USA Cares Podcast

Hosted by USA Cares

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Episodes

166

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Get your mid-week pick-me-up by listening and subscribing to the USA Cares Podcast on any major streaming service and check out some of the fascinating people and stories we highlight each week. The series focuses on veterans, service members, and military families sharing their stories in an authentic, conversational setting. *The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of our guests and do not represent those of USA Cares Inc.

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60 recent

July 16, 2026Episode 51 hr 3 min

Leading From the Front: Lessons in Leadership, Service & Resilience with SEAC John Wayne "The Bull" Troxell

What does it take to lead at the highest levels of the United States military? On this episode of the USA Cares Podcast , we sit down with Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Wayne "The Bull" Troxell , who served as the 3rd Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) from 2015 to 2019. As the nation's highest-ranking enlisted service member, "The Bull" advised the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on issues impacting the entire enlisted joint force while serving alongside military leaders across every branch of service. Drawing on more than three decades of military experience, he shares powerful insights on leadership under pressure, building resilient teams, servant leadership, and the unwavering commitment required to serve something greater than yourself. John Wayne Troxell also reflects on life after the military, the importance of supporting veterans and military families, and why organizations like USA Cares play a critical role in helping those who have sacrificed for our country. Whether you're a veteran, a leader, or someone striving to make a greater impact, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom, inspiring stories, and practical lessons that extend far beyond the battlefield. 🎙️ Topics include: Leadership at the highest levels of the U.S. military Serving as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Building resilient teams and overcoming adversity Transitioning from military service to civilian life Supporting veterans and military families The mission and impact of USA Cares

July 2, 2026Episode 41 hr 6 min

America’s Top Enlisted Leader: Ramón “CZ” Colón-López | USA Cares Podcast

Retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López joins the USA Cares Podcast for a powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, leadership, and life after the military. A decorated U.S. Air Force Pararescueman and Special Operations veteran, CZ served more than three decades in uniform and rose to become the highest-ranking enlisted service member in the United States Armed Forces. In this episode, he shares lessons from combat, leadership at the highest levels, resilience under pressure, and the importance of supporting veterans and military families through the transition to civilian life. From his roots in Puerto Rico to special operations missions around the world and ultimately advising the nation’s top military leaders, CZ’s story is one of courage, purpose, and service. Watch this episode of the USA Cares Podcast to hear an inspiring conversation with one of America’s most respected enlisted leaders. Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, military leaders, advocates, and changemakers supporting those who served.

May 12, 2026Episode 350 min

From the Battlefield to Brotherhood MVP’s William Johnson Jr. | USA Cares Podcast

On this powerful episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we are joined by two incredible leaders and veterans — Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Metheny and Sgt. Maj. William Johnson Jr., Regional Manager for Merging Vets and Players (MVP). Together, they dive deep into the realities of military service, leadership under pressure, the transition from active duty to civilian life, and the importance of finding purpose and community after service. William Johnson Jr. also shares how MVP is helping veterans and former professional athletes build connections, battle isolation, and strengthen mental wellness through peer support and teamwork. This episode is an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, brotherhood, service, and the ongoing mission to support those who have sacrificed for our country. Topics include: • Life lessons from military leadership • The challenges veterans face after service • Mental health and finding purpose • The mission behind Merging Vets and Players (MVP) • Building community and accountability • How organizations like USA Cares continue to support veterans and military families If you support our veterans, believe in the power of community, or want to hear incredible stories of leadership and perseverance, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations from the USA Cares Podcast. #USACares #Veterans #Military #MVP #MergingVetsAndPlayers #Leadership #VeteranSupport #Podcast #MentalHealth #Army

April 23, 2026Episode 229 min

From Service to Purpose 🇺🇸🐾 | Mark Pfeifer on Military Life, Mission, and Building Wigglewow

