The Bridge Podcast: MFAN and rockITdata

Episode 10: Mental Health

In episode 10 of The Bridge, MFAN CEO Shannon Razsadin sits down with Beth Foster, former Executive Director of the Office of Force Resiliency at the Pentagon, and Ryan Kules, Project Odyssey Program Manager at Wounded Warrior Project, for an honest conversation about the realities shaping mental health within the military community. From cumulative stress and isolation to navigating support systems, the discussion explores how wellbeing is often shaped by far more than a single moment. The conversation explores why resilience alone cannot be the expectation for military families.    This episode features:  -Beth Foster, Former Executive Director of the Officer of Force Resiliency at the Pentagon  -Ryan Kules, Project Odyssey Program Manager, Wounded Warrior Project

Episode 9: Military Children

In episode 9 of The Bridge, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, connected with nonprofit partners focused on military child wellbeing. With Kara Dallman of Our Military Kids, Jenny Valderas of Operation Homefront and Amse Heck of Military Child Education Coalition, Shannon leads a conversation focused on the often-unseen experiences of military children, examining how stress, transition, and uncertainty shape their daily lives and long-term wellbeing. From the importance of community-based programs and peer support to the role of educators, caregivers, and using MFAN's data to create policy focused on stability, this discussion focuses on practical ways to ensure military children feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.

Episode 8: Rural Health

In episode eight of The Bridge, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, sat down with Travis Dalton of Claritev and Maj Gen (Ret) Dr. Michael Place to explore how rural healthcare access shapes the wellbeing and readiness of military families. Drawing on MFAN’s latest research, the conversation examined the realities facing service members and their families who live on or near rural installations, rely on civilian healthcare networks, or transition into rural communities after service. From policy considerations to technology and system transparency, the discussion focused on practical solutions that can improve care for military connected families and ensure that where a family is stationed does not determine the quality of care they receive.

Episode 7- Government Shutdown Response

In episode 7 of The Bridge, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, sat down with logistics and crisis response leaders Rebecca Grimes, Todd Avery, and Delia Johnson, to discuss how MFAN activated a nationwide emergency grocery response program and information campaign within days of the largest shutdown in American history. Shannon and this panel explore how corporate and non-profit partners can come together during crisis to serve military families and what comes next.

Episode 6: Advancing Military Family Well-Being: Technology, Leadership, and Leidos’ Commitment

In episode 6 of The Bridge, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, sat down with Liz Porter, the President of Leidos’ Health and Civil Sector, to discuss the interconnected challenges impacting military family health, how technology continues to improve access to resources, and the role of Leidos' commitment to innovation, leadership, and improving the lives of all military families.    Military Family Advisory Network [https://www.mfan.org/] Leidos [https://www.leidos.com/]   Produced by rockITdata [http://www.rockitdata.com]