Cooking, Comedy, and Camaraderie: Mental Health in the Kitchen
Release Date: 12/09/2025
From Combat Tours to Hollywood: Brandon Ashcraft’s Mission to Help Veterans Heal
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this powerful episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Brandon Ashcraft, a U.S. Air Force veteran whose journey takes us from intense overseas tours to a decades-long fight for justice and healing within the military system. Brandon Ashcraft shares deeply personal stories about service, resilience, and the challenges faced upon returning home—from PTSD and service-related trauma to battling for his VA benefits and an upgraded discharge. He opens up about how past family tragedy shaped his life, the harsh realities many veterans face with the military bureaucracy, and...
info_outline
Mastering Civilian Leadership: Insights from a Paratrooper’s Path
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Chris Duprey, an Army veteran and leadership coach, for an open and inspiring conversation about military service, transition, and the surprising lessons that come with building a new life and career after the uniform comes off. Chris Duprey shares his story, from his early ambition to attend West Point, through his active duty years as an infantry officer—including command in the 82nd Airborne Division—and the tough choice to step away, prioritizing family over military advancement. Chris opens up about the unexpected...
info_outline
Cooking, Comedy, and Camaraderie: Mental Health in the Kitchen
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of "Helping The Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Corey Brown and Sam Matthews for a candid conversation about life after military service, mental health, and the power of finding purpose. Corey Brown, an Army veteran with over 16 years of service, shares his journey from the battlefield to becoming a business leader and his mission to support fellow veterans and first responders struggling with mental health challenges. The trio discusses the importance of community, the stigmas surrounding asking for help, and how initiatives like their new show "Eat Your Feelings"...
info_outline
From the Battlefield to Helping Veterans Thrive: Rich Brown’s Story
Helping The Brave Podcast
Join host Ed Parcaut for an inspiring episode of Helping The Brave, where he sits down with Marine veteran Rich Brown to discuss service, sacrifice, and the challenges veterans face after returning home. Rich Brown shares his journey from enlisting as a teenager, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq, and overcoming the life-altering effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The conversation dives deep into the realities of military service, transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of building community and purpose for veterans. This episode also explores important topics like veteran...
info_outline
From the Army to Authorship: Lee Allen’s Story of Service and Success
Helping The Brave Podcast
In this episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Lee Allen to talk about Lee’s journey through military service, business, and writing. From growing up in an Army family and joining the 82nd Airborne, to his advice on navigating real estate and his successful transition into entrepreneurship, Lee shares insights and stories that show how military experiences shape life after service. Lee also opens up about his work as an author, including the inspiration behind his heartwarming Christmas books, and discusses the value of forgiveness and faith—both in literature and in...
info_outline
From Marine Corps to Corporate: Francisco Garza’s Blueprint for Transition Success
Helping The Brave Podcast
Marine Corps officer, reservist, dad of four, and corporate consultant Francisco Garza joins Ed Parcaut for a real conversation about transition, purpose, and what leadership really means. From high-stakes military missions to the uncertainty of leaving active duty during a pandemic, Francisco Garza opens up about the hard moments, the questions, and the value of community—whether it's in uniform or not. He shares candid insights on navigating military-to-civilian life, the balancing act of parenthood and career, the power of writing down your own life philosophy, and the surprising perks of...
info_outline
From Service to Support: Tom Sauer’s Mission for Veterans’ Mental Health
Helping The Brave Podcast
Tom Sauer – Resilience, Service & Recovery In this powerful episode, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Tom Sauer, a Navy and Marine Corps veteran turned entrepreneur. Tom Sauer shares his inspiring journey from military service to building Miramar Health, a mental health and addiction recovery center for veterans. Learn how personal loss and experiences with addiction and suicide in the veteran community motivated Tom Sauer to make a difference. The conversation tackles challenges within the VA system, the critical importance of accessible care, and how Miramar Health is providing essential...
info_outline
From Air Force Pilot to Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate: Jared Lilje’s Inspiring Mission
Helping The Brave Podcast
From Combat Flight to Compassion: Jared Lilje’s Mission Against Human Trafficking In this inspiring episode of Helping the Brave, hosts Ed Parcaut and Jared Lilje dive deep into Jared’s remarkable journey from Air Force crew chief to pilot, and how his military experiences shaped his mission-driven approach to life. Listen as Jared shares how he transitioned from flying C5s and C17s to launching Jay Kristoff Handbags—a luxury brand with a purpose: fighting human trafficking by donating a portion of every sale to nonprofits chosen by customers. Discover unique stories from the cockpit,...
info_outline
Hiking Through Trauma: Marine Vet Rand Timmerman’s Appalachian Trail Story
Helping The Brave Podcast
Join host Ed Parcaut as he welcomes U.S. Marine Corps veteran and author Rand Timmerman for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, brotherhood, and personal transformation. Rand shares powerful stories from his service with the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam, confronting PTSD and decades of alcoholism, and his inspiring journey hiking the Appalachian Trail in his seventies. Discover how Rand found purpose after combat, built a legal career, overcame adversity, and embarked on a spiritual passage with his brother. This candid episode offers real insights into veteran mental health,...
info_outline
Military to Manufacturing: How Justin Baucum is Modernizing American Industry
Helping The Brave Podcast
Join host Ed Parcaut for an inspiring conversation with Army veteran Justin Baucum. Justin shares his unique journey of growing up in Hong Kong and China, serving in Army Special Forces, and successfully transitioning to the world of tech and advanced manufacturing. Discover what it’s really like to leave the military, navigate civilian life, and find purpose in new ventures. In this episode, Justin talks about his service, combat deployments, career pivots, and the lessons he learned—plus real-world advice for veterans considering their next chapter. You’ll hear insights on...
info_outlineIn this episode of "Helping The Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Corey Brown and Sam Matthews for a candid conversation about life after military service, mental health, and the power of finding purpose. Corey Brown, an Army veteran with over 16 years of service, shares his journey from the battlefield to becoming a business leader and his mission to support fellow veterans and first responders struggling with mental health challenges. The trio discusses the importance of community, the stigmas surrounding asking for help, and how initiatives like their new show "Eat Your Feelings" combine cooking, comedy, and real talk to create connections and break down barriers.
Get ready for a mix of heartfelt stories, lighthearted banter, and practical advice—plus a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a unique cooking show aimed at bringing people together through food and conversation. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or anyone seeking purpose and connection, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone, and it's okay to ask for help.
Learn more about their mission and resources for veterans at eatyourfeelingsshow.com, and join the movement to support mental health in our communities.
*Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)
For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.
#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #CoreyBrown #SamMatthews #EatYourFeelingsShow #Veterans #MentalHealthAwareness #FirewalkForVets #FirstResponders #VeteranSupport #PTSD #Resilience #MilitaryStories #SupportOurTroops #CookingTherapy #ComedyPodcast #SuicidePrevention #PurposeAfterService #CommunityHealing #MilitaryPodcast