The Outreach Project

Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Outreach Project, hosted by Joshua Melching and Jonathan Hodge, connects communities with nonprofit resources that truly matter. Through real conversations, spotlight interviews, and a curated resource hub, we highlight impactful organizations and empower people to take the next step toward support, hope, and healing. Because no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

  1. MAR 25

    Episode 15: Back Country Heroes | Kaleb Weakley on Combat, Purpose & Healing

    Episode 15 of The Outreach Project features Kaleb Weakley, founder of Back Country Heroes — a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders rediscover purpose through outdoor experiences. In this episode:raw combat storiesthe reality of transition after servicelosing direction after the mission endsrebuilding purpose through brotherhoodhow Back Country Heroes is changing lives across the country This isn’t just hunting — it’s healing, identity, and finding your way back. — 🎯 FEATURED ORGANIZATIONBack Country Heroeshttps://www.backcountryheroes.org/ — 🌐 THE OUTREACH PROJECTWebsite: https://www.theoutreach-project.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHqSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY?si=ba9198d2bdcd4208Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outreach-project/id1863858977 — 💥 SPONSORGreen Gorilla Land Managementhttps://gglandmanagement.com — 🎯 MISSIONWe connect veterans, first responders, and families to real nonprofit resources that change lives. — #Veterans #MilitaryPodcast #BackCountryHeroes #KalebWeakley #FirstResponders #OutdoorHealing #PTSDRecovery #Nonprofits #TheOutreachProject

    1h 13m

  2. MAR 18

    Episode 14: Meet the Hosts Behind The Outreach Project | Why We Built It

    In Episode 14 of The Outreach Project Podcast, we flip the script and turn the cameras on ourselves. For the first time, Jonathan Hodge and Josh Melching sit down to talk about the story behind The Outreach Project, why we started it, and what drives us to keep building this mission. We dig into military transition, the nonprofit resource gap, the power of storytelling, and why so many veterans and first responders still do not know what support is available to them. We also talk about: Josh’s journey from aircraft maintenance to TACP and how nonprofit retreats changed his life Hodge’s military career, family story, and the passion behind helping others transition Why the directory and app matter so much to us The real reason this project became bigger than a podcast Funny behind-the-scenes moments, outtakes, and the chaos of building all this in real time This episode is personal, honest, and a look behind the curtain at the men and mission behind The Outreach Project. If you have been following the show, thank you for being here. If this is your first episode, welcome to the mission. The Outreach Project connects veterans, first responders, and families to trusted nonprofit resources across the country. #TheOutreachProject #Veterans #FirstResponders #Nonprofits #VeteranResources #MilitaryTransition #Podcast #VeteranPodcast #MentalHealth #PurposeAfterService

    1h 22m

  3. MAR 11

    Episode 13: Brain Treatment Center NoVA on MeRT, PTSD, TBI & Brain Health

    Episode 13 of The Outreach Project Podcast features Chris and Marsha Lessard from Brain Treatment Center NoVA, a veteran-owned clinic serving Northern Virginia with locations in Ashburn and Alexandria. In this episode, we talk about MeRT therapy, PTSD, TBI, brain mapping, functional health, and whole-person healing — plus the spouse perspective, long-term recovery, and why more veterans and first responders need to know these resources exist. We also get into the real-world side of recovery: sleep issues, inflammation, medication dependency, brain injuries, and the need for better options and better awareness in the veteran and first responder communities. Powered by GameDay Men’s Health — including Alamo Ranch and New Braunfels, Texas — helping men take control of their health through testosterone therapy, ED treatment, weight loss support, and more. In this episode: MeRT and how it differs from standard TMS PTSD and TBI recovery Brain mapping and functional medicine Spouse and family impact Hope, healing, and veteran resources Connect with Brain Treatment Center NoVA:Ashburn + Alexandria, Virginia Follow The Outreach Project and explore more resources below. #TheOutreachProject #PTSD #TBI #MeRT #BrainHealth #Veterans #FirstResponders #MentalHealth #Healing #Podcast Website: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theoutreachprojecthq?si=OHouHJnZlYHqxhWo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/ Brain Treatment Center NoVA: https://www.braintreatmentcenterashburn.com/ GameDay Men’s Health Alamo Ranch: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-tx Watch, listen, share, and send this to somebody who needs it.

    1h 4m

  4. MAR 3

    Episode 12: Hero to the Line: Life-Changing Labs for Veterans | Tyler Stankye + Dustin Brister

    Episode 12 drops a day early — and we’re cooking. 🎙️🔥 This week we’re joined by Tyler Stankye (Active Duty Army Captain & Ops Manager) from Hero to the Line (HTTL), plus Dustin Brister (our Episode 7 guest and an HTTL dog recipient). HTTL is building community by placing well-bred Labrador Retriever puppies with veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star families — then surrounding them with a tribe of support, training knowledge, and real-life connection. We talk: Why a dog can create routine, purpose, and momentum How HTTL protects the mission with accountability + standards The difference community makes when the uniform comes off Dustin’s story: how his pup changed the way he leads at home 🔗 Learn more / apply / support: https://hero2theline.org/ 🐾 Want to donate or partner? media@hero2theline.org Follow + Subscribe: 🎧 Spotify / 🍎 Apple / 📺 YouTube: @TheOutreachProjectHq (And yes… we still want Raising Cane’s to sponsor the dog community. 😄)

