Best Larry Zilliox Podcasts (2025)

1
Rebuilding Purpose: How Veterans Grow America Through Entrepreneurship 28:20

Play Pause

2d ago28:20

28:20

The transition from military service to civilian life represents one of the most challenging journeys many veterans face. For Donnell Johns, founder of Veterans Growing America, this transition sparked an innovative mission to transform how America supports its veteran entrepreneurs. After 26 years of distinguished Army service spanning Desert Stor…

1
Pioneering the Skies: The Story of One of the First Air Force Female Flight Engineers 27:20

14d ago27:20

27:20

The sky was never meant to be a boundary—especially for those determined enough to break through it. Chef Larry welcomes longtime friend Lois Hobby, whose remarkable 33-year military career broke barriers as one of the first two USAF active-duty female flight engineers on the C-141 Starlifter transport aircraft. When a sergeant flatly told her, "Wo…

1
American Warrior Association: Faith, Camaraderie, and Healing for Veterans 27:29

16d ago27:29

27:29

What happens when veterans and first responders lose their tribe? Master Sergeant Chet Olesky knows firsthand the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life after his 20-year Air Force career working on some of America's most sophisticated aircraft. Now, as a guide with the American Warrior Association (AWA), he's helping ot…

1
Super Cells: How CAR-T Therapy Changed One Veteran's Cancer Battle 30:33

28d ago30:33

30:33

When Navy Captain Jeffrey Sapp began feeling unusually fatigued while working in Saudi Arabia, he initially brushed it off. This decision nearly cost him his life. Medevaced to Georgetown University Hospital, he received devastating news—he had primary plasma cell leukemia, a rare and aggressive blood cancer with a typical survival rate of just 7-1…

1
Accidental Entrepreneur: When Plan A Becomes Plan Me 28:34

1M ago28:34

28:34

What happens when a decorated Army lieutenant colonel with 20 years of service faces an unexpected divorce just as she's transitioning to civilian life? For Olivia Nunn, it meant becoming what she calls an "accidental entrepreneur." Despite having what she considered "the master playbook" for military transition from her work with the Army's Soldie…

1
The Cold War: America's Forgotten Conflict 30:31

1M ago30:31

30:31

Hidden in the rolling countryside of Northern Virginia lies a remarkable time capsule preserving one of America's most consequential—yet understudied—chapters of history. The Cold War Museum at Vint Hill stands as a guardian of memories that textbooks have largely forgotten. Founded by Gary Powers Jr., whose father became an unwitting Cold War icon…

1
The Silent Battle Within 55:59

2M ago55:59

55:59

What happens when the system fails those who've sacrificed everything to protect it? Frank Larkin, former Navy SEAL and CEO of Troops First Foundation, takes us on a heart-wrenching journey through military service, devastating loss, and his mission to transform veteran care. After serving eight years in the Navy SEALs and decades in law enforcemen…

1
The Marine Corps Legacy: Inside One of America's Premier Military Museums 27:21

2M ago27:21

27:21

Step into the living legacy of the United States Marine Corps through the eyes of Colonel Gentry, Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. What began as two modest facilities has transformed into an architectural marvel purposefully designed to evoke the iconic Iwo Jima flag raising - from its angled mast mirroring the famous flagpole t…

1
The Hunt for Revolutionary Treasures: A Museum Curator's Tale 32:18

2M ago32:18

32:18

Paul Morando, Chief Curator at the National Museum of the United States Army, unveils the fascinating story behind the museum's newest exhibition, "Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War." This meticulously crafted exhibit represents a remarkable four-year journey, bringing together nearly 180 Revolutionary War artifacts from 35 differ…

1
Dustoff: The Lifesaving Legacy of Col. Douglas Moore's 1,874 Vietnam Combat Missions 30:39

3M ago30:39

30:39

The heroism of Vietnam War helicopter pilots rarely receives the spotlight it deserves, but Colonel Douglas Moore's story stands as a testament to extraordinary courage under fire. With over 1,874 combat missions flown and 2,782 wounded soldiers evacuated during his two tours in Vietnam, Moore's experiences reveal the life-and-death stakes faced by…

