Return to Base | A VeteranLife Podcast

VeteranLife
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Society & Culture

On Return to Base, we rip off the 550 cord and 100mph tape that holds us all together and explore topics that veterans can relate to: calls to service, transition stories, memories of skin and blood left in sand and boots. We'll chat with professionals, philanthropists, businesspeople, and just good f**kin' dudes and gals. Strap in for Return to Base hosted by retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and former Special Forces (Green Beret) Cliff VR.

  1. Sep 8

    Thom Tran | Combat, Comedy, and Taking Care of Joes With a Microphone

    Host: Cliff VanRickley Guest: Thom Tran — Army Veteran, Comedian and Founder of The GIs of Comedy Army veteran Thom Tran planned to spend 20 years in uniform. A sniper's bullet changed that plan. Tran enlisted in the Army at 18, before he'd even finished high school, and served as a communications sergeant and Civil Affairs sergeant within the Army's Special Operations community. In 2003, just four days after crossing the border into Iraq, Tran was shot in the back of the head during a firefight. He bandaged himself up, continued the mission and ultimately finished his deployment. But the injuries he sustained eventually brought his Army career to an end, and Tran was medically retired in 2005. What came next was an entirely different kind of mission. In this episode of Return To Base, host Cliff VanRickley sits down with Tran to talk about his military journey, the combat injury that changed the course of his life, and the difficult transition that followed his return home. Tran shares how he eventually found his way into radio and stand-up comedy — and discovered that making people laugh could become part of his own healing. That discovery eventually led him to create The GIs of Comedy, an all-veteran comedy troupe that has performed for military and civilian audiences across the United States and around the world. For Tran, it's also a way to continue doing something that was ingrained in him as an Army NCO: taking care of his troops. He may not be wearing the uniform anymore, but he's still taking care of Joes — now he does it with a microphone. In This Episode: Why Tran enlisted in the Army at just 18 years oldHis service as a communications and Civil Affairs sergeantThe 2003 firefight in Iraq that changed the trajectory of his military careerWhy Tran stayed with his unit and completed his deployment after being woundedThe challenge of losing the 20-year Army career he'd envisioned for himselfHis difficult transition from combat to civilian lifeHow radio and stand-up comedy became unexpected outlets after leaving the ArmyWhy Tran says comedy became an important part of his healingHow The GIs of Comedy grew from an idea into an internationally touring veteran comedy troupeWhy performing for servicemembers is different from performing for civilian audiencesHow Tran continues to see his work as another form of serviceHis evolving relationship with his identity as a veteranWhy veterans don't have to let military service define every part of their next chapterWhat Tran has learned about finding purpose when life doesn't go according to planTran's journey is a reminder that losing one mission doesn't mean losing your sense of purpose. Sometimes the next way to serve looks nothing like the one you imagined — and sometimes it comes with a microphone and a room full of people who need a good laugh. Connect With Thom Tran Want to see where Thom is performing next or follow his latest work? Website & Tour Dates: ThomTran.com Instagram / Threads / TikTok: @_thomtran YouTube: ThomTranOnline Facebook: RealThomTran LinkedIn: Thom Tran Learn More About The GIs of Comedy The GIs of Comedy brings together professional comedians who have served in the U.S. military with a mission of bringing laughter to servicemembers, veterans and their families. Website: GIsOfComedy.com Follow Thom and The GIs of Comedy for upcoming performances, comedy, music and more from their continued mission of serving the military community — one joke at a time.

