The Veterans Unmasked Podcast
Real voices. Real stories. No filters.
Long-form conversations with veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, caregivers, and loved ones. Press play here, or open Apple, YouTube, or Podbean.
Episode 14 VU-LA-014
Martin Melkonian
Service, Brotherhood & Giving Back
U.S. Military Veteran
What happens when military service ends, but the drive to serve never does? Martin Melkonian talks Iraq, Camp Bucca, toxic exposure, veteran advocacy, service dogs, motorcycle clubs, and community after the uniform.
Episode 13 VU-LA-013
Dustin Cook
Purpose After Service
U.S. Army
Fourth-generation Army veteran Dustin Cook on transition, teaching, emergency communications, family, and why the mission does not end when the uniform comes off.
Episode 12 VU-LA-012
Jeff Maddron
When Tomorrow Became Worth Fighting For
U.S. Military Veteran
Jeff Maddron shares military service, memorials, PTSD, depression, a suicide attempt, recovery, family, and the moment tomorrow became worth fighting for.
Content warning: Discussion of suicide, depression, and PTSD. If you need support now, call 988 then press 1.
Episode 11 VU-LA-011
William “Big Sarge” Hansen
A Life of Service
U.S. Marine Corps & Army
From Desert Storm, Somalia, and embassy security to life after catastrophic injury, William “Big Sarge” Hansen reflects on generational service, leadership, and perseverance.
Episode 10 VU-LA-010
Elina Hobbs
Finding Her Voice After Military Service, MST & PTSD
U.S. Navy
Navy veteran Elina Hobbs, SK2(SW), shares an unfiltered account of service, Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, silence, self-forgiveness, and reclaiming her voice.
Content warning: Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, and assault. Discretion advised. If you need support now, call 988 then press 1.
Episode 9 VU-LA-009
Roxanne Sotelo-Adamick
From the Navy to Life After Service
U.S. Navy
Navy veteran Roxanne Sotelo-Adamick on duty stations, friendship, hardship, transition, grief, and carrying forward the memory of Texas Trooper J.W. Adamick Jr.
Episode 8 VU-LA-008
Willie Acklin
When The Alarm Sounds
Houston Fire Department
Houston Fire Department Senior Captain Willie Acklin on leadership, compassion fatigue, brotherhood, training, and the emotional weight of answering the call.
Episode 7 VU-LA-007
Tim Stroud
Building Community Through Stay Tuned For Vets
U.S. Army
Army combat medic Tim Stroud, founder of Stay Tuned For Vets, on music, woodworking, community, and continuing to serve after the military.
Episode 6 VU-LA-006
Cory Kammerdiener
Beneath the Surface
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy submariner and electronics technician Cory Kammerdiener on 12.5 years in the Silent Service, emergency response, leadership, and transition.
Episode 5 VU-LA-005
Mark Cupp
Finding Purpose After Service, PTSD & Second Chances
U.S. Army
Army 19K tanker Mark Cupp enlisted in 2008 to serve. This conversation holds PTSD, purpose, recovery, and the second chances that rebuilt his life after the uniform.
Content warning: Discussion of PTSD and trauma. If you need support now, call 988 then press 1.
Episode 4 VU-LA-004
Sergio Payan
From Fighting War to Fighting Fires
U.S. Army · Firefighter / EMT
Army veteran, firefighter, and EMT Sergio Payan on combat, the fireground, brotherhood, and the names he still carries.
Episode 3 VU-LA-003
Brice Porter
From Service to Purpose
U.S. Air Force
Retired U.S. Air Force veteran Brice Porter on leadership, brotherhood, mental health, creativity, and finding purpose after the military.
Episode 2 VU-LA-002
Taylor Mahaffey
The Silence After Service
U.S. Marine Corps
Marine combat veteran Taylor Mahaffey on deployments, the quiet after the uniform, mental health, faith, family, and rebuilding purpose.
Episode 1 · Part 2 VU-LA-001
Karen Pfeifer
The Conversation
Gold Star Family
Part 2. Gold Star wife Karen Pfeifer sits down for a raw conversation about grief, military family life, loss, resilience, and moving forward.
Content warning: Grief, military death, and family trauma. If you need support now, call 988 then press 1.
Episode 1 · Part 1 VU-LA-001
Karen Pfeifer
Don’t Ever Leave Me
Gold Star Family
Part 1 of the Memorial Day launch. Gold Star wife Karen Pfeifer shares the story of PFC Christopher Pfeifer, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade.
Content warning: Grief, military death, and family trauma. If you need support now, call 988 then press 1.