1
History's Guardians: How Archaeology Is Rebuilding Veterans' Careers 34:37

3M ago34:37

34:37

Archaeology might conjure images of dusty excavations and Indiana Jones adventures, but for veterans seeking meaningful employment transitions, it's becoming an unexpected bridge to civilian careers. In this eye-opening conversation, host Chef Larry welcomes Caroline and Gabi from the Veterans Curation Program in Alexandria, Virginia, revealing a g…

1
Horsepower with Heart: When Corvette Enthusiasts Rally for Veterans 28:31

3M ago28:31

28:31

When American muscle meets military gratitude, something special happens. The sixth annual Vets for Willing Warriors Corvette Show returns to the breathtaking 37-acre Warrior Retreat at Bull Run on July 19th, creating a unique convergence of automotive passion and veteran support. Picture this: rows of gleaming Corvettes spanning seven decades of A…

1
The 40-Cent Solution: How Simple Dog Tags Are Saving Veterans' Lives 24:21

3M ago24:21

24:21

What if saving a veteran's life could be as simple as a 40-cent dog tag? That's exactly what Ben Guinan and Robert Adamczyk from Dog Tags 4 Life are doing with their groundbreaking suicide prevention initiative. The program began after a sobering moment during a national veterans' organization meeting when one member had to abruptly leave because a…

1
The Ben Ward Story: Creating a Legacy of Service at the Warrior Retreat 25:39

3M ago25:39

25:39

Meet Ben Ward, a remarkable young man who began his philanthropic journey at just 10 years old when he donated his birthday money to support Wounded Warriors at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. What started as a modest $60 contribution has grown into more than $12,000 in donations over nine years through creative fundraising efforts, including bake…

1
Building a Home for Heroes: The Puller Veterans Care Center Coming Soon 29:17

4M ago29:17

29:17

Northern Virginia's veteran community has been eagerly watching the construction of the Puller Veterans Care Center, and now we're getting closer to its highly anticipated opening. Mary Tietjen, the center's Director of Admissions, will join us to explain precisely what makes this facility so special and what veterans and their families can expect.…

1
When Your Classroom Follows You Around The World 26:03

4M ago26:03

26:03

What if your child's education could follow your military family around the world? For service members facing 7-15 relocations during a career, finding educational stability for their children often feels impossible. Each PCS move brings the stress of uprooting kids from schools, disrupting friendships, and navigating new academic systems – sometim…

1
From Marine to Mentor: Ryan Woodruff's Journey at Clear Path for Veterans 38:09

4M ago38:09

38:09

When Marine veteran Ryan Woodruff returned from two combat deployments to Iraq, he found himself adrift in civilian life. "It was even difficult just to strike up casual conversation," he reveals, describing the profound disconnect many veterans experience after service. Today, as CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, he's transforming lives through prog…

1
Rescued Horses, Rescued Heroes: A Transformative Connection 28:03

4M ago28:03

28:03

A profound connection exists between traumatized warriors and rescued horses. Both have experienced hardship, both carry invisible scars, and both possess remarkable resilience. This powerful relationship forms the foundation of the life-changing work happening at Lifeline Horse Rescue in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Executive Director Leila Hertzberg b…

1
Semper Fi & America's Fund Transforms Lives 33:54

5M ago33:54

33:54

What happens when a Marine survives what should have been unsurvivable? Tony Porta's story begins with a catastrophic IED blast in Iraq that claimed the lives of his fellow Marines and left him with burns over his entire body. From that moment in 2007, his journey through 143 surgeries and six years of hospital care reveals both the brutal reality …

1
Behind the Scenes: Upcoming Events at the Warrior Retreat 36:42

5M ago36:42

36:42

The transformative power of community support takes center stage in this revealing conversation with your host and Diane Lunsford, the Warrior Retreat Events Coordinator. As the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary of opening its doors to wounded warriors, it shares the profound impact its work has had on over 2,700 service members and thei…

