Episodios

  • BTM190 – John and Cheryl Burns and Amy Alvarez – The Avalon Action Alliance

    BTM190 – John and Cheryl Burns and Amy Alvarez – The Avalon Action Alliance
    Oct 15 2024
    Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Amy Alvarez, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with the Avalon Action Alliance, and John and Cheryl Burns, a veteran family whose lives have been changed through support from Avalon Action Alliance partners. The Avalon Action Alliance is a network of treatment, service and support providers that takes a comprehensive approach to addressing Traumatic Brain Injury, Posttraumatic Stress, and Substance Use concerns. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestsAmy Alvarez is a community builder and storyteller who loves bringing people together for social impact. Throughout her career, she’s helped some of your favorite causes and social enterprises stand out with innovative marketing, business development and relationship building. Prior to Avalon, Amy served as the Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Make-A-Wish Georgia where she helped them successfully refresh their brand, build and grow their social media presence, and secure national media to elevate stories of wish families. She loves mission-driven organizations and finds purpose in trying to move people to take action, build bridges and influence change. She’s a believer in creating an environment that fosters diverse voices and perspectives.​Amy graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Marketing with an emphasis in Sales and Customer Relationship Management. As a child, her love for travel was ignited through her father’s 22-year service in the Navy. Her favorite place to be stationed was Tegucigalpa, Honduras.In her free time, you’ll catch her on the trails with her Frenchie, Charlie, exploring a new city or dancing in the aisles at the grocery store to some music.----John Burns is an Army Combat Veteran who survived an IED attack while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. A last minute decision as a leader to change seats assignments changed everything for him, making him the lone survivor in his vehicle and leaving him with debilitating injuries. His survivor’s guilt was gripping and began a 19-year journey of struggle. Lack of sleep, balance issues, severe PTS made it hard for John to exist. He turned to the VA who prescribed him a cocktail of medicines. Then came the pandemic…forced isolation and loneliness escalated John’s symptoms. He spent days in the dark, with very little interaction. John’s wife Cheryl, desperate for answers and help, started researching places for him to get care. They found Avalon who connected them with the University of Florida Haley Brain Wellness Program. John’s class was one of the biggest cohorts to date. He reluctantly attended, but by the 3rd day, he knew things were going to be different. After 3 weeks of care, everything changed and he found hope againCheryl says she got her husband back. John said he got his life back. And he gained community, something he missed from his days serving. Today, John is thriving. Finally taking that Greek vacation he dreamed of. Finally being the grandpa he hoped he’d become. Finally being himself. A life renewed and hope restoredIn John and Cheryl’s own words: “We found Avalon Action Alliance when we needed it most. We had lost hope in the way John was being treated and didn’t know where else to go after years of searching for help. Everything changed when we were connected to the team at UF Health. We’re finally living the life we envisioned – full of love and hope once again. Avalon’s care is life-changing, and we’ll be forever grateful for the support we received from them.”Links Mentioned in this Episode Avalon Action Alliance Web SiteAlliance Partner LocationsPsychArmor Resource of the WeekPsychArmor Brain Health & Wellness Learning Series - Traumatic Brain Injury. In your work with the Veteran and military-connected community, you may work with a military service member or Veteran who has experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI). While a TBI diagnosis can pose a daunting challenge, there are a number of of both individual and community-based treatments to support warriors in their recovery. The goal of this series is to give you essential information on TBI and the tools and resources to make a difference in the lives of military members who have suffered a brain injury during service. You’ll gain a greater understanding of the statistics behind TBI, common symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and treatment therapies. Warriors can and do recover from the effects of brain injuries and—with your support—acquire new skills to overcome limitations and live fulfilling lives. You can see find the resource here: https:...
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    35 m
  • BTM189 - KaLea Lehman - the Military Special Operations Family Collaborative

    BTM189 - KaLea Lehman - the Military Special Operations Family Collaborative
    Oct 8 2024
    Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Special Operations Spouse KaLea Lehman. She is the Executive Director of The Military Special Operations Family Collaborative, a nonprofit public health initiative to enable the success of America’s special operations warriors and families through collaborative health and well-being research and programs. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestsKaLea Lehman is the Executive Director of The Military Special Operations Family Collaborative, a nonprofit public health initiative to enable the success of America’s special operations warriors and families through collaborative health and well-being research and programs.She has a broad range of experience working in healthcare advocacy, communications, and education. KaLea completed her undergraduate education at The George Washington University in 2007 and earned her Master of Education in 2018 from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.Her work and interests are policy research, analysis, and development. Her research interests include organizational behavior in matrix and high reliability organizations and their intersection with well-being. KaLea and her husband have been part of the Special Operations community for over 10 years and have four beautiful children. In their free time, they enjoy running adventures and traveling to new places. Links Mentioned in this Episode MSOFC Web SiteThe Warrior’s Table BookMSOFC on FacebookMSOFC on InstagramMSOFC on XPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s Resource of the Week is a podcast episode that was previously recorded with Dr. Maguen on the Head Space and Timing Podcast. In this hour-long discussion, Dr. Maguen shares more thoughts on the development, assessment, and treatment of Moral Injury You can see find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/invisible-wounds-at-home-understanding-invisible-wounds Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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    34 m
  • BTM188 - Dr Shira Maguen - Moral Injury in Service Members and Veterans

