The Bunkhouse Podcast

JJ Hardy gave the Army 18 years of his life, including 35 months in combat. He came home with a 100% disability rating, a PTSD diagnosis, and a transition he describes as "very, very messy." No clear mission. No sense of identity. Just the quiet, disorienting weight of trying to figure out who he was without the uniform.

In this episode, JJ opens up about what it actually took to climb out of that place, and how he learned to flip post-traumatic stress into what he calls post-traumatic growth. He and Jon dig into the gap between military leadership and what often passes for leadership in the civilian world, and why JJ walked away from job after job because he refused to abandon the people counting on him, a value straight out of "never leave a fallen comrade."

JJ also shares his philosophy of training your mind the same way you'd train for combat: same discipline, same reps, same commitment. Because if you want the fight to go a certain way, you have to train for it, mentally included.

This conversation is grounded, practical, and honest about what healing actually requires. JJ now runs Victory Leadership Coaching and hosts the Speak Up, Show Up, Lead podcast, helping other veterans and leaders do the same work he had to do on himself.

If you've ever felt like your training prepared you for everything except what came after, this episode is for you.

David McCleery served 14 years in the Navy as a heavy equipment operator, saw every continent but Antarctica, and gave everything he had to his service. Then, when his contract expired due to medical reasons, the military handed him his paperwork and pointed him toward the door. No real transition support. No follow-up. Just a pill, a handshake, and a new life he had no idea how to navigate.

What followed was seven years of silence, panic attacks alone behind the wheel of a semi-truck, two failed marriages, and a growing darkness that nearly cost him everything. David's rock bottom came in 2023, a moment so dark he called his wife and begged her to help him. That phone call saved his life.

In this episode, David joins Jon to talk about what those seven years of isolation really looked like, why the culture of "suck it up" nearly killed him, and how he rebuilt himself into one of the most active veterans serving his community today. As Executive Director of Buddy Check 22 and a partner with Project Headspace and Timing, David now devotes his life to the mission of making sure no veteran has to white-knuckle their way through the darkness alone.

This one is raw, honest, and important.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What it felt like to be pushed out after 14 years with no real transition support
• Panic attacks on the open road and what it means to be truly alone in your own head
• Why asking for help felt like weakness and what changed that
• The 2023 breakdown that became the turning point
• How David redefined strength as whole body health, not physical performance
• The mission of Buddy Check 22, Project Headspace and Timing, and the free resources available to veterans and their families right now

Connect with David McCleery and his organizations:

Buddy Check 22 (free counseling for veterans and families, mental health first aid classes, suicide awareness)
Website: bc22psa.com
Facebook: Buddy Check 22

Project Headspace and Timing (crisis response, peer support, outdoor activities, spouse groups)
Website: projectheadspaceandtiming.org
Facebook: Project Headspace and Timing

Episode #15: We Refuse to Let Our Previous Wars Win: Sarah Moore on Shedding the Uniform's Identity, Healing the Nervous System, and Becoming Whole Again

What happens when the body decides it's done, even when your mind is still convinced it can push through?

For Sarah Moore, a 21-year Army veteran and Black Hawk pilot, the answer came in the middle of a routine dunker training exercise when her nervous system snapped in front of her peers. No amount of mental toughness could stop the shaking. It was the beginning of a journey she never expected, and one that would ultimately change everything about how she understood herself, her service, and her healing.

In this episode, Sarah and Jon unpack what it really means to carry the weight of a military career, the deployments, the abusive relationships, the no-boundaries culture of high performance, and what it takes to finally set that weight down. Sarah brings a rare combination of lived experience and neuroscience training to the conversation, breaking down why trauma isn't a mindset problem, why the nervous system breaks the same way a bone does under too much stress, and why healing isn't a destination. It's a lifestyle change.

Sarah is also the founder of Blueside Adventures, a program built for veterans and first responders that combines community, adventure, and structured inner work to help people find out who they are outside of the uniform.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How 9/11 sent Sarah from Rutgers University to Army enlistment and eventually to the cockpit of a Black Hawk
• The dunker training panic attack that cracked everything open
• Why mental toughness has a breaking point and what the neuroscience actually tells us
• The real cost of losing identity, community, and boundaries after service
• Why healing requires a full lifestyle change, not a single program or pill
• How Sarah built Blueside Adventures and why veterans are refusing to let their previous wars win

Connect with Sarah Moore & Blueside Adventures: 🌐 www.bluesideyoga.com 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @bluesideadventures 📧 sarah@bluesideyoga.com

Support the Mission (GoFundMe): Blue Side Adventures: The "Back Home" Mission

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About The Bunkhouse: The Bunkhouse is a veteran mental health podcast hosted by Jon Cole, a retired Marine Corps officer with 16 years of service and three combat deployments. Every episode follows a guest's journey from their time in service, through their darkest moments, to where they are today. No sugar-coating. No toxic positivity. Just real conversations that remind you: you are not the only one fighting this battle, and you don't have to fight it alone.

