Birds in the Sky

In this episode of Birds in the Sky, host Matthew Crane speaks with Rob Healy, a veteran of the Air Force who shares his journey from military service to civilian life. Rob discusses the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of community, and how photography has played a crucial role in his healing process. He emphasizes the therapeutic value of creative expression for veterans and the unique language that...

In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Maja Kraft, a former US Army medic who served in a forward surgical team during the early years of the Iraq War.

Maja shares her experiences in the military, the challenges she faced transitioning to civilian life, and how art and photography have become therapeutic outlets for her PTSD. The conversation also touches on her background as an immigrant fr...

In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Mansa Bey, an American folk artist and veteran. Mansa shares his journey from military service in the Army National Guard to discovering his passion for writing and poetry during his deployment in Iraq.

He discusses how writing became a therapeutic outlet for him and how he now runs a creative writing workshop called Veterans Voices, aimed at helping fe...

In this episode of the Birds in the Sky podcast, host Matthew Crane speaks with Brianna Nilsen, a licensed master social worker and music therapist. They explore the intersection of music and mental health, discussing how music therapy can be used to achieve non-musical goals, the science behind its effectiveness, and the importance of emotional regulation.

Brianna shares her experiences working with various populations, including ...

In this episode, Host Matthew Crane speaks with Benjamin Davis, a Navy SEAL veteran, Writer and executive director of Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group.

Matt and Ben discuss the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life, the importance of sharing all veterans' stories, and how writing has become a vital outlet for Ben. He reflects on the need for a deeper understanding of the veteran experience beyond just voc...

Lindsey Chudzik (LCSW, MSW, C-IMHP) is the owner of Jade & Sage Holistic Therapy, LLC in the Fort Myers area. 

Lindsey's passion is helping people who suffer from trauma and emotional distress find healing and growth. Lindsay is a champion of those looking to build a better life and understands that it begins with a solid relationship to ourselves, our self worth and our habits. 

In this episode we discuss her experience in the...

"Feel the fear, and do it anyway" - Actor Aleks Malejs can sum up her acting career in two distinct timelines: Early in her acting career, there was a cycle of addiction and crisis that seemed to hold her back on stage. However, once Aleks worked to reclaim her sobriety, she found her self having a greater range and depth of emotions to tap into while performing.

Aleks also walks us through how she is able to release and process he...

Warriors often benefit from deep emotional suppression in order to be effective on the battle field. It's a critical skill required for navigating the hellscape and atrocities of war and chaos - but this skill can be detrimental in our personal relationships, families and our communities. Retired Green Beret and West Point graduate, Bryce Hansen talks about his path to finding art and painting, after his military career. We discuss...

Brendan Bannon is a photographer and teacher from Buffalo, NY. His work behind the camera has led him all over the world telling intensely challenging stories and teaching photography. From HIV encampments in Uganda to Syrian refugees, Brenden has worked, lived and experienced life in remote, austere places. Along the way, Brendan was slowly developing his innovative teaching style and artistic voice. It was this work that made Bre...

At first, Julian chose photography to learn more about something he loved as a kid. Soon enough though, his studies would lead him to personal discoveries about friendships and brotherhood, memories, complexities of war, and the endless cycle of emotions he could examine through his camera lens.

"I didn't expect what I found" says Julian, regarding his expectation vs his experience of studying art.

Please enjoy this conversation of...

Zack Garner served in the US Army as a Special Forces team member in the Green Berets. He served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Zack also served as an instructor for the DOD and as a Government Contractor. Our discussion covers the various challenges in his life and how music and art helped him keep his mental state in check - especially during the times where physical training was not an option.

Zack's path to music and art is a ...

Melissa Amacher served over a decade in the US Air Force reserves, including a combat deployment in 2003 to Iraq. Melissa treated many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians during this deployment early in the Iraq war.

In this episode, we discuss memorable patients and how photography helped her begin to confront her experiences and emotions that had been bottled up since her tour in Iraq 16 years previously. As a civili...

Kegan served in the US Navy as an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter pilot. On Jan. 15, 2014 LT Kegan "SMURF"Gill survived an unimaginable emergency ejection from his aircraft at the speed of sound, just 2 seconds before impacting the ocean.

He recently published a memoir about his experience in the accident, resulting trauma, and his incredible road to recovery. The book is called "Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fast...

Brandon Barry is a songwriter, musician and actor from Buffalo, NY. 

Brandon fronted the indie rock band The Albrights from 2009-2015, writing many of their hits including "Hard Times", "Washing Town", "Over and Over", and "Goodbye, Adeline". 

We discuss Brandon's writing process, how he started down a life-long journey into the arts, and his songwriting process. 

Even though I've known Brandon almost 20 years and spent much of tha...

Steve Siulc is a US Army veteran, volunteer, father, and artist.

Steve served honorably in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since his discharge, he's been working at the Department of Veteran Affairs, and serving in a leadership role at V.F.W.. Steve's career and volunteer efforts are focused on ensuring our Veterans receive all the care and benefits they so rightfully deserve.

Steve uses photography as a means to reflect and explore his...