In this powerful episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we sit down with Mark Pfeifer, founder of Wigglewow, for a conversation that blends service, sacrifice, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Mark shares heartfelt stories from his and his wife’s journey in the military—offering a raw and personal look at the challenges, transitions, and values shaped by their service. But the story doesn’t stop there. Out of that foundation, Mark built Wigglewow—a unique dogtrot-style retail concept with a mission that goes far beyond business. Wigglewow is dedicated to employing and creating meaningful career opportunities for adults with special needs, proving that impact and innovation can go hand in hand. This episode is about more than business—it's about purpose, people, and building something that truly matters. 🔹 Military life & lessons learned 🔹 Transitioning from service to entrepreneurship 🔹 The vision behind Wigglewow 🔹 Creating careers for adults with special needs 🔹 Leading with purpose and impact 👉 Don’t miss this inspiring story of service continuing beyond the uniform. #USACares #Veterans #Entrepreneurship #Wigglewow #SpecialNeeds #PurposeDriven #MilitaryStories

February 21, 202621 min

5 Million Steps: Jay & Monica France on Purpose, Perseverance, and Supporting Our Veterans

On this episode of the USA Cares Podcast , we sit down with Jay Franze and his wife Monica France for a powerful conversation about commitment, resilience, and walking with purpose. Jay shares the story behind his incredible milestone — 5 million steps — and the mission that fueled every single one of them. What started as a physical challenge became something much deeper: a statement of perseverance, discipline, and unwavering support for the veteran community. Monica joins the conversation to give a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support a goal of this magnitude. Together, they open up about sacrifice, accountability, partnership, and why serving those who served matters so much to their family. This episode is about more than steps. It’s about movement — in body, in spirit, and in community. If you believe in supporting veterans and honoring those who have worn the uniform, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🇺🇸 Learn more about USA Cares and how you can get involved.

January 6, 202646 min

Purple Heart, Unbreakable Spirit: Joseph Bates’ Story of Service and Strength

In this powerful episode of USA Cares , we sit down with Purple Heart recipient Joseph Bates to share a story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Joseph opens up about his military service, the life-changing moments that earned him the Purple Heart, and the challenges he faced transitioning beyond the battlefield. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of supporting those who have served. This episode honors not only Joseph’s service, but the mission of USA Cares to stand beside veterans and their families when they need it most.

December 9, 202553 min

Healing Our Heroes: A Conversation with Capt. Marj Graves

Join USA Cares as we sit down with Captain Marj Graves , retired U.S. Army nurse, to explore her remarkable journey of service, compassion, and resilience. From caring for wounded soldiers to navigating the emotional weight of military medicine, Capt. Graves shares powerful stories that illuminate the often unseen heroism of military nurses. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to those who serve—not only on the battlefield, but at the bedside.

November 11, 202538 min

Episode 153- Resources That Restore Hope: Heather French Henry on Supporting Our Veterans

In this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we welcome Heather French Henry — longtime veterans’ advocate, former Miss America, and daughter of a Vietnam veteran — to discuss the vital resources available to those who have served. From housing and health care to education and employment, Heather shares insights on how communities and organizations can work together to ensure no veteran is left behind. Tune in to hear her passion for service, her personal connection to the mission, and practical ways to help veterans thrive beyond the uniform.

October 28, 2025Episode 842 min

Episode 152- Command the Crisis: Leading Through Chaos with Angela Billings

In this powerful episode of the USA Cares Podcast , we sit down with Angela Billings—author of Command the Crisis —to explore how leadership, composure, and clarity can turn moments of chaos into opportunities for growth. Angela shares the real-world experiences that inspired her book, breaking down actionable strategies for crisis management, communication under pressure, and maintaining mission focus when it matters most. Whether you’re a veteran, business leader, or simply someone navigating life’s unpredictable challenges, this conversation offers timeless lessons in resilience and command. 🎙️ Presented by USA Cares — supporting those who serve.

October 7, 2025Episode 536 min

Episode 151- Leadership & Service with Rear Admiral Gene Price

On this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we are honored to welcome retired United States Navy Rear Admiral Gene Forrest Price. Admiral Price most recently served as Reserve Deputy Commander of the Naval Information Forces (2017–2022) and as Commander of the Naval Information Force Reserve (2017–2020). With decades of distinguished service, he shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and the evolving role of information forces in today’s military. Tune in for a powerful conversation on duty, innovation, and supporting those who serve.