    Thom Tran | Combat, Comedy, and Taking Care of Joes With a Microphone

  2. Aug 25

    Curtez Riggs | Military Storytelling, Community, and 10 Years of MIC

    Guest Host: Christie Nix Guest: Curtez Riggs — Army Veteran and Founder, Military Influencer Conference Army veteran Curtez Riggs has spent his post-military career creating opportunities for others in the military-connected community. After serving 21 years in the Army, Riggs turned an early interest in digital entrepreneurship into something much bigger: the Military Influencer Conference, better known as MIC. What started as a relatively small gathering of military content creators has grown into a major event bringing together thousands of veterans, servicemembers, military spouses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, brands, and creators. This September, MIC celebrates its 10th year — and its largest conference yet. In this episode of Return To Base, guest host and Army veteran spouse Christie Nix sits down with Riggs to talk about his military journey, his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, and how MIC evolved alongside the rapidly growing military creator community. Riggs shares how a disagreement over a pair of Army boots unexpectedly introduced him to the world of digital marketing, why he believes relationships and mentorship have been essential to MIC's success, and the moment COVID-19 threatened everything he had built. He also reflects on how MIC has changed him personally, why he believes successful leaders have a responsibility to "leave the ladder down," and what he hopes attendees take away as the conference enters its second decade. In This Episode:  Riggs' journey from Flint, Michigan, to a 21-year Army career  How an Army boot website unexpectedly launched his entrepreneurial journey  The early days of the Military Influencer Conference  How MIC grew from fewer than 100 attendees at its first event to thousands today  The financial and professional challenges of keeping MIC alive during COVID-19  Why mentorship and "leaving the ladder down" are central to MIC's mission  How relationships have become the foundation of the MIC community  The new Impact Awards and Riggs' goal of elevating smaller military-connected nonprofits  How building MIC changed Riggs' own approach to leadership  His advice for anyone attending MIC for the first time  Why Riggs believes everyone has the ability to influence and lead As MIC celebrates ten years, Riggs' story is a reminder that some of the biggest ideas start small — and that the right relationships can turn an idea into an entire community. Connect With the Military Influencer Conference Want to learn more about MIC or join the military-connected community in Tampa this September? MIC 2026: September 23–26, 2026 | JW Marriott Tampa Water Street Website & Registration: MilitaryInfluencer.com LinkedIn: Military Influencer Hashtag: #MIC2026 Follow MIC for conference updates, speaker announcements, networking opportunities, and more information on attending this year's 10th anniversary event.

    Curtez Riggs | Military Storytelling, Community, and 10 Years of MIC

  3. Jul 23

    Jim Brooks | Leadership, Readiness, and Team Rubicon's Mission

    For many veterans, service doesn't end when they take off the uniform—it simply takes on a new mission. In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Jim Brooks, CEO of Team Rubicon, the veteran-led disaster response organization that has become one of the nation's premier humanitarian relief nonprofits. Founded in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Team Rubicon now mobilizes thousands of volunteers to help communities recover from hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other disasters across the country. Jim shares his own military journey, reflects on his first year leading Team Rubicon, and explains why disaster response begins long before a storm ever makes landfall. From the organization's annual hurricane readiness exercise to its ambitious America250 service campaign, this conversation explores the enduring value of preparedness, purpose, and continued service. Whether you're a veteran looking for your next mission or simply someone searching for a meaningful way to give back, this episode is a powerful reminder that resilient communities are built by people willing to step forward when they're needed most. In This Episode Jim Brooks' military service and leadership journeyWhy he chose to lead Team RubiconWhat he learned during his first year as CEOInside HURREX, Team Rubicon's annual hurricane readiness exerciseHow military experience prepares veterans for disaster responseThe powerful sense of purpose veterans find through continued serviceTeam Rubicon's America250 initiative and national volunteer goalsHow the organization is preparing for the future of disaster responseHow listeners can volunteer and support Team Rubicon's mission Stay Connected Team Rubicon: https://teamrubiconusa.orgLearn more about Team Rubicon's America250 service initiative and volunteer opportunities at https://teamrubiconusa.org.Follow @teamrubicon on Instagram.Get the latest on veterans benefits, military history, and stories of service at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on Instagram.Subscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone who believes service doesn't end when the uniform comes off.

    Jim Brooks | Leadership, Readiness, and Team Rubicon's Mission

  4. Jun 8

    Phyllis Wilson | Women Veterans, Visibility, and Preserving Military History

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Phyllis Wilson- President, Military Women’s Memorial Foundation Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phyllis Wilson didn't set out to become the leader of the nation's only major memorial dedicated to women who served in the U.S. military. In fact, despite spending years working at the Pentagon, she didn't even know the Military Women's Memorial existed until 2013. Today, as President of the Military Women's Memorial Foundation, Wilson is helping ensure that the stories of more than three million women who have served since the Revolutionary War are preserved, honored, and shared with future generations. In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Wilson to discuss her remarkable 37-year military career, her path from intelligence and language operations to leadership, the challenges women faced in uniform throughout much of her service, and why preserving women's military stories remains as important as ever. As Women Veterans Day (June 12)  approaches, this conversation is a powerful reminder that military history is far broader—and more personal—than many people realize. In This Episode Why Phyllis originally joined the Army Her 37-year military career and work in intelligence operationsServing as a woman in uniform during a very different eraThe challenges faced by dual-military familiesWhy becoming a Warrant Officer changed everythingDiscovering the Military Women's Memorial after decades of serviceProgress and persistent misconceptions surrounding women veteransWhy recording and preserving your military story mattersHow listeners can support the Military Women's Memorial Stay Connected Phyllis Wilson is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 and President of the Military Women's Memorial, located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. During her distinguished military career, she served in intelligence and special operations assignments, including work with Joint Special Operations Command. Today, she leads efforts to preserve and share the stories of women who have served throughout American military history. Military Women's Memorial: https://womensmemorial.orgJoin the National Women Veterans Recognition Day-Celebrating 250 Years of Service virtually: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-women-veterans-recognition-day-celebrating-250-years-of-service-tickets-1987024390441?aff=oddtdtcreatorFollow @womensmemorial on Instagram Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Phyllis Wilson | Women Veterans, Visibility, and Preserving Military History

