The MisfitNation With Rchard LaMonica

What does it truly mean to become unbroken? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation, host Jake Holland sits down with author Adriene Caldwell for one of the most emotional and inspiring conversations ever featured on the show. Adriene's story is one of unimaginable hardship—and extraordinary resilience. After surviving childhood abuse, foster care, homelessness, addiction, family trauma, mental illness, and devastating personal loss, Adriene refused to let her past define her future. Instead, she rebuilt her life, broke the cycle of generational trauma, became a successful financial professional, raised an incredible daughter, and wrote her powerful memoir, Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines. Throughout this deeply personal interview, Adriene opens up about the darkest moments of her life while offering hope to anyone struggling with trauma, depression, grief, addiction, or the weight of their past. In this episode, you'll discover: • How childhood trauma shapes adulthood—and how healing begins • What surviving abuse and foster care taught her about resilience • Breaking generational cycles and becoming the parent she never had • Living with depression and chronic illness without losing hope • Why forgiveness is one of life's most difficult—and freeing—journeys • The surprising life lessons that came from a year living in Germany • Why Adrienne believes "Boring is Underrated" • How writing her memoir forced her to confront buried trauma • Advice for anyone afraid to tell their own story • Three simple principles for becoming a better human: Love Yourself. Be Honest. Be Kind. This conversation is more than an interview—it's a reminder that your past does not have to determine your future. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, a veteran, a first responder, or someone searching for hope, Adriene's story proves that healing is possible and resilience can be learned. If this episode speaks to you, please follow The MisFitNation, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today. Guest: Adriene Caldwell Book: Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines Website: unbrokencaldwell.com About MisFitNation The MisFitNation Podcast brings together veterans, first responders, authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, musicians, actors, and changemakers who have overcome adversity and are committed to helping others rise. Every episode delivers authentic conversations about leadership, resilience, purpose, mental health, and the relentless pursuit of becoming better humans. Because every story has the power to save a life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the mission ends? For retired U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician Jeff Truex, the most important mission of his life didn't begin on the battlefield—it began after he took off the uniform. In this inspiring episode of The Misfit Nation Podcast, Jeff shares his remarkable journey from serving 23 years in the United States Army, including 17 years as an EOD Bomb Disposal Technician, to becoming a passionate advocate for veteran mental health and suicide prevention. After losing a fellow EOD technician to suicide, Jeff helped launch After the Long Walk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring no veteran fights their battles alone. Through peer support, crisis intervention, education, and community outreach, the organization continues to save lives by reminding veterans that asking for help is one of the strongest things they can do. Throughout this conversation, Jeff opens up about military service, combat deployments, life after retirement, rediscovering purpose, motorcycles, brotherhood, outdoor cooking, and why authentic human connection is one of the most powerful forms of healing available. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military spouse, or simply someone looking for an inspiring story about resilience and leadership, this episode is packed with meaningful conversations that matter. In This Episode • Jeff's journey into Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) • Serving 23 years in the U.S. Army • Combat deployments and military life • Transitioning from military service to civilian life • The veteran mental health crisis • Preventing veteran suicide through connection • Why asking for help isn't weakness • Brotherhood beyond the battlefield • Finding purpose after military service • Motorcycles, cooking, and building community About Jeff Truex Jeff Truex is a retired United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician who served for more than 23 years, including 17 years performing one of the military's most dangerous jobs. Throughout multiple deployments, Jeff dedicated his career to protecting others by confronting explosive threats around the world. Today, Jeff serves as the President of After the Long Walk, a nonprofit organization committed to preventing veteran suicide through peer support, education, outreach, and community engagement. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure that every veteran knows they never have to fight alone. Learn more about Jeff's mission and the work of After the Long Walk: https://www.afterthelongwalk.com/ If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There is always hope, and there are people who care. Follow The MisfitNation for more conversations with military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday people making an extraordinary impact. