The MisFitNation

Richard LaMonica
  • 5.0 (50)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Semiweekly

The MisFitNation Show: Empowering Stories of Resilience and Growth Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica, a proud US Army Veteran. Alongside a fellow Veteran and a prominent business leader, our mission is clear: to inspire and empower you to become a better human being. We spotlight the remarkable stories of Veterans and First Responders, showcasing their journeys of resilience, strength, and triumph over adversity. Each episode features captivating interviews with guests from diverse backgrounds, including authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals. Listeners will gain valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice from those who have faced challenges and achieved success. Whether it's the grit of our Veterans and First Responders or the expertise of thought leaders, The MisFitNation Show is a vibrant community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being. Join us for an episode or become a regular listener! If you believe your story can inspire others, reach out to us to be a guest on the show. Accolades: 2025 Veteran Podcast of The Year - American Freedom Fund 2022 - Top 40 Over 40 - Podcast Magazine 2021 - Best Society and Culture Podcast - Veteran Podcast Awards Tune in to The MisFitNation Show, your ultimate platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation. Discover stories that uplift and empower—because every voice matters! https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation

  1. 1d ago

    The Untold Stories of Female Veterans with Susan L. Combs

    What happens after the uniform comes off? For many female Veterans, the answer is far more complicated than most civilians ever realize. In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, Susan L. Combs returns to share the story behind her new book, Wonder Women: The Untold Stories of Female Veterans—a collection built around the real voices and lived experiences of women who served across generations, branches, and missions. Susan opens up about why she created the project, what surprised her most during the interviews, and why it was essential that each Veteran retain ownership of her story. The result is an honest look at military service that goes far beyond deployments and duty stations. You’ll hear about women navigating boot camp, combat environments, military leadership, motherhood, family separation, racism, trauma, identity, coming home, and the search for purpose after service. The book also explores what resilience really looks like when service ends and the difficult work of rebuilding and healing begins. One of the most striking themes is how often female Veterans move through civilian life without people ever realizing they served. These women may not always wear their Veteran status outwardly, but their experiences continue to shape the way they lead, serve, connect, and persevere. Susan also shares the lasting influence of her father, Major General Roger E. Combs, and how his legacy continues through Pancakes for Roger, the nonprofit that grew from a simple request for pancakes into a mission supporting Veterans and their families. This conversation is about more than military service. It is about being seen. Being heard. Knowing when to push forward, when to heal, and when to finally tell the story you have carried for years. If you have ever served, loved someone who served, raised a military family, or wondered what Veterans carry with them long after they come home, this is an episode worth hearing—and sharing. Listen now, follow The MisFitNation, and come back each week for conversations with Veterans, leaders, authors, entrepreneurs, first responders, and people who turned adversity into purpose. Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling. Learn more about Susan L. Combs and Wonder Women: PancakesForRoger.org Explore The MisFitNation: TheMisFitNation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 6d ago

    She Never Knew She Had a Twin - Until Everything Started Making Sense | Laurie Kirk

    What if a feeling of loneliness had followed you your entire life—but you never knew where it came from? In this unforgettable episode of The MisFitNation, Rich LaMonica sits down with Laurie Kirk, author, screenwriter, actor, neurodivergent creative, and womb twin survivor, for a deeply personal conversation about loss, identity, grief, mediumship, creativity, and the unexplained. Laurie shares how her life changed after discovering that she had lost a twin brother in the womb—someone she says she had been grieving without consciously knowing he ever existed. That discovery helped her make sense of a lifetime of isolation, sensitivity, and the feeling that something was missing. She also opens up about her experiences with mediumship, her belief that she connected with her deceased twin brother Kyle, and how those experiences reshaped the way she views grief, family, trauma, and spiritual connection. But this conversation goes far beyond the paranormal. Laurie explains how neurodivergence, childhood loss, abandonment, and feeling like an outsider became fuel for her creativity. Her obsession with twins, duality, fractured identity, and complicated family relationships now runs through her work as a screenwriter and novelist. That includes her psychological horror novel Baby Marvin, based on her screenplay This Is What Happened to Baby Marvin. Laurie reveals how, only after completing the story, she realized that Marvin’s journey through loneliness, identity, and discovering another version of himself reflected much more of her own story than she initially understood. This episode explores: What it means to be a womb twin survivor Grieving someone you never consciously knew Mediumship and connection with deceased loved ones Childhood abandonment and lifelong loneliness Neurodivergence and creative hyperfocus Why outsiders often become powerful storytellers Twins, doppelgängers, duality, and identity Turning trauma into comedy, horror, and art The inspiration behind Baby Marvin Why understanding your past can change the way you live your future Laurie also delivers a powerful message for anyone who has ever felt different: the very experiences that made you feel like an outsider may be the same experiences that give you something meaningful to create, share, and contribute. If you’re drawn to conversations about grief, spirituality, trauma, twin loss, mediumship, neurodivergence, creativity, psychological horror, resilience, or finding purpose through adversity, this is an episode you’ll want to hear all the way through. Connect with Laurie Kirk: TheLaurieKirk.com Discover more from The MisFitNation: TheMisFitNation.com The MisFitNation — Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Keep Hustling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Sep 30

