The MisFitNation

Richard LaMonica
  • 5.0 (48)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

The MisFitNation Show: Empowering Stories of Resilience and Growth Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica, a proud US Army Veteran. Alongside a fellow Veteran and a prominent business leader, our mission is clear: to inspire and empower you to become a better human being. We spotlight the remarkable stories of Veterans and First Responders, showcasing their journeys of resilience, strength, and triumph over adversity. Each episode features captivating interviews with guests from diverse backgrounds, including authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals. Listeners will gain valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice from those who have faced challenges and achieved success. Whether it's the grit of our Veterans and First Responders or the expertise of thought leaders, The MisFitNation Show is a vibrant community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being. Join us for an episode or become a regular listener! If you believe your story can inspire others, reach out to us to be a guest on the show. Accolades: 2025 Veteran Podcast of The Year - American Freedom Fund 2022 - Top 40 Over 40 - Podcast Magazine 2021 - Best Society and Culture Podcast - Veteran Podcast Awards Tune in to The MisFitNation Show, your ultimate platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation. Discover stories that uplift and empower—because every voice matters! https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation

  1. 9H AGO

    Marine EOD Veteran on Surviving War & Healing After TBI | Hart Holmberg V

    Some warriors fight battles long after the war ends. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Marine Corps Veteran Hartvig Holmberg V—a retired Master Sergeant whose 24-year career took him from Light Armored Reconnaissance to the elite world of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Hartvig joined the Marines in 1997 as a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Crewman, serving with the 15th and 13th Marine Expeditionary Units and deploying to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later, he answered another calling. He attended EOD School in Florida, graduating in 2009, and went on to serve with: • Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) • 3rd EOD Company • CLB 26 • MWSS 272 His deployments as an EOD technician included Afghanistan (OEF 13.2) and multiple deployments with the 26th MEU. After retiring in 2021 as a Master Sergeant, Hartvig didn’t stop serving. Today he is: • A contract instructor • Part owner of Corvus Training Group V • President of the EOD Motorcycle Club But perhaps his most important mission has been personal. Hartvig openly shares his ongoing healing journey after multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—learning self-awareness, growth, and recovery through programs like Warrior PATHH and Track Heroes. This is a powerful conversation about combat, brotherhood, identity, trauma, healing, and continuing the mission after service. 🎙️ In This Episode Life as a Marine LAV Crewman Iraq and Afghanistan deployments Becoming an EOD Technician The pressure of explosive ordnance disposal work Living with multiple TBIs Recovery, self-awareness, and healing Brotherhood through the EOD Motorcycle Club Reinventing purpose after retirement 🔗 Learn More 🌐 Website https://www.eodmc.com/home 🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe 🎥 Watch all episodes https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation Hosted by: 🇺🇸 Jake Holland – US Army Veteran 🎙 Stephen LaMonica – Business Leader & Show Host 💬 CALL TO ACTION Healing is a mission too. 👉 What helps YOU stay grounded through life’s battles? Drop it in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 13m

  2. 2D AGO

    Combat Medic to Senior Leader | SFC Martinez Vandergrift on Leadership, Resilience & Service

