“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” – Marjorie Moore

In honor of National Nonprofit Day, we’re spotlighting the people and organizations working daily to strengthen communities and serve others. In this episode, we sit down with representatives from the Travis Manion Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse, and Team Red, White & Blue to learn what drives their missions, how they support veterans and their families, and how you can take part.

Whether you're looking to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more, this conversation offers real ways to get involved and give back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Scenes of Mending the Line With Writer Steve Camelio & Director Josh Caldwell

In this special episode, we’re joined by Steve Camelio, writer of the film Mending the Line, and Josh Caldwell, the film’s director. If you’ve seen the movie, you might recognize a familiar place. Part of it was filmed right at Quiet Waters Ranch, and the final scene even features a powerful nod to Warriors & Quiet Waters, along with appearances by several of our WQW alumni.

We dive into Steve and Josh’s personal journeys into filmmaking, from early inspirations to award-winning careers. Steve shares how the idea for Mending the Line came to life, and how it organically connected to WQW’s mission of healing through fly fishing. Josh reflects on joining the project, casting the film’s powerful ensemble, and what it felt like to watch the final cut for the first time.

Together, we explore why telling authentic veteran stories is so vital, and what it means to them personally to have contributed to a film that’s resonated with so many earning accolades like the Valor Award at the San Diego International Film Festival and topping Netflix’s charts for five days.

Whether you’re a fan of film, a supporter of veteran causes, or someone who believes in the power of storytelling to heal, this episode offers an inspiring look behind the scenes of a movie that continues to make an impact.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

A core pillar of our Built for More Program—and really all of our programs from the beginning—is the deep immersion in nature that participants experience in our programs.In this exciting episode, we welcome John Barklow, Senior Product Manager at Sitka along with Brian Gilman, CEO of Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW). Together, we dive into one of WQW’s favorite topics—the transformative power of nature. Brian and John discuss how WQW’s partnership with Sitka was formed and why nature plays a crucial role in veterans' post-military transition. John shares his personal journey from military service to becoming a leader in the outdoor and hunting community, reflecting on the challenges he faced and how time spent outdoors helped him navigate life after service.

We explore the science behind WQW’s Built for More program, which immerses veterans in nature with a purpose. Brian explains the physiological and psychological benefits of outdoor experiences, while John shares personal stories of how the wilderness has shaped his life.

As avid hunters, both guests discuss their love for hunting, their most memorable hunting experiences, and what the sport has taught them. John also provides expert advice for veterans looking to get into hunting, and offers practical survival tips for thriving in unforgiving outdoor environments.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about adventure, perseverance, and the healing power of nature!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join me for a very special episode in honor of Memorial Day as I sit down with Dr. Pat Scannon, MD, PhD, Founder of Project Recover, and Dr. Derek Abbey, PhD, the organization’s CEO.

Project Recover is a nonprofit dedicated to locating, recovering, and repatriating U.S. service members who have been listed as Missing in Action (MIA) since World War II. Their mission is a powerful blend of cutting-edge technology, historical research, and deep-sea exploration, all aimed at bringing closure to families who have waited decades for answers.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to learn about Project Recover’s global search and recovery efforts, the challenges they face, and the profound impact their work has on the loved ones of MIAs. From remote jungles to the depths of the ocean, their efforts honor the sacrifice of those who never made it home, ensuring they are not forgotten.

Tune in for this moving conversation about service, sacrifice, and the mission to bring our heroes home.

Learn more about their work at ProjectRecover.org.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for an special episode with Warriors & Quiet Waters Founder Colonel Eric Hastings! Eric reflects on his history and experiences serving in Vietnam and explains why he and his late wife, Jean, chose to start Warriors & Quiet Waters in 2007. He also expresses his gratitude for the generous volunteers and donors who supported him and played a pivotal role in shaping Warriors & Quiet Waters into what it is today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for an inspiring episode with United States Post-9/11 Combat Veteran Navy Corpsman Steve Flemming! Steve takes us through his personal journey—detailing why he chose to serve, his experiences during his time in the military, and the challenges he faced. He opens up about his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, followed by a rare diagnosis of stage 4 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer while still serving in the military. Through it all, Steve’s resilience shines as he shares his remarkable story and his mission to support other veterans navigating similar health struggles.

For more information or support on service-related cancer, visit the HunterSeven Foundation's website at https://hunterseven.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.

Join us for an inspiring episode of The Warriors & Quiet Waters Podcast as we sit down with WQW Alumni and Army veteran Shaun Tichenor. In this heartfelt conversation, Shaun takes us through his personal journey—from why he decided to join the military to his experiences and challenges during his service. He opens up about the struggles he faced, the triumphs that kept him going, and the profound impact Warriors & Quiet Waters had on his healing and growth. Don’t miss this incredible story of resilience, hope, and transformation.

This podcast was made possible by The Amicus Foundation, and John and Sheila Lake

If you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email podcast@wqwf.org.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.