The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

Jerry Mullen, Marine Veteran, began his journey through JROTC before earning his commission and stepping into the next chapter of his military career. In this episode, he shares his story from college to commissioning, offering insight into the path that shaped him as a leader.
Presented with an incredible opportunity, Jerry went on to become a pilot—but not just any pilot. He earned his place as a helicopter pilot, where he excelled and steadily rose through the ranks. His journey is one of perseverance, discipline, and determination, showing what can happen when you commit to the process and refuse to quit.
This is an incredible story of grit and seeing things through to the end, serving as a powerful example for anyone facing challenges and needing the motivation to keep moving forward.

Tune in as Navy Veteran Bill Barowsky shares his journey through military service and beyond. Starting his career in Great Lakes, he soon discovered his role as a Damage Controlman, learning the skills that would shape his time in the Navy. During a WestPAC deployment, he experienced both the highs of life at sea and the challenges that come with injury, testing his resilience along the way.
Continuing his service in the reserves, Bill found himself stepping into a completely different role as a Corpsman, gaining a new perspective on care, responsibility, and adaptability. Outside of the military, his work in civilian firefighting further reinforced the importance of responding to trauma and helping others in critical moments. These experiences ultimately led him to discover the powerful impact horses can have in healing, inspiring his work with Horses for Heroes.
This is a story of growth, transition, and purpose—one you won’t want to miss.

🔥 Fireside Chat Episode Description
In this episode, we sit down for a relaxed and authentic fireside chat, diving into real stories, meaningful experiences, and honest conversation. With no scripts and no filters, this discussion brings forward personal insights, lessons learned, and perspectives that connect us all.
Whether we’re reflecting on past challenges, sharing moments of growth, or exploring what lies ahead, this episode is all about genuine dialogue and human connection. Pull up a chair, settle in, and join us by the fire for a conversation that’s as engaging as it is inspiring.

In Part 4, we continue the conversation with retired 1stSgt John Crouch as he shares more of his experiences as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. His ability to tell a story will keep you engaged from beginning to end, drawing you into the realities of life on the drill field.
From his successes to the challenges he faced along the way, John maintained a positive mindset and a relentless drive to be the best at everything he did. His journey reflects the standards, discipline, and leadership expected of Marines, while also highlighting the personal growth that comes through adversity.
John’s story not only serves as an example for Marines to look up to, but also showcases what it means to be a true leader and a gifted storyteller.
 

Don’t miss Part 3 of Marine Veteran John Crouch as he shares his journey to becoming a Drill Instructor.
From learning not to show up early, to developing true command presence—this episode dives into what it really takes to lead from the front.
Hear how he got his first experience on the streets, shaping recruits and stepping into one of the most demanding roles in the Marine Corps.

Join us for Part 2 with Marine Veteran 1stSgt John Crouch (Ret.) as he continues sharing stories from his incredible career in the Marine Corps. In this episode, John talks about his time in the Marine Air Wing and the unique experience of being selected as the General’s Driver.
From the responsibilities of the job to the unforgettable moments that came with it, John’s stories from that assignment are nothing short of entertaining. His ability to tell a story pulls you right in and gives you a glimpse into a side of the Marine Corps many people never see.
Be sure to tune in and hear more from this motivated Marine and his outstanding career.

Tune in tonight for a powerful and informative discussion with the team behind the effort to upgrade Major James Capers’ award to the Medal of Honor. This episode offers a rare look into what it truly takes to pursue an award upgrade—shedding light on the process, the challenges, and the persistence required to see it through.
You’ll hear firsthand about the trials and tribulations involved, as well as the dedication and commitment of those working to ensure that acts of valor receive the recognition they deserve.
Joining the conversation are LtCol (Ret.) Brooks Tucker, SgtMaj (Ret.) Scott Frye, and SgtMaj (Ret.) Bryan Battaglia.
This is a discussion you won’t want to miss—both impactful and deeply informative.

Grab a seat and pull up to the fire for another Fireside Chat with the Crew. 🔥
These conversations are all about real talk—stories, lessons learned, and the kind of discussions you’d normally hear when veterans get together and start swapping experiences. Nothing scripted, nothing fancy… just good conversation and a few laughs along the way.
Tonight we’ll be talking about what’s going on in the veteran community, sharing some perspectives, and probably telling a few sea stories while we’re at it.
If you’ve been part of the show before or you’re new to the community, jump in and join the conversation. Your thoughts and experiences are always welcome here.
Tune in, say hello in the comments, and be part of the chat.
Stay motivated and change your socks.

Join me as I sit down with Marine Veteran and former officer Adam Castillo as he shares his journey into the Marine Corps and the lessons he learned along the way. Not growing up around the military, Adam wasn’t sure which path to take, so he turned to friends for advice. Ultimately, he chose the Marine Corps simply because, in his words, they “looked the best.”
After earning his commission and attending Officer Candidate School, Adam quickly learned the realities and responsibilities that come with leading Marines. Along his journey, he realized that staying on active duty wasn’t the right path for him and eventually transitioned out of the service. Like many veterans, he faced challenges finding his direction after the military, but through perseverance he found a career he believes in and a new mission to pursue.
Adam has also written a book titled Finding Our Voice: A Story of Leadership in Crisis and the American Spirit Abroad, where he shares insights on leadership, adversity, and service. The book is available on Amazon.
Don’t miss this great conversation and another powerful veteran story.
 

Join me as I sit down with 1stSgt John Crouch, USMC (Ret.), who shares his journey before joining the Marine Corps and the challenges he faced in boot camp. Feeling at times like he was falling short and calling himself a “subpar Marine,” John pushed through the doubts and adversity to become the motivated leader he is today.
Hear how perseverance, determination, and the drive to improve shaped his career and the Marines he would later lead. John has a way of telling his story that pulls you in and makes you feel like you were right there beside him.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation and another incredible veteran story.