Service Members, Veterans and Their Families Podcast

S2 E3: Movement as Medicine: Healing Veterans Through Dance

Discover how dance and movement are helping veterans and military families heal in this episode of the Service Members, Veterans and their Families podcast. We sit down with Michelle Pearson, Black Box Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, and Alfredo Hurtado, Purple Heart recipient and founding member, to talk about their performance PATRIOT and the powerful stories behind it. https://blackboxdancetheatre.org/ Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384162/fan_mail/new]

S2 E2: Suicide Prevention in the SMVF Community: Live from the NC Summit

In this compelling episode, we bring you a second live panel recorded at the North Carolina Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF) Network Summit in Raleigh. Moderated by Peter Tillman, Chief Operating Officer and Associate Director for the Durham VA Health Care System, this conversation centers on suicide prevention and features a mix of subject matter experts and veterans with lived experience who are working to make a difference. Together, they discuss the challenges, realities, and critical strategies for preventing suicide within the SMVF population - highlighting the importance of community, connection, and culturally competent care. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384162/fan_mail/new]

S2 E1: Supporting SMVF: A Live Summit Panel on Collaboration

In this special episode of the Governor’s Institute podcast for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF), we bring you a dynamic panel discussion recorded live at the North Carolina SMVF Network Summit in Raleigh. Featuring experts from across the military and civilian sectors, our panel dives deep into the complex realities facing veterans today, from housing instability where simply finding shelter isn't enough, to the silent struggle of social isolation that can lead to devastating mental health outcomes. What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how it moves beyond identifying problems to exploring practical, implementable solutions. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384162/fan_mail/new]

S1 E5: Financial Planning and Support for Military Students

Dr. Cierra Griffin, Executive Director of Adult Learners and Military Students at Fayetteville State University, and Nick Drake, Director of Military and Veteran Services at NC State University, both stress the importance of financial planning for military students. Dr. Griffin encourages students to utilize their service history to enhance marketability through education and emphasizes the need to consider expenses such as rent and textbooks. Nick highlights the significance of knowing and utilizing available benefits, such as Chapter 30 for active duty students, and making strategic decisions about education savings. Both advocate for mentorship and community resources to guide military students in navigating financial challenges and planning for successful educational and career outcomes. NC STRIVE is hosted by Jon Camp and produced by Earfluence. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384162/fan_mail/new]

S1 E4: Enhancing the College Experience for Military Students

Brad Wrenn and Siobhan Norris, both seasoned advocates for student Veterans, bring a wealth of experience from their military and higher education backgrounds to their roles as program managers for military and Veterans education at the UNC system. Brad believes that support for student Veterans should extend beyond academic life to encompass broader community engagement, emphasizing partnerships with nonprofits and the translation of military training into course credit. Similarly, Siobhan underscores the importance of comprehensive support services both on and off campus, advocating for community involvement and career services to facilitate successful transitions for student Veterans. They stress the need for collaborative efforts and equitable resources to create a supportive environment for military-affiliated students across all educational institutions. Follow NC Strive on Facebook [https://facebook.com/GovInst/], X [https://twitter.com/GovInst/] and Instagram [https://instagram.com/Gov.Inst/]. NC STRIVE is hosted by Jon Camp and produced by Earfluence. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2384162/fan_mail/new]