Connecting Vets: Recent Episodes
Audacy
We've shot down one Chinese balloon and three UFOs! Unprecedented aerial combat in peace time! What did we shoot down? The gov is being really secretive about it, aliens?
What do you think think Back Brief Nation?
The title says it all, we're talking Chinese Spy Balloons getting blown out of the sky (FINALLY), the arctic blast hitting the country, and the dud of the episode award goes to...
Did you know who Paul Whelan was before the Griner release? We get into it! Don't take a knee on this episode, or else? Also, a Green Beret is about to take on the conventional Army! Will he free us from the oppresion of not having beards??? We'll find out!
Red Flag Laws look like their rearing their ugly head again, this time in Hawaii! Will these mishaps push vets and servicmembers to lie about their mental health? Plus, an update on the murder of Vanessa Guillen, a Marine chugs beer out of her prosthetic leg, and what's this about a Cocaine Bear movie?
Last week's news story DEBACLE reported by the Associated Press (AP) caused nations to fingerpoint, tensions to rise to their highest, and one journalist was fired! Did the AP almost cause ARMEGGEDON?
Also, Air Force graduations are weird...
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Available every where you listen to podcasts
Poland, Russia, nuclear holocaust, and some tin foil hat stuff!
This is The Back Brief!
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ISIS, Taliban, and Avatar. What do they have in common? Insurgents and anti-American values. But at least the first two are open about it! In this episode I'm talking about why NOW is the "perfect" time for the Avatar sequel and is this a sign of the pendulum swing?
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The Body Mass Index is a broken system that the Army continues to defend despite creating an entirely new fitness standard! Somehow your looks are more importance than your fitness!
Where do you rate on the BMI? Is it a good system?
We're back with a new episode!
We're talking Russia, Ukraine, the EU, and NUKES!
Will daddy stop hitting mommy? Find out on this episode of The Back Brief!
Email me at rod@connectingvets.com
Is this the story of the century? Are we NOT alone? Why doesn't anyone care? Also Ghislaine Maxwell, why isnt that all over the news?
New Devil Dog in my world and the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse is done! Not exactly Veteran news but definitely news for Veterans...
Email me your comments at rod@connectingvets.com
A short Veterans Day message from host Rod Rodriguez. Does this Vet day hit a bit different for you?
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President Biden is mandating "large" companies have vaccinated employees. This move could affect millions of Americans. We talk about some recent controversy around Special Forces Master Sergeant and Social Media personality Tim Kennedy, why some SOF vets are mad. Then we tackle the topic of 9/11...
You can follow Rod Rodriguez on Twitter @rodpodrod Subscribe and Share the Back Brief, available everywhere you listen to podcasts or go to ConnectingVets.com
We talk the National Pull-Out of Afghanistan and whether we could have won the forever war. Then did we leave military working dogs behind in Kabul. And finally we talk about USMC LTC Scheller and his videos calling on leadership to take responsibility.
Follow Rod Rodriguez on Twitter @rodpodrod
The SECDEF says mandatory vaccine policy is enroute but some servicembers are already pissed. Then a Tik Tok video goes viral showing a healthcare worker going psycho "Karen" on a Soldier, should this have turned into a fist fight? Then we wrap it up with the Olympics and why some sports fans are the WORST.
Shoot me an email at rod@connectingvets.com or follow me on Twitter @rodpodrod
Are we watching 20 years of work in Afghanistan go down the drain? The Taliban are taking the country back, our embassy is in danger of being overrun, and the Marines are poised to save the day but is the country lost?
Shoot me an email at rod@connectingvets.com and follow me on Twitter @rodpodrod
Sports Analyst and Life Flip Media CEO Eric Mitchell and I talk about his initial reaction to Simone Biles decision to quit her Olympic run and how he feels about it now. Follow Life Flip Media @lifeflipmedia
Then Navy veteran Rachel Kozy shares her story of having a complete mental breakdown and how that inspired her to write her book "You're Welcome", available on Amazon
Chris Mcphee is a former SF soldier turned videographer and now apparel company partner! He's bringing a new face to the world of veteran clothing and changing the way we think a veteran looks like.
Check out these articles we discuss in this episode and don't forget to check out https://triplenikel.com/
Articles: http://bit.ly/Guard-at-Capitol-extended http://bit.ly/Extremism-in-Military http://bit.ly/Lack-of-Sleep
For all your veteran news go to ConnectingVets.com!
This week has been absolutely crazy for investors! Folks have jumped on the GameStop, AMC, and Black Berry bandwagons, but what does it mean for you? Before you go pulling out your TSP and life savings, give financial expert and Marine veteran Dave Biggs a listen! We talk about what the whole fiasco is about, what this means for the economy, and what you need to know before you put your own money into it.
