Show Summary On today's episode, we’re having a conversation with Brandy Dykhuizen and Joe Hudak, founders of Living Proof Stories, exploring how structured storytelling helps Veterans process lived experiences, build civilian connections, and move from raw isolation to processed post-military growth. Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Provide Feedback As a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who’ve served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor Stories About Today’s Guest Brandy Dykhuizen is a San Diego-based writer, narrative artist, producer, and mentor who uses storytelling to bridge social divides and spark genuine, human-to-human connection. Over the past decade, she has designed, produced, and led storytelling programs, writing workshops, and live performance events for a wide range of organizations, spanning Veteran services to local arts and culture initiatives across San Diego County. As the co-founder of Living Proof Stories, Brandy works alongside community members, Veterans, military families, and emerging writers to help them shape their lived experiences into clear, impactful narratives. Rooted in the belief that personal storytelling is a vital component of mental wellness, community integration, and social cohesion, her work focuses on helping individuals find their voice, process complex personal journeys, and share their stories in ways that foster deep empathy and authentic connection. Joe Hudak is a retired Special Forces Veteran, storyteller, mentor, and therapist dedicated to helping others navigate adversity and transform their experiences into meaningful stories. He teaches storytelling as a performance art, coaching and mentoring amateur writers while producing monthly live storytelling shows that bring personal narratives to life. In retirement, Joe leads the mentor program for the San Diego Superior Court's Veteran Treatment Court, where he coordinates approximately 30 volunteer mentors and personally mentors three to four Veterans participating in the program. His commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom: for the past four years, Joe has worked as a therapist at a psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic in Mexico. Passionate about ameliorating human suffering, Joe focuses much of his work on Veterans and first responders, while also supporting people dealing with trauma and addiction. Across all his endeavors, Joe believes in the power of connection, compassion, and storytelling to foster healing and growth. Links Mentioned During the Episode Living Proof Stories Website Living Proof Stories on Instagram PsychArmor Resource of the Week This week’s PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Connecting with the Veteran In Your Life. This course provides information to help caregivers understand and address a lack of connection with the Veteran in their life. The new course incorporates a strengths-based approach to connections between a caregiver and a Veteran. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/connecting-with-the-veteran-in-your-life Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmor PsychArmor on X PsychArmor on Facebook PsychArmor on YouTube PsychArmor on LinkedIn PsychArmor on Instagram Theme Music Our theme music Don’t Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities. Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat Veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, Veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
