WWIA Podcast

About WWIA Podcast

Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA) is a national 501(c)(3) public charity that devotes all its energy and resources to supporting the men and women wounded in combat who were awarded the Purple Heart medal. WWIA supports these phenomenal Heroes by providing them with the opportunity to participate in therapeutic, world-class, adaptive outdoor sporting activities at no cost to them. We do this to recognize and honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors.

Publisher

Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Category

health & fitness · society & culture · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Dec 2022

Latest episode

2 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

77 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Nov 2026

   Episode 76: The Pursuit of the Difficult- An Interview with Army Ranger, Financial Professional, and Outdoorsman Tim Kallas

   On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, proudly welcomes longtime friend and dedicated WWIA supporter, Mr. Tim Kallas! Born and raised in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas, Tim began his military journey as an ROTC scholarship recipient, earning the prestigious Gauntlet Award at Fort Knox in 1982. Commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 1984, Tim went on to serve in both the California Army National Guard and on active duty in the United States Army. A graduate of both Airborne and Ranger Schools, Tim served with the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany, where he had the distinct honor of leading the Audie Murphy Platoon. He would also serve as a Company Executive Officer and Battalion Adjutant before concluding his active-duty service in 1992. Following his military career, Tim transitioned into the financial industry, spending more than two decades in investment banking before moving into private wealth management. An avid outdoorsman, Tim's passion for hunting and fishing spans decades and continents. From hunting throughout Germany to pursuing upland birds, waterfowl, and big game here at home, he's experienced just about every facet of the sporting life. He's also an accomplished fly fisherman and has trained and competed with his German Shorthaired Pointer. Beyond his impressive military and professional accomplishments, Tim shares a deep appreciation for the outdoors, the bonds of brotherhood, and the lasting camaraderie that comes through service and shared experiences—values that are at the very heart of WWIA's mission. We're proud to have Tim as a friend and supporter of the Foundation, and we're excited to share his story with you on this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast! Without further delay, let’s join John and Tim for an engaging conversation as they reflect on military service, life's journeys, a shared passion for the great outdoors, and the friendships that make it all worthwhile. Takeaways: I emphasize that perseverance and resilient effort define success in both life and service. I describe how the outdoors and solitary pursuits aid healing, reflection, and personal growth. We explain that Wounded Warriors in Action provides structured outdoor experiences that restore purpose and dignity. I recount that character witnesses and honest testimony can change outcomes in critical military evaluations. I reflect that pursuing difficult challenges refines skill, fosters humility, and builds disciplined judgment over time. We highlight the importance of mentorship, team support, and repeatable processes in scaling impactful veteran programs. I state that attitude and effort are simple principles that guide resilience, recovery, and lifelong achievement. This episode of the WWIA Podcast is sponsored by ABLEnow. ABLEnow is a national ABLE savings program designed specifically for people with disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to save and invest money in a tax-advantaged account without risking certain means-tested benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid. ABLEnow is available nationwide and serves eligible individuals in all 50 states. Learn more about ABLEnow: https://t.co/r5071ltB0G ABLEnow (https://wwia.captivate.fm/ablenow) Mentioned in this episode: ABLEnow This episode of the WWIA Podcast is sponsored by ABLEnow. ABLEnow is a national ABLE savings program designed specifically for people with disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to save and invest money in a tax-advantaged account without risking certain means-tested benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid. ABLEnow is available nationwide and serves eligible individuals in all 50 states. Learn more about ABLEnow: https://t.co/r5071ltB0G ABLEnow (https://wwia.captivate.fm/ablenow)

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Episode 75: Soldier, Scholar, Statesman — An Interview with General David H. Petraeus

