Vets And Badges

Robert Asencio
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Vets And Badges delivers real stories of service, sacrifice, and triumph—from the battlefield to the badge. Join host Robert Asencio (Army vet/retired Police Captain) and featured co-host/Neuroscientist Dr. Pamela Seraphine as they bridge the gap between heroism and healing. Explore raw interviews with veterans and first responders alongside expert insights into the science of PTSD and trauma recovery. Discover the truth behind the uniform and the blueprint for resilience. New episodes weekly. Real Stories. Real Heroes. Real Science. Visit: https://www.vetsandbadges.com

  1. 4d ago

    The Hidden TBI Epidemic Destroying Veterans and First Responders

    Are you treating traumatic brain injury as a mental health issue? Learn why brain imaging is critical for veterans and first responders and HBOT is proving to make a life saving difference. Many professionals face high-risk environments that can cause lasting physical damage. This discussion clarifies why the brain is often misdiagnosed when symptoms appear. We examine the physiological reality of brain health, specifically how the organ's fragile consistency makes it susceptible to injury during service-related activities. Understanding the physical nature of traumatic brain injury changes how we approach recovery. By prioritizing proper brain imaging before assuming a mental health diagnosis, veterans and first responders can better advocate for their long-term wellness. Knowing the difference between psychological and physical trauma is the first step toward effective care. Definition of HBOT: Hyperbarric Chamber Oxygen Therapy Chapters: 00:00 - Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries in Veterans 03:07 - The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 06:09 -The Impact of Brain Imaging on Treatment 08:50 - Personal Stories and Experiences with TBI 12:10 - Addressing Mental Health and Behavioral Issues 15:10 - The Need for Awareness and Diagnosis 18:06 - The Journey of Healing and Hope 21:04 - The Future of Treatment and Support Takeaways: -The brain is fragile and can be injured easily. -Many veterans are misdiagnosed with mental health issues instead of TBIs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can aid in brain healing. -Brain imaging is crucial for understanding TBIs. -Veterans often feel hopeless due to lack of diagnosis. -There is a significant reduction in suicidal thoughts after treatment. -The 22 Project aims to reduce veteran suicides through effective treatment. -Personal experiences can shape understanding and empathy in treatment. -Community support is vital for veterans' recovery. -Awareness and education about TBIs are essential for better outcomes. The 22 Project: https://support22project.org/ About Ashley Williams, LCSW: https://www.ashleywilliamslcsw.com/ About Vets And Badges Host: Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience. Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

    27 min

  2. Jun 3

    Lost Both Legs. Gained 2 World Records. Never Gave Up

    What does it take to forge an elite warrior — and what does neuroscience reveal about that transformation? U.S. Army Special Forces CPT Benjamin Harrow joins Robert Asencio and Dr. Pamela Seraphine for a conversation that goes beyond the battlefield. Dr. Pamela Seraphine decodes the neuroscience behind CPT Harrow's evolution of excellence — from the mental crucible of Special Forces selection to the leadership wiring built under pressure.This is more than a veteran's story. It's a master class in resilience, identity, and the science of what the human brain does under extraordinary stress. 🧠 In This Episode - How Special Forces training rewires the brain for sustained high performance - The neuroscience of identity: Why CPT Harrow's evolution mirrors what Dr. - Seraphine calls "the warrior transformation arc" - What sacrifice, dedication, and service actually look like at the cellular level - The leadership lessons that don't show up in a military manual ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 From Hockey to Heroism 02:48 The Journey of a Green Beret 06:06 Overcoming Adversity and Identity 08:52 The Evolution of Excellence 11:51 The Power of Mindset and Resilience 14:47 Building a New Life After Injury 18:04 The Importance of Support Systems 21:00 Patient Zero: A Journey of Recovery 23:55 The Role of Spirituality in Healing 27:00 Teaching the Next Generation 30:10 The Impact of Love and Family 32:49 Conclusion and Reflections About Ben’s military service: How The US Special Forces Actually Work | Authorized Account | Insider https://youtu.be/UNbuDKQTgRg?si=JRW19cFci2lm6BEH CPT Ben Harrow Final Cut #1million https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYBAorEedlU&t=11s 👥 About Your Hosts: Robert Asencio — Retired Police Captain, Army Veteran, Former Florida State Representative Dr. Pamela Seraphine — Neuroscientist & Science Officer, decoding the "why" behind the story Follow us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, IHEART @VetsAndBadges Real Heroes. Real Science.#specialforces #GreenBeret #VeteranPodcast #CPTBenHarrow #MilitaryMindset #Neuroscience #VetsAndBadges #ArmyVeteran #EliteSoldier #ResilienceUnderFire 🔥 Core: special forces, green beret, army special forces, veteran podcast, military mindset 🎯 Growth: special forces mindset, neuroscience of leadership, elite soldier, military leadership, army veteran story📈 Long-tail: CPT Ben Harrow, evolution of excellence, special forces training, veteran resilience, Dr Pamela Seraphine, Vets and Badges, combat veteran interview, PTSD neuroscience, warrior transformation Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

