Skip to main content
The Veterans Advocate

The Veterans Advocate

By Seth

The Veterans Advocate Podcast brings you all the resources you need to make a smooth transition from the military. Here you will find interviews with other veterans who have left the military and started their next awesome adventure.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

#11 Interview with Joe Soloski - Libertarian Candidate for Pennsylvania's 81st District

The Veterans Advocate Aug 04, 2019

00:00
41:49
Burn Pits - Kevin Burger

Burn Pits - Kevin Burger

Kevin served in Iraq where he, like to many others, was exposed to toxic fumes released by open air burn pits.  Also so like so many others, he suffers from chronic lung disease and other illnesses.  We see the same patterns emerging where veterans suffer service related illnesses due to burn pit exposure, yet receive no recognition from the VA.  Share this story with everyone you know and help spread the word!

Merch https://www.teepublic.com/stores/american-heritage?ref_id=18043

Website www.patriotradionetwork.org

Nov 30, 202036:00
Burn Pit Veteran - Andrew Brewer

Burn Pit Veteran - Andrew Brewer

Andrew served in the US Army where he was stationed in Iraq.  During his time there he was exposed to many burn pits and suffers lasting effects from he exposure.  Like many veterans he suffers from a terminal lung disease which of which there is little hope for a cure or treatment.  The VA does nothing to help out veterans with this issue and does not even acknowledge a connection between burn pit exposure and lung disease.  Burn pits spew chemical, biological and heavy metal contaminates into the air which is then breathed 24/7 by anyone in the area.  A burn pit can contaminate many square miles with toxic particulate matter.  Our veterans live and work next to burn pits which run non-stop for years, and as a result are getting sick.  Burn pit exposure is our generations Agent Orange.  Help share the information far and wide so that we can stop the use of burn pits forever, and get the healthcare our troops deserve. 

Jul 19, 202034:02
Battling the VA with Lauren Price of Veteran Warriors

Battling the VA with Lauren Price of Veteran Warriors

Lauren is hands down the most passionate person I know when it comes to advocating for Veteran rights.  She routinely meets with Senators and Congressman about overhauling the VA and has written several pieces of legislation herself.  We talk about her experiences in the Navy and how she goes to bat for our troops against the VA.  Topics discussed are burn pits, radiation, disability backlogs at the VA, and many others. 

Jul 08, 202001:04:41
Season Three Starts NOW

Season Three Starts NOW

I'm back after a sabbatical.  I took some time off to restructure life and think about whats important, now I am back and ready to drop truth bombs.  This next season should be interesting as we talk about things that matter to veterans like burn pits and how the VA screws vets with their backlogs. Stay tuned. 

Jul 06, 202003:44
John West - Atomic Veteran - Agent Orange Veteran - Johnston Island

John West - Atomic Veteran - Agent Orange Veteran - Johnston Island

5RZu4rVsQj75ggmyPdAG John was an Air Force officer stationed on Johnston Island in from 1973-1975.  He tells about how agent orange stored on the island leaked into the sand and Ocean at a rate of over 25 barrels a week.  Over time, the agent orange saturated the sand, but more importantly contaminated the water around the island.  There were no wells on Johnston Island and all drinking water came from the ocean, which was run thru de-salination machines similar to what the Navy uses on boats.  The removes the salt from the water, but does not remove the chemical contaminates.  In fact, it might actually condense them.  in 1979 the USAF did a study on the island and found elevated levels of Dioxin, which is a compound in agent orange.  It was found both in the soil and in the drinking water.  For years, our troops drank this water, washed clothes, dishes, and took showers in it.  This could be one possible explanation for high rates of cancer found in our troops who served on Johnston Island.  John also talks about a bill in the house to potentially address this issue.  But the bill is still in committee and needs sponsors.  That bill is HR 1713.

