Episodes

Adam Peters is a 13-year Army veteran, founder of The Strategic Veteran, speaker, AI educator, podcast host, and partner at Amakaya, a plant medicine retreat in the Peruvian Amazon. In this episode, Adam opens up about the brutal reality of military to civilian transition, PTSD, identity loss, entrepreneurship, and how ayahuasca helped him uncover trauma he didn’t even realize he had buried. We talk about the “false transition” many veterans experience after leaving the military, why civilian ...

“If service is below you, then leadership is above you.” Cassie Donegan is not your typical Miss America. Raised in a military family and shaped by real adversity, she grew up navigating financial stress, family illness, and the quiet weight of feeling different. But instead of allowing those challenges to harden her, they became the foundation for her purpose. A lifelong artist, performer, and advocate, Cassie now uses her platform to champion access to arts education and remind people that vi...

Scott Stalker led at the highest levels of U.S. national security for more than 30 years. Then one day, his career ended with a call. He didn’t ask to retire, and he wasn’t ready for what came next. In this episode, Scott talks openly about what it felt like to leave the uniform behind, how he processed the emotional weight of transition, and how he began rebuilding his purpose. We dig into identity, resilience, the quiet moments that followed retirement, and the lessons he’s learned along the ...

There are moments where the mission chooses you. Marine Corps Radio Operator SgtMaj Ted Painter was stationed in Okinawa when everything changed. A sudden illness left him paralyzed, intubated, and fighting his way out of an ICU with no windows and no clear answers. In this episode, Ted walks through how he went from that hospital bed to Iraq, then into Fortune 500 work, and finally into his role at CareSource Military and Veterans. He now focuses on improving how military families get care an...

What happens when the life you’re proud of starts to feel like the one that’s breaking you? In this deeply honest conversation, Jessie G opens up about motherhood, military life, identity loss, and the quiet pressure of always being the strong one. From “babies raising babies” to learning how to turn anger into purpose, she shares the emotional truth behind what strength really costs. Jessie reflects on holding a family together through deployment, supporting a partner navigating identity loss...

The Military trained me for war — not for what came after. In this raw and powerful episode of the HeroFront Podcast, recorded live at the Military Influencer Conference 2025 (MIC Atlanta), host Josh White sits down with Dr. J.R. “The Hood Motivator” McIntyre and SFC Akeem “Fly Recruiter” Daily to talk about what happens after the uniform comes off. This conversation dives deep into veteran mental health, PTSD recovery, faith, and finding purpose beyond the military. Both guests share how they...

FROM MILITARY LEADER TO MISS USA INTERNATIONAL Lisa Tauai’s Unbelievable Transition Story | HeroFront Podcast What happens when a 20-year Air Force commander trades her uniform for a crown? In this epic episode, we sit down with Lisa Tauai — a retired Lt. Colonel, nationally recognized dietitian, and current Miss USA International 2025 — to explore what it really takes to reinvent your life after military service. Whether you’re navigating transition, battling imposter syndrome, or dreaming b...

🧭 Veterans are quietly leaving the United States… and never looking back. In this emotional conversation, John H. Davis — combat veteran, Harvard grad, and author — shares why he left America and how life abroad is saving veterans’ lives. He opens up about: The mental health crisis in America Why veterans abroad rarely die by suicide The dating scene overseas Cost of living and living like royalty How to start fresh in another country Could moving abroad be the answer? 📍 TIMESTAMPS 00:0...

Nate Scheer is a U.S. Air Force officer, leadership expert, and host of The Mind Force Podcast, where he tackles the mental and emotional challenges of military service, professional growth, and personal resilience. In this episode, Nate and Josh dive deep into the dark side of leadership, including the mental health struggles leaders face, the enlisted-to-officer transition, and how alcohol impacts stress management. They also discuss strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, building trust ...

In this powerful HeroFront episode, Chief Master Sergeant Jason Stone Weiss shares the raw truth behind real leadership in the military. From losing his hearing twice to serving with elite Special Operations teams, Chief Weiss reveals how rank is earned through trust, service, and sacrifice—not chased. Bottom Line: In this military podcast, Chief Jason Weiss reveals why defaulting to your training is more powerful than motivation. His Air Force leadership story will challenge what you think you know about rank, mentorship, and purpose. Explore veteran stories like never before on HeroFront — the podcast that gives service members a voice. 💥 Hear how he turned setbacks into strength 🧠 Discover the philosophy behind “Default to your level of training” 🤝 Learn why every Airman deserves to be heard Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, or a leader in any field, this conversation will change how you think about purpose, mentorship, and resilience. 🎙️ Hosted by Josh White 📍 …

The Hard Truth About Veterans, PTSD & Addiction (No One Talks About This)🚨 Veteran mental health, PTSD, addiction, and recovery—this is the conversation that NEEDS to be heard.In this powerful episode of HeroFront, Marine Corps veteran Mike Rocco Howard shares his raw and unfiltered story of overcoming PTSD, addiction, and isolation—and how his service dog, Cooper, saved his life. 🐕‍🦺🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The dark reality of veteran addiction & PTSD ✔️ How service dogs help save...

🎙️ Voice for Valor – Leadership, Resilience, and the Power of Storytelling Out now on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@voiceforvalor?si=YJhTVL_pbufmqdXo 🔊 In This Episode: In this powerful conversation, Mike Komorous lays the foundation for his new podcast, Voice for Valor, a platform dedicated to sharing the stories of those who serve—past, present, and future. Through candid reflections on leadership, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of military service, Mike explores how authentic storytell...

