Best Home Base Program for Veterans and Families Podcasts (2025)

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Season Finale: Powerful Words - Scenes From The 2025 Run To Home Base 41:24

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1M ago41:24

41:24

Today on HBN, we close out Season 9 with a salute to you all, a Grateful Nation, for showing up and supporting the mission of Home Base. We look forward to bringing you new conversations and content in the Fall, and we'll welcome back to the mic, Dr. Ron Hirschberg, as we look to Season 10. On July 26, 2025, 3,000 runners and walkers participated i…

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Home Base Nation Favorites: General Jack Hammond on the "Takin’ A Walk” podcast with Buzz Knight 37:17

2M ago37:17

37:17

We are pleased to present this special episode from a podcast headed by our fellow podcaster, friend, and supporter of veterans, Buzz Knight. Buzz has been a force in media, working as a strategist and a media executive for decades. He has an excellent podcast called "Takin' A Walk", a show that focuses on resilience, mental health, and amazing sto…

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Home Base Nation Favorites: Mary Gauthier on the "Takin’ A Walk” podcast with Buzz Knight 21:29

2M ago21:29

21:29

We are pleased to present this special episode from a podcast headed by our fellow podcaster, friend, and supporter of veterans, Buzz Knight. Buzz has been a force in media, working as a strategist and a media executive for decades. He has an excellent podcast called "Takin' A Walk", a show that focuses on resilience, mental health, and amazing sto…

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Air Force Veteran and Regional Associate Director, Regional & Tribal Relations, of Home Base Marcus Denetdale, and Cartoonist and Writer Garry Trudeau (part two ... 53:37

2M ago53:37

53:37

We have published 120 episodes since 2019. For this new season, we thought it would be a good idea to look back on some of the highlights of our conversations and select 20 episodes that resonated with veterans, service members, military families, and the civilians who support them. But first up, you'll hear from some of the folks at Home Base who …

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Admissions Coordinator Zachary Morin, and Cartoonist and Writer Garry Trudeau 41:37

3M ago41:37

41:37

We have published 120 episodes since 2019. For this new season, we thought it would be a good idea to look back on some of the highlights of our conversations and select 20 episodes that resonated with veterans, service members, military families, and the civilians who support them. But first up, you'll hear from some of the folks at Home Base who …

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Staff Psychologist Dr. Drew Teer, and Musician and Marine Veteran Shaggy 41:27

3M ago41:27

41:27

We have published 120 episodes since 2019. For this new season, we thought it would be a good idea to look back on some of the highlights of our conversations and select 20 episodes that resonated with veterans, service members, military families, and the civilians who support them. But first up, you'll hear from some of the folks at Home Base who …

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Registered Dietitian and Manager of Clinical and Culinary Nutrition at Home Base Nicolette Maggiolo and radio DJ and podcaster Mistress Carrie 45:27

3M ago45:27

45:27

Welcome back to Home Base Nation! This is our sixth episode in a series where we talk with some of the folks at Home Base who wake up every day with the same mission in mind, regardless of their role at the Center of Excellence in the Navy Yard and beyond. Over the next several weeks, we will share the staff conversations I had with some of the har…

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet SLP on the Brain Health Team at Home Base Grace O'Halloran, and Marine Veteran Kirstie Ennis 1:08:24

3M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Welcome back to Home Base Nation! This is our sixth episode in a series where we talk with some of the folks at Home Base who wake up every day with the same mission in mind, regardless of their role at the Center of Excellence in the Navy Yard and beyond. Over the next several weeks, we will share the staff conversations I had with some of the har…

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Family Support Team Manager at Home Base Stacie Frederiksson, and storyteller and filmmaker Spike Lee. 38:12

4M ago38:12

38:12

We have published 120 episodes since 2019. For this new season, we thought it would be a good idea to look back on some of the highlights of our conversations and select 20 episodes that resonated with veterans, service members, military families, and the civilians who support them. But first up, you'll hear from some of the folks at Home Base who …

