The Outreach Project

Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Outreach Project, hosted by Joshua Melching and Jonathan Hodge, connects communities with nonprofit resources that truly matter. Through real conversations, spotlight interviews, and a curated resource hub, we highlight impactful organizations and empower people to take the next step toward support, hope, and healing. Because no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 10: Climbing a Mountain with Rucking Realty Group | Marine Veteran Real Estate Story

    Mike and Natalie Evans—founders of Rucking Realty Group—join us for Episode 10. Mike is a Marine Corps infantry veteran, and together they’ve built a family-run real estate business in San Antonio rooted in leadership, service, and doing the hard work others won’t. Mike explains why the home-buying process is like rucking up a mountain—and why the right team carries the load with you until you reach the summit. Connect with Rucking Realty Group Website: https://ruckingrealtygroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rucking.realty.groupllc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rucking-Realty-Group/61579340832737/# Explore The Outreach Project https://www.theoutreach-project.com https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectory

    1h 5m
  2. Episode 9: From Special Warfare to Survival | Tyler Burgett’s Fight Back

    FEB 11

    Episode 9: From Special Warfare to Survival | Tyler Burgett’s Fight Back

    Tyler Burgett is a retired Special Warfare operator who faced some of the hardest battles of his life after leaving active duty. Following medical retirement, a divorce, and the loss of close family members, Tyler found himself struggling with substance abuse and thoughts of suicide. The identity he built through service felt stripped away. The mission was gone. The structure was gone. And for a while, so was hope. But this is not a story about defeat. With the help of close friends and veteran-serving nonprofits, Tyler began rebuilding his life. Today, he is on the path to becoming a therapist — committed to helping others navigate the same darkness he once faced. In this episode, we discuss:Identity loss after military transitionSubstance abuse in the veteran communitySuicidal ideation and breaking the silenceThe real impact of nonprofit support organizationsRebuilding purpose after rock bottom If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Explore veteran and first responder nonprofits nationwide:https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectory Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY?si=86cd961bcbe84f41 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHq The Outreach Project exists to connect people with real resources — and the stories behind them.

    1h 46m

  3. FEB 4

    Episode 8 — Healing the Unit: Veterans, First Responders, Spouses & Ayahuasca-Assisted Recovery

    In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, we sit down with Joe and Gabriella, founders of Hero’s Journey Healing Foundation, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about healing, identity, and rebuilding life after service. Joe, an Army veteran, shares his journey through military transition, PTSD, addiction, and the loss of identity that so many veterans and first responders face. Together with Gabriella, they discuss how their experience with ayahuasca-assisted healing, combined with counseling, community, and spousal support, helped transform not just the individual — but the entire family unit. This episode explores: The hidden mental health struggles after military and first-responder service Why identity loss fuels isolation, addiction, and depression What it truly means to heal the unit, not just the individual How ayahuasca is discussed as part of a responsible, guided healing process The critical role spouses play in long-term recovery Why community, accountability, and integration matter after breakthroughs ⚠️ This is not a conversation about shortcuts or quick fixes. Ayahuasca is discussed in the context of intentional healing, proper guidance, and long-term support. If you or someone you love is struggling with transition, trauma, or purpose after service, this episode offers perspective, hope, and a reminder that you don’t have to walk the path alone. 🌐 Website: https://www.herosjourneyheals.org/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/heros_journey_foundation/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Heros-Journey-Healing-Foundation/61584080139744/ 📧 Email: herosjourneyheals@gmail.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHq 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outreach-project/id1863858977 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4c598486-8ada-4af2-b950-60d5e32812ad/the-outreach-project 🔗 Guest Resources — Hero’s Journey Healing Foundation🎧 Listen / Watch Now — The Outreach Project

    1h 14m

  4. FEB 1

    Episode 7: Dustin Brister’s Story

    In our first Spotlight episode, we sit down with Navy veteran and Austin-based taxidermist Dustin Brister. Dustin shares his journey from small-town Texas to the Navy, the loss of his younger brother to suicide, and the moment he decided to break the cycle of alcohol and generational trauma. We talk about healing through the outdoors, the power of community, and why “reaching out” can change everything especially for those carrying the aftermath. 🔹 Animal Art Taxidermy https://www.facebook.com/people/Animal-Art-Taxidermy-Austin-TX/100063545984378/ 🔹 Archery Country http://austinarcherycountry.com/

    1h 10m

  5. JAN 28

    Episode 6: Freedom Alliance — Healing Through the Outdoors

    In this powerful episode of The Outreach Project, we sit down with Tom Kilgannon, President of Freedom Alliance, to explore how immersive outdoor experiences can help veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war. Freedom Alliance has spent decades honoring and supporting America’s military community, and in this episode we go beyond the mission statement — into the forests and waters of Sitka, Alaska — to hear firsthand how nature, purpose, and camaraderie are reshaping lives. From quiet riverbanks to misty mountain trails, we talk with Tom about: The transformative role of the outdoors in veteran recovery Freedom Alliance’s programs that foster peer connection and support Veteran stories of resilience, renewal, and rediscovery Finding peace after service through purposeful experience This episode is a journey into the restorative power of nature, the strength of shared service, and what it truly means to heal through the outdoors. 🌐 Website: https://freedomalliance.org/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFreedomAlliance 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/FreedomAlliance 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedom.alliance/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreedomAlliance/

    1h 37m

  6. JAN 21

    Episode 5: Southern Outdoor Dreams | Creating Once-in-a-Lifetime Outdoor Experiences

