PitBull214 Podcast | Veteran Stories & Support

Rick Perales
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Documentary

Welcome to the PitBull214 Podcast, hosted by Rick Perales. Air Force veteran, commander, public servant, and advocate for the veteran community. This is the audio version of the original PitBull214 Podcast, designed for those moments when you're on the move. Whether you're driving, cutting the grass, working in the garage, exercising, or simply going about your day, you can stay connected to the conversations that matter most to veterans and their families. This podcast is dedicated to veterans, military families, and the people who support them. Through honest conversations, real-life experiences, and practical resources, each episode explores the challenges and victories that come after service. Topics include veteran transition, mental health, leadership, PTSD, military family life, career development, VA benefits, recovery, and the organizations making a real difference in the veteran community. PitBull214 is more than a podcast. It's a mission to inform, connect, and support veterans while honoring the stories that deserve to be heard. Real Stories. Real Support. For the Veteran Community.

Episodes

  1. Jul 1

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 7, Cassie Barlow, Vets Moving Forward

    One thing I've noticed after talking to veterans for years... Most aren't asking for special treatment. They're just trying to figure out what's available to them. The frustrating part is that there are a lot of good programs, benefits, and organizations out there. The problem is many veterans never hear about them until someone points them in the right direction. That's why I wanted to have Dr. Cassie Barlow back on the podcast. We talked about some of the work being done to connect veterans with resources, jobs, support networks, and opportunities that can make a real difference after military service. What I appreciate about Cassie is that she doesn't just talk about helping veterans. She's spent years building programs that actually do it. The uniform eventually comes off for all of us. The question becomes: what's next? I think this conversation offers some good answers for veterans, military families, and anyone who wants to see veterans succeed long after their service ends. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    40 min

  2. Jun 25

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 6, Larry Draughn, Warrior Resilience

    Over the years, I've met a lot of veterans who have been through things most people can't even imagine. What always amazes me isn't what happened to them. It's what they did afterward. In this episode, I sat down with Marine veteran Larry, who survived an IED blast in Afghanistan that changed his life forever. We talked about service, loss, recovery, and the long road that comes after a traumatic injury. What stuck with me was his mindset. Even after everything he went through, he found a way to keep moving forward. That's not something you learn from a book. That's the kind of perspective that only comes from living it. I think every veteran has a story worth hearing. Larry's is one of those stories that reminds us what resilience really looks like. I hope you'll take some time to listen to this one. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    43 min

  3. Jun 23

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 5, Col (ret) Herman Cole, Vietnam Experience

    One of the things I enjoy most about this podcast is getting the chance to sit down with veterans who helped shape the people around them. Colonel Herman Cole is one of those people for me. In this episode, we talked about his journey from Tuskegee University to serving as a combat engineer during Vietnam, the leadership lessons he learned along the way, and the challenges he faced during a very different time in our military's history. What stood out to me wasn't just his military career. It was his commitment to service long after the uniform came off. The older I get, the more I appreciate veterans like Colonel Cole who took the time to mentor others, share their experiences, and help the next generation find their way. There are a lot of lessons in this conversation. Not just for veterans, but for anyone who believes leadership is about serving others. I think you'll enjoy this one. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    33 min

  4. Jun 17

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 2, Cassie Barlow, Transition to Civilian Life

    One thing I've learned from talking to veterans over the years: Getting out of the military is rarely the hard part. Figuring out what comes next is. That's why I wanted to sit down with Dr. Cassie Barlow. She's a retired Air Force Colonel who has spent years helping service members navigate that transition. We talked about starting early, translating military experience into something employers understand, and why finding the right fit matters just as much as finding a job. A lot of veterans leave the military with leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and years of experience. The challenge isn't whether they have value. The challenge is recognizing it and finding a place where those skills can continue to make a difference. If you're getting ready to separate, retire, or you're helping someone who is, I think you'll get a lot out of this conversation. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    28 min

  5. Jun 6

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 1, Joe Kennedy, Importance and Safeguarding of DD214

    Most veterans know what a DD-214 is. What many don't realize is how much of a headache it can become if you can't find it when you need it. I've talked to veterans and families over the years who suddenly needed a DD-214 for benefits, burial honors, healthcare, or other services, only to discover they had no idea where it was. That's why I wanted to have Greene County Recorder Joe on the podcast. We talked about why protecting these documents matters, how the Recorder's Office helps preserve them, and some simple steps veterans and their families can take now to avoid problems later. It's not the most exciting topic in the world... until the day you need that paperwork. Then it becomes one of the most important documents you own. If you're a veteran, or you have a veteran in your family, this is one conversation worth listening to. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    36 min

  6. May 29

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 4, Gil Esparza, Warriors on Wheels

    In this episode of the Pitbull214 Podcast, host Rick “Pitbull” Perales sits down with veteran advocate Gil Esparza to discuss his lifelong commitment to serving fellow veterans both inside and outside the military. Gil shares his personal journey of service and how that experience led him to become deeply involved in supporting veterans who find themselves navigating challenges after leaving the uniform behind. The conversation explores his work with Veteran Treatment Court, a program designed to help veterans address legal issues while receiving the support, accountability, and resources they need to move forward. Rick and Gil also discuss the meaning behind Gil’s “Life Behind Bars” message, the importance of mentorship, and why second chances can make a life-changing difference for veterans struggling to find direction, purpose, or stability. Through lived experience and honest conversation, Gil explains how compassion, responsibility, and community partnerships can help veterans rebuild their lives and reconnect with their potential. This episode highlights the power of service beyond the military, reminding us that some of the most important missions happen after the uniform comes off. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/ Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    33 min

  7. May 20

    Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 3, PAWS 4 Abilities

    In this episode of the Pitbull214 Podcast, host Rick “Pitbull” Perales records his first on-site episode from Four Paws for Ability, an organization dedicated to providing professionally trained service dogs to veterans and children with disabilities across the country. Rick sits down with Devin Brown to discuss how the program works, including the application process, fundraising efforts, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of recognizing both visible and invisible disabilities. Devin explains that no veteran is “too disabled” or “not disabled enough” to qualify for support. The episode also features Vietnam veteran John Ferguson, who shares the life-changing impact of his service dog, Porter. From medical alerts to mobility assistance and emotional support, John explains how Porter has become an essential part of his daily life. This conversation highlights the compassion, care, and dedication behind the service dog matching process while encouraging veterans, families, and supporters to learn more, volunteer, donate, or help spread awareness about this incredible resource. Thank you for listening to the Pitbull214 Podcast, where veterans, service, resilience, and real conversations come first. If this episode helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently, please share it with another veteran, friend, or family member. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people who need these stories and resources. Website: https://www.pitbull214.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pitbull214podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rckprls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitbull214/

    28 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to the PitBull214 Podcast, hosted by Rick Perales. Air Force veteran, commander, public servant, and advocate for the veteran community. This is the audio version of the original PitBull214 Podcast, designed for those moments when you're on the move. Whether you're driving, cutting the grass, working in the garage, exercising, or simply going about your day, you can stay connected to the conversations that matter most to veterans and their families. This podcast is dedicated to veterans, military families, and the people who support them. Through honest conversations, real-life experiences, and practical resources, each episode explores the challenges and victories that come after service. Topics include veteran transition, mental health, leadership, PTSD, military family life, career development, VA benefits, recovery, and the organizations making a real difference in the veteran community. PitBull214 is more than a podcast. It's a mission to inform, connect, and support veterans while honoring the stories that deserve to be heard. Real Stories. Real Support. For the Veteran Community.

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