In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Jim Rojas-Taylor, a Marine Corps veteran who has carved a unique path from military service to the world of acting, theater, and emotional literacy. Jim shares his powerful journey—from his early fascination with the Marine Corps and tough experiences in service, to the surprising way theater and voice lessons helped shape his post-military life. Discover the tools and techniques Jim now teaches for mastering mental and emotional resilience, including the transformative Stanislavski system. Whether you’re a fellow veteran, an actor, or someone seeking personal growth, you’ll gain insights on turning adversity into purpose—and learn about the importance of emotional tools for both healing and thriving. Jim also reveals where to find his book All Your Best Selves and how to connect with his Mental and Emotional Literacy program.

Tune in for a candid, motivating discussion about resilience, self-discovery, and the practical ways we can all level up our emotional literacy and life skills.

Find Jim’s website and contact info at:
www.tbcenterprises.com
Social Media: @soycandie

Book: All Your Best Selves (Available on Amazon)

Listen and subscribe for more inspiring stories and resources on how veterans and civilians alike can find purpose after service.

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

#InnerEdisonPodcast #EdParcaut #NickJain #Entre

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #JimRojasTaylor #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #USMC #MarineCorps #MentalHealth #EmotionalLiteracy #StanislavskiSystem #VeteranSupport #PTSD #LifeAfterService #TBCenterprises #ActingTechniques #PersonalGrowth #VeteranPodcast #Leadership #Resilience #EmotionalIntelligence

In this episode of "Helping The Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Army veteran and entrepreneur Justin Martinez. Justin shares his journey from serving in the 10th Mountain Division and earning his Ranger tab to building a real estate business focused on Airbnbs, fix-and-flips, and creative investing strategies. He opens up about the challenges he faced in the military, the importance of using VA benefits, and how he leveraged his service to get both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Justin also discusses the mindsets and practical steps that led him to success in real estate, including how he innovated by building mini golf courses in Airbnbs to stand out in competitive markets. The conversation explores sustainable habits, the value of fitness, and his passion for coaching others toward purposeful lives. Now based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Justin continues to inspire through life and fitness coaching and his recently self-published book.

Whether you’re a veteran figuring out your next steps, interested in real estate investing, or just looking for some motivation, this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable advice.

Find Justin at:
compoundercoach.com or @thecompoundercoach on Instagram

Tune in for real talk on service, transition, entrepreneurship, and creating a life you love!

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

#EdParcaut #JustinMartinez #HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #ArmyVeteran #10thMountainDivision #Ranger #RealEstateInvesting #VAAffordableHousing #FixAndFlips #AirbnbHost #EntrepreneurLife #MilitaryToMillionaire #VAloans #FinancialFreedom #TriathlonLife #FitnessJourney #SelfPublishing #VeteranCoaching #CompoundEffect #MindsetMatters #MilitaryTransition #PodcastInterview #KnoxvilleTN #LifeCoach #VeteranSupport

In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Susannah Stokes, a former Marine Corps officer and founder of Metamorphosis Ventures. Susannah shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a military family, attending the Naval Academy, and serving in Afghanistan, to finding renewed purpose in supporting fellow veterans and championing alternative approaches to healing PTSD—including plant medicine and psychedelics.

Listen as Susannah candidly discusses the challenges of military service, what it's really like to deploy, and her personal reckoning with the realities of war. She dives into her transformative experiences at Facebook, her passion for veteran advocacy, and the unconventional paths she’s explored for mental wellness and post-traumatic growth. Ed and Susannah also highlight the importance of community, breaking the stigma around mental health, and why veterans should trust their intuition on their journey to healing.

If you're looking for honest, thought-provoking conversations about military service, transition, and true healing, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Susannah and Metamorphosis Ventures, and how you can get involved with Operation Firewalk and other veteran-focused initiatives. Tune in now!

