APR 24

#14 Phil Kornachuck (US Army Special Forces) - Firefight Lessons, Identity Beyond Service & Leading with Purpose

In this World Changing Veterans Podcast episode, we speak with Army Special Operations veteran and StoneWater Training founder Phil Kornachuk, who served in the Canadian Army and then spent 22 years in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer, Ranger, and Green Beret. Phil recounts a defining April 6 firefight in western Afghanistan supporting Marine Special Operations, where casualties, limited medevac, no visibility for air support, and a pinned-down QRF forced him to focus on “what’s the smallest thing I can do right now,” use his “smartbook,” gain distance, and call airstrikes to shift momentum and evacuate wounded. He discusses building trust with Afghan commandos through small moments, preparing for hard days on good days, separating role from identity for veterans, finding purpose through self-awareness, and how StoneWater helps leaders and teams align purpose, principles, practices, and performance. 00:00 Welcome and Takeaways 01:59 Meet Phil Kornachuk 02:30 From Canada to Rangers 05:38 Olympics and Allegiance 06:26 Why the Military Fit 08:18 Rangers to Green Berets 09:14 April 6 Firefight Story 21:15 Smartbook Under Stress 22:16 Purpose Values Routine 23:39 Values Under Pressure 24:06 Trust With Afghan Partners 25:32 Veteran Identity And Purpose 28:51 Building Community Intentionally 30:35 StoneWater Training Mission 33:52 Finding Your Calling 38:04 Battlefield Lessons For Leaders 40:20 World Changing Veterans Defined 43:31 Connect And Closing Ways to connect: Phil Kornachuck Website: https://www.stonewatertraining.com/ Facebook: StoneWater Training Instagram: stonewater_training LinkedIn: StoneWater Training World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com and connect with with us on social media. LinkedIn: WorldChangingVeterans Instagram: wcveterans YouTube: WCVeterans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com

44 min

FEB 11

#13 Chris Tighe - From Navy Vet to The Caffeinated Contractor: Serving Others, Being In Community, and World Changing Leadership.

In this episode of World Changing Veterans, we speak with Chris Tighe, a former Navy officer and entrepreneur. With 23 years of service, including specialized roles such as a Chinese linguist and Information Warfare officer, Chris’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and intentional living. Discover his valuable insights on defining your identity, leveraging military experience, and jumping into opportunities. Plus, learn about his ventures with Elevation Construction and the Caffeinated Contractor, and how he continues to inspire others through mentorship and community engagement. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your takeaways in the comments! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:27 Chris Tighe’s Military Background 02:48 Transition to Civilian Life 03:28 Starting a Business in Seattle 04:36 Childhood and Influences 07:56 Law Enforcement Career 09:12 Advice for Veterans Transitioning 10:31 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose 14:46 Impact of Erwin McManus 16:23 Elevation Construction and The Caffeinated Contractor 16:54 Building a Virtual Team 18:37 The Caffeinated Contractor Journey 19:39 Living Intentionally 21:38 The Importance of Community 24:14 World Changing Veterans Ways to connect: Chris Tighe Elevation Construction YouTube: The Caffeinated Contractor Instagram: elevationconstructionteam World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com and connect with with us on Instagram: wcveterans & YouTube: WCVeterans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com

34 min

12/22/2025

#12 From Submarines to Country Music: Ed Earl’s Journey from Silent Service to Nashville Stages

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com

28 min

12/05/2025

#11 Chris Willingham (USMC Veteran) - From Tracking IEDs with His Dog Luca to a Lifelong Mission

