Episodes

  • From the Army to Authorship: Lee Allen's Story of Service and Success
    Nov 25 2025

    In this episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Lee Allen to talk about Lee's journey through military service, business, and writing. From growing up in an Army family and joining the 82nd Airborne, to his advice on navigating real estate and his successful transition into entrepreneurship, Lee shares insights and stories that show how military experiences shape life after service.

    Lee also opens up about his work as an author, including the inspiration behind his heartwarming Christmas books, and discusses the value of forgiveness and faith—both in literature and in life. The conversation touches on timely topics, from challenges veterans face to how the pandemic affected service members, and even the importance of resilience in tough times.

    Whether you're a veteran, a business-minded listener, or someone looking for uplifting holiday stories, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss Lee Allen's inspiring perspective on helping the brave and living a meaningful life beyond the uniform.

    Check out Lee's books at specialguestchristmas.com.

    Tune in for a mix of military wisdom, entrepreneurial advice, and heartfelt storytelling!

    **Contact Ed Parcaut:**
    - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
    - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

    #HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #LeeAllen #EdParcaut #MilitaryLife #ArmyVeteran #RealEstate #BusinessOwner #AuthorLife #ChristmasBooks #FaithBased #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryTransition #Inspiration #PodcastEpisode

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    29 mins
  • From Marine Corps to Corporate: Francisco Garza's Blueprint for Transition Success
    Nov 18 2025

    Marine Corps officer, reservist, dad of four, and corporate consultant Francisco Garza joins Ed Parcaut for a real conversation about transition, purpose, and what leadership really means. From high-stakes military missions to the uncertainty of leaving active duty during a pandemic, Francisco Garza opens up about the hard moments, the questions, and the value of community—whether it's in uniform or not. He shares candid insights on navigating military-to-civilian life, the balancing act of parenthood and career, the power of writing down your own life philosophy, and the surprising perks of the Marine Corps Reserves. Discover why personal responsibility, clarity of purpose, and connecting with the right people are critical for every veteran's journey home. Plus: veteran healthcare hacks, the truth about entrepreneurship after service, and a heartfelt spotlight on the Reconnaissance Foundation and Gold Star families. If you're a veteran, military spouse, or just searching for meaning in chaos, this episode is for you.

    *Contact Ed Parcaut:**
    - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
    - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

    For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

    #HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #MarineCorps #Reserves #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Resilience #Philosophy #CareerChange #VeteranSupport #ReconnaissanceFoundation #GoldStarFamilies #FamilyLife #CorporateLeadership #PurposeDriven #MentalHealth #Networking #ServiceBeyondUniform #Parenting #Integrity #Consistency #PersonalGrowth

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    42 mins
  • From Service to Support: Tom Sauer's Mission for Veterans' Mental Health
    Nov 11 2025

    Tom Sauer – Resilience, Service & Recovery

    In this powerful episode, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Tom Sauer, a Navy and Marine Corps veteran turned entrepreneur. Tom Sauer shares his inspiring journey from military service to building Miramar Health, a mental health and addiction recovery center for veterans. Learn how personal loss and experiences with addiction and suicide in the veteran community motivated Tom Sauer to make a difference. The conversation tackles challenges within the VA system, the critical importance of accessible care, and how Miramar Health is providing essential trauma support to those who served. Tune in for deep insights into resilience, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the mission to help fellow veterans thrive.

    If you or someone you know needs support, visit miramarhealth.com.

    *Contact Ed Parcaut:**
    - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
    - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

    For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

    #HelpingTheBrave #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthMatters #AddictionRecovery #MilitaryToEntrepreneur #MiramarHealth #VeteransAffairs #CommunityCare #PTSDawareness #Resilience #NavyVeteran #MarineCorps #MilitaryService #SuicidePrevention #VeteranStories #VeteranCare #MilitaryTransition #SupportOurVets

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    37 mins
  • From Air Force Pilot to Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate: Jared Lilje's Inspiring Mission
    Nov 4 2025

    From Combat Flight to Compassion: Jared Lilje's Mission Against Human Trafficking

    In this inspiring episode of Helping the Brave, hosts Ed Parcaut and Jared Lilje dive deep into Jared's remarkable journey from Air Force crew chief to pilot, and how his military experiences shaped his mission-driven approach to life. Listen as Jared shares how he transitioned from flying C5s and C17s to launching Jay Kristoff Handbags—a luxury brand with a purpose: fighting human trafficking by donating a portion of every sale to nonprofits chosen by customers.

    Discover unique stories from the cockpit, the challenges and rewards of service, and the innovative ways veterans continue to make a difference. Whether it's landing planes on dry riverbeds in Afghanistan or redesigning handbags to honor aviation history, Jared's path is a powerful testament to service, entrepreneurship, and compassion.

    Tune in for an uplifting conversation that's equal parts aviation, business, and heart—and learn how you can get involved in supporting survivors of trafficking.

    Learn more at jchristoff.com and connect with Jared and Ed on LinkedIn and Instagram. Your story matters. Stay brave, help others, and join us for more incredible tales of service and purpose.