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

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #SusannahStokes #MarineCorps #VeteranStories #NavalAcademy #WomenInService #PostMilitaryLife #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery #PsilocybinTherapy #PlantMedicine #FacebookVeterans #OperationEnduringFreedom #MilitaryTransition #VeteranCommunity #WarAndPeace #PersonalGrowth #ServiceToOthers #VeteranSuicideAwareness #HealingJourneys #MetamorphosisVentures #VeteranBenefits #CommunitySupport

In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Anthony “A.B.” Bourke, former Air Force fighter pilot and seasoned entrepreneur. Anthony shares his incredible journey from flying F-16s with the California Air National Guard to cracking major business deals—like landing a paint line in every Home Depot west of Minneapolis. He reflects on the unique skills veterans bring to the corporate world, the challenges of transitioning out of the military, and how lessons from the cockpit directly translate into business success and leadership.

Ed and Anthony dive deep into what it means to have a mission-driven mindset, the importance of adaptability in uncertain times, and why creating community and purpose is critical for veterans and first responders alike. You’ll also hear about innovative approaches to management training and how veterans can leverage their experiences for fulfilling civilian careers.

Whether you’re a transitioning service member, a business leader, or just appreciate inspiring stories of grit and reinvention, this episode is packed with insights and down-to-earth advice.

Listen in for:

• Behind-the-scenes stories from the skies and the boardroom

• Practical advice for veterans entering the workforce

• The power of community and connection, especially for those overcoming adversity

Helping the Brave – Real talk. Real lives. Real impact.

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

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #AnthonyBourke #VeteranSuccess #MilitaryTransition #AirForceVeteran #FighterPilot #BusinessLeadership #VeteransInBusiness #CorporateAmerica #VeteranHiring #TeamBuilding #VeteranSkills #OperationFirewalk #CommunitySupport #FirstResponders #PurposeAfterService #VeteranMentalHealth #ManagementTraining #CareerChange

In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Army veteran and author Patrick Naughton for an inspiring and insightful conversation about military service, legacy, and personal growth.

Patrick shares his journey, which spans nearly 28 years in the Army—from his early days as an enlisted infantryman with the 101st Airborne to his transition into officer ranks and unique roles in federal agencies and the U.S. Senate. Patrick opens up about the impact of his father’s Vietnam War service on his own path, the generational effects of military life, and the bond that ties veterans across eras.

A highlight of the episode is Patrick’s new book, Born From War: A Soldier’s Quest to Understand Vietnam, Iraq, and the Generational Impact of Conflict. He discusses the writing process, how rediscovering his father’s wartime letters brought father and son closer together, and the timeless lessons both wars still hold for today’s service members and Americans.

Ed and Patrick dive into what it means to transition out of the military, how purpose and planning are crucial, and the resources available—like the VA Home Loan and GI Bill—that can change veterans’ lives. The conversation is packed with practical advice for service members, veterans, and their families.

Key Takeaways:

• The enduring influence of service across generations

• Insights on transitioning from the military—and why having a plan matters

• The realities (and opportunities) of writing and publishing a memoir

• VA benefits and how they empower veterans and their families

• The importance of community and connection after service

Order Patrick’s Book:
Born From War released April 15, 2025. Check out Patrick’s website for orders and updates!

Connect with the Show:
Subscribe for more stories that honor and support our brave servicemembers and veterans.
Leave a comment with your thoughts, experiences, or questions—we’d love to hear from you!

#VeteranStories #HelpingTheBrave #MilitaryPodcast #PatrickNaughton #BornFromWar #VeteranTransition #MilitaryHistory #EdParcaut

Want your story to be heard on "Helping the Brave"? Reach out or connect with us on our website!

Welcome to Helping the Brave with your host Ed Parcaut, a show dedicated to empowering veterans through education, support, and real-world advice. In this episode, Ed sits down with Sam Sells, a former Air Force officer and entrepreneur who has built a billion-dollar real estate portfolio in just seven years after medical retirement from the military. Sam shares his inspiring journey from enlisting as an Air Force firefighter to working in global health, facing an unexpected early retirement, and eventually finding massive success in real estate investing.

