On this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with bestselling thriller authors and Navy veterans Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson. Together, they share their incredible journeys from serving in the military to partnering as full-time writers behind major series like Jack Ryan for the Tom Clancy estate, Tier One, Sons of Valor, and Shepherds. Tune in to hear how they met (not in the Navy, but at a writers’ conference!), their approach to co-authoring novels, the ups and downs of transitioning from military service to creative entrepreneurship, and the importance of veteran community and support. Whether you're interested in the writing process, military life, or the power of perseverance, this episode delivers inspiring stories, practical advice for aspiring authors, and a glimpse into the world of publishing and multimedia adaptation. Plus, you’ll find out where veterans and new writers can access free resources—direct from these two industry pros.

*Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #BrianAndrews #JeffWilson #VeteranAuthors #NavyVeterans #MilitaryService #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #ThrillerWriters #VeteranSupport #BookSeries #JackRyan #ClancySeries #TierOneSeries #SonsOfValor #ShepherdSeries #VeteranEntrepreneurs #Storytelling #CareerAuthors #VeteranResources

In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with John Hillen, an Army veteran whose military career took him from patrolling the Iron Curtain on the night the Berlin Wall fell, to leading troops in the largest tank battle since World War II during Desert Storm. John shares stories of his family’s long Army tradition, his firsthand experience of historic events, and the lessons he learned about leadership, strategy, and the power of training.

John and Ed dig into the importance of translating military skills into business and civilian life, with John reflecting on his transition from the Army to becoming a published author, business strategist, and CEO. He talks about advising on video games like Call of Duty, shaping national security policy after 9/11, and teaching leadership and strategy at Duke University.

Whether you’re a veteran looking for the next step or a leader seeking inspiration, John’s journey from the battlefield to the boardroom is packed with actionable advice, memorable stories, and a reminder that veterans bring unique skills wherever they go. Don’t miss special insights on the legacy of Ronald Reagan, the realities of military awards, and how veterans can leverage their experience in any field.

Learn more about John and his new book, "The Strategy Dialogues," at johnhillen.com.

*Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #JohnHillen #VeteranStories #ArmyVeteran #DesertStorm #BronzeStar #MilitaryLeadership #TransitionToBusiness #StrategyDialogues #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranSuccess #LeadershipLessons #BusinessStrategy #DukeUniversity #VeteranSupport #MilitaryHistory #GrandStrategy #CallOfDutyAdvisor #VeteransInBusiness #MilitaryTraining #VeteranAuthor #VeteranMotivation

In this episode of Helping The Brave, hosts Ed Parco and Renzo Martinez welcome Remso Martinez, Army National Guard veteran and agency owner, for an honest conversation about finding purpose both in and out of military service. Remso shares his journey from growing up in a military family to serving in the National Guard, navigating the challenges of balancing civilian ambition with service, and how his military experience shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

Listen as Remso discusses the unique realities faced by Guardsmen and Reservists—from deployment disruptions to workplace reintegration—and how those experiences inspired his passion for helping small businesses thrive. Now based in Las Vegas, Remso opens up about building his own agency, supporting other veterans in business, and choosing freedom and flexibility over the typical career grind.

Whether you’re transitioning out of the military or pursuing your own business, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, candid reflections, and encouragement to take charge of your future.

Connect with Remso: marketerontherun.com

*Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

#HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #ArmyNationalGuard #MilitaryService #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #VeteranCommunity #LasVegasLife #BusinessAdvice #MarketingAgency #FractionalCMO #VeteranSupport #AmericanDream #LifeTransitions #MilitaryToCivilian #CentralValley #NevadaBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #PodcastEpisode #EdParcaut #RemsoMartinez

In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with bestselling novelist and Marine veteran Michael Hopf for a wide-ranging, authentic conversation about life during and after military service.

Michael shares his journey from growing up in Maryland to joining the Marine Corps, experiencing life on deployment, and successfully transitioning into civilian life through commercial diving, executive protection, entrepreneurship, and writing over 40 books. The duo discusses the unique challenges veterans face upon leaving the service—like loss of purpose, camaraderie, and navigating career opportunities outside the military.

They dive deep into the value of hard work, the changing nature of younger generations, the rapid evolution of AI in publishing, and practical steps veterans can take to rediscover identity and structure. Michael also offers insights on founding his publishing companies, leveraging AI for translation and editing, and why mission statements and niching down matter for any business.

Whether you’re a veteran, loved one, or simply someone who cares about personal growth, this episode will inspire, inform, and empower you.

*Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #MichaelHopf #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #WritingCommunity #AIinPublishing #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #WorkEthic #LifeAfterService #Camaraderie #PurposeDriven #PostMilitaryLife #BookPublishing #GenZ #Leadership #SelfPublishing #VeteranSupport #Inspiration

Join host Ed Parcaut on Helping The Brave as he sits down with Vietnam veteran, therapist, and author Connard Hogan. In this candid conversation, Connard shares his journey from being drafted into the Army, becoming an intelligence analyst in Vietnam, to his transition into civilian life and a long career in counseling and therapy. Connard discusses the challenges faced by Vietnam vets, the impact of trauma and PTSD, and the healing process through writing and self-reflection. He also opens up about his memoirs—covering both his early life and his time in Vietnam—and offers insights for anyone looking to process their own experiences.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience found in storytelling and the importance of finding support through life’s most difficult transitions. Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or someone interested in personal growth, there’s something here to inspire and encourage you.

