DAV Podcast

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May 2026

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About the show

The DAV Podcast sheds light on important topics and challenges facing America's veterans while also sharing the stories of veterans whom have been impacted by DAV (Disabled American Veterans) through its mission of fulfilling our promises to the men and women that served.

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60 recent

May 26, 202625 min

Mindscapes: The Science of Meaning

In this episode of the DAV podcast, host Matt Saintsing sits down with Dr. Amelia Hall, a scholar and faculty advisor for the student veterans' group at Naropa University, to explore a transformative, holistic approach to veteran care. Rather than treating veterans from the premise that they are "broken," Dr. Hall highlights how specialized spiritual, therapeutic, and psychedelic-assisted care gives individuals the tools to heal, reclaim agency, and rewrite their own narratives. She discusses how patients—particularly military veterans process complex trauma, PTSD, and moral injury—can weave mystical or expansive experiences into their specific faith backgrounds or secular practices to foster lasting psychological change. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the value of moving away from internalized pain toward a profound shift in self-identity rooted in inherent goodness, offering listeners a clearer perspective on the breakthrough benefits of specialized mind-body medicine.

May 12, 202615 min

Mindscapes: I went to Mexico and all I got was this reset nervous system

This episode of the DAV Podcast features a powerful discussion on the future of veteran mental health and the emerging role of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Host Rob Lewis sits down with veteran Noah Galloway to explore his transformative experience with ibogaine in Mexico, a potent plant medicine known for its ability to reset the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Galloway details his spiritual journey—from intense cosmic visions to a lasting sense of calm—while addressing the medical safety of ibogaine clinics and the legislative push for VA-sponsored pilot programs in the United States. As states like Texas and Mississippi explore alternative therapies, this conversation highlights why veterans are leading the charge in destigmatizing psychedelics and advocating for innovative solutions to heal deep-seated trauma. Click here for more information on psychedelic medicine: https://www.dav.org/mindscapes/

April 28, 20266 min

Two questions, no compromise!

In this episode of the DAV podcast, we explore the critical legal protections and everyday challenges facing veterans with service dogs. Featuring a firsthand account from Army veteran William McCasland, the discussion highlights a recent case of service dog discrimination at a hotel in Mississippi, where a handler faced pushback despite adhering to ADA rules. Angelica Williams from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division joins the conversation to clarify the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, specifically outlining the only two legal questions business owners may ask: is the dog required because of a disability, and what task has it been trained to perform. From debunking myths about service animal certification to providing resources for filing an ADA complaint, this episode is an essential guide for disabled veterans and business owners navigating service member rights and accessibility laws.

April 14, 202627 min

The War Inside: Understanding the signature injury of a generation.

This episode of the DAV Podcast explores the urgent and evolving landscape of military brain health through a partnership between DAV and the Invisible Wounds Foundation. Host Brian Buckwalter is joined by Dr. James Kelly, a leading expert in brain health, to discuss the signature injury of post-9/11 service: traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repetitive blast exposure. The conversation dives into the critical need for objective diagnostic tools—such as bloodborne biomarkers—to replace subjective clinical assessments and move past the myth that a brain injury requires a loss of consciousness. While addressing the specific challenges faced by veterans, including the high rates of undiagnosed TBIs among women who have experienced military sexual trauma, Dr. Kelly emphasizes a message of hope: specialized, personalized treatment programs are already demonstrating long-term, objective improvements for those living with these invisible wounds.

March 17, 202620 min

Voices on the Hill: Introducing the DAV Advocacy Team

This episode of the DAV podcast, hosted by Matt Saintsing, provides an inside look at the legislative advocates working on behalf of veterans in Washington, D.C. The discussion introduces the new leadership team, including National Legislative Director Jon Retzer and Deputy National Legislative Director Naomi Mathis, who share how their personal experiences as disabled veterans and former service officers inform their advocacy on Capitol Hill. The episode breaks down the impact of three recently signed laws: the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act (H.R. 224), which protects disability compensation in housing eligibility; H.R. 1823, which mandates stricter GAO oversight of the VA budget ; and the FAST Vets Act (H.R. 4446), which provides flexibility for veterans in the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. Listeners also meet the broader legislative team—Shamala Capizzi, Joseph Lamay, and Kevin Miller—as they outline their specific policy portfolios ranging from toxic exposure and survivor benefits to specialized VA healthcare.

