Rally Point: Washington

Washington Veterans Vote
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Rally Point: Washington is the go-to podcast for veterans, active duty service members, and military families connected to Washington state. Hosted by Washington Veterans Vote, each episode features candid, solutions-focused conversations with veterans, military-connected leaders, and experts shaping the future of our community. Grounded in a nonpartisan mission, we break down policy, spotlight trusted resources, and elevate voices driving real change—so you can stay informed, engaged, and ready for what’s next.

Episodes

  1. 10H AGO

    Healing in Nature: Veteran Reintegration & Mental Wellness | Rally Point: Washington

    Explore how Cassie Glaspey, an Army veteran and founder of Mother RUCKer, utilizes nature, rucking, breathwork, and community engagement to promote healing and resilience among veterans. This episode offers practical tools, inspiring stories, and accessible outdoor activities to support mental health and reconnect with oneself outside traditional therapy. In this episode: Cassie’s military background and how her service shaped her approach to healingThe role of rucking in physical and mental recovery, and tips for beginnersHow nature-based practices like Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) restore nervous system balanceBreathing techniques and movement practices to reduce anxiety and trauma effectsPersonal stories of trauma, survivor guilt, and finding purpose through communityAccessible outdoor activities for veterans on both sides of Washington statePractical advice for families to support veterans’ mental healthThe importance of reconnecting with lost parts of the soul through outdoor mindfulness Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 01:23 - Introducing Cassie Glaspey and her community-based healing approach 02:48 - Cassie’s military background and transition story 04:56 - Navigating PTSD, anxiety, and trauma after service 07:42 - Military experiences in Iraq and the impact of war on perception of home 10:12 - Survivor’s guilt and the importance of community and healing 12:44 - Why Cassie founded Mother Rucker and the power of rucking 13:37 - The physical and emotional benefits of rucking for trauma recovery 15:01 - How nature and Shinrin-yoku facilitate nervous system regulation 16:48 - Tools for hypervigilance and trauma triggers, including breathwork and movement 18:43 - Supporting veterans and families through open communication and therapy 24:04 - Practical action steps: grounding, breathing, and letting go of unhelpful beliefs 25:31 - Breathing techniques for stress, anxiety, and physical readiness 29:14 - Outdoor organizations and events for veteran engagement Links: Mother Rucker — Connect with Cassie and her community healing programsOutdoors for Our Heroes — Outdoor adventures for disabled veteransHeroes Homestead — Veteran outdoor mentorship and eventsIrreverent Warriors Spokane Chapter — Veteran hiking events and community gatherings Get outside and engage in a simple ruck, walk, or mindfulness walk in nature — whether in your neighborhood, park, or trail to ground, restore, and reconnect. Remember: Your mental health toolkit is accessible everywhere.

    36 min

  2. MAR 27

    The Next Mission: Empowering Washington Veterans Through Community & Connection w/ A Hero's Promise

    Summary: This episode features a candid discussion with Alan Acosta, Army veteran and executive director at A Hero's Promise, about supporting veterans and military families through community programs and volunteerism opportunities to connect veterans with the community. We explore veteran transition challenges, community engagement, and innovative programs making a difference in Washington state.  Chapters: 00:38 - Alan Acosta’s background and transition story from military to nonprofit work  01:34 - Veterans’ ongoing desire to serve through community projects  02:29 - Introduction to A Hero’s Promise and its mission in Washington state  03:29 - Alan’s military career and transition experiences  04:54 - Challenges during military-to-civilian transition and personal healing journey  08:13 - The importance of community engagement and mental health support  12:01 - Origin of A Hero’s Promise  13:24 - Programs offered by Heroes Promise: education, outdoor activities, emergency response  17:34 - Fish and wildlife program details and community impact  20:02 - A Hero’s Promise’s emergency management initiatives and veteran involvement  21:55 - How veterans can get involved through volunteering and skill-sharing  23:48 - Advice for veterans seeking purpose post-service and exploring new opportunities  30:48 - Resources for mental health and suicide prevention: LEARN Saves Lives, PAUSE Lethal Means Safely, Combatting Stigma, Veterans Crisis Line  35:08 - Legislative highlight: Global War on Terror Memorial at the Washington State Capitol  39:08 - Summary of suicide prevention programs and trainings available through Washington VA  40:38 - The importance of knowing and sharing crisis resources like 988 and online support  41:32 - Action of the week: volunteer locally, mentor, or support veteran organizations  Resources & Links: A Hero's PromiseA Hero’s Promise Facebook PageWashington Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention programsVeterans Crisis Line – Dial 988 then press 1Washington Legislature House Bill 2514 (Global War on Terror Memorial) Sign up for our email list at waveterans.org to be the first to know about new episodes. Follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/washingtonveteransvote    www.instagram.com/waveteransvote   www.x.com/WAVetsVote

