Can dark humor help Veterans process the experiences they carry home from war?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Thom Tran, Army Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, comedian, actor, writer, and founder of GIs of Comedy, to discuss how laughter can create connection, provide perspective, and help Veterans navigate life after combat.

Thom shares his remarkable journey from growing up as the son of a Vietnam War prisoner of war to enlisting in the Army in 1997. During the invasion of Iraq in 2003, he was shot in the back of the head just days after crossing the border, yet remained deployed for the rest of his tour. After returning home, he built a career in radio broadcasting and stand-up comedy.

The conversation explores military dark humor, leadership, and the difference between being genuinely funny and simply saying something offensive. Thom also shares why making Veterans laugh remains part of his mission, including an unforgettable encounter with a Soldier who laughed for the first time since returning from Afghanistan.

For Thom, comedy is more than entertainment. It is another way to take care of people.

Guest Links:

Thom Tran: https://thomtran.com/

GIs of Comedy: https://gisofcomedy.com/

Joker 6 Media: https://joker6media.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomtran/

Learn more at BerryLaw.com

What if the biggest obstacle keeping Veterans from new opportunities isn't a lack of resources, but not knowing where to find them?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Maj. Ryan Patrick Hunt, U.S. Army (Ret.), entrepreneur, author, and founder and CEO of Veteran Social, to discuss breaking down barriers and connecting Veterans with the people, programs, and opportunities that can change their lives.

After more than 23 years of Army service, Ryan continued his mission of developing people by building a collaborative network for Veterans, military spouses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Through virtual conferences, networking, and partnerships, Veteran Social helps military-connected individuals discover resources and build meaningful relationships.

Ryan shares why he believes in collaboration over gatekeeping, how mentorship creates lasting impact, and why rebuilding community after military service matters. He also discusses leadership lessons from helping enlisted Soldiers become officers, the importance of communication and organizational values, and his vision for connecting Veterans around the world.

His message is simple: Veterans should not have to find their next opportunity by chance.

Guest Links:

Ryan Patrick Hunt: https://ryanpatrickhunt.com/

Veteran Social: https://www.veteransocial.org/

Learn more at BerryLaw.com

Character isn't built when things are easy. It's revealed when everything changes.

After losing his leg above the knee in combat, Nick Lavery refused to let that injury define the limits of his service. Driven by purpose, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to his team, he set his sights on returning to Special Forces and combat operations, ultimately becoming the first above-the-knee amputee to return to combat. And he's still on active duty today.

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Nick, active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, author of Objective Secure, entrepreneur, and leader whose story is rooted not just in extraordinary physical achievement, but in resilience, accountability, and the daily pursuit of excellence. Nick speaks candidly about self-doubt, setbacks, failure, and the reality that even high performers struggle. He explains why pressure doesn't create character but reveals it, and why long-term success depends on connecting a clear mission to the small actions taken every day. Rather than relying on motivation, Nick shares how systems, habits, and disciplined execution create lasting results.

John and Nick also discuss the After-Action Review, a military tool Nick now brings to high-performing organizations. The principle is simple: identify what worked, spend even more time confronting what did not, and use accountability to get better.

Guest Links:

MCHN: https://mchn.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-lavery/

Learn more at BerryLaw.com