🎙️ New episodes drop monthly.

👇 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs it.

https://linktr.ee/thebunkhouse

 

Be the light in someone's dark.

#thebunkhouse #veteranmentalhealth #bethelightinsomeonesdark

In this compelling interview, Andrew Stokes shares his journey from military service to law enforcement, highlighting the challenges of trauma, resilience, and personal growth. Discover insights into the realities of policing, mental health, and the importance of vulnerability and support. Andrew Stokes shares his profound journey through trauma, mental health struggles, and finding peace through faith, therapy, and education. His story highlights the importance of seeking help, resilience, and the transformative power of faith and community support.

Key  topics

Andrew Stokes's military background and transition to law enforcement
The psychological impact of police work and trauma management
The importance of community and cultural understanding in policing Mental health struggles and trauma in law enforcement
The importance of seeking help and therapy
The role of faith and community in healing

Guest  name

Andrew Stokes

Key  frameworks

Mental health awareness
Faith-based resilience
Continuous education and growth

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Stokes
03:35 Andrew's Military Background and Transition to Law Enforcement
07:39 Navigating the Law Enforcement Academy
13:04 First Experiences as a Deputy Sheriff
19:37 Confronting the Reality of Law Enforcement
25:36 The Emotional Toll of Police Work
29:31 Organized Crime Trends in Florida
32:46 Canine Encounters and Law Enforcement Challenges
36:30 The Emotional Toll of Law Enforcement
40:34 Confronting Trauma and Personal Struggles
45:50 Professional Success Amid Personal Turmoil
51:14 A Turning Point: Seeking Help
56:25 Finding Purpose and Growth
01:02:06 Navigating New Challenges in Law Enforcement
01:06:28 Embracing Change and Career Evolution
01:09:39 Transitioning to Corporate America
01:13:47 Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges
01:17:29 Personal Growth and Healing Journey
01:21:01 Pursuing Higher Education and New Opportunities
01:25:48 The Importance of Seeking Help
01:31:11 Finding Peace and Purpose
01:35:53 The Journey of Transformation
01:44:29 Bunkhouse-Outro with music-New.wav

Resources

Law Enforcement Trauma Resources - https://www.police1.com/mental-health/articles/trauma-resources-for-police-officers/
Book: On Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman - https://www.amazon.com/On-Combat-Illustrated-Realities-War/dp/1416590364
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewstokes
Twitter - https://twitter.com/andrewstokes/

Navigating the Veteran Journey: From Service to Self-Discovery with Ira and Jon

In this episode, Ira and Jon explore the deep and often overlooked aspects of transitioning from military service into civilian life. They discuss the importance of community, purpose, and self-care in healing and redefining identity after service.

Key Topics:

• The significance of sharing stories and vulnerability among veterans
• Personal journeys of service, injuries, and mental health struggles
• How 9/11 and recent military operations shaped the veteran experience
• Transition challenges: loss of routine, identity, and purpose
• The importance of finding or creating a tribe post-service
• Strategies for self-care: quiet moments, hobbies, and mental health practices
• The power of expressing gratitude and celebrating service
• Building awareness and advocating for veteran mental health support
• Practical advice for veterans facing transition, including mentorship and community engagement
• The concept of "everyday veteran" and redefining service beyond high-profile roles

Timestamps:

• (00:51) Welcome and episode overview
• (01:07) Why sharing veteran stories matters
• (02:23) Ira's background: Joining the Air Force at 18
• (04:20) Post-9/11 military experiences and deployments
• (07:19) Recalling 9/11 from Osan Air Base
• (10:24) The impact of combat injuries and mental health
• (14:38) Transition struggles and identity loss
• (19:06) The dark days after military retirement
• (22:49) How firing from a job sparked new purpose
• (25:45) Founding Bravo Mission Radio and its mission
• (28:49) The importance of veteran networks and community
• (33:39) Self-care routines and finding peace
• (36:46) Accepting the whole self and mental health journey
• (41:58) Rebuilding post-service purpose
• (44:59) Recognizing triggers and maintaining mental health
• (48:35) Embracing quiet and small joys
• (52:42) Setting boundaries and work-life balance
• (59:43) Healing from physical and emotional injuries
• (61:34) Supporting fellow veterans and advocacy
• (66:52) The role of vulnerability in veteran brotherhood
• (70:50) The importance of community and not feeling alone
• (75:35) Humor and camaraderie: military inside jokes
• (77:49) Embracing the “support function” veterans provide
• (84:12) Challenging the "only" narratives in military service
• (89:49) Veterans’ legacy and the importance of recognition
• (97:50) Valuing all roles in the military—communication, logistics, support
• (104:43) Using technology to better the veteran experience
• (107:37) The importance of flexible, personalized transitions
• (117:40) How trauma and service shape veteran healing
• (122:24) Final thoughts on purpose, community, and continuing service
• (124:40) Closing remarks: sharing stories, spreading hope

