Tools to Reclaim Your Life After Combat

Jake Rademacher didn't wear the uniform, but the war still shaped his life. His two brothers served in Iraq, and that personal connection drove him to create the documentary Brothers at War. What started as a way to understand his siblings' experiences turned into something much bigger: a tool to help other veterans process their own stories.

In this conversation, Jake shares how storytelling, film, and honest dialogue can open doors for healing. He talks about sitting in on veteran groups, watching men let go of years of silence, and seeing the impact of simply being heard. We also get into why journaling works, what post-traumatic growth really looks like, and how small acts of reflection can lead to big changes.

There's a lot here for veterans who are working through their own transitions. Whether you're dealing with trauma, searching for purpose, or just trying to feel a little more understood, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone and that sharing your story can be part of the solution.

Timestamps

• 00:02:00 - From family to front lines and back again
• 00:05:00 - How filming war helped Jake process trauma
• 00:10:45 - The moment a sniper breaks down and heals
• 00:26:00 - Real-time healing in veteran seminars
• 00:31:45 - Why post-traumatic growth is possible for every veteran

Links & Resources

• Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
• Website: https://brothersafterwar.com/
• Follow Brothers After War on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brothersafterwar/
• Follow Brothers After War on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brothersafterwar/

Transcript

View the transcript for this episode.