From Infantryman to Business Leader: Julian Chapman Shares His Journey
Release Date: 04/08/2025
Camaraderie, Career, and Creativity: A Veteran’s Guide to Transition
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with bestselling novelist and Marine veteran Michael Hopf for a wide-ranging, authentic conversation about life during and after military service. Michael shares his journey from growing up in Maryland to joining the Marine Corps, experiencing life on deployment, and successfully transitioning into civilian life through commercial diving, executive protection, entrepreneurship, and writing over 40 books. The duo discusses the unique challenges veterans face upon leaving the service—like loss of purpose, camaraderie, and...
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Vietnam Veteran's Powerful Story of Healing
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Lessons From Combat Veterans with Cole Grace on Helping the Brave
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this candid episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Cole Grace, an Army National Guard combat engineer, for a real talk about military service, the challenges of deployment, living with PTSD, and navigating the complex world of VA disability benefits. Cole opens up about his experiences in Iraq as an IED hunter, the dangers he faced, and the aftereffects that followed him home—including medical struggles related to experimental equipment and the nuances of getting the right support from the VA. Ed and Cole dive deep into what really matters: why it’s so important...
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From Paratrooper to Author: Rick DeStefanis on Healing, Writing, and Veteran Life After War
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Vietnam-era Army veteran and acclaimed author Rick DeStefanis. Rick shares his fascinating journey—from enlisting during the height of the Vietnam War, to his transformative experiences as a paratrooper, and his unexpected path to becoming a prolific writer of military fiction. Together, Ed and Rick dive into the complexities of military service, the lasting impact of PTSD (or PTS, as Rick prefers to call it), and the importance of sharing veterans’ stories, even when it’s difficult. Rick opens up about why he...
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Eric Donoho on Moral Injury, Veteran Suicide and Transitioning After Military Service
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this powerful episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut talks with Army veteran Eric Donoho about the realities of military service, combat injuries, and the journey home. Eric opens up about his deployment to Iraq, his experiences with IEDs and traumatic brain injury, and how those moments shaped his life after service. Together, they delve into the challenges veterans face during transition, the importance of addressing both PTSD and "moral injury," and why it’s crucial to create real support networks for returning servicemembers. Eric shares his personal story—losing a...
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Amanda Zeine’s Inspiring Path: Army Medicine, Overcoming TBI, and Kids’ Books for Military Families
Helping The Brave Podcast
On this episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Dr. Amanda Zeine, a former Army pediatrician whose journey through military service, unexpected injury, and personal reinvention will inspire veterans and civilians alike. Amanda shares her accidental enlistment story—starting with a scholarship her mother encouraged her to pursue and leading to a 15-year career in the Army, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. From medical school and residency in Hawaii to serving as a flight surgeon with medevac missions, Amanda opens up about the unique challenges facing...
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Discover Joseph Bolton’s Transformation From Combat Engineer to Storyteller and Self-Published Author
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this inspiring episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Joseph Bolton, a 25-year Army veteran, author, and storyteller. Joseph shares his candid journey from enlisting right out of high school—at the insistence of his father—to reluctantly starting on what would become a distinguished military career. He recounts his experiences as a combat engineer, his turbulent path to and through West Point, surviving the infamous rigors of Ranger School, and serving as a space operations officer during a transformative time in U.S. Army history. After retiring from the Army, Joseph...
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From Ranger to Editor: Randall Surles on Military Service, Writing, and Life After Transition
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In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Randall Surles—a retired Army Green Beret, former Ranger, and now a professional editor and writing mentor. Randall shares his remarkable 30-year journey in the military, from his early aspirations of adventure to facing the challenges of Ranger school, Green Beret training, and beyond. He dives deep into the realities of military service, the transition to civilian life, and how he found a new calling in writing, editing, and helping other veterans tell their stories. The conversation takes listeners on a unique detour...
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Military to Mentor Jim Rojas-Taylor Shares Emotional Adaptability Secrets for Veterans
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Jim Rojas-Taylor, a Marine Corps veteran who has carved a unique path from military service to the world of acting, theater, and emotional literacy. Jim shares his powerful journey—from his early fascination with the Marine Corps and tough experiences in service, to the surprising way theater and voice lessons helped shape his post-military life. Discover the tools and techniques Jim now teaches for mastering mental and emotional resilience, including the transformative Stanislavski system. Whether you’re a fellow...
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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,...
info_outlineOn 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 by veterans, particularly those transitioning out of service, highlighting the importance of having purpose and the difficulties surrounding PTSD. The episode also touches on Julian's work with Wounded Warriors Canada, supporting veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD.
Listeners will also hear about Julian's civilian endeavors, including his business in managerial leadership development and his book, "The Managerial Leadership Journey," which combines insights from military and civilian experiences to guide leaders of leaders. The episode concludes with discussions on societal perspectives on veterans, the importance of mental health care, and navigating the challenges of leadership in today's world.
**Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)
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