What was it like to serve in combat during the Vietnam War—and find your way forward after returning home?

On the Elven Star Podcast, host Kevin Ferry speaks with Jerry Augustine, a Vietnam combat veteran who served as an M60 machine gunner with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade.

Jerry shares firsthand experiences of jungle combat, dangerous missions, the effects of Agent Orange, and the lasting emotional challenges of returning home with PTSD.

His story also reveals a remarkable journey of resilience. Through bodybuilding, competitive running, rowing, writing, and helping fellow veterans, Jerry found renewed purpose and continued challenging himself well into his 80s.

He also describes returning to Vietnam decades later and sharing his experiences through books and public presentations.

This is a powerful conversation about military service, the human cost of war, perseverance, and discovering purpose beyond adversity.

🎙️ Elven Star Podcast — Authentic People. Cool Conversations. Unexpected Ideas.

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0:00 Introduction to Jerry Augustine

1:08 Empire State Building Run-Up

3:37 Bodybuilding Roots and Combat Duty

5:24 Draft, Induction, and Basic Training

8:25 Winning Colonel's Orderly and Arriving in Vietnam

11:01 Combat Operations and Injuries

13:13 Bulking Up on Milk at Fort Drum

15:14 Near-Death Encounters and Surviving Point Duty

17:35 Personal Struggles and Coping in Combat

20:07 Returning Home and Winning Mr. New England

22:44 Father's Influence and Family History

25:21 Finding Healing Through Running

29:01 Revisiting Vietnam Decades Later

33:24 Writing His Life Story

36:04 Kayaking and World Championship Rowing

38:27 Issues with M16 Rifles and Agent Orange Exposure

42:09 Returning Soldiers' Reception and Community Service

44:48 Current Life and Closing Remarks

#VietnamWar #VietnamVeteran #ElvenStarPodcast

What was it like when women were just beginning to break into Connecticut’s legal profession?On the Elven Star Podcast, Kevin Ferry speaks with retired Connecticut Superior Court Judge A. Susan Peck, who spent 26 years on the bench following 18 years in private practice. Judge Peck has devoted decades to preserving the history of women in Connecticut law through an oral-history project that has recorded the stories of women lawyers and judges.They explore how women entered the profession, the pioneers who opened doors, the dramatic changes in law schools and the judiciary, and the challenges that still remain. Judge Peck also shares lessons from 50 years in the law—including why passion, hard work, and an openness to experience matter.From the early pioneers to today's legal profession, this is a fascinating look at Connecticut women in law and the history behind their progress.🎙️ Watch the full conversation and subscribe to Elven Star Podcast on YouTube.

0:00 Introduction of Judge Susan Peck1:39 Preserving the History of Women in Law7:55 Reflections on a 50-Year Legal Career10:04 The Evolution of Women in the Connecticut Legal Profession17:00 Progress & Persistent Challenges for Women21:11 Advice for Aspiring Lawyers & Becoming a Judge26:10 The Importance of the Jury System34:09 Final Reflections & Legal Resources

What can a prehistoric mammoth site reveal about the Ice Age—and about the world we live in today?

Kevin Ferry sits down with Dr. Christopher Jass, curator of Quaternary Paleontology at the Royal Alberta Museum, for a fascinating journey into the world of mammoths and Ice Age science.

At The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, at least 60 mammoths were trapped in a natural sinkhole. What makes the site extraordinary is that many of the bones remain in situ—right where they were found—allowing researchers and visitors to experience a prehistoric world in a remarkably direct way.

Dr. Jass explains how new dating techniques have dramatically changed our understanding of the site, pushing its age from an earlier estimate of 26,000 years to roughly 160,000–232,000 years old. The conversation explores Colombian mammoths, their behavior, diet, predators, fossil preservation, human history, DNA, and even the possibility of bringing mammoths back from extinction.

It’s a fascinating look at what fossils can teach us about the past—and what the Ice Age may still have to teach us about the future.

Meet Sandy Ervin, musician, educator, photographer, entrepreneur, and founder of Crescendo Music Loft in Madison, Connecticut. In this inspiring conversation, Sandy shares her journey of following her bliss and helping people of all ages discover their voice through music.From singing at Carnegie Hall to building a thriving music school, Sandy explains why learning music is about more than mastering an instrument. It’s about finding your message, building confidence, collaborating with others, making mistakes, and having fun.Kevin Ferry and Sandy discuss music education, creativity, music theory, singing, piano, guitar, artistic expression, photography, discipline, community, and the importance of rediscovering the things that brought us joy as children.If you love music, creativity, personal growth, and inspiring stories, this episode of The Elven Star Podcast is for you.

In this fascinating episode of the Elven Star Podcast, host Kevin Ferry sits down with Charles "Chuck" Tatelbaum—a nationally recognized bankruptcy attorney, U.S. Army veteran, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade clown—whose extraordinary life proves that success extends far beyond the courtroom.

