Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

The American Legion
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Three Global War on Terrorism veterans interview military veterans and other influencers in the military community who share stories related to transitioning, valor and heroism, mental wellness and overcoming PTSD, accessing VA benefits and much more. Join us each week for vibrant camaraderie, playful joking and hot takes on current events, interesting trends and quirky stories of interest to the military and veteran community. This weekly podcast is produced by The American Legion. For more stories and videos please visit www.legion.org/tangoalphalima

  1. From troubled youth to wrestling champion: A female veteran’s story of resilience and mental toughness – Tango Alpha Lima

    4 DAYS AGO ·  BONUS

    From troubled youth to wrestling champion: A female veteran’s story of resilience and mental toughness – Tango Alpha Lima

    Three-time national wrestling champion and Army Special Operations veteran Sally Roberts shares her powerful journey from delinquent youth to elite athlete and military leader. Roberts, founder of Wrestle Like a Girl, discusses how wrestling saved her life, built her winning mindset, and prepared her for success in Special Operations and deployment to Afghanistan. Learn about overcoming adversity, developing mental toughness, the power of suffering and endurance, and breaking barriers for women in combat sports. Roberts addresses military transition challenges, building resilience, leadership development through athletics, and empowering girls and women through wrestling. Essential listening for veterans navigating transition, athletes seeking motivation, parents of daughters in sports, anyone overcoming difficult backgrounds, and those interested in women's wrestling, mental resilience training, and veteran success stories. SHOW LINKS Learn more about Wrestle Like a Girl

    45 min
  2. Blind veteran's quest for the Explorer's Grand Slam - Tango Alpha Lima

    17 MAR

    Blind veteran's quest for the Explorer's Grand Slam - Tango Alpha Lima

    Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell lost his sight in a hunting accident in 1997. He was 30 years old, blind, and raising three daughters alone. What he did next is the kind of story that makes you rethink every excuse you've ever made. In episode 303 of Tango Alpha Lima, Bedwell shares his extraordinary journey — from talking his way onto a construction crew as a blind man, to kayaking 226 miles through the Grand Canyon (earning National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year), to summiting Mount Everest with a failed oxygen mask 750 feet from the top. Now Bedwell is one expedition away from making history. He has summited six of the Seven Summits and skied to the South Pole. When he reaches the North Pole, he will become the first blind American to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam — an achievement fewer than 75 people in history have accomplished. His journey is the subject of a feature documentary called Beyond Vision. "I lost my eyesight," he says. "I gained vision." Also in this episode: the VA's new Artificial Intelligence tool and what it means for your appointments, plus three new laws signed into law that expand housing access, improve VA accountability, and strengthen job training for veterans. SHOW NOTES Download the VA Health and Benefits mobile appJoin The American LegionLearn more about Lonnie BedwellLearn more about the film "Beyond Vision"Join The American Legion Family USA 250 ChallengeNew VA Database causes concern among lawmakersAI tool helps VA doctors minimize administrative tasks and focus on patientsView American Legion Legislative AgendaCheck out The American Legion Grassroots Action CenterLearn more about American Legion Advocacy

    51 min
  3. How lifestyle medicine helps military families thrive - Tango Alpha Lima

    10 MAR ·  BONUS

    How lifestyle medicine helps military families thrive - Tango Alpha Lima

    Retired Air Force physician Dr. Mary Ann Kiel reveals how lifestyle medicine transformed her health and revolutionized her approach to treating servicemembers and military families. As a board-certified pediatrician and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Kiel explains the six pillars of wellness: whole food plant-based nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, social connection and avoiding harmful substances. Learn evidence-based strategies for disease prevention, increasing healthspan (not just lifespan), and addressing the root causes of chronic illness without relying on medications. Dr. Kiel shares practical behavior change techniques she teaches as a Food for Life Instructor and discusses why military members face unique health challenges. Perfect for veterans, military families, health-care professionals, and anyone interested in preventive medicine, holistic health and sustainable wellness practices.

    43 min
  4. Sleep Deprivation Risks Every Veteran Should Know - Tango Alpha Lima

    3 MAR

    Sleep Deprivation Risks Every Veteran Should Know - Tango Alpha Lima

    Sleep isn't a luxury — it's a mission-critical function. And for veterans, the stakes are even higher. Dr. Sara Alger, Sleep Research Scientist with the Psychological Health Branch at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, unpacks what chronic sleep deprivation is actually doing to your brain and body — and what you can do about it. Alger explains why the military culture of "I'll sleep when I'm dead" carries real long-term consequences, how combat-trained sleep patterns can follow you home long after deployment, and why those 3 a.m. wake-ups may be more biology than disorder. She also makes the case for tactical napping as a legitimate performance tool — not a sign of weakness. Whether you're dealing with PTSD-related sleep disruption, years of short nights, or just waking up exhausted, this conversation offers science-backed answers and practical strategies. Also in this episode: a bipartisan effort to expand overdose protection for veterans, the wartime origins of Daylight Saving Time, and how the Star-Spangled Banner became official. SHOW LINKS Learn more about Buddy Checks Join The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge Learn more about the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Facts about tactical napping Defense Health Agency Continuing Education Program Office Be a part of The American Legion Oratorical Contest Learn more about the End Veterans Overdose Act of 2026 Wartime history of Daylight Savings Time Health tips for help you Spring Forward Star-spangled history or The National Anthem Learn more about the U.S. Flag - Indivisible: The Story of Our Flag

