Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

The American Legion
  • 4.5 (57)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Three Global War on Terrorism veterans interview military veterans and other influencers in the military community who share stories related to transitioning, valor and heroism, mental wellness and overcoming PTSD, accessing VA benefits and much more. Join us each week for vibrant camaraderie, playful joking and hot takes on current events, interesting trends and quirky stories of interest to the military and veteran community. This weekly podcast is produced by The American Legion. For more stories and videos please visit www.legion.org/tangoalphalima

  1. How lifestyle medicine helps military families thrive - Tango Alpha Lima

    4D AGO · BONUS

    How lifestyle medicine helps military families thrive - Tango Alpha Lima

    Retired Air Force physician Dr. Mary Ann Kiel reveals how lifestyle medicine transformed her health and revolutionized her approach to treating servicemembers and military families. As a board-certified pediatrician and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Kiel explains the six pillars of wellness: whole food plant-based nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, social connection and avoiding harmful substances. Learn evidence-based strategies for disease prevention, increasing healthspan (not just lifespan), and addressing the root causes of chronic illness without relying on medications. Dr. Kiel shares practical behavior change techniques she teaches as a Food for Life Instructor and discusses why military members face unique health challenges. Perfect for veterans, military families, health-care professionals, and anyone interested in preventive medicine, holistic health and sustainable wellness practices.

    43 min
  2. Sleep Deprivation Risks Every Veteran Should Know - Tango Alpha Lima

    MAR 3

    Sleep Deprivation Risks Every Veteran Should Know - Tango Alpha Lima

    Sleep isn't a luxury — it's a mission-critical function. And for veterans, the stakes are even higher. Dr. Sara Alger, Sleep Research Scientist with the Psychological Health Branch at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, unpacks what chronic sleep deprivation is actually doing to your brain and body — and what you can do about it. Alger explains why the military culture of "I'll sleep when I'm dead" carries real long-term consequences, how combat-trained sleep patterns can follow you home long after deployment, and why those 3 a.m. wake-ups may be more biology than disorder. She also makes the case for tactical napping as a legitimate performance tool — not a sign of weakness. Whether you're dealing with PTSD-related sleep disruption, years of short nights, or just waking up exhausted, this conversation offers science-backed answers and practical strategies. Also in this episode: a bipartisan effort to expand overdose protection for veterans, the wartime origins of Daylight Saving Time, and how the Star-Spangled Banner became official. SHOW LINKS Learn more about Buddy Checks Join The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge Learn more about the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Facts about tactical napping Defense Health Agency Continuing Education Program Office Be a part of The American Legion Oratorical Contest Learn more about the End Veterans Overdose Act of 2026 Wartime history of Daylight Savings Time Health tips for help you Spring Forward Star-spangled history or The National Anthem Learn more about the U.S. Flag - Indivisible: The Story of Our Flag

    1h 1m
  3. How to reverse heart disease and lose weight with plant-based diet - Tango Alpha Lima

    FEB 24 · BONUS

    How to reverse heart disease and lose weight with plant-based diet - Tango Alpha Lima

    Navy veteran Kelley Gilberry shares his inspiring transformation story from obesity and heart disease to optimal health. Before age 40, Gilberry battled cardiovascular disease, high blood sugar and a 70-pound weight problem fueled by fast food. Discover how he reversed heart disease naturally through plant-based eating and lifestyle changes, and became a certified health coach and nutritionist. Learn about his "Medicine Free Method" and "Ant Philosophy" for sustainable weight loss, diabetes prevention, and getting off medications. Gilberry, founder of One Determined Vegan and author of "Plants Saved My Life," provides practical guidance on eliminating processed foods, reducing carcinogens, and adopting whole food nutrition. Essential listening for veterans struggling with obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or anyone seeking health transformation without pharmaceuticals. SHOW LINKS Plants Saved My Life on Amazon Learn more at KelleyGilberry.com Mark Schatzker "The Dorito Effect"

    41 min
  4. How a blind Army veteran went from trauma to triumph - Tango Alpha Lima

    FEB 17

    How a blind Army veteran went from trauma to triumph - Tango Alpha Lima

    From childhood trauma to military service, from a career-ending brain injury as a paramedic to Paralympic glory — Shawn Cheshire's story is one of extraordinary resilience. In this powerful episode, the former US Army helicopter mechanic and 13-time US para-cycling national champion shares how she rebuilt her life after losing her sight at age 36. The Army veteran opens up about her journey from contemplating suicide to becoming a Paralympian, crossing the Grand Canyon solo as the first blind woman to complete Rim to Rim to Rim, and cycling across America on a single bike. Her new documentary "Blind AF" captures her incredible endurance challenges and the trauma she's overcome. This is a conversation about refusing to be defined by your circumstances and choosing to see possibility even in darkness. Also in this episode: the BEACON Act, the magic of audio books and more. SHOW LINKS Military memoir audiobook recommendations AURA Special Offer Learn more about Shawn Cheshire Choosing to See Join the USA250 Challenge American Legion Advocacy Toolkit American Legion Grassroots Action Center Visit Legiontown Reddit Rabbit Hole: Tall tales and fish stories in the military community

