Coming Home Well

Dr. Tyler Pieron

Coming Home Well is a podcast hosted by Dr. Tyler Pieron, dedicated to exploring topics that support and uplift the veteran community. The show features engaging conversations with organizations working to assist veterans, discussions with historians about pivotal moments in military history, insights into claims and benefits for service members, and a wide range of other subjects relevant to veterans and their families. Through these discussions, the podcast provides valuable information, guidance, and inspiration to those transitioning from military service to civilian life and beyond.

  1. 14H AGO

    How to Pivot Without Losing Your Purpose | Paul Pantani

    Leave a review if you like this episode! How do you prepare for life after the badge? Host Tyler sits down with Paul Pantani, a 35-year law enforcement veteran, to discuss the mental, professional, and personal hurdles of retiring from a career in first response. From patrol officer to Commander at a DA’s Office, Paul shares the hard lessons he learned about identity, timing, and why even two years of podcasting about "transition" didn't fully prepare him for his own retirement in December 2023. Key Takeaways & Advice The Identity Shift: Your badge is a uniform, not your entire self. Maintain hobbies (like Paul’s jiu-jitsu) and a "tribe" outside the department to soften the transition.Promotion with Purpose: Align your career advancements with civilian credentials. If you want to lead in the private sector, seek leadership roles and certifications now.The 10-Year Rule: Start planning your "Next Objective" at least a decade before your exit date.Negotiation 101: Unlike fixed government pay scales, the civilian world is negotiable. Know your worth before you walk into the interview.Permission to Pivot: Your first job after the uniform doesn't have to be your forever home. Give yourself grace to course-correct. Resources Mentioned Transition Drill Podcast: Long-form interviews with veterans and first responders.Your Next Objective: Paul’s solo show featuring condensed guidance for short, medium, and long-range retirement planning.The FIRE Movement: Exploring Financial Independence, Retire Early strategies.TAP: Insights from the military’s Transition Assistance Program. Connect with our Guest: Look for Paul Pantani on the Transition Drill Podcast and follow his latest work on Your Next Objective. Support the Unified Service Family: Visit our website to learn more about resources for veterans, first responders, and their families.

    51 min

  2. MAR 27

    Fred Apgar – The Secret War & The Road to Forgiveness

    In this episode, Tyler sits down with Fred Apgar, a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and author of Return to the War on Plaine des Jarres. Fred served with the 7th Airborne Command and Control Squadron (7 ACCS), coordinating the clandestine air war over Laos. Fred discusses the complexities of the "Secret War," the painful homecoming many veterans faced, and his transformative 2014 return to Southeast Asia. From meeting survivors of the very bombings he coordinated to an emotional encounter with a former North Vietnamese officer, Fred’s story is a powerful testament to the healing found in forgiveness and shared humanity. Featured Books: Return to the War on Plaine des Jarres by Fred ApgarLeadership Lessons from the Field by Fred Apgar

    1h 13m

  3. FEB 22

    The Data the Military Can’t Ignore

    Please leave us a review if you like this episode. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Rob Evans, the developer and visionary behind two disruptive platforms: Hots and Cots and Vet Stats. Rob’s mission is simple but profound: use transparency to improve the lives of those who serve. From rating moldy barracks and undercooked dining hall food to evaluating VA healthcare quality, Rob discusses how anonymous, data-driven feedback is forcing accountability at the highest levels of the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Resources & Links Vet Stats Website: vet-stats.ioHots and Cots: Hots&Cots Available on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.Social Media: Follow the mission on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook. #Military #Veterans #VAHealthcare #QualityOfLife #Transparency #MilitaryBarracks #VeteransAffairs #HotsAndCots #VetStats

    37 min

  4. JAN 24

    Career Transitions from Military to Civilian Life | Michelle Schafer

    Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pieron and Michelle Schafer share practical strategies to help veterans and service members translate military experience into civilian careers, build strong resumes and LinkedIn profiles, network effectively, and find work aligned with their values. You’ll Learn: How to identify and communicate transferable military skills Resume and LinkedIn strategies for civilian employers Why referrals fill most jobs before they’re posted How to network through conversation—not self-promotion Five reflection questions to clarify your next career move Resources & Links: Career Focus Framework • Cultivating Career Growth • LinkedIn • Glassdoor Connect with Michelle: mschafercoaching.ca | LinkedIn

