Helping The Brave Podcast
"Helping the Brave" is a weekly podcast dedicated to supporting veterans as they transition into civilian life and beyond. New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday, offering insights, guidance, and real-world advice to help veterans navigate new opportunities. Our mission is simple: veterans helping veterans succeed after service. We also strive to raise awareness about the importance of accessing the VA benefits you’ve earned. Tune in as we share valuable resources and empowering stories to help those who have served thrive in their next chapter.
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Veterans Share Real Military Stories: PTSD, Ranger School and More!
11/03/2026
Veterans Share Real Military Stories: PTSD, Ranger School and More!
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Cory Gold, an Army veteran and founder of Worth Their Weight, for a powerful conversation about military injury, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, disability benefits, and helping veterans get connected to the resources they earned. Cory shares why he chose the Army, how his grandfather’s service influenced him, and why he fought hard to get an Airborne Ranger contract. But his military path changed during Airborne School, when a bad exit, parachute malfunction, and hard landing left him with a broken back and traumatic brain injury. After leaving the Army, Cory struggled for years without understanding the VA benefits system or what was happening in his own body and mind. He talks openly about pain, self-medication, losing jobs, mental health challenges, family separation, and the turning point that came from a conversation with a Marine at a dog park who asked about his VA rating. That conversation started Cory’s path toward treatment, disability compensation, stability, and eventually founding Worth Their Weight, an organization focused on helping veterans connect with representatives, services, and benefits that can change their lives. Ed and Cory also discuss the battle buddy mindset, veteran suicide prevention, mental health access, VSOs, nexus letters, DBQs, VA claims tools, AI, and outreach to homeless veterans across the country. This is an episode about what happens when veterans do not get the information they need, and how one conversation can change the entire direction of a life. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #CoryGold #WorthTheirWeight #VeteranBenefits #VADisability #PTSDRecovery #TBIRecovery #ArmyVeteran #AirborneSchool #VeteranMentalHealth #VeteransHelpingVeterans #HomelessVeterans #VAClaims #LifeAfterService
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Air Force Lab Tech's Journey: Injury, VA Struggle & Victory
10/27/2026
Air Force Lab Tech's Journey: Injury, VA Struggle & Victory
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Mark Barlet, an Air Force veteran and CEO of AccessForge, for a practical and honest conversation about service-connected disability, VA claims, invisible injuries, community care, and accessibility as a business advantage. Mark shares why he chose the Air Force, how he became a lab tech focused on clinical microbiology, and how a fall down the stairs while working night shift changed the rest of his life. After breaking his spine and undergoing emergency surgery at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Mark found himself in a frustrating position: too disabled to stay in service, but not medically retired. Like many veterans, he had to learn how to navigate the VA after getting out. Ed and Mark talk openly about VA disability ratings, why veterans underreport symptoms, the value of medical records, nexus letters, DBQs, out-processing physicals, and why veterans should not feel guilty for filing claims. Mark also shares how his own records later helped connect narcolepsy and sleep issues to service, including medication that would otherwise cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. The second half of the conversation shifts into Mark’s current work with AccessForge, where he helps businesses understand accessibility, invisible disability, customer experience, and the spending power of people with disabilities. He explains why one in five people lives with a disability, why most disabilities are not visible, and why businesses that treat disabled people as real customers can create better experiences and stronger revenue. This is an episode about advocacy, access, documentation, disability, and helping veterans and businesses stop overlooking the people who need to be seen. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #MarkBarlet #AccessForge #VADisability #VeteranBenefits #InvisibleDisability #Accessibility #Section508 #CommunityCare #VeteransHelpingVeterans #DisabilityInclusion #AirForceVeteran #VeteranAdvocacy #LifeAfterService Got a story worth hearing? Join Ed for Launch Your Podcast in 30 Days, a free live PodVeteran workshop on Thursday, October 29 at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET. Learn the MIC Protocol (Mission, Identity, Content) and leave with your show's mission, your listener, a title and your first 3 episodes planned. Save your seat (replay included if you can't make it live): https://podveteran.com
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Army Medic Patrick Thibeault: Survival Skills For Everyday Life
10/20/2026
Army Medic Patrick Thibeault: Survival Skills For Everyday Life
