Veterans Series Episodes

The Veterans Series on The Shadows Podcast shines a light on the extraordinary journeys of those who have worn the uniform — past and present.

From every branch of the U.S. military, we welcome veterans and active-duty service members who open up about their experiences in and out of uniform. These guests share powerful stories of resilience, sacrifice, leadership, and purpose, offering insight into the emotional battles behind the battlefield.

Whether it's transitioning to civilian life, overcoming adversity, leading through crisis, or rediscovering identity after service, each conversation is a tribute to the human side of military life — raw, real, and deeply inspiring.

Tune in as we go beyond the rank and the ribbons to explore the personal shadows and triumphs that shape our nation’s finest.
Oct. 4, 2020

Episode 1: Joe Bogdan

Join us for the premiere episode of the Shadows Podcast, where we're thrilled to have Joe Bogdan as our guest. Joe, a senior enlisted leader in the U.S. Air Force, shares the fascinating ups and downs of his remarkable path, from co-founding Llama Leadership to hosting the Llama Lounge podcast. Dis…

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 28, 2020

From Tragedy to Triumph: The Transformative Path of Tripp Bodenheimer…

Welcome to another compelling episode of the Shadows Podcast, featuring Tripp Bodenheimer, the esteemed host and a devoted Senior Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Air Force. In this sincere and deeply moving conversation, Tripp bares his soul, inviting listeners into the depths of hi…

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 14, 2020

Courageous Conversations: Caleb Pearson's Candid Truth | The Shadows …

Embark on a compelling episode of the Shadows Podcast as we sit down with Caleb, a Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Air Force and the host of the Ignite Podcast. In this enlightening conversation, Caleb shares the multifaceted chapters of his life, addressing various topics that have sh…

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 11, 2021

Citizenship and Service: A Ukrainian Perspective in the U.S. Air Forc…

Embark on a captivating episode as Oleksandr unfolds the narrative of his upbringing in Ukraine. Join the journey as he delves into the profound impact the 2008 recession had on his family, offering insights into the intricate process of securing a spot through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program,…

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 18, 2021

Leadership Journeys: A Conversation with Retired Major General John G…

Prepare for a riveting episode as we welcome Retired Army Major General, public speaker, and author, John Gronski, to the Shadows Podcast! In this leadership-packed episode, John unveils the layers of his journey, starting with his upbringing in Pennsylvania. He shares intimate details of losing…

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 8, 2021

Voices of Advocacy: Mental Health & LGBTQ+ Support in the Military wi…

Join us on the Shadows Podcast as we sit down with Connor and Lucrecia Bocanegra, seasoned Professional Military Education Instructors in the United States Air Force, for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation. In this episode, the couple delves into their individual journeys of self-disc…

Listen to the Episode
April 5, 2021

90 Years of Leadership Lessons: A Conversation with CMSAF Bob Gaylor …

Welcome to an extraordinary episode of the Shadows Podcast, where former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Bob Gaylor, a living repository of over 90 years of knowledge and experiences, takes center stage. With remarkable recall, Chief Gaylor delves into the intricacies of his illustrious mili…

Listen to the Episode
May 23, 2021

Breaking the Silence: Dylan Roberts' Story of Mental Health and Hope …

In this heartfelt episode, recent U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate Dylan unveils a deeply personal journey. He recounts a poignant moment from his high school days when he grappled with despair, shedding light on the night he contemplated suicide. Dylan takes us through his path to recovery, navig…

Listen to the Episode
May 31, 2021

A-10s to Super Bowls: The Remarkable Career of Chad Hennings | The Sh…

Join us on the Shadows Podcast as we sit down with Chad Hennings, a military veteran and one of the most decorated college football players in NCAA history. Chad shares his unique journey, from getting drafted in the NFL while fulfilling a military service commitment to becoming a three-time Super …

Listen to the Episode
June 7, 2021

HeroFront Chronicles: The Genesis of Josh White's Podcast Journey | T…

Josh White, a Senior Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Air Force and the host of HeroFront Podcast, shares his candid journey in this episode. He reflects on his upbringing and the pivotal decision to enlist in the Air Force. Josh bravely opens up about the darkest chapter in his life, r…

Listen to the Episode
July 4, 2021

Beyond the Uniform: Craig Neri's Transition from Air Force to Civilia…

Celebrate Independence Day with a special episode of the Shadows Podcast featuring retired Chief Master Sergeant Craig Neri, a 29-year veteran of the United States Air Force. Join us as Craig delves into the emotional struggles of his upbringing, his decision to join the Air Force, and his unique e…