    1h 8m
  5. Heart health for veterans: Cardiologist shares how to beat America’s leading cause of death - Tango Alpha Lima

    FEB 10 · BONUS

    Heart health for veterans: Cardiologist shares how to beat America’s leading cause of death - Tango Alpha Lima

    Discover proven strategies for improving heart health and living longer with interventional cardiologist Dr. Columbus Batiste. In this encore episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, Dr. Batiste shares expert guidance on cardiovascular diseaseprevention, plant-based nutrition, and cardiac rehabilitation specifically for veterans and military families. Learn about Healthy Heart Nation, his nonprofitorganization helping thousands reverse heart disease through whole food nutrition, exercise, sleep and lifestyle medicine. Perfect for veterans facing increased heart disease risk, anyone interested in preventive cardiology, or those seeking natural approaches to cardiovascular wellness. Topics include cardiac rehab programs, heart-healthy eating, the physiology of heart disease and practical steps to reduce your risk of the leading cause of death in America. SHOW LINKS Dr. Columbus BatisteHeart Healthy Nation

    54 min
  6. From combat linguist to women veterans advocate - Tango Alpha Lima

    FEB 3

    From combat linguist to women veterans advocate - Tango Alpha Lima

    Army veteran Kayla Williams served in combat, deploying to Iraq in 2003 as an Arabic linguist with the 101st Airborne Division. Since retiring from the military, she has become a bestselling author, and leading advocate for women veterans and military families. From serving without body armor plates during the 2003 Iraq invasion to navigating her husband's traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery, Williams shares her journey of resilience and her ongoing fight to preserve the hard-won gains women have made in the military. Discover why hope matters more than hardship, and why evidence-based policy changes are critical for the future of veteran health care. Also in this episode: a VA health care change that will help women veterans, tips on how veterans can protect themselves against scammers, the legend of Cafe Ground Zero and more. SHOW LINKS Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) eligibility American Legion Junior Shooting Sports VA makes it easier for women to access gynecology care Avoid veteran scams The legend of Cafe Ground Zero

    54 min
  7. From Vegas street kid to combat comedian: Marine veteran brings free shows to troops – Tango Alpha Lima

    JAN 20

    From Vegas street kid to combat comedian: Marine veteran brings free shows to troops – Tango Alpha Lima

    What does it take to make 200 armed, exhausted Marines laugh? Michael D'Angelo knows. The Las Vegas street punk turned Marine Corps veteran turned comedian created Rapid Fire Comedy Tour, a nonprofit delivering free standup shows to military bases nationwide. From surviving Vegas streets — including a razor attack that required 32 stitches to his face — to living in his car while pursuing comedy in LA, D'Angelo's journey to serving those who serve is both heartbreaking and inspiring. In Episode 299 of Tango Alpha Lima, discover how comedy became his way of continuing to serve, how he's exposing young troops to diverse perspectives through art, and why performing for skeptical Marines is the ultimate comedy bootcamp. Also in this episode: the truth about the notch in dog tags, can this platform save veterans money and more. SHOW LINKS Join The American Legion Family USA250 Challenge Learn more about Rapid Fire Comedy Tour Join The American Legion Go down the Reddit Rabbit Hole Is it Military Fact or Fiction ExpertVoice

    55 min
  8. How veterans rescued 195,000 Afghans after Kabul fell – Tango Alpha Lima

    JAN 6

    How veterans rescued 195,000 Afghans after Kabul fell – Tango Alpha Lima

    For Navy veteran Shawn VanDiver, a 2021 call from Afghanistan sparked the creation of AfghanEvac, now one of the most successful refugee advocacy organizations. In this season premiere, VanDiver discusses his path from getting his GED to military service, his work with the Truman National Security Project, and how a single emergency became a mission supporting more than 195,000 Afghan refugees. He explains his community-first approach, why this work extends beyond Afghanistan, and concrete ways veterans can advocate for allies worldwide. Plus: Tango Alpha Lima hosts warn about predatory VA claim services, explore the Together We Served veteran network, and honor WWII veteran and Beetle Bailey cartoonist Mort Walker. LINKS The War Horse: VA Warned These Companies They May Be Breaking the Law. Most Are Still in Business NPR: Congress calls for a crackdown on companies charging disabled vets Join The American Legion Family USA250 Challenge AfghanEvac Website Afghan Allies Vetting process How you can help AfghanEvac AfghanEvac Store The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program Learn more about Together We Served Remembering Beetle Bailey creator Mort Walker Legion calls for Congress to include Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Amendment in 2025 NDAA

    53 min
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4.5
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

Three Global War on Terrorism veterans interview military veterans and other influencers in the military community who share stories related to transitioning, valor and heroism, mental wellness and overcoming PTSD, accessing VA benefits and much more. Join us each week for vibrant camaraderie, playful joking and hot takes on current events, interesting trends and quirky stories of interest to the military and veteran community. This weekly podcast is produced by The American Legion. For more stories and videos please visit www.legion.org/tangoalphalima

Information

  • Creator
    The American Legion
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    367
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The American Legion
  • Show Website
    Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

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