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Patrick Thibeault for a wide-ranging conversation about Army service, airborne life, combat medicine, survival training, veteran healthcare, and writing through the weight of war. Patrick shares why he chose the Army after growing up around Fort Bragg and watching paratroopers jump from aircraft. He talks about joining while still in high school, graduating in Korea while his father was stationed there, training at Fort Bliss, and becoming an Army medic, paratrooper, and later a flight medic. His path eventually took him into the 160th Special Operations Aviation community, where medics supported unique missions including search and rescue, casualty evacuation, helicopter refueling support, and recovery operations. Ed and Patrick also discuss Desert Storm, Afghanistan, National Guard service, SERE School, and how survival training became a lifelong interest. Patrick explains how that experience helped shape his work as The TPP Suburban Prepper, where he teaches medical readiness, urban survival, city-specific preparedness, and practical survival skills for regular people living in suburban environments. The conversation also gets personal. Patrick talks about becoming an RN, then a nurse practitioner, working at the VA, helping fellow veterans, and writing about his journey as a combat medic. He and Ed discuss PTSD, mental health access, community care, the importance of talking to somebody, and why veterans should not carry everything alone. This is an episode about service, survival, medicine, memory, and continuing to help veterans long after the battlefield. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #PatrickThibeault #CombatMedic #ArmyVeteran #AirborneMedic #160thSOAR #DesertStorm #AfghanistanVeteran #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDAwareness #SurvivalTraining #SuburbanPrepper #VeteranHealthcare #VeteransHelpingVeterans Got a story worth hearing? Join Ed for Launch Your Podcast in 30 Days, a free live PodVeteran workshop on Thursday, October 29 at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET. Learn the MIC Protocol (Mission, Identity, Content) and leave with your show's mission, your listener, a title and your first 3 episodes planned. Save your seat (replay included if you can't make it live): https://podveteran.com
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Air Force Veteran: Heather McLean's 20-Year Journey
10/13/2026
Air Force Veteran: Heather McLean's 20-Year Journey
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Heather McLean for a conversation about Air Force service, veteran transition, technology leadership, AI, and building a company after military and corporate life. Heather shares how she joined Air Force ROTC while trying to figure out how to pay for college, started as a supply officer, and built a twenty-year career that moved through logistics, recruiting, reserves, IT portfolio management, and communications work with U.S. Transportation Command. She explains what it was like managing large legacy systems, working around siloed technology, and helping determine which systems should be modernized, retired, or improved. The conversation also covers Heather’s transition into the commercial software world, where she helped lead agile software teams and eventually ran a large engineering organization building custom solutions for Fortune 500 companies. After eleven years in corporate technology, burnout and the desire to keep learning pushed her to start McLean Forrester, a company focused on AI and custom technology solutions. Ed and Heather dig into AI, vibe coding, software development, data quality, guardrails, human oversight, and why companies should not mistake a chatbot or quick automation for a real strategy. They also discuss how veterans can bring leadership, systems thinking, and mission focus into technology and entrepreneurship. This episode is about service, transition, growth, and using hard-earned experience to help businesses build smarter in a rapidly changing world. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #HeatherMcLean #AirForceVeteran #VeteranTransition #AIForBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #WomenVeterans #AgileSoftware #McLeanForrester #TechnologyLeadership #MilitaryTransition #CustomSoftware #BusinessInnovation #VeteransInTech
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Veterans Spill: Aussie Special Forces Direct Recruiting Secrets
10/06/2026
Veterans Spill: Aussie Special Forces Direct Recruiting Secrets
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut welcomes back Tim Thomas, an Australian Army commando and veteran of Afghanistan and East Timor, for a deep conversation about breathwork, sleep, isolation, healing, and the long road back after service. Tim shares how he entered Australia’s direct recruiting pathway into special forces, how deployment and transition shaped his life afterward, and how a simple breathing practice became one of the first tools that helped him rebuild energy, awareness, and a sense of possibility. He and Ed talk about the painful reality many veterans face after service: feeling isolated, exhausted, sleepless, and surrounded by advice that may be more marketing than healing. The conversation explores breathwork, cold exposure, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, pharmaceuticals, plant medicine, therapy, peer support, and why there is no single path that works for everyone. Tim argues that before veterans try to fix everything downstream, they often need to address two fundamentals first: sleep and social connection. Ed and Tim also talk about AI, veteran tools, Operation Firewalk, the danger of relying on machines for healing advice, and the importance of finding real people who have walked the path and are living the kind of life you want to build. This episode is about breath, sleep, trust, connection, and choosing to move forward even when you cannot yet see the full road ahead. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #TimThomas #VeteranBreathwork #BreathworkInBed #PTSDRecovery #VeteranSleep #VeteranHealing #AustralianVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #SocialConnection #ColdExposure #HealingAfterService #VeteransHelpingVeterans
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Military to Civilian Transition: Inspiring Help
09/29/2026
Military to Civilian Transition: Inspiring Help
