Real Veterans. Real Stories.

The Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. podcast explores mental health challenges that many Veterans may face — and ways to overcome them. In our first episode, four Veterans talk about taking that first step toward healthier living by becoming open, honest, and self-aware.

In our second episode, we hear from Tristan, Chris, and Hector: Veterans who know what it’s really like to transition back into civilian life after serving in the military. Hear them describe some of the challenges they faced, like flashbacks, PTSD, and hypervigilance, and how they learned to cope.

Robert is a survivor of sexual violence, and its effects controlled his life for over 30 years. Through support from VA, Robert discovered that forgiveness was his most valuable tool in restoring his peace of mind, hope, and joy. This episode features a discussion of the potential effects of sexual assault, including suicidal ideation. The content may not be suitable for all audiences.

Women are the fastest-growing segment of the military and Veteran populations. While each woman’s experience is unique, many women face similar challenges, both during their military service and after returning to civilian life. In this episode, hear four women Veterans talk about finding hope and ways to heal.

After 12 years in the U.S. Army, Ryan returned to civilian life and his feelings of helplessness, guilt, and isolation grew. Hear his story —from experiencing homelessness to finding, and ultimately giving back, support.

Feeling a sense of community binds us together and makes each of us stronger. In this episode, Amber talks about the power of shared experience. When facing mental health challenges, she discovered that no matter how isolated you may feel, there is always a community of Veterans waiting for you, ready to offer their support.

Many Veterans find their next mission after serving in the military includes returning to school—this episode of ‘Real Veterans. Real Stories.’ explores how mental health support has helped Veterans as they take on new challenges in the classroom and beyond.

Some Veterans give service to their country, and keep giving back after their military career has ended. In this episode of ‘Real Veterans. Real Stories’ we hear from Veterans who, after receiving mental health support, made it their mission to give back by founding nonprofits.

A career in public service is one way that Veterans continue to place service over self. With the goal of helping other Veterans navigate the challenges of civilian life, these Veterans have invested in their next mission: finding what comes next.

For many Veterans, balancing family life and their mental health is a challenge. Hear from Veterans who made it their mission to improve their mental health and family relationships.

For some LGBTQ+ Veterans, living fully as themselves once seemed impossible. With a mission of finding self-acceptance, Veterans in this episode of ‘Real Veterans. Real Stories.’ describe their path to living openly and honestly.

In this episode of Real Veterans. Real Stories.’ Veterans describe how self-expression has bettered their mental health. Whether through art, music, or poetry, the next mission for these Veterans is turning pain into beauty by sharing a part of themselves.