Feb 18, 202050:48
Dave Doc Joslin
Feb 10, 202041:23
Richard Kaufman - "The Comeback Coach"

Richard Kaufman - "The Comeback Coach"

Richard is an Army veteran with quite a story to tell.  He was active duty for several years and during that time he was also on drugs.  He regularly took acid and was drinking very heavily.  When he got into a jam, he knew he needed to get clean.  Richard joined AA to help him get straight, but he didn't just go once a week, he went every day for months straight.  He really turned his life around and has a compelling story about making a comeback.  He goes by the comeback coach and lives up to his name! Search @comebackcoach to find him on social media.


Jan 24, 202035:59
Johnston Island Veteran - Ron Parson

Johnston Island Veteran - Ron Parson

Ron Parsons spent a few years on Johnston Island.  If you recall previous episodes, J.I. is one of the most conatminated places on earth.  The US military launched nuclear missiles from the island in atmospheric tests such as project fishbowl and starfish prime.  Three of these missiles failed and contaminated the island with weapons grade plutonium.  If that wasn't bad enough, the military stored ALL the agent orange created during the Vietnam war on a beach on JI.  These often leaked and soaked into the sand.  Thousands of veterans have served on the island, and many have come down with cancer.  The VA refuses to recognize any connection between service on the island and cancer diagnosis.  Please help spread the message of this issue by sharing this show.

You can watch the video of this interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxxhRXWcadE&t=12s

Join the private facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/737538166758758/

If you need one on one coaching in transition check out the website here:  www.veteransmentorship.com


Jan 17, 202051:39
Frank F. - Johnston Island Veteran

Frank F. - Johnston Island Veteran

If you recall I did an episode on Johnston Island a while back.  Its a small Island in the Pacific where the U.S. Military tested nuclear missiles in the 50s-70s.  Several of these missiles exploded leaving the island contaminated with plutonium.  If that were not bad enough, millions of gallons of agent orange were stored on the island before it was all incinerated.  My guest today served on Johnston Island and tells us how the island itself is dangerous due to the failed handling of dangerous materials, and how many veterans are coming down with cancer after serving on Johnston Island.  The government is currently not recognizing the issues and denying any link between service on Johnston Island and cancer diagnosis among veterans.  We hope to change that, and you can help by spreading the word.

Be sure to visit the website at www.veteransmentorship.com 

Jan 06, 202029:51
Female Homeless Veteran - Shawn Henderson
Dec 26, 201929:03
After Action Report - Ryan Matthews

After Action Report - Ryan Matthews

Ryan had some great advice to give us in regards to takin on big challenges.  He said if a dog is physically capable of doing it, he can train the dog to do it.  That applies well to us also.  If you are physically capable of something you can train yourself to do it.  Break down the large goal into many small goals.  Take the first steps towards that goal and build on your success.  Then set slightly larger goals and keep going!  With time and dedication you can achieve great things.

www.veteransmentorship.com

@theveteransadvocate Facebook and Instagram

Dec 26, 201903:47
Ryan Matthews Dog Training Guru

Ryan Matthews Dog Training Guru

Ryan Matthews has trained thousands of dogs of all kinds.  He can train a dog to do literally anything that a dog is physically capable of.  He started training dogs in the Army and took his knowledge to the big leagues after he transitioned out.  He has a ton of advice about picking the right dog for you, and how to get started on dog training.  Ryan is a wealth of knowledge about dogs and entrepreneurship be sure to check him out at www.iamryanmatthews.com 

If you are a Veteran looking to make the leap from the military to the civilian world and need some guidance, check out my transition mentorship page at www.veteransmentorship.com

Dec 15, 201935:03
Welcome to The Veterans Advocate Podcast

Welcome to The Veterans Advocate Podcast

You may have seen some major changes regarding the show.  I am happy to announce the next evolution of the show and introduce THE VETERANS ADVOCATE.  This is a change I am pumped about because it will help me complete my mission of helping Veterans.  I am doubling down on the interviews and narrowing my focus.  This show will specifically tackle the issue of Military transition.  I want to be THE best show out on there on the subject.  

