#16 Jason Lewis (USMC) - From Addiction to Ultra Running, Recovery & Intentional Living

#16 Jason Lewis (USMC) - From Addiction to Ultra Running, Recovery & Intentional Living

On this episode of the World Changing Veterans Podcast, former Marine Jason Lewis opens up about how addiction nearly cost him everything. Jason shares what finally made sobriety stick after multiple attempts, and how learning to ask for help transformed not just his personal life but the way he leads and shows up for others. He talks about finding healing through ultra running and his community with the Houston Area Trail Runners, the power of “progress, not perfection,” and why he believes small acts of service create the biggest ripples. Jason also shares his beekeeping journey and how mentor Michael Kaltenbach of Soldiers of Wax helped him not only learn the craft, but reminded him what it looks like when someone gives their time freely and expects nothing in return. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 01:04 Meet Jason Lewis 01:39 Marine Background 03:01 Weight and Ultra Running 05:27 Addiction Takes Hold 08:47 Rock Bottom and Rehab 11:45 Living Intentionally 14:25 Community Through Running 19:59 Leadership and Impact 21:58 Beekeeping and Soldiers of Wax 25:04 World Changing Defined 25:51 Shoutouts and ClosingWays to connect: Jason Lewis:Instagram: runtrailsandrecover [https://www.instagram.com/runtrailsandrecover/] World Changing Veterans: If you would like to join the community, share your story on the podcast, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at admin@afteractioncollective.com You can also connect with us at After Action Collective [https://afteractioncollective.com/] or on social media: Instagram: wcveterans [https://www.instagram.com/wcveterans/] YouTube: WCVeterans [https://www.youtube.com/@WCVeterans/videos] LinkedIn: World Changing Veterans [https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldchangingveterans/]Podcast: World Changing Veterans Podcast [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#15 Michael Hernandez - From Army Combat Medic to Texas VSO: Turning Pain Into Purpose

On this episode of World Changing Veterans podcast, we speak with Michael “Doc” Hernandez, a former Army combat medic who served with 1st Armored Division and later became a county Veteran Service Officer in Texas. Doc shares how although injuries and undiagnosed PTSD made his transition and medical retirement difficult, there were leaders around him that took the time to care and support his journey to healing. He also recounts advocating for his Vietnam-era grandfather and connecting with Hays County VSO Jude Prather, whose home visit ultimately helped secure his grandfather 100% benefits with nearly $53,000 in retroactive pay. Inspired, Doc pursued VSO work by utilizing the VA’s VR&E (Vocational Rehabilitation) program and is now the Director of Veteran Services for Williamson County. 00:00 Episode Setup01:16 Meet Doc02:36 Joining the Army04:08 Orders and Deployment05:48 Injuries and Medboard07:38 Rocky Transition10:32 Grandfather Benefits Win13:01 Becoming a VSO14:47 How Great VSOs Help18:11 Finding Benefits Help19:55 Mental Health Resources24:45 Education and Careers27:31 World Changing Veterans29:15 Contact and Closing Ways to connect: Williamson County Veteran Services: https://www.wilcotx.gov/785/Veteran-Services World Changing Veterans: If you would like to join the community, share your story on the podcast, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at admin@afteractioncollective.com You can also connect with us at afteractioncollective.com or on social media: Instagram: wcveterans [https://www.instagram.com/wcveterans/] YouTube: WCVeterans [https://www.youtube.com/@WCVeterans/videos] LinkedIn: World Changing Veterans [https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldchangingveterans/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#14 Phil Kornachuck (US Army Special Forces) - Firefight Lessons, Identity Beyond Service & Leading with Purpose

In this World Changing Veterans Podcast episode, we speak with Army Special Operations veteran and StoneWater Training founder Phil Kornachuk, who served in the Canadian Army and then spent 22 years in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer, Ranger, and Green Beret. Phil recounts a defining April 6 firefight in western Afghanistan supporting Marine Special Operations, where casualties, limited medevac, no visibility for air support, and a pinned-down QRF forced him to focus on “what’s the smallest thing I can do right now,” use his “smartbook,” gain distance, and call airstrikes to shift momentum and evacuate wounded. He discusses building trust with Afghan commandos through small moments, preparing for hard days on good days, separating role from identity for veterans, finding purpose through self-awareness, and how StoneWater helps leaders and teams align purpose, principles, practices, and performance. 00:00 Welcome and Takeaways 01:59 Meet Phil Kornachuk 02:30 From Canada to Rangers 05:38 Olympics and Allegiance 06:26 Why the Military Fit 08:18 Rangers to Green Berets 09:14 April 6 Firefight Story 21:15 Smartbook Under Stress 22:16 Purpose Values Routine 23:39 Values Under Pressure 24:06 Trust With Afghan Partners 25:32 Veteran Identity And Purpose 28:51 Building Community Intentionally 30:35 StoneWater Training Mission 33:52 Finding Your Calling 38:04 Battlefield Lessons For Leaders 40:20 World Changing Veterans Defined 43:31 Connect And Closing Ways to connect: Phil Kornachuck Website: https://www.stonewatertraining.com/ Facebook: StoneWater Training [https://www.facebook.com/stonewatertraining/] Instagram: stonewater_training [https://www.instagram.com/stonewater_training/] LinkedIn: StoneWater Training [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stonewater-training-llc/] World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com [worldchangingveterans@gmail.com] and connect with with us on social media. LinkedIn: WorldChangingVeterans [https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldchangingveterans/] Instagram: wcveterans [https://www.instagram.com/wcveterans/] YouTube: WCVeterans [https://www.youtube.com/@WCVeterans/videos] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#13 Chris Tighe - From Navy Vet to The Caffeinated Contractor: Serving Others, Being In Community, and World Changing Leadership.

In this episode of World Changing Veterans, we speak with Chris Tighe, a former Navy officer and entrepreneur. With 23 years of service, including specialized roles such as a Chinese linguist and Information Warfare officer, Chris’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and intentional living. Discover his valuable insights on defining your identity, leveraging military experience, and jumping into opportunities. Plus, learn about his ventures with Elevation Construction and the Caffeinated Contractor, and how he continues to inspire others through mentorship and community engagement. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your takeaways in the comments! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:27 Chris Tighe’s Military Background 02:48 Transition to Civilian Life 03:28 Starting a Business in Seattle 04:36 Childhood and Influences 07:56 Law Enforcement Career 09:12 Advice for Veterans Transitioning 10:31 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose 14:46 Impact of Erwin McManus 16:23 Elevation Construction and The Caffeinated Contractor 16:54 Building a Virtual Team 18:37 The Caffeinated Contractor Journey 19:39 Living Intentionally 21:38 The Importance of Community 24:14 World Changing Veterans Ways to connect: Chris Tighe Elevation Construction [https://www.elevationconstructionteam.com/] YouTube: The Caffeinated Contractor [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHOmdpM-3GWRSbbjK5kkzJbEoLaDD8OJs] Instagram: elevationconstructionteam [https://www.instagram.com/elevationconstructionteam/] World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com [worldchangingveterans@gmail.com] and connect with with us on Instagram: wcveterans [https://www.instagram.com/wcveterans/] & YouTube: WCVeterans [https://www.youtube.com/@WCVeterans/videos] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#12 From Submarines to Country Music: Ed Earl’s Journey from Silent Service to Nashville Stages

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com [https://worldchangingveterans.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]