    What a Former VA Rating Specialist Wants Veterans to Know | Dewayne Kimble

    What happens after a VA disability claim lands on a rating specialist’s desk? For The MisFitNation’s 700th episode, Jake and Stephen welcome U.S. Army veteran and retired VA Rating Specialist Dewayne Kimble to The Toosday Crüe. Dewayne takes listeners inside the claims process: how a rater reviews service records and medical evidence, what a C&P exam needs to address, and why a veteran’s lay statement can matter. He explains the mistakes he sees with oversized evidence submissions and unnecessary nexus letters, then shares what to check in a rating decision—even when the claim is approved. The conversation covers BDD claims for transitioning service members, buddy statements, MOS-related evidence, appeals, and presumptive conditions. Dewayne also tells the story of rescuing two children from a house fire in Germany, an act that earned him the Soldier’s Medal and changed how he approached his Army service. Whether you are preparing your first claim, reviewing a decision, or helping another veteran, Dewayne’s message is clear: “Don’t Be Frustrated – Get Educated.” Explore Dewayne’s educational resources at kmd89.com, learn about his speaking work at dewaynekimble.com, and connect with The MisFitNation at themisfitnation.com. Dewayne provides claims education and does not serve as an accredited claims representative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Sep 29

    From Pastor to FBI SWAT: Eric Robinson’s 24 Years Inside the Bureau

    What happens when a Baptist pastor trades the pulpit for Quantico—and eventually becomes a 15-year FBI SWAT operator? On this episode of TheMisFitNation, former FBI Special Agent Eric Robinson joins Jake and Stephen for a wide-ranging conversation about his extraordinary journey from Christian ministry to 24 years inside the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Eric spent 12 years in ministry before entering the FBI, where he went on to work cases involving white-collar crime, public corruption, gangs, drugs, crimes against children, counterterrorism, national security, human intelligence, and more. He also served 15 years as an FBI SWAT operator, along with roles as a firearms instructor and tactical instructor. This is not the Hollywood version of the FBI. Eric breaks down what federal investigations and tactical operations actually look like, how SWAT teams prepare for dangerous arrests, why planning and overwhelming presence can sometimes prevent violence, and what civilians often misunderstand about how tactical teams decide when and how to engage. He also takes us inside the human side of federal law enforcement. Eric explains how his years as a pastor became one of his most valuable tools as an FBI agent. The ability to listen, build trust, withhold judgment, communicate under pressure, and understand what motivates people helped him interview suspects, work with victims, recruit confidential informants, and navigate some of the most difficult conversations imaginable. The crew also gets into: How FBI agents recruit and develop confidential informants What actually happens during federal interrogations Why yelling and table-slamming are often ineffective How agents prepare for long-term criminal investigations The difference between FBI arrests and local law enforcement encounters What FBI SWAT operators do before entering a dangerous situation How counterterrorism investigations are built What happens when suspects refuse to cooperate The reality of multi-agency investigations How Behavioral Analysis is actually used inside the FBI What shows like Criminal Minds and other FBI dramas get right—and very wrong The strange, disturbing, and unforgettable cases agents encounter that never make television How decades of investigating people from every walk of life changed Eric’s understanding of human behavior Eric also shares stories from counterterrorism cases, gang investigations, threats against public officials, undercover operations, informants, SWAT callouts, and some truly unbelievable moments from his career. Through it all, one theme keeps coming back: no matter how advanced the technology, how powerful the tactical equipment, or how large the investigation becomes, law enforcement eventually comes down to one person trying to understand another. Eric is now turning those experiences into stories through his upcoming book and speaking work. Connect with Eric Robinson: https://preachertobreacher.com/ Connect with TheMisFitNation: https://www.themisfitnation.com If you enjoy unfiltered conversations with veterans, first responders, law enforcement professionals, investigators, leaders, survivors, and people who have lived extraordinary stories, follow TheMisFitNation and share this episode with someone who loves real stories from behind the badge. Topics: FBI, FBI SWAT, FBI Special Agent, federal law enforcement, counterterrorism, confidential informants, interrogations, criminal investigations, Quantico, tactical operations, Behavioral Analysis Unit, undercover investigations, true crime, gangs, terrorism investigations, human behavior, faith, ministry, law enforcement leadership, and real FBI stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Sep 24

