In this episode, we sit down with Patrice Cook, a US Army 25-year veteran and the first female Ride of Pride driver. From navigating 16-gear manuals in Iraq to leading a dedicated fleet at Schneider, Patrice shares how she turned her military MOS into a trailblazing civilian career.

Episode Highlights

• The Transition: Moving from military convoys to DOT regulations and why veterans crave structure in the civilian workforce.
• Schneider’s Apprenticeship: How veterans can use their GI Bill benefits for up to 10 years post-service while driving.
• Ride of Pride: The story behind the "rolling memorials." Patrice discusses driving "Fidelity" and the emotional impact of visiting veteran organizations nationwide.

Upcoming Event: Brothers After War

Join us for a documentary screening and truck viewing!

• Date: March 21, 2026
• Location: Santikos Theater (I-35 North), San Antonio, TX
• Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Truck viewing at 10:45 AM)
• Featuring: Two Ride of Pride trucks, "Fidelity" and "Eagle."

How can veterans turn military discipline into business ownership?

In this episode, Donna sits down with Giuseppe Grammatico, a franchise veteran, coach, and author of Franchise Freedom. While Giuseppe didn't serve in the military, his career transition from Wall Street to franchise ownership taught him a vital lesson: success isn’t about technical expertise—it’s about following a proven system.

Giuseppe shares why 1 in 5 franchise owners are veterans and how the "soft skills" learned in the service—leadership, quick decision-making, and team management—are the exact ingredients needed to scale a successful business.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: ggthefranchiseguide.com (Book a free 20-minute consultation)
• Book: Franchise Freedom by Giuseppe Grammatico (A 30-minute essential read)
• Podcast: Franchise Freedom

In this powerful episode, host Donna sits down with award-winning filmmaker Jake Rademacher to discuss his 21-year journey documenting his brothers’ military service. From the front lines of Iraq to the complex landscape of veteran reintegration, Jake shares how his films, Brothers at War and Brothers After War, evolved into a global movement of healing.

With over 60,000 veterans and family members impacted by his workshops, Jake provides a raw, honest look at the cost of service and the responsibility of healing.

Gemini said

Beyond the Front Line: Jake Rademacher – Brothers at War & Brothers After War

In this powerful episode, host Donna sits down with award-winning filmmaker Jake Rademacher to discuss his 21-year journey documenting his brothers’ military service. From the front lines of Iraq to the complex landscape of veteran reintegration, Jake shares how his films, Brothers at War and Brothers After War, evolved into a global movement of healing.

With over 60,000 veterans and family members impacted by his workshops, Jake provides a raw, honest look at the cost of service and the responsibility of healing.

🎙️ Guest Bio: Jake Rademacher

Jake Rademacher is the founder of Metanoia Films and Perseverance Productions. A graduate of Notre Dame and Trinity College, Dublin, Jake is a member of the Director’s Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. His work has earned him the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the title of honorary colonel in the Oklahoma National Guard.

🔑 Key Topics Discussed

The Origin Story: From Actor to War Documentarian

• The Inspiration: How his grandfather’s WWII service planted the seeds.
• The Catalyst: Realizing "the truth wasn't making it out of Iraq" when his brothers returned from Fallujah.
• The Risk: Jake self-funded his first documentary while working as an actor to embed with the 82nd Airborne in 2005.

Unprecedented Access

• The SKIF: Gaining access to film in classified intelligence facilities.
• The Sunni Triangle: Filming during the most dangerous period of the war.
• The Bond: Building trust through his brother Isaac’s leadership to capture 43 combat veteran interviews.

Brothers After War (2019–2022)

• The Follow-up: Checking back in with 10 veterans from the original film.
• The Revelation: Isaac’s honest discussion regarding suicide ideation and the impact of nine deployments.
• The Toll: Exploring how service affects not just the soldier, but the entire family unit.

The Workshop & Healing

• Partnership: Working with the Gary Sinise Foundation to reach over 60,000 participants.
• Ancient Techniques: Using journaling as a "warrior technique" to process trauma.
• Therapy Truths: Understanding why 50% of therapists may not be the right fit and the difference between PTSD and moral injury.

💬 Powerful Quotes

"You're not responsible for the trauma you incurred, but you are responsible for the healing."

"I didn't expect that military couples would come up and say, 'After seeing the film, we just had our first real conversation about his or her experience overseas.'"

"30% of our community are going to be at risk for suicide at some point. With that kind of number, there can't be a stigma around it."

📋 Resources & Seminars

If you are a veteran, active-duty member, first responder, or a family member, these resources are for you.

Watch the Films

• Amazon Prime: Brothers at War & Brothers After War
• iTunes: Brothers After War
• Physical Media: DVDs available at Walmart and Amazon

Attend a Free 4-Hour Seminar

Includes a film screening, journaling session, and group discussion.

• Website: BrothersAfterWar.com
• Email: info@brothersafterwar.com
• Follow: Facebook and Instagram for upcoming tour dates.