    What does over two decades of service as a combat medic and leader teach you about resilience, leadership, and purpose? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with SFC (R) Martinez Vandergrift, a highly decorated United States Army veteran whose career spans more than 20 years in military medicine, leadership, and operations. Martinez served as a Healthcare Specialist and Combat Medic (68W), operating in some of the most demanding environments—from frontline medical evacuation in combat zones to senior leadership roles within major Army medical commands. Throughout his career, he: • Served as a Medical Advisor in Iraq • Led as a Platoon Sergeant for medical evacuation and treatment units • Supported operations with the 101st Airborne Division (Rakkasans) • Held senior leadership roles including Operations NCO and Senior Enlisted Advisor • Completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan His leadership and service have been recognized with some of the military’s highest honors, including: 🏅 Bronze Star Medal 🏅 Meritorious Service Medal 🏅 Joint Service Commendation Medal 🏅 Combat Medical Badge Beyond the battlefield, Martinez pursued excellence in education, earning: 🎓 Master of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management 🎓 Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management Today, he continues to lead and serve through his work in healthcare administration, emergency management, and strategic operations. This conversation dives deep into leadership under pressure, decision-making in life-or-death moments, resilience, and building a legacy of service. 🎙️ In This Episode What it means to lead as a combat medic Lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan Leadership at the tactical and strategic levels The mindset required in high-pressure environments Transitioning from military to civilian leadership Building a legacy through service and family 🔗 Learn More About Martinez Vandergrift youtube channel: @martinezvandergrift6259 Facebook: martinez vandergrift IG: @darealheman TikTok: martymarwildin80 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation 🎥 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Community https://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z 💬 CALL TO ACTION Leadership is forged in moments of pressure. 👉 What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way? Drop it in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone committed to growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m

  3. APR 30

    Navy Corpsman to Filmmaker | Terry Weaver’s Story of War, Faith & Purpose

    Some people leave the battlefield… and build something even bigger. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Navy Veteran Terry Weaver—a former Navy Corpsman who served alongside U.S. Marines in Kuwait and Iraq (2002–2003) as a combat medic. Terry’s journey started in San Bernardino, California, and took him straight into war—where he experienced the realities of combat and the responsibility of keeping others alive. After his honorable discharge, Terry didn’t slow down. He earned a degree from Texas A&M’s Mays Business School, became a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar, and later completed a Master’s in Biblical Studies. But that’s just the beginning. Terry has since: • Founded the nonprofit VEL Institute • Written five books • Built a career in sales and marketing • Become an award-winning actor • Produced multiple films • Written, produced, and directed his first feature film — “The Beast of Trinity Texas” Today, Terry is on a mission to inspire others through faith, creativity, storytelling, and leadership. This episode dives into combat, transition, purpose, faith, and what it takes to build something meaningful after service. 🎙️ In This Episode Life as a Navy Corpsman embedded with Marines Combat deployments to Iraq and Kuwait Transitioning from war to civilian life The power of faith and purpose Building a nonprofit and creative career From writing books to directing a feature film Using storytelling to impact lives 🔗 Connect with Terry Weaver 🌐 Website https://thebeastoftrinitytexas.com/ ✍️ Substack https://terryweaver.substack.com 🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe 🎥 Watch all episodes https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation Hosted by: 🇺🇸 Jake Holland – US Army Veteran 🎙 Stephen LaMonica – Business Leader & Show Host Terry turned his life experience into purpose, creativity, and impact. 👉 What are YOU building with your story? Drop it in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this with someone chasing their next mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 7m

  4. APR 28

    22 Years in the Navy to Building Veteran Culture | Matt Johnson’s Leadership Journey

    What happens when the mission doesn’t end with retirement from the military? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with US Navy Veteran Matt Johnson, a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer who served 22.5 years in the United States Navy. Matt’s military journey began as a Seabee, one of the Navy’s legendary construction battalions known for building critical infrastructure in some of the toughest environments around the world. Over the course of his career, Matt grew into leadership roles and eventually finished his service as a Navy recruiter, helping guide the next generation of sailors into service. But like many veterans, the real question came after the uniform came off: What’s the next mission? Today Matt is channeling his leadership, discipline, and passion for service into multiple ventures. He is the owner of GOTUR6IX CULTURE LLC, an apparel company that creates original designs, outfits businesses, and partners with nonprofits to help raise funds for causes that matter. He also works alongside his wife as she launches her art business and continues serving the veteran community as co-host of the Triple Threat Vets Podcast, where real conversations about life after service take center stage. This conversation dives into leadership, entrepreneurship, family, culture, and building a mission-driven life after the military. Matt’s journey growing up in a military family Life as a Seabee and Navy leader The transition from military service to civilian life Building a mission-driven business Supporting nonprofits and the veteran community The importance of culture, purpose, and family 🌐 Websitehttps://www.sameflagsameoath.com 👕 GOTUR6IX CULTURE Apparel 🎙 Triple Threat Vets Podcast 🎥 Subscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🔥 Join The Forge Leadership Communityhttps://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z Veterans often ask themselves one question after leaving the military: “What’s my next mission?” Drop a comment below and tell us: 👉 What mission are YOU building in your life right now? 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration. 🎙️ In This Episode 🔗 Connect with Matt Johnson 🔥 Follow The MisFitNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 49m