    What If YOUR Child Was Drafted? Claudia Hinz on War, Veterans & SAFEKEEPING

    What would happen if war stopped being something happening somewhere else—and suddenly came directly to your family? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, Rich LaMonica sits down with author and former television reporter Claudia Hinz, whose debut novel SAFEKEEPING imagines a near-future America where the military draft has returned. Set in 2027, SAFEKEEPING follows Tenley Ward, a wealthy Dallas mother whose 19-year-old son receives a low draft lottery number and is suddenly facing military service. Desperate to protect him, Tenley launches MOMS — Mothers Opposing More Senselessness, an anti-draft movement that grows from one mother's fear into a national force. As the movement gains momentum, the consequences reach deep into her marriage, family, identity, and relationship with Leland “Privately” Marks, a young Marine veteran carrying the emotional weight of combat. But this conversation goes far beyond the pages of a novel. Claudia and Rich explore the uncomfortable questions that surface when patriotism, protest, service, privilege, motherhood, and war collide. Can someone passionately support veterans while opposing the war they were sent to fight? Would Americans think differently about military conflict if their own sons and daughters could be drafted? And after service members come home, are we truly prepared to understand what they experienced—or do we too often reduce their stories to “thank you for your service” and move on? Claudia shares how her fascination with these questions began in childhood, when her father hosted Vietnam veterans and POW/MIA families in their home. She remembers listening to their conversations and recognizing, even as a child, that some families bore an enormous burden while others remained largely untouched by war. Later, as a television reporter, she covered military stories from bases in California, Texas, and Washington. One image would eventually become a major creative spark for SAFEKEEPING: graffiti photographed at a Marine base in Ramadi declaring that while America continued with everyday life, Marines were the ones actually at war. In the interview, Claudia explains how that idea forced her to confront the divide between the people who serve and the much larger civilian population that can often remain distant from the consequences of conflict. Rich brings his own combat-veteran perspective into the conversation as they discuss the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the treatment of Vietnam veterans, military families, reintegration after service, mental health, VA care, loss of purpose after leaving the military, and the responsibility Americans have to distinguish between the people sent to war and the political decisions that put them there. This episode asks listeners to wrestle with some difficult questions: Would a military draft bring Americans closer to understanding the true cost of war? Can protest itself be an expression of patriotism? How should civilians start more meaningful conversations with veterans? What happens when someone leaves a highly purpose-driven military life and suddenly has to build an entirely new identity? And perhaps the biggest question of all: What would you do if the draft notice had your child's name on it? SAFEKEEPING explores motherhood, activism, grief, privilege, desire, patriotism, veteran experience, the civilian-military divide, and the ripple effects of war far beyond the battlefield. Claudia's press materials describe the novel as a story designed to provoke conversations about who bears the burden of conflict and how families and communities are changed by it. Connect with Claudia Hinz Website: www.claudiahinz.net Instagram: @claudiahinzauthor Connect with The MisFitNation Visit www.themisfitnation.com for more conversations with veterans, first responders, authors, leaders, advocates, and people sharing stories that challenge the way we see the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Sep 22

    6 Years Beneath the Surface: Navy Submariner Rob Robertson on Resilience, Purpose & Life After Service

    What happens when the mission that defined your life suddenly ends? US Navy veteran, submariner, martial artist, and author Rob Robertson joins The Toosday Crüe for a powerful conversation about six years aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Louisville, the pressure of earning his submarine dolphins, and the lessons that came from serving in an environment where trust, discipline, teamwork, and accountability were not optional. Rob takes The MisFitNation beneath the surface and into a world most civilians will never experience. He shares what daily life aboard a nuclear attack submarine was really like, including long stretches without sunlight, demanding qualification standards, sonar operations, cramped living conditions, intense watch schedules, and the constant understanding that even a small mistake could become a serious problem. But this conversation goes far beyond submarine life. After leaving the Navy, Rob faced an entirely different mission: adapting to civilian life while dealing with service-connected injuries, chronic pain, struggles with the VA system, and the challenge many veterans face when the structure, purpose, and identity of military service suddenly disappear. Rob explains why he believes veterans are often wired to be mission-focused—and why losing that mission without finding a new outlet can become dangerous. He also shares the mindset that helped him continue moving forward: pursuing three college degrees, earning three black belts, building a career in management and security, teaching martial arts, and continuing to learn even through adversity. In this episode, Rob and The Toosday Crüe discuss: • What it really takes to earn submarine dolphins • Why trust between submariners can literally be life-or-death • Staying mentally focused in high-pressure environments • Life aboard a nuclear-powered attack submarine • What sonar operators actually hear beneath the ocean • Leadership, accountability, and attention to detail • Why the Navy taught Rob how to truly study and prepare • The transition from military service to civilian life • Finding purpose after losing the structure of the military • Service-connected injuries and navigating the VA • Why veterans need community, connection, and a new mission • Martial arts, resilience, discipline, and continuing to move forward • Why failure does not mean the journey is over Rob also discusses the story behind his book: A Submariner’s Tale: After the Dolphins: The Cost of Carrying On The book explores his journey from becoming a submariner to navigating the physical, emotional, and personal challenges that followed his military service. It is ultimately a story about endurance, identity, adaptation, and learning how to keep moving forward when life changes the mission. 📚 Find Rob Robertson’s book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hOgJbXc One of the most important themes of this conversation is simple: You may not be able to control every situation you face—but you can control how you respond, what you learn, and whether you continue moving forward. For veterans, military families, leaders, first responders, and anyone rebuilding their sense of purpose after a major life transition, this is an episode worth hearing. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who may need to hear it. And remember: check on your people. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. Veterans can press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Welcome to another conversation from The MisFitNation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Sep 17

    Manufactured Fearlessness: How to Move Before You Feel Ready | Caressa Bell

    What happens when life gives you no time to feel ready? For U.S. Army veteran Caressa Bell, that question became very real when she was a young soldier, a single mother to a four-month-old son, and received just one week’s notice to deploy. Fear was present. Uncertainty was real. But standing still wasn’t an option. On this episode of The MisFitNation, Caressa joins us for a powerful conversation about what she calls Manufactured Fearlessness—the ability to move forward before confidence arrives and to build courage through action, repetition, resilience, and leadership. Caressa served 10 years in the U.S. Army before making the difficult transition into corporate America. What followed was a decades-long leadership journey that took her from starting over in the civilian workforce to executive leadership, major enterprise transformation initiatives, healthcare technology transformation, and responsibility for programs involving enormous investments, complex organizations, and thousands of people. But the road wasn’t automatic. Caressa explains why the military accolades that defined success in uniform didn’t necessarily translate into the corporate world—and how the mindset developed through military service helped her rebuild, adapt, lead, and keep moving forward. At the center of the conversation is a powerful idea: You don’t have to stop being afraid before you take the next step. Sometimes courage comes first. Confidence catches up later. In this episode, we explore: • What it means to manufacture fearlessness • How to act when fear is louder than your confidence • Why waiting until you feel completely ready can keep you stuck • The realities of transitioning from military service into corporate America • How military experience can shape civilian leadership • Why movement matters when you’re facing uncertainty • How to make difficult decisions without knowing exactly how they will turn out • The importance of learning how fear shows up in your own life • Why successful people must become comfortable pivoting • How leaders can build high-performing teams without sacrificing trust or empathy • Why communication becomes even more important during organizational uncertainty • How clarity, visibility, strategy, and capacity influence career advancement • Why leaders must first learn to lead themselves • How courage becomes stronger through repetition • What it means to build a legacy through the way you lead others Caressa also shares lessons for anyone navigating a major career or life transition. Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, perfect information, or perfect level of confidence, she challenges people to become clear about where they are going, take the next courageous step, measure what happens, and pivot when necessary. Because every courageous decision becomes another repetition. Another piece of evidence. Another reminder that you are capable of doing difficult things—even when fear comes along for the ride. Her philosophy is simple: Move. If it works, keep moving. If it doesn’t, learn and pivot. But don’t allow fear to make the decision for you. Whether you’re a veteran transitioning into civilian life, an executive navigating organizational change, an entrepreneur taking a risk, a parent carrying enormous responsibility, or simply someone standing at a crossroads wondering what comes next, this conversation will challenge the way you think about courage. You don’t have to wait until you become fearless. You can start manufacturing it today. And as Caressa reminds The MisFitNation: Lead yourself. Lead others. Leave a legacy. Learn more about Caressa Bell, her leadership work, executive strategy, transformation coaching, speaking, and Manufactured Fearlessness at iamcaressabell.com. Follow and subscribe to The MisFitNation for powerful conversations with veterans, leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, survivors, first responders, and people who have transformed adversity into purpose. Be humble. Stay hungry. Keep hustling. Because WE ARE THE MISFITNATION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Sep 15