    BTM188 - Dr Shira Maguen - Moral Injury in Service Members and Veterans
    Oct 1 2024
    33 m
  • BTM187 - Vicky Perkins - Blue Star Families Support Circles

    BTM187 - Vicky Perkins - Blue Star Families Support Circles
    Sep 24 2024

    Show Summary

    This episode features a conversation with Navy spouse Vicky Perkins, Senior Director for Impact Programs at Blue Star Families. Among other programs, Vicky is responsible for leading the team that manages Blue Star Support Circles, facilitated nonclinical cohorts for veterans and service member supporters to help reduce crisis and suicide in the military affiliated population.

    Provide Feedback

    As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health.

    About Today’s Guests

    Vicky Perkins is a Navy Spouse and dedicated professional with a passion for supporting others. She brings a wealth of experience in non-profit organization management, excelling in Event Management, Program Management, Communication, Volunteer Management, Decision-Making, and Team Building. Her leadership encompasses diverse portfolios specializing in developing, evaluating, and scaling innovative pilot programs nationally and in collaboration with local communities, and her commitment is deeply rooted in serving military families. She passionately works towards positively impacting their lives and the communities they navigate, armed with a nuanced understanding of their challenges.

    Links Mentioned in this Episode

    Blue Star Families Web Site

    Blue Star Support Circles

    Vicky Perkins on LinkedIn

    PsychArmor Resource of the Week

    This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Suicide in Military Members And Veterans. Dr. Craig Bryan provides an overview of military suicide statistics and explains unique factors that may be related to increased rates in military suicide. You can find a link to the resource in our show notes.

    You can see find the resource here:

    https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/suicide-in-military-members-and-veterans

    Episode Partner:

    Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities

    Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media

    Email PsychArmor

    PsychArmor on Twitter

    PsychArmor on Facebook

    PsychArmor on YouTube

    PsychArmor on LinkedIn

    PsychArmor on Instagram

    Theme Music

    Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.

    Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

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    31 m
  • BTM186 - Julie Goldstein and Lisa Sabey - Supporting Parents of Children in Suicidal Crisis

    BTM186 - Julie Goldstein and Lisa Sabey - Supporting Parents of Children in Suicidal Crisis
    Sep 17 2024
    Show SummaryOn today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Dr. Julie Goldstein, Director of the Zero Suicide Institute, and Lisa Sabey, President of Parents-to-Parents. We’re going to be talking about a video resource called Parents to Parents: After Your Child’s Suicide Attempt. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today’s GuestsJulie Goldstein Grumet, EDC vice president, is an expert in behavioral health transformation, state and local community suicide prevention, and the use of evidence-based practices for suicide care in clinical settings. She translates complex topics into engaging and impactful resources for health care leaders, school leaders, and others.As director of the Zero Suicide Institute, Goldstein Grumet provides strategic direction and leadership for the Zero Suicide framework and oversees the development, dissemination, evaluation, and effective implementation of the framework nationwide. She leads a team dedicated to ensuring that safe and effective suicide care practices are accessible to all via an online implementation toolkit for suicide care in health care systems.Goldstein Grumet is the senior health care advisor to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. A highly acclaimed trainer and speaker, her work has been spotlighted in the Washington Post, Science Magazine, and Military Times.Goldstein Grumet holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in School Mental Health at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Center for School Mental Health.Lisa Sabey is mostly a wife, mother and grandmother. She has 6 children, 11 grandchildren and a husband who supports her as she launches into all the projects. Lisa’s life changed when her daughter went down the rabbit hole of anorexia nervosa. For years, mental illness ravaged her daughter’s physical and mental wellness.After spending thousands of hours researching, reading and talking with professionals, Lisa increasingly realized that parents needed much more education and support. She self-funded the creation of a documentary, Anorexia: What We Wish We Had Known She committed her life to this work and founded Parents-to-Parents, a 501(c)(3) NPO. Links Mentioned in this Episode The Education Development Center WebsiteThe Zero Suicide InstituteParents to Parents: After Your Child’s Suicide AttemptParents to Parents WebsitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the VA S.A.V.E. training course. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, this course presents a general understanding of suicide within the military and Veteran community in the United States. It addresses how to identify a Veteran who may be at risk and teaches viewers what to do to help. Using the simple steps of S.A.V.E., we can all make a difference. You can see find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
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    34 m
  • BTM185 - Denise Olsen - Grief and Traumatic Loss

    BTM185 - Denise Olsen - Grief and Traumatic Loss
    Sep 10 2024

    Show Summary

    On today’s episode, we feature a conversation with Denise Olsen, a grief mentor, national public speaker, registered nurse, yoga instructor, and published author. Her book, Strong and Soulful: Graced by Grief is a look at Denise’s personal journey from catastrophic grief and trauma to a life filled with abundance.