Chuck shares his journey from growing up in Baltimore, serving as a U.S. Army tank commander during the Vietnam era, and building a distinguished legal career representing major corporations in complex bankruptcy matters across the United States and internationally.

Chuck explains how military service shaped his leadership, communication, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds—qualities that became invaluable throughout his six decades in the legal profession. He discusses the importance of loving the practice of law, embracing lifelong learning, teaching future attorneys, and pursuing unique opportunities that took him to Croatia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Japan to help develop business and bankruptcy systems.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Chuck reveals his second passion: becoming a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade clown. After years representing Macy's as an attorney, he fulfilled a childhood dream by attending Big Apple Circus Clown University and earning a place in the world-famous parade. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about clown training, performing in elaborate costumes, entertaining millions of spectators, and discovering that bringing joy to others has become one of life's greatest rewards.

Kevin and Chuck also explore how clowning has enhanced Chuck's communication skills, strengthened his ability to read people, reduced tension during difficult legal negotiations, and inspired clients and colleagues to embrace their own passions. Chuck even explains how a simple clown nose can break the tension during mediations and encourage more productive conversations.

Throughout the episode, Chuck offers valuable advice for aspiring lawyers, emphasizing preparation, curiosity, continuous learning, authenticity, and finding fulfillment beyond one's profession. This inspiring conversation blends law, leadership, military service, international experience, performance, and community, showing that a meaningful life is built through purpose, service, and the courage to pursue unexpected dreams.

0:00 Introduction to Charles “Chuck” Tatelbaum

0:51 Military Service & Driving a Tank

4:15 Six Decades of Law Practice

6:15 Staying Sane & Discovering Clowning

10:41 Learning at Clown University

12:50 Parade Costumes & Characters

15:40 Integrating Clowning with Law Practice

22:18 The World of Business Bankruptcy

23:29 Journey to the Macy's Parade Documentary

26:26 Advice for Future Lawyers & the Power of a Smile

In this fascinating episode of the Elven Star Podcast, host Kevin Ferry sits down with Charles "Chuck" Tatelbaum—a nationally recognized bankruptcy attorney, U.S. Army veteran, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade clown—whose extraordinary life proves that success extends far beyond the courtroom.

Chuck shares his journey from growing up in Baltimore, serving as a U.S. Army tank commander during the Vietnam era, and building a distinguished legal career representing major corporations in complex bankruptcy matters across the United States and internationally.

Chuck explains how military service shaped his leadership, communication, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds—qualities that became invaluable throughout his six decades in the legal profession. He discusses the importance of loving the practice of law, embracing lifelong learning, teaching future attorneys, and pursuing unique opportunities that took him to Croatia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Japan to help develop business and bankruptcy systems.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Chuck reveals his second passion: becoming a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade clown. After years representing Macy's as an attorney, he fulfilled a childhood dream by attending Big Apple Circus Clown University and earning a place in the world-famous parade. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about clown training, performing in elaborate costumes, entertaining millions of spectators, and discovering that bringing joy to others has become one of life's greatest rewards.

Kevin and Chuck also explore how clowning has enhanced Chuck's communication skills, strengthened his ability to read people, reduced tension during difficult legal negotiations, and inspired clients and colleagues to embrace their own passions. Chuck even explains how a simple clown nose can break the tension during mediations and encourage more productive conversations.

Throughout the episode, Chuck offers valuable advice for aspiring lawyers, emphasizing preparation, curiosity, continuous learning, authenticity, and finding fulfillment beyond one's profession. This inspiring conversation blends law, leadership, military service, international experience, performance, and community, showing that a meaningful life is built through purpose, service, and the courage to pursue unexpected dreams.

0:00 Introduction to Charles “Chuck” Tatelbaum

0:51 Military Service & Driving a Tank

4:15 Six Decades of Law Practice

6:15 Staying Sane & Discovering Clowning

10:41 Learning at Clown University

12:50 Parade Costumes & Characters

15:40 Integrating Clowning with Law Practice

22:18 The World of Business Bankruptcy

23:29 Journey to the Macy's Parade Documentary

26:26 Advice for Future Lawyers & the Power of a Smile

▶Watch more videos here:

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@ElvenStarPodcast/videos

▶Visit our website:

🔗 https://elvenstarpodcast.com/

▶Check us out on Instagram:

🔗 ⁠https://www.instagram.com/elvenstarpodcast

In this fascinating episode of the Elven Star Podcast, host Kevin Ferry sits down with Charles "Chuck" Tatelbaum—a nationally recognized bankruptcy attorney, U.S. Army veteran, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade clown—whose extraordinary life proves that success extends far beyond the courtroom.

Chuck shares his journey from growing up in Baltimore, serving as a U.S. Army tank commander during the Vietnam era, and building a distinguished legal career representing major corporations in complex bankruptcy matters across the United States and internationally.