    35 min

  3. May 11

    NAMI Miami Mental Health Walk | In supporting of our community - South Florida

    Walk for Mental Health Awareness. Fun for all at LoanDepot Park, Miami. Join us May 16, 2026, in the fight break the stigma and help others. Susan Holton, CEO of NAMI Miami, discusses the event's details, community involvement, and the importance of donations to support mental health initiatives. The dialogue emphasizes the collective effort needed to address mental health challenges and recognizes the unsung heroes in the community who contribute to this cause. About Vets And Badges Host: Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience. Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

    5 min

  4. May 7

    When a Dog Becomes a Lifeline: A Gulf War Veteran’s Incredible Recovery

    When a Dog Becomes a Lifeline: A Gulf War Veteran's Incredible Recovery — this is the true story of Allen Parton, a Royal Naval Officer who suffered a catastrophic traumatic brain injury during the 1991 Gulf War that left him unable to walk, speak, or even recognize his own wife and children — and how an unlikely Labrador named Endal gave him back his life, his love, and his reason to live. In this deeply personal conversation, Allen shares how the TBI stripped him of all four core human emotions — love, hate, happiness, and sadness — and pushed him to the edge of survival twice. Then a dog that was failing his own assistance training walked across a room and placed something in Alan’s lap. What happened next is one of the most remarkable stories of healing, devotion, and the bond between human and animal you will ever hear. Endal didn’t just assist Allen — he saved him from a hit-and-run accident, became his best man at his remarriage (with special permission from the Queen of England), and over 13 years, taught a man who had lost the ability to feel, how to love again. Allen Parton is now the founder of Hounds for Heroes, a UK charity providing assistance dogs to injured veterans and frontline responders — turning his personal miracle into a movement. 🐾 If you've ever witnessed or experienced the healing power of an animal, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Hosted by Robert Asencio — retired Police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran. 👩‍🔬 Co-hosted by Laura Spearium, Founder of Connecting Minds Miami. 🎖️ Guest: Allen Parton — Gulf War Veteran, TBI survivor, founder of Hounds for Heroes. 📌 Topics covered: veteran mental health • PTSD recovery • traumatic brain injury • service dog stories • military documentary • disability awareness • trauma recovery • Hounds for Heroes 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio 🔗 Learn more about Hounds for Heroes: https://www.houndsforheroes.com/about-us/our-history Chapters: 00:00 The Story That Changed Everything 01:20 Welcome: Hosts & Guest Introduction 02:15 27 Years in the Royal Navy — Then the Gulf War 03:17 The Injury: Losing Memory, Family & All Emotion 04:00 Rock Bottom: Two Suicide Attempts & Why He Survived04:49 The Chance Encounter: Meeting Endal 07:11 The Moment Alan Smiled for the First Time 07:23 Living with TBI: Groundhog Day, Every Day 09:23 How a Dog Taught a Man to Speak Again 11:07 "I Don't Know When Alan Ended and Endal Started" 12:07 Dogs on the Tarmac: Marines Crying Into a Dog's Neck 13:30 Endal Saves Allen’s Life: The Hit-and-Run Incident 14:03 The Victoria Cross: World's Most Decorated Dog 15:57 Remarried — With the Queen's Permission, Endal as Best Man 17:44 Endal Jr. & Endal III: The Legacy Continues 18:23 Hounds for Heroes: Turning His Miracle Into a Movement 20:19 The Power of Empathy Over Sympathy 21:19 Allen’s Message to Every Veteran Watching 22:10 Closing & Where to Find Vets and Badges Resources: About Allen Parton's story: "The Secret Life of Dogs" Clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8UfB02Uudg The Dog That Saved Our Marriage - Part 1 Of 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ8Anc5LRcc Part 2 of 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYyyr2G2H4o&t=1s Part 3 of 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZD5fpX9k94&t=1s Part 4 of 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SmfED0bp0c&t=2s Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com https://www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

