Helping Veterans & First Responders Find Purpose Again — Sheepdog Impact Assistance | EP 22

2x Purple Heart Recipient Mike Nares on Combat Recovery & Finding Purpose w/Freedom Alliance | Ep 29

Mike Nares is a two-time Purple Heart recipient, combat veteran, and leader within Freedom Alliance. In this episode, Mike shares his story of service, combat, loss, recovery, and finding purpose after war. He also talks about Freedom Alliance, War Heroes on Water, and the power of getting veterans back around people who understand what they have been through. This conversation is raw, personal, and powerful. Stories • Resources • Connection

VA Benefits Veterans Aren’t Using — The Veteran’s Veteran w/ Drew Jones | EP 28

In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh and Hodge sit down with Drew Jones, founder of The Veteran’s Veteran, also known as The Vets Vet. Drew shares his journey from the Mississippi Army National Guard and law enforcement into veteran advocacy after navigating his own VA claim process. After years of denials, paperwork, appointments, and hard lessons, Drew reached 100% permanent and total status — then began helping other veterans do the same. This conversation covers the gaps many veterans face when leaving the military, especially in the Guard and Reserve, where transition support can be limited. Drew explains what makes his one-on-one coaching different, why veterans should not feel guilty about seeking benefits, and how VA disability can unlock access to healthcare, community care, student loan forgiveness, CHAMPVA, tax benefits, license benefits, and more. The episode also highlights the emotional side of transition — losing the brotherhood, the phone getting quiet, and the importance of asking for help before things get worse. Whether you are a veteran, first responder, spouse, or family member trying to help someone navigate the VA, this episode is packed with practical insight and real talk.

Men’s & Women’s Health, Testosterone, Peptides & Preventative Care — Game Day Men’s Health | EP 27

In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh and Hodge sit down with Vern from Game Day Men’s Health for a real conversation about men’s health, women’s wellness, preventative medicine, testosterone, peptides, veteran and first responder health, and why so many people wait too long to get checked.Vern brings a military and DoD background, a lifelong passion for exercise science and wellness, and a mission-driven approach to helping people take ownership of their health. This episode goes beyond clinic services and digs into education, access, resources, and the barriers veterans, first responders, active duty members, spouses, and families face when trying to get help.We talk about: • Why men and women often ignore symptoms until they become bigger problems • Testosterone, energy, sleep, confidence, libido, and overall wellness• Peptides and the future of preventative medicine • Women’s wellness and services available through Game Day • Why education is one of the biggest missing pieces in health care• Active duty and veteran barriers when trying to get help • The importance of working with qualified medical providers• Why Game Day supports veteran and nonprofit organizations •How purpose, service, and giving back shape Vern’s businessVern also shares powerful stories about people who walked through the doors struggling physically and mentally, and how getting educated, getting checked, and finding the right care helped change the direction of their lives. This episode is not medical advice. It is a conversation about awareness, education, and encouraging people to ask better questions, get checked, and speak with qualified medical providers. MISSION SPONSORGame Day Men’s HealthThank you to Game Day Men’s Health for supporting The Outreach Project and helping us continue connecting veterans, first responders, and families to stories, resources, and real conversations that matter.Game Day Men’s Health PODCAST SPONSORIron Soldier Coffee CompanyThis episode is also supported by Iron Soldier Coffee Company. Thank you for standing behind the mission and helping fuel conversations that connect service communities to real resources. THE OUTREACH PROJECT LINKSWebsite: https://www.theoutreach-project.comPodcast: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/podcastNonprofit Directory: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectoryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/YouTube: @TheOutreachProjectHq ABOUT THE OUTREACH PROJECTThe Outreach Project connects veterans, first responders, and their families to nonprofits, resources, and stories that matter. Through long-form conversations, community partnerships, and a growing nonprofit directory, we help bridge the gap between people who need support and the organizations built to serve them.Stories • Resources • Connection #menshealth #womenshealth #veteranhealth #firstresponders #gamedaymenshealth #theoutreachproject #testosterone #peptides #preventativehealth #veterans #firstresponders #wellness #podcast #militarycommunity #healthawareness

The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project: QPR, Service & Supporting Those Who Serve | EP 26

DESCRIPTION: In Episode 26 of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge sit down with Courtney, Lori, and Hannah from The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project — a pin-up service organization supporting veterans, active duty military, first responders, and their families. This conversation covers QPR suicide prevention training, support after line-of-duty death or injury, family trauma, first responder mental health, service after service, and the power of simply making people feel seen. The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project brings the spirit of Rosie the Riveter into modern service — showing up at events, supporting other nonprofits, building community, and helping provide tools that can save lives. Guest Links: Website: https://therivetinrosiesproject.org/ [https://therivetinrosiesproject.org/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therivetinrosiesproject/ [https://www.instagram.com/therivetinrosiesproject/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Rivetin-Rosies-Project-61573835770010/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Rivetin-Rosies-Project-61573835770010/] Mission Sponsor: Gameday Men’s Health Alamo Ranch Website: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-tx/ [https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-tx/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameday_alamoranch/ [https://www.instagram.com/gameday_alamoranch/] Podcast Foundational Sponsor: ROPE Solutions Website: https://www.ropesolutions.com/ [https://www.ropesolutions.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesolutionsofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/ropesolutionsofficial/] The Outreach Project: Website: https://www.theoutreach-project.com [https://www.theoutreach-project.com/] Nonprofit Directory: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectory [https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectory] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/ [https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/] YouTube: @TheOutreachProjectHq If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone. #TheOutreachProject #RivetinRosiesProject #Veterans #FirstResponders #MilitaryFamilies #QPR #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #ServiceAfterService #RosieTheRiveter

Finding Purpose After Trauma with Dwayne Brown | Shepherd's Light Foundation | Episode 25

After 26 years in law enforcement, Dwayne Brown found himself battling isolation, depression, and thoughts of suicide following an officer-involved shooting. Today he leads Shepherd's Light Foundation, helping veterans and first responders find hope, healing, and purpose through faith-based retreats and peer support. This conversation explores trauma, faith, resilience, and the power of finding purpose after life's darkest moments.