The MisFitNation

Richard LaMonica
  • 5.0 (40)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica—a US Army Veteran who, alongside a fellow US Army Veteran and a Business Leader. Our mission is simple: inspire and empower you to be a better human being. We highlight the powerful stories of Veterans and First Responders, sharing their journeys of resilience and strength. Through captivating interviews, we also bring you guests from all walks of life—authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals. Each episode features individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved success, offering valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice. Whether it's stories of grit from our Veterans and First Responders or expertise from thought leaders, The MisFitNation is a community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being. Join us for one 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! 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 The MisFitNation Show is your go-to platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation. https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation

  1. 16H AGO

    David Shoup on Destroying PTSD and Reclaiming Life After Combat

    On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake and Stephen welcome US Marine Corps combat veteran David Shoup, founder of Warriors Awakening and a leading voice in the fight to eliminate PTSD from the lives of veterans and active-duty service members. David served as an infantry rifleman during Operation Iraqi Freedom, with additional duties supporting special operations units in multiple environments. After leaving active duty, he faced the brutal reality many combat veterans know all too well—nightmares, rage, anxiety, isolation, and emotional chaos. But David refused to accept that PTSD was a life sentence. Through years of intensive study, high-level coaching, and mission-focused action, David developed a powerful system rooted in psychological science, neurological strategies, and battlefield-tested discipline. His approach isn’t therapy—it’s an operational manual for freedom, designed to help warriors reclaim clarity, purpose, and control over their lives. Today, David leads a national movement through Warriors Awakening, empowering veterans to fight back, take ownership of their healing, and live with strength and intention once again. Learn more: https://www.WarriorsAwakening.com 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

  2. 5D AGO

    Army Veteran Richard Spegal on Dark Fantasy, Service, and Storytelling

    On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake and Stephen welcome U.S. Army Veteran Richard Spegal, a Pennsylvania National Guard officer, former 82nd Airborne soldier, and acclaimed author of dark fantasy and paranormal fiction. Richard is the creative force behind worlds like Eternal Nights and the Wolves & Ravens trilogy—stories filled with magic, mystery, moral risk, and the shadows most fiction avoids. Frustrated by adult readers being underserved in fantasy and paranormal genres, Richard set out to write the books he wanted to read—stories that don’t sugarcoat consequences and force characters to confront hard truths. After choosing family over continued active combat service, Richard now balances military leadership, fatherhood to four daughters, and a writing career rooted in myth, folklore, and lived experience. His storytelling explores identity, sacrifice, and how much truth can survive in darkness. This conversation dives into service, creativity, fatherhood, faith in imagination, and why fiction matters—especially when it dares to ask the questions we avoid out loud. 🔗 Learn more: https://richardspegal.com/ 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min

  3. FEB 3

    Army Veteran Jane Babcock: VA Benefits, Service, and Advocacy

    In this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes U.S. Army Veteran Jane Babcock, a retired Sergeant First Class and former nationally accredited County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) who has spent her life serving those who served. Jane’s military career spans more than 21 years, holding five MOSs, serving on Active Duty, Army Reserve, and completing multiple periods of mobilized service—earning her four DD-214s. Her experience includes working in SCIF environments, supporting underwater acoustic systems development, and serving both on land and at sea. After retiring in 2004 due to non-combat injuries—during a time when transition programs like TAPS didn’t exist—Jane faced firsthand the gaps in veteran transition awareness. She was never informed about a Medical Board or VA care options. That experience became fuel for her mission. As a CVSO, Jane went on to file well over 1,000 VA disability claims, helping veterans navigate a system she knows intimately—both professionally and personally. Today, she continues reaching and teaching veterans about the benefits they earned through service. This episode is a must-watch for veterans, families, advocates, and anyone who wants to understand the realities of transition, VA benefits, and why informed advocacy saves lives. Connect with Jane here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebabcock/   🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

  4. JAN 30

    Army Veteran Manny Vera on Service, Learning, and Purpose After Uniform

    On this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes U.S. Army Veteran Manny Vera, a former Military Police Soldier who served nearly a decade in uniform and continues his mission of service far beyond it. After transitioning from active duty, Manny found renewed purpose supporting fellow veterans through mental health initiatives as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) in Jacksonville, Florida. Today, he serves as a Regional Manager with the Travis Manion Foundation, helping veterans, survivors, and inspired civilians develop character, leadership, and lifelong service. Driven by a deep love of learning, Manny credits open-minded leadership, continuous growth, and authentic connection as the foundation of his success—both in the Army and in civilian life. Currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Florida and volunteering on the board of a local veterans association, Manny represents what it means to live a life of purpose after the uniform comes off. This conversation dives into leadership, mental health, servant leadership, and why learning never stops. Connect here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-vera/   🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr

  5. JAN 29

    Cait Conley: Combat Leadership, National Security, and the Call to Congress

    In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes U.S. Army Veteran Cait Conley—a West Point graduate, Bronze Star recipient, counterterrorism leader, and candidate for Congress in New York’s 17th District. A fourth-generation Hudson Valley native from working-class roots, Cait felt her calling to serve on September 11th while still in high school. That moment led her to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she graduated in the top 2% of her class, later earning advanced degrees from MIT and Harvard. Cait served 16 years on active duty, deploying overseas six times to places like Iraq and Afghanistan and earning three Bronze Stars for exceptional leadership and performance in combat operations. After the military, her service continued at the highest levels of government—as Director of Counterterrorism on the National Security Council, at CISA, and working directly with Congress to protect America’s national security, critical infrastructure, and democratic institutions. Now, Cait is once again answering the call—this time running for Congress to continue serving the people of her community and country. This episode dives deep into leadership, service, national security, sacrifice, and why veterans matter in public office. 🔗 Learn more: https://caitconley.com/   🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m

  6. JAN 27

    K9 Tambo’s Fight: Service, Loyalty, and Life After the Badge

    What happens after a working dog’s service ends—and the real battle begins? In this powerful episode of The ToosDay Crüe, the hosts welcome Chris Bingham, federal law enforcement K9 handler and lifelong partner to K9 Tambo, a decorated retired working dog who spent years protecting people and property at the highest levels of government. After retirement, Tambo faced a new mission: survival. Diagnosed with aggressive cancer at age 11, Tambo’s fight became a story of resilience, faith, and community. With the support of Project K9 Hero, life-saving treatment, and a growing national audience, Tambo continues to defy the odds—earning recognition from The Dogist and an upcoming honor at the Philadelphia Eagles Salute to Service game. This episode dives into the unbreakable bond between handler and K9, the realities of life after service for working dogs, and the lessons in loyalty, sacrifice, and perseverance that inspire thousands. 📸 Follow the journey: @k9_tambo  🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 7m

  7. JAN 22

    From Pain to Purpose: Steve & Carol Riggs on Healing After Suicide

    What happens when unimaginable loss becomes a calling to help others heal? In this moving episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Steve and Carol Riggs, the parents of U.S. Army Sgt. Andrew Riggs, who tragically took his life after returning from Afghanistan. Devastated by grief, Steve and Carol experienced a life-changing spiritual awakening that transformed their pain into purpose. Their journey led them to write the powerful book “The Journey from Pain to Purpose,” a guide for families navigating grief, trauma, and suicide loss. Together, they now help others find light in the darkest moments, offering hope, healing, and a roadmap through despair. This conversation is about faith, love, loss, and how even tragedy can lead to a mission that saves lives.  🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

  8. JAN 20

    From Combat to Healing: Jeremy Stalnecker & the Mighty Oaks Mission

    What happens when a battle-hardened Marine turns his fight toward healing others? In this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake Holland and Stephen LaMonica welcome U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jeremy Stalnecker, CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping service members, veterans, and their families overcome the unseen wounds of combat like PTSD, moral injury, and trauma. Jeremy shares his journey from leading Marines during the invasion of Iraq to serving as a pastor and now leading one of the nation’s most impactful faith-based recovery organizations for warriors. We dive into how Mighty Oaks provides hope, purpose, and healing to those struggling after war — and why community and faith are essential to true recovery. 👉 Learn more about Mighty Oaks at mightyoaksprograms.org  🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m
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5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica—a US Army Veteran who, alongside a fellow US Army Veteran and a Business Leader. Our mission is simple: inspire and empower you to be a better human being. We highlight the powerful stories of Veterans and First Responders, sharing their journeys of resilience and strength. Through captivating interviews, we also bring you guests from all walks of life—authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals. Each episode features individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved success, offering valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice. Whether it's stories of grit from our Veterans and First Responders or expertise from thought leaders, The MisFitNation is a community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being. Join us for one 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! 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 The MisFitNation Show is your go-to platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation. https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation

Information

  • Creator
    Richard LaMonica
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    615
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Richard LaMonica
  • Show Website
    The MisFitNation