NAVSEA enters "Survey Era" - director urges employees to participate in annual survey in e-mail laced with Taylor Swift lyrics. THE INTERVIEW Our guest is Chase Sterling, founder of Wellbeing ThinkTank. She’s an Army veteran who has built a career working with organizations and individuals to create a culture of health and wellbeing in the workplac…

CELEBRITY VETERAN: A salute to George Carlin THE INTERVIEW LA Stand-up comedian and Marine Corps veteran Bryson Banks talks about his comedy show, Semper Funny, and his journey from his military service to successful entertainer. SCUTTLEBUTT Coffee & Chat at American Legion Post 243 in Oviedo, Fla. "A Soldier’s Journey" - WWI monument set to be unv…

Remembering the sacrifices of servicemembers on Purple Heart Day THE INTERVIEW Jay Glazer, Fox Sports NFL Insider, talks about his advocacy for military veterans. As a co-founder of Merging Vets & Players, Glazer helps match former combat veterans and former professional athletes to help each other through the transition into their new lives away f…

TROLL PATROL 0 CHAT THIRTY SCUTTLEBUTT Special Guest: Dr. Craig Bryan. Links: Watch video of this episode on YouTube STRIVE-Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans | Ohio State College of Medicine Veterans Crisis Line Be the One | The American LegionBy The American Legion

Celebrating the rise of the WAVES THE INTERVIEW Author and internationally recognized keynote speaker, retired Army Lt. Col. Oakland McCulloch uses his 23 years of experience as a combat arms officer to inspire servant leadership. SCUTTLEBUTT China fines comedy troupe $2m for joke about the military VA problems lead veterans who die alone to go unc…

‘A monumental step’ for LGBTQ+ rights THE INTERVIEW Author D. Paul Fleming shares his book “A Date With Suicide,” and discusses how to help veterans struggling with PTSD and mental health. THE SCUTTLEBUTT VA announces $10M in new funding opportunities for state, territory and Tribal governments to help understand, prevent veteran suicide A dental d…

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day with U.S. Navy Ice Cream Barge Bravo Zulu: Post 914 in Louisville, Ill. THE INTERVIEW Eric Stoffers, founder of BioXcellerator joins us to talk more about the stem cell therapy we talked about in Episode 216 with Crispy Avila. Eric takes us on a deeper dive into what this innovation can mean for the treatment of a…

LEGIONTOWN Guitars for Veterans – using the healing power of music to restore feelings of joy and purpose THE INTERVIEW Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection and veteran Joe Oullette and his dog Wells, join the podcast to talk about the organization’s mission to enlist recovering warriors in a therapeutic mission of …

Reaction to the FDA advisory panel rejection of MDMA-asisted therapy for PTSD THE INTERVIEW Fans of the paranormal, the fantastical or the downright frightening will enjoy our visit with former Army Intelligence officer R.C. Bramhall who talks about his book, "Haunted War Tales: True Military Encounters with the Bizarre, Paranormal and Unexplained.…

Dr. Chis Frueh is a professor of psychology at the University of Hawaii who has over thirty years of professional experience working with military veterans, servicemembers, special operators, private defense contractors, and firefighters; and has conducted clinical trials, epidemiology, historical, and neuroscience research. Dr. Frueh’s discusses h…

HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE 74th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War THE INTERVIEW Retired Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith served for 25 of her 35 years in the Army while hiding her true self. On this week's episode, she shares her military journey before, during and after the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, and how she became an advocate for LGBTQ+ and milita…

Gators on the FOD walk An Olympic Challenge THE INTERVIEW Sally Roberts is an athlete, Army veteran and the founder of Wrestle Like A Girl, an organization that empower girls and women to become leaders – while participating in the sport of wrestling. On this episode, she delivers her message: “It’s OK to suffer, it’s OK to endure, it’s the lessons…

BRAVO ZULU Georgia American Legion Post enlists local resources to help homeless veteran THE INTERVIEW Dr. Jay Gorman, VA clinical psychologist and Education Director of the VISN 1 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the VA Bedford Healthcare System, joins the podcast to discuss how VOICES Veteran Socials enhance communicatio…

Bravo Zulu to the American Legion Family of Arizona Post 136 for support of their community THE INTERVIEW Sgt. Omar Avila, is an Army veteran who survived an IED blast that resulted in burns over 75% of his body and the amputation of right leg. Better known as "Crispy," Avila joins the podcast to talk about his story of recovery, success as a paral…

Our guest is Dr. Tiffany Tajiri, CEO and founder of Freedom Rhythm, PLLC and her non-profit organization, Energy in Motion. Dr. Tiffany is an Air Force Veteran, former Army Clinic Chief, and the first American woman to publish a faith-based combat recovery book entitled, PEACE AFTER COMBAT, and she is also the wife of a retired Army combat veteran.…

BRAVO ZULU Post steps up to help Sea Cadets THE INTERVIEW The Uniformed Services University School of Medicine Consortium of Health and Military Performance (CHAMP), is a designated DoD Center of Excellence specializing in Total Force Fitness and Human Performance Optimization. Deputy Director, Capt. J. Russell Linderman and Director of Operation S…