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Dr. Chrisanne Gordon for a passionate and eye-opening conversation about traumatic brain injury, PTSD, veteran transition, and the urgent need to rethink how America cares for those who served. Dr. Gordon explains why she believes PTSD should be understood through the lens of brain trauma, survival response, and rewired fight-or-flight pathways rather than shame or weakness. She shares how her work with traumatic brain injury screenings, Global War on Terror veterans, and the Resurrecting Lives Foundation opened her eyes to the disconnect between what veterans need and what the current system often provides. Ed and Dr. Gordon also talk about the difficult transition from military to civilian life, the need for a “boot camp out,” better medical record documentation, faster access to care, and a shift from a disability-focused system to an ability-focused system. The episode also highlights Guarding Our Guardians, a call-to-action book and mission focused on improving veteran services, healthcare, employment, education, and support after service. This is a powerful conversation for veterans, families, clinicians, advocates, and anyone who believes those who served deserve better than red tape and delayed care. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #ChrisanneGordon #TBI #PTSDAwareness #VeteranTransition #VeteranAdvocacy #BrainHealth #TraumaticBrainInjury #GuardingOurGuardians #ResurrectingLives #VAMentalHealth #VeteransHelpingVeterans #MilitaryTransition #DeploymentToEmployment
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Air Force Veteran Ken Mellott: A Life of Service
09/22/2026
Air Force Veteran Ken Mellott: A Life of Service
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Ken Mellott for a powerful conversation about Air Force service, survival, PTSD, identity, and rebuilding life after a near-fatal aircraft accident. Ken shares how his father’s Air Force service inspired him from a young age, why he attended the Air Force Academy, and how his career took him through pilot training, Beale Air Force Base, Berlin during the Cold War, RC-135 reconnaissance, and later the Air Force Reserve. One of the defining moments of his life came in 1979, when he survived a T-38 ejection after losing engines and dropping thousands of feet per minute. Ed and Ken talk openly about what that kind of trauma does to a person, especially in a military culture where pilots are expected to be tough, invincible, and silent about fear. Ken explains how the accident changed his relationship with flying, how PTSD symptoms followed him for years, and why he eventually had to accept that being a pilot did not have to be the only identity he carried for the rest of his life. The conversation also covers VA disability benefits, older veterans who never filed because they were told not to, sleep problems, memory, therapy, resilience programs, writing a book, vulnerability, and the unexpected support Ken received from other pilots after sharing his story. This is an honest episode about survival, service, fear, healing, and the freedom that can come from letting go of an identity that no longer serves you. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #KenMellott #AirForceVeteran #VeteranPTSD #VeteranTransition #T38Ejection #AirForceAcademy #PTSDRecovery #LifeAfterService #MilitaryTrauma #VeteranBenefits #AirForcePilot #VeteransHelpingVeterans #NextMission
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Navy Nuclear Vet's Journey To Mortgage Broker
09/15/2026
Navy Nuclear Vet's Journey To Mortgage Broker
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Jason Sharon for a practical conversation about Navy service, veteran transition, mortgage brokerage, and helping veterans use their VA loan benefit the right way. Jason shares how he joined the Navy in 1993, went through the nuclear program, served twenty years, and spent time on the USS Nimitz, USS Enterprise, and USS Anzio. After retiring, he was ready to leave engineering behind and do something different. A short-duty real estate license eventually led him into mortgages, where he learned VA loans, worked under another mortgage professional, and later opened his own brokerage. Ed and Jason dig deep into VA lending, including why veterans should work with local experts, why debt-to-income rules are misunderstood, how residual income really matters on VA loans, why credit history can matter more than a headline score, and how online lenders can create problems for purchases. They also talk about mortgage brokers, wholesale lenders, self-employed borrowers, manufactured homes, VA one-time construction loans, and how veterans can build homeownership the right way. This is a strong episode for veterans, active-duty service members, military families, real estate agents, and anyone who wants a clearer understanding of VA loans beyond the usual myths. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #JasonSharon #VALoans #VeteranHomeownership #NavyVeteran #MortgageBroker #VALoanExpert #MilitaryTransition #HomeLoansForVeterans #VAOTC #VeteranMortgage #NavyNuke #VeteransHelpingVeterans #HomeBuying
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From Navy To RCAF Pilot: Top Gun Dreams and 33 Years of Service
09/08/2026
From Navy To RCAF Pilot: Top Gun Dreams and 33 Years of Service
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Jonathan Knaul for a thoughtful conversation about military service, operational stress, combat deployments, test piloting, and the hidden weight of caring for loved ones. Jonathan shares how he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986, first serving in the Navy after Top Gun inspired him to pursue aviation. After four years, he transitioned into pilot training and went on to serve more than three decades full-time, mostly within the Royal Canadian Air Force. His career included time at Royal Military College, a PhD in chemical and materials engineering, helicopter operations, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and command of a Chinook helicopter fleet in combat. But the most personal part of the conversation comes when Jonathan talks about caregiver burnout. After leaving and returning to his role as a test pilot instructor in Mojave, he gave up his career for a season to care for his aging mother through dementia and mobility decline. That experience brought him to his knees in a way combat and first responder work had not, and it became the heart of his book, Final Approach: A Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones. Ed and Jonathan also discuss PTSD, operational stress, vulnerability, military pride, the importance of professional help, and why community matters for veterans and caregivers alike. This is an episode about service, family, humility, and learning that strength sometimes means admitting you cannot do it alone. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #JonathanKnaul #VeteranCaregiver #CaregiverBurnout #RoyalCanadianAirForce #CanadianVeteran #MilitaryMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #OperationalStress #VeteranSupport #DementiaCare #TestPilot #ChinookPilot #FinalApproach
