitz radiates energy and positivity in everything she does. Her journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a passion for connecting with others—not just as followers, but as friends. Whether she's announcing at some of the world's largest marathons, empowering others on their fitness journeys, or overcoming the challenges of breast cancer while running her company, Fitz exemplifies strength and determination. Her story is guaranteed to inspire you, no matter where you are on your path. She is the ultimate fighter! Don't miss this episode! Discover FREE fitness resources, from exercise guides to meal plans, at www.fitzness.com

On this episode of theJOURNEY podcast, I had the honor of speaking with AnneClaire Stapleton. She is an Emmy and Dupont award winner, former CNN conflict journalist, military spouse and an advocate for psychedelic-assisted Therapy for Mental Health & Trauma Healing. We discussed her journey as a conflict journalist and her perspective on connecting with those suffering from conflict and connecting with them by meeting them where they are. The experience serving on the front lines in conflict/war zones along with being a military spouse has helped her to understand the need for a new approach to trauma healing. She shared her real-life experience and witness to the power of Ibogaine treatment and how it can help our veterans that have served us and those suffering from the opioid epidemic. There is not only anecdotal proof of the positive effects of Ibogaine, but research done by Stanford University; I have shared the link below. I believe almost anyone can relate to a family member or friend that has or is suffering from PTSD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries), drug abuse, or addiction to name a few. Ibogaine therapy needs additional research to help prove the profound and positive effects. The American Ibogaine Initiative is led by Executive Director W. Bryan Hubbard, whom is a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Governor Rick Perry (Texas) is also a supporter of the initiative. Please listen and share wherever possible in order to help heal our veterans and those affected by PTSD, TBI's, and drug addiction to name a few. Please check out some of these links to learn more: Texas Ibogaine Initiative - https://www.reid.foundation/texas-ibogaine-initiative#:~:text=The%20Texas%20Ibogaine%20Initiative%20seeks,breakthrough%20therapeutic%20for%20opioid%20use   The Reid Foundation - https://www.reid.foundation/   Stanford Medicine Research - https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/01/ibogaine-ptsd.html   Heroic Hearts Project - https://heroicheartsproject.org/   AnneClaire Stapleton Social Links: IG:  https://www.instagram.com/anneclairereports/ Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneclaire-stapleton-8b938aa/ X:  https://x.com/AnneClaireNews 

Disagreements are natural, but unity is a choice. In episode 50 of theJOURNEY podcast, Theresa Carpenter, Public Affairs Officer (U.S. Navy) and S.O.S. Podcast host and I explore how coming together despite differences leads to growth. We spoke about coming together and the areas we need to navigate to get to the truth and having difficult conversations.  Having those conversations and focusing on the common things amongst us and not those that divide. Sometimes it is hard to cut through the noise; the information that is incorrectly spread throughout the media. Whether at work or in life, embracing diverse perspectives strengthens bonds and uncovers innovative solutions. It’s not about always agreeing, it’s about listening, respecting, and building something greater together. True progress happens when we prioritize connection over conflict. Together, we can achieve incredible things. Tune in and take the next step with us!

I had the pleasure of hosting Ken Stearns, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry across Asia and the U.S. Beyond his impressive career, Ken is the host of three podcasts (The Jar, Mental Health Today, and The Humanist) and the author of Dear God – Letters to God. Ken shared his incredible journey, taking us from his hometown of Chicago to Asia and everywhere in between. With his unique gift for connecting with people, he brought humor, insight, and authenticity to our conversation. We explored topics like mental health, the inspiration behind his podcasts, and the way life has a remarkable way of aligning with you when you’re ready. If you’re navigating your own journey and seeking wisdom along the way, this episode is a must-listen. For more about Ken and his work, visit www.kenstearns.com Enjoy!

In this episode I have a conversation with Christopher Shawn Shaw about his journey as a Director/Producer from small village, Ohio to California. He directed the 2021 comedy, Church People, but don't be too quick to think it is the usual Christian movie. Yes, you can watch it with your kids; it's funny, relatable and not preachy if you are on-the-fence. It is thought-provoking whether you are a believer or not. Christopher and I talk about his directing style, his original goal of acting and other projects he has worked on. His next directed film is Lifeless: A Musical Zomedy that releases on January 24th, 2025 at 9am EST. Enjoy!

In this episode of theJOURNEY podcast we’re joined by Ryan Pelletier, the visionary inventor/founder of Morphite Boards. Blending innovation with craftsmanship, Ryan has revolutionized the world of longboards with a design that push the boundaries of what's possible. Ryan’s journey began with a simple mission: transform the way you experience skating, making it more versatile and convenient than ever before. His story is one of creativity, resilience, and purpose. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to building a brand that stands out in a competitive industry, Ryan shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a long boarder, or someone seeking inspiration to chase your dreams, this episode is a must-listen. Check out Morphite Boards at www.morphiteboards.com

In this episode, I speak with Kerron Andrews—veteran, filmmaker, writer and the creative mind behind Triniman Films. Kerron’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and passion. From serving in the military to crafting powerful stories on screen, Kerron has used his experiences to inspire, educate, and connect with audiences worldwide. We explore how his time in the service shaped his perspective and what led him to the world of filmmaking. We also talk about veteran suicide and why veterans sometimes lead down a path of loneliness and feel alone; how can we help to change that? Kerron shares the challenges of transitioning from the military to the creative industry, the importance of storytelling in building understanding, and his vision for the future. Get ready for an engaging conversation about purpose, education, and the courage to follow your calling.

Tony Riccio is the visionary founder of Elite Adventure Tours, a premier private touring company based in Los Angeles, California. With an unparalleled passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Tony has redefined luxury travel by curating bespoke adventures that showcase the best of Southern California. Whether it’s exploring Hollywood’s iconic landmarks, uncovering hidden gems in Malibu, or savoring world-class wine in the Santa Ynez Valley, Tony’s tours combine storytelling, personalization, and local expertise to provide his clients with memories that last a lifetime. With a background that seamlessly blends hospitality and entrepreneurship, Tony has built a brand synonymous with excellence, attracting a diverse clientele ranging from Hollywood elites to world travelers. On this episode of theJourney, Tony shares his path to success, the art of crafting unique experiences, and his insights on building a customer-centric business in one of the most competitive industries. Tony and I also speak about finding that human connection, something that is slowly dwindling in our fast-paced culture. Tune in to hear how Tony’s passion for adventure and storytelling continues to shape unforgettable journeys and elevate the travel experience.