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

In this insightful episode of Helping The Brave, host Ed Parcaut welcomes Tim Thomas—an Australian Special Forces Commando veteran—joining live all the way from Australia. Tim opens up about his unique experience as part of the first intake directly recruited into the Australian Special Forces, his combat deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan, and the physical and mental challenges faced during and after service.

Tim and Ed dive deep into the realities of transitioning out of military life, the often-overlooked power of sleep, and how chronic isolation can make recovery even harder for veterans and first responders. The conversation shines a light on the limitations of traditional trauma treatments—and why talk therapy and medication alone often aren’t enough.

Tim shares his personal journey, from the toll of six years on medication to discovering the life-changing effects of breathwork. He explains how breathwork became not only his lifeline but also a mission to help others overcome trauma, improve sleep, and regain personal sovereignty. Hear about the creation of “Breathwork in Bed,” an app offering practical breathwork exercises for better sleep, mental clarity, and resilience.

Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, or simply interested in innovative wellness practices, this episode offers a powerful message of hope, practical transformation, and community connection.

Tune in for:

• Veteran mental health and the struggle with PTSD

• Why breaking isolation is key to healing

• The science and simplicity of breathwork for sleep and stress

• How you can take the next step toward better health—right from your own bed

For more about Tim’s work, visit Breathwork in Bed.

Contact Ed Parcaut:

-🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com)

• 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

#HelpingTheBrave #VeteranSupport #PodcastInterview #TimThomas #AustralianSpecialForces #Breathwork #MentalHealthMatters #VeteranMentalHealth #EdParcaut #TransitionStories #CombatPTSD #SleepMatters #HealingJourneys #SuicidePrevention #FirstResponders #BreathworkInBed #Resilience #WellnessJourney #VeteranCare #PostServiceLife