Also I want to announce my new website www.veteransmentorship.com From there I will be offering several couching services.  If you are a Veteran separating from the Military soon, or have been out for a year or two and are stuck, I can help.  I have learned a lot from my own experiences and my conversations with other Veterans and I would like to help.  So if you need help with resumes, advice on transitioning, or some help navigating the civilian workforce, give me a call.  If you have gone thru the transition assistance program on base, and felt it wasn't enough, just know there is another resource for you in the form of one on one coaching.  Just visit the website to find out more.

Dec 10, 201904:18
#21 Kia Baker - The Female Veterans Podcast

#21 Kia Baker - The Female Veterans Podcast

Kia Baker hosts the Female Veterans Podcast.  She is a Navy Veteran with a passion for helping her fellow female Veterans finding a place to share their stories.  We discuss her work with some of those women who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma.  I ask a ton of questions about MST and what its like to be a female Veteran.  Kia has loads of statistics and personal stories from the women who have confided in her.  Kia and I also discuss her close call with homelessness and how we can team up to fight homelessness together.   Visit Kia on instagram @thefemaleveteranspodcast and you can check out her show on Itunes by searching for The Female Veterans Podcast.

Be sure to visit www.americanheritagepodcast.com to check out the most recent episodes, videos, and AHP gear.

As always be sure to help the homeless veterans by visiting www.passagewaysltd.org and donating!

Oct 24, 201931:06
#20 World Mental Health Day Special - Air Force Suicide

#20 World Mental Health Day Special - Air Force Suicide

This show is a little different that my usual episodes.  I talk about military suicide in general and Air Force suicide specifically.  This show may be offensive to some that are in the Air Force now, and don't see things my way.  That's ok, hopefully we are still friends.  But we can all agree that the AF has a SERIOUS problem right now and something has to be done.  In this episode I give my opinions as to the root cause of the suicide epidemic that has taken hold with the ranks.  Truth is, the culture within the AF is crap! I break down the problem, and give some solutions as well.  This show is raw and unedited because this is something I am passionate about, and I needed to get it out asap.  

www.americanheritagepodcast.com

Oct 10, 201940:42
#19 Kurt Ballash - Army Veteran and owner of Ballash Woodworks
Oct 08, 201931:31
#18 Daryl Miller - Southern California Veterans Coalition

#18 Daryl Miller - Southern California Veterans Coalition

Daryl is a military Veteran and leader of Southern California Veteran Coalition.  At first the group started with a few friends hanging out having a good time, and then became a movement of veterans healing thru socialization and education.  Check out the coalition on instagram @socalveteranscoalition


wwww.americanheritagepodcast.com

Oct 01, 201931:21
#17 Passageways Ltd - Renee discusses being a female homeless veteran
Sep 23, 201922:09
#16 Passageways Interview - Michael Wall formerly homeless Veteran

#16 Passageways Interview - Michael Wall formerly homeless Veteran

This is part 2 of a series highlighting the stories of homeless veterans.  Michael is my guest and he tells us about his service, how he became homeless, and how passageways helped him get back on track.  Be sure to visit www.passagewaysltd.org/donate to help more veterans like Michael.

To see the video of Michael, visit www.americanheritagepodcast.com and click the youtube tab

Sep 17, 201916:21
#15 - Passageways Alumni interview - Tony Mascias was a formerly homeless veteran
Sep 04, 201916:15
#14 Aaron Hale - IED blast survivor, blind athlete, and President of EOD Fudge