Chuck explains how military service shaped his leadership, communication, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds—qualities that became invaluable throughout his six decades in the legal profession. He discusses the importance of loving the practice of law, embracing lifelong learning, teaching future attorneys, and pursuing unique opportunities that took him to Croatia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Japan to help develop business and bankruptcy systems.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Chuck reveals his second passion: becoming a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade clown. After years representing Macy's as an attorney, he fulfilled a childhood dream by attending Big Apple Circus Clown University and earning a place in the world-famous parade. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about clown training, performing in elaborate costumes, entertaining millions of spectators, and discovering that bringing joy to others has become one of life's greatest rewards.

Kevin and Chuck also explore how clowning has enhanced Chuck's communication skills, strengthened his ability to read people, reduced tension during difficult legal negotiations, and inspired clients and colleagues to embrace their own passions. Chuck even explains how a simple clown nose can break the tension during mediations and encourage more productive conversations.

Throughout the episode, Chuck offers valuable advice for aspiring lawyers, emphasizing preparation, curiosity, continuous learning, authenticity, and finding fulfillment beyond one's profession. This inspiring conversation blends law, leadership, military service, international experience, performance, and community, showing that a meaningful life is built through purpose, service, and the courage to pursue unexpected dreams.

0:00 Introduction to Charles “Chuck” Tatelbaum

0:51 Military Service & Driving a Tank

4:15 Six Decades of Law Practice

6:15 Staying Sane & Discovering Clowning

10:41 Learning at Clown University

12:50 Parade Costumes & Characters

15:40 Integrating Clowning with Law Practice

22:18 The World of Business Bankruptcy

23:29 Journey to the Macy's Parade Documentary

26:26 Advice for Future Lawyers & the Power of a Smile

▶Watch more videos here:

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@ElvenStarPodcast/videos

▶Visit our website:

🔗 https://elvenstarpodcast.com/

▶Check us out on Instagram:

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/elvenstarpodcast

On this episode of the Elven Star Podcast, host William Gordon turns the microphone toward Kevin Ferry to explore his journey as a podcast host, attorney, and business owner.Kevin explains that the podcast was created to bring people back to authentic conversations, community, and connection. Rather than focusing on fame or followers, his goal is to give everyday people a platform to share their stories and remind listeners that everyone has something valuable to teach. He believes that when people connect with one another, fear fades and communities become stronger.With guests ranging from professionals to people overcoming incredible challenges, Kevin says curiosity drives every interview. The stories of resilience, compassion, and personal transformation continue to inspire him. He believes life is about learning, growing, and helping each other become better versions of ourselves.Kevin also shares the meaning behind the Elven Star name, which came from his interest in sacred geometry and the seven-pointed star. He describes sacred geometry as a way to understand the patterns of the universe and expand awareness. His travels to Peru, Egypt, and other ancient locations have reinforced his belief that humanity is capable of extraordinary things and that life is a journey of rediscovering who we truly are.A major theme of the conversation is staying curious and youthful throughout life. Kevin believes aging is largely a mindset and that people should continue exploring their passions, learning, and challenging themselves at every stage.When discussing podcasting, Kevin says the biggest lesson has been becoming a better listener. His years as a trial attorney taught him the importance of paying attention, asking meaningful questions, and being fully present. He believes the best conversations happen when people feel heard.Kevin’s vision for the podcast is to create a place where many different perspectives can come together. Inspired by the idea of having “no lane,” he wants every episode to explore new people, ideas, and experiences without limitations.The conversation also explores Kevin’s legal career. He explains that law should serve as a guide, but people’s actions should ultimately come from their own moral compass. His passion for protecting others began as a child standing up to bullies and evolved into defending constitutional rights and representing people harmed by powerful corporations and insurance companies.Kevin believes great lawyers must be prepared, compassionate, and focused on their clients’ best interests. He encourages young lawyers to become well-rounded individuals, pursue their interests, and develop experiences outside of the legal world.Beyond the courtroom, Kevin credits practices such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, breath-work, and mindfulness for helping him remain calm under pressure. He believes success comes from staying open to learning, surrounding yourself with good people, and leading with integrity.Looking ahead, Kevin hopes to continue building a community centered on compassion, creativity, and connection. Whether through law or the Elven Star Podcast, his mission remains the same: help people understand themselves, support one another, and create a better world.0:00 Introduction & Twist0:35 Inspiration Behind the Podcast3:56 Selecting Guests & Fostering Growth7:58 Sacred Geometry & The Elven Star Name10:09 Spiritual Travels & Human Consciousness14:19 Podcasting Vision & Challenges21:50 Law, the Constitution, & Your Rights24:04 Misconceptions of Personal Injury Law26:09 Why I Became an Attorney29:46 Advice for Aspiring Attorneys & Business Owners40:56 Leadership & Being a Boss44:00 Practices for Mindset & Success49:09 Bhakti Yoga & Snowboarding51:18 Dream Careers & Bucket List56:18 Expressing Yourself Through Style▶Watch more videos here: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@ElvenStarPodcast/videos