HONOR & REMEMBRANCE How you can be a part of Poppy Day THE INTERVIEW Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly McKeague talks about DPAA’s mission to provide the fullest possible accounting of our missing personnel to their families and to the nation. He shares details of the complicated work that can take decades, the dedicated teams who wo…

LEARN ABOUT THE LEGION American Legion Riders and the value of "Wind Therapy" THE INTERVIEW Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh is quite accomplished, obtaining her pilot’s license at age 16, receiving a black belt in taekwondo, earning a degree in astrophysics and completing a NASA internship. Marsh is also the first active-duty military officer to be…

NEWS FROM LEGIONTOWN Remembrance of those who died - and survived - Pearl Harbor THE INTERVIEW In 2007, while serving as an Air Force EOD team leader in Afghanistan, Adam Popp was injured in a blast that resulted in an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg. During a decade of recovery and training, Adam has trained to become an elite athlete a…

George Eshleman is a Desert Storm veteran who shares the story of his own struggle with suicide, and how he found healing and a mission to help others while hiking the Appalachian Trail. His story is told in the new movie, “The Keeper” which opens on Memorial Day. Special Guest: George Eshleman. Links: Watch video of this episode on YouTube The Kee…

The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis seeks veteran stories of service. THE INTERVIEW Army Airborne infantryman turned comic book creator, Stephen Russell, aka the Salty Skipper, talks about his service, what it takes to create a comic book and writing his memoir. Russell’s book, “Troublemakers: The Greatest Dog and Pony Show in Iraq,” is a memoir d…

BRAVO ZULU Celebration of a service officer who helped a Army veteran recieve the funeral honors she deserved' THE INTERVIEW Noelle Austin-Jones, Director of the Armed Forces Wellness Center Director at Fort Meade in Maryland discusses the AFWC global mission to improve and sustain health, performance, and readiness of the Total Fighting Force. SCU…

A Bravo Zulu for a hard-working young student, a proud mom, and a Legion post supporting youth in their community. THE INTERVIEW Afghanistan War Commission Executive Director Jaime Cheshire discusses the commission’s role, how veterans can help get answers to policy decisions made during the 20-year war and more. THE SCUTTLEBUTT Adopt a Woman Veter…

ASK US ANYTHING We answer questions about eligibilty for membership THE INTERVIEW Our guest is Brad Hibbard, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America’s VetDogs Chief Strategy Officer. Brad works with a dedicated group of Assistance Dog Instructors who provide Guide Dogs and Service dogs for civilians, first responders and U.S. Military vetera…

A BRAVO ZULU to Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 in San Antonio, Texas for support of youth in their community. THE INTERVIEW After being severly injured while serving in Afghanistan in 2005, doctors gave Israel Del Toro a 20% chance of survival. Israel not only survived, but endured years of skin grafts, surgeries and brutal physical therapy an…

Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman has mastered the art of getting through tough times. His resilience has inspired thousands, and through his company, SOF Spoken, he has provided inspirational coaching to share his methods for leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity for businesses, first responders, sports teams, and government organizations. In…

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _ In this final episode of our series, we honor Shoshana Johnson, the first Black woman POW in U.S. history. Her story is often overshadowed by media attention given to others, but her determinatio…

ASK US ANYTHING: How to find an accredited American Legion Service Officer THE INTERVIEW During his 20-plus year career, retired Navy SEAL Commander, Rich Diviney helped SEALs perform faster, longer, and better, especially in high-stress environments. After he retired, he used some of the same tools to develop the Attributes Method and now works as…

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _ In this episode, we honor U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black for her historic role as the first female AC-130H Spectre navigator to open fire on enemy targets in combat. Dubbed the "Angel of Death…

NEWS YOU CAN USE VA extends access for toxic exposure INTERVIEW Dr. Laurie Marbas is an Air Force veteran and a double board-certified family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, who has been utilizing food as medicine since 2012. She offers a science-based approach to living healthier and longer, which she calls a "wellness journey." SCUTTLE…

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _ In this episode, we honor the "Angels of Anzio," four courageous nurses of World War II who received the Silver Star for their gallantry in combat. The stories of Mary Roberts, Elaine Roe, Virgin…

ASK US ANYTHING How to “choose your own adventure” as a member of The American Legion. INTERVIEW Marine Corps veteran Rye Barcott, co-founder and CEO of With Honor, talks about how the cross-partisan organization works with the For Country Caucus, how they seek to advance veteran leadership in elected public service and the need to support our Afgh…

_In this special series we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the service of women veterans and their contributions to American military history. _ Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a surgeon and is the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor for her service during the Civil War. She worked as a contract surgeon for the Union Army and was known f…

BRAVO ZULU Host Stacy Persall welcomes her two new co-hosts, Joe Worley and Adam Marr to their first episode, which the trio kicks off with celebration of three American Legion Posts who are making big differences in their local communities. GUEST Successful hospitality entrepreneur and bestselling author Chip Conley is on a quest to reframe our re…