  5. APR 23

    Marine Pilot Hit Rock Bottom… Then Built a Path to Recovery | Garret Biss

    What happens when the mission ends… but the battle inside your mind begins? On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Garret Biss—a retired Marine Corps pilot, TEDx speaker, recovery coach, and founder of ValiantPath™. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2015, Garret faced a struggle many veterans quietly battle: anxiety, depression, and the loss of identity after service. Like many others, he turned to alcohol to cope. But when suicidal thoughts began to take hold, Garret realized something had to change. Instead of relying solely on traditional recovery programs, Garret’s transformation came through mentorship, rediscovering self-worth, and focusing on the strengths already inside him. That journey not only helped him overcome addiction—it gave him a new mission: helping other veterans reclaim their lives. Today Garret works with veterans through his program ValiantPath™, blending coaching, emotional processing, and evidence-based recovery tools rooted in positive psychology and human flourishing. Garret has also: • Co-founded an addiction recovery residence in North Carolina • Delivered a powerful TEDx talk – Unspoken Trauma • Become an award-winning author and speaker • Served as a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol • Leads a global water charity One Million Goal, Inc. This conversation dives deep into identity, recovery, purpose, and what it truly means to rebuild your life after service. The hidden struggles many veterans face after leaving the military Garret’s battle with alcohol, depression, and suicidal ideation The turning point that changed his life Why mentorship played a critical role in recovery Building ValiantPath™ to help veterans heal Finding purpose again after losing identity 🌐 Websitehttps://garretbiss.com/ 🎤 TEDx Talk – Unspoken Traumahttps://UnspokenTrauma.vet 🎥 Watch all episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation Hosted by: 🇺🇸 Jake Holland – US Army Veteran 🎙 Stephen LaMonica – Business Leader & Veteran Advocate Many veterans struggle in silence. If Garret’s story resonated with you, drop a comment below: 👉 What helped YOU rediscover purpose during a hard season? 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs it. 🎙️ In This Episode🔗 Connect with Garret Biss🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe💬 CALL TO ACTION Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 22m

  6. APR 21

    From PTSD to the Racetrack | Army Veteran Tia May Found Healing at 120 MPH

    Some battles follow you long after you leave the military. On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica sit down with US Army Veteran Tia May, a telecommunications systems operator who joined the Army in 2001 and faced challenges that pushed her mental health to the edge. During her time in service, Tia experienced disrespect from fellow soldiers and constant body size shaming. The emotional toll built up over time, leading her to turn to alcohol to cope. Nightmares, anxiety, and the weight of unresolved trauma eventually brought her close to a breaking point. But her story didn’t end there. Tia found an unexpected path toward healing—motorsports. What started as an outlet became a lifeline. Getting behind the wheel gave her focus, adrenaline, and a sense of control that helped quiet the chaos she was battling internally. Now, Tia is using motorsports as a platform for mental health advocacy, helping raise awareness and encouraging veterans to find their own paths toward healing. Her mission is simple but powerful: get veterans out on the track, open the conversation about mental health, and prove that recovery is possible. Life in the Army as a telecommunications operator The mental health challenges many soldiers face but rarely talk about Coping with trauma, nightmares, and alcohol The breaking point that forced change How motorsports became therapy Using racing to help other veterans find healing 📱 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Crazycarchik 🎥 Watch all episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🎙️ Hosted by US Army Veteran Jake Holland Business Leader Stephen LaMonica If Tia’s story resonates with you, drop a comment below: 👉 What activity helps YOU clear your mind and stay grounded? And if you know a veteran who might need this conversation—share this episode with them. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share the mission 🎙️ In This Episode🔗 Follow Tia May🔥 Follow The ToosDay Crüe💬 CALL TO ACTION Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m

