He served on the razor’s edge of danger, flying combat rescue missions to extract downed pilots and special forces deep behind enemy lines. But it was one failed mission that left a mark no medal could erase.

In this episode of The Truth of the Matter, host Natasha Zouves sits down with Major Glenn Ignazio for a gripping, unflinching conversation. Maj. Ignazio opens up about the moment he couldn’t save a life, the high-altitude accident that ended his flying career, and the silent battles he fought long after the missions were over — PTSD, addiction to prescription opioids, and the collapse of everything he once knew.

From the cockpit to the edge of despair and back again, Ignazio shares how he rebuilt his life from rock bottom, and how he's now leading a different kind of rescue mission: helping fellow veterans find purpose and healing.

This is a raw, powerful story about failure, redemption, and the unseen toll of service.

“The Truth of the Matter" goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories shaping our world.

These stories are more than just hidden truths—they’re blueprints for navigating our own lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons learned. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-of-the-matter-with-natasha-zouves/id1804707066

https://open.spotify.com/show/2iQ85VHlMmBfLBaTtSp8tF

Connect with host Natasha Zouves