Go to www.connectingvets.com for all your Veteran news!
CV reporter Abbie Bennett takes us into some of this week's most important stories! Warp Speed denies the VA more COVID vaccines, 21,000 troops authorized to protect the Capital, and some news you might have missed that affects Veterans everywhere. T
o learn more go to https://www.connectingvets.com Follow Rod Rodriguez on Twitter @ropodrod and Abbie Benett @AbbieRBennett
Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez talk about the breaking story of the rioters breaching the Capitol floor and what this means for the country.
Go to www.connectingvets.com for more stories about this national crises...
Link to story: https://www.radio.com/connectingvets/news/politics/national-guard-sent-to-capitol-after-protesters-break-in
CV reporter and Navy veteran Phil Briggs almost died over the Thanksgiving holidays but he lived to tell the tale of his heart attack. Folks, go get your ticker checked and while you're checking things check out CBS Eye on Veterans with Phil Briggs! Available everywhere you listen to podcasts!
You can find the veteran news that matters to you, go to www.connectingvets.com
Follow us on Twitter Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod Phil Briggs @philbriggsvet
CV reporter Jack Murphy takes us into the unfolding story of the death of Delta Force Operator Master Sgt. William J. Lavigne II. A tragic story with a past that involves another shooting, the death of a Green Beret, and a daughter who was afraid to talk about her father's murder till now. Then Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez dive into the murky waters of the YouTube Comments section to talk about what you had to say about our recent episode about The Kraken!
All that and more on The Back Brief!
Check us out at https://connectingvets.com
Twitter: Jack Murphy @jackmurphyrgr Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod
Darienne Page joins me on the show to talk about how the Biden administration will handle vaccines and whether troops will come home. We also talk about the role the military will play in the vaccine distribution.
Then CV reporter Elizabeth Howe takes us into the 'Report of the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee'. It's REALLY bad...but how bad you ask?
Click HEREfor the full report...
All that and more on this episode of The Back Brief! For more Veteran related news to go www.connectingvets.com
Twitter Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod Elizabeth Howe @ECBHowe Darienne Page @dariennepage
SUBSCRIBE BUTTON...HIT IT! CV reporter Jack Murphy brings us another 2020 story this time of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom McInerney who is convinced that an Army AIT Battalion masterminded a Spec Ops raid in Germany for a server tied to election fraud. Then we jump into a bizarre intel summit hosted by a suspected Russian gangster! You'd be amazed at who attended! You can follow Jack Murphy on Twitter @jackmurphyrgr and Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod The full article is available here https://www.radio.com/connectingvets/news/retired-general-thomas-mcinerney-spreads-fake-news
Connecting Vets reporters Jack Murphy and Abbie Bennett take us from the bizarre story of ex-Marines and a porn star forming an anti-BLM 'death squad' to ousted VA deputy secretary James Byrne speaks out about his dismissal.
Go www.connectingvets.com for the full articles.
Follow us on Twitter! Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod Jack Murphy @jackmurphyrgr Abbie Bennett @abbierbennett
Connecting Vets Reporter Abbie Bennett takes us into the latest Veterans Affairs COVID numbers and the recent report on the continuing rise of veteran suicides.
Then, former Senior Counsel to the Secretary of Homeland Defense, Kevin Carroll answers questions about the legitimacy of Biden's position as President-Elect and what the President's day in court contesting the election might look like. All that and more on The Back Brief with Rod Rodriguez!
You can find Abbie Bennett on Twitter @AbbieRBennett (https://twitter.com/AbbieRBennett)
Kevin Caroll is on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevincarr...
You can always follow Rod Rodriguez on Twitter as well @rodpodrod (https://twitter.com/rodpodrod)
For more Veteran News you can trust go to https://connectingvets.com
This is The Back Brief where we cover the latest and greatest veteran news of the week so you don't miss a thing! On this episode:
00:35 - What does Veterans Day mean to Veterans? 8:00 - SECDEF is fired on Twitter! 15:20 - Biden declared winner? 25:30 - Fort Benning machine gun range accident 28:15 - Happy Birthday Marine Corps! 35:06 - NJ State Senatorial Candidate and veteran David Winkler takes us into voter fraud and why he thinks the mainstream media jumped the gun deciding the winner
You can find Rod Rodriguez on Twitter @rodpodrod and Jack Murphy at @jackmurphyrgr. Huge thanks to David Winkler (https://winklerfornjstatesenate.com) for his insight into this increasingly controversial topic.
For all your Veteran news go to https://connectingvets.com
Did you experience Voters Guilt after you hit the polls? Did you vote for a Veteran because they were a Veteran? Will this election year bring upon us the apocalypse???