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Veteran Outreach Coordinator at Home Base Marc Moyer, and retired Air Force Reserve Major and TAPS founder Bonnie Carroll. 34:01

4M ago34:01

34:01

We have published 120 episodes since 2019. For this new season, we thought it would be a good idea to look back on some of the highlights of our conversations and select 20 episodes that resonated with veterans, service members, military families, and the civilians who support them. But first up, you'll hear from some of the folks at Home Base who …

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A "Match" for Life - Two Families, Two Dads, Two Sons - And One US/UK Mission at the Liverpool Football Club 26:23

4M ago26:23

26:23

This Episode is dedicated to the memory and honor of the service of Dan Allen and Dominic Snyder. Special Thank You to the Liverpool Football Club and the Royal British Legion for hosting these families. "Thank you to the amazing organizations of TAPS, SSAFA, and Home Base for bringing together healed hearts and healed families." - Dustin Snyder. T…

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Clinical Social Worker Kate Basile, and the journalist, author and filmmaker Sebastian Junger 31:40

4M ago31:40

31:40

We have published 120 episodes since 2019. For this new season, we thought it would be a good idea to look back on some of the highlights of our conversations and select 20 episodes that resonated with veterans, service members, military families, and the civilians who support them. But first up, you'll hear from some of the folks at Home Base who …

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Home Base Marine Veteran Alexander Hohl, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and the Dr. David King and David "Big Papi" Ortiz episode 42:25

5M ago42:25

42:25

We have published 120 episodes since 2019. For this new season, we thought we would look back on some of the highlights of our conversations and choose 20 episodes that resonated with veterans, service members, military families, and the civilians who support them. But first up, you'll hear from some of the folks at Home Base who wake up every day …

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Home Base Nation Favorites: First meet Home Base Director of Veteran Outreach Jessica Covitz and the Bob and Lee Woodruff episode 1:00:29

5M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

We have published 120 episodes since 2019. For this new season, we thought we would look back on some of the highlights of our conversations and choose 20 episodes that resonated with veterans, service members, military families, and the civilians who support them. But first up, you'll hear from some of the folks at Home Base who wake up every day …

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All-Star Strength and Support: On and Off the Mound - With Kristi and Liam Hendriks 30:33

8M ago30:33

30:33

Three-time All-Star Pitcher, Six-time Roberto Clemente Award nominee, (and Run to Home Base Captain) Liam Hendriks, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Kristi Hendriks join Dr. Ron Hirschberg for a conversation at Home Base. As the Red Sox welcome Liam to the team, he and Kristi reflect on living the baseball life over the years including the comar…

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Influencing the Homosapien! - With Lieutenant Commander (Ret) Evangelo “Vann” Morris 47:11

9M ago47:11

47:11

Kicking off 2025, Navy Veteran Vann Morris sits with Dr. Ron Hirschberg and talks about his journey from young sailor, to Lieutenant Commander, and a man on a mission to heal America through his patriotism and infectious personality. Vann is a teacher, preacher, and leader. Retired after 30 years, his last 3 tours were at the Pentagon, the 82nd Air…

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Home Base Holiday Replay: Operation Christmas Drop! 23:57

9M ago23:57

23:57

This week three years ago, we told the story of “Operation Christmas Drop” after discovering the oldest ongoing Department of Defense mission - the world’s longest running humanitarian airdrop - to deliver critical supplies to remote islands in the Pacific. On 12/14/24, Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Airforce Base in Guam was another success,…

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Brain Health Summit 2024 Conversations – Marine Veteran and Chief Programs Officer of Navy SEAL Foundation Alison Messick, Command Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) Greg Smith 20:46

10M ago20:46

20:46

Home Base Brain Health Summit 2024 Conversations: Marine Veteran and Chief Programs Officer of Navy SEAL Foundation Alison Messick, and Command Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) Greg Smith. On September 11th 2024, Home Base held its first Brain Health Summit. Spearheaded by Home Base Senior Directors Dr. Sofia Matta and Retired Navy Captain Dr. Joe Bonvi…