    1h 9m

  5. JAN 19

    The Forgotten Atrocities of the Pacific Theater in WWII

    Please leave us a review and share your suggestions or comments. In this episode, Tyler speaks with historian and educator Jenny Chan about the often-overlooked atrocities of the Pacific Theater during World War II. Drawing from personal family histories and over one million archived documents, they explore Unit 731, POW camps, the Bataan Death March, Hell Ships, and the lasting impact of war across generations. Jenny also shares how Pacific Atrocities Education works to preserve fragile historical records and why understanding this history is essential for human rights today. Topics Covered Unit 731 and Japan’s secret human experimentation programPOW camps, Hell Ships, and the Bataan Death March35–40% POW mortality rate under Japanese captivityThe Doolittle Raid and civilian retaliationWhy the Pacific War remains under-documentedIntergenerational PTSD and modern implications Resources Mentioned The Rape of Nanking — Iris ChangFactories of Death — Sheldon HarrisUnjust Enrichment - Linda Goetz HolmesPacific Atrocities Education: pacificatrocities.orgPodcast: Pacific Front Untold Support the Show Subscribe, rate, and share Coming Home to help preserve these stories and support veterans and historical education.

    59 min

  6. JAN 11

    From Claims to Care: How the VA Is Changing for Veterans

    In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pieron welcomes back Dr. Paul Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to discuss the latest initiatives and challenges at the VA. From modernizing healthcare to protecting veterans’ benefits, Dr. Lawrence shares insights, practical advice, and stories that matter to every veteran. Topics Covered VA leadership priorities and putting veterans at the center of all decisionsReducing claims backlog and improving benefits processingProtecting veterans from predatory “claim sharks” and promoting free, accredited assistanceElectronic health records and coordinated careExpanding community care and telehealth for rural veteransEfforts to combat veteran homelessness and available resourcesLegislative updates, including the Elizabeth Dole ActModernizing benefits, appeals, and technology in VA servicesPractical advice and personal stories from veterans If you or someone you know is at risk of homelessness, call the VA’s homeless hotline: 877-424-3838. Resources VA Homeless Hotline: 877-424-3838Accredited Veteran Service Organizations:American LegionVeterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)Wounded Warrior ProjectState Departments of Veterans Affairs Call to Action If you found this episode helpful, share it, post about it on social media, or leave a rating and review. For additional resources, visit your local VA or reach out to an accredited veteran service organization. Thank you for listening to Coming Home Well — until all are home and all are well.

    27 min

  7. 12/28/2025

    The Story Behind Dog: PTSD Through a Different Lens

    In this episode of Coming Home Well, host Dr. Tyler Pieron speaks with Israeli author and former elite combat soldier Yishay Ishi Ron about PTSD, stigma, and the power of storytelling to heal trauma. Ishi shares his personal journey from military service and silent struggle to writing his acclaimed novel Dog—a cult favorite in Israel now available in English. Using the story of a stray dog as an allegory, Dog explores trauma, redemption, and the life-changing impact of kindness. Key Topics: Living with PTSD as a veteranMental health stigma and seeking helpWriting as a tool for healingThe story and meaning behind DogThe upcoming film adaptation and Ishi’s next book, The Girl Who Wrote the White Lion Resources: Buy Dog on Amazon Ishi Ron’s website Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode of Coming Home Well.

    1h 9m

  8. 12/01/2025

    Redefining Success After Service with Matt Watkins

    In this episode, host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Matt Watkins, a Marine Corps veteran who spent 14 years serving as an F-18 mechanic, recruiter, and leader. Matt opens up about the pivotal moment he decided to transition out of active duty, the uncertainty that followed, and how he ultimately rediscovered purpose in the civilian world. Today, he serves as the Military Program Manager at Premise Health, where he advocates for veterans, military spouses, and the broader military community. Guest Bio Matt Watkins is a former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant with deep expertise in aviation maintenance, recruiting, leadership, and talent development. After 14 years of service, he navigated the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, applying his skills in new industries before finding his passion in veteran advocacy and workforce development. In addition to his role at Premise Health, Matt supports the military community through nonprofit work and mentorship. Connect with Matt Watkins Matt is eager to support veterans, military spouses, and service members. Connect with him on LinkedIn or through his nonprofit initiatives for mentorship, guidance, or community resources.

    1h 11m
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About

Coming Home Well is a podcast hosted by Dr. Tyler Pieron, dedicated to exploring topics that support and uplift the veteran community. The show features engaging conversations with organizations working to assist veterans, discussions with historians about pivotal moments in military history, insights into claims and benefits for service members, and a wide range of other subjects relevant to veterans and their families. Through these discussions, the podcast provides valuable information, guidance, and inspiration to those transitioning from military service to civilian life and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Tyler Pieron
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Coming Home Well
  • Show Website
    Coming Home Well