Jack Murphy and Phil Briggs join me to talk about the fate of our country, the presidential elections, and why your vote matters (or doesn't), and whether or not the results of these elections will leave us fighting Immortan Joe for what little freshwater exists in our post-apocalyptic future!
Go to https://connectingvets.com for all your Veteran related news!
COVID-19 and the elections aren't the only scary thing happening, it's Halloween! To celebrate, we bring you four scary stories from the staff at ConnectingVets.com
So put your headphones on, turn the volume up and prepare to enter a world of floating knives, haunted hospitals, creepy woods, and a real-life exorcism!
Don't forget to visit https://connectingvets.com for all your Veteran related news! Stay informed with Connecting Vets.
Connecting Vets reporter Elizabeth Howe takes us through a new DoD report that might be pointing to COVID as a cause for a recent spike in suicides. Could isolation, fear, and travel restrictions be the cause of this rise in suicides this year? Then Connecting Vets reporter Abbie Bennett discusses a new report about the ongoing issues of racism at the VA. Did a Kool-Aid, watermelon, and fried chicken meal to celebrate Juneteenth cross the line? (Hint: Yes...it did)
Don't forget to subscribe to The Back Brief wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts and on YouTube!
You can follow Rod Rodrguez on Twitter @rodpodrod, Elizabeth Howe @ECBHowe, and Abbie Bennett @AbbieRBennett.
Like a good Vet Story? Well, check out our other podcast VetStory; real stories from, real Vets, in their own words.
Connecting Vets reporter Jack Murphy takes us inside the untold story of 4 CIA Maritime Branch Operators lost at sea during a top-secret mission. We go in-depth into who these men were, what they were trying to do, and the circumstances that led to their disappearance. A powerful story and fascinating look inside CIA operations.
The Back Brief is available on YouTube and it's a podcast! No excuses, subscribe! Also, check out VetStory, a podcast of Veteran stories that you won't find anywhere else.
Follow Jack Murphy on Twitter @jackmurphyrgr and you can also follow Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod
Jack Murphy and Rod Rodriguez discuss the double standard that exists between Officer and Enlisted punishments for online bad behavior. Then we explore the world of vets that think there's a civil war coming and the weird thing is, they seem to WANT it to happen! Would it be as "cool" as they think it will be or is the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the future less Mad Max and more just dying before 20? All that and more on The Back Brief!
The Back Brief is available on YouTube and it's a podcast! No excuses, subscribe! Also, check out VetStory, a podcast of Veteran stories that you won't find anywhere else.
Follow Jack Murphy on Twitter @jackmurphyrgr and you can also follow Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod
Connecting Vets reporter Libby Howe (@ECBHowe) joins me to talk about her report on military training accidents, where we are in base name changes, the suicide of Army Veteran Ronnie Mcnutt, and what next after "suckers and loser"?
Go to ConnectingVets.com to find more stories, video, and audio! Also, check out VetStory, a podcast of Veteran stories that you won't find anywhere else.
Follow Libby Howe on Twitter @ECBHowe and you can also follow me there @rodpodrod
Connecting Vets reporter and host of CBS Eye on Veterans, Phil Briggs, explains why absentee ballots will be perfectly safe going through the US Postal Service. He also offers us up one of his fail-proof ideas on how former Navy Seal Robert O'Neil can not only help us keep air travel safe, but maybe even fight the forces of evil itself! All that and more on The Back Brief!
You can follow Phil Briggs on Twitter at @philbriggsvet and myself Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod
The Back Brief is available on YouTube and on your favorite podcast players!
This week on The Back Brief, Jack Murphy joins me to talk about the arrest of former SF soldier Peter Debbins accused of spying for Russia! We go into the heart of this story and what WE think this might actually mean.
Do we mention the Illuminati, Pizza-Gate, are QAnon in this episode? You'll have to listen to find out!
Follow Jack Murphy on Twitter @jackmurphyrgr and you can follow me Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod Don't forget to subscribe to The Back Brief podcast available everywhere you listen to podcasts and watch us on YouTube so leave us comments!
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Jack Murphy (@jackmurphyrgr) joins me on the show to talk about the fear fo the ever-present RECEDING HAIRLINE! Then we jump into the Army's E-SPORTS Team is BACK and they're still trying to maneuver playing games and answering questions about war crimes. Then we once again go down the rabbit hole of Q Anon, aliens, and COVID.
This is The Back Brief! Also, we're on YouTube so go check our ugly mugs!
Don't forget to visit ConnectingVets.com
The United States Postal Service is experiencing major delays as they try to save money. Connecting Vets reporter Abbie Bennett and I take a look at what this means for Veterans expecting their meds on time. Also, Biden vs Trump! TWITTER....AND LIZARD PEOPLE!!!!!
