Épisodes

  • Navigating Transition: Philanthropy & the Veteran Journey
    Jun 20 2025

    In this enlightening episode of Beyond the Frontline, host Donna welcomes Megan Andros from the Heinz Endowments for a powerful conversation on the challenges and opportunities veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. As a veteran and thought leader in veteran philanthropy, Megan brings a wealth of experience and research to the table.

    Together, they explore:

    • The role of soft skills in post-military success
    • How nonprofit support systems can make—or break—the transition experience
    • Why data-driven approaches are essential to improving veteran outcomes
    • The impact of philanthropic investments in shaping future veteran services

    Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or someone passionate about social impact, this episode offers meaningful insights into the evolving landscape of veteran support.

    🔗 Tune in now to hear how strategic philanthropy and informed programming can create real change in veterans’ lives.

    Resources & Links:

    • Learn more about the Heinz Endowments

    #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #Philanthropy #BeyondTheFrontline #DataDrivenChange

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    49 min
  • The Power of Mentorship with Thomas LaGrave
    Jun 17 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Thomas LaGrave, a Veteran and the passionate founder of Honor Bound Academy. Together, they dive into a powerful and moving conversation about the importance of mentorship—especially for youth impacted by the absence of parental figures due to military service, incarceration, or other life challenges.

    Thomas opens up about his personal story, sharing his journey from battling addiction to finding purpose through recovery, faith, and service. He reveals how love, structure, and positive role models transformed his life—and how that same support can change the lives of at-risk youth.

    This episode is a reminder that everyone has the power to make a difference. Whether you're a parent, teacher, veteran, or simply someone who cares, your influence matters.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Thomas’s journey from addiction to founding Honor Bound Academy
    • The impact of growing up without parental guidance
    • How veterans can use their leadership and life experience to mentor youth
    • The role of love, structure, and faith in transformation
    • Practical ways to get involved and support the next generation

    Links & Resources:

    • Honor Bound Academy
    • Connect with Thomas Le Grave on IG @thomasjlagravejr or FB Thomas J. LaGrave Jr. Author
    • Support youth mentorship programs in your community

    Call to Action:

    If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend or leave a review to help others find Beyond the Frontline. And remember—your story and support could be the spark that changes a young life.

    Subscribe & Follow:

    Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Beyond the Frontline on [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.], and follow us on IG @cominghomewellorganization

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    1 h et 8 min
  • The Healing Power of Service Dogs with Ryan Woodruff
    Jun 17 2025

    In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Frontline, host Donna welcomes Ryan Woodruff, a combat veteran and the CEO of Clear Path for Veterans. Together, they explore the life-changing role service dogs play in the lives of veterans, offering comfort, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose.

    Ryan opens up about his personal journey from military service to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping fellow veterans. Through initiatives like peer mentoring, canine programs, and community outreach, Clear Path for Veterans is creating a space where veterans can heal, grow, and reconnect.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Ryan Woodruff’s journey from the military to nonprofit leadership
    • How service dogs provide emotional and physical support for veterans
    • The mission and impact of Clear Path for Veterans
    • The importance of peer mentoring and community in the healing process
    • Real stories of transformation and hope

    Why You Should Listen:

    This episode sheds light on the profound connection between veterans and service dogs, highlighting how compassion, community, and companionship can pave the way toward recovery and renewed purpose. Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or someone passionate about mental health, this conversation offers insight and inspiration.

    Resources & Links:

    • Learn more about Clear Path for Veterans
    • IG @clearpath4vets
    • Facebook Clear Path For Veterans

    Subscribe & Stay Connected:

    Don’t miss an episode of Beyond the Frontline! Subscribe on [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.] and leave a review to help us reach more listeners in the veteran community.

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    59 min
  • Navigating Life After Service with the Texas Veterans Commission
    Jun 9 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, Donna is joined by Sharron Stewart, a proud Army veteran and passionate advocate with the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Sharron opens up about her own journey transitioning from military to civilian life and offers valuable insights into the wide range of resources available to Texas veterans.