   On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO John McDaniel is both honored and humbled to welcome today’s esteemed guest, General David H. Petraeus, U.S. Army, Retired. General Petraeus is one of the most distinguished military leaders, strategists, and national security figures of the modern era. General Petraeus served our Nation for more than 37 years in the United States Army, culminating in six consecutive commands as a general officer, five of them in combat. His extraordinary career included commanding the Surge in Iraq, leading U.S. Central Command, and serving as Commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. Following his retirement from the military, and after confirmation by the United States Senate by a vote of 94–0, General Petraeus served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, General Petraeus earned his Ph.D. in international relations and economics from Princeton University. Remarkably, he is the only person in Army history to graduate at the top of his class from both the U.S. Army Ranger School and the Army’s Command and General Staff College. His military awards and decorations include four Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, two NATO Meritorious Service Medals, the Master Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, and Master Parachutist, Mountaineering, and Air Assault Badges. He has also been decorated by 14 foreign nations. Beyond his military and government service, General Petraeus has remained a prominent voice on leadership, national security, international affairs, and the changing character of warfare. He has held academic positions at institutions including Harvard, Yale, the University of Southern California, and the City University of New York, and has been recognized twice as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. Today, General Petraeus is a Partner at KKR, Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, and Chairman of KKR Middle East. He is also the co-author, alongside renowned British historian Andrew Roberts, of the New York Times bestseller Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Gaza, an examination of the evolution of warfare and the lessons that history holds for the conflicts of today and tomorrow. Few individuals have experienced leadership and service from as many consequential vantage points—from the battlefield to the highest levels of military command, to the intelligence community, academia, and the global stage. This is an intriguing interview full of wisdom and insight that only General Petraeus could offer through his unique experiences. It is our distinct honor to share this episode with you. Takeaways: General Petraeus describes the Purple Heart is the one medal respected by all and sought by none. General Petraeus recalls commanding the surge in Iraq and emphasizes that a change in strategy, not merely additional troops, mattered most. General Petraeus explains that the loneliness of command requires guarded communication and steady resolve under constant scrutiny. General Petraeus explains our support for Ukraine and how we must urge continued military, economic, and sanction measures to compel a cessation of hostilities. General Petraeus outlines that successful leadership demands four tasks: conceive big ideas, communicate them, oversee implementation, and refine. General Petraeus describes his current work in geopolitical risk and investment, noting extensive travel, public speaking, and nonprofit support responsibilities. General Petraeus discusses mentors who shaped his career from West Point onward and how their example and counsel guided critical decisions. General Petraeus emphasizes that reconciling with former insurgents and pursuing political solutions were indispensable in stabilizing Iraq after the surge.

3. 

   21 Aug 2026

   Episode 74: Where Science Meets Service: An Interview with Veteran, Educator, Outdoorsman, and WWIA Science Advisor Dr. Keith Tidball

   On this latest episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes back our longstanding friend, supporter, event Host, and WWIA’s Science advisor, Dr. Keith Tidball. With over 25 years of experience in the natural resources and conservation field, Keith currently serves as the Executive Director at Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, leveraging his expertise in executive-level management, social science, wildlife and outdoor education, and organizational leadership to execute the organization's mission of promoting outdoor education and conservation. His work focuses on cultivating programs and initiatives that inspire citizen conservationists and foster a sustainable land ethic, with a particular emphasis on hunting and fishing as timeless pathways to environmental stewardship. As an academic (Emeritus), Dr. Tidball’s research and applied scholarship explore the intersection of natural resource management, human dimensions of conservation, and resilience in the face of rapid change, trauma, and conflict. Drawing on a multidisciplinary background that includes cultural anthropology, disturbance ecology, and environmental psychology, he often collaborates with diverse stakeholders to enhance recovery and resilience through outdoor recreation. Aside from contributing invaluable research and insights as WWIA’s Science Advisor, Dr. Tidball and his wife Moira--in conjunction with the Kuneytown Sportsmen’s Club--have proudly hosted WWIA’s Kuneytown FLX Ducks and Bucks Hunt in beautiful Seneca Falls, NY for the past 12 years. This is a wonderful episode that we know you’re going to enjoy. Takeaways: The central mission of the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation is to bring honor, connection, and healing to combat-wounded veterans, particularly those who have received the Purple Heart. Dr. Keith Tidball's extensive experience in conservation emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activities for veterans, promoting resilience and recovery through nature. The recent survey data indicates that a significant percentage of veterans felt less isolated and more connected after participating in outdoor events organized by WWIA. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the podcast highlights how local hosts contribute to the success of the events, fostering lasting relationships with veterans. The discussion underscores the need for educational programs that connect youth with the outdoors, aiming to instill a sense of environmental stewardship from an early age. The dialogue reveals a profound understanding of trauma and its effects on veterans, demonstrating how intentional outdoor activities can serve as a remedy for psychological challenges. Companies mentioned in this episode: Wounded Warriors in Action Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation Safari Club International Cornell University Field and Stream

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

80

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.