  5. May 27

    Brian Ferguson | Performance, Decision-Making, and Leading in High Pressure Environments

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Brian Ferguson - Former Navy Special Operations Officer, Founder & CEO, Arena Labs In this episode of Return to Base, host Cliff Van Rickley sits down with Brian Ferguson, a former Navy Special Operations Officer and founder of Arena Labs, to explore what separates high-performing teams from those that struggle under pressure. Drawing on experiences from special operations, national security, elite athletics, and healthcare, Ferguson explains why human performance—not just technology or systems—is often the deciding factor in mission success. From his unconventional path to military service to pioneering the field of "high-performance medicine," Ferguson shares lessons on leadership, stress management, decision-making, and building resilient teams in environments where mistakes carry serious consequences. In This Episode Why Ferguson left a career in national security to become a Navy SEALThe influence of 9/11 and public service on his career pathWhat special operations taught him about leadership and performanceHow observing cardiac surgery teams sparked the idea for Arena LabsThe surprising similarities between elite military units and healthcare professionalsHow stress impacts decision-making in high-stakes environmentsPractical techniques anyone can use to improve performance under pressureThe future of human performance in healthcare and beyondWhy This Matters From combat deployments to boardrooms to operating rooms, pressure is unavoidable. The question isn't whether you'll face it—it's how you'll respond when you do. In this episode, Brian Ferguson shares lessons from special operations and healthcare that challenge conventional thinking about performance. His message is simple: the best teams don't just train for the mission—they train the people executing it. For veterans, leaders, and anyone striving to perform at a higher level, these insights offer a roadmap for navigating stress, improving decision-making, and leading more effectively when it matters most. Stay Connected Brian Ferguson is a former Navy SEAL officer and the Founder and CEO of Arena Labs, a company dedicated to improving human performance in healthcare. Drawing on lessons learned in special operations, aviation, sports, and medicine, Arena Labs helps healthcare organizations improve decision-making, resilience, team performance, and patient outcomes through coaching, biometric data, and performance science. Learn more about Arena Labs and its mission to bring high-performance principles to healthcare teams at www.arenalabs.coFollow @arenalabs on InstagramGet the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Brian Ferguson | Performance, Decision-Making, and Leading in High Pressure Environments

  6. Apr 28

    Zachary Federico | Inside the Fight for Veteran Policy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Zachary Federico, Director, Veterans and Military Affairs Task Force, American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) What happens after service… when the mission shifts to policy? In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Zachary Federico to unpack a side of service most people never see—what it looks like to continue serving beyond the uniform by shaping the policies that impact veterans and military families. Federico shares his unconventional path from musician in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Division Band to leading national conversations on veteran policy at ALEC. At the center of the discussion: a rapidly evolving push to expand access to alternative mental health treatments for veterans, including psychedelic-assisted therapy. As federal momentum builds and states take the lead, Federico offers a behind-the-scenes look at how legislation actually happens—and how veterans themselves are driving change by sharing their stories and advocating for better care. This conversation goes beyond policy—it’s about purpose, impact, and what it means to keep serving in a different way. In This Episode From “band kid” to policy leader: Federico’s path to service and ALECHow state-level legislation shapes real outcomes for veteransThe growing momentum behind psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSDWhy traditional treatments aren’t working for everyoneThe role veterans play in influencing policy decisionsHow YOU can get involved and make your voice heard“Don’t underestimate how powerful your voice can be—especially as a veteran.” This episode is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Whether it’s through advocacy, storytelling, or policy engagement, veterans continue to shape the future for those who come after them. Why This Matters With new federal efforts to accelerate research into alternative mental health treatments—and states building frameworks to support access—this moment could mark a major shift in how the country cares for veterans struggling with PTSD and other conditions. But progress doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens because veterans speak up. Stay Connected Learn more about the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) at www.alec.orgGet the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Zachary Federico | Inside the Fight for Veteran Policy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

