The Outreach Project

Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge
  • 5.0 (3)
  • 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. 2d ago

    Kris Wright: NASCAR, Service & the Daytona 500 Dream

    What does it actually take to survive a NASCAR race when the floor of the truck reaches 185 degrees? NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Kris Wright joins The Outreach Project Podcast to take us inside race day, the physical punishment drivers experience behind the wheel, and the team mentality that keeps him in the truck when everything in his body wants out. Kris also takes us through a career path that is anything but ordinary — competitive golf, European racing, aviation, COVID derailing his original plans, and the unexpected pivot that ultimately brought him to NASCAR. Then the conversation moves beyond racing. We talk about NASCAR's deep connection to veterans and military service, Kris' experience supporting the VFW community, his work helping provide thousands of golf clubs to kids, why giving back can mean more than making money, and the deeply personal story behind his own adoption. And looking ahead, Kris has one major racing goal still sitting in front of him: Take a shot at starting the Daytona 500 in 2028. It's racing, service, family, gratitude — and plenty of Shake & Bake. The Outreach Project — Stories. Resources. Connection.

  2. Aug 12

    The Outreach Project Hits DC | Taking Our Mission to the White House

    The Outreach Project made it to Washington, DC. Seven months into the mission, Hodge and Josh found themselves inside the White House complex presenting what they've built and having serious conversations about the future of veteran and first-responder resource access. In this episode, they tell the full story—from the relationship that opened the door to Washington, to walking into the briefing, presenting The Outreach Project, receiving validation and pushback, and answering a difficult question: how quickly should this mission move when lives are on the line? They discuss the challenge of connecting millions of veterans, first responders, service members, and families with resources that already exist, the realities of funding and scaling the platform, and why they aren't interested in waiting years to find out whether this idea can make a difference. Of course, it's still Hodge and Josh—so the trip also involved profuse sweating, an unfortunate encounter between an iron and a suit jacket, and an AirPod meeting an airport bathroom floor. This one is about opportunity, pressure, validation, friendship, and what happens when an idea that started between two friends suddenly finds its way to Washington. Connect with The Outreach Project:https://links.theoutreachproject.app/ No one has to face life's challenges alone.

  3. Aug 3

    How a Rubber Duck Reached a Veteran in Crisis | DuckDuck214

    A simple rubber duck opened the door to a veteran in crisis outside a VA hospital. Marine Corps veterans Sean Hutton and Tom Holmes of DuckDuck214 join Joshua Melching and Jonathan Hodge to explain how their “duck drops” are bringing humor, hope, and human connection to veterans, first responders, and their families. What began as Jeep ducking and a play on the DD-214 has become a nonprofit mission built around one powerful message: You are not forgotten. Sean and Tom share the story of encountering a veteran living in his vehicle and struggling to receive immediate help, why Sean refused to walk away, and how DuckDuck214 is working with other nonprofits and VA leaders to close gaps in veteran support. The conversation also explores PTSD, isolation, suicide prevention, nonprofit collaboration, the power of simply showing up, and DuckDuck214’s vision of growing from one small duck into a nationwide movement. “We care. You’re important. You matter.” Connect with DuckDuck214:https://duckduck214.godaddysites.com/ Download The Outreach Project app, find trusted resources, watch the show, and support the mission:https://links.theoutreachproject.app/ Episode sponsor:https://ironsoldierscoffeeco.com/ This episode discusses suicide and mental-health crisis. Veterans in crisis—or anyone concerned about one—can call 988 and press 1 or text 838255.

  4. Jul 29

    The Fight After the Fight: Surviving Was Only the Beginning | Officer Ann Marie Carrizales | EP 33