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Veterans Share Real Army Stories: Iraq And Afghanistan War
09/01/2026
Veterans Share Real Army Stories: Iraq And Afghanistan War
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Jared Maxwell for a raw conversation about Army service, combat deployments, PTSD, law enforcement, and writing as a way to process the aftermath of war. Jared shares why he joined the Army after 9/11, how he became an Airborne infantryman, and what it was like deploying with the 82nd Airborne to Iraq in the early days of the war. He talks about serving in Fallujah before most Americans knew the name, conducting raids, and experiencing the confusion of fighting an enemy that did not wear a uniform. The conversation then moves into Afghanistan, where Jared served in Kunar Province, the Korengal Valley, and other highly contested areas. He explains what it was like living in small outposts, climbing mountains under fire, taking constant contact, and eventually developing PTSD after repeated combat exposure. By the end of his Army career, Jared had served nine years and spent roughly thirty-five months in combat. After the military, Jared moved into college, then law enforcement, where he served as a police officer and deputy sheriff for eleven years. Eventually, he leaned into the storytelling roots he grew up around and began writing books, including The Last Gunfighter, Wolfhound Dawn, and Code of Vengeance. This is an episode about war, transition, trauma, creativity, and how veterans can turn lived experience into meaningful work. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #JaredMaxwell #ArmyVeteran #AirborneInfantry #82ndAirborne #VeteranTransition #PTSDAwareness #CombatVeteran #VeteranAuthor #MilitaryThriller #KorengalValley #Fallujah #LifeAfterService #VeteransHelpingVeterans
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Trauma to Triumph: Navy's Vet's Divine Calling
08/25/2026
Trauma to Triumph: Navy's Vet's Divine Calling
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Fenix Shepard for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about Navy service, military sexual trauma, PTSD, addiction, faith, forgiveness, and healing. Fenix shares why she joined the Navy after 9/11, how she served aboard the USS Vella Gulf and USS Preble, and how her life changed after being assaulted during service. She talks openly about the impact of military sexual trauma, the years of addiction and instability that followed, and the moment she finally reached out to the VA for help. The conversation also explores what recovery looked like over time. Fenix became what she calls a “yes person” to healing, saying yes to therapy, DBT, CBT, military sexual trauma groups, VA support, fitness, sobriety, spirituality, and the companionship of her PTSD service dog, Marley. She also shares how her memoir, Love Unconditional, came from her conversations with Christ and her long journey back to purpose. Ed and Fenix talk about trauma, forgiveness, military culture, women in service, VA mental health care, community care, service dogs, and the tools Fenix now uses to help others, including Havening techniques, neuro linguistic programming, and hypnotherapy. This episode is about surviving what should have broken you, choosing help, and using your healing to become a light for someone else. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #FenixShepard #NavyVeteran #PTSDRecovery #MilitarySexualTrauma #MSTSurvivor #VeteranMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #VeteranRecovery #ServiceDog #FaithAndHealing #SobrietyJourney #VeteransHelpingVeterans #LoveUnconditional
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US Army Veteran's Story: Desert Storm and Real Military Truths
08/18/2026
US Army Veteran's Story: Desert Storm and Real Military Truths
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Scott Lackey for a conversation about Army service, Desert Storm, military transition, endurance, writing, and what it means to keep rebuilding after life gets hard. Scott shares why he chose the Army, how he served in tactical telecommunications, and how a surprising assignment in Germany eventually led him into a front-row view of leadership and responsibility. He also talks about serving during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the chaos of early deployment conditions, and the lasting impact of military experiences that are not always easy to explain. The conversation goes far beyond service history. Scott opens up about how difficult civilian life was after leaving the military, why his “make it happen” mindset did not translate the way he expected, and how years later he found himself confronting a list of broken promises to himself during COVID. That self-examination led him toward endurance goals like the Ironman and eventually toward writing his book, Wake Up to Die Again. This is an honest episode about veteran transition, identity, discipline, endurance, trauma, and learning how to keep your promises to yourself when no one else can do it for you. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #ScottLackey #ArmyVeteran #DesertStorm #VeteranTransition #LifeAfterService #VeteranReinvention #IronmanMindset #MentalToughness #VeteranAuthor #PurposeAfterService #MilitaryToCivilian #EnduranceAthlete #WakeUpToDieAgain
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Dad, Surgeon, Officer: A Life of Healing And Storytelling
08/11/2026
Dad, Surgeon, Officer: A Life of Healing And Storytelling
