In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Dr. Charlie Powell, a decorated Navy veteran, trauma surgeon, innovator, and mental health advocate to explore his extraordinary path from military service to medical entrepreneurship and personal healing.

Dr. Powell opens up about his battle with PTSD, offering rare insight into the experience of high-functioning individuals who struggle silently. The conversation bravely tackles the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within veteran and first responder communities, and explores the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine, focusing on Dr. Powell’s profound experience with ibogaine treatment.

Listeners will hear about the creation of “Healing Heroes,” a new documentary that follows veterans and first responders on their journeys to recovery through innovative therapies and shared storytelling. Dr. Powell’s message is one of hope, community, vulnerability, and self-forgiveness and a reminder that healing is possible for everyone.

If this episode resonated with you, please:

Share it with someone who needs to hear it

Subscribe to Beyond the Frontline

Leave a review to help us reach more listeners

Be sure to check out the GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C., celebrating powerful stories of service, sacrifice, and healing through film.

Season 4 is here!

Host Donna Hoffmeyer opens with a personal reflection on her journey from service to storytelling. She shares lessons on family, creative renewal, and the importance of taking breaks to recharge.

This season, you’ll hear inspiring stories from veterans, first responders, and advocates who are reshaping what healing and community look like. Expect conversations that highlight resilience, vulnerability, and the power of connection.

Plus, Donna shares exciting updates on the GI Film Festival in DC, the Coming Home Well podcast network, and the upcoming Ride for Heroes cross-country bike event.

#BeyondTheFrontline #Veterans #FirstResponders #MilitaryPodcast #HealingThroughStorytelling #VeteranVoices #PodcastSeason4 #ComingHomeWell #RideForHeroes #GIFilmFestival

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.