#14 Aaron Hale - IED blast survivor, blind athlete, and President of EOD Fudge

Aaron is hands down the most inspiring man I have ever had the pleasure to talk to.  He is an executive chef to Navy admirals and had one of the most sought after jobs in the military but felt the calling to do more.  He went on to join the Army as an explosive ordinance disposal technician where he found and dismantled IED's in the Middle East.  Shortly after his two week leave from the battle field he was called to dispose of an IED blocking the road.  While disarming one IED, a second IED hidden near buy went off, taking Aaron's eye sight.  After nearly 30 surgeries, Aaron contracted meningitis which also took his hearing, leaving him totally blind and also def.  Aaron talks to us about how he learned to navigate the world blind, and how he never gave up hope.  He teaches us not only how to survive hard times, but thrive in spite of difficulties.  Aaron would go on to be a serious adventurer, making many hikes and rafting trips while totally blind.  And if that wasn't enough, he also ran several marathons without the use of his sight.  He now gives talks about resilience and perseverance and runs his own company called Extra Ordinary Delights and you can visit his website at www.eodfudge.com

Aug 27, 201953:27
#13 Leadership skills with Otis McGregor - Green Beret US Army

#13 Leadership skills with Otis McGregor - Green Beret US Army

My guest today is Otis McGregor.  He spent 25 years in the Army where he served as a Green Beret.  Otis has been all over the world standing up special operations units and teaching leadership.  Now he does the same for the corporate world with his leadership development company LTO Enterprises.  You can find out more about his organization by visiting his website at www. lto-enterprises.com

Aug 18, 201952:22
#12 Pete Turner - US Army Ret. and host of the Break It Down Show
Aug 12, 201945:28
#11 Interview with Joe Soloski - Libertarian Candidate for Pennsylvania's 81st District
Aug 04, 201941:49
#10 Great Mother F*cking Day with Chris Ontiveros

#10 Great Mother F*cking Day with Chris Ontiveros

Chris Ontiveros is an Air Force veteran and CEO of MYGMFDGEAR, a patriotic Vetaran ran apparel company.  He creates awesome apparel for patriotic Americans to wear with pride. We discuss the T-shirt business, trump, the borderwall, comunists, area 51 and several other topics. Check out his website by visiting www.mygmfdgear.com

Jul 28, 201901:17:33
#9 CBD 101 with USAF Veteran Jamie Scott aka The Hempuralist
Jul 12, 201938:12
#8 Hemp for Victory! - Hemp's role in WWII and beyond
Jun 24, 201919:31
#7 After Action Report: Johnston Island - America's Chernobyl

#7 After Action Report: Johnston Island - America's Chernobyl

This is the first of what I call "After Action Reports" where I will take an interesting point from one of my guests and expand upon it.  For the first report, I bring you America's Chernobyl: Johnston Island.

Located in the North Pacific Ocean, Johnston island was the former home to many nuclear missile, chemical, and biological tests. Over the years, many incidents involving these tests occurred on the island making one of the most deadly places on the planet.   The island is covered with weapons grade plutonium, americium, agent orange, and other hazardous substances.  Listen to the show to see how this all happened, and what the government is doing to fix it. 

Jun 17, 201926:09
#6 Interview with David - A homeless Veteran transitioning back to stability

#6 Interview with David - A homeless Veteran transitioning back to stability

In this episode I sit down with David, who lives in the Passageways transition house.  He is an Army infantry Veterans with some cool stories and great advice for us younger Veterans.  We talk about the Army, his childhood, what it was like to be a homeless Veteran, and how he has turned his life around since living at Passageways.  He has many opportunities in front of him, and is excited to share those stories with us.  

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on ITunes!  Also consider being a donor by visiting the support link below. Be sure to follow the show via our facebook page by searching @americanheritagepodcast

Jun 04, 201948:53
#5 Memorial Day Message

#5 Memorial Day Message

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave their lives in defense of the nation.  But plenty of veterans survive the war, only to continue the fight every day in the form of PTSD and TBI.  In this show I give a brief history or memorial day and discuss why we need to also keep living veterans in our mind as well.  