1
Championing Veteran Health: Dr. Matthew Reinhard on Interdisciplinary Approaches to Military Exposure Research 27:47

5M ago27:47

27:47

Ever wondered how military service shapes a career in healthcare? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Matthew Reinhard, a leading figure in neuropsychology and the Director of the Complex Exposure Threat Center of Excellence at the VA in Washington, DC. Discover the personal journey that led him to champion veterans' health, inspired by…

1
Military Kids Matter: The Blog Giving Voice to Children of Wounded Warriors 23:11

5M ago23:11

23:11

What happens when the children of wounded warriors grow up and decide to create the support system they wish they'd had? Meet Sinaiyah (16) and Azara (14) Emami, two remarkable sisters who are changing the landscape for military children navigating the complexities of life with a wounded parent. When the Emami sisters first visited the Warrior Retr…

1
From Military Paychecks to Civilian Budgets: Creating Your Financial Battle Plan 27:42

6M ago27:42

27:42

Financial transitions can be just as challenging as emotional ones for our military service members. Veterans who once had legal, financial, and human resources support readily accessible suddenly face navigating these complex systems alone—often at significant out-of-pocket expense. The Warrior Retreat at Bull Run's innovative Financial Literacy P…

1
Defending Our Hidden Heroes: Colonel Schaffer's Mission to Protect Military Children 30:43

6M ago30:43

30:43

Colonel Adrienne L. Schaffer Esq., a retired Army JAG officer with over 33 years of service, reveals the often-overlooked struggles of military children and the powerful work of the Military Children's Six Foundation. As founder and CEO, she champions a mission of leadership development and advocacy for these "hidden heroes" who sacrifice alongside…

1
Serving Those Who Served: Inside The Warrior Retreat Volunteer Community 32:57

6M ago32:57

32:57

The heart and soul of the Warrior Retreat beats through its remarkable volunteer community. With only one full-time executive director and six part-time staff members, this extraordinary sanctuary for wounded veterans thrives thanks to the dedication of over 1,300 volunteers who contributed their time and talents last year alone. Volunteer Coordina…

1
SEAL Team 6: Inside Stories with an Original Plank Owner 44:17

6M ago44:17

44:17

A rare conversation with Frank Phillips, one of the original "plank owners" of SEAL Team 6 and Red Cell, takes us behind the curtain of America's elite counter-terrorism unit and reveals startling truths about national security vulnerabilities that later became tragic realities. Frank shares his remarkable journey from being a restless 17-year-old …

1
Empowering Military Families: Overcoming Challenges with Operation Homefront 26:30

7M ago26:30

26:30

What unique challenges do military families face, and how can we support them in times of need? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Vivian Dietrich, the Senior Regional Director for Region 4 of Operation Homefront, who brings 17 years of experience to the table. Gain insight into the critical financial assistance programs aimed at allevia…

1
Supporting Veterans Through Mindfulness and Compassion 23:09

7M ago23:09

23:09

What if the key to healing and thriving after service lies in mindfulness and community? Join us as we welcome Charla and David Truesdale, the dynamic force behind the Warrior Spirit Project, a nonprofit that’s making waves in Texas by transforming the lives of veterans and first responders. Charla's expertise in health education and yoga, combined…

1
Brain Injury Awareness Month: Understanding TBI and Its Impact 40:47

7M ago40:47

40:47

Brain injuries are more common than most of us realize, and this episode sheds light on the critical issue of traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness. Join host Larry Zilliox, along with Donna Meltzer, CEO of Brain Injury Services, and Dr. Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, adjunct faculty in the Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, as they expl…

1
Building Stronger Veteran Communities with GenVets 26:01

7M ago26:01

26:01

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jen Wagman, the visionary president and founder of GenVets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans and easing their transition into civilian life. Inspired by her father, a retired Air Force colonel and judge advocate, Jen made a remarkable shift from her Wall Street career to championing…

1
Empowering Veteran Futures: The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families 25:29

7M ago25:29

25:29

Discover Ray Toenniessen's transformative journey as he takes us from his early days as an ROTC cadet at Syracuse University to his influential role at the Daniello Institute for Veteran and Military Families. Ray shares his insights on how a generous $30 million endowment from alum Dan D’Aniello has revitalized the Institute, turning it into a pow…