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Sean Adelman for a thoughtful conversation about Air Force service, military medicine, transition, family, and what it means to keep growing after the uniform comes off. Sean shares why he chose the Air Force, how military service helped make medical school possible, and what it was like serving as a physician during a period marked by 9/11 and deployments to the Middle East. He also talks about taking care of special operations personnel, the unique culture of military medicine, and the difficulty of leaving a system and identity he thought would last for an entire career. The conversation goes deeper into veteran transition, self-worth, family, and perspective. Sean opens up about how his daughter with Down syndrome changed the way he measures success, happiness, and impact. He and Ed talk about mentorship, making a difference one person at a time, staying creative, writing books, and how veterans can find meaning again when life does not go the way they expected. This is an honest episode about service, transition, family, and learning to value the moments that matter most. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #SeanAdelman #AirForceVeteran #VeteranTransition #LifeAfterService #MilitaryMedicine #TraumaSurgeon #PurposeAfterService #VeteranMindset #MilitaryFamily #OrthopedicTrauma #ServiceAfterService #VeteransHelpingVeterans #NextMission
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Bomb Dog Handlers Army Journey: From Croatia To K9 School
08/04/2026
Bomb Dog Handlers Army Journey: From Croatia To K9 School
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Ryan Matthews for a conversation about Army service, military working dogs, trauma, entrepreneurship, and purpose after the uniform. Ryan shares why he chose the Army, how he became a bomb dog handler, and what it was like working with explosive detection dogs on missions that included clearing areas during elections in Iraq. He talks about discovering his love for working dogs, how his understanding of training has evolved over the last twenty-five years, and why the real work is often not just training the dog, but helping the human become more aware, more consistent, and more honest. The conversation also turns personal. Ryan opens up about surviving stage three colon cancer and a widow-maker heart attack, navigating service connection with the VA, reading more about PTSD, and recognizing how trauma can continue to show up in everyday life. He and Ed also talk about AI, entrepreneurship, and why veterans have a real edge when they apply discipline and drive to building something new. This is an episode about service, survival, healing, dog training, and using what you have learned to help others move forward. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #RyanMatthews #ArmyVeteran #MilitaryWorkingDogs #DogTraining #VeteranTransition #CanineBehavior #ExplosiveDetectionDog #VeteranEntrepreneur #LifeAfterService #PTSDAwareness #HealingAndGrowth #WorkingDogs #NextMission
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Army Recruit To Gulf War Near-Miss: A Soldier's Story
07/28/2026
Army Recruit To Gulf War Near-Miss: A Soldier's Story
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Eric Goebelbecker for a wide-ranging conversation about Army service, military transition, technology, writing, and the challenge of reinventing yourself after service. Eric shares why he joined the Army, how family history shaped that decision, and what life looked like serving in Germany as a Hawk continuous wave radar repair specialist during the Cold War era. He talks about loving Germany enough to reenlist, then eventually deciding to leave the Army when the next assignment no longer fit the life he wanted. From there, the conversation shifts into what many veterans know well: getting out without a perfect plan and figuring it out in real time. Eric explains how his military technical training became the foundation for civilian work in electronics, teleconferencing, factory systems, programming, and eventually Wall Street technology with Reuters. He and Ed also talk about AI, writing, copyright, the future of work, and why adapting matters more than ever. This is an episode about second acts, learning on the fly, and using the skills you built in uniform to keep creating value in the civilian world. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #EricGoebelbecker #VeteranTransition #LifeAfterService #ArmyVeteran #TechCareer #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranReinvention #SoftwareDeveloper #AuthorLife #AIAndWriting #HelpingVeterans #SecondAct #NextMission
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Pilot, Chef, Coder? One Man's Incredible Journey
07/21/2026
Pilot, Chef, Coder? One Man's Incredible Journey
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Josh Brinson for a wide-ranging conversation about military service, transition, fitness, entrepreneurship, and finding purpose after the uniform. Josh shares how he joined the Navy, became a helicopter aircrew rescue swimmer, and found himself learning nearly every job around the aircraft. He talks about deployments, humanitarian work in Pakistan after the earthquake, the realities of leaving the military without a clear plan, and the challenge so many veterans face when they lose the structure and identity that service once gave them. The conversation also explores what came next: working with his dad, EMS and fire service, contracting overseas, competitive barbecue, fitness coaching, aviation, business ownership, and raising a family while continuing to evolve. Ed and Josh also touch on PTSD awareness, how trauma can hide in plain sight, and why staying physically and mentally engaged matters so much after service. This is an honest episode about transition, reinvention, purpose, and staying ready for whatever comes next. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #JoshBrinson #VeteranTransition #NavyVeteran #LifeAfterService #VeteranFitness #PurposeAfterService #RescueSwimmer #VeteranEntrepreneur #GuardianStrength #PTSDAwareness #MilitaryTransition #VeteransHelpingVeterans #NextMission
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Conquering PTSD: 40 Years of Veteran Healing Secrets
07/14/2026
Conquering PTSD: 40 Years of Veteran Healing Secrets