    From benefits and education to employment and mental health support, Sharron walks us through the many services TVC provides to empower veterans and their families. She also emphasizes the importance of early planning for life after service and shares real-life examples of how TVC is helping change lives.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • Sharron’s personal transition story from Army life to advocacy
    • How the Texas Veterans Commission supports veterans across multiple areas
    • Why planning ahead is key to a successful transition
    • Tips for accessing education and employment opportunities
    • The critical role of mental health services for veterans

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Texas Veterans Commission
    • TVC Education, Employment & Mental Health Programs
    • Transition planning tools and support networks

    Tune in and get inspired by Sharron’s story and the impactful work being done across Texas to support our nation’s heroes.

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    39 min
  • Empowering Veterans Through Education with Patrick Trujillo
    May 26 2025

    In this episode Donna welcomes Patrick Trujillo, a Marine Corps veteran and current team member at the Warrior Scholar Project. Patrick opens up about his own transition from military to civilian life, highlighting the unique educational challenges veterans often face after service.

    He shares his personal journey, including the pivotal moment he connected with the Warrior Scholar Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans with the academic skills and confidence they need to succeed in higher education.

    Donna and Patrick discuss how the program bridges the gap for veterans reentering the academic world and provides them with critical resources for long-term success.

    👉 Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and the important work being done to support veteran education.

    Topics Covered:

    • Patrick’s military background and transition journey
    • Common challenges veterans face when pursuing education
    • How the Warrior Scholar Project builds academic confidence
    • The lasting impact of nonprofit support on veterans’ futures

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Warrior Scholar Project Website
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    58 min
  • Pedaling with Purpose: Marine James Eastland’s 8,300-Mile Mission for Veterans
    May 22 2025

    In this episode, Donna welcomes Marine James Eastland, a man on a mission to make a difference. James is gearing up for the Transamerica Non-stop bike ride, a grueling 8,300-mile journey across the country to raise funds and awareness for the Transition Warrior Foundation, a supporting veterans and first responders.

    Donna and James dive deep into the “why” behind his ride, the physical and mental demands of such a monumental trek, and the broader impact of community-driven support for those who serve. Their heartfelt conversation sheds light on the resilience of our nation's heroes and the incredible ways ordinary individuals can create extraordinary change.

    What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

    • James’s personal journey and what inspired this coast-to-coast ride
    • The training, preparation, and mindset required for an 8,300-mile non-stop challenge
    • The mission of the Transition Warrior Foundation and how listeners can support it
    • Candid stories of struggle, perseverance, and hope
    • Why community and connection are critical in the healing process for veterans and first responders

    Links & Resources:

    • Learn more or donate: Transition Warrior Foundation
    • Follow James’s ride: The Ride for Heroes
    • Connect with Donna Hoffmeyer: Rebel LLC

    Subscribe & Review:

    If you were inspired by this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners and amplify stories that matter.

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    29 min
  • Turning Pain into Purpose with Anthony Peterson
    May 12 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, Donna sits down with active duty Army veteran Anthony Peterson to share a deeply moving and inspiring conversation about loss, healing, and resilience.

    Anthony opens up about his military journey, the emotional burden of service, and the heartbreak of losing close friends to suicide. In response to his personal struggles and grief, Anthony founded Flags to Remember, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring fallen service members through handcrafted, personalized flags.

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    52 min
  • Making Your Voice Matter ~ Legislative Advocacy
    Apr 29 2025

    In this powerful episode of Beyond the Frontline, Donna sits down with Stephanie Gattas, a founding member of the Pink Berets and a passionate advocate for women veterans. Together, they tackle some of the most urgent issues facing the veteran community today, including military sexual trauma, veteran suicide, and the crucial role of legislative advocacy in creating systemic change.

    Stephanie shares her deeply informed perspective, drawing from her experience serving on military committees aimed at preventing sexual misconduct. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots action and how individual voices can drive meaningful reform. This episode is a call to awareness and more importantly, a call to action.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • The mission and impact of the Pink Berets organization
    • The current landscape of military sexual trauma and how it’s being addressed
    • How veteran suicide is affecting the community, particularly women
    • Why legislative advocacy and community engagement are key to change
    • Steps you can take to support women veterans and get involved

    👉 Share this episode to spread awareness and support!

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    50 min