    1hr 1min
  5. How to reverse heart disease and lose weight with plant-based diet - Tango Alpha Lima

    24 FEB ·  BONUS

    How to reverse heart disease and lose weight with plant-based diet - Tango Alpha Lima

    Navy veteran Kelley Gilberry shares his inspiring transformation story from obesity and heart disease to optimal health. Before age 40, Gilberry battled cardiovascular disease, high blood sugar and a 70-pound weight problem fueled by fast food. Discover how he reversed heart disease naturally through plant-based eating and lifestyle changes, and became a certified health coach and nutritionist. Learn about his "Medicine Free Method" and "Ant Philosophy" for sustainable weight loss, diabetes prevention, and getting off medications. Gilberry, founder of One Determined Vegan and author of "Plants Saved My Life," provides practical guidance on eliminating processed foods, reducing carcinogens, and adopting whole food nutrition. Essential listening for veterans struggling with obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or anyone seeking health transformation without pharmaceuticals. SHOW LINKS Plants Saved My Life on Amazon Learn more at KelleyGilberry.com Mark Schatzker "The Dorito Effect"

    41 min
  6. How a blind Army veteran went from trauma to triumph - Tango Alpha Lima

    17 FEB

    How a blind Army veteran went from trauma to triumph - Tango Alpha Lima

    From childhood trauma to military service, from a career-ending brain injury as a paramedic to Paralympic glory — Shawn Cheshire's story is one of extraordinary resilience. In this powerful episode, the former US Army helicopter mechanic and 13-time US para-cycling national champion shares how she rebuilt her life after losing her sight at age 36. The Army veteran opens up about her journey from contemplating suicide to becoming a Paralympian, crossing the Grand Canyon solo as the first blind woman to complete Rim to Rim to Rim, and cycling across America on a single bike. Her new documentary "Blind AF" captures her incredible endurance challenges and the trauma she's overcome. This is a conversation about refusing to be defined by your circumstances and choosing to see possibility even in darkness. Also in this episode: the BEACON Act, the magic of audio books and more. SHOW LINKS Military memoir audiobook recommendations AURA Special Offer Learn more about Shawn Cheshire Choosing to See Join the USA250 Challenge American Legion Advocacy Toolkit American Legion Grassroots Action Center Visit Legiontown Reddit Rabbit Hole: Tall tales and fish stories in the military community

    1hr 8min
  7. Heart health for veterans: Cardiologist shares how to beat America’s leading cause of death - Tango Alpha Lima

    10 FEB ·  BONUS

    Heart health for veterans: Cardiologist shares how to beat America’s leading cause of death - Tango Alpha Lima

    Discover proven strategies for improving heart health and living longer with interventional cardiologist Dr. Columbus Batiste. In this encore episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, Dr. Batiste shares expert guidance on cardiovascular diseaseprevention, plant-based nutrition, and cardiac rehabilitation specifically for veterans and military families. Learn about Healthy Heart Nation, his nonprofitorganization helping thousands reverse heart disease through whole food nutrition, exercise, sleep and lifestyle medicine. Perfect for veterans facing increased heart disease risk, anyone interested in preventive cardiology, or those seeking natural approaches to cardiovascular wellness. Topics include cardiac rehab programs, heart-healthy eating, the physiology of heart disease and practical steps to reduce your risk of the leading cause of death in America. SHOW LINKS Dr. Columbus BatisteHeart Healthy Nation

    54 min
  8. From combat linguist to women veterans advocate - Tango Alpha Lima

    3 FEB

    From combat linguist to women veterans advocate - Tango Alpha Lima

    Army veteran Kayla Williams served in combat, deploying to Iraq in 2003 as an Arabic linguist with the 101st Airborne Division. Since retiring from the military, she has become a bestselling author, and leading advocate for women veterans and military families. From serving without body armor plates during the 2003 Iraq invasion to navigating her husband's traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery, Williams shares her journey of resilience and her ongoing fight to preserve the hard-won gains women have made in the military. Discover why hope matters more than hardship, and why evidence-based policy changes are critical for the future of veteran health care. Also in this episode: a VA health care change that will help women veterans, tips on how veterans can protect themselves against scammers, the legend of Cafe Ground Zero and more. SHOW LINKS Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) eligibility American Legion Junior Shooting Sports VA makes it easier for women to access gynecology care Avoid veteran scams The legend of Cafe Ground Zero

    54 min
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About

Three Global War on Terrorism veterans interview military veterans and other influencers in the military community who share stories related to transitioning, valor and heroism, mental wellness and overcoming PTSD, accessing VA benefits and much more. Join us each week for vibrant camaraderie, playful joking and hot takes on current events, interesting trends and quirky stories of interest to the military and veteran community. This weekly podcast is produced by The American Legion. For more stories and videos please visit www.legion.org/tangoalphalima

Information

  • Creator
    The American Legion
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    369
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The American Legion
  • Show Website
    Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

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