May 28, 201907:33
#4 Interview with Lani from Kruse Corner Blog
May 24, 201944:54
AH#3 Interview with Sammy J a USMC Veteran, podcaster, and first generation patriot

AH#3 Interview with Sammy J a USMC Veteran, podcaster, and first generation patriot

It’s my pleasure to share a conversation I had with Sammy. He is a US Marine Corp veteran, first generation American, great dad to his sons, and an all around awesome and inspirational guy. He gets real with us about his struggles transitioning from the marines and how he got thru those times by putting in the hard work and never giving up. Enjoy! Be sure to subsribe, rate, and review.  Also please consider being a donor to the show via the support link below.

May 13, 201951:48
AH #2 Riley, Kendrick, and Oscar - Everyday heroes

AH #2 Riley, Kendrick, and Oscar - Everyday heroes

This episode is about the recent shootings in America.  Three mass shootings in two week, and three heroes you need to know about.  In each of these situations, there were men who stood up and took action.  They no doubt saved many lives, and their memories need to live on forever as inspirations to us all. 

May 09, 201911:07
American Heritage # 1 Joe interviews Seth

American Heritage # 1 Joe interviews Seth

This is the first episode of the new series called American Heritage. In this episode my friend Joe interviews me about my military service. We talk politics, history and mental health before I go take the conversation way off into left field and forget what we were even discussing. It was a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy!
May 01, 201901:09:41
Final Episode of OD Green, but you haven't heard the last of me

Final Episode of OD Green, but you haven't heard the last of me

This is the final episode of OD Green, but the show aint over!  I have changed the name of the podcast to American Heritage.  I feel this better captures what it is I am trying to do here and the makeover helps me leverage social media to get the word out.  Thank you for being on this journey with me, its been a lot of fun and I hope you stick around because I am just getting warmed up!

Apr 28, 201904:11
#14 Patriot Speeches: Patrick Henry's Liberty or Death

#14 Patriot Speeches: Patrick Henry's Liberty or Death

I am going to start sharing some speeches from a book called American Patriotism in Prose and Verse.  This book contains famous speeches on patriotism by well known Americans from 1775-1918.  The first speech is from the Virginia Convention by Patrick Henry in 1775.  As always I dont run ads on this show so if you feel lead to donate, you can do so thru the link on Anchor.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Passageways LTD, a non-profit helping homeless Veterans.  Check them out at www.passagewaysltd.org or search them on facebook.  

Apr 23, 201908:21
#13 Jeremy was a professional funeral bugler

#13 Jeremy was a professional funeral bugler

www.passagewaysltd.org A good friend of mine Jeremy was in the Army reserve band. I did not know it but for this podcast, but Jeremy has honored over 100 veterans by playing the bugle at their funeral service. He has some great stories and is a hilarious guy. Check out his podcast on iTunes, it’s called Brown Thunder White Lightning Podcast. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brown-thunder-and-white-lightning-podcast/id1444957324
Apr 10, 201952:32
#12 Nukes and dad bod with Joe

#12 Nukes and dad bod with Joe

In this episode I talk with an old friend about the life of an Air Force Security Forces troop. We discuss nuclear weapons, Russian gangsters, and sustainability.
Apr 01, 201901:27:35
#11 Breaking into Saddam Hussein’s palace and mental health for veterans

#11 Breaking into Saddam Hussein’s palace and mental health for veterans

In this episode Niel and I discussed visiting Saddam Hussein‘s many places located in Baghdad Iraq. We talk specifically about the victory over America palace and how it’s name is totally misleading. About halfway through a transition to talking about mental health for veterans and some tips we have picked up along the way.
Mar 11, 201901:02:03
#10 Honoring Air Force Cross recipient SrA Jason Cunningham KIA March 4, 2002

#10 Honoring Air Force Cross recipient SrA Jason Cunningham KIA March 4, 2002

Jason Cunningham

This excerpt was taken from
www.afcent.af.mil/Units/455th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/Biographies/Display/Article/273804/senior-airman-jason-d-cunningham/

The article continues in comments on this post.