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Speaking The Same Languages - With Marine Veteran Jaime Fernandez 29:57

10M ago29:57

29:57

Marine Veteran and Home Base Florida colleague Jaime Fernandez came up to Boston this month to help bring to fruition the first Spanish speaking veteran two-week Intensive Clinical Program. Born in Nicaragua, Jaime moved to Miami at age 6, and after high school joined the Marines in 2001. After 3 tours in Iraq and back home, he would pursue degree …

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“Oh By The Way” – With Navy Veterans and Pilots Chrystal Campbell and Mike Campbell, Former President of the Blue Angels Foundation 40:00

11M ago40:00

40:00

Happy Veterans Day! Chrystal and Mike Campbell are two Navy veterans who grew up with service on their minds, became pilots, and met while sharing the same hanger in Pensacola, FL. Mike was a Naval flight officer after graduating Wesleyan in 1981 and selected as a Blue Angel in 1987. In 1980, Chrystal was one of the first 55 women to graduate from …

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A Conversation with Bruce Grobbelaar - Rhodesian Army Veteran and Legendary Liverpool Football Club Goalkeeper 38:03

11M ago38:03

38:03

It’s fitting that the melodic lyric connecting Liverpool Football Club fans is "You’ll Never Walk Alone," when chatting with Football Veteran (and Army Veteran) Goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who joined the Rhodesian Army in 1975, speaking about bonded brotherhood during bloody conflict – While in an ambush, Bruce yelled to a buddy, “When we get out …

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Home Base Nation is Back! / In The News / All-Star Forum Honoring Women Service Members and Veterans 20:23

12M ago20:23

20:23

Home Base Nation is Back with its 8th Season and 110th Episode of the show. In this episode Dr. Ron Hirschberg reviews some of the news and updates from Home Base since summer, highlighting the All-Star Forum Honoring Women Service Members and Veterans on 7-26-24 at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway just prior to the 15th Annual Run To Home Base. This p…

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Learning to Juggle, Learning to Lead - With Air Force Veteran and Harvard Professor of Emergency Medicine Dr. Ali Raja 55:26

1y ago55:26

55:26

In Season 7's final episode, Dr. Ron Hirschberg sits with Dr. Ali Raja, MGH's Executive Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine, in his office in the heart of the Bulfinch Building at Massachusetts General Hospital, est. 1811... 159 years prior to establishing Emergency Medicine training programs in 1970. Dr. Raja's life and work are discussed, from growi…

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Listening Back to the Women of Home Base Nation and Looking Ahead to the 2024 Run To Home Base 17:18

1y ago17:18

17:18

Let’s rewind 5 years-back on conversations that stick with us at Home Base, with amazing women who leave a mark on service, sacrifice and leadership, and teach us how recovery and resilience become a reality. (With - 77th USS Constitution Commander Billie J. Farrell / Air Force Veteran and TAPS Founder Bonnie Carroll / Army Veteran, Author and Canc…

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Healing Invisible Wounds With The Common Language of Music - Featuring Ukrainian Hospital Medical Director and Pianist Dr. Bohdan 7:26

1+ y ago7:26

7:26

In May 2024, Dr. Jarone Lee from Mass General Hospital Center for Global Health, and Global Response Medicine welcomed a Ukrainian of doctors to Boston for two weeks – to train, collaborate and build comradery for care on the frontlines. One of those physicians, Dr. Bohdan, asked if there was a piano he could play while visiting Boston. It turned o…

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Not Your Average Day Job: With Two-Time Superbowl Champion and Navy Reservist Joe Cardona 42:02

1+ y ago42:02

42:02

There are 56,254 Navy Reserves, with typical civilian jobs in law enforcement, medicine, government, and business. One day-job not commonly on the list: Pro-Football. Enter Joe Cardona, who joined the New England Patriots as the 2nd highest-drafted long snapper in NFL history in 2015, and as a Reservist heads up Maritime Expeditionary Security Squa…

