Idaho Smoke N Fire 400: Willie Stewart & Anthony Skeesick (Pod #024)

Listen in as Idahoans Anthony Skeesick and “One-Arm” Willie Stewart share their raw and unvarnished lessons learned from competing in this year’s grueling Smoke n’ Fire 400 bike race and leading a joint Challenged Athletes Foundation and Mission43 team through 420 miles of unsupported backcountry riding. ⁣
⁣
Subscribe, like, and listen to guests that will leave you inspired!⁣⁣

To learn more and support the cause of empowering lives through sport:

Thoughts, questions, suggestions, comments? Send them to podcast@mission43.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MISSION43 PODCAST

CAM18811.JPG
CAM18806.JPG
CAM18827.JPG
More M43 Podcasts
Uniting Military Spouses and Becoming a Community Advocate: Kelly Cottle (POD#064)
Uniting Military Spouses and Becoming a Community Advocate: Kelly Cottle (POD#064)

In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, host Dan Nelson sits down with Kelly Cottle, a South African native, former collegiate swimmer, military spouse, and passionate advocate for veterans and their families. Kelly shares her unique journey from immigrating to the U.S. to becoming a dedicated social worker supporting military communities. She opens up about meeting her husband, a combat-wounded Marine, just months after his injury, and navigating the challenges of military life, caregiving, and personal growth. Kelly discusses her work with Mission43 where she is focused on supporting veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders (SUD). This conversation offers valuable insights into the importance of community, communication, and finding purpose through adversity.

Whether you’re a military spouse, veteran, or someone passionate about mental health advocacy, Kelly’s story is sure to motivate you.

Fly Fishing Guide and Mission43 Team Member: Dustin Alger (POD#063)
Fly Fishing Guide and Mission43 Team Member: Dustin Alger (POD#063)

Join us on this inspiring episode of the Mission43 Podcast as we welcome our newest team member, former Army Ranger Dustin Alger! Dustin’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. A veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment with multiple combat deployments under his belt, Dustin faced the tough challenges of transitioning to civilian life. But through an unexpected turn, he discovered the healing power of fly fishing—a therapy that not only helped him but ignited a passion to assist fellow veterans battling PTSD. Dive into this episode to hear how Dustin turned his personal journey into a mission to uplift others, the mentorship that shaped his path, and how Mission43 continues to empower military members and their families as they navigate life in Idaho after the military.

Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance: Isaac Belden (POD#062)
Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance: Isaac Belden (POD#062)

In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, we sit down with Isaac Beldon, Iraq War veteran and founder of the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA), to explore his journey from military service to entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership.

A Marines Mission in Business Ownership: James McCarter (POD#061)
A Marines Mission in Business Ownership: James McCarter (POD#061)

In this episode of the Mission43 podcast, former Marine and cybersecurity entrepreneur James McCarter shares his inspiring journey from military service to founding his own company, Shadowscape. James opens up about the challenges veterans often face when transitioning to civilian life, including finding purpose, managing lingering anger, and carving out a meaningful career outside of the military. James describes his path into the cybersecurity industry, the obstacles he’s overcome as a startup founder, and the grit required to build a business from the ground up. James also speaks to the value of community, describing how he initially approached Mission43 with skepticism but ultimately found it to be a supportive network for veterans and entrepreneurship. He also discusses the importance of family and quality time, while sharing hard-earned wisdom on resilience, ambition, and defining success on one’s own terms.

From Airborne Soldier to Civilian Life: Nick Johnson (POD#060)
From Airborne Soldier to Civilian Life: Nick Johnson (POD#060)

In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, we talk with Nick Johnson, an Army veteran, Military Spouse, and member of the Mission43 Employment team. Nick shares stories from his personal life including his journey of joining the Army Airborne and the struggles he’s faced (and overcame) while transitioning back to civilian life. Nick opens up about his mental health struggles and how counseling and support networks played a key role in his recovery. The discussion highlights Mission43’s holistic approach to veteran support, focusing on employment, education, and building strong networks. Nick is also passionate about connecting veterans and military spouses with Idaho employers, helping them navigate the job market and building successful lives in Idaho after the military. Listen in and learn some valuable lessons from Nick’s jump back into civilian life.

Balancing Combat, Motherhood, & Life After the Military: Stephanie Toomey-Johnson (POD#059)
Balancing Combat, Motherhood, & Life After the Military: Stephanie Toomey-Johnson (POD#059)
From Navy SEAL to CEO: Cole Petrie (POD#058)
From Navy SEAL to CEO: Cole Petrie (POD#058)

In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, host Dan Nelson sits down with Cole Petrie, the newly appointed CEO of Higher Ground. Higher Ground is a nonprofit organization based in Sun Valley, Idaho, dedicated to supporting children and adults with developmental, cognitive, or physical disabilities. They also serve military veterans and first responders with visible and invisible disabilities. The secret to their success is outdoor recreational therapy to assist the healing process and unlock every individual's potential! Cole, a former Navy SEAL, shares his journey from military service to leading Higher Ground and enhancing the quality of life through therapeutic recreation and education.

Fast-Track Your Degree: Veterans' Pathway to Success with CWI (POD#057)
Fast-Track Your Degree: Veterans' Pathway to Success with CWI (POD#057)

In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, Dan and Alison (Mission43's Education Director), sit down with Shannon Kerr and Heather Grayson from the College of Western Idaho (CWI) to discuss a new partnership aimed at supporting military veterans as they transition back to civilian life. This partnership offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Leadership and Management, primarily targeting E5 and above but open to all, including military spouses and civilians. The program leverages military leadership training, translating it into college credits, and allows veterans to complete the degree in as few as five classes (15 credits). With flexible learning options, dedicated support staff, and full scholarships available, the program is designed to be accessible and cost-effective, preserving GI Bill benefits for future use. CWI's community-oriented approach ensures personalized support and strong emotional and social backing for veterans. This initiative provides a clear pathway to higher education and better job opportunities!

Army PT to Adaptive Sports Advocate: Dr. Heather Lopez (POD#056)
Army PT to Adaptive Sports Advocate: Dr. Heather Lopez (POD#056)

In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Heather Lopez, a dynamic leader in physical therapy, a Mission43 Leaders Fellow, and the director of the Challenge Athletes Foundation (CAF) - Idaho. Dr. Lopez shares her journey from growing up in a small town in Michigan, to serving as an Army physical therapist, to transitioning out of the Army and into a civilian career. Learn about her experiences, the challenges she faced, and how she now leads CAF - Idaho as they support adaptive athletes and veterans. Discover the powerful synergy between Mission43 and CAF - Idaho and how they work together to create a community of support and resilience. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with personal stories and professional insights.

Crafting Your Own Narrative: Michele Bradfield (POD#055)
Crafting Your Own Narrative: Michele Bradfield (POD#055)

Join us for episode #055 of the Mission43 Podcast as we dive into a compelling conversation with Michele Bradfield, a military spouse and Mission43 Leaders Fellow whose transition story is as inspiring as it is instructive. Michele shares her experiences navigating the complexities of life after the military, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of redefining her identity and career in civilian life. Throughout the episode, Michele opens up about the power of positivity, the importance of community, and her strategic use of therapy and personal reflection to find her path forward. Whether you're a veteran, a military family member, or anyone facing significant life changes, Michele's story offers valuable insights into overcoming obstacles and crafting your own narrative. Tune in to discover how embracing your journey can lead to profound personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose.

Top