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Resources & Links

• Bravo Mission Radio — Veteran-focused podcast creating community and purpose

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Connect with the Guests:

• • Ira: LinkedIn

 

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Final Notes:

This episode highlights the importance of vulnerability, community, and purpose for veterans. Ira and Jon remind us that healing is ongoing and supporting one another is key. Whether you're in transition or years into civilian life, your story matters, and you're not alone.

This is the announcement of the relaunch of The Bunkhouse Podcast.

Episode 1 (Marine Grunt to Passionate Poet)

Host: Jon

Talk About The Episode:

• Brandon Dillon
  • Marine Corps 8 years 2004 to 2012
  • Military: 0311
  • Current: Night Shift Manager at Buc-ees

Talk With The Guest:

• What helped him get where he is today?
  • Leadership, the Marine Corps taught me how to lead people and manage not only them but myself
• What helped you get through the days?
  • Poetry and poetry have saved my life, along with my kids and my future wife Yanet.
• Personal Story:
  • The things I saw and did in Iraq and Afghanistan, obviously, how I treated some of my Marines, during our time in Afghanistan, my ex-wife, and the things we have said and done to each other, my childhood, so many of my brothers taking their own lives. How I handle it I used to drink A LOT, but I started therapy in 2014 and did 5 years my therapist pushed me to share my poetry, and poetry has saved my life, now I write to cope and deal with my darkness.
• Other Topics:
  • The VA sucks but use it, find a therapist, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Learn mindfulness and how to meditate. Find something to occupy your mind and time, something that you actually enjoy and get some sort of fulfillment out of.

Closing:

Brandon Dillon

https://linktr.ee/nollid20

 

You can contact the show by sending an email to jcole@thebunkhousecast.com

Follow on Twitter with @BunkhouseCast

Follow on TikTok @bunkhousecast

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebunkhouse

 

 

I created this podcast using version 3.0.3 of Audacity(R) recording and editing software[1].

 

[1] Audacity® software is copyright © 1999-2021 Audacity Team.

Web site: https://audacityteam.org/. It is free software

distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

The name Audacity® is a registered trademark.

 

Host: Jon

Talk About The Episode:

• Kyle Moschetto
  • Marine Corps, just under 12 years.
  • Military: 0650 Data Officer
  • Current: Managing Director of a technology services team specializing in Google Cloud.

Talk With The Guest:

• He did Lots of IT side hustles before the military. “I’m a geek-of-geeks! 😀”
• His favorite subject:
  • Large complicated Cloud Adoption/Migration/Transformation programs!
  • It's People, Process, and Tech…. on steroids!
• What helped him get where he/she is today:
• The military leadership styles, including examples of good/bad in excess!
• A desire for Meritocracy.
• A deeply competitive learning culture (It pays to learn and know the rules)
• A 2-year boredom cliff.
• What advice he would give:
  • READ and PRACTICE. We’ve never been in a time where learning was so easy, it just takes time and practice.
• Hiring veterans is his passion.

Closing:

Kyle:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-kmo-moschetto-5100a761/

https://anchor.fm/task/force/phoenix

 

Title	Author	Link?
Leadership Gold: Lessons I've Learned from a Lifetime of Leading	John C. Maxwell	https://www.audible.com/pd/Leadership-Gold-Audiobook/1400222761?ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=81G8KFGSMBKBX50EQX26
Thinking for a Change: 11 Ways Highly Successful People Approach Life and Work	John C. Maxwell	https://www.audible.com/pd/Thinking-for-a-Change-Audiobook/B002UZMSMG?ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=81G8KFGSMBKBX50EQX26
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable	Patrick Lencioni	https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Five-Dysfunctions-of-a-Team-Audiobook/B002V08E64?ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=81G8KFGSMBKBX50EQX26
The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business	Patrick Lencioni	https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Organizational-Health-Everything-Business/dp/0470941529/

 

You can contact the show by sending an email to jcole@thebunkhousecast.com

Follow on Twitter with @BunkhouseCast

Follow on TikTok @bunkhousecast

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebunkhouse

 

 

I created this podcast using version 3.0.3 of Audacity(R) recording and editing software[1].

 

[1] Audacity® software is copyright © 1999-2021 Audacity Team.

Web site: https://audacityteam.org/. It is free software

distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

The name Audacity® is a registered trademark.