The VetsConnection Podcast

Scott McLean
  • 5.0 (6)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED DAILY

Join host Scott McLean, a veteran and also a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being. Each week Scott will bring you an episode that will feature insightful conversations with representatives from non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting veterans, as well as experts discussing programs within the Veterans Affairs (V.A.) aimed at assisting veterans with their needs. From discussing innovative therapies to highlighting community resources, this podcast sheds light on the myriad of ways veterans can find support and healing thru nonprofit organizations and also to connect nonprofits with each other in hopes of creating a network that will be beneficial to all.

  1. FEB 17

    Ep. 72 - Tomas Coles-Reyes, Founder of A Vets Place - How One Vietnam Veteran Turned Homelessness Into A Lifeline For Others

    Send a text We trace Thomas Coles-Reyes’s path from a draft-day shock and a brutal homecoming to two years on the streets, a life-saving mentor, and the creation of A Vets Place. He explains why permanent housing beats transitional models, how he built a one‑stop hub for veterans and families, and what it took to rebuild after losing everything. • core theme of dignity through permanent, affordable housing • childhood instability, institutional care, and forgiveness • homelessness in New York and the mentor who opened a door • early advocacy wins, including a direct line to the mayor • building A Vets Place: property, partnerships, and services on-site • food pantry, clothing closet, notary, and VSO under one roof • coffee socials as early-warning and community care • growth to 30 apartments, then property loss and reinvention • funding realities and the nonprofit “two-tier” problem • female veterans’ hidden homelessness and suicide risk • jobs, training, and entrepreneurial bootcamp for veterans • current caseload, how to book help, and how to support If you like what Thomas is doing and you feel passionate about this, give him your money. Give him your Money. Go to vetsplace.org and donate Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

    1h 36m

  2. FEB 9

    Ep. 71 - Growing Calm: Veterans, Yoga, And Greens. Talking with NFL Player Turned Urban Gardening Coach Lee Hightower and Army National Guard Veteran and Yoga Instructor Natasha Rector from Points For Patriots

    Send a text I talk with Natasha and Lee from Points for Patriots to explore Battle Buds, a veteran wellness program that pairs yoga with hydroponic gardening to rebuild structure, lower stress, and deliver fresh food to neighbors in need. Former NFL player Lee Hightower and Army veteran yogi Natasha Rector share how breath, plants, and community help veterans find purpose and calm. • origin of Points for Patriots and its three pillars of wellness, connectedness, social entrepreneurship • Lee’s path from NFL to Japan to urban gardening • Natasha’s Army Guard service, deployment, and yoga certification • why yoga and hydroponics align for veteran wellness • how Battle Buds works week to week on Zoom • what cohorts grow and why leafy greens win • patience, breath, and routine as transition tools • bridging veterans, civilians, spouses, and youth • Boca cohort details and donating produce locally • ways to join, volunteer, or give Give them your money. Go to pointsforpatriots.org and give them your money Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

    1h 12m

  3. FEB 1

    Ep. 70 - Talking With Tim Roberto - Inside “Stomping Out The Stigma” And A 100-Mile Tribute Walk

    Send a text We sit down with Marine veteran and counselor Tim Roberto to trace how pain became purpose and why Stomping Out The Stigma offers ten free, confidential therapy sessions to first responders and veterans. We follow his 100-mile Surfside walk, the moments that changed minds, and the simple systems that save lives. • origins of long-term recovery and stigma • Marines, AWOL, addiction and depression • first 20-mile walk and organic momentum • why confidentiality beats fear of HR and EAP • ten free sessions with licensed therapists • kitchen table culture in firehouses • Surfside tribute: 98 lives, 100 miles • expansion to Georgia, North Carolina and New Jersey • small costs like 35 dollar copays change outcomes • mentorship, vulnerability and speaking up • how to reach SOTS and get help If this episode touched you in any way, shape, or form, and you know somebody or you are somebody, please reach out to Tim. Do it. Don’t white knuckle it. If you know somebody or you are somebody, reach out. And it’s free. First name only. No HR. Nothing. We don’t report to any agency. Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

    1h 11m

  4. JAN 22

    Ep. - 69, Award Winning Director, Richard X. Golphin - How A 17-Minute Short Film Captures Three Generations Fighting For One Veteran

    Send a text We talk with filmmaker and actor Robert X. Golphin about Chest Candy, a 17-minute short that shows how PTSD reshapes a home and how three generations of women fight for one veteran. We explore craft choices, authentic casting, festival wins, and why community screenings matter. • origin of the story in a 30-second reel and veteran feedback • why the film focuses on family impact over battlefield scenes • research, consultants, and restraint to avoid sensationalism • casting serendipity and a military child’s authentic perspective • a compressed 48-hour shoot and visual claustrophobia • festival grind, awards, and deeper validation from veterans • Brian McKnight Jr.’s intimate score and framed dedications • title meaning linking medals to family as true chest candy • veterans’ benefits battles, stigma, and better language for thanks • plans for screenings, talkbacks, and possible expansion If you want to find the short film, go to YouTube and type “Chest Candy film.” To request a screening or connect: robertxgolphin.com • robertxgolphinentertainment.com • robertxgolphinentertainment@gmail.com Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