    In Episode 5 of The Outreach Project, we highlight Southern Outdoor Dreams, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outdoor adventures for disabled youth and combat wounded veterans. Southern Outdoor Dreams believes the outdoors can be a powerful source of healing, confidence, and connection. By bringing together volunteers, guides, and community partners, they create safe, accessible, and meaningful hunting and fishing experiences at no cost to participants. 🎙️ In this episode, we cover: The story behind Southern Outdoor Dreams How outdoor adventures support healing and resilience The impact on veterans, youth, and families How you can support or get involved

    1h 14m

  7. JAN 14

    Episode 4: Healing From the Frontlines: Veterans, Trauma & Purpose with Jordyn Jureczki

    In this episode of The Outreach Project, we’re honored to welcome Jordyn Jureczki — U.S. Navy Veteran, former law enforcement officer, and CEO of Frontline Healing Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to removing financial barriers to mental health and addiction treatment for military, veterans, and first responders). frontlinehealingfoundation.org Jordyn shares her deeply personal journey from the military and LEO patrol work through her own challenges with trauma and healing, to leading a foundation that helps warriors access critical care — often when insurance and traditional resources fall short. We dive into the mission of Frontline Healing Foundation, its impact on PTSD, addiction, TBI support, and how communities can come alongside those who have served. Learn how you can support warriors on their healing journey, and why breaking the silence around trauma matters now more than ever. 🔗 Follow & Support Frontline Healing Foundation: Website: frontlinehealingfoundation.org frontlinehealingfoundation.org Facebook: facebook.com/frontlinehealingfoundation Facebook Instagram: instagram.com/frontlinehealingfoundation Instagram 🎥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring stories on The Outreach Project!

    1h 18m

  8. JAN 7

    Episode 3: Ending Veteran Homelessness: The Mission of The Warrior’s Refuge

    In this episode of The Outreach Project, we sit down with Ariel Lara from The Warrior’s Refuge to discuss their mission to end veteran homelessness in Texas — and ultimately across America. We explore how The Warrior’s Refuge helps veterans restart life with dignity through shelter, transitional living, case management, counseling, vocational training, and job placement. Ariel shares how veterans are brought in from across Texas and beyond to receive the stability and support needed to rebuild and move forward. This conversation is a reminder that visibility leads to action — and action creates real impact. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of help, please reach out. You don’t have to do this alone. 🔗 CONNECT WITH THE WARRIOR’S REFUGE 🌐 Website: https://thewarriorsrefuge.us 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorsrefugeofficial/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH THE OUTREACH PROJECT 🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outreach-project/id1863858977 🎧 Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4c598486-8ada-4af2-b950-60d5e32812ad/the-outreach-project 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHq 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/

    1h 17m

  9. 12/31/2025

    Episode 2 : Veteran's Creed Outdoors: Brotherhood, Purpose, and Service Beyond the Uniform

    In Episode 2 of The Outreach Project (TOP), we sit down with Leo Richardson, who leads the Texas Chapter of Veteran’s Creed Outdoors, to highlight the mission, impact, and national reach of this veteran-led nonprofit organization. Veteran’s Creed Outdoors is a national organization dedicated to helping veterans reconnect with purpose, brotherhood, and service through outdoor experiences rooted in faith, accountability, and community. While Leo shares insight into the work being done in Texas, this conversation intentionally elevates Veteran’s Creed Outdoors at the national level, the values they stand for, the lives they are impacting across the country, and why their model continues to resonate with veterans searching for connection after service. In this episode, we discuss: The national mission and vision of Veteran’s Creed Outdoors. Why brotherhood and service still matter after military service. How local chapters support a unified national purpose. The role of the outdoors in restoring identity and connection. How veterans can get involved and support the mission This episode is about giving Veteran’s Creed Outdoors the recognition they deserve nationwide. ⸻ 🔗 Links Veteran’s Creed Outdoors (National) https://veteranscreedoutdoors.org Veteran’s Creed Outdoors — Texas Chapter (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/veterans_creed_outdoors_texas Referenced Video: “He Came Home From War Broken – Then Built Redemption by Hand” Josh Melching | I Am Redemption https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T5doZbPHO4 Community Support: Support Jamie Melching’s Cancer Battle https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jamie-melchings-cancer-battle Listen to The Outreach Project: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-hometown-hero-outdoors-reconnecting-through/id1863858977 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4c598486-8ada-4af2-b950-60d5e32812ad/the-outreach-project Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHq Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/ Contact the Podcast: theoutreachprojectpodcast@gmail.com

    1h 11m
  10. Episode 1: Hometown Hero Outdoors — Reconnecting Through the Outdoors

    12/24/2025

    Episode 1: Hometown Hero Outdoors — Reconnecting Through the Outdoors

    In our first episode of The Outreach Project, we sit down with Hometown Hero Outdoors, a nonprofit dedicated to reconnecting veterans and first responders through peer-led outdoor experiences. Hometown Hero Outdoors creates space for healing, connection, and community by getting people outside — hunting, fishing, camping, and simply spending time together with others who understand the weight of service. This conversation goes beyond the mission statement to explore why this work matters, how shared experiences build trust, and what real outreach looks like when it’s done with intention. We talk purpose after service, the power of community, and how organizations like HHO are filling gaps that formal systems often can’t. This episode sets the tone for what The Outreach Project is about: honest conversations, real impact, and highlighting organizations that are doing the work when no one’s watching. 🎙️ Featured Organization: Hometown Hero Outdoors 🌲 Focus: Veterans, first responders, outdoor connection, peer support 🤝 Get involved: Learn more, volunteer, donate, or attend an event

    1h 12m
  • 10 Episodes

About

The Outreach Project, hosted by Joshua Melching and Jonathan Hodge, connects communities with nonprofit resources that truly matter. Through real conversations, spotlight interviews, and a curated resource hub, we highlight impactful organizations and empower people to take the next step toward support, hope, and healing. Because no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge
  • Show Website
    The Outreach Project