The Bunkhouse

Jon

Real conversations about veteran mental health.

  1. APR 27

    Episode #13: Every Day Is Day One: Ira Hearen on Sobriety, Identity, and Burning the Boats

    Navigating the Veteran Journey: From Service to Self-Discovery with Ira and Jon In this episode, Ira and Jon explore the deep and often overlooked aspects of transitioning from military service into civilian life. They discuss the importance of community, purpose, and self-care in healing and redefining identity after service. Key Topics: The significance of sharing stories and vulnerability among veterans Personal journeys of service, injuries, and mental health struggles How 9/11 and recent military operations shaped the veteran experience Transition challenges: loss of routine, identity, and purpose The importance of finding or creating a tribe post-service Strategies for self-care: quiet moments, hobbies, and mental health practices The power of expressing gratitude and celebrating service Building awareness and advocating for veteran mental health support Practical advice for veterans facing transition, including mentorship and community engagement The concept of "everyday veteran" and redefining service beyond high-profile roles Timestamps: (00:51) Welcome and episode overview (01:07) Why sharing veteran stories matters (02:23) Ira's background: Joining the Air Force at 18 (04:20) Post-9/11 military experiences and deployments (07:19) Recalling 9/11 from Osan Air Base (10:24) The impact of combat injuries and mental health (14:38) Transition struggles and identity loss (19:06) The dark days after military retirement (22:49) How firing from a job sparked new purpose (25:45) Founding Bravo Mission Radio and its mission (28:49) The importance of veteran networks and community (33:39) Self-care routines and finding peace (36:46) Accepting the whole self and mental health journey (41:58) Rebuilding post-service purpose (44:59) Recognizing triggers and maintaining mental health (48:35) Embracing quiet and small joys (52:42) Setting boundaries and work-life balance (59:43) Healing from physical and emotional injuries (61:34) Supporting fellow veterans and advocacy (66:52) The role of vulnerability in veteran brotherhood (70:50) The importance of community and not feeling alone (75:35) Humor and camaraderie: military inside jokes (77:49) Embracing the “support function” veterans provide (84:12) Challenging the "only" narratives in military service (89:49) Veterans’ legacy and the importance of recognition (97:50) Valuing all roles in the military—communication, logistics, support (104:43) Using technology to better the veteran experience (107:37) The importance of flexible, personalized transitions (117:40) How trauma and service shape veteran healing (122:24) Final thoughts on purpose, community, and continuing service (124:40) Closing remarks: sharing stories, spreading hope Resources & Links Bravo Mission Radio — Veteran-focused podcast creating community and purpose Connect with the Guests: Ira: LinkedIn   Final Notes: This episode highlights the importance of vulnerability, community, and purpose for veterans. Ira and Jon remind us that healing is ongoing and supporting one another is key. Whether you're in transition or years into civilian life, your story matters, and you're not alone.

    2h 5m
  2. 01/11/2023

    Episode #12: Marine Grunt to Passionate Poet

    Episode 1 (Marine Grunt to Passionate Poet) Host: Jon Talk About The Episode: Brandon Dillon Marine Corps 8 years 2004 to 2012 Military: 0311 Current: Night Shift Manager at Buc-ees Talk With The Guest: What helped him get where he is today? Leadership, the Marine Corps taught me how to lead people and manage not only them but myself What helped you get through the days? Poetry and poetry have saved my life, along with my kids and my future wife Yanet. Personal Story: The things I saw and did in Iraq and Afghanistan, obviously, how I treated some of my Marines, during our time in Afghanistan, my ex-wife, and the things we have said and done to each other, my childhood, so many of my brothers taking their own lives. How I handle it I used to drink A LOT, but I started therapy in 2014 and did 5 years my therapist pushed me to share my poetry, and poetry has saved my life, now I write to cope and deal with my darkness. Other Topics: The VA sucks but use it, find a therapist, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Learn mindfulness and how to meditate. Find something to occupy your mind and time, something that you actually enjoy and get some sort of fulfillment out of. Closing: Brandon Dillon https://linktr.ee/nollid20   You can contact the show by sending an email to jcole@thebunkhousecast.com Follow on Twitter with @BunkhouseCast Follow on TikTok @bunkhousecast LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebunkhouse     I created this podcast using version 3.0.3 of Audacity(R) recording and editing software[1].   [1] Audacity® software is copyright © 1999-2021 Audacity Team. Web site: https://audacityteam.org/. It is free software distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License. The name Audacity® is a registered trademark.