Also, we're on YouTube! Go to - https://bit.ly/ConnectingVetsYouTube
Follow Abbie Bennett on Twitter @abbierbennett
Go to https://connectingvets.com
Jack Murphy (@jackmurphyrgr) joins me on to talk about this week's Vet news!
:45 - Navy Seal museum K-9's go hard on Kaps Jersey 8:30 - Are you a Ranger if you got the tab or if you were in the 75th? 16:19 - Louis Bremer grilled by a Senate committee, should he get the job? 22:25 - We go down the Epstein rabbit hole 40:30 - Anti-pedo campaigns spring up in the Vet community, what does this mean?
You can follow Rod Rodriguez on Twitter @rodpodrod. Check us out at connectingvets.com!
We're also a Podcast! Go subscribe so you can listen to The Back Brief everywhere any time! Leave us a Review...c'mon you know we earned it!
The death of Fort Hood's Spc. Vanessa Guillen has spurred a new legislative effort at changing the way Servicemembers report sexual assault and harassment. Connecting Vets reporter Libby Howe and I talk about the march in Washington that caught the President's attention!
(25:46) Then, what do a doctor, the coronavirus, and a demon have in common? Well, find out at as our very own Phil Briggs takes us into this bizarre but true story!
Visit us at connectingvets.com!
Ex-Green Beret Michael Taylor remains in jail pending extradition for a crime that his lawyers argue he has not even been charged with. Then, the Army and Navy eSports teams flummoxed by questions about war crimes on Twitch.
Go to ConnectingVets.com today!
Tony Morrow is a Veteran of the Canadian Navy, who after a fateful dive, found himself facing another type of dark abyss. This time it wasn’t the ocean but a world of uncertainty, a world where he wasn’t sure who he really was and where he fit in.
What do you do when you've lost your legacy, your career, and your identity? This is Tony Morrow and this his VetStory.
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Subscribe to Vet Story at Radio.com, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher
You can follow Rod Rodriguez on Twitter @rodpodrod
Links: Getting 2 Hired - https://bit.ly/Getting2Hired Tony Morrow's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/atmorrow/
Connecting Vets reporter Jack Murphy joins me the show to talk about the bungled search for PFC Guillen, a potential Army coverup, and what are the boogaloo boys up to now?
SUBSCRIBE today and leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! You can follow me on Twitter, Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod and Jack Murphy @jackmurphyrgr.
Don't forget to visit us at www.connectingvets.com
Check out our other podcast VetStory!
Kadhim Al-Waeli isn't your typical American success story. He sacrificed everything, fought a tyrannical government, and then joined the US in the fight to free his nation's people. This is his VetStory.
You can follow Kadhim on Twitter @WaeliKadhim and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kadhim.alwaeli.79
Want to get connected to the stories and resources that matter to you? Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter, at Connecting Vets!
You can follow VetStory on Twitter @vetstorypodcast
Subscribe to VetStory at Radio.com, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher
Country star Brantley Gilbert recently talked with podcast host Phil Briggs about life at home during corona. He shared news about his new man cave featuring a bar that pays tribute to our military, veterans, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Plus, BBQ, Guns, and who is a better shot; Gilbert, Justin Moore, or Thomas Rhett?
The DC National Guard might be helping guard monuments around the DC area but after the blowback from their role in recent protests, is this the right move for the Army? Also, a female Special Forces candidate is one step closer to earning her Green Beret. And the search continues for PFC Vanessa Guillen.
SUBSCRIBE today and leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! You can follow me on on Twitter, Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod, Jack Murphy @jackmurphyrgr, and Elizabeth Howe @ECBHowe
Don't forget to visit us at www.connectingvets.com
Several Army installations are named after Confederate generals. Should we change their names? What does that mean to you? Connecting Vets reporters Abbie Bennett and Phil Briggs join me to talk about the racial tensions that have lead to this discussion, on this episode of The Back Brief!
SUBSCRIBE today and leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! You can follow me on on Twitter, Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod, Jack Murphy @jackmurphyrgr, and Elizabeth Howe @ECBHowe
Don't forget to visit us at www.connectingvets.com
"I asked Raymond Lott things I've never asked a black man before." Ray is a Marine combat veteran, a rapper, musician and music producer, and friend of CBS Eye on Veteran, Host, Phil Briggs. Recently the two explored the concept of racism in America and revealed many things that still need to change.
I talk with Connecting Vets reporters Elizabeth Howe and Jacky Murphy about what goes into changing a military base's name and is it a good idea. Also, National Guardsmen were videoed taking knees and putting down their shields with protesters. De-escalation tactic or were they participating in the protest?