    1h 3m

  5. JAN 14

    Ep. 68 - Natalie Schibell, Veteran Transitions Made Clear With Mission To Commission

    Send a text We open the year with a candid look at veteran transition, from hard knocks to a practical roadmap that turns service into civilian success. Natalie Schibell, Navy veteran and founder of Mission to Commission, shares how a 60-page playbook, secure tools, and “always care” support veterans, spouses, and even students. • origin story in Navy medicine and recruiting • painful transition lessons and repeated resets • why “everyone hires veterans” is a myth • translating rank and billets into business outcomes • the 50–60 page career strategy playbook • certifications, ATS keywords and targeted outreach • TAP strengths and limits for personalization • AI as a research and resume ally with guardrails • virtual reach, secure portal and weekly content • donations, employer matching and merch on the way • “always care” approach beyond first job offer Give Natalie a call at 877-622-7473 (RISE) “If you liked it, share it. If you didn’t like it, well, thanks for watching and listening for one hour and 27 seconds.” Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

    1h 2m

  6. 11/24/2025

    Ep. 67 - Hayley Thomas, A Former Navy Dog Handler Shares How Skillbridge, Horses, And Faith Shaped Her Next Mission

    Send a text We trace Haley’s path from Navy Master-at-Arms to K9 handler, through injury, loss, and COVID isolation, and into a Skillbridge placement at an equine nonprofit that helped her reframe control, connection, and purpose. Candid stories of hypervigilance, TBI questions, therapy wins, and the reality of starting over as a single mom sharpen a hopeful blueprint for transition. • choosing the Navy and MA route amid height and weight assumptions • earning the leash, certification pressure, and kennel culture • Bahrain duty, mentorship, and leadership’s impact on morale • injury, family loss, COVID quarantine, and mental health fallout • clear Skillbridge guidance, timelines, and approval insights • equine-assisted learning at Herd and the predator vs prey shift • transition stress, hypervigilance, sleep images, and TBI questions • therapy as a performance system and guarding care continuity • faith, single motherhood, and redefining purpose and leadership • future plans: MBA path, nonprofit vision, serving veterans If you liked it, share it. If you didn’t like it, well, thanks for watching and listening for an hour and seven minutes, eight minutes. Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

    1h 10m

  7. 11/16/2025

    Ep. 66 - Veteran, Jalen Auer from The Fire Watch Shares Loss, Healing, And The Tools That Help Prevent Suicide

    Send a text We trace Jalen Auer’s path from Air Force rescue pilot to South Florida program manager at The Fire Watch, and we go deep on grief, stigma, and the tools that save lives before a crisis explodes. A full-circle Huey Helicopter story sets up a candid look at transition, mental health, and community action that works. • origins in Boynton Beach and drive to serve • rescue pilot training, Huey inspiration, instructor years • duty stations, family life, and tough transition out • sudden loss, depression, attempts, and getting help • clearing up PTSD myths and stigma across veteran and civilian life • the strain on first responders and why small cracks grow • what The Fire Watch is, who it serves, and how training works • VA SAVE steps, 988 Press 1, and practical tools that help • real saves after training and how to access it statewide • holidays, vigilance, and why one trained person matters If you liked it, share it If you want to get in touch with me, you can email me at VetsConnection Podcast at gmail.com Go to thefirewatch.org. There’s a donate button right on there. Every penny counts Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

    1h 7m

  8. 11/10/2025

    Ep. 65 - LIVE at HERD Foundation's Annual Fundraiser, Fall At The Farm

    Send a text We record live at Fall at the Farm, where veterans, families, and neighbors gather to celebrate HERD Foundation’s Freedom Patch program. Short conversations show how horses teach presence, why aftercare keeps people connected, and how community partners expand the work. • live fundraiser energy and purpose • overview of Freedom Patch equine-assisted services • veteran reflections on reading horse signals • skepticism turning into trust and change • Tiffany on camps, families, and Fallen Friday aftercare • Carly on mutual relationships with horses • Glenn on legacy of service and nonprofit impact • Rhonda on founding HERD and a place to belong • Do Good Delray partnerships building awareness and funds • city perspective on a hidden community gem • kids’ joy with pony rides and minis • alumni veteran return and the power of welcome Join us for our many events at Do Good Delray Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Join host Scott McLean, a veteran and also a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being. Each week Scott will bring you an episode that will feature insightful conversations with representatives from non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting veterans, as well as experts discussing programs within the Veterans Affairs (V.A.) aimed at assisting veterans with their needs. From discussing innovative therapies to highlighting community resources, this podcast sheds light on the myriad of ways veterans can find support and healing thru nonprofit organizations and also to connect nonprofits with each other in hopes of creating a network that will be beneficial to all.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott McLean
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The VetsConnection Podcast
  • Show Website
    The VetsConnection Podcast