Eagle Nation Podcast

Dylan Tête is the Executive Director and founder of Bastion Community of Resilience. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Economics and Systems Engineering at West Point, as well as a Master’s in Public Health at the LSU School of Public Health. During a combat tour in Iraq as second-in-command of an Infantry company, Dylan established multiple recovery projects in collaboration with the Department of State. He moved to New Orleans in 2005 where he managed the construction of several FEMA housing facilities after Hurricane Katrina. Before his most recent position as a civil servant working alongside the New Orleans Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, Dylan was hired by Military.com to assist transitioning military personnel and wounded warriors begin new careers in the civilian workforce. Dylan was selected into the Propeller Social Venture Accelerator in 2010, and awarded a fellowship with The Mission Continues for the creation of Bastion. In this episode we discuss: The importance of housing for healing and livi

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D., is co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to solving the sports concussion crisis through education, policy, and research. A former collegiate football player and professional wrestler, Chris suffered a serious concussion in June, 2003, but due to a lack of understanding, was not honest about his symptoms and continued to wrestle and work out for five weeks while symptomatic. He developed post-concussion syndrome and was forced to retire. It wasn’t until he visited the renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Cantu that Chris was first exposed to medical research that revealed to him that concussions and brain trauma were misunderstood in the sports world. Chris realized that this lack of awareness among athletes, coaches, and even medical professionals not only cost him his career, but also threatened the health and well-being of athletes of all ages.This led him to write the critically acclaimed book Head Games: Football’s Concussion Crisis

Danny Chung, is the business manager and chief of staff for Military Affairs at Microsoft, manages the Military Affairs team. Before coming to Microsoft, Danny provided strategic communications support for Ingram Micro, Southern California Edison and BRTRC Federal Solutions after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2010.   In this episode we discuss:   The Old Glory Relay, and why it’s such an important event The power of community and why Microsoft cares so much Veterans in our communities and why that’s important The power of OGR in weaving together communities to break down the civ-mil divide

  Jake Harriman is a former Force Recon Marine who started Nuru International during his time at Stanford.  His experiences deployed led him to see the devastating effects of extreme poverty, and how it was affecting the war on terror - and inspired him to start an organization to break the cycle.   In this episode we discuss:   The nexus of security and rural development His belief that only kinetic action will not win the war on terror The importance of removing isolation How to help yourself by helping others  

Stand To is a national veterans convening, hosted by the George W. Bush Institute.  In its second year, Stand To II brought influential leaders together with the purpose of advancing effective veteran support.   Team RWB Executive Director, JJ Pinter, had the opportunity to host our first ever live podcast on stage at this incredible event, highlighting real life stories of health and wellbeing from 3 incredible veteran leaders.   Joe Quinn - Executive Director of the Headstrong Project Kayla Williams - Senior Fellow and Director, Military, Veterans, and Society Program at CNAS Will Reynolds - Manager at Deloitte

Dr. Dan Gade is a retired army officer who was massively injured in Iraq, leading to the amputation of his leg, amongst other injuries.  Through his experiences in recovery, he has come to believe that the structure of the VA disability system is hurting veterans and creating a culture of entitlement.  He’s become a vocal supporter for change, and is a driving force in trying to force an overhaul in the way the VA addresses disability compensation.   In this episode we discuss: The incentives for disabled veterans to not work, and why this is bad The difference between disabilities and conditions His non-profit experiment, the Independence Project How the structure of the system incentivises abuse, leading to a culture of entitlement.  