    Provide Feedback

    As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health.

    About Today’s Guests

    Denise Olsen is a Grief mentor, national public speaker, BSN-RN, yoga instructor and now a published author. Through nursing, Denise acquired extensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology along with trauma experience. After suffering the loss of her husband, a NYC firefighter, on 9/11, Denise utilized yoga, meditation and breathwork to heal. She is a registered yoga instructor with over 300hrs of experience, specializing in the military community, combat related PTSD and military sexual assault. Most recently, her work has evolved into guiding those who have suffered grief/loss and/or trauma through their healing journey. Her work focuses on using our pain as a portal to our highest selves. When Denise isn’t speaking, writing, or traveling, she can be found at her home near the beach enjoying her family and seeking out her next adventure.

    Links Mentioned in this Episode

    Denise Olsen’s Web Site

    Strong and Soulful on Amazon

    PsychArmor Resource of the Week

    This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course, Good Grief. Grief is not only experienced with death, it can also occur with job loss or severe changes to physical well-being. The purpose of this course is to recognize loss and identify what is learned as a result of that loss.

    You can see find the resource here:

    https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/good-grief

    Episode Partner:

    Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities

    Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media

    Email PsychArmor

    PsychArmor on Twitter

    PsychArmor on Facebook

    PsychArmor on YouTube

    PsychArmor on LinkedIn

    PsychArmor on Instagram

    Theme Music

    Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.

    Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

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    33 m
  • BTM184 - Kari McDonough - Welcome.US, The Welcome Corps, and the Veteran Sponsor Fund

    BTM184 - Kari McDonough - Welcome.US, The Welcome Corps, and the Veteran Sponsor Fund
    Sep 3 2024

    Show Summary

    On today’s episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Kari McDonough, Vice President of Welcome.US and Senior Advisor to the Welcome Fund, a program of Welcome.us that provides a source for grantmaking to organizations as they involve community members to welcome newcomers.

    Provide Feedback

    As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health.

    Links Mentioned in this Episode

    Welcome.US Web Site

    The Welcome.US Welcome Corps

    Welcome.US Veteran Sponsor Fund Application

    PsychArmor Resource of the Week

    This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is Episode 47 of the Behind the Mission Podcast. On this episode of Behind the Mission, we have a conversation with Jen Wilson, Co-Founder of the Army Week Association, a New York City-based Nonprofit that provides support to returning service members and their communities. In this episode, we discuss AWA’s mission and how their network was engaged to respond to the need to support US and Coalition Force Allies during the Fall of Kabul

    You can see find the resource here:

    https://psycharmor.org/podcast/jen-wilson

    Episode Partner:

    Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities

    Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media

    Email PsychArmor

    PsychArmor on Twitter

    PsychArmor on Facebook

    PsychArmor on YouTube

    PsychArmor on LinkedIn

    PsychArmor on Instagram

    Theme Music

    Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.

    Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

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    27 m
  • BTM183 - Dr. Khadija Boyd - Journal of Veterans Studies

    BTM183 - Dr. Khadija Boyd - Journal of Veterans Studies
    Aug 27 2024

    Show Summary

    On today’s episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Khadija Boyd, a retired United States Army Combat Veteran, who is currently the Editor in Chief for the Journal of Veterans Studies. The mission of the Journal of Veterans Studies is to sustain international research in veterans studies, facilitate interdisciplinary research collaborations, and narrow gaps between cultures, institutions, experiences, knowledge, and understanding.

    Provide Feedback

    As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health.

    About Today’s Guests

    Dr. Khadija Boyd is a Retired United States Army Combat Veteran. She received her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University in 2020. Her research and previous publications focus on race and gender discrimination in the military as identified as military colorblindness and military gestational loathing. Also, the use of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as a filter of racial awareness. She is currently an Editor for the Journal of Veterans Studies and Section Editor for the Journal of Veterans Studies.

    Links Mentioned in this Episode

    The Journal of Veterans Studies Website

    PsychArmor Resource of the Week

    This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course, Advising Military Students on Higher Education. In this course, you’ll see a brief look at higher education options and transition information for military students

    You can see find the resource here:

    https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Advising-Military-Students-on-Higher-Education

    Episode Partner:

    Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities

    Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media

    Email PsychArmor

    PsychArmor on Twitter

    PsychArmor on Facebook

    PsychArmor on YouTube

    PsychArmor on LinkedIn

    PsychArmor on Instagram

    Theme Music

    Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.

    Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com

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    31 m