Charlie Mike The Podcast

Trauma does not always hit all at once. Sometimes it stacks up quietly until one small moment at home becomes the blow-up you never saw coming. I sits down with Matthew, a Navy veteran, Houston police officer, and executive director of the Birdwell Foundation, to talk about what PTSD really looks like after the uniform and what actually helps when willpower is not enough. 

Matthew shares a deeply personal story about survi...

In this episode of Charlie Mike The Podcast, we sit down with Ryan, an 11B Infantryman who served with the 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After years of living at the speed of war, Ryan faced a different kind of battle when he came home—one that nearly cost lives and forced him to confront addiction, accountability, and the long road to sobriety.

Now approaching ten years sober, Ryan shares his...

We sit down with Constable Buck Stevens to explore how Pearland can grow without losing what makes it feel like home, from parks and arts to public safety and small business. Buck shares a lifetime of service and a practical plan to connect people, cut confusion, and strengthen community.

• Pearland’s evolution from ranchland to family hub
• Civil role of constables and partnership with police
• Small business owne...

We sit down with Representative Jeff Barry to unpack community-driven leadership, growth pressures in Brazoria County, the realities of lawmaking in Austin, and why water, taxes, and insurance costs are the fights that matter. Faith, service, and practical deals frame a conversation about doing the most good when the spotlight is harsh.


Contact me at Jeff at votejeffberry.com, jeff.berry@berryinsurancegroup.com, or ca...

A thousand-pound teacher tells no lies. At Thunder Hooves—a Houston-area veteran program—equine therapy meets practical job training. We explore moral injury, the myth of control, and how a sunrise in the barn resets the nervous system. Through weekly four-hour sessions, veterans gain grounding, confidence, and employable skills in landscaping, carpentry, and barn operations.

https://rainbowofhopetexas.org/

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Processing the Charlie Kirk assassination has been difficult, especially seeing people celebrate the death of someone for their beliefs regardless of whether you agreed with him.

• When someone is killed for their beliefs, it's bigger than one person—it's an attack on free speech
• Life's fragility is a sobering reminder that we aren't guaranteed tomorrow
• Having courage to speak your mind shou...

A simple concept born on a 60-acre farm outside Chicago has blossomed into a nationwide movement feeding thousands of veterans. Michelle, Senior Director of Farm to Veteran, shares the remarkable journey of this young nonprofit that's donated over 420,000 meals to veterans across nine states since 2020.

What began with just 20 chickens has expanded into a comprehensive operation with 400 chickens producing up to 100 d...

Discover how a spiritual awakening led to the creation of Warrior Spirit Texas, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing those who serve others. In this deeply moving conversation, founders share their journey from success-driven lives to a purpose centered on healing the hearts of veterans, first responders, educators, and those in recovery.

Their story begins with a simple act—donating a brisket for a veteran program graduatio...

Born on Veterans Day in San Antonio, Raul Herrera never expected his Navy enlistment for educational benefits would lead him into the heart of Vietnam's maritime battlefield. In this powerful conversation, Herrera takes us aboard PCF-79, one of the Swift Boats that fundamentally altered the course of the Vietnam War yet remains largely overlooked in military history.

Herrera's vivid recollections transport listen...

Jonathan shares his powerful journey of overcoming addiction and trauma as a veteran, illustrating the importance of vulnerability, resilience, and community in recovery. You'll be drawn into his story of loss, struggle, and ultimately, triumph, as he transforms his life and seeks to inspire others facing similar challenges. 
• Growing up in a military family 
• Coping with the loss of a loved one 
• Early struggle...

Welcoming a new life and relocating has brought profound changes, deepening our appreciation for family and the moments we cherish together. This episode is packed with personal stories and insights into these significant life transitions, including the joy of sharing these experiences on social media and the emotional journey of fatherhood. We are excited to introduce our guest, Lou Rosado Jr., a financial planner who brings a ref...

Alan's journey from Toronto to the Texas firehouses is nothing short of extraordinary. This episode features our engaging conversation with Alan, a former Navy corpsman and seasoned firefighter paramedic, whose career has spanned over 45 years. From contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan to authoring the gripping book "Postcards Through Hell," Alan shares his motivations, the highs and lows of his extensive career, and ...

When the uniform comes off and the service is over, what's next? Join us as we sit down with Jeremy, the co-founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who candidly recounts his own journey. From the echoes of duty in the heart-wrenching transition to civilian life, to the inception of a foundation that has become a beacon of hope for over 5,000 veterans, this episode is a deep dive into the soul of ...

Discover the unique world of chiropractic care with the Parsons brothers, Jerry and Dr. James, as they unveil their journey from athletes to community healers in Texas. With their shared passion for enhancing the well-being of their patients, this episode promises an intimate look into the workings of a successful chiropractic practice, the power of natural healing, and the dedicated support they offer to our veterans.

Thi...

As a Navy veteran and Houston police officer, Matthew's life is a tapestry of service and sacrifice, intertwined with the unwavering love for his daughter and community. Across the table, we have Donald, whose athletic prowess is now channeled into fueling young dreams with his Developmental League. Together, we navigate their stories of triumph and trial, illustrating the profound impact of mentorship, family values, and the ...

As I reconnected with my battle buddy Arik and his good friends Omar and Jorvorskie, I was struck by the unwavering strength and adaptability that binds us. It's the same tenacity that's propelled them from the front lines to the forefront of Lufkin's construction scene with Patriot Construction, and into the tantalizing world of beef jerky. Their stories, show the discipline and camaraderie of service life and chann...

Imagine a world where the discipline of military training converges with the freedom of the arts. Our episode traverses this world, from the story of a veteran who swapped his combat gear for paintbrushes and murals to the inception of Artists in Arms, a beacon of hope that bolsters veteran involvement in creative fields. These narratives underscore the significance of creation as a therapeutic outlet, the importance of camaraderie...

Embark on a journey of transformation through military service with Jeff Barry, as he shares his personal growth and the profound impact of his Navy experience. From Louisiana oil fields to Navy blues, Jeff's narrative explores how the military became more than just a career—it became a compass for life after high school.

Discover Jeff's career pivots from tech sales to insurance, fueled by family legacy and community pass...

When Mary Beth from LifeSaver's Emergency Room joined us alongside Brandy, our certified advocate, the air was charged with a sincere commitment to addressing the mental health needs of Houston's veterans. We traversed the landscape of available support, from the Crime Victim Service Provider Program to the pivotal role of the Compact Act in crisis intervention. Our conversation laid bare the vital connection between acce...