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Faust Ruggiero for a powerful conversation about PTSD, trauma recovery, and what veterans really need in order to heal. Faust shares lessons from four decades of working with veterans, including why PTSD should not be treated as a simple mental health label and why talk therapy alone often falls short. He explains that trauma affects the body, emotions, and thinking all at once, and that real recovery takes trust, education, commitment, and the right guide. Ed and Faust also talk honestly about the frustrations many veterans face when trying to get help through the VA, the importance of community care and self-advocacy, how to choose a therapist who actually understands PTSD, and why medication by itself is rarely enough. This is a practical and hopeful episode about veteran healing, trauma education, and finding a better road map for PTSD recovery. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #FaustRuggiero #PTSDRecovery #VeteranPTSD #TraumaRecovery #VeteransMentalHealth #PTSDTreatment #HealingAfterTrauma #TraumaTherapy #LifeAfterService #VeteranHealing #FirstResponderTrauma #MentalHealthSupport #HelpingVeterans
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From Jamaica To Army: Queen William's Inspiring Journey
07/07/2026
From Jamaica To Army: Queen William's Inspiring Journey
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Dr. CM Queen Williams for a powerful conversation about Army service, military medicine, cancer care, veteran benefits, and finding purpose after burnout. Dr. Williams shares her journey from immigrating to the United States from Jamaica, to joining the Army as an enlisted soldier, to later becoming a physician and radiation oncologist through military medicine. She talks about paying for school with the GI Bill, going through medical training, serving at major military medical centers, and spending years treating cancer patients in uniform. The conversation also dives into a mission she cares deeply about today: helping veterans understand cancer-related claims, toxin exposure, presumptive conditions, the PACT Act, and when a strong nexus letter or DBQ actually matters. Ed and Dr. Williams talk honestly about the confusion many veterans face, the poor-quality letters some people are paying too much for, and why specialists need to stay in their lane if they want to truly help. This episode is about service, reinvention, medical expertise, and using what you have learned to make life easier for the veterans coming behind you. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #CMQueenWilliams #VeteranBenefits #PACTAct #ArmyVeteran #MilitaryDoctor #CancerClaims #ToxinExposure #NexusLetter #DBQ #VeteranTransition #WomenVeterans #MilitaryMedicine #VeteransHelpingVeterans
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Marine Corps: Rebellion, Family Legacy, & Tech Talk
06/30/2026
Marine Corps: Rebellion, Family Legacy, & Tech Talk
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with John Smith for a conversation about life after military service, VA claims, family, faith, and finding purpose in the next chapter. John shares why he chose the Marine Corps, how he built a career as a tactical air defense controller, and how that path eventually led him to the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics community. After retirement, he stayed close to the mission by continuing to support Marines and sailors as a contractor and subject matter expert, while also building a podcast and looking for more ways to help veterans. Ed and John also dig into the confusion around VA disability claims, PTSD ratings, missing records, buddy letters, and why clear information matters so much for veterans trying to get the benefits they earned. The conversation expands into technology, AI, podcasting, multiple income streams, and how veterans can use their skills to create freedom, help others, and stay present for their families. This is an honest episode about service after the service, and how purpose does not end at retirement. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #JohnSmith #MarineVeteran #VeteranTransition #VADisability #VABenefits #LifeAfterService #VeteranAdvocacy #MilitaryRetirement #PTSDRatings #VeteranPodcast #FaithAndFamily #VeteransHelpingVeterans #NextMission
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Drone's, Veterans, And Puerto Rico: The Drone Boss Interview
06/23/2026
Drone's, Veterans, And Puerto Rico: The Drone Boss Interview
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Damon Darnall, also known as the Drone Boss, for a conversation about drones, entrepreneurship, and why this fast-growing industry can be a strong fit for veterans. Damon shares how he got into flying at a young age, how the drone industry has evolved, and why he believes commercial drones are creating one of the biggest business opportunities in the years ahead. He and Ed talk about inspections, solar, dams, power lines, delivery systems, mapping, AI-powered automation, and how drones are opening doors for small business owners. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is Damon’s experience helping people move from traditional jobs into drone entrepreneurship. He explains why veterans often do especially well in this space, thanks to discipline, execution, and a natural ability to follow systems and operating procedures. This is a practical episode about veteran transition, new technology, side hustles, and building a business in a growing market. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #DamonDarnall #DroneBoss #DroneBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #VeteranTransition #DronesForVeterans #CommercialDrones #AIInTheSky #DroneTraining #BusinessOpportunity #SideHustle #PostMilitaryLife #VeteransHelpingVeterans
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Veterans' Untold Stories: From Service To Life After
06/16/2026
Veterans' Untold Stories: From Service To Life After
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Aaron Crippen for a real conversation about military service, hidden trauma, transition, reinvention, and purpose. Aaron shares why he joined the Army, what life looked like in infantry service, and how injuries and experiences from that time followed him long after he got out. He talks openly about not fully understanding PTSD at first, dealing with survivor’s guilt, learning how trauma shows up years later, and navigating a system that often leaves veterans frustrated when they need help most. The conversation also explores what came next. Aaron found his way back into stunt work, built a business in a trust-based industry, and began writing a memoir rooted in one powerful idea: sometimes the moments that knock us down become the ones that shape us most. This episode is about resilience, mindset, veteran transition, storytelling, and what it means to keep getting back up. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #AaronCrippen #VeteranTransition #PTSDRecovery #ArmyVeteran #LifeAfterService #VeteranMindset #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTrauma #Stuntman #PurposeAfterService #VeteransHelpingVeterans
