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The Ultimate Gift with Geoff and Laura Spetter

Release Date: 11/14/2023

Making Room for Love in the Justice System with Cathy Harvey

Fierce Conversations with Toby

Trigger warning/disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about death, including personal experiences and journeys. The content may be emotionally intense and could be triggering for some individuals. If you find these discussions distressing, it may be advisable to skip this episode or listen with caution. Remember to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. “And so she (our daughter Anna who was nearly her college graduation) signed off her Facebook that morning with four words, “getting near the end.” That evening there was a knock on the door and two men dressed in...

One Little Pearl with Judy Helm Wright

Fierce Conversations with Toby

The symbol of the artichoke has great meaning for Judy in her teaching and writing. As she works with families, she sees that frequently only the outer edges are exposed, which can be prickly and sometimes bitter to the taste. But, as you expose the artichoke - and people - to warmth, caring, and time, gradually the leaves begin to open and expose the real treasure–the heart. Judy has written more than 20 books, and hundreds of articles and speaks internationally on family, parenting, and relationship issues, including communication, encouragement, and end-of-life. Some of our fierce...

Focusing on the Next Best Step with Charli Hoffman

Fierce Conversations with Toby

“It isn't that I had it all figured out, it's that I just focused on the next right step.” - Charli Hoffman, CEO of Time Hackers Unite, Founder of Sparkle Warriors Book Club, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Some of our fierce topics today: [04:58] At 13, I came home from school one day and my mom had put all of my stuff in garbage bags on the porch and locked the house and told me I didn't live there anymore. [06:39] Books were my salvation. [07:49] I was in so many unsafe situations, but I could make someone laugh. [10:11] There's great value in putting...

The Age of Invisibility with Susan J. Godwin

Fierce Conversations with Toby

“And the point is, you can do it. You have more strength than you think you do. You can go through these tough situations. You move through that adversity, and you move through those struggles. And you keep going.” Susan J. Godwin, fervent educator, writer, freelance artist, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Some of our fierce topics today: [03:28] It shouldn't be called breaking up, because that implies a quick break. It's more like a taffy pull. [04:50] I discovered a female court of writers in the late 17th century....

Stories that Matter with Pat Black-Gould

Fierce Conversations with Toby

“And the point is, you can do it. You have more strength than you think you do. You can go through these tough situations. You move through that adversity, and you move through those struggles. And you keep going.” - Pat Black-Gould, Ph.D., clinical psychologist award-winning children’s book author, fiction author, playwright, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Some of our fierce topics today: [09:19] The Paperclip project, is a teacher’s desire to show her students just how big a number is. [11:43] Turning a...

I Could Hear Their Voices... Speaking out of the Darkness with Jean Trounstine

Fierce Conversations with Toby

“The women of Framingham (Prison) sought a way out and their struggles gave them dignity. I could hear their voices speaking out of the darkness.” - Jean Trounstine, author, activist, professor emerita at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, Massachusetts, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Some of our fierce topics today: [02:57] I began working with people in prison and, it changed me, it turned me into a prison activist, and it turned me into a writer. [04:50] If my students tackled Shakespeare, a writer they thought beyond reach, they would also be...

I Am Enough with Tanaine Jenkins

Fierce Conversations with Toby

“For eight years, I was ashamed of my story. I learned that my story is freeing. Other people need to know that in telling their own story you can take your power back. And it takes away the power of those who are holding your story against you. Don't be the person others believe you should be just because you're a felon. I am enough. And so are you.” - Tanaine Jenkins, best-selling author, TedX Speaker, Director of The Florida Safety Coalition, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby Some of our fierce...

Filling a Niche with Hannah Rumsey

Fierce Conversations with Toby

“I feel like it's gotten to the point where we're so scared of crossing a boundary that we just say nothing.” - Hannah Rumsey, developmental editor & writing coach for Sara Connell Coaching, Inc., creator and host of the podcast “Friends Missing Friends”, and today’s guest on Fierce Conversations with Toby. Hannah Rumsey talks with those who have experienced the death of friends, grief experts, and more, to normalize the complex grief of losing a friend in a world that often doesn’t understand. “I lost a dear friend several...