Veterans and Canine Heroes: Chris Willingham’s Journey with U.S. War Dogs Association. In this episode of the World Changing Veterans Podcast, we speak with Chris Willingham, a 20-year Marine Corps veteran and president of U.S. War Dogs. Chris shares his unique journey from joining the Marine Corps in 1999 to serving as a military working dog handler and continuing his service through U.S. War Dogs. Chris discusses the rigorous selection process for dog handlers, the bond between handlers and their dogs, and how his passion led him to a lifelong commitment with U.S. War Dogs. The episode also covers U.S. War Dogs’ efforts in supporting active and retired military working dogs, including its RX program and emergency care efforts. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow us on social media, and share this episode with your Battle Buddies! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:45 Meet Chris Willingham: Marine Corps Background 02:57 Becoming a Canine Handler 04:10 The Bond Between Handler and Canine 06:52 Canine Roles in Combat 13:58 U.S. War Dogs Association: Mission and Impact 16:33 Supporting Retired Military Working Dogs 26:35 Celebrating 25 Years of U.S. War Dogs 31:16 Conclusion and How to Get Involved Ways to connect: U.S. War Dogs Association: uswardogs.org World Changing Veterans: If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com and connect with with us on Instagram: wcveterans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com

32 min

11/04/2025

#10 Michael Kaltenbach - From Tank Operator to Beekeeper

Welcome to the World Changing Veterans Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Michael Kaltenbach, a former Army tank operator who is now in the world of beekeeping and maple syrup making. Michael shares his journey from military service to civilian life, the challenges he faced during his transition, and how he found solace in beekeeping. He talks about his small business, Soldiers of Wax, which uses beekeeping to help other veteran beekeepers in his community. Michael also discusses the valuable resources provided by the Texas Veterans Commission and gives advice to veterans looking to start their own business. Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with a true world-changing veteran. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow us on social media, and share this episode with your Battle Buddies! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:52 Michael’s Military Background 01:38 Transition to Civilian Life 02:46 Discovering Beekeeping 03:52 Challenges and Support Systems 11:08 Beekeeping as Therapy 17:57 Starting Soldiers of Wax 18:52 Connecting with Local Veterans and Beekeeping 19:37 The Therapeutic Power of Beekeeping 20:57 Opening the Workshop to the Community 21:51 Navigating Veteran Resources 25:34 The Origin of Soldiers of Wax 29:09 Advice for Veterans Starting a Business 32:35 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Ways to connect: Soldiers of Wax: soldiersofwax.com | Instagram: soldiers_of_wax If you would like to share your story on the podcast, join the movement, or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com and connect with with us on Instagram: wcveterans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com

34 min

10/10/2025

#9 Dave & Will - Season 2 Launch

Welcome to the World Changing Veterans Podcast Season2! In this episode, co-hosts Dave and Will reflect on the impactful journey of Season 1 and share exciting news about the future of World Changing Veterans (WCV). They discuss their vision of transforming the podcast into a movement focused on helping veterans live intentionally and build a supportive community. Dave and Will also provide insights into what to expect in Season 2, including continuing interviews, introducing online meetups, and offering mini-challenges to encourage intentional living. Don’t miss Will’s inspiring stories of divine connections and the ongoing mission to make a positive impact in the veterans’ community. Subscribe and become part of the movement! Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:33 Reflecting on Season One 00:58 The Vision for WCV: Beyond a Podcast 02:05 The Importance of Community 03:51 Connecting and Growing the Movement 08:20 Intentional Living and Mini Challenges 14:23 Encouragement and Final Thoughts Ways to connect If you would like to connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com or find us on social media. Instagram: wcveterans LinkedIn: World Changing Veterans This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com

16 min

07/10/2025

#8 Andy Min - From Dream to Reality: Marine Corps Aviation Veteran

Andy Min is a former Marine who shares his journey from his time at the Merchant Marine Academy to his decade-long service in the Marine Corps. Andy discusses his motivations for joining the military, his passion for the Marine Corps, and his experiences in service, including his transition to civilian life. He offers insights into the importance of resiliency, gratitude, and finding a mission-driven purpose post-service. The episode also highlights Andy's reflections on leadership and the significance of continuing to give back as a veteran. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:17 Andy's Early Life and Pre-Military Background 01:43 Choosing the Marine Corps 04:04 Life at the Merchant Marine Academy 06:51 Joining the Marine Corps and Aviation 07:56 Military Career Highlights 12:00 Transition to Civilian Life 14:41 Advice for Veterans 18:11 Leadership and Resilience 21:39 World Changing Veterans 24:38 Shoutouts and Conclusion Ways to connect If you would like to share your story on the podcast or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com