Together, Ed and Sam dive deep into the importance of military benefits, the realities of medical retirement, and practical advice for veterans looking to leverage VA loans and disability benefits to build personal wealth. They also break down the "five levels" of real estate investment, from house hacking to institutional syndication, and the pivotal role mentorship plays in avoiding costly mistakes.

Whether you're transitioning out of the military, pursuing financial independence, or looking to start your own real estate journey, this episode offers actionable tips and motivation to help you reach your goals. Plus, Sam shares how veterans in Texas can eliminate property taxes and why it's crucial to claim the benefits you've earned.

Don’t miss this candid and informative conversation—tune in to discover what’s possible when you step boldly into your next chapter.

Connect with Sam Sells:

• LinkedIn: Samuel Sells

• Instagram: @thedisruptivecapitalist

• Email: sam@impactgrowthcap.com

Learn, grow, and be inspired—only on Helping the Brave.

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

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #SamSells #VeteranStories #AirForce #MilitaryTransition #RealEstateInvesting #VeteranBenefits #PropertyInvestment #HouseHacking #Syndication #AffordableHousing #FinancialFreedom #MentorshipMatters #TexasRealEstate #DisabilityBenefits #ImpactGrowth #VeteranResources #TransitionSuccess #PodcastEpisode

In this powerful episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Army veteran Juan Espinoza for an honest and inspiring conversation about service, sacrifice, and the challenging journey of transitioning back to civilian life. Juan shares stories from his deployments to Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, his time as a private contractor, and the struggles veterans face when leaving the military—from navigating VA benefits to processing trauma and finding new purpose.

Juan opens up about the healing process that led him to write his book, "Unbroken: Turning Pain to Purpose," and underscores the importance of breaking the silence around PTSD and mental health. Together, Ed and Juan discuss practical steps for veterans seeking support, the need for stronger community connections, and how events like Operation Firewalk are changing lives for veterans, first responders, and their families.

If you or someone you love has served, this episode is a must-listen—full of wisdom, camaraderie, and hope. Don’t miss Juan’s moving advice on transforming pain into a source of strength and the importance of reaching out for help.

Check out Juan's book, connect with local veteran resources, and learn more about upcoming events to support the veteran community in the show notes.

Subscribe now for more conversations that empower, inform, and uplift our nation's bravest!

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

#HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #JuanEspinoza #EdParcaut #MilitaryTransition #PTSDawareness #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthMatters #FirewalkEvent #OperationFirewalk #UnbrokenBook #TurningPainToPurpose #VeteranBenefits #VeteranCommunity #MilitaryLife #FirstResponders #FamilySupport #SacramentoVeterans #ArmyVeteran #ShareYourStory

In this episode of Helping the Brave, host Ed Parcaut sits down with Ben Vernon, an Air Force veteran turned professional dog trainer. Ben shares his journey from enlisting in the Air Force with dreams of becoming a pilot, to his unexpected path into security forces and later, training military working dogs—despite never owning a dog as a child. He discusses the unique challenges and rewards of military canine training, what it's really like to bond with a working dog, and how military training translates to civilian life.

After considering a career with the Secret Service, Ben found a new passion in helping pet owners with their canine companions, eventually launching his own business, Vernon Dog Training, in Tampa, Florida. Along the way, Ben and Ed dig into the realities of animal behavior, common struggles dog owners face, and tips for training and desensitization—plus, why every time your dog barks at the mailman, they think they're saving your life.

Whether you're a veteran, a dog lover, or someone looking for insight on personal transformation, this episode is full of candid stories and practical advice. Learn more about Ben’s journey, the life-changing power of dogs, and how discipline and empathy can change both animals and humans for the better.

Check out Ben’s work at vernondogtraining.com and follow him on Instagram and YouTube @VernonDogTraining.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves dogs or great stories!

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

#HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #BenVernon #AirForceVeteran #MilitaryDogTraining #VeteranStories #DogTrainingTips #ServiceDogs #K9Handler #LifeAfterService #MilitaryToCivilian #TampaDogTrainer #VernonDogTraining #MilitaryWorkingDogs #VeteransSupport #PTSDResources #DogBehavior #DogTrainerLife #TransitionTips #VeteranCommunity