Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. is powered by the voices of Veterans sharing their stories. Whether you are a Veteran or you love someone who has served, our podcast shines a light on the mental health challenges that some Veterans face — and the various paths they can take toward a healthier life.
Make the Connection is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ national public awareness campaign that features true stories of Veterans who have faced and overcome challenges.
S2: Episode 6: Self-Healing Through Self Expression
In this episode of Real Veterans. Real Stories.’ Veterans describe how self-expression has bettered their mental health. Whether through art, music, or poetry, the next mission for these Veterans is turning pain into beauty by sharing a part of themselves.
10 Oct 2023
S2: Episode 5: LGBTQ+ Veterans on Their Mission of Self-Acceptance
For some LGBTQ+ Veterans, living fully as themselves once seemed impossible. With a mission of finding self-acceptance, Veterans in this episode of ‘Real Veterans. Real Stories.’ describe their path to living openly and honestly.
10 Oct 2023
S2: Episode 4: Mental Health: A Family Mission
For many Veterans, balancing family life and their mental health is a challenge. Hear from Veterans who made it their mission to improve their mental health and family relationships.
10 Oct 2023
S2: Episode 3: Veterans on Finding Self After Service
A career in public service is one way that Veterans continue to place service over self. With the goal of helping other Veterans navigate the challenges of civilian life, these Veterans have invested in their next mission: finding what comes next.
10 Oct 2023
S2: Episode 2: Veterans on Their Mission to Give Back
Some Veterans give service to their country, and keep giving back after their military career has ended. In this episode of ‘Real Veterans. Real Stories’ we hear from Veterans who, after receiving mental health support, made it their mission to give back by founding nonprofits.
10 Oct 2023
S2: Episode 1: Veterans Find A New Mission
Many Veterans find their next mission after serving in the military includes returning to school—this episode of ‘Real Veterans. Real Stories.’ explores how mental health support has helped Veterans as they take on new challenges in the classroom and beyond.
4 Nov 2021
S1: Episode 6: The Power of Community
Feeling a sense of community binds us together and makes each of us stronger. In this episode, Amber talks about the power of shared experience. When facing mental health challenges, she discovered that no matter how isolated you may feel, there is always a community of Veterans waiting for you, ready to offer their support.
4 Nov 2021
S1: Episode 5: From Homelessness to Helping Others
After 12 years in the U.S. Army, Ryan returned to civilian life and his feelings of helplessness, guilt, and isolation grew. Hear his story —from experiencing homelessness to finding, and ultimately giving back, support.
4 Nov 2021
S1: Episode 4: Inspiring Stories From Women Veterans
Women are the fastest-growing segment of the military and Veteran populations. While each woman’s experience is unique, many women face similar challenges, both during their military service and after returning to civilian life. In this episode, hear four women Veterans talk about finding hope and ways to heal.
3 Nov 2021
S1: Episode 3: The Path to Forgiveness
Robert is a survivor of sexual violence, and its effects controlled his life for over 30 years. Through support from VA, Robert discovered that forgiveness was his most valuable tool in restoring his peace of mind, hope, and joy. This episode features a discussion of the potential effects of sexual assault, including suicidal ideation. The content may not be suitable for all audiences.
3 Nov 2021
S1: Episode 2: From Soldier to Civilian
In our second episode, we hear from Tristan, Chris, and Hector: Veterans who know what it’s really like to transition back into civilian life after serving in the military. Hear them describe some of the challenges they faced, like flashbacks, PTSD, and hypervigilance, and how they learned to cope.
22 Sept 2021
S1: Episode 1: The First Step
The Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. podcast explores mental health challenges that many Veterans may face — and ways to overcome them. In our first episode, four Veterans talk about taking that first step toward healthier living by becoming open, honest, and self-aware.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Contact Real Veterans. Real Stories.
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Real Veterans. Real Stories.?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