Check out Connard’s books and blog at conardhogan.com.

*Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #ConnardHogan #VietnamVeteran #VietnamWar #VeteransStories #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSD #MemoirWriting #SelfPublishing #TherapyJourney #MilitaryService #VeteranSupport #PersonalGrowth #TraumaHealing #Sociology #AddictionRecovery #LifeAfterService #VeteransCommunity #AuthorLife

In this candid episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Cole Grace, an Army National Guard combat engineer, for a real talk about military service, the challenges of deployment, living with PTSD, and navigating the complex world of VA disability benefits. Cole opens up about his experiences in Iraq as an IED hunter, the dangers he faced, and the aftereffects that followed him home—including medical struggles related to experimental equipment and the nuances of getting the right support from the VA.

Ed and Cole dive deep into what really matters: why it’s so important to reach out to fellow veterans, how small gestures can truly save lives, and practical advice for anyone facing the uphill battle of VA claims and mental health. They share resources, personal strategies, and raw truths, all while reinforcing their central message—don’t wait to tell people how much they mean to you.

Cole also introduces his book, "Internal is Greater Than External: Calming the Chaos Within," which focuses on dealing with PTSD, depression, and building internal resilience.

Whether you’re a veteran, a supporter, or just curious about real-life challenges faced by those who served, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice.

Connect with Cole Grace on Instagram (@cgrace21), YouTube (@cgrace21), and find his book on Amazon.*

*Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com.

#HelpingTheBrave #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #PTSD #CombatVeteran #VeteransBenefits #ArmyNationalGuard #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #VAClaims #DisabilityClaims #MilitaryExperience #ServiceConnected #VeteransCommunity #RouteClearance #Resilience #SupportOurTroops #VeteransStories #EdParcaut #ColeGrace #VeteransResources #AdvocatingForVets #CombatEngineer #VeteransHealth #TransitionToCivilianLife

In this episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Vietnam-era Army veteran and acclaimed author Rick DeStefanis. Rick shares his fascinating journey—from enlisting during the height of the Vietnam War, to his transformative experiences as a paratrooper, and his unexpected path to becoming a prolific writer of military fiction. Together, Ed and Rick dive into the complexities of military service, the lasting impact of PTSD (or PTS, as Rick prefers to call it), and the importance of sharing veterans’ stories, even when it’s difficult.

Rick opens up about why he started documenting the emotional and psychological toll carried by so many who serve, weaving real-life experiences into his novels. They discuss the evolution of the Army, the role of family and community, and the cathartic process of writing as a tool for healing. Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or simply interested in the stories behind those who serve, this episode offers deep insight, hard-won wisdom, and inspiration to help the brave heal and move forward.

Find Rick’s books on Amazon or through his website, and don’t miss Ed’s expert advice for self-publishing authors.

Subscribe and tune in to Helping The Brave for more conversations that honor, inform, and empower those who serve.

**Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #RickDeStefanis #VeteranStories #VietnamWar #MilitaryLife #ArmyVeteran #PTSD #MentalHealthAwareness #WritingJourney #SelfPublishing #MilitaryHistory #Airborne #Paratrooper #HealingThroughWriting #VeteranSupport #WarStories #PostTraumaticGrowth #WritersLife #VeteranAuthors #BookRecommendations #Memoir #VeteransExperience #CombatStories #AmazonBooks #AuthorInterview

In this powerful episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut talks with Army veteran Eric Donoho about the realities of military service, combat injuries, and the journey home. Eric opens up about his deployment to Iraq, his experiences with IEDs and traumatic brain injury, and how those moments shaped his life after service. Together, they delve into the challenges veterans face during transition, the importance of addressing both PTSD and "moral injury," and why it’s crucial to create real support networks for returning servicemembers.

Eric shares his personal story—losing a child just before deployment, pushing through multiple injuries, and navigating the maze of the VA system. He discusses the breakthrough that helped him during his darkest moments and the motivation behind his book, Canyon of Hope. Whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or simply want to better understand and support those who have served, this candid conversation offers honest insights and hope for healing.

Topics discussed:

• Army service, combat and recovery

• PTSD vs. moral injury: What’s the difference?

• Making the transition back to civilian life

• Suicide prevention and the need for accessible help lines

• Building new purpose after the military

• Why real leadership and community make all the difference

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember—you’re not alone.

[Trigger warning: This episode includes open discussions about military trauma, loss, and suicide prevention.]

Listen, share, and help us spread hope for those who serve bravely.

**Contact Ed Parcaut:**
- 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)
- 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #EricDonoho #VeteranStories #MoralInjury #PTSD #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #CanyonOfHope #VeteranSupport #ArmyVeteran #AlaskaMilitary #VeteranSuicidePrevention #988Lifeline #OperationFirewalk #VeteranAdvocacy #CombatInjuries #MilitaryFamily #VAProcess #VeteranResources #WarriorTransition #SuicideAwareness #VeteranPurpose #VeteranCommunity