    44 min

  3. MAR 12

    How Veterans are Becoming Franchise Entrepreneurs

    Summary: This episode features veteran entrepreneur and consultant Curt Maier, sharing insights on transitioning from military service to business ownership, focusing on franchising, funding options, and leveraging military skills for success. Keywords: Veteran entrepreneurship, franchising, SBA loans, military transition, Washington State, veteran resources, business startup, veteran success stories Key Topics: Military skills transfer to businessEntrepreneurship for veteransFranchise opportunities for veteransFunding options including SBA loans Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Veteran Entrepreneurship 01:47 Curt Maier’s Introduction 02:25 Curt Maier's Military Background and Transition 11:30 Understanding Entrepreneurship for Veterans 12:03 Three Options for Veteran Entrepreneurship 12:30 What is Franchising? 16:29 How Military Skills Transfer to Franchising 19:00 Curt’s First Franchise Opportunity 19:35 Success in the First Year of Business 20:20 It’s Never Too Late to Start 20:35 Finding the Right Franchise Fit 21:06 The Veteran’s Business Outreach Center 22:40 Types of Franchises & Consultants 23:16 Examples of Franchises Veterans Have Chosen Recently 24:45 Biggest Misconception About Owning a Franchise 26:15 Funding Your Franchise 27:20 Franchise Fee Discounts for Veterans 28:00 First Steps Toward Franchises 28:35 Finding a Franchise Consultant 31:00 Military Transition Tips 33:15 Corporate Attitudes Towards Veterans 36:35 Resource: Veterans Business Outreach Centers 39:11 Voices from the Field: Submissions Open 41:02 Conclusion and Resources for Veterans Resources & Links: Curt Maier LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtmmaier/  Small Business Administration Veterans Business Outreach Centers: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vboc Business Impact NW: https://businessimpactnw.org/veterans-business-outreach-center/ Sign up for our email list at waveterans.org to be the first to know about new episodes. Follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/washingtonveteransvote    www.instagram.com/waveteransvote   www.x.com/WAVetsVote

    44 min

  4. FEB 27 ·  BONUS

    Special Update: Veterans Legislation in Washington

    Summary This episode gives an update on bills impacting veterans and military families in Washington. Visit www.leg.wa.gov and search by the bill number for the latest status. Key Topics: Legislative sessionBills affecting veterans Time Stamps: 00:00 Legislative Overview 02:56 Bills Impacting Veterans 06:13 Stalled Legislation 09:03 Advocacy and Community Support Resources & Links: House Bill 1073: National Guard retention House Bill 2088: Dietitian licensure compact House Bill 2417: Code of military justice Senate Bill 5901: School construction assistance House Bill 2534: Military child enrollment in public schools Senate Bill 5827: Preference points for state civic service Senate Bill 6046: Washington division of civil air patrol Senate Bill 6035: Electronic ballot portal House Bill 2514: GWOT monument Senate Bill 5907/House Bill 2099: Early childhood education House Bill 1165/Senate Bill 5398: Property tax relief Visit our website: www.waveterans.org Follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/washingtonveteransvote    www.instagram.com/waveteransvote   www.x.com/WAVetsVote

    11 min

  5. FEB 25

    How PNWVETS Inspires Veteran Community in Washington

    In this episode of Rally Point: Washington, host Paul Herrera and guest host Andy Stevens engage with Josh Wheeldon and Josh Penner, co-founders of PNWVETS. They discuss the importance of community for veterans transitioning to civilian life, the challenges faced during this transition, and the mission of PNWVETS to connect veterans and civilians through personal connections. The conversation highlights personal military experiences, the significance of building a supportive network, and practical advice for young veterans navigating their post-service journey.  Key Topics: Relationships formed in the military  Transitioning to civilian life  Community engagement  Local veteran resources and support Reaching out and connecting with others veterans COVID-19’s impact on the desire for in-person connections Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Rally Point Washington 02:58 Meet the Co-Founders of PNWVETS 05:56 Military Backgrounds and Personal Journeys 09:03 Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 11:49 Advice for Young Veterans 15:09 The Genesis of PNWVETS 17:51 Connecting Veterans: The Role of PNWVETS 21:10 Engagement Strategies and Community Building 24:02 Overcoming Hesitation to Join Veteran Meetups 27:10 The Impact of COVID on Veteran Connections 30:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts 32:54 Policy in Plain Language: Senate Bill 5827 36:09 Resource Spotlight: Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass 39:06 Voices from the Field: Winter Activities in Washington 40:01 Action of the Week: Growing Veteran Connections Resources & Links: PNWVETS Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1435084746738238  PNWVETS Website: pnwvets.com/  Sign up for our email list at waveterans.org to be the first to know about new episodes. Follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/washingtonveteransvote    www.instagram.com/waveteransvote   www.x.com/WAVetsVote

    42 min

  6. FEB 18 ·  BONUS

    How a Coalition of Veterans’ Voices Helps Shape Washington Legislation

    Discover how the Veterans Legislative Coalition is advocating for Washington’s veteran and military communities through legislative efforts. This episode features insights from Jerry Fugit, chair of the Veterans Legislative Coalition. While not all of these bills have made it past some key legislative cutoffs for this session, it’s helpful to understand the types of legislation at play during a typical session. Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction: Washington state's legislative session and veteran advocacy focus 02:01 - History and mission of the Veterans Legislative Coalition 03:29 - Licensure compact for spouses in healthcare and education 04:27 - Supporting military members in transitioning to civilian professions 05:18 - Global War on Terror memorial at capitol grounds 06:12 - Property tax relief legislation based on VA disability 08:11 - National Guard education and employment benefits 08:40 - Initiatives to improve veterans’ employment and discharge documentation 09:37 - The legislative process: from bill introduction to signing 12:22 - Companion bills 13:02 - Challenges of passing bills within a 60-day session 17:39 - Closing remarks and podcast subscription info Resources & Links: House Bill 2514: Global War on Terror (GWOT) memorial on the state capitol campus Senate Bill 5398: Property tax relief for veterans with disabilities House Bill 1073: Washington National Guard retention efforts House Bill 1016: Tax credits for hiring veterans or military spouses Senate Bill 5827: Preference points for transitioning servicemembers to state civil serviceMilitary Voting-Related BillsHouse Bill 2064: Electronic ballot portalHouse Bill 2572: Electronic ballot portal Senate Bill 5017: Military and overseas voting standards and processes Senate Bill 6035: Electronic ballot portalHouse Bill 2470 / Senate Bill 5901: On-base school construction

    18 min

  7. FEB 11

    The Power of Unified Veteran State Advocacy

    Discover how Washington's veteran community is shaping state legislation to support veterans and military families. In this episode, we explore veterans' advocacy efforts, key bills, and ways you can get involved to support your fellow veterans and their families. Key Topics:Introduction to Rally Point: Washington Personal journey of Paul Herrera in military and civilian serviceThe role and impact of the Veterans Legislative CoalitionHow veterans can unite to influence legislationOverview of recent bills: supporting veteran benefits and servicesThe importance of nonpartisan advocacy and bipartisan cooperationSteps for veterans to engage with legislation through comment, testimony, and emailsHow to find your legislator and use the legislative website to stay informedStories from veterans across Washington about community involvement and dreams for 2026Tips for staying active in the veteran community and volunteering opportunitiesResources & Links:Washington State Legislature: Search bills and find your legislatorSenate Bill 5907: Expands access to early childhood educationHouse Bill 2099: Expands access to early childhood educationHouse Bill 2514: Establishes global war on terror (GWOT) memorial on the capitol campusWashington Department of Children, Youth & Families: ECEAP ProgramWashington Working Families Child Care Income RangesHow to Contact Your LegislatorHow to Comment on a BillHow to Testify at a Committee Meeting Sign up for our email list at waveterans.org to be the first to know about new episodes. Follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/washingtonveteransvote  www.instagram.com/waveteransvote  www.x.com/WAVetsVote

    57 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Rally Point: Washington is the go-to podcast for veterans, active duty service members, and military families connected to Washington state. Hosted by Washington Veterans Vote, each episode features candid, solutions-focused conversations with veterans, military-connected leaders, and experts shaping the future of our community. Grounded in a nonpartisan mission, we break down policy, spotlight trusted resources, and elevate voices driving real change—so you can stay informed, engaged, and ready for what’s next.

Information

  • Creator
    Washington Veterans Vote
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Washington Veterans Vote
  • Show Website
    Rally Point: Washington