Operation Healing Heroes

Jason Garstecki
  • 5.0 (5)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast dedicated to sharing the powerful, often untold stories of America’s military veterans and Gold Star Families who continue to fight battles long after the uniform comes off. Each episode, we dive deep into the real and raw journeys of those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress—and shine a light on the healing, hope, and help that’s possible.

  1. MAR 8

    David Vargas - United States Air Force

    Air Force and National Guard veteran David Vargas joins Jay for a conversation about service, transition, and the unseen battles many veterans face after the uniform comes off. David is President of Pinellas County Veterans Association.

    58 min

  2. MAR 1

    Larry Jackson - Ben Jackson Foundation

    In this episode of Feel The Heal, Jay sits down with Navy veteran and Gold Star father Larry Jackson. Larry shares his own military journey, then opens up about the life and service of his son, Ben — an Air Force airman stationed in Japan who tragically passed away in an accident. Larry reflects on Ben’s surprise visit home just weeks before his death, a moment that would later inspire the creation of the Ben Jackson Foundation. Born out of loss, the foundation now helps active-duty enlisted service members afford travel home to reconnect with family — something many can’t do simply because of cost. The conversation centers on service, sacrifice, grief, and purpose — and how Ben’s legacy lives on through a mission that has already helped hundreds of young service members return home for weddings, final goodbyes, reunions, and moments that matter most. It’s a powerful reminder that healing often begins with connection — and that even in tragedy, one life can continue to change countless others.

  3. FEB 22

    Keith Anderson Films - Production Crew

    Keith and Javier are the production crew for Operation Healing Heroes TV show that airs on The Discovery Channel. Keith and Javier dive deep into the production process of a 30 minute TV show. They geek out talking gear and touch on the editing process.

  4. FEB 15

    Victoria Phillips - Active Duty Army

    Victoria Phillips served on Active Duty in the United States Army and began her healing journey in March 2022 after connecting with Operation Healing Heroes and Take A Vet Fishing. Through experiences like undergoing a stellate ganglion block, learning about the role of vitamins and supplements with her chiropractor, and taking small but meaningful steps forward, she continues to focus on growth and resilience. Her story is a reminder to never give up, even when progress comes one small step at a time.

    53 min

  5. FEB 8

    Joey Anderson - Gold Star Youth Ministries

    Joey, a student at Moody Bible Institute and youth leader, opens up about his journey into ministry and his calling to serve children who have lost a parent in military or first responder service. Together, Jay and Joey talk about faith, trauma, and the difficult questions Gold Star kids often face — including why bad things happen to good people. Inspired by their experience filming an Operation Healing Heroes episode with a Gold Star family, Jay and Joey discuss their vision for Gold Star Youth Ministries, a new nonprofit focused on providing one-on-one support, group sessions, retreats, and faith-based resources for children and families navigating profound loss. This honest conversation explores healing through faith, meeting people where they are, and creating a safe space for young hearts struggling with grief, anger, and uncertainty. It’s a powerful reminder that healing looks different for everyone — and that hope can begin with simply being heard.

    43 min

  6. FEB 1

    Josh Hendryx - U.S. Army Special Operations

    U.S. Army Special Operations Veteran and President of the non-profit organization The Sparta Project, serving combat veterans and first responders suffering from PTS. Although Josh no longer wears a uniform, his commitment to serving others has never changed.

  7. JAN 25

    Scott Meador - U.S Army

    Scott served in the Army as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, is a two-time Amazon bestselling author, a certified nutrition coach and physique athlete coach, is currently the Vice President of Compliance for Groome Industrial Services, the CEO of nValliant, the founder of About Face Fitness, and is honored to serve as the COO and board member for Project Healing Heroes.

    57 min

  8. JAN 18

    Dr. David Tharp - Lt. Colonel Reserve, United States Airforce

    A clinical psychologist who is both a combat veteran and a former first responder himself, Dr. David Tharp founded Project Healing Heroes in 2016 to facilitate resiliency and reintegration for other combat veterans, service members, first responders, and their family members as they serve our nation both at home and abroad. Through his own experiences and clinical work, he recognized that PTSD and suicide are two of the most challenging issues facing our veterans and first responders today.

    58 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to sharing the powerful, often untold stories of America’s military veterans and Gold Star Families who continue to fight battles long after the uniform comes off. Each episode, we dive deep into the real and raw journeys of those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress—and shine a light on the healing, hope, and help that’s possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Garstecki
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Operation Healing Heroes Jason Garstecki
  • Show Website
    Operation Healing Heroes