You can’t help but get fired up talking to Tiffany Hendrick!  She’s a military spouse, Eagle Leader, and one of the most genuine and engaging people to spend some time with.  We recently sat down with Tiffany to learn more about her involvement with Team RWB, the work she’s done as a military spouse and on behalf of other military spouses, and the importance of family.  If you’re a Team RWB member, a military spouse, or you just want to get to know the “Next Oprah”, you don’t want to miss this episode of the Eagle Nation Podcast!   In this episode we discuss: How to effectively engage with Team RWB when there’s not a thriving Chapter in your area Eagle Leader Fellow experience Military spouse Being proactive in search of what you need/want Perspectives on   Additional callouts from this episode: Milspo Project (http://milspoproject.org/) Hire Mad Skills (https://hiremadskills.com/)

Phil Carter is a writer, lawyer and a former Army officer who’s worked everywhere from the Pentagon to a Los Angeles law firm.  He’s currently a Senior Policy Researcher at the RAND Corporation, but has researched and written extensively on veterans issues for many years where he’s widely respected as an expert.   In this episode we discuss: Veteran demographics and how they are changing How the VSO landscape is changing and evolving How physical fitness has changed his life

Harriet Williams is an Army veteran and the Chapter Captain in Clarksville/Fort Campbell.  She’s a combat veteran, just like her father. Service runs in the family and Harriet and her Chapter have done a phenomenal job building a dynamic team that is engaging veterans and enriching lives while also being incredibly integrated with their local community.  In this episode, you’ll gain insights into the success of one Chapter as well as the story of service and family from one authentic and loyal community leader. Each Team RWB Chapter and Eagle Leader is of course unique, but we can all learn a little something about effective leaders and Chapters from this conversation!   In this episode we discuss: The value of service and family...and how they can often be at odds Being a female veteran and serving pre-9/11 How the broader community is an incredibly important component of a strong Team RWB Chapter Some unique events that have proved incredibly successful for Team RWB Clarksville/Fort Campbell Veteran Treatm

Team RWB Founder, Mike Erwin, is a very special person and the perfect guest to commemorate our 100th episode of the Eagle Nation Podcast.   Mike is our first repeat guest, and we dive into some very little known stories about both the very early days of Team RWB, and his military career.  A great deal of this podcast is spent in reflection on the Team RWB of today, and there’s some great insight in here for everybody. In this episode we discuss: Mike’s transition from a college baseball player to a life of service as an Army officer How Team RWB is similar (and different) from his vision in 2010 What he’s learned growing non-profits the last 8 years.  

Kristin Caples and Tara McMachen are Eagle Leaders in Team RWB Denver, and have some very interesting perspectives on what it takes to run a local chapter.  They reached out to us about a podcast because they were proud of the work they were doing in Denver, and we thought it was a great idea!   In this episode we discuss: Lessons learned on leading a Team RWB chapter Volunteerism, and why it’s important Why they decided to become volunteer leaders  

Mel Parker is an internationally recognized multi-industry business leader known for his ability to turnaround, transform and upgrade businesses while generating optimum value for shareholders, customers and employees. He is an Army veteran, who transitioned from the military and spent 25 years in corporate America with senior leadership roles at some of the best organizations on the planet. PepsiCo, Corporate Express(Staples), Newell Rubbermaid, Dell Computers, and Brinks. Mel is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Take The Limits Off, LLC, a leadership development, executive coaching and business consulting firm based out of Austin, TX. As an international speaker and best-selling author, Mel has shared his leadership and success strategies with audiences from around the world. In this episode we discuss: His experience in the Army and how it has shaped his career His book, The Parker Principles and it’s origin story? How his leadership philosophy has changed over time The experience of writ

Kerry Rock is an Army veteran and Team RWB member.  Chris Long is a NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion.  They couldn’t be any different in stature or background, but they’re making a difference in both their local community of Charlottesville, VA and on the other side of the world in east Africa.  Having recently #ConqueredKili, we sit down with Kerry and Chris for a casual conversation covering everything from sports to community service. This is definitely an hour well-spent...enjoy the conversation!   In this episode we discuss: Starting a Team RWB Chapter, the challenges and the rewards Training for a NFL season, a 10-miler, and climbing a big mountain Service...taking action and giving of your most precious resource (time) to make a difference Delivering impact at the community level, whether that be at home or halfway across the world The perspective provided by poverty and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft) The next tattoo   Additional callouts from this episode: Learn more about the