Marine Corps veteran Juliana Mercer, Veteran Advocacy and Public Policy Director of Healing Breakthrough, discusses her work in advocating for the adoption of MDMA-Assisted Therapy in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Juliana talks about removing the stigma of psychedelics use, the experience of MDMA-assisted therapy, and the work her organiz…

Since there’s an extra day on the calendar, we’re taking the opportunity to introduce the newest members of the Tango Alpha Lima family. Host Stacy Pearsall introduces her new co-hosts, Army veteran Adam Marr and Navy veteran Joe Worley. Links: Watch video of this episode on YouTube Tango Alpha Lima Podcast: Tango Alpha Lima Be The One EP04: Vetera…

TROLL PATROL Setting the record straight on inclusivity at Legion Posts ZERO CHAT THIRTY Nick Palmisciano, founder of the first military lifestyle brand, Ranger Up, CEO of Diesel Jack Media and aspiring stoic joins the podcast to discuss entrepreneurship, overcoming failure and what he's learned about the importance of The American Legion. SCUTTLEB…

TROLL PATROL We discuss shopping for the perfect post and how posts are evolving away from the smoky bar stereotype to attract younger members. ZERO CHAT THIRTY Marine Corps veteran, “The Hangover” actor and comedian Rob Riggle talks about his military service and his work as an entertainer – plus, learns a few tips on accessing his military benefi…

TROLL PATROL Why it's important for busy veterans to make time for volunteering in the veteran community. ZERO CHAT THIRTY Army veteran Bryan Adams, who famously appeared in the 2008 IAVA Ad Council PSA "Alone", shares how his advocacy for veteran services on college campuses, his experience as a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar, and his own recovery…

TROLL PATROL A call to women veterans: don't turn away - help turn things around. Stacy offers a lesson in creating change from the inside. ZERO CHAT THIRTY When Michelle Lang's husband separated from the Army and the family moved home to rural Pennsylvania, they faced medical, mental health and other challenges that put a strain on their marriage.…

Tim Jensen serves as Chief Brand Officer of Grunt Style LLC, Chairman of the Grunt Style Foundation and host of several popular veteran-focused podcasts. A Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq in September 2004 and participated in over 200 combat patrols in the extremely violent Northern Babil Province, Tim is a strong advocate for defending t…

TROLL PATROL Stacy and Ashley shed light on another social media mistruth and reveal that foreign-born veterans who served in the U.S. military are indeed eligible for membership in The American Legion. O CHAT THIRTY Former Army Ranger medic Marshall Bahr is a physician is the founder of Lead The Way Recovery, an Ohio-based addiction treatment prog…

TROLL PATROL Stacy and Ashley shoot down the myth that military service only counts during wartime. THIS WEEK'S GUEST Retired U.S. Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey talks about what's right with America, the need for civics education, the danger of disinformation, and the value of good leadership. THE SCUTTLEBUTT At age 95, holocaust survivor, trained snip…

TROLL PATROL Ashley and Stacy clarify a misunderstanding about service officers from Grunt4Life. There are 16 billion reasons why The American Legion has the backs of all veterans. Even you, Grunt4Life. ZERO CHAT THIRTY We've scheduled an appointment with America's Top Doc – U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy. Dr. Murthy talks about prioritiz…

TROLL PATROL Extinguishing the perception of smoke-filled American Legion posts 0-CHAT THIRTY Emmy-award winning TV host, entrepreneur and inspirational speaker Williams is the episode’s special guest. He is active in raising awareness of non-medical treatments to help veterans, first responders and others overcome post-traumatic stress disorder. H…

Marcus and Amber Capone are the founders of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions – or VETS – an organization that provides resources, research, and advocacy for U.S. Special Operations veterans seeking psychedelic-assisted therapies. After 13 years and numerous combat deployments as a Navy SEAL, Marcus faced mental health challenges during his tr…

IN THE NEWS We welcome our new host, retired Air Force combat photojournalist, founder of the Veterans Portrait Project and host of the PBS series "After Action," Stacy Pearsall. THIS WEEK'S GUEST Army veteran Lanny Bassham, is recognized as one of the world's best mental coaches. The Olympic champion, author and Founder & CEO of Mental Management …

IN THE NEWS Volunteer and honor those who served during Wreaths Across America Day THIS WEEK'S GUEST Dr. Michael Greger is a New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on public health issues. Three of his latest books, Three of his recent books — How Not to Die, the How Not to Die Cookbook, and How Not to Diet have hel…

IN THE NEWS National Membership & Post Activities Committee Chairman Matt Jabaut of Maine guest hosts the first of two episodes. He'll talk about membership, the 21st Century Committe and the origins of the podcast and other ways The American Legion is connecting with new generations of veterans and their communities. THIS WEEK'S GUEST Leaning on h…

As a U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot, Adam Marr deployed to Iraq where he flew more than 400 combat hours and was awarded the combat action badge. In 2017, Marr co-authored the best-selling book, "Tales from the Blast Factory” where he shared the challenges his brother, a Green Beret, faced transitioning out of the Army because of his TBI and PTS…