1
Advocating for Affordable Military Housing Solutions 19:19

8M ago19:19

19:19

Unlock the challenges facing U.S. military service members in their pursuit of affordable housing with insights from our guest, Alissa Czyz, a Director at the Defense Capabilities and Management Section of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO report titled Military Housing: DOD Should Address Critical Supply and Affordability Challen…

1
Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs: Rachel Miller on Fostering Sustainable Growth at the PenFed Foundation 24:15

8M ago24:15

24:15

Discover the transformative journey of Rachel Miller, program manager for the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program, as she shares her inspiring transition from banking to education to empowering veterans in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Rachel gives us an inside look at the impactful initiatives designed to help veterans develop and sca…

1
Guarding Guam: Phil Massicotte on Military Life and Transitioning to Civilian Adventures 45:13

8M ago45:13

45:13

What does it take to transition from high school to the Air Force and end up guarding nuclear weapons on a tropical island? Join me, Larry Zilliox, as I chat with Phil Massicotte, a retired law enforcement officer and Air Force veteran, who shares his unexpected journey to Guam after enlisting right out of high school. We reminisce about the strang…

1
Resilience in Crisis: Supporting Veterans Through California Wildfires 19:35

8M ago19:35

19:35

Join us as we sit down with Commander Joe Ramirez from the American Legion Post 283 in Pacific Palisades, California, for an eye-opening conversation about the recent wildfire crisis that nearly brought their close-knit veteran community to its knees. With compelling firsthand accounts, Commander Ramirez sheds light on the harrowing experience of e…

1
Driving Independence: Tammy Phipps on Empowering Veterans Through Driver Rehabilitation 41:28

9M ago41:28

41:28

Ever wondered how a retired Army major transformed her passion for helping wounded warriors into a groundbreaking driver rehabilitation program? Meet Tammy Phipps, the driving force behind the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, LLC, where she empowers wounded warriors to regain their independence through vehicle modifications. Her journey …

1
Leading the Way: Commissioner Chuck Zingler on Transforming Veteran Services in Virginia 44:41

9M ago44:41

44:41

Join us as we welcome Chuck Zingler, the dynamic Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veteran Services, who takes us on an extraordinary journey from his early days enlisting in the Navy to the pivotal role he plays today. Inspired by the disciplined footsteps of his Marine father, Chuck's career is a testament to resilience and leadership, h…

1
Navigating New Beginnings: Peter Baker on Military Transition and Finding Community in Civilian Life 25:21

10M ago25:21

25:21

Retired Army Colonel Peter Baker joins us to unravel the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from military service as an officer. Imagine standing at the crossroads of duty and personal freedom, deciding when to leave the structured life of the military behind. Peter candidly shares his journey, emphasizing the emotional weight of retirem…

1
Bridging the Gap: Michelle Lang on Supporting Rural Veterans' Transition to Civilian Life 21:36

10M ago21:36

21:36

What if transitioning out of military life was harder than being deployed? Join us as we explore this provocative question with Michelle Lang, co-founder of Operation Honor: Rural Salute. Michelle shares the poignant story of her husband, Chris, an Army veteran, and their challenging journey from military to civilian life. Despite having a job and …

1
Empowering Homeownership: Jennifer Beeston on Unlocking the Full Potential of VA Loans for Veterans 19:41

10M ago19:41

19:41

Discover how VA loans can be a powerful asset for veterans and active duty service members with insights from the nation's top VA loan officer, Jennifer Beeston. In our conversation, Jennifer unravels the intricacies of VA loans, from eligibility criteria to the standout benefits like zero down payment and exemption from monthly mortgage insurance.…

1
A Legacy of Love: Larry Jackson on Reconnecting Families and Honoring Active-Duty Service Members 17:06

10M ago17:06

17:06

Larry Jackson's journey from a Navy veteran to the co-founder of the Ben Jackson Foundation is both touching and inspiring. In this episode, we're honored to hear from Larry as he shares the heartfelt story of his late son Ben, whose legacy lives on through the foundation. Designed to support young active-duty service members in reconnecting with t…

