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Real Veterans. Real Stories.

  • S1: Episode 1: The First Step

    22 SEP 2021 · The Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. podcast explores mental health challenges that many Veterans may face — and ways to overcome them. In our first episode, four Veterans talk about taking that first step toward healthier living by becoming open, honest, and self-aware.
    13m 6s
  • S1: Episode 2: From Soldier to Civilian

    3 NOV 2021 · In our second episode, we hear from Tristan, Chris, and Hector: Veterans who know what it’s really like to transition back into civilian life after serving in the military. Hear them describe some of the challenges they faced, like flashbacks, PTSD, and hypervigilance, and how they learned to cope.
    11m 43s
  • S1: Episode 3: The Path to Forgiveness

    3 NOV 2021 · Robert is a survivor of sexual violence, and its effects controlled his life for over 30 years. Through support from VA, Robert discovered that forgiveness was his most valuable tool in restoring his peace of mind, hope, and joy. This episode features a discussion of the potential effects of sexual assault, including suicidal ideation. The content may not be suitable for all audiences.
    11m 7s
  • S1: Episode 4: Inspiring Stories From Women Veterans

    4 NOV 2021 · Women are the fastest-growing segment of the military and Veteran populations. While each woman’s experience is unique, many women face similar challenges, both during their military service and after returning to civilian life. In this episode, hear four women Veterans talk about finding hope and ways to heal.
    19m 13s
  • S1: Episode 5: From Homelessness to Helping Others

    4 NOV 2021 · After 12 years in the U.S. Army, Ryan returned to civilian life and his feelings of helplessness, guilt, and isolation grew. Hear his story —from experiencing homelessness to finding, and ultimately giving back, support.
    12m 8s
  • S1: Episode 6: The Power of Community

    4 NOV 2021 · Feeling a sense of community binds us together and makes each of us stronger. In this episode, Amber talks about the power of shared experience. When facing mental health challenges, she discovered that no matter how isolated you may feel, there is always a community of Veterans waiting for you, ready to offer their support.
    15m 13s
  • S2: Episode 1: Veterans Find A New Mission

    10 OCT 2023 · Many Veterans find their next mission after serving in the military includes returning to school—this episode of ‘Real Veterans. Real Stories.’ explores how mental health support has helped Veterans as they take on new challenges in the classroom and beyond.
    8m 53s
  • S2: Episode 2: Veterans on Their Mission to Give Back

    10 OCT 2023 · Some Veterans give service to their country, and keep giving back after their military career has ended. In this episode of ‘Real Veterans. Real Stories’ we hear from Veterans who, after receiving mental health support, made it their mission to give back by founding nonprofits.
    10m 10s
  • S2: Episode 3: Veterans on Finding Self After Service

    10 OCT 2023 · A career in public service is one way that Veterans continue to place service over self. With the goal of helping other Veterans navigate the challenges of civilian life, these Veterans have invested in their next mission: finding what comes next.
    12m 10s
  • S2: Episode 4: Mental Health: A Family Mission

    10 OCT 2023 · For many Veterans, balancing family life and their mental health is a challenge. Hear from Veterans who made it their mission to improve their mental health and family relationships.
    13m 36s

Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. is powered by the voices of Veterans sharing their stories. Whether you are a Veteran or you love someone who has served, our...

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Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. is powered by the voices of Veterans sharing their stories. Whether you are a Veteran or you love someone who has served, our podcast shines a light on the mental health challenges that some Veterans face — and the various paths they can take toward a healthier life.

Make the Connection is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ national public awareness campaign that features true stories of Veterans who have faced and overcome challenges.
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