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 2, 2021

Beyond the Shadows: Jerry Dugan's Uncharted Paths | The Shadows Podca…

Explore the life journey of Jerry Dugan, host of the Beyond the Rut Podcast, on the latest episode of The Shadows Podcast. Join us as Jerry shares his transition from aspiring musician to U.S. Army service, delving into poignant reflections on his experiences during the Operation Iraqi Freedom Inva…

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 16, 2021

Muddy Boots Wisdom: Daniel Harris on the Four Pillars of Leadership |…

Join us on the Shadows Podcast as Daniel Harris, a 30-year veteran and Founder of Muddy Boots Leadership, shares his incredible journey from Liberia to New York at 15. Discover the impact of unsung heroes and the pivotal moments that led him to military service. Explore the Four Pillars of Leadersh…

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 30, 2021

Time To Shine Today: Scott Ferguson's Redemption Story | The Shadows …

Join us on the Shadows Podcast as Scott Ferguson, military veteran and host of Time To Shine Today Podcast, shares his powerful journey. From a challenging childhood marked by his father's death in Vietnam to being adopted by a military family and serving in the United States Navy, Scott opens up a…

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 6, 2021

Rising through Ranks: Airman to Chief with a Firestarter, Adam Boubed…

Join us on the Shadows Podcast as we host Adam Boubede, a distinguished Senior Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Air Force. Named one of John Maxwell’s 2018 Top 100 Transformational Leaders and co-author of #Firestarter Book Project, Adam takes us through his nearly twenty-year career. F…

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 20, 2021

Charting New Courses: Tony Richardson's Air Force Legacy | The Shadow…

Embark on an engaging episode with Tony Richardson, a retired officer from the United States Air Force and the Founder/CEO of Capital Catalyst Group LLC. In this candid conversation, Tony shares his poignant journey—from growing up in his grandmother's one-bedroom house, grappling with domestic vio…

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 27, 2021

Leading the Way: A Llama Lounge Podcast Takeover Special | The Shadow…

Get ready for an exciting crossover as W. Scott Greene and Joe Bogdan, hosts of the Llama Leadership and the Llama Lounge Podcast, take over the Shadows Podcast for a special 50th episode celebration! In this lively conversation with Tripp Bodenheimer, they delve into the genesis of the Shadows Pod…

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 4, 2021

Episode 51: The Tragedy and Triumph of Todd Boczkowski

This week Todd Boczkowski joins us on an episode of the Shadows Podcast that’s filled with emotions. Todd is a trauma and PTSD survivor, author of My Two Angels: Turning Tragedy into Triumph, an Air Force Veteran, and has bee...

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 25, 2021

Courageous Leadership Chronicles: Todd Simmons' Air Force and Civilia…

Dive into a compelling episode with Todd Simmons, the Chief Vision Officer and Founder of Courageous Leadership Alliance, a retired Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force with over 25 years of dedicated service. In this insightful conversation, Todd shares his extraordinary journey, s…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 15, 2021

Mastering Emotions: Noble Gibbens and the EQ Revolution | The Shadows…

Join us on the Shadows Podcast as the EQ Gangster, Noble Gibbens, returns for an episode dedicated to emotional fitness. Delve into Noble's personal journey, from his upbringing to emotional growth, navigating arguments with family and the wake-up call provided by a pivotal moment with his wife. Ca…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 22, 2021

From Airman to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force: Kaleth Wright'…

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Kaleth Wright, retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and current CEO of the Air Force Aid Society. Kaleth reflects on his upbringing, sharing the profound impact of his mother on his career. From his decision to join the Air Force to …

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 9, 2021

The Genesis of the Lima Charlie Network: Leadership Journeys on Displ…

Step into the exciting launch of the Lima Charlie Network with the Shadows Podcast! On December 3, 2020, the Lima Charlie team unveiled their venture through a dynamic Facebook Live event. As proud members of LCN, we bring you the entire event, offering an exclusive glimpse into our team and the bo…

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 20, 2022

Drive On: Brothers in Arms, A Soldier's Legacy with Scott DeLuzio | T…

In this compelling podcast episode, we sit down with Scott DeLuzio, an Army infantry veteran who shares a profound and personal journey. Serving alongside his younger brother, Steven, in Afghanistan in 2010, Scott recounts the heart-wrenching experience of losing Steven in action just miles away. …

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 3, 2022

Brandi Benson's Courage Unveiled: A Soldier's Battle with Cancer | Th…

Join us in this compelling episode of the Shadows Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Brandi Benson—a military veteran, cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and the author of "The Enemy Inside Me: A Young Soldier’s Unexpected Battle With Cancer." In this deeply personal conversation,…

Listen to the Episode