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Eagle Nation Podcast

Welcome to the Eagle Nation Podcast! We’re excited to bring you a bi-monthly dose of Eagle Fire through compelling discussions with inspiring guests focused on veterans' health and wellness. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode. Send any ideas, comments, or questions to podcast@teamrwb.org. Engage with us on social media: @TeamRWB, #EagleNationPodcast.
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Now displaying: 2018
Nov 26, 2018

Tom Voss is a Army veteran who’s post-military service struggles resulted in a 2700 mile hike across the country, featured in the Emmy nominated documentary Almost Sunrise.  

He’s an incredible person, and is a great spokesman for using community and physical fitness for recovery.  

In this week’s podcast, we discuss:

 

  • His post-military service struggles and how they came to a head.
  • What is was like to hike across the country with another veteran
  • Almost Sunrise, and the decision to film his journey
Nov 19, 2018

Jeff Eggers is a retired Navy Seal, and current Executive Director of the McChrystal Group Leadership Institute.  He was formerly a Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and has had a long career working in national defense at various jobs.

He recently co-authored a book with General Stanley McChrystal called Leaders: Myth and Reality, and it’s currently a national bestseller

In this week’s podcast, we discuss:

  • The writing process
  • Dynamics of working with three authors
  • Why the world needs another book on leadership
  • Lessons learned from some atypical leadership examples



Nov 12, 2018

Sal Giunta is the first living Medal of Honor Recipient since the Vietnam war. This episode is less interview and more conversation between two combat veterans over good beer. Southeast Regional Director and Sal talk about a myriad of topics that all veterans can relate to. Sal’s experience, passion and wisdom will inspire and fire up all those called to serve and lead…..actually, you’ll learn from Sal that they are the same thing.

In this week’s podcast, we discuss:

  • How winning the Medal has changed Sal.
  • What is service and how do we find purpose outside of the military?
  • How we met at the White House.
  • His greatest leadership mentors and lessons.
  • We DON’t talk about the day and actions that he earned the Medal of Honor for. We delve deeper into what it means to him to be a Recipient and what it means to him.



Nov 5, 2018

Jen and Debbie are 2 of the 4 Yuengling sisters that are part of the 6th generation of a family that is running the longest continuously family-owned and operated brewery in America - the Yuengling Brewing Company, which has been open since 1829. Team RWB has recently kicked off a partnership with Yuengling, and several members of the team joined them there to kick it off - afterwards, JJ Pinter sat down with two of the Yuengling sisters and recorded a fantastic podcast.  

In this week’s podcast, we discuss:

 

  • Lagers for Heroes (Team RWB & Yuengling partnership)
  • Jen’s participation in Old Glory Relay
  • Dynamics of working in family business
  • What it’s like to be females in the brewing industry
  • The balance between growth and culture in a business
  • Their 1st new beer in 17 years - Golden Pilsner!

 

Oct 29, 2018

Adam Smith is a Green Beret, CrossFit Gym Owner, tactical training specialist.  He’s also a personal friend of the podcast host, JJ Pinter. In this episode, they sit down in person for a caffeine-fueled conversation that is sure to make you smile.  

In this week’s podcast, we discuss:

  • How JJ putting cream in his coffee is adding “weakness” to it, in Adam’s perspective
  • Adam’s transition from the military and his struggles
  • What it’s like to come home again and lead in your community
  • Leadership and his plans to influence large groups of people




Oct 22, 2018

Outside Magazine recently published an in-depth feature by Brian Mockenhaupt (Army Veteran) about a former Marine who struggled with PTSD and depression, and, despite finding a community in the outdoors, died by suicide in 2016. In this week’s podcast, we discuss this story with the author.   We would invite everyone to read the original story here.

Oct 15, 2018

Chandler Smith is former collegiate wrestler, active duty Army Officer, and current CrossFit competitor.  He’s as humble as they come, and has had to overcome some major obstacles - to include the severing of a portion of his finger in a training accident.  

His perspective on life is refreshing and inspiring - there’s no way this podcast will not motivate you.   

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • His fantastic Instagram Page
  • His belief in patience and “the process” in getting better
  • How adversity has made him better


Speaking of CrossFit, it’s WOD for Warriors season!  Sign your gym up here!