“Pararescueman Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham, gave his life in Afghanistan while saving 10 lives and making it possible for seven others who were killed to come home, was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross Sept. 13, 2002.

The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of our nation. It is second only to the Medal of Honor.

Cunningham was a Carlsbad, N.M., native, and joined the Air Force's elite combat rescue program and graduated pararescue technical training in June 2001. He was deployed to Southwest Asia in February 2002.

On March 4, Cunningham was the primary Air Force combat search and rescue medic assigned to a quick reaction force in Afghanistan. The force was sent to rescue two American servicemen evading capture in austere terrain occupied by al-Qaida and Taliban forces.

Before landing, his MH-47E Chinook helicopter received rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire, disabling the aircraft and forcing it to crash-land. Crewmembers formed a hasty defense and immediately suffered three fatalities and five critical casualties.

The citation accompanying Cunningham's Air Force Cross reads, "Despite effective enemy fire, and at great risk to his own life, Airman Cunningham remained in the burning fuselage of the aircraft in order to treat the wounds. As he moved his patients to a more secure location, mortar rounds began to impact within 50 feet of his position.

"Disregarding this extreme danger, he continued the movement and exposed himself to enemy fire on seven separate occasions. When the second casualty collection point was also compromised, in a display of uncommon valor and gallantry, Airman Cunningham braved an intense small arms and rocket-propelled grenade attack while repositioning the critically wounded to a third collection point."

The citation continues, "Even after he was mortally wounded and quickly deteriorating, he continued to direct patient movement and transferred care to another medic. In the end, his distinct efforts led to the successful delivery of 10 gravely wounded Americans to life-saving medical treatment."

Cunningham was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on March 11, 2002.”
Mar 04, 201904:53
#9 Susan and Jennifer declare war on Veteran Homelessness
Mar 01, 201950:46
ODGP Episode 8: Interview with Scott Davis from Faces of Valor
Feb 23, 201933:24
ODGP Episode 7: Interview with USAF Veteran “Wild Bill”

ODGP Episode 7: Interview with USAF Veteran “Wild Bill”

Wild Bill is a Veteran of the USAF. He served 30 years as a weapons loader, arming combat aircraft of all types with bombs including nukes. He is full of life and faith and has many stories to share with us.
Feb 18, 201901:05:48
ODGP Episode 6: Interview with Air Force veteran Rose

ODGP Episode 6: Interview with Air Force veteran Rose

In this episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Rose. She is veteran, former commissioned officer in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war, a lifelong nurse, one time Catholic nun, and all around awesome lady!
Feb 11, 201901:10:27
ODGP: Episode 5. Niel is back for round 2

ODGP: Episode 5. Niel is back for round 2

Niel served as an infantryman in the Army and deployed twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is back to finish out the second half of his interview. We discuss life as an Army recruiter and tell stories from his deployments. As usual I do very little editing, I want to bring you the interview as it happens in real life.
Feb 09, 201901:00:05
Boeing B29 history and “Doc”

Boeing B29 history and “Doc”

In this episode I give a brief history of the Boeing B29 Superfortress. I also talk about “Doc” which is a fully functional, flight ready B29 and is only one of two in the entire world. if you are a fan of military history and aviation you will love this podcast.
Feb 07, 201920:04
Niel gives the scoop on Team Rubicon

Niel gives the scoop on Team Rubicon

A good friend of mine Niel swings by to discuss team Rubicon and politics.
Feb 04, 201931:22
Kilroy lives!....again

Kilroy lives!....again

In this episode I talk about the World War II fictional character Kilroy.
Jan 28, 201907:03
OD GREEN Battle for Alaska and the Aleutians

OD GREEN Battle for Alaska and the Aleutians

This story is a breakdown of the events leading up to the invasion of the Aleutian Islands by the Japanese. I also discussed the conditions, American logistics, and the battle of Attu.
Jan 26, 201928:31