27 min

06/26/2025

#7 Edward Choi (Part 2) - An Army Chaplain's Journey to PTSG: PTSD Awareness Month

Join us on the World Changing Veterans Podcast as we welcome back Ed Choi during PTSD Awareness Month. Ed shares his powerful story of battling PTSD, his work in the Birdwell Foundation, and his journey from PTSD to PTSG—Post-Traumatic Stress Growth. Discover how faith-based healing, community, and personal experiences can help veterans find hope and recovery. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation filled with insights on trauma, faith, and the power of Christ-centered therapy. 0:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:06 Ed Choi's Background and PTSD Journey 01:53 Birdwell Foundation and Combat Trauma Healing 06:26 The Role of Faith in Healing PTSD 10:31 Theological Insights on Suffering and Healing 18:03 Relating Jesus' Trauma to Veterans' Experiences 20:49 Testimony of Healing and Faith 21:12 Dealing with Residual PTSD 21:47 The Four Fs of Trauma 23:44 Gradual Weaning Off Medication 24:57 Support Systems and Advice for Veterans 26:43 Survivor's Guilt and Honoring Fallen Comrades 31:24 Civilian Support and Understanding PTSD 36:28 Closing Remarks and Gratitude Ways to connect If you would like to connect with Ed Choi or find out more about The Birdwell Foundation, you can email him at edward.choi@birdwellfoundation.org or ed.choi@tkclifepoint.org. If you would like to share your story on the podcast or connect with us at World Changing Veterans, email us at worldchangingveterans@gmail.com Resources mentioned in this episode: The Combat Trauma Healing Manual: Christ-centered Solutions for Combat Trauma by: Chris Adsit (Author) When War Comes Home: Christ-centered Healing for Wives of Combat Veterans (Bridges to Healing Series) by: Military Ministry (Author), Chris Adsit (Author), Rev. Rahnella Adsit (Author), Marshele Carter Waddell (Author) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worldchangingveterans.substack.com

37 min

World Changing Veterans

#14 Phil Kornachuck (US Army Special Forces) - Firefight Lessons, Identity Beyond Service & Leading with Purpose

#13 Chris Tighe - From Navy Vet to The Caffeinated Contractor: Serving Others, Being In Community, and World Changing Leadership.

#12 From Submarines to Country Music: Ed Earl’s Journey from Silent Service to Nashville Stages

#11 Chris Willingham (USMC Veteran) - From Tracking IEDs with His Dog Luca to a Lifelong Mission

#10 Michael Kaltenbach - From Tank Operator to Beekeeper

#9 Dave & Will - Season 2 Launch

#8 Andy Min - From Dream to Reality: Marine Corps Aviation Veteran

#7 Edward Choi (Part 2) - An Army Chaplain's Journey to PTSG: PTSD Awareness Month

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information

World Changing Veterans

Episodes

#14 Phil Kornachuck (US Army Special Forces) - Firefight Lessons, Identity Beyond Service & Leading with Purpose

#13 Chris Tighe - From Navy Vet to The Caffeinated Contractor: Serving Others, Being In Community, and World Changing Leadership.

#12 From Submarines to Country Music: Ed Earl’s Journey from Silent Service to Nashville Stages

#11 Chris Willingham (USMC Veteran) - From Tracking IEDs with His Dog Luca to a Lifelong Mission

#10 Michael Kaltenbach - From Tank Operator to Beekeeper

#9 Dave & Will - Season 2 Launch

#8 Andy Min - From Dream to Reality: Marine Corps Aviation Veteran

#7 Edward Choi (Part 2) - An Army Chaplain's Journey to PTSG: PTSD Awareness Month

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information