1
The Healing Canvas: Zach Herrick on Harnessing Art Therapy for Veteran Recovery 24:33

10M ago24:33

24:33

Could art be the key to healing wounds? Join us as we sit down with Zach Herrick, a combat veteran whose story of resilience is both harrowing and inspiring. Inspired by his father's footsteps, Zach joined the Army at 20, seeking a higher purpose. During a deployment to Afghanistan, he endured a life-changing ambush that tested his grit and determi…

1
Healing Through Faith: Eric Brew on Overcoming Personal Battles and Advocating for Veterans 24:59

11M ago24:59

24:59

What happens when a veteran's fight is no longer on the battlefield but within themselves? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Eric Brew from Warriors Set Free, a veteran service organization dedicated to supporting those grappling with PTS, TBI, and alcoholism. Eric candidly shares his transition from serving in the Marine Corps and the…

1
Chef Jeff Fritz on Blending Military Experience with Culinary Entrepreneurship 34:32

11M ago34:32

34:32

What if the skills you honed in the military could transform you into a culinary entrepreneur? Meet Jeff Fritz, a retired Air Force chef whose journey from a SEER instructor to a successful food industry leader offers a masterclass in leveraging military discipline for civilian success. Jeff's story is a remarkable testament to adaptability and res…

1
Holistic Healing: Holly Crocker on Transformative Massage Therapy for Veterans 28:35

11M ago28:35

28:35

Veterans and anyone seeking relief from physical pain, join us for an enlightening discussion with Holly Crocker, the visionary owner of Balanced Arch Massage in Haymarket, VA. Holly's personal transformation from debilitating pain to a skilled massage therapist offers hope and inspiration. Her expertise in Western and Eastern techniques, including…

1
Empowering Veterans: Justin Henderson on Harnessing AI for Seamless Career Transitions 25:46

11M ago25:46

25:46

Can artificial intelligence truly transform a veteran's job search experience? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Justin Henderson, a former Marine now leading the charge at Veteran Hiring Solutions. Justin shares his personal path from the battlefield to the boardroom, highlighting how his company is breaking new ground with AI to ai…

1
Preserving History: Jim Porter on the Freedom Museum's Role in Honoring Local Military Veterans 21:50

12M ago21:50

21:50

Jim Porter, the highly respected president of the Freedom Museum in Manassas, takes us on a journey through time as he shares his remarkable life story. From the moment he was drafted in 1968 to his illustrious 26-year career as a Navy pilot, Jim recounts his experiences with over 900 carrier landings and his service during the Vietnam War. Transit…

1
Honoring Our Fallen: Laura Herzog on Bridging Military Protocols and Family Needs Through Compassionate Support 28:29

12M ago28:29

28:29

Laura Herzog, the founder and CEO of Honoring Our Fallen, joins us to share her incredible journey from a civilian public affairs officer to leading a nonprofit that supports families of deceased military service members. Despite never having served in the military, Laura found herself deeply moved by the overwhelming challenges faced by grieving f…

1
Bringing Fallen Heroes Home: Sean Everette on DPAA's Mission to Recover and Identify Missing American Service Members 33:55

12M ago33:55

33:55

What happens when you combine an unwavering commitment to the warrior ethos with cutting-edge forensic science? Join us as we speak with Sean Everette, the Media Relations Chief for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), who shares his unique insights into the agency's tireless mission of locating and identifying over 81,000 missing American…

1
Warrior Ride 2024: Your Host Introduces You to This Awesome Annual Bike Event 13:08

1y ago13:08

13:08

How do dedicated volunteers, healthcare professionals, and passionate riders come together to create an unforgettable event for our veterans? This episode promises a heartwarming and inspiring journey through the 7th Annual Warrior Ride in Haymarket. Join me, your host Larry Zilliox, as I engage with incredible individuals like Solomon Montgomery, …