January 21, 202619 min

Your Rating, Your Rights: Mastering the VA's Combined Ratings Schedule

In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Jonathan Kaupanger dives into the "Sudoku from Hell"—the VA's complex Schedule for Rating Disabilities—to help veterans and their families make sense of "VA Math." Joined by Andrew Clark, DAV's Assistant National Service Director, the discussion pulls back the curtain on the Combined Ratings Table and the "whole person theory," explaining why multiple disability ratings don't always add up to the 100% veterans might expect. From navigating the frustrations of diminishing returns to identifying "clear and unmistakable errors" and filing for secondary conditions, this episode provides essential insights and practical advice on how DAV service officers can help you secure the benefits you've earned. Here's more info on the Combined Ratings Table: https://youtu.be/9vaKqZZyg8Q?si=lCOzU6H2OF88VjvH

December 30, 202535 min

From Ramadi to Ayahuasca

Content Warning This podcast contains detailed discussions of sensitive topics, including combat experiences, childhood trauma, and substance abuse. It also includes a first-hand account of a mental health crisis involving a firearm and thoughts of suicide. In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Matt Saintsing sits down with Justin, a combat veteran who served as an infantry Marine in Fallujah and Ramadi. Justin shares a raw and candid account of his journey from enlisting to seek his father's approval to his decade-long struggle as a firefighter masking deep-seated anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. While initially believing his suffering stemmed from war-related PTSD, a spontaneous encounter with the psychedelic medicine Ayahuasca led to a profound spiritual awakening. Through this experience and his subsequent work with Save A Warrior, Justin realized the roots of his trauma actually lay in his childhood, leading him to a new path in spiritual chaplaincy and a mission to help others heal through the power of psychedelic integration.

December 16, 202523 min

It's Medicine, Not Dope: A Veteran's Truth About Healing from Trauma

This DAV Podcast episode "It's Medicine, Not Dope" features a profoundly honest conversation with Gigi, a U.S. Army veteran who served for over 22 years, about her struggle with complex treatment-resistant PTSD, depression, and anxiety stemming from multiple sexual assaults both in and out of uniform, and the demanding work of body identification at the Dover Port Mortuary. Gigi recounts her long journey through anger and isolation, the shame she overcame to finally seek professional help, and her life-changing experience with ketamine-assisted therapy, which she describes as creating new, healthier "train tracks" in her brain. Her message emphasizes hope and resilience, especially for veterans from underrepresented populations who are often discouraged from seeking mental health care, reinforcing that the treatment is "medicine, not dope," and encouraging others to utilize available resources like DAV and VA.

December 4, 202534 min

Veteran's Dream: Touch, Believe

This podcast episode features Jenna Naranjo Winters, who discusses her documentary, Dream. Touch. Believe., about her father, Michael Naranjo. Michael is a world-renowned sculptor and a Vietnam veteran who was blinded by a grenade explosion during his service. Despite this profound injury, he became a celebrated artist, relying entirely on touch to create his stunning clay sculptures. Jenna shares the story of her father's extraordinary resilience, his tenacious drive to achieve his dreams, and the indispensable support of her mother, Laurie, who manages his career, highlighting a message of hope, creativity, and perseverance for all listeners, especially the veteran community.

November 17, 202522 min

Resilience and Relief: A Veteran's Perspective on Disasters

This DAV podcast episode focuses on disaster risks relevant to veterans, offering key information on understanding these threats and accessing emergency assistance through DAV and the VA. It explores the unique challenges veterans face during and after natural disasters—including hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and ice storms—which are common in disaster-prone areas like California, Texas, and Florida. Featuring insights from VA psychologists and service members, the episode highlights the resilience and strong desire of veterans to volunteer in disaster relief efforts, discussing the emotional impact (PTSD symptoms) and the need for stress inoculation and mutual veteran support. Listeners learn how to qualify for DAV's emergency financial relief (up to $1,000 for lodging) and supply kits, and the process for contacting their DAV National Service Office for disaster relief assistance.