Healing in the Wild

Hotter Than Hugh: From Vietnam to the Bottle

On this episode of The Other Side of Service, Brian Basham sits down with Hugh Tomes, a Vietnam veteran with a story as powerful as the heat behind his brand, Hotter Than Hugh. Hugh shares moments from his time in Vietnam and how those experiences shaped the man he is today. From service to storytelling to building something of his own, this episode brings heart, history, and a little heat. A story you won’t forget.

From Service to Signal: The Bud Walters Story

In Episode 13 of The Other Side of Service, we sit down with Bud Walters, a veteran who took the discipline, grit, and leadership learned in the military and turned it into something much bigger than himself. Bud is the founder of Cromwell Media, a company that now spans across Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. What started as a vision became a network of radio stations that inform, entertain, and connect communities every single day. In this episode, Bud shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the risks he took to build Cromwell Media from the ground up, and the lessons he learned along the way. We talk about leadership, legacy, and what it really means to continue serving even after the uniform comes off. This is a story about purpose, perseverance, and building something that lasts.

The Warrior Never Leaves-Chris Morrison

In this episode of The Other Side of Service, Brian sits down with Chris Morrison, author of The Warrior Never Leaves. Chris shares his journey through military life, the highs of service, and the difficult road that followed. From intense experiences to personal struggles, this conversation takes you through the reality many veterans face when the uniform comes off, but the mindset never does. Because the truth is, the warrior inside you never turns off. Chris opens up about learning how to live with that identity, finding purpose beyond service, and ultimately discovering what home really means through his marriage. This episode is raw, honest, and powerful, a reminder that the journey does not end after service, it just begins.

Healing in the Wild

On this episode of The Other Side of Service, Brian Basham sits down with Joe Wesner of Ultimate Veteran Adventures, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans reconnect through the outdoors. After the uniform comes off, many veterans struggle to find purpose, connection, and that sense of brotherhood they once had. Joe shares how Ultimate Veteran Adventures is changing that through hunting trips, fishing experiences, and outdoor retreats that bring veterans back together. This conversation dives into the real challenges veterans face after service, the power of community, and how something as simple as time in the outdoors can create healing and direction. If you are a veteran, know a veteran, or want to support those who served, this is a story you need to hear.

Episode 10- Where Service Meets Innovation

On this episode of The Other Side of Service, Brian Basham sits down with Army veteran and entrepreneur Aaron Barnes, founder of Compact Care. After serving in the U.S. Army from 2009 to 2017 in communications and intelligence roles, Aaron experienced firsthand the challenges soldiers face in tough environments where even basic hygiene can be difficult. Instead of accepting the problem, he turned it into a solution. Aaron shares the story behind Compact Care, a veteran-owned company creating portable hygiene products designed for soldiers, first responders, outdoor workers, and anyone operating in rugged conditions. In this conversation, Aaron and Brian talk about military service, the transition to civilian life, the challenges of starting a business, and how the lessons learned in uniform can fuel innovation and purpose long after service ends. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the next mission begins after the uniform comes off.