Together We Can with Natasha Dasher

Fierce Conversations with Toby

Natasha Dasher is on a life mission to help Returning Citizens realize their true potential. She is an appointed Commissioner for Returning Citizens and Re-Entry Affairs and the co-chair of the DC Democratic Caucus for Returning Citizens. Some of our fierce topics today: [7:38] Natasha started the ButterFly village to help children deal with social media and the stigma of having an incarcerated parent whose case is in the news. [14:07] Choosing not to be a victim by taking ownership of your poor decisions. [19:14] The power of community. [27:42] The importance of a re-entry plan begins...

The Importance of Contradiction with Brittany Means

Fierce Conversations with Toby

Find all interviews at Transcripts available at In this episode, Brittany Means discusses her new memoir, Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways. About Brittany Means: Brittany Means is a writer and editor living in Albuquerque, NM. A graduate of Iowa's MFA Nonfiction Writing Program, Means has worked with Inara Verzemnieks and Kiese Laymon. She has received several awards for her work, including the Magdalena Award, the Herodotus Award, and the Grace Paley Fellowship at Under the Volcano. Notes from Toby: I have long been a fan of Jeannette Walls. Her memoir Glass Castle gave me...

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Transcripts available at https://tobydorr.com/podcast-schedule/

"The lost art of what's been going on is people have forgotten how to have a conversation and how to say, 'Can I help you?'"

- Laura Spetter, 14-year Air Force veteran and today’s guest along with Geoff Spetter, a 21-year Army veteran, on “Fierce Conversations with Toby”

In this episode of “Fierce Conversations with Toby,” we dive deep into the world of veterans' support with guests Geoff and Laura Spetter, both military veterans with compelling stories and a shared commitment to making a difference. Geoff reflects on his journey from being a forward observer for field artillery to transitioning into the IT world, and how it led him to co-host "The Veterans Show" on WCBM. Laura shares her passion for helping veterans navigate the complexities of the VA system. Together, they emphasize the significance of building a strong veteran community, bridging gaps in healthcare and employment opportunities, and inspiring individuals to join their mission of support. This heartfelt and informative conversation offers valuable insights into the challenges veterans face and the power of collaboration and compassion in improving their lives.

Toby Dorr, our host and creator, is married to a Navy veteran, the step-mother of another Navy veteran, and the sister to a Marines and Army veteran. Happy Veteran's Day and thank you all for your service. “Fierce Conversations with Toby” proudly supports our veterans.

Some of our fierce topics today:

[00:00] Introduction.

[04:03] The Veterans Show: Laura and Geoff shares insights into co-hosting "The Veterans Show" on WCBM, a platform for veterans to share their stories and experiences.

[6:10] Challenges Faced by Veterans: veterans' struggle with navigating VA systems, the sharing of their experiences, the need for greater awareness of their plight, and their difficulties reintegrating into society.

[09:13] The Struggle for Veterans' Healthcare: touching on the unmet expectations of veterans regarding medical care after writing a "blank check" for their country, the complexities and challenges of the VA system, and the need for improved medical care without excessive bureaucracy and medication reliance.

[19:35] Inconsistencies in Veterans' Benefits Across States: the lost art of human interaction in the digital age and the mission to create a community that makes a positive impact, with a whimsical mention of a bird-feeding habit.

[26:38] The Power of Courage, Trust, and Fierce Conversations: the power of words and meaningful conversations, emphasizing the importance of addressing difficult topics openly and honestly

[28:32] Outro.

About Laura and Geoff Spetter:

Laura, an Air Force veteran, served for 14 years as a personalist, excelling in regulations and assisting others. Geoff, a U.S. Army veteran, served for nearly 21 years, with the first seven years as a forward observer for field artillery. He later transitioned to an IT career in 2003 after losing his hearing. Both share a strong connection to the military and its importance in their lives.

You can hear Geoff and Laura every Saturday at 1800 – 1900/6 PM – 7 PM (Eastern) as they host “The Veteran's Show” on WCBM 680, Baltimore's Talk Radio.

Laura and Geoff’s mission is to end veteran suicide.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Geoff and Laura Spetter:

Listen live to “The Veteran’s Show”

Email Laura and Geoff: [email protected]

Call-In Line for “The Veteran’s Show”: 800-922-6680
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Toby Dorr: