Return to Base | A VeteranLife Podcast

VeteranLife

On Return to Base, we rip off the 550 cord and 100mph tape that holds us all together and explore topics that veterans can relate to: calls to service, transition stories, memories of skin and blood left in sand and boots. We'll chat with professionals, philanthropists, businesspeople, and just good f**kin' dudes and gals. Strap in for Return to Base hosted by retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and former Special Forces (Green Beret) Cliff VR.

  1. Jul 23

    Jim Brooks | Leadership, Readiness, and Team Rubicon's Mission

    For many veterans, service doesn't end when they take off the uniform—it simply takes on a new mission. In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Jim Brooks, CEO of Team Rubicon, the veteran-led disaster response organization that has become one of the nation's premier humanitarian relief nonprofits. Founded in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Team Rubicon now mobilizes thousands of volunteers to help communities recover from hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other disasters across the country. Jim shares his own military journey, reflects on his first year leading Team Rubicon, and explains why disaster response begins long before a storm ever makes landfall. From the organization's annual hurricane readiness exercise to its ambitious America250 service campaign, this conversation explores the enduring value of preparedness, purpose, and continued service. Whether you're a veteran looking for your next mission or simply someone searching for a meaningful way to give back, this episode is a powerful reminder that resilient communities are built by people willing to step forward when they're needed most. In This Episode Jim Brooks' military service and leadership journeyWhy he chose to lead Team RubiconWhat he learned during his first year as CEOInside HURREX, Team Rubicon's annual hurricane readiness exerciseHow military experience prepares veterans for disaster responseThe powerful sense of purpose veterans find through continued serviceTeam Rubicon's America250 initiative and national volunteer goalsHow the organization is preparing for the future of disaster responseHow listeners can volunteer and support Team Rubicon's mission Stay Connected Team Rubicon: https://teamrubiconusa.orgLearn more about Team Rubicon's America250 service initiative and volunteer opportunities at https://teamrubiconusa.org.Follow @teamrubicon on Instagram.Get the latest on veterans benefits, military history, and stories of service at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram.Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone who believes service doesn't end when the uniform comes off.

    Jim Brooks | Leadership, Readiness, and Team Rubicon's Mission

  2. Jun 8

    Phyllis Wilson | Women Veterans, Visibility, and Preserving Military History

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Phyllis Wilson- President, Military Women’s Memorial Foundation Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phyllis Wilson didn't set out to become the leader of the nation's only major memorial dedicated to women who served in the U.S. military. In fact, despite spending years working at the Pentagon, she didn't even know the Military Women's Memorial existed until 2013. Today, as President of the Military Women's Memorial Foundation, Wilson is helping ensure that the stories of more than three million women who have served since the Revolutionary War are preserved, honored, and shared with future generations. In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Wilson to discuss her remarkable 37-year military career, her path from intelligence and language operations to leadership, the challenges women faced in uniform throughout much of her service, and why preserving women's military stories remains as important as ever. As Women Veterans Day (June 12)  approaches, this conversation is a powerful reminder that military history is far broader—and more personal—than many people realize. In This Episode Why Phyllis originally joined the Army Her 37-year military career and work in intelligence operationsServing as a woman in uniform during a very different eraThe challenges faced by dual-military familiesWhy becoming a Warrant Officer changed everythingDiscovering the Military Women's Memorial after decades of serviceProgress and persistent misconceptions surrounding women veteransWhy recording and preserving your military story mattersHow listeners can support the Military Women's Memorial Stay Connected Phyllis Wilson is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 and President of the Military Women's Memorial, located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. During her distinguished military career, she served in intelligence and special operations assignments, including work with Joint Special Operations Command. Today, she leads efforts to preserve and share the stories of women who have served throughout American military history. Military Women's Memorial: https://womensmemorial.orgJoin the National Women Veterans Recognition Day-Celebrating 250 Years of Service virtually: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-women-veterans-recognition-day-celebrating-250-years-of-service-tickets-1987024390441?aff=oddtdtcreatorFollow @womensmemorial on Instagram Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Phyllis Wilson | Women Veterans, Visibility, and Preserving Military History

  3. May 27

    Brian Ferguson | Performance, Decision-Making, and Leading in High Pressure Environments

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Brian Ferguson - Former Navy Special Operations Officer, Founder & CEO, Arena Labs In this episode of Return to Base, host Cliff Van Rickley sits down with Brian Ferguson, a former Navy Special Operations Officer and founder of Arena Labs, to explore what separates high-performing teams from those that struggle under pressure. Drawing on experiences from special operations, national security, elite athletics, and healthcare, Ferguson explains why human performance—not just technology or systems—is often the deciding factor in mission success. From his unconventional path to military service to pioneering the field of "high-performance medicine," Ferguson shares lessons on leadership, stress management, decision-making, and building resilient teams in environments where mistakes carry serious consequences. In This Episode Why Ferguson left a career in national security to become a Navy SEALThe influence of 9/11 and public service on his career pathWhat special operations taught him about leadership and performanceHow observing cardiac surgery teams sparked the idea for Arena LabsThe surprising similarities between elite military units and healthcare professionalsHow stress impacts decision-making in high-stakes environmentsPractical techniques anyone can use to improve performance under pressureThe future of human performance in healthcare and beyondWhy This Matters From combat deployments to boardrooms to operating rooms, pressure is unavoidable. The question isn't whether you'll face it—it's how you'll respond when you do. In this episode, Brian Ferguson shares lessons from special operations and healthcare that challenge conventional thinking about performance. His message is simple: the best teams don't just train for the mission—they train the people executing it. For veterans, leaders, and anyone striving to perform at a higher level, these insights offer a roadmap for navigating stress, improving decision-making, and leading more effectively when it matters most. Stay Connected Brian Ferguson is a former Navy SEAL officer and the Founder and CEO of Arena Labs, a company dedicated to improving human performance in healthcare. Drawing on lessons learned in special operations, aviation, sports, and medicine, Arena Labs helps healthcare organizations improve decision-making, resilience, team performance, and patient outcomes through coaching, biometric data, and performance science. Learn more about Arena Labs and its mission to bring high-performance principles to healthcare teams at www.arenalabs.coFollow @arenalabs on InstagramGet the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Brian Ferguson | Performance, Decision-Making, and Leading in High Pressure Environments

  4. Apr 28

    Zachary Federico | Inside the Fight for Veteran Policy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Zachary Federico, Director, Veterans and Military Affairs Task Force, American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) What happens after service… when the mission shifts to policy? In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Zachary Federico to unpack a side of service most people never see—what it looks like to continue serving beyond the uniform by shaping the policies that impact veterans and military families. Federico shares his unconventional path from musician in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Division Band to leading national conversations on veteran policy at ALEC. At the center of the discussion: a rapidly evolving push to expand access to alternative mental health treatments for veterans, including psychedelic-assisted therapy. As federal momentum builds and states take the lead, Federico offers a behind-the-scenes look at how legislation actually happens—and how veterans themselves are driving change by sharing their stories and advocating for better care. This conversation goes beyond policy—it’s about purpose, impact, and what it means to keep serving in a different way. In This Episode From “band kid” to policy leader: Federico’s path to service and ALECHow state-level legislation shapes real outcomes for veteransThe growing momentum behind psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSDWhy traditional treatments aren’t working for everyoneThe role veterans play in influencing policy decisionsHow YOU can get involved and make your voice heard“Don’t underestimate how powerful your voice can be—especially as a veteran.” This episode is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Whether it’s through advocacy, storytelling, or policy engagement, veterans continue to shape the future for those who come after them. Why This Matters With new federal efforts to accelerate research into alternative mental health treatments—and states building frameworks to support access—this moment could mark a major shift in how the country cares for veterans struggling with PTSD and other conditions. But progress doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens because veterans speak up. Stay Connected Learn more about the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) at www.alec.orgGet the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Zachary Federico | Inside the Fight for Veteran Policy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

  5. Mar 18

    Steven Grayhm | ‘Sheepdog’ and Telling the Veteran Story

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Steven Grayhm, Writer/Director/Producer/Star of Sheepdog What happens after the uniform comes off? In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with filmmaker and actor Steven Grayhm to talk about his powerful new film Sheepdog—a story that explores the invisible battles many veterans face after service. Written, directed, produced, and starring Grayhm himself, Sheepdog dives into the emotional terrain of life after the military: identity, trauma, purpose, and the search for connection. The film isn’t just about war—it’s about what comes after, and the path toward healing and post-traumatic growth. Through this conversation, Grayhm shares why he spent more than a decade bringing this story to life, what the title “Sheepdog” really means, and how the film is resonating with veterans who see their own experiences reflected on screen. In This Episode The Origin of SheepdogResponse From the Veteran CommunityMental Health and the Mission Continued“Service leaves marks—but it also leaves strength.” Sheepdog reminds us that while the transition out of the military can be complicated, it can also lead to growth, connection, and renewed purpose. Sometimes the bravest thing a veteran can do is simply tell the truth about what comes after. Where to Watch Sheepdog is available now on streaming platforms including: Amazon Prime VideoApple TVSpectrumComcastYouTube MoviesLearn more and find streaming options at SheepdogTheMovie.com Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union Navy Federal Credit Union proudly supports the military and veteran community — on active duty, in transition, and long after service ends. From banking to home loans and financial education, Navy Federal is here to help you build what’s next. Visit navyfederal.org to learn more. Stay Connected Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Steven Grayhm | ‘Sheepdog’ and Telling the Veteran Story

  6. Feb 26

    Steve Weintraub | More Than Tickets: Vet Tix, Belonging, and Veteran Impact

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Steve Weintraub, Marine Veteran + CSO, Vet Tix What if healing didn’t always start in a clinic — but in a stadium seat? In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Marine veteran and Vet Tix Chief Strategy Officer Steve Weintraub to talk about purpose after service, the power of belonging, and how shared experiences can literally save lives. With more than 2.6 million verified members and 35+ million tickets distributed, Vet Tix has quietly become the largest veteran-focused nonprofit in the country. But as Steve explains, this isn’t about “free tickets.” It’s about reconnection, reintegration, and resilience. From NASCAR tracks to the Super Bowl, the impact goes far beyond the event itself. In This Episode From Arizona to the Marine Corps The Transition: Identity Beyond the Uniform What Vet Tix Really Does Vet Tix provides free event tickets to: VeteransActive-duty service membersFamilies of KIAFirst respondersBut the real mission? Reducing stress. Strengthening bonds. Rebuilding connection. Steve shares: How sitting next to fellow veterans creates communityWhy joy is an underrated form of recoverySuper Bowl Moments & Milestones How Vet Tix secured its first Super Bowl ticketsWhy members are randomly selected (no essays required)The $16.97 delivery fee model — and why it mattersThe organization’s growth from startup to 35 million tickets distributed“Service doesn’t stop — it evolves.” Steve’s story is a reminder that purpose after the military doesn’t have to look like it did in uniform. Sometimes it looks like building access, restoring connection, and making sure no veteran feels alone in the stands. How to Get Involved For Veterans & Service Members: Visit VetTix.orgCreate an accountVerify through ID.meBrowse local eventsRequest ticketsFor Donors: Donate unused season ticketsCorporate ticket holders can contribute501(c)(3) in-kind tax deduction available92%+ scan rate ensures tickets get usedEvery extra seat can become a memory. Episode Links Vet Tix: VetTix.org Donate Tickets: https://www.vettix.org/donate Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union Navy Federal Credit Union proudly supports the military and veteran community — on active duty, in transition, and long after service ends. From banking to home loans and financial education, Navy Federal is here to help you build what’s next. Visit navyfederal.org to learn more. Stay Connected Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Steve Weintraub | More Than Tickets: Vet Tix, Belonging, and Veteran Impact

  7. Jan 29

    Sally Rejas | From Airborne to Advocate

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Sally Rejas – 82nd Airborne Combat Veteran, Civil Servant, American Legion Post Commander Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — it evolves. In the Season 2 premiere of Return to Base, host Cliff Van Rickley sits down with Sally Rejas, an 82nd Airborne combat veteran whose journey spans from growing up in rural Puerto Rico to jumping out of planes with the Army’s tip of the spear, and ultimately becoming a leader for veterans in her community. Sally shares how resilience shaped her early life, how an Army recruiter “accidentally” recruited the right sister, and what it meant to join the military just before 9/11 changed everything. From Airborne School and deployments to Kuwait and Iraq, to transitioning out as a single mom and rediscovering her identity as a veteran, Sally’s story is about leadership, visibility, and continuing to serve beyond the uniform. Now a civil servant and the first female commander of her American Legion Post in Richmond Hill, Georgia, Sally is helping reshape what leadership looks like for today’s veteran community — especially for women who often go unseen. This episode is a powerful reminder: your mission may change, but your purpose doesn’t. Episode Links Learn More About the American Legion: https://www.legion.org Find a Local Post: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Find-a-Post  Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union Navy Federal Credit Union proudly supports the military and veteran community — on active duty, in transition, and long after service ends. From banking to home loans and financial education, Navy Federal is here to help you build what’s next. Visit navyfederal.org to learn more. Stay Connected Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history, and much more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Sally Rejas | From Airborne to Advocate

  8. 06/24/2022

    Josh Duntz | The Chronicles of a shift, from the Navy, to Shift.Org

    Welcome back to another episode of Return to Base! Today’s special guest is Josh Duntz, a former Navy EOD tech and current Sales Manager at Shift.org. If you don’t know, Shift.org is a company that helps veterans get introduced to the tech world and the opportunities within. Tech companies need veterans as much as they need engineers, they just don’t know it yet. Shift.org helps companies understand the value that vets bring to work everyday and helps vets tell their story in a way that the private sector understands. Josh and I talk about his career in the Navy and what led him to transition after 10 years. We also dive into how a pandemic can really put the breaks on a newly transitioned veteran’s career goals. If you would like to connect with Josh, his LinkedIn is https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaduntz/ . You can also find out more about Shift by visiting http://shift.org . Enjoy the Podcast.

    Josh Duntz | The Chronicles of a shift, from the Navy, to Shift.Org
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About

On Return to Base, we rip off the 550 cord and 100mph tape that holds us all together and explore topics that veterans can relate to: calls to service, transition stories, memories of skin and blood left in sand and boots. We'll chat with professionals, philanthropists, businesspeople, and just good f**kin' dudes and gals. Strap in for Return to Base hosted by retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and former Special Forces (Green Beret) Cliff VR.

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