    1h 32m
  3. 01/09/2023

    Episode #11: Marine Data Officer to Cloud Master

    Host: Jon Talk About The Episode: Kyle Moschetto Marine Corps, just under 12 years. Military: 0650 Data Officer Current: Managing Director of a technology services team specializing in Google Cloud. Talk With The Guest: He did Lots of IT side hustles before the military. “I’m a geek-of-geeks! 😀” His favorite subject: Large complicated Cloud Adoption/Migration/Transformation programs! It's People, Process, and Tech…. on steroids! What helped him get where he/she is today: The military leadership styles, including examples of good/bad in excess! A desire for Meritocracy. A deeply competitive learning culture (It pays to learn and know the rules) A 2-year boredom cliff. What advice he would give: READ and PRACTICE. We’ve never been in a time where learning was so easy, it just takes time and practice. Hiring veterans is his passion. Closing: Kyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-kmo-moschetto-5100a761/ https://anchor.fm/task/force/phoenix   Title Author Link? Leadership Gold: Lessons I've Learned from a Lifetime of Leading John C. Maxwell https://www.audible.com/pd/Leadership-Gold-Audiobook/1400222761?ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=81G8KFGSMBKBX50EQX26 Thinking for a Change: 11 Ways Highly Successful People Approach Life and Work John C. Maxwell https://www.audible.com/pd/Thinking-for-a-Change-Audiobook/B002UZMSMG?ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=81G8KFGSMBKBX50EQX26 The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable Patrick Lencioni https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Five-Dysfunctions-of-a-Team-Audiobook/B002V08E64?ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=81G8KFGSMBKBX50EQX26 The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business Patrick Lencioni https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Organizational-Health-Everything-Business/dp/0470941529/   You can contact the show by sending an email to jcole@thebunkhousecast.com Follow on Twitter with @BunkhouseCast Follow on TikTok @bunkhousecast LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebunkhouse     I created this podcast using version 3.0.3 of Audacity(R) recording and editing software[1].   [1] Audacity® software is copyright © 1999-2021 Audacity Team. Web site: https://audacityteam.org/. It is free software distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License. The name Audacity® is a registered trademark.

    1h 24m
  4. 02/23/2022

    Episode #7: Marine Assaultman to DoD Account Executive

    Host: Jon *** I am an active duty Marine, and any opinion expressed on this show is my own and is not military regulation or policy. *** Talk About The Episode: Danny Ruck ***Any opinion expressed is my own and not of any organization I am a part of*** 0351 Infantry Assaultman DoD Account Executive – USMC / USN / DHA Talk With The Guest: Prior to the Marine Corps, he had no IT or Cyber Seuctity experience. His favorite subject: Working on the projects and devices that are assisting those on the ground. What helped him get to where he is today: Work ethic and pride in my work. Advice for military members transioning out, or vetereans looking to change roles: Take advantage of your TA. Don’t be afraid to talk to those in those types of jobs or industry. Closing: Danny Ruck: Danny Ruck | LinkedIn   SITREP Foundation: Here's the post that has the info:   As we begin our journey to assist and support those who have selflessly served/continue to serve our country and our communities, all of us at the SITREP Foundation are excited to share our new logo with you! This logo was researched, conceived, designed and refined by one of our fellow Veterans, William Dickson (U.S. Army Signal Officer).  We gave him an idea of our vision and he executed it flawlessly!   With a full slate of support opportunities scheduled to begin in January 2022, he had a short timeline to create our logo. We want to recognize his talent, contribution and commitment to his craft and this organization and thank you isn't enough!   Please follow us on:  Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SITREP.Foundation/) Instagram (sitrep_foundation) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/sitrep-foundation) Twitter (@SITREP_FND),  TikToc (sitrep_foundation)    To learn more about who we are and the community events that we will be hosting to support this 501C3 non-profit foundation.    Sincerely, President - Jason Mallott VP - Chris Wood Chief Operating Officer - Danny Ruck Chief Financial Officer - Justin Keely Chief Marketing Officer - Bill Gislason       You can contact the show by sending an email to thebunkhousecast@outlook.com. Follow on Twitter with @BunkhouseCast Follow on Facebook with @BunkhouseCast     I created this podcast using version 3.0.3 of Audacity(R) recording and editing software[1].   [1] Audacity® software is copyright © 1999-2021 Audacity Team. Web site: https://audacityteam.org/. It is free software distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License. The name Audacity® is a registered trademark.

    1h 8m
5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Real conversations about veteran mental health.