SUBSCRIBE today and leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! You can follow me on on Twitter, Rod Rodriguez @rodpodrod, Jack Murphy @jackmurphyrgr, and Elizabeth Howe @ECBHowe
Don't forget to visit us at www.connectingvets.com
Connecting Vet reporter Jack Murphy takes us behind the lines of DC's riots to talk about Task Force 504 and their role in possibly protecting the White House. We also talk with Capitol Hill reporter Abbie Bennett about what Secretary of Defense Esper and former Secretary of Defense General James Mattis think of President Trump's handling of the nation's riots.
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Also available on the Radio.com app, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!
Go to www.connectingvets.com TODAY!
Trace Adkins is a country music star, but his other love is hanging with the military. He recently talked with CBS Eye on Veterans Host Phil Briggs about some of his favorite military memories, including; USO tours, aircraft carrier landings, who almost cut off his ponytail, and how troops once weaponized his autograph.
As an Army Special Forces Warrant Officer, Dan Lorenz knew about tactical planning. But after the military, he labored and learned how to start a successful business. In this podcast, Lorenz explains how he will help you find generational wealth, financial freedom and a life you'll love through business ownership. See more at www.synyrgx.com
Marine Corps veteran Billy Humphrey knew something was eating the feed near his deer stand in southern West Virginia. But one day while investigating the area, he photographed a creature that many people believe is the mysterious "Bigfoot". He shared the whole story with Phil Briggs on CBS Eye on Veterans.
In this episode, we’re talking about the veteran-related stories surrounding the coronavirus. “Billions more for VA in next emergency coronavirus spending package” “VA wants to ‘pause’ the Mission Act for 90 days over coronavirus” “No those Humvee convoys are not coming to force you into quarantine” “How Veterans can ‘embrace the suck’ during social isolation" “Texas is pausing to remember the nation’s Medal of Honor recipients”
Be sure to subscribe to The Back Brief so you don’t miss the news that matters to you. You can find The Back Brief and all of the Connecting Vets podcasts and podcast partners at www.connectingvets.com under the Audio section in the Menu.
Want to get more connected to the great stories and resources Connecting Vets has to offer? Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
This is The Back Brief for the week of 5 March 2020 National Guard Chief Predicts thousands will be activated VA closes regional benefits offices Trump calls on Syrian government to free journalist, Marine Austin Tice Pentagon to provide respirators masks and ventilators to fight coronavirus VA says COVID19 could affect 20% of it's patients
Go to www.connectingvets.com for all of these stories and more!
This episode we’re talking about the Veteran related stories surrounding the coronavirus.
This week at Connecting Vets Troops can't travel to these countries for the next 60 days As colleges close over coronavirus, lawmakers file emergency bill to protect GI Bill benefits National Guard members still have to travel for drill amid coronavirus concerns Marine in Virginia tests positive for coronavirus DeCA increasing air shipments to overseas commissaries in response to coronavirus
Go to www.connectingvets.comfor all of these stories and more!
He's one of television's biggest voices, but before Matt Baker was the voice of Discovery's Shark Week, he was a Marine. In our interview, Baker and CBS Eye on Veterans host Phil Briggs offer advice for anyone looking to get into the voice acting. He also explains; what kind of training you'll need, how to build a simple home studio and how to begin booking work as a voice actor.
This is The Back Brief for the week of February 28, 2020
Veterans of "black goo" base to appear before Congress 19-year-old from Arkansas faces charges of trying to blow up vehicle at Pentagon parking lot A privatized housing crisis that some say not even a tenant bill of rights can fix Corona Virus Update VA tells Congress it is prepared for possible coronavirus outbreak in US
Go to www.connectingvets.com for all of these stories and more!
This is The Back Brief for the week of February 20, 2020
Pentagon plans to force 200k family members, retirees out of military hospitals to civilian doctors Operation Benjamin: Honoring fallen Jewish servicemen with the right headstones Helping veterans with his love of food, Army veteran takes traumatized veterans under his wing Black History Month CBS Eye on Veterans
Go to www.connectingvets.com for all of these stories and more!
This is The Back Brief for the week of February 14, 2020 Did the VA secretary seek to discredit a Veteran who reported a sexual assault at a VA hospital? A new bill helps Veterans find STEM jobs. Military installations could house coronavirus evacuees. Congress wants to know why White supremacy on social media isn’t tracked by the US Military. A VA recommended app could access your private data.
Go to www.connectingvets.com for all of these stories and more!
Lacey Evans is the classy yet fierce star of WWE Smackdown. In her interview on CBS Eye on Veterans, she talked with host, Phil Briggs about being a Marine and her guest spots on Military Makeover with Montel Williams. (also a fellow veteran) She also shares details about the heartwarming episode that airs on Lifetime on Valentine's Day.
