Lessons From Combat Veterans with Cole Grace on Helping the Brave
Release Date: 09/02/2025
Lee Ettinger on Veteran Community Life And Finding Purpose Again
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with guests Chris Miles and Lee Ettinger for an engaging conversation about military service, transition to civilian life, and entrepreneurship. Chris Miles shares candid stories from his time in the Marine Corps, including challenging boot camp experiences and lessons learned from amphibious assault training. He and Ed Parcaut dive into the ways military culture has evolved over the years, the importance of community among veterans, and the struggles many face after leaving service—especially when it comes to navigating...
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Transitioning from Soldier to Storyteller: Dean Davidson's Path to Hope
Helping The Brave Podcast
Join Ed Parcaut as he welcomes Dean Davidson for a candid conversation about military service, PTSD, and the journey of healing. Dean shares his story of serving in the U.S. Army, the challenges of lost records and transitioning to civilian life, and how writing and acting became a creative outlet. Delving into his upcoming novel "The Emir: The Tora Bora Vendetta," Dean discusses the power of storytelling for veterans, messages of hope and redemption, and the importance of reaching out for support. If you’re seeking inspiration, honest perspectives, and insight into the veteran experience,...
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Hard Hat Philosophy: Empowering Veterans & Middle America with Randy Bridge
Helping The Brave Podcast
Welcome to Helping the Brave with host Ed Parcaut, the show dedicated to supporting veterans as they navigate life after service. In this episode, Ed sits down with Randy Bridge, Army veteran and author of Hard Hat Philosophy. Together, they discuss the challenges veterans face in accessing VA benefits, overcoming the stigma around seeking help for PTSD and service-connected injuries, and practical advice for maximizing your benefits and securing your family's future. Randy shares his personal journey from military service to a decades-long career in the railroad industry, overcoming periods...
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Justice for Holt: A Veteran’s Fight Against Small Town Corruption
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this compelling episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Eric Holt, a U.S. Army veteran and former fire chief, whose career journey took an unexpected turn after standing up for election integrity. Eric Holt shares his story, from serving as a firefighter in the Army to uncovering troubling violations during a local fire district election in Colorado. His decision to do the right thing set off a chain of personal and professional consequences—including retaliation, job loss, and a long legal battle. Listeners will hear Eric Holt candidly describe the challenges of rebuilding...
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Restoring the Broken: Understanding Moral Injury with Larry Brant
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this compelling episode of Helping the Brave, Ed Parcaut sits down with Navy Chaplain Larry Brant to unpack the critical, often misunderstood topic of moral injury. Larry candidly shares his path from worship pastor to 16 years serving as a chaplain for the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Together, they explore the challenges veterans face with PTSD, moral injury, and the VA claims process, as well as Larry’s upcoming book, “Restoring the Broken.” If you want an honest, empathetic look at the spiritual and emotional wounds of military service—and practical advice on seeking help and...
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Beyond The Battlefield: Overcoming Transition Challenges And Giving Back
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this candid episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed welcomes guest Alec Altamirano for an in-depth conversation about military service, veteran benefits, and life after the uniform. Alec shares his journey from joining the Marine Corps in 2005, serving as a machine gunner in Iraq, and navigating the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, including the pursuit of education and his current role as a battalion chief with CAL FIRE. Together, they dive into the complexities of navigating VA benefits—unpacking everything from disability ratings, GI Bill usage, and Vocational Rehab, to...
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Army to Real Estate: Dennis Mark Interdonato’s Inspiring Transition and Niche Success Story
Helping The Brave Podcast
Welcome to Helping the Brave with your host, Ed Parcaut. In this episode, Ed Parcaut sits down with Dennis Mark Interdonato, a veteran, real estate expert, and founder of The Dennis Mark Group. Together, they dive deep into Dennis’s journey from serving in the Army to building a thriving career in real estate—highlighting the challenges of transitioning from military life, the changing landscape of Army training, and the realities of running a family business. Dennis opens up about his path to finding his niche in divorce real estate, including his drive to provide a compassionate,...
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Financial Planning & Real-Life Lessons with Chris Pollard
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this insightful episode, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Army veteran and financial planner Chris Pollard for an engaging conversation about military service, career transitions, and building financial security after the uniform comes off. Chris Pollard shares his journey from high school Army reserves, through West Point and active duty deployments, to his current career in personal financial planning. You’ll hear candid stories about leadership, the challenges of military and civilian life, and why purpose matters when planning your next chapter. The discussion dives into practical...
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From Air Force to Author: Jeff Kildow's Journey Through History and Alternative Fiction
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this thought-provoking episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with veteran and author Jeff Kildow for an engaging conversation about service, history, and storytelling. Jeff Kildow shares his journey from serving as a missile maintenance technician in the United States Air Force during the 1960s to a long career in aerospace engineering and ultimately becoming an author of alternative history novels about World War II and beyond. Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of military life, reflections on the evolution of technology in warfare, and insightful discussions about...
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Crayon Box Politics, VA Benefits, and Changing Parties: An Open Conversation with Carl Able
Helping The Brave Podcast
On this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Marine Corps veteran Carl Able to dive deep into a life of service, transition, and the drive to make a difference after the military. Carl shares candid stories—from his unique path into intelligence work, experiences in Iraq, learning new languages at Monterey, and navigating the world of veterans' benefits. The conversation opens up about the challenges and rewards of leaving the military after 20 years, dealing with VA disability, and why it matters to speak openly about these benefits. They also discuss Carl’s...
info_outlineIn 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 to reach out to fellow veterans, how small gestures can truly save lives, and practical advice for anyone facing the uphill battle of VA claims and mental health. They share resources, personal strategies, and raw truths, all while reinforcing their central message—don’t wait to tell people how much they mean to you.
Cole also introduces his book, "Internal is Greater Than External: Calming the Chaos Within," which focuses on dealing with PTSD, depression, and building internal resilience.
Whether you’re a veteran, a supporter, or just curious about real-life challenges faced by those who served, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice.
Connect with Cole Grace on Instagram (@cgrace21), YouTube (@cgrace21), and find his book on Amazon.*
*Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)
For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.
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