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Marine Veteran Kirstie Ennis honored at National Memorial Day Concert / The Invisible and Visible Wounds in Ukraine - With Yuliia Matvieieva: VP of Medical and Veteran Affairs at Volia Fund 33:16

1+ y ago33:16

33:16

The National Memorial Day Concert features Marine Veteran Kirstie Ennis and others and a conversation with Yuliia Matvieieva, working with Ukrainian Veteran Amputees on mental and physical health - Nearly 60,000 people have lost limbs over the the past two years since the Russian envarion of Ukraine in February 2022, the vast majority being service…

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Crossing Your Own Ocean - With Army Veteran Bryan Fuller and Dr. John Lowry 42:24

1+ y ago42:24

42:24

Bryan Fuller and John Lowry met in kindergarten on the north shore of Massachusetts in 1974. They were living the adventurous life back in elementary school, getting home just before dark – most of the time. After rooming together at UMass-Amherst, John’s path would eventually lead to medicine and Bryan to Army intelligence during the Bosnian War. …

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DEFENSEMEN: With Boston Bruins Alum and 1970 Stanley Cup Winner Rick Smith, and Navy Captain (Ret.) Dr. Joe Bonvie 34:15

1+ y ago34:15

34:15

We had the pleasure to host Kingston, Ontario’s own Boston Bruins Stanley Cup winner Rick Smith at Home Base recently, and sit with our own Senior Director of Clinical Services Navy Capt (Ret.) Dr. Joe Bonvie. Joe and Rick talk about the mental and physical toll on the mind and body that happens in and outside the rink. Rick tells us about his jour…

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On The Road Again: With Navy Veteran, Home Base Marathoner, and Commercial Truck Driver Yuma Haidara 33:23

1+ y ago33:23

33:23

In this episode, Dr. Ron Hirschberg talks with Navy Veteran and 7-time marathoner Yuma Haidara about her journey to the Navy, nursing, and a path to a career in commercial truck driving with Walmart. Yuma sees the road in front of her as an opportunity, and at the same time with just enough adventure. She holds a unique balance of bonding with fell…

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Rhythm And Resilience: With Healing Arts Practitioner/Songwriter Lauren Monroe and Def Leppard Drummer Rick Allen 36:55

1+ y ago36:55

36:55

In this episode, Dr. Ron Hirschberg sits with Lauren Monroe and Rick Allen: Couple, and Cofounders of Raven Drum Foundation, leading events to heal and build resiliency through the arts for 23 years. Prior to experiencing a community drum circle with over 70 veterans and 1st responders hosted by philanthropist Ernie Boch Jr., Lauren takes us to 200…

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Making Herstory: A Conversation with the 1st Woman to Serve as Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution Commander Billie J. Farrell 25:01

1+ y ago25:01

25:01

Commander Billie June (BJ) Farrell grew up in Kentucky and at age 10 something about the Naval Academy just clicked. Seven years later she enrolled at the Academy, and in 2004 was commissioned. Commander Farrell as served as an officer aboard the USS Vella Gulf, USS San Jacinto, and the USS Vicksburg. And on January 21st, 2022 she moved with her hu…

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Therapeutic GOALS – Featuring Ret. Navy SEAL Ryan Croley and Ret. Boston Bruin Frank Simonetti 40:52

2y ago40:52

40:52

Retired Navy SEAL Capt. Ryan Croley founded the Warrior For Life Fund (WFLF) in 2012 after never skating or picking up a hockey stick until his mid-thirties, creating an opportunity for veterans, active duty service members, and families to meet and compete on the ice no matter the skill level, ability…or disability. Frank Simonetti played for the …

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More Than an Unbelievable 29-year Undefeated Track Streak – Featuring Marine Veteran and Teacher Hal Croft, with Brigadier General (Ret.) Jack Hammond and Producer Brandon Millett 38:59

