Be T.E.R.R.I.B.L.E.: Turning Failure Into Purpose with Keely Pate

Why Veterans Still Fight After War — Eric W. Hommel

Many veterans know what they survived—but not why they were sent there. EPISODE PREMISE Most war conversations focus on combat. This one focuses on what happens when veterans return home carrying trauma tied not just to what happened—but to what was never explained. Retired Air Force lieutenant colonel Eric W. Hommel takes listeners inside submarines, Afghanistan, the Pentagon, Congress, and the VA to expose how leadership failures can leave lasting wounds long after deployment ends. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Understand the 5-phase military framework Eric says most service members were never fully taught. • Learn how one wounded veteran’s breakthrough inspired a radically different PTSD healing concept. • Identify how career-driven leadership decisions can impact mission success—and troop wellbeing. • Hear why Eric believes accountability should continue long after retirement. About Eric W. Hommel Eric W. Hommel is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and former Navy submariner with deep operational and policy experience spanning the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, Iraq, and Afghanistan. As a former provincial reconstruction team commander and author of The Losing Game, he brings firsthand perspective on leadership, war strategy, and veteran recovery. 🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—open the app, search VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop, scroll down, and tap “Write a Review.” It takes 30 seconds and puts this show in front of a veteran who needs it right now. ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 02:25 - Eric’s Military Story 06:22 - Leadership Failure Under Pressure 23:10 - Why Veterans Need Mission Clarity 38:25 - PTSD, Trauma & Immersive Healing 50:55 - Accountability After Service 1:07:13 - Closing & Resources 🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network ▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong 🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S. Website: vetsospodcast.comTwitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #TheScoop #VeteranTransition #MilitaryMentalHealth #Veterans #Podcast

Take Ownership of Your Life with Griffin Brand | Bring Your Own Pencil

Description:Griffin Brand joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into personal ownership, leadership, and the mindset needed to stop waiting and start executing. In this episode, we explore: • Why waiting for permission is holding you back• The importance of self-belief before evidence• Leadership lessons from the 75th Ranger Regiment• How to push through adversity and stay the course Whether you’re navigating military transition, building a business, or striving for personal growth, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today. About the Guest: Griffin Brand is a former U.S. Army officer and Ranger Regiment veteran, now working in private equity. He is the co-author of Bring Your Own Pencil, focused on leadership, ownership, and high-performance habits. Grab the Lifeline: The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive. Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes: VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop Connect with VET S.O.S.: Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #TheScoop #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition #LeadershipDevelopment #OwnershipMindset #VeteranSuccess #Discipline #PersonalGrowth #GrabTheLifeline

📻 VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop — Veteran Health / Leadership / Transition

Your brain scans are “normal”—so why are the headaches, brain fog, and anxiety getting worse? Most veterans with concussion symptoms are told some version of the same story: rest, medication, therapy, and time. But what happens when years pass—and the symptoms never leave? This episode takes a hard look at one of the veteran community’s most misunderstood invisible wounds. Host Kings Scott sits down with Army veteran Dr. Chris Slininger to unpack a provocative idea: what if many mild traumatic brain injury symptoms aren’t primarily a brain problem at all—but a structural issue where the skull meets the neck? This isn’t a generic TBI conversation. It’s a challenge to the entire framework many veterans have been given. In this episode, you'll discover:• Identify why persistent headaches, dizziness, brain fog, hypervigilance, and sleep disruption may point to cranio-cervical instability—not just “TBI”• Understand Dr. Slininger’s “breaker box” analogy for root-cause care instead of symptom stacking with pills• Hear the startling explanation for why a second concussion becomes easier—and why the answer may not be what veterans have been told• Explore the new veteran-focused MTBI research initiative aiming to redefine how invisible wounds are diagnosed and treated About Dr. Chris Slininger:Dr. Chris Slininger is a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2003–2013 before dedicating his career to helping veterans facing neurological symptoms often labeled as concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. He is Clinical Director of Cerebral Chiropractic Center and one of fewer than 80 board-certified cranio-cervical specialists in the nation, currently leading a major MTBI research initiative focused on veteran brain health. 🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — open the app, search VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop, scroll down, and tap "Write a Review." It takes 30 seconds and puts this show in front of a veteran who needs it right now. ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction02:15 - Meet Dr. Chris Slininger06:30 - What’s Missing in TBI Diagnosis14:00 - Why Neck Injuries May Be the Hidden Driver25:20 - Anxiety, PTSD, and the Brainstem Connection32:45 - Why Veterans Get Stuck in Symptom Treatment Loops40:10 - Root Cause vs Symptom Management53:20 - Trauma, Neuroplasticity, and Healing1:01:00 - MTBI Research Initiative & How Veterans Can Help1:05:30 - Closing & Resources 🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network:▶ VET S.O.S. ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong 🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S.:Website: vetsospodcast.comTwitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #TheScoop #VeteranPodcast #VETSOS #TBIRecovery #VeteranBrainHealth #InvisibleWounds #MentalHealthAwareness #PostConcussionSyndrome #Podcast #Veterans #MilitaryLife #BrainHealth #MilitaryTransition

From War to Purpose: Rand Timmerman’s Journey of Healing & Faith

Description: Rand Timmerman joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into overcoming trauma, addiction, and identity loss after military service—and how he found healing through spirituality, recovery, and hiking the Appalachian Trail. In this episode, we explore:• The long-term impact of Vietnam War trauma• Battling alcoholism and finding recovery through faith• Lessons in purpose, reflection, and intentional living• How nature and the Appalachian Trail became a path to healing Whether you're navigating military transition, rebuilding your life, or searching for purpose, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today. About the Guest:Rand Timmerman is a Vietnam veteran, former Marine Corps officer, and attorney who transformed his life through recovery and spiritual growth. His journey includes hiking the Appalachian Trail at 72 and authoring A Spiritual Passage, inspiring others to overcome adversity and live with purpose. Grab the Lifeline:The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive. Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop Connect with VET S.O.S.:Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #VeteranJourney #MentalHealthMatters #TransitionSuccess #AppalachianTrail #SpiritualGrowth #VeteranSupport #HealingJourney #PurposeDriven #GrabTheLifeline

Against All Odds: From Foster Care to Army Officer | Tristian Smith Story

Description:Tristian Smith joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into his journey from the foster care system to becoming a U.S. Army officer and advocate for foster youth. In this episode, we explore: • Overcoming trauma, poverty, and instability• The power of mentorship and support systems• How military structure and discipline created purpose• Turning lived experience into advocacy and impact Whether you're navigating military transition, searching for purpose, or overcoming adversity, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today. About the Guest:Tristian Smith is a retired Army officer, author of Against All Odds, and foster care advocate. Drawing from his lived experience, he now speaks and mentors others on resilience, leadership, and the importance of support systems in shaping successful futures. Grab the Lifeline:The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive. Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop Connect with VET S.O.S.:Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #TheScoop #VeteranLeadership #FosterCare #Resilience #MilitaryJourney #Mentorship #LifeAfterService #AgainstAllOdds #GrabTheLifeline