After The Towers brings listeners face-to-face with the men and women whose lives were irrevocably reshaped by September 11, 2001. Hosted by a grateful American dedicated to honoring their service, this podcast features raw, unfiltered conversations with post-9/11 military veterans and first responders. Looking back 25 years after the collapse of the Twin Towers, guests reflect on the duty that called them, the conflicts and crises that followed, and how a single pivotal day continues to echo through their lives, careers, and healing today.
Point of Impact: Aaron Hale on Losing Sight and Hearing in Service, and Finding a New Mission
After The Towers fell, Aaron Hale answered the call. He was blinded by an IED in Afghanistan, then lost his hearing...and he still kept going.
Aaron joined the Navy in 1999 as a culinary specialist, then re-enlisted in the U.S. Army to do one of the military's most dangerous jobs: Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader.
On a routine IED check in Afghanistan, a secondary device detonated. It took his eyesight, but not his determination. Four years later, bacterial meningitis brought him to the brink of death-taking his hearing and leaving him 100% blind and completely deaf.
Most people would have quit. Aaron calls himself an "excuse killer" and decided to use adversity as fuel.
Today Aaron is a speaker, host of the Point of Impact Podcast, real estate investor, father and the first deaf blind person to complete the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon, with numerous other accomplishments under his belt.
Point of Impact Podcast Website
23 Oct 2026
Joel Tavera: The Definition of a Warrior
Joel Tavera shouldn't be here. On March 12, 2008 a rocket attack in Iraq left him with burns over 60% of his body, blind, and facing a future no one could have prepared for. But if you talk to Joel today, you won't hear a story of defeat.
In this episode of After The Towers, we sit down with a man who redefines the word "warrior." Joel shares the raw truth of his recovery, how he found the strength to keep moving forward when the world went dark, and why he believes every day is a gift worth fighting for. Prepare to be inspired by a spirit that simply cannot be broken.
Joel Tavera Facebook
16 Oct 2026
Marcus Wilson-Marine, Wounded Warrior, Patriot, and Animal Wrangler
By the numbers:
Broken left hand, pin in left hand, two broken arms, plate in each arm, 1 fractured right femur with rod, 1 torn ACL, broken tibia, broken fibia, broken ankle, 6 fractured vertebrae, 6 broken ribs, 2 punctured lungs, 42+surgeries...4 dogs, 1 hairless cat, 3 alpacas, 2 llamas, 50+chickens, 10 children, 1 fantastic wife who keeps the whole ship afloat, 1 blessed, patriotic retired marine, Marcus Wilson.
....And possibly one miniature highland cow.
Marcus is one of my favorite people to speak to. He puts everything out there, not holding anything back. Marcus is freaking hilarious.
You are going to love this episode.
https://www.facebook.com/marcus.wilson.3954
9 Oct 2026
Red, White, and Blue Flowing Through My Veins Jon Nicholson
Jon Nicolson found his purpose through service, service in the military and softball.
Jon's time in the U.S. Army gave him a sense of bravery and courage, the ability to walk with his head held high.
His huge heart saw selfless service as a way to help other military members dealing with traumatic injuries and PTSD through fitness and competition.
Jon is proud of his family military legacy with one grandpa storming the beaches of Normandy and the other on the island of Oahu on the morning of December 7, 1941.
Jon's story is about the strength he sees in wounded military veterans, those he calls friends.
Jon's story is about the red, white and blue flowing through his veins.
Jon Nicholson Facebook
2 Oct 2026
Walk By Faith, Not By Sight Greg Gadson
Retired Colonel Gregory Gadson had a long distinguished career in the U.S. Army, including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Joint Forge, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On May 7, 2007, Greg sustained catastrophic injuries due to an IED. Greg lost both legs above the knee and severely injured his right arm. Despite devastating trauma, Greg continued to serve.
Throughout Greg's illustrious service, he earned several citations including the Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Award, Legion of Merit, and a host of others.
Greg is an author, appeared in film and television, and has shared his story on several podcasts.
He is a leader of men, stalwart, honest, a man of integrity, and perhaps the most important, Greg is a kind man.
"Blood and Treasure"
25 Sept 2026
Tony Mullis, Proud Marine, Double Amputee and Hunting Enthusiast
Tony Mullis garnered national attention as a video surfaced of this veteran stopping on a busy road in Georgia to rescue an American flag floundering in the weeds. This is only a bit of Tony's story, an incredible story, on what it means to be a post 9/11 veteran and his fight to be where he is today.
Marine Tony Mullis suffered a traumatic injury on April 6, 2011 in Afghanistan, one short day after Tony's first child was born. Stepping on an IED caused Tony to become a double amputee, resulting in a long recovery road, a road that led to unexpected experiences and blessings.
Join Tony as he shares his love of hunting, wakeboarding, and helping other veterans.
Tony Mullis is a die hard patriot! His story needs to be heard.
Tony Mullis Facebook
Tony Mullis Instagram
18 Sept 2026
Floor Burner, Skate Shredder Ben Miller
Ben Miller is a floor burner, skate shredder, and a proud veteran. Ben has found dancing and skating to be instrumental in dealing with trauma associated with his service and other life events.
Ben carried out 2 deployments during his 20 plus years in the Utah Army National Guard, one in Kosovo and the second in Iraq. Disappointed that he was not on the "front lines," Ben experienced guilt and feelings of frustration as he sat behind a desk. Ben served where he was called, but he longed to use his training to fight the enemy in the field.
Ben dealt with severe anxiety and depression as his whole identity as a soldier and husband collapsed. Ben was on the brink, deliberating taking his own life.
Ben speaks frankly about sitting in his car for hours, listening to the song "One More Light" by Linkin Park, a song that helped him through the darkest of times.
But this episode is not about collapse. This episode is about Ben finding the hope, reaching out to others suffering the same debilitating feelings, and finding a way out of the hole.
Ben Miller's story is about the constant move forward to heal, and the realization that happiness is an option.
Ben Miller Facebook
Paraboarder Instagram
11 Sept 2026
No Legs, No Vision, No Problem Matthew Bradford
Matthew Bradford preenlisted into the marines before graduating high school. On Matt's first deployment, just four months in Iraq, he was traumatically injured. Matt was the first vision impaired, double amputee to reenlist. Retirement has not slowed Matt down. He is a public speaker. He thrives on pushing physical boundaries, proving no legs, no vision, no problem is not a deterrent to success. The roles Matt cherieshes the most is that of a doting husband and a loving father.
Matthew Bradford Facebook Page
Matthew Bradford Instagram
12 Aug 2026
After The Towers Podcast Trailer
Welcome to After The Towers. I’m your host, Tina. I am a grateful American sitting down with post-9/11 veterans and first responders to honor their stories, their service, and their lives 25 years after September 11, 2001. These are the personal experiences, hard-won wisdom, and lasting legacies of those who answered the call when our country needed them most.
Don't miss a single episode! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.
Coming September 11, 2026.
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