DAV Podcast

In this episode of the DAV podcast, host Matt Saintsing sits down with Dr. Amelia Hall, a scholar and faculty advisor for the student veterans' group at Naropa University, to explore a transformative, holistic approach to veteran care. Rather than treating veterans from the premise that they are "broken," Dr. Hall highlights how specialized spiritual, therapeutic, and psychedelic-assisted care gives individuals the tools to heal, reclaim agency, and rewrite their own narratives. She discusses how patients—particularly military veterans process complex trauma, PTSD, and moral injury—can weave mystical or expansive experiences into their specific faith backgrounds or secular practices to foster lasting psychological change. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the value of moving away from internalized pain toward a profound shift in self-identity rooted in inherent goodness, offering listeners a clearer perspective on the breakthrough benefits of specialized mind-body medicine.

In this episode of the DAV podcast, we explore the critical legal protections and everyday challenges facing veterans with service dogs. Featuring a firsthand account from Army veteran William McCasland, the discussion highlights a recent case of service dog discrimination at a hotel in Mississippi, where a handler faced pushback despite adhering to ADA rules. Angelica Williams from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division joins the conversation to clarify the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, specifically outlining the only two legal questions business owners may ask: is the dog required because of a disability, and what task has it been trained to perform. From debunking myths about service animal certification to providing resources for filing an ADA complaint, this episode is an essential guide for disabled veterans and business owners navigating service member rights and accessibility laws.

This episode of the DAV podcast, hosted by Matt Saintsing, provides an inside look at the legislative advocates working on behalf of veterans in Washington, D.C. The discussion introduces the new leadership team, including National Legislative Director Jon Retzer and Deputy National Legislative Director Naomi Mathis, who share how their personal experiences as disabled veterans and former service officers inform their advocacy on Capitol Hill. The episode breaks down the impact of three recently signed laws: the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act (H.R. 224), which protects disability compensation in housing eligibility; H.R. 1823, which mandates stricter GAO oversight of the VA budget ; and the FAST Vets Act (H.R. 4446), which provides flexibility for veterans in the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. Listeners also meet the broader legislative team—Shamala Capizzi, Joseph Lamay, and Kevin Miller—as they outline their specific policy portfolios ranging from toxic exposure and survivor benefits to specialized VA healthcare.

Content Warning This podcast contains detailed discussions of sensitive topics, including combat experiences, childhood trauma, and substance abuse. It also includes a first-hand account of a mental health crisis involving a firearm and thoughts of suicide. In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Matt Saintsing sits down with Justin, a combat veteran who served as an infantry Marine in Fallujah and Ramadi. Justin shares a raw and candid account of his journey from enlisting to seek his father's approval to his decade-long struggle as a firefighter masking deep-seated anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. While initially believing his suffering stemmed from war-related PTSD, a spontaneous encounter with the psychedelic medicine Ayahuasca led to a profound spiritual awakening. Through this experience and his subsequent work with Save A Warrior, Justin realized the roots of his trauma actually lay in his childhood, leading him to a new path in spiritual chaplaincy and a mission to help others heal through the power of psychedelic integration.

This podcast episode features Jenna Naranjo Winters, who discusses her documentary, Dream. Touch. Believe., about her father, Michael Naranjo. Michael is a world-renowned sculptor and a Vietnam veteran who was blinded by a grenade explosion during his service. Despite this profound injury, he became a celebrated artist, relying entirely on touch to create his stunning clay sculptures. Jenna shares the story of her father's extraordinary resilience, his tenacious drive to achieve his dreams, and the indispensable support of her mother, Laurie, who manages his career, highlighting a message of hope, creativity, and perseverance for all listeners, especially the veteran community.

Her Service: the Cold War dives into the 44-year history of the Cold War, a tense standoff between two global superpowers. Host Jonathan Kaupanger uses a mix of historical facts, unconventional analogies, and humor to describe this era as a "white-knuckled staring contest." The episode, featuring military historian and retired U.S. Army Colonel Christine Cook, shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked but vital contributions of American women veterans. Cook discusses the careers of Generals Mary Clarke and Elizabeth P. Hoisington, trailblazers who challenged gender norms and carved out new roles for women in the military. Additionally, the podcast explores the stories of intelligence heroes like Juanita Moody, a key figure in averting the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the women of the top-secret Venona project, who were crucial to exposing Soviet spies. Ultimately, the episode reveals how these women's quiet bravery and intellectual prowess were instrumental in shaping the course of the Cold War and securing a safer future.

