VET S.O.S. Podcast

Trauma doesn't have to define your future. EMDR may help your brain heal in ways talk therapy can't.
EPISODE PREMISE
For decades, PTSD treatment has centered around talking through painful memories. But what if the brain heals trauma differently? In this episode, EMDR therapist and author Paul Schulte explains why Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is producing remarkable results with veterans, active-duty service members, refugees, and trauma survivors—and why several countries now recognize it as a first-line PTSD treatment.
Drawing from his own recovery journey, his work with military psychologists in Ukraine, and years helping people overcome trauma, Paul shares why healing often begins by addressing not only combat experiences but the wounds that came long before military service.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Understand how EMDR helps the brain reconnect fragmented traumatic memories without relying on years of traditional talk therapy.
Learn why unresolved childhood trauma often resurfaces after combat and how treating both experiences can dramatically change recovery.
Hear powerful stories from Paul's work with Ukrainian soldiers and military psychologists during an active war.
Discover why Paul believes EMDR could fundamentally change the future of PTSD treatment for veterans around the world.
About Paul Schulte
Paul Schulte is an EMDR therapist, author, former international banking executive, and university professor. More than 22 years sober, he now dedicates his work to helping veterans, refugees, abuse survivors, and others recover from PTSD, trauma, burnout, and addiction through EMDR therapy. His work has included supporting military psychologists and service members in Ukraine while advancing trauma recovery through research-backed treatment.
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⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 – Why PTSD Recovery Doesn't Have to Take Years
00:15 – Meet Paul Schulte
03:12 – A Personal Mission to Help Veterans
05:26 – Understanding EMDR Therapy
11:06 – Why EMDR Challenges Traditional Talk Therapy
14:45 – Lessons From Ukraine's Front Lines
19:00 – What an EMDR Session Is Really Like
21:10 – Finding the Right Path to Healing
23:00 – Closing Thoughts & Resources
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Most veterans don't need another program—they need one honest conversation with someone who's been there.
EPISODE PREMISE
Retired Marine Master Sergeant John Smith thought he was praying about changing careers. Instead, he found a new mission: helping veterans tell their stories.
In this episode, John shares how intentional transition planning set him up for success, why storytelling can be therapeutic, and how his podcast, The Unsung Veteran, is preserving experiences that might otherwise be lost forever.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• Build a military transition plan years before separation instead of waiting until the last minute
• Recognize why veteran networking can be one of the most valuable tools during transition
• Understand how sharing personal experiences can create healing for both the speaker and the listener
• Learn why authentic conversations often uncover deeper truths than scripted interviews
About John Smith
John Smith is a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant who served for 20 years as a Tactical Air Defense Controller, supporting both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Today he works in government contracting and hosts The Unsung Veteran, a platform dedicated to documenting veteran experiences and creating meaningful conversations that help service members navigate life after the military.
🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than a minute and helps another veteran discover resources, stories, and support when they need it most.
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
02:02 - John's Military Transition Story
05:24 - Launching The Unsung Veteran
08:47 - Challenges of Starting a Veteran Podcast
15:10 - Why Authentic Conversations Matter
20:01 - The Therapeutic Power of Storytelling
25:25 - Capturing Veteran Experiences
29:23 - Closing & Resources
🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network:
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▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline
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▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong
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Website: vetsospodcast.com
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Most veterans don't fail transition because of ability—they fail because they never built a plan.
Many service members spend years preparing for military missions but only weeks preparing for civilian life. David Howe argues that's one of the biggest mistakes veterans can make.
After serving 30 years in the U.S. Army and building a successful civilian executive career, Dave learned that transition isn't just about finding a job—it's about creating a vision for the rest of your life. In this conversation, he shares why written life planning can dramatically improve transition outcomes and how the Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation is helping Gold Star families navigate life's most difficult moments.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• Create a written transition plan that goes beyond employment and income
• Avoid the "undue sense of urgency" that causes veterans to make poor transition decisions
• Understand the emotional impact of taking off the uniform for the final time
• Learn how strategic life planning helps Gold Star families find purpose and hope after loss
About David Howe:
David Howe served 30 years in the U.S. Army, including active duty with the 4th Infantry Division and 82nd Airborne Division before retiring from the Army Reserve. He built a successful civilian career in healthcare administration and consulting, holding senior leadership positions with major organizations including Deloitte Consulting. Today, he helps veterans and Gold Star families develop life plans through the Comfort, Peace and Freedom Foundation.
🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than a minute and helps another veteran discover the resources they need for a successful transition.
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
01:20 - David Howe's Military and Civilian Journey
03:37 - Navigating Two Different Transitions
07:36 - Building a Written Life Plan
11:12 - Supporting Gold Star Families
18:22 - How the Foundation Works
25:19 - Making Life Planning Part of Military Separation
30:19 - Closing & Resources
🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network:
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▶ Learning Lifeline
▶ The Scoop
▶ Testimony Strong
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Website: vetsospodcast.com
X: @vetsospodcast
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Most veterans don’t hit crisis all at once. Problems stack up until purpose disappears.
What happens when a veteran loses purpose after service—and what does it take to find it again?
Nick Cannon shares a brutally honest look at his own transition from Air Force veteran to unemployed civilian struggling with identity, purpose, and direction. He also explains how Wounded Veteran Relief Fund is stepping in to solve the challenges that often push veterans toward crisis before it’s too late.
In this episode, you’ll discover
• Understand why loss of purpose can become one of the most dangerous parts of military transition
• Learn how Nick became one of the first Airmen approved for the DoD SkillBridge Program
• Hear the moment his daughter’s upcoming birth forced him to completely change his life
• Discover how WVRF’s dental program has grown from helping 17 veterans to hundreds annually
• Understand why dental care may be one of the most overlooked veteran wellness issues in America
About Nick Cannon
Nick Cannon is a U.S. Air Force veteran and former F-22 Raptor Crew Chief who later served in both the Florida House of Representatives and the U.S. Congress.
Today he serves as Director of Operations for the Wounded Veteran Relief Fund, overseeing programs that provide emergency financial assistance, dental care, and support services for veterans throughout Florida.
🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than a minute and helps another veteran discover resources that could change their life.
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
01:22 - Nick’s Military Journey
04:04 - Discovering SkillBridge
08:40 - Losing Purpose After Transition
11:25 - Joining Wounded Veteran Relief Fund
22:03 - Emergency Financial Assistance for Veterans
23:35 - The Veteran Dental Crisis
27:07 - Expanding Beyond Florida
30:25 - The Story of Richard Rossi
32:35 - Closing Thoughts
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▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop
▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong
🔗 Connect With VET S.O.S.
Website: vetsospodcast.com
Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
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#VETSOS #VeteranTransition #MilitaryMentalHealth #Veterans #MilitaryLife #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP

Most veterans don’t struggle because they lack skills—they struggle because they choose the wrong civilian career.
The military teaches mission focus, leadership, and resilience. What it doesn’t always teach is how to identify a career you’ll genuinely enjoy after service. In this episode, Jordie Kern explains why so many veterans settle for the first opportunity available and how that decision can impact everything from job satisfaction to long-term success.
Drawing from thousands of veteran transitions, Jordie shares how 7 Eagle Group helps service members discover career paths aligned with their strengths, interests, and goals while connecting them directly with employers through SkillBridge and professional networking.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Identify the biggest mistake veterans make during military transition and how to avoid it
• Build confidence in your value before entering the civilian job market
• Understand why networking often matters more than a resume
• Learn how SkillBridge reduces hiring risk and creates opportunities veterans might never access otherwise
• Discover why passion and purpose often outperform qualifications during interviews
About Jordie Kern
Jordie Kern is the Founder of 7 Eagle Group, an organization dedicated to helping transitioning service members and military spouses launch meaningful civilian careers. Inspired by a lifelong admiration for military service, he has built programs that have helped more than 8,000 veterans connect with employers, develop professional skills, and successfully transition into civilian life.
🎙️ If this episode helped you, please follow VET S.O.S. and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps put this show in front of another veteran who needs it right now.
⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
02:56 - Why Jordie Founded 7 Eagle Group
08:27 - Inside the 7 Eagle Academy Model
11:20 - The Biggest Transition Mistake Veterans Make
16:00 - How SkillBridge Changes Hiring
19:19 - Confidence and Veteran Value
26:31 - Finding Work That Aligns With Passion
31:31 - Closing Thoughts & 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.com
Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOSPodcast #VeteranPodcast #VeteranTransition #SkillBridge #Veterans #MilitaryLife