It's Medicine, Not Dope: A Veteran's Truth About Healing from Trauma

This DAV Podcast episode "It's Medicine, Not Dope" features a profoundly honest conversation with Gigi, a U.S. Army veteran who served for over 22 years, about her struggle with complex treatment-resistant PTSD, depression, and anxiety stemming from multiple sexual assaults both in and out of uniform, and the demanding work of body identification at the Dover Port Mortuary. Gigi recounts her long journey through anger and isolation, the shame she overcame to finally seek professional help, and her life-changing experience with ketamine-assisted therapy, which she describes as creating new, healthier "train tracks" in her brain. Her message emphasizes hope and resilience, especially for veterans from underrepresented populations who are often discouraged from seeking mental health care, reinforcing that the treatment is "medicine, not dope," and encouraging others to utilize available resources like DAV and VA.

This podcast episode features Jenna Naranjo Winters, who discusses her documentary, Dream. Touch. Believe., about her father, Michael Naranjo. Michael is a world-renowned sculptor and a Vietnam veteran who was blinded by a grenade explosion during his service. Despite this profound injury, he became a celebrated artist, relying entirely on touch to create his stunning clay sculptures. Jenna shares the story of her father's extraordinary resilience, his tenacious drive to achieve his dreams, and the indispensable support of her mother, Laurie, who manages his career, highlighting a message of hope, creativity, and perseverance for all listeners, especially the veteran community.

This DAV podcast episode focuses on disaster risks relevant to veterans, offering key information on understanding these threats and accessing emergency assistance through DAV and the VA. It explores the unique challenges veterans face during and after natural disasters—including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and ice storms—which are common in disaster-prone areas like California, Texas, and Florida. Featuring insights from VA psychologists and service members, the episode highlights the resilience and strong desire of veterans to volunteer in disaster relief efforts, discussing the emotional impact (PTSD symptoms) and the need for stress inoculation and mutual veteran support. Listeners learn how to qualify for DAV's emergency financial relief (up to $1,000 for lodging) and supply kits, and the process for contacting their DAV National Service Office for disaster relief assistance.

Her Service: the Cold War dives into the 44-year history of the Cold War, a tense standoff between two global superpowers. Host Jonathan Kaupanger uses a mix of historical facts, unconventional analogies, and humor to describe this era as a "white-knuckled staring contest." The episode, featuring military historian and retired U.S. Army Colonel Christine Cook, shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked but vital contributions of American women veterans. Cook discusses the careers of Generals Mary Clarke and Elizabeth P. Hoisington, trailblazers who challenged gender norms and carved out new roles for women in the military. Additionally, the podcast explores the stories of intelligence heroes like Juanita Moody, a key figure in averting the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the women of the top-secret Venona project, who were crucial to exposing Soviet spies. Ultimately, the episode reveals how these women's quiet bravery and intellectual prowess were instrumental in shaping the course of the Cold War and securing a safer future.

In this episode of the DAV podcast, host Matt Saintsing interviews Chas Henry, author of "Fuji Fire: Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy." The discussion centers on the devastating fire at Camp Fuji, Japan, in 1979, which killed 13 Marines and injured 60 more. Henry, a Marine Corps veteran and had previously been stationed at the same camp, explains how his personal connection to the site and the shocking discovery that many Marines were unaware of the tragedy inspired him to write the book. He details the events of the fire, which was caused by a super typhoon that breached a berm, allowing 5,500 gallons of gasoline to flow into the camp and ignite. The conversation also explores the harrowing experiences of the survivors, the inadequacy of the camp's fire prevention measures, and the institutional response from the Marine Corps, which, according to Henry, largely suppressed information about the event in its aftermath.

For years, traditional therapies have fallen short for veterans battling the invisible wounds of war: PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Now, there's a new path forward. Join us on this episode of the DAV Podcast as we dive into the groundbreaking world of psychedelic-assisted therapy. From this year's National Convention, Matt Saintsing hosts a panel exploring this innovative shift in mental healthcare. At DAV, we're not just supporting this research—we're actively advocating for it to bring hope and healing to those who have given so much.

This DAV Podcast episode features veteran advocate Jeff Slotnick, a combat engineer whose military service led to an unexpected health battle: a stage four cancer diagnosis linked to environmental toxins from Middle East deployment and other service-related exposures. This must-listen interview delves into his cancer journey, highlighting the critical need for early detection and presumptive conditions under the PACT Act. Slotnick's powerful story is a call to action for veterans' health awareness, cancer screening, and policy change, transforming his personal battle into a public cause for veteran support and advocacy.

Her Service - the Civil War, digs into the lives of two extraordinary Civil War figures: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker and Sarah Emma Edmonds. Dr. Walker, the U.S. Army's first female surgeon, bravely challenged societal norms by insisting on wearing practical "bloomers" instead of skirts, enduring ostracization and even a four-month imprisonment as a spy at Castle Thunder for crossing battle lines to treat all wounded. Meanwhile, Sarah Emma Edmonds, escaping an abusive home, adopted the male identity of Franklin Thompson to enlist, serving as a soldier, nurse, and even a spy, with her true gender remaining a secret to her comrades until she contracted malaria and resumed her female identity as a nurse. The episode highlights how both women defied the restrictive expectations of Victorian-era femininity, with Edmonds ultimately receiving a military pension and full honors after an eight-year battle, and Dr. Walker becoming the only woman in U.S. history to be awarded the Medal of Honor for her self-sacrificing service. We also look at the contributions to the war efforts of two madams and a runaway bride/spy all on this episode of Her Service - the Civil War.

In this compelling DAV Podcast episode, "Whispers from Vietnam The Nurses' Stories," we honor the often-overlooked service of women Vietnam veterans, predominantly nurses, who comprised 90% of female deployments to Southeast Asia. Join host Elizabeth DePompei as she speaks with Donna Koff, Linda Schwartz, and Diane Carlson Evans, who share powerful firsthand accounts of their Vietnam War experiences. This episode explores their motivations for enlisting, the harsh realities of wartime nursing, from treating severe casualties to navigating challenging living conditions and the unique struggles faced by military women including sexual harassment and the lack of support upon their return. Discover the resilience and dedication of these brave women and learn about the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington D.C., a testament to their enduring legacy and a vital place of healing for veterans. Tune in to hear these inspiring stories of service and sacrifice.

Join Brian Buckwalter on the DAV Podcast for an incredible story of resilience and purpose as he speaks with  Jarod Behee. Twenty years ago, an enemy sniper's bullet in Iraq nearly took Jarod's life. This episode goes beyond mere survival, exploring Jarod's remarkable journey of recovery and how he built a life of unwavering strength in community and dedicated service. From his challenging therapies to his vital role as Sergeant at Arms for DAV Chapter 12, Jarod's story is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a living example of how to live powerfully and purposefully, every single day.