Redefining the Veteran Narrative: Kevin Schmiegel's Mission Beyond the Uniform
Today, host Richard Taite sits down with Kevin Schmiegel, founder of ZeroMils, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to supporting veterans and bridging the gap between military and civilian life. Coming from a family of service—both his father and mother were called to serve—Kevin’s commitment to the country runs deep. A retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who served 20 years and deployed to over 50 countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Kevin’s experience in leadership and resilience shaped his mission long before ZeroMils came to life.After leaving the Marines, Kevin transitioned into a high-level role at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where the demands of corporate life eventually led to burnout and depression—a struggle familiar to many veterans navigating life after service. Through that difficult chapter, Kevin rediscovered his purpose and found a new mission: helping his brothers and sisters in uniform successfully transition back into civilian life.Kevin co-founded ZeroMils alongside a fellow Marine brother, with a mission to redefine the veteran narrative. Rather than seeing veterans as “broken,” he believes they embody discipline, leadership, and purpose—qualities that make them exceptional citizens and employees. Through his work, Kevin is helping shift the stigma surrounding veterans while connecting them to jobs, housing, and community resources.With decades of experience in both military and civilian leadership, Kevin has partnered with numerous nonprofits to successfully place dozens of veterans into the workforce. His life’s work is dedicated to bridging the civilian-military divide and ensuring those who served have the tools, recognition, and opportunities they deserve.In this inspiring conversation, Kevin Schmiegel opens up about his journey from military service to personal struggle to renewed purpose. Through ZeroMils, he’s proving that veterans aren’t defined by their hardships—they’re defined by their resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serve. His story is a reminder that while the uniform may come off, the mission to create impact never ends.
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The Battle After Service: David West’s Fight for Veterans
Marine veteran David West joins Richard Taite on We’re Out of Time to share his powerful story of resilience, redemption, and service. Raised in a household where survival meant bringing money home—by any means necessary—David found discipline and direction in the Marines, rising to Sergeant in just three years. But after leaving the service just 15 days before 9/11, he faced a new kind of battle: homelessness, shame, and the struggle to find purpose in civilian life.He opens up about the stigma veterans face when re-enlisting—how society views them as unable to “hack it” outside—and the hard truth of returning home to instability. Living out of his car, keeping clothes in his trunk to hide his homelessness, and facing exploitation in construction jobs, David’s journey reveals the harsh reality many veterans endure after service.Today, David works as a Veteran Service Officer, dedicating his life to helping other veterans get the benefits, respect, and hope they deserve. His story is a testament to leadership, perseverance, and the healing power of giving back. As he shares, it’s not enough to hand the homeless money—they need connection, compassion, and guidance to rebuild their lives.This episode is a moving exploration of what it truly means to serve, struggle, and stand back up—both for oneself and for others.
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From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Maurice Benard on Mental Illness and Healing
Three-time Emmy Award–winning actor and mental health advocate Maurice Benard joins host Richard Taite on We’re Out of Time for an open and emotional conversation about resilience, recovery, and living with bipolar disorder. Known for his three-decade run on General Hospital, Maurice reveals that during his first three weeks on set, he suffered a manic episode and nervous breakdown that left his wife terrified. After calling his psychiatrist, it was confirmed that Maurice was in crisis—an experience that taught him the importance of staying on his medication. He’s now been consistent for 32 years without another breakdown.Diagnosed at just 22, Maurice spent two months in a mental institution—where he even escaped before returning home. He discusses the misconceptions around mental illness, and how his upbringing made managing his disorder even harder. Maurice opens up about his support system—his parents, wife, and son—who helped him through his darkest, even suicidal, moments.He then shares how his YouTube series “State of Mind” began as Instagram Lives and evolved into a platform for hope and healing. The most impactful guests, he says, weren’t celebrities but people with powerful survival stories—a cop whose g*n jammed during a suicide attempt and a girl who lost her arm in a tragic accident. Maurice closes by reflecting on his legacy: being the first man to publicly share his bipolar diagnosis and using his story to inspire others to keep going.Maurice’s story is one of resilience, healing, and mental health awareness. By openly sharing his experiences living with bipolar disorder, he breaks the stigma surrounding mental illness and shows that vulnerability is a form of strength. His journey—from surviving manic episodes and breakdowns to becoming an advocate for others through his show State of Mind—is a testament to the power of consistency, self-awareness, and love. Maurice reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, recovery is possible, and speaking up can save lives.
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Jared Muros: How Exploring Everything Led To Finding Himself
In this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite welcomes 24-year-old fashion creator and street interviewer Jared Muros. Raised in Los Angeles, Jared turned his love for style and visual storytelling into a rising creative career — from modeling gigs for brands like Balenciaga and casting for major brands like Adidas and Nike, to building a social-media voice that centers streetwear, culture and curiosity. Together, Richard and Jared unpack how exploring different paths—watching YouTube tutorials, interviewing strangers on the sidewalk, chasing style influences—led to finding his own unique lane. With insights on self-expression, hustling smart and using fashion as a medium for connection, this episode offers inspiration for anyone looking to turn creative instincts into something real. Tune in for a conversation about reinvention, the path to finding your purpose, and how staying true to your voice can open unexpected doors.
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Charlie Smith on Childhood Trauma, Addiction, & Launching Your Life
In this powerful episode, Charlie Smith joins host Richard for a raw and reflective conversation about addiction, identity, and finding peace beyond external success. Once appearing to “have it all” — even gracing the cover of Catholic Digest — Charlie reveals how childhood trauma and unhealed pain led him down a path of addiction, showing that true fulfillment can’t be found in achievements alone.Charlie and Richard reflect on how they first met in AA, where Richard continued showing up to meetings because he feared Charlie wouldn’t make it without support. Their friendship became a lifeline, grounded in honesty and accountability. Charlie opens up about what recovery truly means, where Richard shares that sobriety isn’t its own gift — it only lasts when you find a purpose more meaningful than any substance. Now a successful entrepreneur and keynote speaker, Charlie uses his story to inspire others to reclaim control over their minds and lives. From reframing negative self-talk to understanding the difference between “faking it” and living like the person you want to become, he offers timeless wisdom on healing and self-mastery. This episode is a reminder that while adversity may shape us, it doesn’t have to define us — we have the power to rewrite our story. Subscribe for raw, honest, and inspiring conversations —new episodes every week. Explore more about Richard Taite, We’re Out of Time, and Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa: https://linktr.ee/richardtaite Learn more about Charlie Smith: https://www.instagram.com/charliesmithspeaks/
This is home of the "We're Out Of Time" podcast where dives into the issues America can’t afford to ignore—from the fentanyl crisis and mental health to parenting, resilience, and hope. Hosted by addiction recovery expert Richard Taite, this podcast cuts through the noise with raw truth, real stories, and life-saving conversations. From former addicts and wellness experts to celebrities, athletes, musicians, and influencers, we ask the questions no one else will—educating, empowering, and demanding answers before it’s too late.
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