Camp Conversations with Chelsea Bresnahan shares real stories of healing, resilience, and service from veterans, first responders, and supporters who stand beside them. Recorded at Camp Freedom, each episode offers honest conversation about life after service, personal growth, finding purpose and more. Through powerful voices and lived experiences, this podcast creates connection, understanding, and a reminder that no one walks their journey alone.
Jane Varcoe has spent more than 50 years serving her community, and she has plenty of stories to show for it.
She served as an EMT, helped establish ambulance services in her community, has spent more than five decades on borough council, and even became a police officer at the age of 60, serving for the next 10 years.
In this episode of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, Jane shares stories from a lifetime of answering the call, the humor she found along the way, and the special connection that brought her to Camp Freedom.
Learn more at CampFreedomPA.org.
25 Aug 2026
#14 - Rocky & Glenys Edwards
On Episode 14 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, Chelsea sits down with Vietnam War era veteran Rocky Edwards and his wife, Glenys, to hear a deeply personal story about the lasting impact of service and the peace Rocky found at Camp Freedom.For years, Rocky lived with nightmares and the painful memories of returning home during a time when many Vietnam veterans were met with hostility instead of gratitude. Glenys saw firsthand how those experiences stayed with him.Then they found Camp Freedom.Together, Rocky and Glenys share how his time at camp brought about a change she could see. Rocky found a sense of peace, understanding, and belonging that had been missing for decades.Sadly, Glenys passed away after this conversation was recorded. We are incredibly grateful that she shared this time, this story, and her love for Rocky with us. This episode is dedicated to her memory.Subscribe for more conversations with the people who make Camp Freedom special.Learn more about Camp Freedom at campfreedompa.org.#CampConversations #CampFreedom #VietnamVeteran #Veterans #Military #HealingThroughTheOutdoors #VeteranStories
17 Aug 2026
#13 - Jamie Byrd
On Episode 13 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, Chelsea sits down with Jamie Byrd, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and Assistant Executive Director at Camp Freedom.
Jamie shares what makes Camp Freedom so special to him, why Northeastern Pennsylvania is the perfect place for its mission, and how the outdoor knowledge and experience found throughout our region can be passed along to those who come to camp.
They also look ahead to the future of Camp Freedom, the opportunities for growth, and why Jamie is so excited about what’s possible as camp continues to reach more veterans, first responders, Gold Star and Gold Shield families, and others who find connection and purpose in the outdoors. 🌲🎣
Subscribe for more conversations with the people who make Camp Freedom special.
4 Aug 2026
#12 - Dr. Tony 'Doc' LaBarbera
On Episode 12 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, Chelsea sits down with Dr. Tony "Doc" LaBarbera, a dedicated volunteer who has become an integral part of Camp Freedom's hunting and fishing programs over the past three years.
If you've ever spent a day on the river with Doc, you already know he can tell a story. But in this conversation, he shares some you've probably never heard before. From the experiences that shaped him to the reasons he continues giving his time to veterans, first responders, Gold Star and Gold Shield families, and others who find healing at camp, this episode offers a deeper look at the man behind the nickname.
Whether you've met Doc on the water or are hearing his story for the first time, this conversation is full of humor, heart, and a reminder of how one volunteer can make a lasting impact.🎣
Subscribe for more conversations with the people who make Camp Freedom special.
Learn more about Camp Freedom here: https://campfreedompa.org/
#CampConversations #CampFreedom #Volunteer #Fishing #Hunting #Veterans #FirstResponders #Outdoors #Podcast
20 Jul 2026
#11 - Coyote Peterson
On this episode of Camp Conversations, Chelsea sits down with wildlife educator, explorer, and Brave Wilderness creator Coyote Peterson for a conversation that goes far beyond viral videos.
Coyote shares how a lifelong fascination with animals turned into one of the most recognizable careers in wildlife education, the stories behind some of his most unforgettable bites and stings, and why he believes time spent in nature can be a powerful source of healing. As a supporter of Camp Freedom, he also discusses the importance of the outdoors in helping veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and others reconnect with themselves.
Plus, Coyote gives us a glimpse into what's next for his career. Here's a hint: it involves dinosaurs.
Whether you've followed him since the beginning or are discovering his work for the first time, this is an episode filled with adventure, purpose, and a renewed appreciation for the natural world.
🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes of Camp Conversations, where we share the stories of service and the people who support those who serve.
Learn more about Camp Freedom at www.campfreedompa.org/
6 Jul 2026
#10 - Jack & Debi Arnouts
For many Vietnam veterans, the battle didn't end when they came home.
In Episode 10 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, Vietnam veteran Jack Arnouts and his wife, Debi, share the realities of life after military service, the invisible wounds so many veterans carried home, and why finding peace was never an easy journey.
Then, 18 months ago, everything changed. After visiting Camp Freedom for the first time, Jack found something he had been searching for for decades: healing, purpose, and a renewed sense of hope.
Together, Jack and Debi offer an honest look at the lasting impact of war, the importance of family, and the power of organizations like Camp Freedom to help veterans reclaim their lives.
If you know a veteran, love a veteran, or simply want to better understand the challenges many continue to face long after their service ends, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Learn more about Camp Freedom: https://campfreedompa.org (https://campfreedompa.org)
Subscribe for new episodes of Camp Conversations with Chelsea every week.
#CampConversations #CampFreedom #VietnamVeteran #Veterans #PTSD #Healing #Military #FirstResponders
29 Jun 2026
#9 - Danny "Count" Koker
In Episode 9 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, I sit down with Danny Koker, star of Count's Kustoms and Counting Cars, for a heartfelt conversation about family, faith, patriotism, and service.