2y ago38:59

38:59

On the show today, Marine Veteran, teacher in the classroom and on the track – Hal Croft, including two of his former Reading, MA High School students – Film Producer Brandon Millett, and Home Base's Executive Director Brigadier General Jack Hammond. Host Ron Hirschberg sits with Hal, Brandon and Jack to talk teaching, building bonds on and off the…

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"This is How I Serve" - With Wounded Warrior Project's Jennifer Jenkins 32:17

2y ago32:17

32:17

Thank you Jennifer Jenkins for How You Serve, and a very happy Thanksgiving to the Jenkins family! Wounded Warrior Project's Jennifer Jenkins is the spouse of a Navy Veteran, the sister of an Army Veteran and the mom of a Marine. She is an award-winning author and has helped build a community of support for military families and veterans for more t…

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Two Hats and Camo-Scrubs: A Conversation with US Navy Combat Veteran and Current President of the American Medical Association, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld 19:36

2y ago19:36

19:36

US Navy Combat Veteran Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld has worn two hats, both literally and figuratively whether donning his surgical cap in the OR, or his camouflage cap down range, and they seem to blend together when you talk with him about humanity, what the right thing to do is when it comes to stigma, equity in healthcare and equality for all, no matter…

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"Embrace your story and don't be afraid to let it go!" - Actor, Advocate and Military Family Member Mariel Hemingway 29:02

2y ago29:02

29:02

Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Mariel Hemingway is known for her iconic roles in Lipstick, Manhattan, and Star 80. But did you know she created a Mental Health Foundation, and that she is from a military family? Her dad enlisted in WWII just after Pearl Harbor, was in the OSS which would become the CIA. Her grandfather, the great American w…

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Honoring Native American Veterans on Indigenous Peoples' Day - A Visit to Home Base From Admiral Michael Weahkee and Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald 18:05

2y ago18:05

18:05

On October 9th, 2023 we reflect on the contributions of Indigenous peoples in the US, and what is more of a profound contribution than dedication to and protection of our country? In Post 9/11 times, about 1 in 5 Native Americans have joined the armed forces, and we recognize and salute the service and resilience that runs deep and strong throughou…

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“Speak Openly and Speak Out!” – A Conversation with The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy 35:21

2y ago35:21

35:21

On the show today, The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, the 78th Secretary of the Navy. Dr. Ron Hirschberg and Home Base COO Michael Allard visit the Pentagon and have the opportunity to sit with SECNAV and staff and discuss how great leaders need to know what their troops are going through, they need to be empathic and above all - know that mental healt…

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"What Are You Doing When You Come Home?" - With NPR News Correspondent on Veterans Quil Lawrence 42:47

2y ago42:47

42:47

On this week’s Home Base Nation, host Dr. Ron Hirschberg interviews the interviewer at NPR Studios in New York City, with the award-winning correspondent and author, Quil Lawrence. Quil has been walking the walk with correspondence on war, government, culture and more for more than 25 years, down range during OIF and OEF, and NPR's Bureau Chief in …

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Serving Service with a Smile: Part II - With Cartoonist and Writer Garry Trudeau 38:00

2y ago38:00

38:00

In Part II of this conversation, Ron and Garry talk about gaining the trust from military leadership during wartime, with the opportunity to visit Kuwait during the Gulf War after getting the call directly from the battlefield, and how just like visiting Walter Reed, these are chances to Get it Right in order to follow him or her from servicemember…

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Serving Service with a Smile: Part I - With Cartoonist and Writer Garry Trudeau 31:39

2y ago31:39

31:39

In Part I of this conversation, Dr. Ron Hirschberg talks with the Pulitzer Prize and Emmy winner, and Army’s Commander’s Award for Public Service honoree Garry Trudeau. Garry talks about learning that characters need to "known who they are" from his days working with MASH's Robert Altman, and tells us that not only did his dad and grandfather both …