    From Fire Lieutenant to Stage IV Cancer Survivor: David Dachinger on Resilience, Trauma & Purpose

    A two-time Grammy-nominated music professional, retired firefighter/EMT, cancer survivor, author, and first responder advocate shares what happens when the helper becomes the one who needs help. Spotify / Apple Podcasts Description: What happens when a man who spent more than two decades running toward emergencies suddenly finds himself facing one of his own? On this episode of the ToosDay Crüe, we sit down with David Dachinger—retired Fire Lieutenant and EMT, Stage IV cancer survivor, two-time Grammy Award nominee, bestselling author, peer coach, and host of Responder Resilience. David’s story spans worlds that rarely collide. Before entering the fire service, he built a career in the music industry, working behind the scenes with artists including Celine Dion, Roberta Flack, Usher, and The Isley Brothers. Later, he found his way into firefighting, eventually serving more than 21 years in emergency services and rising into leadership. Then life changed again. A lump discovered during a routine haircut led to a diagnosis of Stage IV cancer. David was forced to step away from the job, undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and confront the reality that the person who had always helped others was now the one fighting to survive. In this deeply personal conversation, David opens up about the culture of first responders, the emotional weight carried home after difficult calls, the long-standing belief that “silence equals strength,” and why asking for help can actually make someone a stronger firefighter, leader, spouse, parent, and human being. He also shares how cancer reshaped his definition of a bad day, why retirement can create a loss of identity and purpose for first responders, and how trauma—when addressed instead of buried—can become the beginning of growth rather than the end of the story. This episode explores: • First responder mental health and accumulated trauma • Firefighter burnout, sleep disruption, withdrawal, and emotional triggers • The impact emergency-service careers can have on marriages and families • Peer support and why seeking help is not weakness • Life after the badge and the struggle to replace purpose, identity, and brotherhood • David’s Stage IV cancer diagnosis and recovery journey • Post-traumatic growth and turning adversity into service • Lessons from David’s work with 22Zero • The mission behind Responder Resilience • Leadership, compassion, mentorship, and resilience • Why the hardest step may simply be making the first call for help David’s message to first responders is clear: you were a human being before you ever put on the badge—and you still deserve the same care, compassion, and support you give everyone else. If you are a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, law enforcement officer, dispatcher, veteran, spouse, family member, cancer survivor, or anyone carrying more than the people around you realize, this conversation is worth hearing. Connect with David Dachinger & Responder Resilience: Website: https://www.respondertv.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ResponderResilience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/responder-resilience-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/responder.tv/ Connect with The Misfit Nation: https://www.themisfitnation.com If this episode speaks to you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs the message, and help us keep these conversations moving forward. Be humble. Stay hungry. Keep hustling. We are MisfitNation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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5
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

The MisFitNation Show: Empowering Stories of Resilience and Growth Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica, a proud US Army Veteran. Alongside a fellow Veteran and a prominent business leader, our mission is clear: to inspire and empower you to become a better human being. We spotlight the remarkable stories of Veterans and First Responders, showcasing their journeys of resilience, strength, and triumph over adversity. Each episode features captivating interviews with guests from diverse backgrounds, including authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals. Listeners will gain valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice from those who have faced challenges and achieved success. Whether it's the grit of our Veterans and First Responders or the expertise of thought leaders, The MisFitNation Show is a vibrant community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being. Join us for an episode or become a regular listener! If you believe your story can inspire others, reach out to us to be a guest on the show. Accolades: 2025 Veteran Podcast of The Year - American Freedom Fund 2022 - Top 40 Over 40 - Podcast Magazine 2021 - Best Society and Culture Podcast - Veteran Podcast Awards Tune in to The MisFitNation Show, your ultimate platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation. Discover stories that uplift and empower—because every voice matters! https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation

Information

  • Creator
    Richard LaMonica
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    694
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Richard LaMonica
  • Show Website
    The MisFitNation