    Officer Ann Marie Carrizales was shot in the face and chest during an MS-13 ambush. She returned fire, got back into her patrol car, and pursued the gunmen. But surviving the shooting was only the beginning. Ann is a United States Marine Corps veteran, retired law enforcement officer, former Marine Corps boxer, nationally recognized speaker, and the creator of The Fight After the Fight. In Episode 33, Ann takes us beyond the shooting and into what she calls Round Three: the invisible fight that begins after the physical danger is over. We discuss post-traumatic stress, military sexual assault, women in the military and law enforcement, peer support, suicide, family trauma, vulnerability, and why making it home is not the same as truly surviving. Ann’s message is simple and direct: It’s okay not to be okay—but you cannot unpack and stay there. At some point, you have to come out of the foxhole and take action. This episode includes honest conversations about gun violence, military sexual assault, suicide, post-traumatic stress, and trauma recovery. CONNECT WITH ANN Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefightafterthefight/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thefightafterthefight/ PODCAST SPONSOR Rucking Realty Grouphttps://ruckingrealtygroup.com/ MISSION SPONSOR Apex Global Outdoorshttps://apexglobaloutdoors.com/ THE OUTREACH PROJECT APP IS NOW LIVE Download The Outreach Project on the Apple App Store or search “The Outreach Project” in the Google Play Store. Apple App Store:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-outreach-project/id6766302601 Web App:https://theoutreachproject.app Website:https://www.theoutreach-project.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/

    The Fight After the Fight: Surviving Was Only the Beginning | Officer Ann Marie Carrizales | EP 33

  5. Jul 22

    The Millionaire Mindset, Purpose After Service & Building Wealth | Ashton Levarek | EP 32

    Former Air Force Pararescueman Ashton Levarek joins The Outreach Project Podcast to discuss the mindset behind success, transitioning from military service, entrepreneurship, and building generational wealth. This episode explores: • Purpose after the military• Identity and limiting beliefs• Mental performance• Financial freedom• Real estate investing• Leadership• Building a life worth remembering This isn't just a conversation about money. It's about becoming the person capable of creating the life you want. Connect with Ashton: https://valkeregroup.com/ https://go.valkeregroup.com/free-webinar-registration Mission Sponsor:Apex Global Outdoors Podcast Sponsor:Rope Solutions

    The Millionaire Mindset, Purpose After Service & Building Wealth | Ashton Levarek | EP 32

  6. Jul 16

    Finding Purpose After Service | Navy Veteran Amy Lockhart on Fishing, Healing & the Outdoors | EP. 31

    any veterans lose more than a career when they leave the military—they lose their community, identity, and sense of purpose. Navy veteran Amy Lockhart shares how fishing, the outdoors, and serving others helped rebuild hers. We discuss military transition, mentorship, women's experiences in service, rebuilding your network after retirement, and why simply showing up for someone can change a life. Proud Podcast Sponsor:☕ Iron Soldier Coffee Company Mission Sponsor:💪 Gameday Men's Health

    Finding Purpose After Service | Navy Veteran Amy Lockhart on Fishing, Healing & the Outdoors | EP. 31

  7. Jul 8

    Inside the TACP Foundation | Eddie "Hollywood" Wambolt on Healing, Leadership & Resiliency | EP 30

    The mission doesn't stop after military service. This week, Jonathan Hodge and Josh Melching welcome Eddie "Hollywood" Wambolt, Director of the TACP Foundation's Resiliency & Restoration Program, for a powerful conversation about healing, leadership, veteran retreats, and supporting Tactical Air Control Party members beyond active duty. If you'd like to learn more about the TACP career field discussed throughout this episode, we highly recommend watching the documentary: https://youtu.be/fmbZTuemjFg?si=trrwtkpSUwC9LV_h Eddie "Hollywood" Wambolt 🏢 Eddie Wambolt's Company (MW Compounds)https://www.mwcompounds.com/ 🌐 TACP Foundationhttps://tacpfoundation.org/ Apex Global Outdoorshttps://apexglobaloutdoors.com/ 🦍 Green Gorilla Land Management 🧭 VetNav Services 🎙️ Featured Guest🏔️ Mission Sponsor🤝 Episode Sponsors

  8. Jun 30

    2x Purple Heart Recipient Mike Nares on Combat Recovery & Finding Purpose w/Freedom Alliance | Ep 29

    Mike Nares is a two-time Purple Heart recipient, combat veteran, and leader within Freedom Alliance. In this episode, Mike shares his story of service, combat, loss, recovery, and finding purpose after war. He also talks about Freedom Alliance, War Heroes on Water, and the power of getting veterans back around people who understand what they have been through. This conversation is raw, personal, and powerful. Stories • Resources • Connection

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 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
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge
  • Show Website
    The Outreach Project