    *Contact Ed Parcaut:**
    - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
    - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

    For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

    #HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #AirForceVeteran #JaredLilje #EdParcaut #MilitaryToEntrepreneur #AviationJourney #HumanTraffickingAwareness #PurposeDrivenBusiness #JayKristoff #LuxuryHandbags #SupportVeterans #MakeADifference #ServiceAndTransition #InspiringJourneys #CombattingTrafficking #PodcastEpisode #VeteranEntrepreneur #AviationInspired #ForACause

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    38 mins
  • Hiking Through Trauma: Marine Vet Rand Timmerman's Appalachian Trail Story
    Oct 28 2025

    Join host Ed Parcaut as he welcomes U.S. Marine Corps veteran and author Rand Timmerman for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, brotherhood, and personal transformation. Rand shares powerful stories from his service with the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam, confronting PTSD and decades of alcoholism, and his inspiring journey hiking the Appalachian Trail in his seventies. Discover how Rand found purpose after combat, built a legal career, overcame adversity, and embarked on a spiritual passage with his brother. This candid episode offers real insights into veteran mental health, navigating the VA system, and the importance of finding hope and healing. Check out Rand's book "Spiritual Passage" on Amazon or visit randtimmerman.com for more.

    If you're a veteran—or care about one—this episode is filled with encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder: you're never alone.

    *Contact Ed Parcaut:**
    - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
    - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

    For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

    #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcautPodcast #RandTimmerman #MarineCorpsVeteran #VietnamWarStories #PTSDRecovery #AlcoholismAwareness #Resilience #Brotherhood #AppalachianTrail #VeteranSupport #MilitaryJourney #SpiritualPassage #VeteranBenefits #Inspiration #RecoveryJourney #HikingStories #MentalHealthMatters #VeteranHealing #SoberLife

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    39 mins
  • Military to Manufacturing: How Justin Baucum is Modernizing American Industry
    Oct 21 2025

    Join host Ed Parcaut for an inspiring conversation with Army veteran Justin Baucum. Justin shares his unique journey of growing up in Hong Kong and China, serving in Army Special Forces, and successfully transitioning to the world of tech and advanced manufacturing. Discover what it's really like to leave the military, navigate civilian life, and find purpose in new ventures.

    In this episode, Justin talks about his service, combat deployments, career pivots, and the lessons he learned—plus real-world advice for veterans considering their next chapter. You'll hear insights on transitioning into corporate America, making the most of the GI Bill, and finding mission-driven work post-service. Justin also dives into the future of manufacturing, the role of AI, and why machine shops may be a tremendous opportunity for vets.

    Whether you're a veteran preparing to transition, or just curious about unique career stories, this episode is packed with valuable wisdom, honest reflections, and actionable tips. Connect with Justin on LinkedIn (details in show notes) and stay tuned for more episodes exploring life after the military.

    Listen now and stay brave!

    *Contact Ed Parcaut:**
    - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
    - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

    For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

    #HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #ArmyVeteran #SpecialForces #VeteranAdvice #TechCareers #ManufacturingStartup #DefenseIndustry #AIinBusiness #MissionDriven #Leadership #BusinessJourney #PodcastEpisode #VeteranSupport #LinkedInNetworking #LifeAfterMilitary #VeteranOwnedBusiness #MachineShop #CareerPathways #EdParcautPodcast #JustinBaucum #ModernManufacturing #AerospaceIndustry #StayBrave #KeepMovingForward

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    33 mins
  • From Navy Fleet Master Chief to Business Coach: Raymond Kemp's Path to Helping the Brave
    Oct 14 2025

    In this insightful episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with retired Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp to discuss his remarkable 33-year journey in the U.S. Navy. Raymond shares his experiences with resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers—as the first Black Fleet Master Chief of Navy Europe and Navy Africa—and offers a candid look at the challenges he faced, from his early days in the delayed entry program to navigating racial issues and earning one of the Navy's top enlisted ranks.

    Listen in as Ed and Raymond talk about finding purpose after military service, the importance of building connections, and Raymond's transition into entrepreneurship and leadership coaching. They dive deep into what it takes to succeed in and beyond the military, the power of understanding your "why," and advice for veterans preparing to transition into civilian life.

    If you're looking for real stories, actionable wisdom, and inspiration to help you or someone you love through military transition, this episode is a must-listen. Plus, get tips on veteran benefits, balancing career and family, and discover Raymond's book, Building Resilience for Hybrid Success.

    *Contact Ed Parcaut:**
    - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
    - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

    For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

    #HelpingTheBrave #RaymondKemp #EdParcaut #VeteranStories #MilitaryService #NavyVeteran #Leadership #Resilience #TransitioningVeterans #MilitaryCareer #VeteransSupport #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #DiversityAndInclusion #ServiceAndSacrifice #MilitaryLife #LifeAfterService #KempSolutions #LayingTheKeel #BuildingResilience #VeteransBenefits #MilitaryLeadership #NavyStrong #VeteranCommunity

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    42 mins
  • Thrillers, Teamwork, and Transition: Veterans Turned Authors
    Oct 7 2025

    On this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with bestselling thriller authors and Navy veterans Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson. Together, they share their incredible journeys from serving in the military to partnering as full-time writers behind major series like Jack Ryan for the Tom Clancy estate, Tier One, Sons of Valor, and Shepherds. Tune in to hear how they met (not in the Navy, but at a writers' conference!), their approach to co-authoring novels, the ups and downs of transitioning from military service to creative entrepreneurship, and the importance of veteran community and support. Whether you're interested in the writing process, military life, or the power of perseverance, this episode delivers inspiring stories, practical advice for aspiring authors, and a glimpse into the world of publishing and multimedia adaptation. Plus, you'll find out where veterans and new writers can access free resources—direct from these two industry pros.

    *Contact Ed Parcaut:**
    - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
    - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

    For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

    #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #BrianAndrews #JeffWilson #VeteranAuthors #NavyVeterans #MilitaryService #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #ThrillerWriters #VeteranSupport #BookSeries #JackRyan #ClancySeries #TierOneSeries #SonsOfValor #ShepherdSeries #VeteranEntrepreneurs #Storytelling #CareerAuthors #VeteranResources

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    41 mins