On This week’s “The Back Brief” we talk about the State of the Union, water contamination on military bases, the VA deputy secretary getting fired, and a new program matching service dogs with veterans, and Phil Briggs talks about this weekend's CBS Eye On Veterans!
Be sure to subscribe to The Back Brief, go to www.connectingvets.com or subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
While we're producing the next season of VetStory, we're happy to introduce you to one of our podcast partners "Team Room Talk with Chris Mcphee". Host Chris Mcphee is a retired Green Beret who has some amazing and candid conversations with his guests that range from entrepreneurs to elite military operators. I think you're really going to like this show.
Go to ConnectingVets to learn more or go to Team Room Talk with Chris Mcphee
VetStory is proud to present "Prisoners of War", from the Radio Diaries podcast. This is the untold story of US service members who did time in an American military prison during the height of the Vietnam conflict.
Discretion is advised
This story was produced by Sarah Kate Kramer for Radio Diaries, with help from Joe Richman and Nellie Gilles [GILL-es] and was edited by Deborah George and Ben Shapiro. To hear more stories from Radio Diaries, subscribe to their podcast. Use your podcast app of choice or visit www.radiodiaries.org. Radio Diaries is part of the Radiotopia network from PRX.
In No Surrender, Chris Edmonds tells the unforgettable story of his father, Roddie Edmonds, an American POW, and the acts of defiance against his Nazi captors that saved hundreds of Jewish American soldier's lives.
Leave a review and tell us what you think about this episode!
Visit us at ConnectingVets.com!
George Blake was a member of the Allied Secret Intelligence Service and one of the most notorious Soviet spies of our time. Author Steve Vogel takes us inside the Berlin Tunnel, one of the greatest espionage operations of the Cold War to tap and record KGB communications, and the spy who almost brought it all down.
Christopher Strom's new book Brooklyn to Baghdad tells his story from former NYPD cop to being part of the elite counterinsurgency group "Phoenix Team". Chris takes you on a harrowing journey from stopping terrorists in a post-911 New York to working alongside Special Operations taking down insurgent leaders. All that and more...
Combat veterans can often suffer from anxiety and depression. Whether it's from post-traumatic stress or other issues, Army veteran, Dr. Geoffrey Grammer, Chief Medical Officer and Bill Leonard, President / CEO of Greenbrook TMS NeuroHealth Centers, discuss how electromagnetic stimulation works and if TMS can successfully treat brain regions directly associated with mood regulation.
Kyle Carpenter earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010. In this VetStory we talk about his new book "You Are Worth It; Building a Life Worth Fighting For" where he takes us back to that fateful day, his long road to recovery, and why you are worth it.
How do you go from flying Blackhawks to being a CEO? We talked with James Schenck about his time in the Army and he's now helping PenFed Credit Union be a leader in financial services for military members and veterans.
Antietam National Battlefield is the sight of the deadliest day in Civil War history. 23,000 men were killed, wounded or missing in action. We talked about the legend of Bloody Lane and heard actual paranormal recordings shared by researcher Angela Sounders, author of Ghosts in Sight.
NBC's hit show "This Is Us" has shown us the Vietnam veteran's experience. This season it adds a Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan. The realism of her emotional scenes is due in part to a real Marine, James LaPorta. We talked with James about his infantry days, the hidden tributes he built into the show, and how he went from combat to become an acclaimed writer for Newsweek and The Washington Post.
Is there a plot to privatize the VA? Why won't they speed up resaearch on medical marijuana? Why was he ousted from his job? These are just a few things we asked former Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David Shulkin, as he discussed his new book, "It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Serve Your Country."
Sean Spicer had to do some serious tap dancing as the White House spokesperson. But when we recently caught up with him, it was all fun as he told us about being a Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer, and a contestant on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Plus the behind the scenes stories of the incredible veteran charities he's dancing for.
Dakota Meyer's words are as powerful as a .50 cal! The Maine Corps Sniper and combat vet opened up about; life, death, battle, PTSD and why nobody wants the Medal of Honor. But we were spellbound when he shared his thoughts on "Veteran Suicide". If you're looking for inspiration and somebody who understands what it's like, just click play! Enjoy.
NASA astronaut Army Lt. Col. Anne McClain, is accused of spying on her ex-wife's finances by logging into her bank account ... from Outer Space! What? They have wifi in space? Reporters Abbie Bennett, Eric Dehm, and Host, Phil Briggs dig deeper into this story and share a few stories about the crazy s#%! their ex's have done.
His "Raised on Country World Tour" is crossing the country and Chris Young takes every chance he can to meet up with military and veterans. After a recent stop at Naval Base San Diego, we talked with him and were surprised to learn about the Marines in his family, his unforgettable trip to Iraq and the vet he calls a friend for life.