Roderick Gabriel is an Army veteran and Eagle Leader with an incredibly inspiring story.  His journey is one of contrasts...battling addictions and battling stereotypes, serving his country and serving jail time.  Rod has seen and been through a lot in short period of time. Yet what shines through brightest is his candor, perspective, and continued desire to serve others.  In Team RWB, he’s found the supportive tribe that he enjoyed while in the Army...and he continues to defy labels while owning his journey and inspiring others. In this episode we discuss: Perspective The value of a tribe/team Making mistakes and moving forward How one person or one organization (Veterans Village of San Diego) can make a huge difference in someone’s life The role of the process...and the value of taking ownership and not taking the easy route  

Andrew Gritzbaugh is a former paratrooper and current Vice President of Marketing at Gerber Gear.  He’s a seasoned marketing leader with strengths in strategy development, brand positioning and marketing communications, as well as an avid outdoorsman and all around great guy.   In this episode we discuss: His experience in the Army and how it has shaped his career What it’s like to be the steward of a longstanding brand like Gerber Gear His favorite pieces of gear and every day carry (EDC). Gerber’s emotional connection to the military

Among many other things, Elyse served as the first female Fire Support Officer in Afghanistan and has helped spearhead the integration of female Soldiers into combat arms. After serving 5.5 years on active duty, Elyse is currently in the Army Reserves and lives in Washington, D.C. where she is completing her Master's at Georgetown University. She is an accomplished mountaineer, with expeditions on Everest, Denali, Rainier, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, and peaks in the French Alps, Rockies, and Sierra Nevadas.   In this episode we discuss: Her military experience, and what it was like being the first female first support officer in Afghanistan. USX and her work in support of veterans and research Her participation in the Women Veteran Athlete Initiative Mountaineering, and her love for high altitude Navigating her love for travel with life as an Army officer

Run as One began in 2012 as an attempt to bring previously hostile tribes in South Sudan together for healthy competition off the battlefield and has grown into a collaborative national event, bringing thousands of veterans together with their communities at close to 200 locations around the country each year. Join us this year on April 7th, at: http://bit.ly/2GamtnE   In this episode we discuss: The history of Run As One and Clay Hunt What Run as One looks like on the ground, and why it’s important How many talk about collaboration between organizations, but that you don’t see it as often in practice.  Run as One is a real example, that people can get involved with! Why you should get involved! (plus, you get an awesome t-shirt)   Register for this year’s event here!!

Aron Lanie is an Army veteran, yoga instructor, and Eagle Leader.  Her journey has taken her from the rigger sheds of Fort Bragg to yoga mats in Vietnam/Thailand and now back to the Wilmington community.  Along the way she’s (re)discovered her purpose, which she now shares through yoga and her involvement with Team RWB. In this episode we discuss: Aron’s story from soldier to civilian, corporate saleswoman to yogi The physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga Building a Team RWB Chapter in Wilmington, NC and the value of being consistent, persistent, and having perspective as an Eagle Leader Aron’s participation in the Women Veteran Athletes Initiative and the example women athletes set across Eagle Nation Link to photos:

Team RWB has recently made  major technology upgrades, and it’s worthy of some time to talk about why and how it will affect our members.  In this episode, Team RWB’s Executive and Deputy Director sit down to discuss the recent changes in a rare in-person podcast. In this episode we discuss: The rationale and scope of the recent changes in technology. Checking in to events and why it’s important. Why Team RWB made this investment. How technology is helping us get better.

J.R. Martinez is an actor, speaker, and former U.S. Army soldier who was severely wounded in Iraq in 2003, sustaining burns to over 34% of his body.  He played the role of Brot Monroe on the ABC daytime drama All My Children, but is best known for winning Season 13 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars and his advocacy work for veterans causes and philanthropic work.   In this episode we discuss:   His military experience and what he learned. His recovery process, and how he attacked it. Learning that he had a gift of connecting to people, and how he’s using it to help. What it’s like to be a public figure, and how he’s managing his life. And most importantly - DOGS!