    23 min

  5. Apr 20

    The Dark Humor That Keeps Cops Alive — A Police Clinician’s Warning

    What do police officers do after responding to a mass shooting? Sometimes... they go get dinner. And that's not callousness. That's survival. Certified mental health Clinician, City of Sweetwater Police Officer Milton Montes De Oca — retired Miami PD Commander, amd U.S. Army veteran — sits down with Robert Asencio to pull back the curtain on the "alpha male culture" inside law enforcement and the military, and what happens to the human brain when it's forced to normalize the abnormal — day after day, call after call. In this episode: 🔹 Why first responders use dark humor — and what it's really hiding 🔹 How chronic trauma rewires the brain (neuroplasticity & hypervigilance explained) 🔹 The real cost of "alpha male culture" on officer health and home life 🔹 Why identity crisis after retirement can be more dangerous than the job itself 🔹 Commander Montes de Oca's own journey through trauma, counseling, and cathartic breakthrough 🔹 How to find the RIGHT therapist if you're in law enforcement or the military If you've ever wondered why cops seem "numb" to things that would shatter a civilian — this is the episode that explains it. And more importantly, what to do about it. ⚠️ "We're not superhuman. We're just human beings asked to do superhuman things." — Cmdr. Milton Montes de Oca 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with veterans, first responders, and the experts who understand them. Resources: Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1 First Responder Support Network: https://www.firehouse.com/mental-health Safe Call Now (First Responders): 1-206-459-3020 📌 CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Normalizing the Abnormal: Coping Mechanisms in Law Enforcement 05:47 - The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health 11:59 - Identity Crisis: The Transition from Officer to Civilian 18:03 - Understanding PTSD and Its Symptoms 23:59 - The Importance of Seeking Help and Therapy 30:03 - Finding the Right Clinician: A Guide for First Responders #VeteranMentalHealth #FirstResponderMentalHealth #PolicePTSD #MilitaryPTSD #LawEnforcement #VetsAndBadges #FirstResponders #PTSD #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness About Vets And Badges Host: Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience. Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

    39 min

  6. Apr 11

    He Told the Truth and The President Ended His Military Career | LTC Alexander Vindman

    He survived an IED in Fallujah, served on the National Security Council, and told the truth to Congress. Then the President ended his career. - Followed by President Trump's impeachment. This is the true story of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman — one of the most decorated, most scrutinized, and most misunderstood veterans in modern American history. What happens when a soldier's greatest battle isn't on a battlefield — it's in a hearing room on Capitol Hill? LTC Alexander Vindman served 21 years in the United States Army. He earned a Purple Heart in the Iraq War after his patrol was struck by an IED in 2004. He survived. He kept serving. He rose to become Director of European Affairs on the National Security Council — one of the most trusted positions in American government. Then came the Ukraine call. When President Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate a political rival, Vindman was on that call. He did what every soldier is trained to do — he reported it through the proper chain of command. He testified before Congress under oath. He told the truth. Within days, he was escorted out of the White House. His promotion to Colonel — already approved — was blocked. His 21-year military career was over. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Robert Asencio sits down with LTC Vindman to hear the full story — from his family's escape from the Soviet Union as Jewish refugees in 1979, to his time in combat in the Middle East, to the moment he made the decision that would define his legacy. "Do the right thing and damn the consequences." This is a story about military sacrifice, moral courage, what it truly means to serve your country when the cost is everything, and resilience to charge forward. Chapters: 00:00 - A Journey of Service and Sacrifice 10:01 - From Refugees to Warriors: The Immigrant Experience 19:45 - Military Life: Lessons from Combat 29:52 - Navigating Conflict and Ethics in National Security About LTC Alexander Vindman: Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Purple Heart recipient, and Iraq War veteran. He served as Director of European Affairs for the National Security Council from 2018–2020. His testimony during the first impeachment of President Donald Trump made him a central figure in one of the most consequential moments in modern American political history. About Your Host: Robert Asencio is a retired Police Captain, former Florida State Representative, and U.S. Army Veteran with over 34 years of combined service. On Vets and Badges, he sits down with veterans, first responders, and leaders to bring you the real stories behind the uniform. 🎖️ Subscribe for more veteran stories, military sacrifice, and real conversations with those who served: https://www.youtube.com/@VetsAndBadges-fe7it 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 📲 Follow Vets and Badges: https://vetsandbadges.com/ Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com https://www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

