In this episode, host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Matt Watkins, a Marine Corps veteran who spent 14 years serving as an F-18 mechanic, recruiter, and leader. Matt opens up about the pivotal moment he decided to transition out of active duty, the uncertainty that followed, and how he ultimately rediscovered purpose in the civilian world. Today, he serves as the Military Program Manager at Premise Health, where he advocates for veterans, military spouses, and the broader military community.

Guest Bio

Matt Watkins is a former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant with deep expertise in aviation maintenance, recruiting, leadership, and talent development. After 14 years of service, he navigated the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, applying his skills in new industries before finding his passion in veteran advocacy and workforce development. In addition to his role at Premise Health, Matt supports the military community through nonprofit work and mentorship.

Connect with Matt Watkins

Matt is eager to support veterans, military spouses, and service members. Connect with him on LinkedIn or through his nonprofit initiatives for mentorship, guidance, or community resources.

In this episode of Coming Home Well, host Dr. Tyler Pieron welcomes attorney James R. Burn, a seasoned advocate with decades of experience in veterans benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Offering a perspective rarely heard on veterans podcasts, one from a private attorney rather than a VA or state representative, James shares clear, practical insights into how veterans can successfully navigate two of the most complex benefits systems in the country.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the claims process, learn how to avoid unethical “claim sharks,” and discover why early, well-documented action is one of the best ways to ensure success.

Key Topics Discussed

• Differences between VA benefits and SSDI and how they overlap
• Why accredited representation matters and how to avoid claim sharks
• Updates on the PACT Act and Agent Orange presumptives
• Filing strong claims: documentation, timelines, and common mistakes
• How AI and technology are improving claims processing
• The truth about fraud and why it’s far less common than people think
• When veterans should seek legal help and how to verify accreditation
• Why it’s never too early to file a claim or ask questions

Contact Information

For a free consultation or to learn more about James R. Burn’s services visit abesbaumann.com

In this powerful episode of Coming Home Well, host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with filmmaker Steven Grayhm and therapist Dr. Tara Consolino for an unforgettable conversation about the new veteran-focused film SHEEPDOG.

Together, they explore the real-life stories that inspired the movie, the importance of authentic representation of the veteran experience, and the healing that emerges when veterans are given space to speak, share, and reconnect.

Steven opens up about the responsibility of telling a truthful veteran story, while Dr. Consolino brings a therapist’s perspective on group therapy, post-traumatic stress, and the transformative journey toward post-traumatic growth. They also highlight the innovative work of Team House Studios, a production company that trains and employs veterans and Gold Star families in film.

This is more than a discussion about a movie, it’s a conversation about healing, purpose, and the power of storytelling to bring veterans home in a new way.

Resources

• SHEEPDOG – The Movie
• Team House Studios
• Vet Tix – Free tickets for veterans and first responders

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If this episode spoke to you, share it with a fellow veteran, friend, or family member. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the show. Follow us for updates and more stories of healing and homecoming.

Dr. Tyler Pieron talks with Michele Spiers from the American Council on Education (ACE) about how service members and veterans can make the most of their education benefits. They discuss translating military training into college credit, understanding the Joint Services Transcript, and using credit for prior learning to fast-track degree completion.

🪖 Key Highlights

• How ACE evaluates military and industry training for college credit
• Making the most of the Joint Services Transcript and CCAF
• Using CLEP, DSST, and language exams to earn extra credit
• Organizing transcripts and understanding transfer policies
• Resources for veterans—education centers, virtual counselors, and Student Veterans of America
• Dr. Pieron’s personal education journey from service to PhD

✅ Takeaways

• Gather all transcripts before applying
• Use the ACE Military Guide to identify credit opportunities
• Take national exams to accelerate progress
• Connect with veteran organizations and advisors
• Visit acenet.edu for tools and resources

Dr. Tyler Pieron welcomes Craig Robbins, CEO of MilitaryHire.com and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, to talk about the challenges and opportunities veterans face when transitioning into civilian careers. Craig shares his journey from the Marine Corps to leading a major veteran-focused hiring platform, and offers practical advice for job seekers navigating resumes, networking, and modern job boards.

What You’ll Learn

• Craig’s transition story and the mission of Military Hire
• How the platform connects veterans and employers
• New features like AI job matching and “Fill in the Gaps”
• Resume and networking tips that actually work
• Common myths about the veteran job search
• What the Red Balloon partnership means for the community

Top Takeaways

• Build a strong resume and tailor each application
• Use MilitaryHire.com—no premium upsells for candidates
• Expect a 2–3 month job search and stay consistent
• Combine networking + online applications for the best results

Resources

• MilitaryHire.com
• RedBalloon.work

Call to Action

If you’re a veteran, service member, or military spouse seeking your next step, create your free profile at MilitaryHire.com. Employers looking for top military talent can connect there as well.

Host Dr. Tyler Pieron speaks with Tony DeMaio, founder of Helping Heroes USA, about suicide prevention for veterans and first responders. Tony shares his journey from Project Hero to launching Helping Heroes USA, and how communities—not just professionals—can step up to save lives.

Highlights

• The impact of suicide on families and communities
• How isolation fuels risk—and why connection matters
• Recognizing warning signs and starting supportive conversations
• The role of local organizations like American Legion posts and fire stations
• Helping Heroes USA’s mission to train “support angels” in every community
• Tony’s upcoming book It’s a Silent Battle and free webinars

Guest Bio

Tony DeMaio is the founder and CEO of Helping Heroes USA, dedicated to equipping everyday people with tools to support those at risk of suicide.

Resources

• helpingheroesusa.org
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (press 1 for veterans)

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Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with renowned international relations scholar Dale Copeland to unpack the evolving dynamics of US-China relations through the lens of history, economics, and strategic theory.

Drawing from his influential book A World Safe for Commerce, Copeland introduces listeners to his groundbreaking concept of dynamic realism—a framework that blends liberal and realist theories to explore the critical question: Does trade promote peace or conflict among great powers?

Together, they discuss:

• 📚 The ongoing debate between liberal and realist views on trade and conflict
• 🔍 How dynamic realism reframes great power competition
• 🇨🇳 China's growing reliance on global trade and internal political pressures
• ⚔️ Military strategy and economic dependency in shaping foreign policy
• 🪨 The strategic significance of rare earth minerals and resource control
• 🔮 Predictions for the future trajectory of US-China relations

Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

#USChinaRelations #ForeignPolicy #DaleCopeland #Geopolitics #InternationalTrade #ComingHomeWell #DynamicRealism #GreatPowerCompetition #RareEarths #GlobalStrategy

In this enlightening episode of Coming Home Well, host Tyler Pieron sits down with Doug Lynam, a man whose life journey defies convention. From growing up in a wealthy family to embracing the hippie lifestyle, serving as a U.S. Marine, spending 20 years as a Benedictine monk, and ultimately becoming a financial advisor, Doug shares powerful insights on navigating the complex relationship between money and meaning.

Doug draws from his books Taming Your Money Monster and From Monk to Money Manager to offer practical financial advice grounded in deep psychological wisdom. He discusses how veterans can overcome common financial challenges and how understanding your inner "money monster" can transform your financial health and emotional well-being.

Connect with Doug: douglynam.com

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