  7. Mar 18

    Steven Grayhm | ‘Sheepdog’ and Telling the Veteran Story

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Steven Grayhm, Writer/Director/Producer/Star of Sheepdog What happens after the uniform comes off? In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with filmmaker and actor Steven Grayhm to talk about his powerful new film Sheepdog—a story that explores the invisible battles many veterans face after service. Written, directed, produced, and starring Grayhm himself, Sheepdog dives into the emotional terrain of life after the military: identity, trauma, purpose, and the search for connection. The film isn’t just about war—it’s about what comes after, and the path toward healing and post-traumatic growth. Through this conversation, Grayhm shares why he spent more than a decade bringing this story to life, what the title “Sheepdog” really means, and how the film is resonating with veterans who see their own experiences reflected on screen. In This Episode The Origin of SheepdogResponse From the Veteran CommunityMental Health and the Mission Continued“Service leaves marks—but it also leaves strength.” Sheepdog reminds us that while the transition out of the military can be complicated, it can also lead to growth, connection, and renewed purpose. Sometimes the bravest thing a veteran can do is simply tell the truth about what comes after. Where to Watch Sheepdog is available now on streaming platforms including: Amazon Prime VideoApple TVSpectrumComcastYouTube MoviesLearn more and find streaming options at SheepdogTheMovie.com Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union Navy Federal Credit Union proudly supports the military and veteran community — on active duty, in transition, and long after service ends. From banking to home loans and financial education, Navy Federal is here to help you build what’s next. Visit navyfederal.org to learn more. Stay Connected Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Steven Grayhm | ‘Sheepdog’ and Telling the Veteran Story

  8. Feb 26

    Steve Weintraub | More Than Tickets: Vet Tix, Belonging, and Veteran Impact

    Host: Cliff Van Rickley Guest: Steve Weintraub, Marine Veteran + CSO, Vet Tix What if healing didn’t always start in a clinic — but in a stadium seat? In this episode of Return To Base, Cliff sits down with Marine veteran and Vet Tix Chief Strategy Officer Steve Weintraub to talk about purpose after service, the power of belonging, and how shared experiences can literally save lives. With more than 2.6 million verified members and 35+ million tickets distributed, Vet Tix has quietly become the largest veteran-focused nonprofit in the country. But as Steve explains, this isn’t about “free tickets.” It’s about reconnection, reintegration, and resilience. From NASCAR tracks to the Super Bowl, the impact goes far beyond the event itself. In This Episode From Arizona to the Marine Corps The Transition: Identity Beyond the Uniform What Vet Tix Really Does Vet Tix provides free event tickets to: VeteransActive-duty service membersFamilies of KIAFirst respondersBut the real mission? Reducing stress. Strengthening bonds. Rebuilding connection. Steve shares: How sitting next to fellow veterans creates communityWhy joy is an underrated form of recoverySuper Bowl Moments & Milestones How Vet Tix secured its first Super Bowl ticketsWhy members are randomly selected (no essays required)The $16.97 delivery fee model — and why it mattersThe organization’s growth from startup to 35 million tickets distributed“Service doesn’t stop — it evolves.” Steve’s story is a reminder that purpose after the military doesn’t have to look like it did in uniform. Sometimes it looks like building access, restoring connection, and making sure no veteran feels alone in the stands. How to Get Involved For Veterans & Service Members: Visit VetTix.orgCreate an accountVerify through ID.meBrowse local eventsRequest ticketsFor Donors: Donate unused season ticketsCorporate ticket holders can contribute501(c)(3) in-kind tax deduction available92%+ scan rate ensures tickets get usedEvery extra seat can become a memory. Episode Links Vet Tix: VetTix.org Donate Tickets: https://www.vettix.org/donate Sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union Navy Federal Credit Union proudly supports the military and veteran community — on active duty, in transition, and long after service ends. From banking to home loans and financial education, Navy Federal is here to help you build what’s next. Visit navyfederal.org to learn more. Stay Connected Get the latest on veterans benefits, a look back at military history and more at www.veteranlife.com.Follow @thisisveteranlife on InstagramSubscribe to Return To Base on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.Share this episode with someone navigating life after the uniform.

    Steve Weintraub | More Than Tickets: Vet Tix, Belonging, and Veteran Impact
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About

On Return to Base, we rip off the 550 cord and 100mph tape that holds us all together and explore topics that veterans can relate to: calls to service, transition stories, memories of skin and blood left in sand and boots. We'll chat with professionals, philanthropists, businesspeople, and just good f**kin' dudes and gals. Strap in for Return to Base hosted by retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and former Special Forces (Green Beret) Cliff VR.

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