Empowering Veterans: VA Benefits, Resilience, and Healing with Ed Parcaut & Healey Ikerd
Release Date: 12/17/2024
From Army Ranger to Real Estate: Justin Martinez’s Journey After Military Service
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of "Helping The Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Army veteran and entrepreneur Justin Martinez. Justin shares his journey from serving in the 10th Mountain Division and earning his Ranger tab to building a real estate business focused on Airbnbs, fix-and-flips, and creative investing strategies. He opens up about the challenges he faced in the military, the importance of using VA benefits, and how he leveraged his service to get both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Justin also discusses the mindsets and practical steps that led him to success in real estate,...
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Marine Corps Officer Susannah Stokes on Psychedelics, Veteran Healing, and Her Journey
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Susannah Stokes, a former Marine Corps officer and founder of Metamorphosis Ventures. Susannah shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a military family, attending the Naval Academy, and serving in Afghanistan, to finding renewed purpose in supporting fellow veterans and championing alternative approaches to healing PTSD—including plant medicine and psychedelics. Listen as Susannah candidly discusses the challenges of military service, what it's really like to deploy, and her personal reckoning with the realities...
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Fighter Pilot to Entrepreneur: Anthony Bourke’s Lessons on Military Transition and Business Success
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Anthony “A.B.” Bourke, former Air Force fighter pilot and seasoned entrepreneur. Anthony shares his incredible journey from flying F-16s with the California Air National Guard to cracking major business deals—like landing a paint line in every Home Depot west of Minneapolis. He reflects on the unique skills veterans bring to the corporate world, the challenges of transitioning out of the military, and how lessons from the cockpit directly translate into business success and leadership. Ed and Anthony dive deep into...
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Patrick Naughton on Generational Impact of Military Service and Writing Born From War
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Army veteran and author Patrick Naughton for an inspiring and insightful conversation about military service, legacy, and personal growth. Patrick shares his journey, which spans nearly 28 years in the Army—from his early days as an enlisted infantryman with the 101st Airborne to his transition into officer ranks and unique roles in federal agencies and the U.S. Senate. Patrick opens up about the impact of his father’s Vietnam War service on his own path, the generational effects of military life, and the bond that...
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Unlocking Veteran Benefits and Real Estate Opportunities with Sam Sells and Ed Parcaut
Helping The Brave Podcast
Welcome to Helping the Brave with your host Ed Parcaut, a show dedicated to empowering veterans through education, support, and real-world advice. In this episode, Ed sits down with Sam Sells, a former Air Force officer and entrepreneur who has built a billion-dollar real estate portfolio in just seven years after medical retirement from the military. Sam shares his inspiring journey from enlisting as an Air Force firefighter to working in global health, facing an unexpected early retirement, and eventually finding massive success in real estate investing. Together, Ed and Sam dive deep into...
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Healing Trauma and Finding Purpose After Service: Juan Espinoza Shares His Story
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this powerful episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Army veteran Juan Espinoza for an honest and inspiring conversation about service, sacrifice, and the challenging journey of transitioning back to civilian life. Juan shares stories from his deployments to Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, his time as a private contractor, and the struggles veterans face when leaving the military—from navigating VA benefits to processing trauma and finding new purpose. Juan opens up about the healing process that led him to write his book, "Unbroken: Turning Pain to Purpose," and...
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Navigating Military Service and PTSD Support with Guest Ben Vernon on Helping the Brave
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Ben Vernon, an Air Force veteran turned professional dog trainer. Ben shares his journey from enlisting in the Air Force with dreams of becoming a pilot, to his unexpected path into security forces and later, training military working dogs—despite never owning a dog as a child. He discusses the unique challenges and rewards of military canine training, what it's really like to bond with a working dog, and how military training translates to civilian life. After considering a career with the Secret Service, Ben found a new...
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Australian Special Forces Veteran Tim Thomas on Breathwork Healing and Veteran Suicide Prevention
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this insightful episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Tim Thomas—an Australian Special Forces Commando veteran—joining live all the way from Australia. Tim opens up about his unique experience as part of the first intake directly recruited into the Australian Special Forces, his combat deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan, and the physical and mental challenges faced during and after service. Tim and Ed dive deep into the realities of transitioning out of military life, the often-overlooked power of sleep, and how chronic isolation can make recovery even harder...
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From Marine to Mentor: How Ryan Kuperus Supports Veterans and First Responders
Helping The Brave Podcast
Join host Ed Parcaut in captivating conversations on "Helping the Brave," a podcast dedicated to honoring the resilience and courage of veterans and first responders. In this episode, Ed sits down with Ryan Kuperus, a Marine Corps recon and Force Recon specialist, to explore his 17-year military journey, his challenges transitioning back to civilian life, and the impactful work he does now with The Reason Outdoors, a nonprofit integrating eco-therapy for veterans and first responders. Delve into discussions about the struggles veterans face in accessing their hard-earned benefits, the...
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From Infantryman to Business Leader: Julian Chapman Shares His Journey
Helping The Brave Podcast
On this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut is joined by guest Julian Chapman, a seasoned veteran from the Canadian Army with 34 years of service. Julian shares his journey from a private soldier to a brigadier general, detailing his unique experience in Canada's primary reserve forces, which allowed him to balance a civilian career alongside his military service. The conversation delves into the nuances of military life in Canada compared to the U.S., discussing deployments, political roles, and the reserve system. Julian sheds light on the personal and emotional challenges faced...
info_outlineJoin host Ed Parcaut in this heartfelt episode of "Helping The Brave" as he sits down with Healey Ikerd, a dedicated counselor and military veteran. Together, they dive deep into the challenges and triumphs faced by veterans, emphasizing the vital importance of utilizing available benefits and resources.
In this episode, Ed shares his own journey, from dealing with health issues caused by burn pits to navigating the complex VA system. Healey, who grew up in Oklahoma and later served in the military, recounts her transition to civilian life and her passion for counseling veterans dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
Discover valuable insights on:
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The financial assistance available for veterans, including education benefits for children and disability ratings.
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The importance of direct communication and understanding veterans' experiences.
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The far-reaching impact of military service on personal growth and resilience.
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Practical advice on podcasting, from equipment recommendations to embracing authenticity.
Ed and Healey's candid conversation also highlights the value of missed financial opportunities, such as VA loans for building passive income, and underscores the importance of seeking guidance to make the most of these benefits.
Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or simply interested in the experiences and insights of those who have served, this episode of "Helping The Brave" offers a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience inherent in the veteran community. Tune in for a compelling mix of personal stories, professional advice, and a shared commitment to empowering veterans.
**Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)
Subscribe now and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes on all major platforms. For more information or to connect with our guest, visit writtenbyhealy.com.
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