Oct 15, 2018

Chandler Smith is former collegiate wrestler, active duty Army Officer, and current CrossFit competitor.  He’s as humble as they come, and has had to overcome some major obstacles - to include the severing of a portion of his finger in a training accident.  

His perspective on life is refreshing and inspiring - there’s no way this podcast will not motivate you.   

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • His fantastic Instagram Page
  • His belief in patience and “the process” in getting better
  • How adversity has made him better


Speaking of CrossFit, it’s WOD for Warriors season!  Sign your gym up here!

Oct 8, 2018

Paul Andersen is a journalist, book author and wilderness guide. He has worked with veterans since founding Huts For Vets in 2013. Huts for Vets serves veterans who are seeking a perspective shift through beautiful mountain scenery, camaraderie, and philosophical explorations of literature. In this episode we discuss:

• Why spending time in nature is more important than ever - especially for veterans

• Literature, philosophy, and healing

• The origin story of Huts for Vets

Oct 1, 2018

Megan served 11 years in the Australian Regular Army, Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME). She is a senior consultant and coach with Integral Development and a trek leader for Back Track Adventures, which have given her the capacity and support to launch Buddy Up Australia. She has seen the need for an organisation which helps current and ex-service (military and 1st Responder) personnel reconnect with their local communities, find a new purpose and avoid the mental impact of service.

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • The universality of the military experience across countries
  • Public perception of the military and first responders in Australia
  • The origin story of Buddy Up Australia
Oct 1, 2018

Megan served 11 years in the Australian Regular Army, Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME). She is a senior consultant and coach with Integral Development and a trek leader for Back Track Adventures, which have given her the capacity and support to launch Buddy Up Australia. She has seen the need for an organisation which helps current and ex-service (military and 1st Responder) personnel reconnect with their local communities, find a new purpose and avoid the mental impact of service.

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • The universality of the military experience across countries
  • Public perception of the military and first responders in Australia
  • The origin story of Buddy Up Australia
Sep 24, 2018

Dylan Tête is the Executive Director and founder of Bastion Community of Resilience. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Economics and Systems Engineering at West Point, as well as a Master’s in Public Health at the LSU School of Public Health. During a combat tour in Iraq as second-in-command of an Infantry company, Dylan established multiple recovery projects in collaboration with the Department of State. He moved to New Orleans in 2005 where he managed the construction of several FEMA housing facilities after Hurricane Katrina. Before his most recent position as a civil servant working alongside the New Orleans Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, Dylan was hired by Military.com to assist transitioning military personnel and wounded warriors begin new careers in the civilian workforce. Dylan was selected into the Propeller Social Venture Accelerator in 2010, and awarded a fellowship with The Mission Continues for the creation of Bastion.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The importance of housing for healing and living
  • How New Orleans history of adversity is making it a leader in veteran support
  • Why intentional design of living spaces can create community
  • How other populations can benefit from this model
  • The memorial onsite, specifically bricks for Joe Lusk and Ben Tiffner.

 

Sep 17, 2018

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D., is co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to solving the sports concussion crisis through education, policy, and research.

A former collegiate football player and professional wrestler, Chris suffered a serious concussion in June, 2003, but due to a lack of understanding, was not honest about his symptoms and continued to wrestle and work out for five weeks while symptomatic. He developed post-concussion syndrome and was forced to retire.

It wasn’t until he visited the renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Cantu that Chris was first exposed to medical research that revealed to him that concussions and brain trauma were misunderstood in the sports world. Chris realized that this lack of awareness among athletes, coaches, and even medical professionals not only cost him his career, but also threatened the health and well-being of athletes of all ages.

This led him to write the critically acclaimed book Head Games: Football’s Concussion Crisis, originally published in 2006, in an effort to educate the world about this serious public health issue. In 2012, the book was adapted for the documentary film of the same name, Head Games, directed by Steve James, and the book was updated to coincide with the film’s release.

In 2007, Chris co-founded Concussion Legacy Foundation and is a leading force in changing the way we think about brain injury in America.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The different types of brain injury
  • How sports are changing, and why it’s important
  • Why it’s critical to monitor impact in the brains of children
  • How to donate your brain, and the current state of research
  • For veterans, join Project Enlist here.