    1h 9m

  5. FEB 25

    Episode 11: Steve Brush – From Force Recon to Leadership Coach | Combat, Identity Loss & Post-Traumatic Growth

    In Episode 11 of The Outreach Project Podcast, we sit down with Steve Brush, former Force Recon Marine, 13-time combat veteran, and leadership coach with Rope Solutions. Steve served with both 5th and 1st Force Recon Companies and completed multiple deployments to Afghanistan — including operations in Sangin and during the fall of Kabul. After transitioning from the Marine Corps, Steve led large-scale security operations in the Middle East overseeing more than 2,000 personnel. But this episode isn’t just about combat. It’s about identity loss.It’s about transition.It’s about suicidal ideation.It’s about finding purpose again. Steve shares his battle with post-deployment isolation, depression, and nearly taking his own life — and how the Warrior PATHH program helped him rediscover purpose, leadership, and faith. Today, Steve serves as a leadership coach with Rope Solutions, helping high-risk industries build elite culture through special operations leadership principles. This is one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had. Growing up in a Marine Corps family Force Recon selection and deployment to Sangin Combat trauma and identity loss The fall of Afghanistan from inside Kabul Veteran transition challenges Post-Traumatic Growth Warrior PATHH program Leadership culture in high-risk industries Rope Solutions methodology Faith, sobriety, and rebuilding family relationships Topics Covered: Growing up in a Marine Corps family Force Recon selection and deployment to Sangin Combat trauma and identity loss The fall of Afghanistan from inside Kabul Veteran transition challenges Post-Traumatic Growth Warrior PATHH program Leadership culture in high-risk industries Rope Solutions methodology Faith, sobriety, and rebuilding family relationships

    1h 36m

  6. FEB 17

    Episode 10: Climbing a Mountain with Rucking Realty Group | Marine Veteran Real Estate Story

    Mike and Natalie Evans—founders of Rucking Realty Group—join us for Episode 10. Mike is a Marine Corps infantry veteran, and together they’ve built a family-run real estate business in San Antonio rooted in leadership, service, and doing the hard work others won’t. Mike explains why the home-buying process is like rucking up a mountain—and why the right team carries the load with you until you reach the summit. Connect with Rucking Realty Group Website: https://ruckingrealtygroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rucking.realty.groupllc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rucking-Realty-Group/61579340832737/# Explore The Outreach Project https://www.theoutreach-project.com https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectory

    1h 5m
  7. Episode 9: From Special Warfare to Survival | Tyler Burgett’s Fight Back

    FEB 11

    Episode 9: From Special Warfare to Survival | Tyler Burgett’s Fight Back

    Tyler Burgett is a retired Special Warfare operator who faced some of the hardest battles of his life after leaving active duty. Following medical retirement, a divorce, and the loss of close family members, Tyler found himself struggling with substance abuse and thoughts of suicide. The identity he built through service felt stripped away. The mission was gone. The structure was gone. And for a while, so was hope. But this is not a story about defeat. With the help of close friends and veteran-serving nonprofits, Tyler began rebuilding his life. Today, he is on the path to becoming a therapist — committed to helping others navigate the same darkness he once faced. In this episode, we discuss:Identity loss after military transitionSubstance abuse in the veteran communitySuicidal ideation and breaking the silenceThe real impact of nonprofit support organizationsRebuilding purpose after rock bottom If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Explore veteran and first responder nonprofits nationwide:https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectory Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY?si=86cd961bcbe84f41 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHq The Outreach Project exists to connect people with real resources — and the stories behind them.

    1h 46m

  8. FEB 4

    Episode 8 — Healing the Unit: Veterans, First Responders, Spouses & Ayahuasca-Assisted Recovery

    In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, we sit down with Joe and Gabriella, founders of Hero’s Journey Healing Foundation, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about healing, identity, and rebuilding life after service. Joe, an Army veteran, shares his journey through military transition, PTSD, addiction, and the loss of identity that so many veterans and first responders face. Together with Gabriella, they discuss how their experience with ayahuasca-assisted healing, combined with counseling, community, and spousal support, helped transform not just the individual — but the entire family unit. This episode explores: The hidden mental health struggles after military and first-responder service Why identity loss fuels isolation, addiction, and depression What it truly means to heal the unit, not just the individual How ayahuasca is discussed as part of a responsible, guided healing process The critical role spouses play in long-term recovery Why community, accountability, and integration matter after breakthroughs ⚠️ This is not a conversation about shortcuts or quick fixes. Ayahuasca is discussed in the context of intentional healing, proper guidance, and long-term support. If you or someone you love is struggling with transition, trauma, or purpose after service, this episode offers perspective, hope, and a reminder that you don’t have to walk the path alone. 🌐 Website: https://www.herosjourneyheals.org/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/heros_journey_foundation/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Heros-Journey-Healing-Foundation/61584080139744/ 📧 Email: herosjourneyheals@gmail.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHq 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3K3Ysh7IntL4sCiQgYklhY 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outreach-project/id1863858977 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4c598486-8ada-4af2-b950-60d5e32812ad/the-outreach-project 🔗 Guest Resources — Hero’s Journey Healing Foundation🎧 Listen / Watch Now — The Outreach Project

    1h 14m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Outreach Project, hosted by Joshua Melching and Jonathan Hodge, connects communities with nonprofit resources that truly matter. Through real conversations, spotlight interviews, and a curated resource hub, we highlight impactful organizations and empower people to take the next step toward support, hope, and healing. Because no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge
  • Show Website
    The Outreach Project

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