    32 min

  7. Mar 29

    He Survived Ramadi. The War at Home Took Him. | A Gold Star Father Speaks

    A heartfelt interview with Arthur Frederick Snow about his son U.S. Army SGT. Andrew Snow's military service, struggles with PTSD, and the healing journey through innovative treatments and community support. Our speaker shares a poignant veteran story, reflecting on the profound impact of military deployment to war and the changes observed in a loved one after serving. This account highlights the long-lasting effects of events like September 11 on service members and their families. It underscores the critical importance of addressing veteran mental health. Andrew survived Ramadi. He came home a different man. And his father watched it all — the PTSD, the TBI, the moral injury, the years of fighting a war no one could see. This is Arthur Snow's story. A Gold Star father. A witness. And a voice for every family that never got the answers they deserved. In this episode of Vets and Badges, host Robert Asencio — retired Police Captain and Army veteran — sits down with Arthur Frederick Snow, whose son Andrew served in Ramadi, Iraq, and came home carrying wounds that couldn't be seen on any X-ray. Arthur shares the brutal reality of loving a combat veteran through PTSD, traumatic brain injury, moral injury, and addiction — and what it means to lose a son not on the battlefield, but to the war that followed him home. This conversation is about more than grief. It's about the veteran mental health crisis hiding in plain sight, the failure of systems meant to protect our warriors, and the courage it takes for a family to speak the truth — even when it hurts. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Andrew Snow's Military Service 01:53 - Challenges of Returning Home and Mental Injuries 03:46 - The Struggles with PTSD and Suicide Attempts 06:11 - Innovative Treatments: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 07:01 - Andre's Faith and Healing Trips to Israel 08:00 - Honoring Andrew at Arlington and Community Support 08:53 - Reflections on Service, Sacrifice, and Healing Resources for Veterans & Families: 🆘 Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 🔗 The 22 Project: https://support22project.org/ 🎖️ Vets and Badges — Real Stories. Real Heroes. Real Science. New episodes every week. 🔔 Click the Subscribe button so you never miss a story. 📩 Share this episode with a veteran family who needs to hear it. 📲 Follow @VetsAndBadges: 🌐 Spotify 📘 Facebook 📸 Instagram 🎙️ https://www.VetsAndBadges.com Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ VAB - 2026

    10 min

  8. Mar 20

    The War That Almost Killed Him Happened After Coming Home

    ⚠️ This episode discusses war, combat PTSD and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone. Anwar Aalam shares a personal account of a difficult period, including a DUI and a cliff incident, which he interprets as subconscious self harm. He discusses feeling suicidal and how this period impacted his mother, highlighting the deep connection between personal struggles and family. This raw reflection offers insight into the complex psychology of coping with mental health challenges. Chapters: 00:00 - From War to Peace: Anwar Aalam's Journey 06:01- Facing the Aftermath: Transitioning from Combat to Civilian Life 11:57 -Healing and Hope: Overcoming PTSD and Finding Purpose The story of a healing journey: He survived two combat deployments — Afghanistan and Iraq. He fought in the "2nd Battle of Ramadi" with the U.S. Army's legendary 37th Armored (tank) Regiment (AR) -The Bandits' Thunder Platoon. But the war that almost killed him started after he came home. Anwar Aalam returned from battle carrying wounds no one could see — panic attacks that left him gasping, nights with no sleep, reckless choices he couldn't explain. He didn't call it PTSD. He didn't know what to call it. He just knew something was wrong — and that he was running out of time to fix it. In this episode, Anwar sits down with Robert Asencio to tell the story he almost didn't survive — and the faith, therapy, and brotherhood that brought him back. What you will hear: -How Anwar went from Marine recruit to 101st Airborne and 1-37th AR combat veteran -What PTSD actually felt like — before he had a name for it/p> -The moment he realized he was subconsciously trying to end his life -How one Air Force friend changed the trajectory of his recovery -Why he stopped letting medication be a crutch — and what he did instead -The role of faith, accountability, and therapy in rebuilding after war -His message to every veteran still fighting invisible battles "Every adversity has a seed equal to or greater benefit — if you look for it." — Ammar Alam, U.S. Army Combat Veteran About Anwar Aalam: Anwar is a combat veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division and 37th AR, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq before joining Thunder Platoon in Germany for a 15-month tour in Ramadi during the "2nd Battle of Ramadi." After being med boarded from service, he fought his hardest battle at home — and won. Today, his mission is to be a blessing to others walking that same road. 🎙️ Vets And Badges is hosted by Robert Asencio — retired Police Captain, Army veteran, and former Florida State Representative. Real Stories. Real Heroes. Real Science. 🔗 Resources: 📞 Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988, then press 1 💻 veteranscrisisline.net 📲 Follow @VetsAndBadges: 🌐 Spotify 📘 Facebook 📸 Instagram 🎙️https://CommunityNewspapers.com 🎙️https://www.VetsAndBadges.com Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ VAB - 2026

    15 min
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out of 5
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About

Vets And Badges delivers real stories of service, sacrifice, and triumph—from the battlefield to the badge. Join host Robert Asencio (Army vet/retired Police Captain) and featured co-host/Neuroscientist Dr. Pamela Seraphine as they bridge the gap between heroism and healing. Explore raw interviews with veterans and first responders alongside expert insights into the science of PTSD and trauma recovery. Discover the truth behind the uniform and the blueprint for resilience. New episodes weekly. Real Stories. Real Heroes. Real Science. Visit: https://www.vetsandbadges.com

Information

  • Creator
    Robert Asencio
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Robert Asencio
  • Show Website
    Vets And Badges