 

Sep 3, 2018

Danny Chung, is the business manager and chief of staff for Military Affairs at Microsoft, manages the Military Affairs team. Before coming to Microsoft, Danny provided strategic communications support for Ingram Micro, Southern California Edison and BRTRC Federal Solutions after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2010.

 

In this episode we discuss:

 

  • The Old Glory Relay, and why it’s such an important event
  • The power of community and why Microsoft cares so much
  • Veterans in our communities and why that’s important
  • The power of OGR in weaving together communities to break down the civ-mil divide
Aug 20, 2018

 

Jake Harriman is a former Force Recon Marine who started Nuru International during his time at Stanford.  His experiences deployed led him to see the devastating effects of extreme poverty, and how it was affecting the war on terror - and inspired him to start an organization to break the cycle.

 

In this episode we discuss:

 

  • The nexus of security and rural development
  • His belief that only kinetic action will not win the war on terror
  • The importance of removing isolation
  • How to help yourself by helping others

 

Aug 6, 2018

Stand To is a national veterans convening, hosted by the George W. Bush Institute.  In its second year, Stand To II brought influential leaders together with the purpose of advancing effective veteran support.  

Team RWB Executive Director, JJ Pinter, had the opportunity to host our first ever live podcast on stage at this incredible event, highlighting real life stories of health and wellbeing from 3 incredible veteran leaders.  

  • Joe Quinn - Executive Director of the Headstrong Project
  • Kayla Williams - Senior Fellow and Director, Military, Veterans, and Society Program at CNAS
  • Will Reynolds - Manager at Deloitte
Jul 30, 2018

Dr. Dan Gade is a retired army officer who was massively injured in Iraq, leading to the amputation of his leg, amongst other injuries.  Through his experiences in recovery, he has come to believe that the structure of the VA disability system is hurting veterans and creating a culture of entitlement.  He’s become a vocal supporter for change, and is a driving force in trying to force an overhaul in the way the VA addresses disability compensation.

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • The incentives for disabled veterans to not work, and why this is bad
  • The difference between disabilities and conditions
  • His non-profit experiment, the Independence Project
  • How the structure of the system incentivises abuse, leading to a culture of entitlement.  
Jul 23, 2018

You can’t help but get fired up talking to Tiffany Hendrick!  She’s a military spouse, Eagle Leader, and one of the most genuine and engaging people to spend some time with.  We recently sat down with Tiffany to learn more about her involvement with Team RWB, the work she’s done as a military spouse and on behalf of other military spouses, and the importance of family.  If you’re a Team RWB member, a military spouse, or you just want to get to know the “Next Oprah”, you don’t want to miss this episode of the Eagle Nation Podcast!

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • How to effectively engage with Team RWB when there’s not a thriving Chapter in your area
  • Eagle Leader Fellow experience
  • Military spouse
  • Being proactive in search of what you need/want
  • Perspectives on

 

Additional callouts from this episode:

Jul 16, 2018

Phil Carter is a writer, lawyer and a former Army officer who’s worked everywhere from the Pentagon to a Los Angeles law firm.  He’s currently a Senior Policy Researcher at the RAND Corporation, but has researched and written extensively on veterans issues for many years where he’s widely respected as an expert.

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Veteran demographics and how they are changing
  • How the VSO landscape is changing and evolving
  • How physical fitness has changed his life
Jul 9, 2018

Harriet Williams is an Army veteran and the Chapter Captain in Clarksville/Fort Campbell.  She’s a combat veteran, just like her father. Service runs in the family and Harriet and her Chapter have done a phenomenal job building a dynamic team that is engaging veterans and enriching lives while also being incredibly integrated with their local community.  In this episode, you’ll gain insights into the success of one Chapter as well as the story of service and family from one authentic and loyal community leader. Each Team RWB Chapter and Eagle Leader is of course unique, but we can all learn a little something about effective leaders and Chapters from this conversation!

