Can you imagine facing a kidnapping, assassination attempt, and being seen as the enemy in your own community, all while striving to protect and serve? Richard Oakley, or Rich, a retired DEA senior special agent, joins us to tell his gripping story of resilience against unimaginable odds. From his early inspiration by local police officers to endur…

What if the most challenging times in your life could become your most significant opportunities for growth? Join us as we sit down with Michael Pellegrino, a retired detective from the Ewing Police Department in New Jersey and the author of "Crisis Equals Opportunity: Finding Growth and Resilience in Challenging Times." Michael takes us through hi…

What drives a man from the path to priesthood to the heart of a war zone? Join us as we sit down with Floyd "Shad" Meshad, a remarkable figure whose journey defies all expectations. From his early days in a devout Catholic family in Birmingham, Alabama, to his transformative role as one of the first mental health officers in Vietnam, Shad's story i…

What happens when a dedicated US Navy veteran and former US Marshal faces the ultimate test of resilience and integrity? This week, we're honored to welcome Robert "Bobby" Ledogar, who takes us through his compelling life journey from the streets of Queens, New York, to Desert Storm and the high-stakes world of the US Marshals. Bobby opens up about…

What if your greatest pain could become your most profound source of wisdom? Join us for an intimate conversation with Holly Higgins, a contributing author of "Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives." Holly shares the impactful journey of her life with a World War II veteran father who battled addiction, her initia…

What happens when the weight of saving lives becomes too heavy to bear? Join us for a gripping conversation with Jim Lydon, a retired fire chief and one of the many voices in the upcoming book "Wounds to Wisdom Healing Through Veteran First Responder Narratives." Jim takes us from his childhood in Northern California, where he discovered his passio…

Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Melissa Hanks Ketchell, a dedicated veteran advocate and Gold Star sister of Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks, as she shares memories and the profound journey that led to her brother’s military service. Melissa recounts Michael’s inspiration to join the Marines, their shared experiences through his boot camp …

Our guest, Chad Bruckner, a resilient Army veteran and law enforcement officer, recounts his inspiring journey from teenage turbulence to finding purpose and validation in the military at just 17. This episode unravels Chad's life story, highlighting the values of hard work and personal growth instilled during his time in the Army, and how these ex…