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From Navy Vet to Film Production: Unexpected Roles
06/09/2026
From Navy Vet to Film Production: Unexpected Roles
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Terry Weaver for a conversation about military service, transition, creativity, and the power of storytelling after the uniform comes off. Terry shares how he joined the Navy, served as a Corpsman with the Marines, and eventually had to figure out what came next after service. That next chapter took him through business, entrepreneurship, writing, acting, and filmmaking. What makes this conversation stand out is how honest it is about reinvention. Terry talks about discovering creativity later in life, building a new mission around meaningful stories, and why veterans need something purposeful to fill the void that can show up after service. This episode also explores faith, film, writing, military influence in storytelling, and the deeper need for connection and purpose. It is a strong conversation for veterans who know transition is not just about getting out. It is about becoming someone new without losing who you were. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #TerryWeaver #VeteranTransition #LifeAfterService #NavyVeteran #NavyCorpsman #VeteranStorytelling #PurposeAfterTheMilitary #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranCreativity #WritingAfterService #FilmmakerVeteran #PostMilitaryLife #VeteransHelpingVeterans
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From Navy Veteran to Dog Training Empire
06/02/2026
From Navy Veteran to Dog Training Empire
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Chad Singer, a Navy veteran and founder of Canine Revolution Dog Training, for a conversation about service, transition, entrepreneurship, and finding a new mission after the military. Chad shares how he came from a long family line of Navy service, attended The Citadel on a Navy ROTC scholarship, and served as a surface warfare officer before leaving the Navy and building a business in dog training. What started with a difficult personal experience with his own dog eventually became a full-time mission helping other owners better understand behavior, structure, and communication. This episode also dives into veteran entrepreneurship, the value of programs like Boots to Business, building a team from scratch, and why so many lessons from military service translate directly into business ownership. It is a practical, grounded conversation about adapting, learning, and building something useful in the next chapter of life. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #ChadSinger #CanineRevolution #VeteranTransition #VeteranEntrepreneurship #NavyVeteran #DogTraining #DogBehavior #LifeAfterService #BootsToBusiness #VeteranBusinessOwner #CanineTraining #MilitaryLeadership #ServiceToStartup
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Military Tenacity to Tech Wins: Vet's Path to Success
05/26/2026
Military Tenacity to Tech Wins: Vet's Path to Success
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Mike LeBlanc for a conversation about military transition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the challenge of building a meaningful life after service. Mike shares why he chose the Marine Corps, what it was like coming from a non-military family, and how difficult it can be for veterans to translate military experience into civilian opportunity. He talks openly about the directness veterans carry into the civilian world, the struggles many face when trying to find their footing after getting out, and how he eventually found his path through education, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The conversation also explores robotics, AI, solving pain points through business, and why veterans often make strong founders. From Afghanistan to Harvard to startup life, this is an episode about carrying the mission forward and building something that matters after the uniform comes off. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #MikeLeBlanc #VeteranTransition #VeteranEntrepreneurship #LifeAfterService #MarineCorpsVeteran #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranFounder #PostMilitaryLife #LeadershipAfterService #AIAndRobotics #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteransHelpingVeterans #MissionAfterService
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Afghanistan War: Why Veterans Need Politics for Peace
05/19/2026
Afghanistan War: Why Veterans Need Politics for Peace
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Eric Hommel for a direct and thought-provoking conversation about military service, Afghanistan, leadership, and the long-term impact war has on veterans. Eric shares his unusual path through the military, from enlisted Navy submariner to Navy reservist to commissioned Air Force officer. He talks about the systems he saw from the inside, the politics of military careers, his experience commanding in Afghanistan, and why mission clarity matters more than most people realize. This episode also explores what happens when leaders focus more on careers than mission, why veterans often come home still trying to understand what their service meant, and how confusion, broken systems, and lack of accountability can deepen the struggle long after deployment ends. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #EricHommel #VeteranTransition #AfghanistanWar #PTSDAndVeterans #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranHealing #TheLosingGame #LifeAfterService #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranSupport #WarAndLeadership #VeteransHelpingVeterans #MissionMatters
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Veteran's Military Journey: Army Medic To Navy Diver
05/12/2026
Veteran's Military Journey: Army Medic To Navy Diver