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • The value of service and family...and how they can often be at odds
  • Being a female veteran and serving pre-9/11
  • How the broader community is an incredibly important component of a strong Team RWB Chapter
  • Some unique events that have proved incredibly successful for Team RWB Clarksville/Fort Campbell
  • Veteran Treatment Courts (https://justiceforvets.org/what-is-a-veterans-treatment-court/)

 

Jul 2, 2018

Team RWB Founder, Mike Erwin, is a very special person and the perfect guest to commemorate our 100th episode of the Eagle Nation Podcast.  

Mike is our first repeat guest, and we dive into some very little known stories about both the very early days of Team RWB, and his military career.  A great deal of this podcast is spent in reflection on the Team RWB of today, and there’s some great insight in here for everybody.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Mike’s transition from a college baseball player to a life of service as an Army officer
  • How Team RWB is similar (and different) from his vision in 2010
  • What he’s learned growing non-profits the last 8 years.

 

May 22, 2018

Kristin Caples and Tara McMachen are Eagle Leaders in Team RWB Denver, and have some very interesting perspectives on what it takes to run a local chapter.  They reached out to us about a podcast because they were proud of the work they were doing in Denver, and we thought it was a great idea!

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Lessons learned on leading a Team RWB chapter
  • Volunteerism, and why it’s important
  • Why they decided to become volunteer leaders

 

May 14, 2018

Mel Parker is an internationally recognized multi-industry business leader known for his ability to turnaround, transform and upgrade businesses while generating optimum value for shareholders, customers and employees.

He is an Army veteran, who transitioned from the military and spent 25 years in corporate America with senior leadership roles at some of the best organizations on the planet. PepsiCo, Corporate Express(Staples), Newell Rubbermaid, Dell Computers, and Brinks.

Mel is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Take The Limits Off, LLC, a leadership development, executive coaching and business consulting firm based out of Austin, TX. As an international speaker and best-selling author, Mel has shared his leadership and success strategies with audiences from around the world.

In this episode we discuss:

  • His experience in the Army and how it has shaped his career
  • His book, The Parker Principles and it’s origin story?
  • How his leadership philosophy has changed over time
  • The experience of writing a book and being a first time published author

 

May 7, 2018

Kerry Rock is an Army veteran and Team RWB member.  Chris Long is a NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion.  They couldn’t be any different in stature or background, but they’re making a difference in both their local community of Charlottesville, VA and on the other side of the world in east Africa.  Having recently #ConqueredKili, we sit down with Kerry and Chris for a casual conversation covering everything from sports to community service. This is definitely an hour well-spent...enjoy the conversation!

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Starting a Team RWB Chapter, the challenges and the rewards
  • Training for a NFL season, a 10-miler, and climbing a big mountain
  • Service...taking action and giving of your most precious resource (time) to make a difference
  • Delivering impact at the community level, whether that be at home or halfway across the world
  • The perspective provided by poverty and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft)
  • The next tattoo

 

Additional callouts from this episode:

  • Learn more about the work Chris is doing through his foundation at https://chrislongfoundation.org/.  And make sure you check out https://waterboys.org (@WaterboysORG) to see the great stuff Chris and our friend Nate Boyer (@nateboyer37) are doing to challenge veterans and bring wells to African communities in need.
  • Kerry did in fact propose to this girlfriend Colleen via video from the summit...she of course accepted.  Congrats Kerry and Colleen!
  • Give Chris a follow on Twitter (@JOEL9ONE) and Instagram (laflamablanca95)
  • And because Ellen...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ez5ekvhxs
Apr 30, 2018

Roderick Gabriel is an Army veteran and Eagle Leader with an incredibly inspiring story.  His journey is one of contrasts...battling addictions and battling stereotypes, serving his country and serving jail time.  Rod has seen and been through a lot in short period of time. Yet what shines through brightest is his candor, perspective, and continued desire to serve others.  In Team RWB, he’s found the supportive tribe that he enjoyed while in the Army...and he continues to defy labels while owning his journey and inspiring others.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Perspective
  • The value of a tribe/team
  • Making mistakes and moving forward
  • How one person or one organization (Veterans Village of San Diego) can make a huge difference in someone’s life
  • The role of the process...and the value of taking ownership and not taking the easy route

 

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