Former Spec Ops Marine Intelligence Officer Nick Karnaze is on an unprecedented global investigation to determine if aliens have made contact with Earth! He stars in the new docu-series "Contact" airing on Discovery Channel, and on this episode, he shares with us the stories about UFO encounters with Navy fighter jets and an unexplained sound that was heard across the state of Florida. Need proof of aliens? Just click play.
Brigadier General Donald C. Bolduc fought through ten deployments, bomb blasts, and firefights. But the former CO of Special Operations Command Africa is now fighting a battle against Post Traumatic Stress and TBI. The newest weapon? A neck injection that could revolutionize how we treat PTSD. Plus Libbie Howe reports on a new scam targeting military and vets and Reporter Abbie Bennet reveals new medical conditions that qualify for VA Benefits.
It's been more than 2,557 days since Austin Tice, Marine, journalist, son and brother was captured in Syria. Connecting Vets reporter shares with us her conversation with Austin's father Marc and what we can do get our leaders to bring him home.
Air Force veteran Josh Draper went from the military to becoming a farmer with a huge following! The man behind the "Stoney Ridge Farmer" YouTube channel shares his long and unconventional journey, and what it takes to turn a dream of farming into reality ... or at least reality videos.
Jack Murphy has been a Ranger, Green Beret, a journalist, and author. On this episode, he shares stories about a character he rarely talks about- himself. We discuss his new autobiography "Murphy's Law", the questionable state of today's Spec Ops community and the global terror threats that nobody is talking about. Get ready, this is one hell of a story!
After the recent shootings in Texas and Ohio, veterans and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham are proposing a "Red Flag" gun bill. We'll discuss how it intends to keep guns away from those with mental health issues. Plus, Army veteran/author Betsy Ross discusses her new book series "Fight". She shares her emotional journey and how the books will help vets deal with PTSD, bad relationships, stigmas and overcome our negative stereotypes.
From charging into fierce storms to stopping armed drug smugglers, the stories of the Coast Guard are truly epic. Phi Briggs talked with Coast Guard Historian Dr. William Thiesen and (Ret) LCDR John Hartlove about the history and the real-life adventures from a career at sea.
What does it feel like to fly a combat mission? Hear why for Amber Smith, military aviation was in her blood. We talk about her book "Danger Close; My Epic Journey as a Combat Helicopter Pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan" Plus, what we should know about being a woman warrior in the "boys club", the VA, and KISS' Gene Simmons at the Pentagon ... who's next? Also, Abbie Bennet talks new research for PTSD and the Marine Corps hazing incident that was a low blow.
Would you go back to combat if you could? If you answered yes, then you might be in danger and not even know it. Duane France is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Host of the Head Space and Timing podcast and an Army combat vet with 22 yeares of military experience. On this episode, he explores the fine line between fond memories and a state of mind that can easily lead to depression ... or worse.
What started out as a small twitter page to talk politics, Code of Vets now changes lives. From helping vets get back on their feet and find jobs to finding homes for the homeless, Code of Vets founder Gretchen Smith is the Angel of Twitter to many veterans in need. She shares how she built the community that now has over 160K followers and friends in the highest levels of government.
Based on the life of his father, author Steve Snyder shares some stories from the best selling book "SHOT DOWN: The true story of pilot Howard Snyder and the crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth". Plus Reporter Abbie Bennett updates on what Congress is doing for veterans and how you can go on a bike ride with President George W Bush.
Combat veteran Doc Todd brings the sounds of summertime to his latest hip hop album. In this interview, he talks about how to "Feel Good", what vets need to remember and how his story got picked up by Diet Coke for a national ad campaign focused on helping people overcome post-traumatic stress and other negative stereotypes.
After some called President Trump's recent tweet a racist attack on 4 women in Congress, the "Racism" discussion has been re-ignited? But do these social problems exist within our military? Attorney, Immigration Expert, and Retired Army Lt. Col. Margaret Stock told us how she believes the problem is big. And Reporter Libby Howe shares her recent experience with a military recruiter.
Author Dan Schilling is a former Air Force Combat Controller, with over 20 years of combat and clandestine experience. He served on the Delta Force operation that inspired the movie "Black Hawk Down." We met him in Washington DC to talk about his best-selling book "Alone at Dawn" and hear how the story of Tech Sgt John Chapman is going from bookshelves to Hollywood.
Navy SEAL Chief Eddie Gallagher was found not guilty of murder charges in the case related to an ISIS fighter and some angry fellow team members. Paul Szoldra, Task & Purpose, Editor covered the story and shared some of the wild witness testimony he heard. From battlefield bars to raging text messages, the Spec Ops community may never be the same.