Danny reflects on the influence of his father, the values that shaped him, and why supporting our nation's veterans and first responders has always been important to him. He also shares how he first learned about Camp Freedom and why getting involved with its mission was a no-brainer.
From lessons learned growing up to the responsibility of giving back, this conversation offers a personal look at the man behind the television personality and custom car empire.
Camp Conversations highlights the stories of service members, first responders, and the people who support them. Through honest conversations, we explore resilience, sacrifice, healing, and the communities that make a difference.
Learn more about Camp Freedom: https://campfreedompa.org (https://campfreedompa.org)
Subscribe for more episodes of Camp Conversations with Chelsea.
#DannyKoker #CountsKustoms #CountingCars #CampFreedom #CampConversations #Veterans #FirstResponders
15 Jun 2026
#8 - Trooper Alex Douglass
In Episode 8 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, we sit down with Pennsylvania State Trooper Alex Douglass.
Alex shares his story of surviving the 2014 ambush at the Pennsylvania State Police Blooming Grove Barracks, an attack that claimed the life of Corporal Bryon Dickson and left Alex with life changing injuries. He opens up about the moments during the attack, the instincts that helped him survive, and the long road of recovery that followed.
More than a decade later, Alex reflects on resilience, perseverance, and finding purpose after trauma. His story is one of courage, determination, and the power of refusing to quit in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Subscribe and follow for more stories from the Camp Freedom community and beyond.
Learn more about Camp Freedom here:https://campfreedompa.org/
8 Jun 2026
#7 - Jim Greenley
In Episode 7 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, we sit down with longtime Camp Freedom supporter and owner of Greenley’s BBQ, Jim Greenley.
Jim shares how a passion for barbecue grew into a way to bring people together, give back to the community, and support the mission of Camp Freedom. From the smoker to service, we talk about the values that drive him, the importance of supporting our veterans and first responders, and why Camp Freedom has become a cause close to his heart.
It’s a lighter conversation filled with great stories, plenty of laughs, a little talk about preparedness, and of course, barbecue.
Subscribe and follow for more conversations with the Camp Freedom community and the people who make its mission possible.
Learn more about Camp Freedom:
https://campfreedompa.org/ (https://campfreedompa.org/)
1 Jun 2026
#6 - SSGT / Detective Bill Wilson
In Episode 6 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, we sit down with retired Navy Staff Sergeant Bill Wilson and retired NYPD Detective Bill Wilson.
Bill was in New York City on September 11, 2001, and helped in the aftermath of the attacks. For nearly 20 years, he carried those experiences largely in silence, rarely speaking about what he witnessed and endured.
With the help of Camp Freedom, Bill found the support to open up, process his experiences, and begin a new chapter of healing. In this powerful conversation, he shares his journey and reflects on the lasting impact of 9/11, service, resilience, and recovery.
Subscribe and follow for more stories from the Camp Freedom community and beyond.
Learn more about Camp Freedom: https://campfreedompa.org/
18 May 2026
#5 - Colonel Stephanie Wolloff
In Episode 5 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, we sit down with retired Army nurse Colonel Stephanie Wolloff. She shares what it meant to answer the call to serve both in the military and in nursing, reflects on the powerful differences between caring for others in combat and civilian life, and opens up about how both she and her father have benefited from their experiences at Camp Freedom.Subscribe and follow for more conversations from the Camp Freedom community and beyond.Learn more about Camp Freedom: https://campfreedompa.org/
11 May 2026
#4 - Chaz Balogh
Some cases stay with investigators forever...
In Episode 4 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, we sit down with retired Detective Sergeant Chaz Balogh, who spent 16 years investigating internet crimes against children during his law enforcement career.
Chaz opens up about the emotional toll this work can take on investigators and why reaching out for mental health support is so important for those serving in these roles.
Subscribe and follow for more conversations from the Camp Freedom community and beyond.
Learn more about Camp Freedom: https://campfreedompa.org/
4 May 2026
#3 - Jim Kuzmak
In Episode 3 of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, we sit down with Camp Freedom volunteer Jim Kuzmak, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the fire service.Jim shares how volunteering at Camp Freedom has changed his life and opened the door to giving back to his brothers and sisters in the fire service in ways he never imagined.Subscribe and follow for more stories from the Camp Freedom community.Learn more about Camp Freedom here: https://campfreedompa.org/
27 Apr 2026
#2 - Lt. Col. Tom Yeager (Ret.)
Retired Lt. Col. Tom Yeager flew more than 300 combat missions as a fighter pilot before transitioning to commercial aviation. But his toughest challenge came off the battlefield.
In this episode, Tom shares how anxiety showed up in his life, the warning signs he couldn’t ignore, and how therapy and Camp Freedom helped him find a new way forward.
A powerful conversation about life after service, mental health, and the courage to ask for help.
Subscribe and follow for more stories from the Camp Freedom community.
Learn more about Camp Freedom here: https://campfreedompa.org/
20 Apr 2026
#1 - Matt Guedes
Matt Guedes, Executive Director of Camp Freedom, has been with the organization since its founding in 2018. In the first episode of Camp Conversations with Chelsea, he shares the story behind Camp Freedom’s beginnings, its growing national reach, and the powerful impact it has had in helping thousands of heroes heal.Camp Freedom: https://campfreedompa.org/
11 Apr 2026
Coming Soon: Camp Conversations with Chelsea
This is a first look at what's to come. Camp Conversations with Chelsea will bring you real, unfiltered stories of service, sacrifice, healing and purpose from those who've lived it.
Follow along and be part of the journey.
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