The Decision Hour
Welcome to The Decision Hour, the podcast where we explore the tough decisions that people from all walks of life have made and the impact those choices had on their lives. Each episode, we sit down with a different guest who shares their personal story of a time when they found themselves at a crossroads, with their feet on the line, and they had to make THAT decision. Our guests come from all different backgrounds, from business leaders and entrepreneurs to athletes, artists, and everyday heroes. Through these candid conversations, we delve into the thought process and emotions behind each decision, exploring the challenges and obstacles that our guests faced, as well as the lessons they learned along the way. Whether you’re facing a tough decision in your own life or just looking for inspiration and motivation, The Decision Hour is the podcast for you. So join us each week as we explore the tough choices that shape our lives and help us become the best versions of ourselves.
Episodes
In this episode, Dr. Saarah Nicolas, Ph.D. joins Adam for a clear, practical conversation about veteran mental health. Drawing on her background in a military family and clinical work with service members, Dr. Nicholas explains how evidence-based therapies help veterans process trauma, reduce symptoms, and rebuild daily functioning.
After 26 years in commercial printing, Jay Garstecki walked away to serve a higher mission: helping veterans heal. In this episode, Jay shares the moments that sparked his calling, how Take a Vet Fishing began, and the evolution into Operation Healing Heroes—the TV series documenting veterans’ stories and shining light on effective PTSD treatments.
This week on The Decision Hour, we confront the reality of veteran suicide—and what each of us can do about it. Marine Corps veteran Jerry Shaffer, founder of the Red Star Foundation, joins us for a powerful, deeply human conversation about remembrance, stigma, and actionable hope.
Jerry lays out the hard numbers behind the veteran suici...
Welcome back to The Decision Hour! In this episode, we sit down with Barry Todd — U.S. Army veteran, financial advisor, and author of "Stand Your Ground: One Man's Self-Defense Nightmare." Barry takes us on a riveting journey through his military career, transition to finance, and a harrowing personal experience that changed his life forever.
Welcome back to The Decision Hour! In this episode, we're joined by the multifaceted Shaun Murphy — Army veteran, educator, motivational speaker, musician, and best-selling author. Known as "Mr. Motivation," Shaun takes us on an inspiring journey through his life's pivotal moments and the decisions that shaped his remarkable career.
List...
Welcome back to The Decision Hour! In this episode, we're serving up a hearty helping of inspiration with Stan Hays, founder of Operation Barbecue Relief. Stan takes us on a mouthwatering journey from competition barbecue to large-scale disaster relief, sharing how a simple idea born from the Joplin tornado grew into a nationwide movement of hope and hot meals.
In this powerhouse episode of The Decision Hour, we welcome back Ansel Brown—a seasoned country music artist returning to the stage after more than 12 years away. With his new single “The Whiskey Makes Her Miss Me” and the upcoming album “Gravity” both set to drop on June 13, Ansel is ready to shake up the country music scene once again.
This is more than just a comeback—it’...
Today, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Carlos Garcia—a clinical psychologist, Marine Corps veteran, and former firefighter. Dr. Garcia shares his compelling journey from military service to psychology, revealing how personal struggles with anxiety and depression led him to a career in mental health. His story is one of resilience and transformation, offering a unique pers...
In this special episode, we're celebrating a major milestone — the 250th anniversary of the United States Army! Our guest, Tom Long, Army veteran and event organizer, joins us to share a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible festivities planned for June 14-15, 2024, in Philadelphia.
From a powerful naturalization ceremony to a dynamic historical reenactment featuring George Washington, this once-in-a-generation celebration honor...
Welcome to another episode of "The Decision Hour"! Today, we're thrilled to feature Franco Sapia, a Marine Corps veteran and innovative entrepreneur. Franco's journey is a testament to resilience and creativity, transitioning from military service to law enforcement, and ultimately, to launching his own apparel brand, Zero Six Reveille. (https://zerosixreveille.com)
In this episode, Franco shares ...
In this episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of holistic mental health with the multifaceted Hilary Russo—award-winning journalist turned Havening practitioner and wellness expert.
Listen in as Hilary shares her inspiring journey from a 30-year career in journalism to becoming a champion for mental well-being. She'll introduce us to Havening, a groundbreaking neuroscience-based technique she describes as "CPR for...
In this episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of public relations with Jeremy Knauff, founder of Spartan Media and Marine Corps veteran.
Listen in as Jeremy shares his incredible journey from struggling entrepreneur to PR powerhouse. You'll hear how he overcame a life-threatening health crisis and rebuilt his career using the very strategies he now teaches others.
Stic...
In this compelling episode of "The Decision Hour," host Adam Bird sits down with Eric Hommel, a retired Lieutenant Colonel whose extensive military career offers a unique perspective on the intricacies of service across different branches. Eric's journey is a fascinating one, beginning as a Navy submariner before transitioning to an Air Force officer, providing him with a broad view of military operations and leadership dynamics.
E...
In this powerful episode of The Decision Hour, we sit down with Jeremy Hill, founder of JB Capital and host of The Jeremy B. Hill Show. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to thriving entrepreneur, proving that your profession does not define your identity. "What you do isn’t necessarily who you are," he reminds us.
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Join us as we sit down with Renee Wagner, a dynamic entrepreneur and the driving force behind The Mag Lifestyle. Renee shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in southern Massachusetts to becoming a successful publisher. Her story is one of perseverance, shaped by the determination she witnessed in her single mother raising six children.
In this episode, we explore the evolution of The Mag Lifestyle—how it transformed from ...
Today, we sit down with Michael Smith, an Air Force veteran and author, who shares his profound journey through mental health challenges, homelessness, and eventual recovery. Michael opens up about his experiences with bipolar disorder, detailing the extreme highs and lows that led to two suicide attempts. He recounts a pivotal moment when a quiet voice stopped him, reminding him of his purpose in life.
Listen in as Michael discuss...
Today, we sit down with Stephen Russell, an Iraq War veteran turned author and artist. Stephen shares his journey from the battlefield to the creative world, offering a unique perspective on life after military service.
Join us as we explore Stephen's military background, including his deployment to Iraq and the challenges he faced transitioning to civilian life. He candidly discusses the misconceptions veterans often encounter in ...
In this powerful episode of The Decision Hour, host Adam Bird sits down with Gino and Terry “Ranger” Johnson, the father-son team behind Champions for Veterans. Their mission? To help veterans secure the VA benefits they’ve earned by providing expert guidance and game-changing tools like the VA Claim Builder app.
Terry, a former Army Ranger and Green Beret, shares his firsthand experience of navigating the complicated VA system and...
Welcome to the 2025 season premiere of The Decision Hour with your host, Adam Bird! This powerful episode features an extraordinary guest, Pat Wetzel, whose story will ignite your courage and inspire your soul.
Pat Wetzel is more than an award-winning author, speaker, and podcaster; she’s a force of nature. As a pilot and acclaimed photographer, she’s the living embodiment of resilience and determination. Her book, "Bump in the ...
We have an incredible guest whose story of resilience and healing is sure to inspire you. Join us as we sit down with Holly Joy McCabe, a neurosomatic trauma therapist who specializes in healing trauma and optimizing performance and she is the founder of Brain Body Speak.
In this episode, Holly shares her tumultuous journey through a challenging childhood, including her escape from an abusive cult, battling trauma and overcoming a ...
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