  7. APR 16

    From Warzones to Writing Thrillers | US Army Veteran Dean Davidson on Survival, Leadership & “The Amir”

    What does it take to survive warzones, near-death experiences, and come back with a story powerful enough to inspire others? On this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with US Army Veteran Dean Davidson—author, adventurer, and leader forged through some of the most dangerous environments on earth. Dean spent nearly 15 years supporting Department of Defense operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, working alongside special operations forces and mentoring Afghan Commandos. His journey includes surviving mortar attacks, a chlorine gas SVBIED attack, and a life-altering pursuit by insurgents that resulted in severe spinal injuries. Now, he channels those real-world experiences into gripping military thriller fiction, including his debut novel “The Amir”, with his upcoming series Code Name CHAOS on the way. 🔥 In this episode, we dive into: Leadership lessons from combat zones Resilience after trauma and injury The mindset required to operate in chaos Turning real-life experiences into powerful storytelling What civilians can learn from military leadership Dean’s story is not just about survival—it’s about transformation, purpose, and continuing the mission in a new way. 🌐 Website: https://www.deandavidson-author.com 🎯 The Forge (Exclusive Content & Community): https://tinyurl.com/4p7kx64z 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMisFitNation 📱 Follow us on all social platforms: @TheMisFitNation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m

  8. APR 14

    Noah May: Turning Mental Health Struggles Into a Voice of Hope

    On this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Noah May — a podcaster, writer, and mental health advocate who turned years of depression, anxiety, and self-doubt into a mission to help others feel less alone. A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in journalism, Noah’s journey hasn’t been easy. From feeling like an outcast to battling suicidal thoughts at a young age, he knows firsthand how heavy life can feel when mental health struggles go unseen and unheard. Today, Noah hosts three podcasts, using his voice to create honest conversations around mental health, self-worth, and healing. In this episode, he opens up about: Living with depression and anxiety from a young age Nearly reaching a breaking point — and what stopped him Finding purpose through writing and podcasting Why vulnerability is strength, not weakness How sharing your story can save lives This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt invisible, not good enough, or afraid to speak up. 🎧 Learn more about Noah and his podcasts: https://noahspodcasts.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min
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5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

The MisFitNation Show: Empowering Stories of Resilience and Growth Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica, a proud US Army Veteran. Alongside a fellow Veteran and a prominent business leader, our mission is clear: to inspire and empower you to become a better human being. We spotlight the remarkable stories of Veterans and First Responders, showcasing their journeys of resilience, strength, and triumph over adversity. Each episode features captivating interviews with guests from diverse backgrounds, including authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals. Listeners will gain valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice from those who have faced challenges and achieved success. Whether it's the grit of our Veterans and First Responders or the expertise of thought leaders, The MisFitNation Show is a vibrant community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being. Join us for an episode or become a regular listener! If you believe your story can inspire others, reach out to us to be a guest on the show. Accolades: 2025 Veteran Podcast of The Year - American Freedom Fund 2022 - Top 40 Over 40 - Podcast Magazine 2021 - Best Society and Culture Podcast - Veteran Podcast Awards Tune in to The MisFitNation Show, your ultimate platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation. Discover stories that uplift and empower—because every voice matters! https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation

Information

  • Creator
    Richard LaMonica
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    643
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Richard LaMonica
  • Show Website
    The MisFitNation