For years, traditional therapies have fallen short for veterans battling the invisible wounds of war: PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Now, there's a new path forward. Join us on this episode of the DAV Podcast as we dive into the groundbreaking world of psychedelic-assisted therapy. From this year's National Convention, Matt Saintsing hosts a panel exploring this innovative shift in mental healthcare. At DAV, we're not just supporting this research—we're actively advocating for it to bring hope and healing to those who have given so much.

Her Service - the Civil War, digs into the lives of two extraordinary Civil War figures: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker and Sarah Emma Edmonds. Dr. Walker, the U.S. Army's first female surgeon, bravely challenged societal norms by insisting on wearing practical "bloomers" instead of skirts, enduring ostracization and even a four-month imprisonment as a spy at Castle Thunder for crossing battle lines to treat all wounded. Meanwhile, Sarah Emma Edmonds, escaping an abusive home, adopted the male identity of Franklin Thompson to enlist, serving as a soldier, nurse, and even a spy, with her true gender remaining a secret to her comrades until she contracted malaria and resumed her female identity as a nurse. The episode highlights how both women defied the restrictive expectations of Victorian-era femininity, with Edmonds ultimately receiving a military pension and full honors after an eight-year battle, and Dr. Walker becoming the only woman in U.S. history to be awarded the Medal of Honor for her self-sacrificing service. We also look at the contributions to the war efforts of two madams and a runaway bride/spy all on this episode of Her Service - the Civil War.

Join Brian Buckwalter on the DAV Podcast for an incredible story of resilience and purpose as he speaks with Jarod Behee. Twenty years ago, an enemy sniper's bullet in Iraq nearly took Jarod's life. This episode goes beyond mere survival, exploring Jarod's remarkable journey of recovery and how he built a life of unwavering strength in community and dedicated service. From his challenging therapies to his vital role as Sergeant at Arms for DAV Chapter 12, Jarod's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a living example of how to live powerfully and purposefully, every single day.

The "DAV Podcast: Her Service" dives into the largely untold stories of women's contributions during the American Revolutionary War. Host Jonathan Kaupanger, a self-proclaimed history "nerd," enthusiastically introduces listeners to Meg Bowersox, Manager of Gallery Interpretation at the Museum of the American Revolution. This episode highlights the lives of trailblazing figures like Deborah Sampson and Hannah Snell, who disguised themselves as men to enlist, exploring their motivations, challenges, and the societal context of their actions. Beyond these recognized veterans, the podcast also delves into the "gray areas" of history, discussing the debated realities of other influential women such as the mysterious Agent 355, the formidable Nancy Morgan Hart, the all-female "Mrs. David Wright's Guard," and the intriguing wax sculptor and alleged spy, Patience Lovell Wright, encouraging listeners to seek out and celebrate the diverse contributions of women veterans throughout history.

This DAV Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Chef Robert Irvine, a culinary maestro, television personality, author, and ardent advocate for veterans. Irvine shares his remarkable journey, from joining the Royal Navy at 15, to his rise as a celebrated chef who has cooked for royalty and heads of state. He discusses how his military service instilled in him invaluable leadership skills and a direct communication style that has propelled his diverse career, from cruise ship kitchens to founding successful food brands. Irvine also highlights his passion for giving back, particularly through his foundation, which focuses on the mental and physical well-being of veterans, and his involvement with DAV's Patriot Boot Camp, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship for veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship.

This podcast episode features Elizabeth Stetler interviewing Karen Owoc, a clinical exercise physiologist at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center and a specialist in preventative cardiology and functional longevity. The conversation centers around the critical issue of veteran loneliness and isolation. Karen draws on her experience working with veterans, particularly through a remote cardiology program, to shed light on the unique challenges they face upon transitioning to civilian life, including the loss of camaraderie, the impact of trauma and PTSD (especially among Vietnam and post-9/11 veterans), and the difficulties in adjusting to a lack of structure and community.

In this DAV Podcast, Rob Lewis engages in a crucial discussion with Dr. Allen Teo, a psychiatrist, to delve into the pervasive issue of loneliness and its profound impact on mental health, particularly within the veteran community. Dr. Teo provides a clinical definition of loneliness, distinguishing it from mere solitude, and highlights the unique challenges faced by veterans due to factors like medical comorbidities and mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. The conversation extends to exploring the complex relationship between social media and genuine connection, as well as the often-overlooked struggles of caregivers.