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut talks with Scott English, a former Canadian Army medic and Navy diver who now leads Combat Fitness, a performance-focused training business for military, law enforcement, and tactical athletes. Scott shares his journey through service, his transition out, and how burnout, operational demands, and changing priorities pushed him toward entrepreneurship. He and Ed talk about the realities of military medicine, the difference between field and clinical environments, the mental toll of the COVID period on service members, and why veterans often make strong business owners after they leave the military. They also dive into training philosophy, injury prevention, tactical performance, and the need to stop breaking people in the name of “fitness.” This is a conversation about discipline, systems, leadership, and building a new mission after service. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #ScottEnglish #CombatFitness #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEntrepreneur #VeteranFitness #TacticalFitness #LifeAfterService #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranCommunity #LawEnforcementFitness #TacticalAthlete #FormerMedic #VeteransHelpingVeterans
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Veteran Community: Sharing Knowledge & Boosting Each Other With Rater HQ After Dark
05/05/2026
Veteran Community: Sharing Knowledge & Boosting Each Other With Rater HQ After Dark
In this episode of Helping The Brave, Ed Parcaut sits down with RaterHQ: After Dark, a former VA rater and Army veteran, for an honest conversation about how the VA claims process really works. They discuss the rise of online information around veteran disability claims, the problem of misinformation, and why veterans need better guidance when it comes to DBQs, nexus letters, secondary conditions, and evidence. RaterHQ shares how her channel began as a way to educate VSRs, raters, and authorizers after hours, and why she continues to speak out about what veterans should know before filing or appealing a claim. This episode also explores her own service background, her transition from Army radiology tech to social work after military injury, and why she cares deeply about helping veterans avoid costly mistakes in the claims process. If you are trying to understand VA disability claims with less noise and more clarity, this episode is worth your time. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #RaterHQ #VADisabilityClaims #VAClaims #VeteranBenefits #DBQ #NexusLetter #VeteranSupport #FormerVARater #MilitaryTransition #VeteransHelpingVeterans #CAndPExam #SecondaryConditions #DisabilityClaims
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Lee Ettinger on Veteran Community Life And Finding Purpose Again
04/28/2026
Lee Ettinger on Veteran Community Life And Finding Purpose Again
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 benefits, healthcare, and finding purpose. The episode also explores the lack of support systems for veterans returning to civilian life, and both Ed Parcaut and Chris Miles reflect on the tools and connections needed for a smoother transition. In a hopeful turn, Chris Miles discusses building a new life abroad, learning Japanese, and eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur. He introduces his company, Power Plus, and explains how his experiences shaped the creation of an innovative energizing pain relief product. Listeners will take away valuable insights on: Overcoming adversity during and after military service The crucial need for veteran support networks and resources The process of building a business after service, leveraging discipline and resilience Current tools, like Ed Parcaut's efforts to ease the VA disability claim process, and the entrepreneurial journey behind Chris Miles 's energy shot Whether you’re a veteran, family member, or someone inspired by stories of perseverance, this episode offers honest perspectives, practical advice, and a sense of community for those “helping the brave.” Visit www.drinkpowerplus.com for more about Chris Miles ’s business, and tune in for more veteran stories on "Helping the Brave. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBenefits #VAclaims #Entrepreneurship #VeteranBusiness #PTSD #MilitaryService #SupportOurTroops #MarineCorps #Navy #Army #VeteranOwned #Podcast #EdParcaut #ChrisMiles #LeeEttinger
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Transitioning from Soldier to Storyteller: Dean Davidson's Path to Hope
04/21/2026
Transitioning from Soldier to Storyteller: Dean Davidson's Path to Hope
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, this episode delivers. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #Veterans #MilitaryService #PTSDAwareness #Army #Navy #AuthorLife #VeteranStories #MentalHealth #TransitionStories #TheAmir #TorahBoraVendetta #Podcast #EdParcaut #DeanDavidson #Hope #NeverGiveUp #Resilience #FirstResponders #WritingCommunity #Acting #MilitaryFamily #Redemption #Inspiration #SupportVeterans
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Hard Hat Philosophy: Empowering Veterans & Middle America with Randy Bridge
04/14/2026
Hard Hat Philosophy: Empowering Veterans & Middle America with Randy Bridge
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 of hardship, loss of purpose, and rediscovering meaning through helping others. The conversation also explores his creation of Gray Eagle Media—media and resources designed for middle managers and blue-collar workers who often feel overlooked. Dive in for candid stories, actionable tips for veterans and their families, and inspiration on finding support, building resilience, and thriving in post-military life. Plus, get a special limited-time offer for a free copy of Randy’s book for Helping the Brave listeners. New episodes every week. Stay connected, get informed, and remember—you’ve earned your benefits. Learn more and access the special offer at . *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #Veterans #VeteranBenefits #PTSD #VAClaims #MilitaryTransition #EdParcaut #RandyBridge #GrayEagleMedia #HardHatPhilosophy #BlueCollar #VeteranSupport #MentalHealth #ArmyVeteran #MilitaryLife
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