Helping The Brave Podcast

Afghanistan War: Why Veterans Need Politics for Peace

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Eric Hommel for a direct and thought-provoking conversation about military service, Afghanistan, leadership, and the long-term impact war has on veterans. Eric shares his unusual path through the military, from enlisted Navy submariner to Navy reservist to commissioned Air Force officer. He talks about the systems he saw from the inside, the politics of military careers, his experience commanding in Afghanistan, and why mission clarity matters more than most people realize. This episode also explores what happens when leaders focus more on careers than mission, why veterans often come home still trying to understand what their service meant, and how confusion, broken systems, and lack of accountability can deepen the struggle long after deployment ends. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #EricHommel #VeteranTransition #AfghanistanWar #PTSDAndVeterans #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranHealing #TheLosingGame #LifeAfterService #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranSupport #WarAndLeadership #VeteransHelpingVeterans #MissionMatters

Veteran's Military Journey: Army Medic To Navy Diver

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut talks with Scott English, a former Canadian Army medic and Navy diver who now leads Combat Fitness, a performance-focused training business for military, law enforcement, and tactical athletes. Scott shares his journey through service, his transition out, and how burnout, operational demands, and changing priorities pushed him toward entrepreneurship. He and Ed talk about the realities of military medicine, the difference between field and clinical environments, the mental toll of the COVID period on service members, and why veterans often make strong business owners after they leave the military. They also dive into training philosophy, injury prevention, tactical performance, and the need to stop breaking people in the name of "fitness." This is a conversation about discipline, systems, leadership, and building a new mission after service. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #ScottEnglish #CombatFitness #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEntrepreneur #VeteranFitness #TacticalFitness #LifeAfterService #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranCommunity #LawEnforcementFitness #TacticalAthlete #FormerMedic #VeteransHelpingVeterans

Veteran Community: Sharing Knowledge & Boosting Each Other With Rater HQ After Dark

In this episode of Helping The Brave, Ed Parcaut sits down with RaterHQ: After Dark, a former VA rater and Army veteran, for an honest conversation about how the VA claims process really works. They discuss the rise of online information around veteran disability claims, the problem of misinformation, and why veterans need better guidance when it comes to DBQs, nexus letters, secondary conditions, and evidence. RaterHQ shares how her channel began as a way to educate VSRs, raters, and authorizers after hours, and why she continues to speak out about what veterans should know before filing or appealing a claim. This episode also explores her own service background, her transition from Army radiology tech to social work after military injury, and why she cares deeply about helping veterans avoid costly mistakes in the claims process. If you are trying to understand VA disability claims with less noise and more clarity, this episode is worth your time. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #RaterHQ #VADisabilityClaims #VAClaims #VeteranBenefits #DBQ #NexusLetter #VeteranSupport #FormerVARater #MilitaryTransition #VeteransHelpingVeterans #CAndPExam #SecondaryConditions #DisabilityClaims

Lee Ettinger on Veteran Community Life And Finding Purpose Again

In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with guests Chris Miles and Lee Ettinger for an engaging conversation about military service, transition to civilian life, and entrepreneurship. Chris Miles shares candid stories from his time in the Marine Corps, including challenging boot camp experiences and lessons learned from amphibious assault training. He and Ed Parcaut dive into the ways military culture has evolved over the years, the importance of community among veterans, and the struggles many face after leaving service—especially when it comes to navigating benefits, healthcare, and finding purpose. The episode also explores the lack of support systems for veterans returning to civilian life, and both Ed Parcaut and Chris Miles reflect on the tools and connections needed for a smoother transition. In a hopeful turn, Chris Miles discusses building a new life abroad, learning Japanese, and eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur. He introduces his company, Power Plus, and explains how his experiences shaped the creation of an innovative energizing pain relief product. Listeners will take away valuable insights on: * Overcoming adversity during and after military service * The crucial need for veteran support networks and resources * The process of building a business after service, leveraging discipline and resilience * Current tools, like Ed Parcaut's efforts to ease the VA disability claim process, and the entrepreneurial journey behind Chris Miles 's energy shot Whether you're a veteran, family member, or someone inspired by stories of perseverance, this episode offers honest perspectives, practical advice, and a sense of community for those "helping the brave." Visit www.drinkpowerplus.com for more about Chris Miles 's business, and tune in for more veteran stories on "Helping the Brave. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBenefits #VAclaims #Entrepreneurship #VeteranBusiness #PTSD #MilitaryService #SupportOurTroops #MarineCorps #Navy #Army #VeteranOwned #Podcast #EdParcaut #ChrisMiles #LeeEttinger

Transitioning from Soldier to Storyteller: Dean Davidson's Path to Hope

Join Ed Parcaut as he welcomes Dean Davidson for a candid conversation about military service, PTSD, and the journey of healing. Dean shares his story of serving in the U.S. Army, the challenges of lost records and transitioning to civilian life, and how writing and acting became a creative outlet. Delving into his upcoming novel "The Emir: The Tora Bora Vendetta," Dean discusses the power of storytelling for veterans, messages of hope and redemption, and the importance of reaching out for support. If you're seeking inspiration, honest perspectives, and insight into the veteran experience, this episode delivers. *Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com) For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #Veterans #MilitaryService #PTSDAwareness #Army #Navy #AuthorLife #VeteranStories #MentalHealth #TransitionStories #TheAmir #TorahBoraVendetta #Podcast #EdParcaut #DeanDavidson #Hope #NeverGiveUp #Resilience #FirstResponders #WritingCommunity #Acting #MilitaryFamily #Redemption #Inspiration #SupportVeterans