A troubled past led one Marine to find redemption and purpose, turning adversity into a powerful mission. After struggling through his own difficult transition from military to civilian life, Logan Spiewak founded Boots to Health, a groundbreaking program dedicated to helping veterans and first responders reclaim their physical and mental health.
Listen to hear how veterans are finding strength, hope, and a supportive brotherhood through a unique fitness initiative that goes beyond the gym.
Timestamps:
02:15 - Logan's journey from juvenile delinquency to the Marine Corps
10:30 - The inspiration behind Boots to Health
22:45 - A detailed walkthrough of the Boots to Health program
33:00 - How fitness impacts veterans' mental health
36:45 - Bridging generational gaps through veteran camaraderie
Links & Resources
Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Website: https://bootstohealthfoundation.org
Follow Boots to Health on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083860142817
Follow Boots to Health on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootstohealthfoundation/
Follow Boots to Health on Twitter/X: https://x.com/FoundationBTH
Follow Boots to Health on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bootstohealth
Transcript
View the transcript for this episode.
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42:08
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42:08
Psychedelic Therapy for Combat Veterans
When the pills stop working and therapy feels like talking to a brick wall, where do you turn? Dr. Charlie Powell, a veteran and multi-board certified physician, opens up about a journey most in his shoes would never talk about, finding healing through psychedelic medicine after years of battling PTSD, depression, and emotional numbness.
His new project, Healing Heroes, captures this radical, personal transformation and the stories of six veterans and first responders who risked everything to find themselves again.
In this episode, we tear down the walls of stigma, see what healing looks like, and share why recovery demands more than just prescriptions and checklists. This is a conversation for anyone who's ever felt broken, lost, or tired of fighting the same battles inside their own head.
Timestamps
04:30 - Why traditional PTSD treatments often fall short
12:15 - The life-altering decision to try psychedelic medicine
19:45 - Building a multidisciplinary path to real healing
28:00 - The devastating impact of stigma and isolation
36:55 - How Healing Heroes is reshaping hope for veterans
Links & Resources
Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Website: https://solovive.com
Follow Charlie Powell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingheroestv
Follow Charlie Powell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingheroestv
Follow Charlie Powell on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healingheroestv
Follow Charlie Powell on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealingHeroesTV
Transcript
View the transcript for this episode.
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44:56
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44:56
Shifting Veteran Mindsets by Healing PTSD with Gratitude
Military spouse Marla Ballard discusses her journey from a farm in Kentucky to navigating the challenges of being a military spouse in the bustling D.C. area. She shares her story of resilience and reinvention after her husband's severe injuries from an IED in Iraq that dramatically reshaped their lives.
Marla faced her own internal struggles, questioning her worth and her future. Now, as the CEO of YU2SHINE, Marla has pioneered a powerful approach known as quantum personal development, helping veterans and military families break free from the limiting beliefs that hold them back.
This conversation will challenge you to rethink your perceptions, cultivate gratitude, and build practical strategies to navigate life's toughest transitions.
Timestamps:
02:00 - Marla's journey as a military spouse and overcoming her husband's combat injury
09:00 - Introduction to Quantum Personal Development
15:00 - Practical steps to shift negative beliefs through gratitude
22:30 - A daily practice for transforming your mindset
35:00 - Free resources and actionable support for veterans
Links & Resources
Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Website: https://empower-me-academy.yu2shine.com/marla-ballard
Follow Marla Ballard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marla.ballard.9
Follow Marla Ballard on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marla.ballard/
Follow Marla Ballard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlafballard/
Transcript
View the transcript for this episode.
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44:51
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44:51
Overcoming Isolation as a Veteran
After the service, feeling isolated can hit harder than expected. You move to a new place, start a new chapter, and suddenly realize that building real connections isn't easy anymore. That's where today's conversation lights a fire.
Michael Chahinian opens up about his own post-Navy struggles with loneliness and the incredible journey that led him to create Krew Social. This tool helps veterans and civilians alike build vibrant, in-person communities based on shared interests. This episode talks about reclaiming the camaraderie, connection, and purpose that so many miss after military life.
From organizing bike rides and book clubs to hosting lunch meetups after church, Krew Social shows how simple moments can lead to lifelong bonds, and even life-changing moments like finding a spouse. If you've been feeling the weight of isolation, this episode delivers hope, real-world solutions, and a new path forward.
Timestamps:
03:00 - The real struggles of making friends after service
08:30 - Why traditional apps fail veterans seeking connection
14:30 - How Krew Social creates real-world community
19:00 - Impact stories that prove connection changes lives
37:00 - Why reducing loneliness is crucial for veteran mental health
Links & Resources
Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Website: https://www.krewsocial.com
Follow Krew Social on Instagram: https://instagram.com/krewsocial
Follow Krew Social on Twitter/X: https://x.com/krewsocial1
Follow Michael Chahinian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikechahinian/
Transcript
View the transcript for this episode.
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49:25
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49:25
From Deutschland to Devil Dog
Sometimes, the funniest stories are also the most revealing. Andy Dietrich takes us from his teenage years in Germany to the icy roads of Alaska and eventually into the structured chaos of the Marine Corps. His new book, Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes, is packed with personal stories. Some hilarious, others humbling, but all brutally honest.
This episode digs into why he wrote it, what it means to own your story, and how military experiences, no matter how "unremarkable" they may seem, shape us for life. Whether you're dealing with transition guilt, wondering if your service was "enough," or just need a laugh with someone who gets it, this one hits home.
Timestamps
04:45 - Where the title Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes comes from
10:45 - Why Andy kept his book project a secret until it was done
17:00 - Hilarious boot camp stories and being the "Germany" guy
24:00 - Feelings of guilt for not deploying after 9/11
41:00 - Redefining success after the military and choosing happiness
Links & Resources
Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Website: https://www.andysbook.com
Transcript
View the transcript for this episode.
About Drive On: Helping Veterans Navigate PTSD & Life After Military Service
Are you a veteran struggling with PTSD, combat stress, or adjusting to civilian life? Tired of feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for support? You deserve solutions from mental health experts, veteran nonprofits, and fellow veterans who truly understand what you're facing. Each week, host Scott DeLuzio, an Army veteran and Gold Star Brother, shares interviews and practical steps to help you regain purpose, rebuild confidence, and thrive after military service. Find hope and take the next step forward.
Listen to Drive On: Helping Veterans Navigate PTSD & Life After Military Service, Everyday Māori and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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