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Unbroken Code, Unbroken Love (For Country) - With WWII Marine Veteran and Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald, Sr. 44:00

2y ago44:00

44:00

Today is August 14th - And US Navajo Code Talker Day. Many do not know about the Code Talkers and what they did for our nation - and the world - starting in 1942. On the show today, we are thrilled and honored to share a live conversation that took place on July 23rd 2023 at the Home Base Center of Excellence in Charlestown Navy Yard, with WWII Mar…

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Leading Starts With Listening - Featuring MA Secretary of Veterans Services Jon Santiago 44:00

2+ y ago44:00

44:00

Secretary Jon Santiago has had more than a few roles that have brought him to listen and lead in Veterans Services for Massachusetts along side Govenor Healey: A Multilingual Peace Corps Alum, Public Health Grad, Emergency Room Physician, Major in US Army Reserves, and Mass State Representative. And along with wife Alexandra, his proudest role to d…

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Mending Invisible Wounds...With Music - Featuring Directors of "Music Vets" Jon Kaufman and El Sawyer 47:18

2+ y ago47:18

47:18

Today’s episode features a conversation with co-directors of the film Music Vets, Jon Kaufman and El Sawyer who discuss their new documentary that shows us how trauma and challenges brought out by war are healed with music. Music Vets highlights the experience of three US Veterans as they process emotions, build coping skills and resilience while c…

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Mission Pickleball: A Grateful Nation Raise Their Paddles To Play The Veteran-Created Game 8:09

2+ y ago8:09

8:09

We knew it was a matter of time before Pickleball would come for a visit... and stay at Home Base. Mission Pickleball tells the story of the first pickleball tournament and fundraiser for Home Base on March 31st, 2023, partnering with our friends at the Naples Pickleball Center, in Naples, Florida. It is fitting that 3 WWII veterans created this in…

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Two Weeks and Onward - A Conversation with Home Base Intensive Clinical Program Director Laura Harward, MSW, LICSW 26:05

2+ y ago26:05

26:05

Laura Harward, MSW, LICSW has been the director of the Intensive Clinical Program (ICP) - Home Base's signature program for the past 4 years. In 2015 while working in research at Mass General Hospital, she saw the need for veteran and military family care, and so Home Base was lucky to bring her on board. Laura always has a pulse on the Home Base p…

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Home Base’s Dr. Rachel Millstein and Staff Pick: Army Veteran and Comedian Thom Tran 1:12:23

2+ y ago1:12:23

1:12:23

Today on Home Base Nation, we'll first hear from Dr. Rachel Millstein who works at Home Base and the Benson-Henry Institute (BHI) for Mind Body Medicine at MGH on what meditation is, why we do it, and how people can elicit the "Relaxation Response." Resilient Warrior was adapted from the great work at the BHI and is now delivered to not only vetera…

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Home Base's Family Outreach Coordinator Betsy Hart and Staff Pick: The Service of Sesame Street – Featuring Rocio Galarza 35:37

2+ y ago35:37

35:37

Our Home Base Staff Pick this week is "The Service of Sesame Street – Featuring Rocio Galarza." You’ll first hear from Home Base's Family Outreach Coordinator, military spouse and military daughter Betsy Hart. Betsy was in this original episode in April 2021, and talked about the time when her kids were really little, how Sesame Workshop for Milita…

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Home Base's Marine Veteran Ryan Casavant and his Staff Pick: Dancehall and Deployments - With Marine Veteran Shaggy 35:49

2+ y ago35:49

35:49

For our 1st Home Base Staff Pick, Our very own Team Leader of Veteran Outreach Marine Veteran Ryan Casavant gives some love to fellow Marine Veteran and … Dancehall and Reggae artist Orville Burrell, AKA Shaggy. Ryan talks about his road to the Marines, his deployment experience, and what he does at Home Base to support his peers and families. And …

Home Base Program For Veterans And Families Podcasts