The powerful vocals of Voices of Service earned a resounding "Yes" from every judge on America's Got Talent. Army veterans Caleb Green, Ron Henry and Army Sergeant First Class Jason Hanna, and Army, Sergeant Major Christal Rheams shared their TV experience, how music can heal and how it was with them, even during combat.
Will hurricanes and mega-storms destroy essential military posts? Will Navy bases go under? Navy veteran Mr. Ray Mabus is a former Secretary of the Navy and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He outlines why we should be afraid of what global warming will do to our military. And what we should know about the tense conflict with Iran.
Recently Army veteran David Bellavia was awarded the Medal of Honor. We were honored to talk with him and hear about everything from boot camp to the firefight he'll never forget. Plus the untold story of the heavy metal song that was the soundtrack to the battle of Fallujah. David is an incredible vet, with an awesome sense of humor!!
Doctors give antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and even Botox to alleviate PTSD. But Nicole Amelio-Casper, a veteran's spouse and a documentary filmmaker, shows us how alternative therapies are really curing it. And the story of how Army veteran Joshua Mantz survived, after being dead for 15 minutes, will teach everyone a powerful lesson about life.
Former CIA Counterrorsim Officer Dan Gabriel shares his experience with Iranian militias in the documentary Mosul, AMVETS' Executive Director Joe Chenelly shares his thoughts on Beto O'Rourke's proposed "war tax" and Abbie Bennet reports on why Congress failed to get veterans cannabis, again.
Iran shot down an American military surveillance drone. They dispute where it happened but, there is no disputing how pissed off America should be. We asked Mr. Aaron David Miller, a U.S. Middle East policy expert, and former State Dept. adviser under several Presidents, what we should do and how close are we to another war.
Marine Corps veteran and author Al Barnes takes us back to 1917 and describes the era where there were 2 kinds of men; professional baseball players, and men who wanted to be professional baseball players. But the path to baseball stardom went through the battlefields of WWI, and along the way, some truly epic baseball games were played.
How to spot a stalker and ways to escape handcuffs- those are just a few of the things we'll learn former CIA Officer and "Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life" author, Jason Hanson. Plus CBS Eye on Veterans' Host, Eric Dehm tells us how a former White House spokesperson just became the Navy's newest Ensign.
Seventy-five years ago, he hit Omaha Beach with the first wave. We had the honor of talking about it with Army veteran, Ray Lambert. Now ninety-eight years old, his latest book "Every Man a Hero, A Memoir of D-Day" delivers one of the most remarkable stories of our time. In this episode, he recalls his role as a World War II medic who risked his life on the beach, to save the heroes of D-Day.
Former CIA Officer turned filmmaker Dan Gabriel talks about his documentary film, Mosul. The movie is the story of Iraqi journalist Ali Maula, who follows 100,000 Iraqi soldiers and militiamen into the heart of darkness, where they fight to reclaim the city of Mosul from the evil grip of ISIS.
VoteVets Co-founder Jon Soltz, and CVA Senior Advisor Dan Caldwell sit down with Eric Dehm, Host of CBS Eye on Veterans to talk about how they fond common ground after fighting for years.
Goldstar Mom, Speaker and Author Jill Stephenson shares the story of her son, US Army Ranger Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp. And how his sacrifice and the lives of all the fallen are being honored by a 100-mile walk to a little known monument in Illinois, The Middle East Conflicts Wall.
As we celebrate this holiday weekend we'll bring you 3 people who will teach us how to do it right. Gold Star widow Ursula Palmer shares a love story, Army veteran Ray Lambert shares an epic story about sacrifices he witnessed on D-Day and author Joanne Steen shares her new book and some great ways everyone can honor the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Everyone can accomplish their dreams ... but few of us know how. Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt., Author, and TV show host Tee Marie Hanible tells us how. From escaping the crime-filled streets of Chicago's south side to rising through the ranks of the male-dominated Marine Corps to writing The Warrior Code, Tee Marie inspires and delivers a clinic on unleashing your inner badass.
Reporters Abbie Bennet and Kaylah Jackson discuss the recent bills in Congress to help veterans access marijuana? And why Congress didn't seem too interested in hearing about women veteran's issues? We also talked with Senator Angus King about his recent trip to Iraq, and what he plans on doing to address the veteran suicide crisis.
Dropping Spec Ops teams onto rooftops, avoiding RPGs and firing 3000 rounds a minute from the helo ... and doing it all in total darkness. Army veteran and author David Burnett shows us the secret world of the Night Stalkers, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and shares his journey from deployments to conquering his demons at home.
Holly Rotondi, Executive Director, Friends of the National WWII Memorial shares how they will honor members of The Greatest Generation on the D-Day anniversary and Army Ranger, Sniper now Journalist and Author Jack Murphy shares kick-ass stories from his latest book, "Murphy's Law".