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when unimaginable loss becomes a lifelong mission to save others? In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation Podcast, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Dr. Pam Arnell, Executive Director of Twenty Two Zero, psychologist, educator, suicide prevention advocate, and one of the nation's leading voices for veteran and first responder mental health. After losing her husband, Desert Storm veteran Sgt. Benjamin Arnell, Dr. Arnell transformed personal grief into a mission that has helped thousands of veterans, first responders, military spouses, and Gold Star families recover from trauma through innovative, evidence-based programs offered at no cost. Together, they explore the realities of PTSD, the hidden struggles facing military families, the importance of peer support, and why asking for help is one of the greatest acts of courage. This conversation also dives into: • PTSD as an injury—not a life sentence • Veteran suicide prevention and warning signs everyone should recognize • Mental health challenges facing first responders • Rural America's access to trauma care • Healing without reliving traumatic memories • Leadership through service and resilience • Faith, family, and finding purpose after devastating loss • How Twenty Two Zero is changing the future of trauma recovery nationwide Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, caregiver, family member, or someone passionate about mental health advocacy, this episode delivers practical insights, hope, and inspiration that could change lives. One conversation can start a lifetime of healing. About Our Guest Dr. Pam Arnell serves as the Executive Director of Twenty Two Zero, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free trauma recovery services for veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, military spouses, dependent children, and Gold Star families. Her work spans psychology, education, emergency services, suicide prevention, legislative advocacy, and trauma research, helping reshape how communities approach healing and resilience. Key Topics • PTSD Recovery • Veteran Mental Health • Suicide Prevention • Trauma Healing • First Responder Wellness • Military Families • Peer Support Programs • Leadership • Faith and Resilience • Twenty Two Zero Connect with Twenty Two Zero Website: 22zero.org Follow The MisFitNation New episodes feature military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, leaders, authors, athletes, and changemakers sharing the lessons they've learned through adversity, service, leadership, and resilience. Subscribe, follow, and share this episode to help us reach more people who need these conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

**What happens when the mission ends?** For thirteen years, **Reid Cross** led elite U.S. Army Green Berets through some of the world's most dangerous environments across the Middle East and Africa. He understood combat, leadership, sacrifice, and the responsibility of leading soldiers in life-and-death situations. But nothing prepared him for the battle that came after leaving active duty. In this powerful conversation, Reid opens up about the identity crisis that nearly consumed him after transitioning from active duty, the silent struggle so many veterans face when purpose disappears, and how writing **Nation Fall** became the lifeline that helped him rediscover his mission. This isn't just a conversation about military service. It's about resilience. It's about rebuilding. It's about finding purpose when everything you once defined yourself by is suddenly gone. Rich LaMonica and Reid dive deep into leadership under pressure, overcoming failure, transitioning into civilian life, PTSD awareness, family, faith, resilience, and why storytelling can sometimes reveal deeper truths than history itself. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone searching for your next chapter, this episode will challenge, inspire, and remind you that your greatest mission may still be ahead. In this episode you'll discover: • Reid's unlikely journey from struggling college graduate to Green Beret Officer • The leadership lessons forged in Special Operations • Why transitioning out of the military can become life's hardest battle • The hidden danger of losing purpose after service • How writing "Nation Fall" literally changed—and may have saved—his life • Lessons in resilience, mental health, and PTSD awareness • The importance of family, accountability, and brotherhood • Three practical habits anyone can begin today to build a stronger life **About Reid Cross** Reid Cross is an active-duty Green Beret Officer, combat veteran, and author of the bestselling thriller **Nation Fall**. After more than a decade leading Special Operations Forces across the globe, he now advocates for veteran mental health, leadership, and finding purpose beyond the uniform. If this episode resonates with you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Mission first. Family always. Purpose never ends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the uniform comes off and the built-in community disappears? In this powerful ToosDay Crüe interview, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer Becca Spahr joins the show to talk about one of the most overlooked challenges veterans face after service: loneliness. After a 20-year Marine Corps career, including service in Iraq, Okinawa, and Special Operations Command, Becca found herself navigating a transition she never expected—the loss of daily connection, identity, structure, and belonging. That experience led her into her current work as a certified relational health coach, keynote speaker, educator, and advocate for social wellness among veterans, first responders, and their families. This episode digs into veteran transition, mental health, social wellness, leadership, military families, and the real work of rebuilding community after service. You’ll hear: The hidden emotional toll of leaving the military Why loneliness can affect resilience, health, and performance How veterans can rebuild purpose and belonging after service Why social wellness matters as much as physical and mental health The “trash can test” for knowing if you have real support How military spouses and families experience transition too Marine Corps leadership lessons that still apply in civilian life Becca’s practical advice for finding your people again Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military spouse, or someone rebuilding your own sense of community, this conversation is a reminder that connection is not weakness—it’s fuel. Connect with Becca Spahr: Website: beccaspahr.com LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: Becca Spahr Need help now? If you’re struggling, dial 988. Veterans can press 1 for veteran-specific support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices