Veteran podcasts help fuel an upward trend in a medium on the rise

The podcast industry is growing exponentially. Research shows there are now 465 million podcast listeners globally, a figure expected to reach 505 million by 2024. Plus, there are more than 5 million podcasts around the world in an industry market size of nearly $25 billion.

According to Nielsen’s 2023 Audio Today report, heavier podcast use is growing (five or more weekly hours of listening time), while lighter use is in decline (less than an hour per week).

Amid this trend, Veteran-themed podcasts are playing a key role in propelling this burgeoning industry. VA’s effort to highlight these podcasts is part of its newly launched VA Radio Outreach initiative led by the Veterans Experience Office. The heart of the initiative is VA’s public service announcements (PSAs) on services, benefits and programs that benefit Veterans. More than 30 PSAs, including the PACT Act, the financial exploitation of Veterans, VA Home Loans, VA’s new crisis line number, VA’s Million Veteran Program, VA’s new health and benefits app, Veterans and prostate cancer, and much more, are highlighted on this page. They are all available for download as MP3s.

The following is a list of some of the many podcasts that focus on Veterans’ issues. Those with an ** air on Wreaths Across America Radio, a 24/7 internet radio station that airs podcasts and radio shows aimed at educating and entertaining Veterans. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app and the TuneIn app. The station constantly adds Veteran-centric and Veteran-produced programming to its lineup. If you’re doing a podcast or radio show or would like to recommend a show, email waaradio@wreathsacrossamerica.org.

In the comments section of this article, please share the names of any other Veteran-centric podcasts or radio broadcasts to help VA identify more shows to highlight.

#StillServing: The VFW Podcast **

#StillServing: The VFW Podcast, the official podcast of Veterans of Foreign Wars, is hosted by retired Army Master Sergeant Rob Couture. The podcast features insightful conversations and one-of-a-kind perspectives about a wide array of topics concerning Veterans, service members and military families worldwide. Guests range from VA and other federal government senior officials, CEOs of Veteran non-profit groups, Medal of Honor recipients, military and Veteran influencers, VFW leadership and Veterans.

#StillServing: The VFW Podcast airs on major podcast platforms, including Google, Apple, Audible and iHeartRadio.

From The Ashes Radio

Rob “Shenanigans” Williams and Seth “One Shot” Rodenbaugh, two Army Veterans, host From The Ashes Radio. They strive to bring attention to the resources for Veterans and the first responder community that are not associated with VA. The podcast also highlights success stories after service and Veteran business that others may find useful. “We are a beacon of light in the darkness as we work to end Veteran and first responder suicide,” the hosts say.

From The Ashes Radio is broadcast live 24/7 on About Face Radio, which provides the platform and training for to allow transitioning Veterans and first responders to tell their stories. The podcast also airs on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, iheartRadio and Apple Podcasts.

Your Next Mission **

Your Next Mission is a video podcast hosted by Jack Tilley, the 12^th Sergeant Major of the Army, a post he held until he retired from his 37-year Army career in 2004. The podcast, produced by the American Freedom Foundation, was launched in 2021 as a resource to help Veterans and families through their transition from military to civilian life, aiming to help turn their military experience into a tactical advantage in the civilian world, and to help educate Americans about the U.S. military. In about 100 episodes, Your Next Mission has covered topics with incredible guests ranging from transition, mental health, education, financial wellness, the military family and VA benefits to many charitable organizations serving Veterans and families. The audience has also seen a Medal of Honor recipient and has been treated to extraordinary stories of war.

Your Next Mission airs on YouTube, Rumble and major podcast platforms including Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Amazon.

Making Action Happen

Making Action Happen is a podcast associated with Action 22, a non-profit organization that serves as a voice for action on public policy for 22 southern Colorado counties. Action 22 introduces its audience to Colorado community leaders, elected officials and people to gain perspective on their ideas and experiences.

The hosts discuss topics that have ongoing and immediate impact on the Action 22 communities and by extension similar communities. The purpose is to help people find insight and solutions relevant to what they are working on, regardless of where they are in the world. Veterans who live in rural areas are faced with unique challenges when it comes to health care, benefits and services. The hosts regularly highlight these issues and discuss solutions to improve the quality of life for rural Veterans.

Brian McCain, an Air Force Veteran, and Sara Blackhurst host Making Action Happen, which airs here on the Voice America Network. The podcast is also available on YouTube and major podcast platforms.

Tactical Treasures Podcast **

Tactical Treasures Podcast shares the stories of Veterans and military spouses that have been impacted by a specific item, lesson or recommendation in their life. Tracy Flanagan, co-founder and senior vice president of JDog Brands, a nationally recognized brand offering franchise opportunities, interviews voices in the Veteran space to search for inconspicuous objects and moments that they turned into tactical treasures for their military career, business or life. Flanagan is the spouse of a Veteran.

Tactical Treasures airs on many of the major podcast platforms.

The Washington Tattoo Podcast **

The Washington Tattoo Podcast focuses on creating a world where music becomes a transformative force for wellness, mentorship and education. Hosted by Army Veteran Mark Reilly, the podcast shares special behind-the-scenes moments, history and insights from military personnel, Veterans, musicians and Veterans organizations from around the world.

The podcast, which airs on YouTube, champions music wellness programing, youth mentorship and education for military and first responder communities and their families through virtual and in-person events. “Please join us as we change the world for the better and provide inspiration, hope and unity through music and service,” according to The Washington Tattoo, a non-profit organization that offers world-class music and cultural programs in the Washington, D.C., area.

With programming for all ages, The Washington Tattoo aims to offer diverse, exceptional musical events, education and professional networking opportunities to a variety of audiences, while creating awareness of and providing for the needs of Veterans and first responders.

The MisFitNation

The MisFitNation podcast, hosted by Army Veteran Rich LaMonica, was launched in 2021 with the idea of inviting many Veterans to come on and share their stories. The idea was to help relieve some of the pressure that they carried from trauma and to allow them to breathe better for a while. The show’s favorite topics are resilience and the mindset of Veterans. Its core values are family, leadership, motivation, mindset and loyalty. LaMonica and his team have branched out to bring in experts such as authors, business pros, dietitians, life coaches and other knowledgeable people to share their skills with Veterans and possibly connect them for future collaboration. “We are by Veterans and for Veterans,” LaMonica said. 

Veterans can sign-up here to be on the show, which airs on YouTube and About Face Radio on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday live at 7 p.m. CST.

Welcome Home Veterans Radio **

Welcome Home Veterans Radio, hosted by Vietnam Veteran Joe Griffies, salutes those who have served and are still serving with a mix of conversation, information and special guests. The program covers Veterans issues including suicide, homelessness, entrepreneurships and Gold Star families. “We help Veterans who can’t help themselves,” Griffies explained.

The show airs on WIBG 101.3 FM and 1020 AM in Ocean City, N.J.

The Mental Health Warrior Podcast **

The Mental Health Warrior Podcast is hosted by Clifford Bauman, a 34-year Army Veteran and an internationally known motivational speaker on PTSD, mental health and suicide. His podcast focuses on those topics. A survivor of an attempted suicide, he realizes the importance of getting counseling and having a strong support structure. After being diagnosed with PTSD as a first responder to the Pentagon during the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, he initially dealt with his condition on his own. Upon realizing that that wasn’t working, he sought treatment, which has improved his life. He now believes that counseling has made him a stronger man and a stronger soldier.

The podcast, which reduces the stigma of asking for help one show at a time, airs on major podcast platforms, including iHeartRadio, Audacy and TuneIn.

Cup of Joe Radio **

The healing power of music is the central mission statement of Cup of Joe Radio. The show blends iconic songs and artists of the 1960s and early ‘70s with current artists like Bruce Springsteen, REM, Trace Adkins, Jason Isbell, Carrie Underwood, Iron Maiden, Toby Keith and others who salute Veterans through the power of music.

The show’s creator and producer, Vietnam combat Veteran Mike Spotswood, has worked in the broadcast industry for more than 50 years. He spent 20 months as a Marine in Vietnam and knows first-hand how music can lessen PTSD and restore the soul. He’s joined on the show by Doug Bradley, a Vietnam Veteran who co-authored the book “We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War.” Veterans are regularly updated on legislation and important VA issues.

Cup of Joe Radio airs on WRFZ 106.3 FM in Rochester, N.Y.