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Podcast Tag: Season 1

Ep 20: Trauma, Faith & Recovery: Cheryl Gricoski’s Experience Navigating Life’s Challenges As A Veteran & Spouse

On Episode 20 of Untold Valor, we’re joined by Air Force veteran Cheryl Gricoski. Cheryl has the unique experience of being both a military veteran and the wife of a veteran. She candidly shares how her first marriage was affected by her husband's trauma and his reluctance to seek therapy. This took a toll on her own mental health. Cheryl highlights the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among men, and how it hindered her husband's journey. Despite the difficulties, she...

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Ep 19: The Strength of Military Families with Nena Stetson

On Episode 19 of Untold Valor, we're joined by Nena Stetson, a licensed clinical social worker, and an army spouse for more than 20 years. Nena shares her unique perspective on the struggles and support systems within military families and delves into the challenges faced by spouses and children of veterans, emphasizing the importance of their mental well-being. Nena opens up about her own experiences, including multiple deployments and military moves. The discussion also touches upon...

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Ep 18: Tax Savings, Emergency Assistance & Other Benefits For Veterans with Brian Natali

On Episode 18 of Untold Valor, Marine Corps veteran Brian Natali joins the show again to shed light on some of the essential services available to veterans. Tune in as Brian dives into the intricacies of real estate tax exemptions, explaining who qualifies, the impact it can have, and how to apply. Plus, discover the Veterans Temporary Assistance program, offering up to $1,600 to assist with daily living or emergencies and how additional funding can be accessed, for those who qualify, through...

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Ep 17: Decoding VA Services with Brian Natali

On Episode 17 of Untold Valor, Marine Corps veteran Brian Natali joins the show to share his extensive knowledge about accessing care through Veterans Affairs. Brian is the Chief of the Division of Veterans Services and Programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps dispel some common myths about VA services and emphasizes the significance of effective outreach to raise awareness among veterans. He provides a comprehensive guide for veterans seeking...

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Ep 16: The Power of Support – Why Veterans Must Share Their Stories with Dr. John Taylor

On Episode 16 of Untold Valor, we’re joined by Dr. John Taylor, a retired Marine who shares his inspiring story of service and sacrifice. You’ll learn about John’s unique personal and military background, his personal struggles with both mental and physical health issues, and why he’s so passionate about sharing his story with others. John has concrete advice about how veterans can improve their situations and will give you three things every veteran needs to know at the end of the episode....

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Ep 15: The Power of Connection & Breaking Down Barriers in Veteran Mental Health Care with Jonathan Bittner

On Episode 15 of Untold Valor, military veteran and therapist Jonathan Bittner returns to the show to give us further insight into the ways CompeerCORPS can help veterans. He’ll detail why the help veterans need often goes well beyond substance abuse and into more nuanced challenges in the mental health arena, like battling loneliness and isolation. Jonathan explores the reasons why a lot of veterans are afraid to seek help and provides action steps to take if you’re desiring a different...

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Ep 14: A Bold Approach: How Race Impacts Mental Health Care for Veterans with Ricardo Byrdsong

On episode fourteen of Untold Valor, we're joined again by Ricardo Byrdsong, who shares his experiences navigating race and mental health in the military and discusses some of the unique resources available to minority military veterans. Tune in to hear about the benefits of race-based support groups, Ricardo's personal journey with therapists of different backgrounds, and how a pastor's candidness helped him feel comfortable discussing his mental health. Don't miss this...

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Ep 13: Beyond Battlefield: Marley Ganthier’s Advice When Returning To Civilian Life

On episode thirteen of Untold Valor, we welcome Marley Ganthier, a highly decorated military veteran with an extensive career, including service in Kuwait and Iraq. In this insightful episode, Marley Ganthier shares her journey from joining the Army to becoming a Paralegal Specialist and eventually transitioning to civilian life. The episode covers various topics related to mental health, self-care, and the importance of finding positive outlets. You’ll gain valuable insights into...

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Ep 12: A Veteran’s Journey Through Darkness: John Byrd’s Battle With Addiction & Vision Loss

On episode twelve of Untold Valor, we sit down with John Byrd, a legally blind veteran who overcame a drug addiction and now dedicates his time to helping others. Listen as John shares his emotional rollercoaster of experiences, from the moment he realized he needed help to how he rebuilt his life, one step at a time. You’ll also learn about John's experience with addiction and how he found the strength to ask for help and join a drug program, the importance of the 12-step program in...

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Ep 11: Battling Shame & Mental Health Stigmas with Darcy Rideout

On episode eleven of Untold Valor, we sit down with Darcy Rideout, a courageous veteran and mental health advocate who shares her powerful and emotional journey with depression. Darcy discusses the impact of military culture on mental health and the stigma that often surrounds it. She openly reveals her personal struggles, including her experience with feeling shamed by leadership and her attempt to end her life. But Darcy's story is also one of hope and resilience. She shares how she...

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