In this powerful episode of the HeroFront Podcast, host Josh White sits down with Kelsey Danner, a former United States Navy member who served from 2004 to 2014 as a damage control specialist. 0:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 0:02:59 - Memorable Basic Training Story 0:05:38 - Challenges of Being a Female Veteran 0:07:24 - Advice to Younger Self 0:09:14 - Prideful Military Moment 0:15:41 - Medical Retirement Journey 0:20:08 - Transitioning Out of the Military 0:24:59 - Leadership Le...

Dale R. Marks, the Executive Director of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, to discuss his extraordinary journey of leadership, resilience, and perseverance. From a childhood shaped by the values of a World War II POW great-uncle and a NASA rocket scientist father to a career marked by 15 deployments and profound personal struggles, Dale’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. 0:00 - Introduction 4:00 - Office Tour 6:20 - Dale’s Upbringing & Early Influences 10:40 -...

Today, we have the privilege of speaking with a true legend - Jim Clash, the renowned adventure journalist from Forbes magazine. 00:00 - Intro 03:11 - Jim Clash's Background and Early Life 04:02 - Transition to Journalism and Joining Forbes 06:46 - Expanding Adventure Writing at Forbes 08:03 - Dangerous and Memorable Adventures 09:33 - Space and Aviation Adventures 13:09 - Interviews with Famous Figures 14:35 - More Memorable Interviews and Experiences 16:38 - Future Aspirations and Legacy 18:4...

General Michael "Johnny Bravo" Rowley, a true living legend in the Air Force. From his humble beginnings as a military brat to his rise through the ranks, this decorated pilot shares his remarkable journey - from navigating the fog of war in the A-10 Warthog to leading at the highest levels of the Pentagon. Discover the leadership lessons he learned under fire and the mental resilience he developed in combat, Hear how his chance encounter with leadership guru Simon Sinek shaped his approach to g...

In this insightful episode of the HeroFront Podcast, host Josh White welcomes Major General Alice W. Trevino, a distinguished leader and trailblazer in the United States Air Force and Space Force. As the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, General Trevino oversees a staggering $825 billion portfolio, guiding over 8,000 contracting professionals who execute programs valued at approximately...

In this powerful episode of HeroFront, host Josh White is joined by Theresa Carpenter, an active-duty Navy Commander with an extraordinary 29-year military career. Theresa’s journey from enlisted member to Chief Public Affairs Officer for NATO’s Allied Maritime Command is inspiring, but it’s her work as a storyteller and advocate for mental health and positive change that truly shines. Together, Josh and Theresa dive deep into how childhood trauma shaped their leadership paths, the importance o...

In this compelling episode of HeroFront, Josh White interviews Col. Allison Black, the legendary "Angel of Death," as she reflects on her 32 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. Col. Black shares her profound experience during 9/11, the immediate response, and the surge of patriotism that followed. She opens up about her final mission, the emotional transition to civilian life, and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion delves into the unintended inspirational impact of her actio...

The AFSA Summit 2024 special episode! Check out the live feed from https://www.facebook.com/AFSAHQ In this special episode of the AFSA Summit Podcast, join Josh White (HeroFront Podcast), as he speaks with AFSA influencers Kai Billings, and Mike Manning (CRE8 FORCE) who are capturing the AFSA Summit experience and interviewing our Airmen and Guardians. They also have backup support from Martin Foster from Passing the Torch Podcast and Miguel Estrella from The Mentorship. Keep an eye out for the...

In this episode of HeroFront, I'm honored to welcome Lt Col Amanda J. Pelkowski, the Commander of the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Amanda oversees a wide range of programs and services that support the well-being of 39,000 active duty, civilian, dependent, and retired personnel. With a team of 700 Air Commandos and a $17 million operating budget, she provides strategic direction for 70 diverse activities and facilities. Since entering the Air Force in...

In this deeply engaging episode of HeroFront, host Josh White sits down with Jessica Manfre to explore her journey, insights from her book “Never Alone: Ruth and the God Who Goes Before Us,” (Found on Amazon) and her profound experiences as a military spouse. Jessica opens up about the challenges she faced in writing her book, including navigating personal trauma and vulnerability, particularly in her relationship with her father, a severe alcoholic. Throughout the conversation, Jessica shares ...

Visit: www.aamhsociety.org To support the museum and this amazing project! In this episode of the HeroFront Podcast, we are honored to welcome Jonathan Holmes, a retired USAF Chief and EOD technician, now serving as the Aerospace Museum Specialist, Curator, and Media Developer at the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin AFB. Jonathan shares his expertise on preserving and accurately capturing history while balancing sensitivity and inclusivity. A balancing act of masterful discussion and presenta...

Juneteenth Special! This is a co-led interview as the talk with Abigail Curtis is based off her incredible article she released through the legendary ‘COME-UNITY Magazine’. Check out her article here: https://issuu.com/kmcclure/docs/come_unity_abigail_cover_2/s/50272045? "COME-UNITY Magazine and Podcast led by the CEO Kitara Johnson, is proudly presented as a program of the nonprofit COME-UNITY Education and Empowerment Center. Our nonprofit is made possible through the generous support of vet...