Best Civilian Trauma Podcasts (2025)

1
Marine Tells INSANE Stories about Life on a Navy Ship 1:24:58

2d ago1:24:58

1:24:58

Marine Corps Veteran Roger Michael Hall pulls no punches in this episode of Urban Valor. From 2017–2022, Roger served as an infantry mortarman (0341) — but this isn’t the recruiting poster version of the Corps. This is the truth about months living on a Navy ship, crammed into tight berthing spaces, working long hours, and finding ways to stay sane…

1
U.S. Airman’s World Changed Forever After One Call 1:43:52

9d ago1:43:52

1:43:52

From a young immigrant kid running barefoot in Mexico to serving as a U.S. Air Force veteran in Iraq — this is the incredible untold story of Hector Cabrera. In this Urban Valor episode, Hector opens up about growing up with a single mother, losing his father, facing cultural identity struggles, and ultimately finding his calling in the U.S. milita…

1
Army Chaplain EXPOSES The Hidden Trauma Soldiers Carry 1:14:17

16d ago1:14:17

1:14:17

Army Chaplain Nimrod Alcala opens up about the hidden war that no one talks about—what it’s like carrying the emotional trauma of soldiers... until it breaks you. In this Urban Valor episode, Nimrod reveals the unbearable emotional toll of his service—not on the battlefield, but behind closed doors. As a U.S. Army Chaplain, he became the safe place…

1
Navy Veteran/U.S. Marshal Risks Everything Exposing Federal Corruption 2:00:09

22d ago2:00:09

2:00:09

PTSD. Whistleblowing. Betrayal by your own agency. Robert Ledogar lived it. A 32-year career — Navy vet turned U.S. Marshal — shattered when he chose integrity over silence. From chasing fugitives in New York to working the El Chapo and MS-13 cases, Lugar served at the highest levels… until the U.S. Marshals turned on him for protecting a fellow De…

1
Marine Remembers Blast That Left His Friend Dismembered 49:30

30d ago49:30

49:30

This week on Urban Valor, we sat down with Marine veteran Ernesto Menjivar. A man who watched his brother lose both legs to an IED right in front of him. Ernesto was 19 years old when he first hit the ground in Afghanistan, assigned to one of the most IED-infested regions in Helmand Province. The firefights came fast. The first one he was ever in, …

1
Green Beret Faces Worst Nightmare After Surviving Hell in Afghanistan 58:15

1M ago58:15

58:15

Green Beret Terry Wilson faced daily ambushes, IEDs, RPG attacks, and brutal firefights while deployed in Afghanistan’s deadly Helmand Province. But even after surviving the horrors of war, nothing could prepare him for the tragedy that struck back home—the heartbreaking loss of his son. This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with retired U.S. Army …

1
Marine Veteran’s Shocking Childhood Made Him Unbreakable 1:51:33

1M ago1:51:33

1:51:33

He survived hell—and now he inspires millions. Tom “Quitproof” Jones, a former U.S. Marine and world-class endurance athlete, endured one of the most traumatic childhoods imaginable: being beaten, terrorized, and even woken with a gun to his forehead. In this episode of Urban Valor, Tom opens up about how his abusive father hunted his mom—with Tom …

1
Army MP Recounts Combat Missions in Iraq & Haunting Investigations 1:01:15

2M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Meet Richard Aviles, a U.S. Army Veteran and former Military Policeman whose story is as raw as it is remarkable. In this Urban Valor episode, Richard recounts growing up in Puerto Rico, navigating culture shock in the U.S., and enlisting in the Army to escape homelessness and pursue purpose. Within months, he found himself deployed to Iraq, runnin…

1
Marine Suffers Severe Burns From AAV Blast in Final Training Exercise 1:14:31

2M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

A Marine's worst nightmare came true in a split second. In this episode of Urban Valor, Marine veteran Kyle Hansen recounts the devastating moment his AAV (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) ran over a natural gas line, sparking a massive explosion that left him severely burned and changed his life forever. Kyle served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2014–2…

1
F/A-18 Marine Pilot Takes Down a Russian MiG-29 in Dogfight 1:28:54

2M ago1:28:54

1:28:54

What really happens when a U.S. Marine fighter pilot faces off with a Russian MiG-29 at 8Gs? In this week’s episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with Major Ed Rush, a decorated Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot with nearly 2,000 hours of tactical flight time and over 50 combat missions under his belt. Raised by a legendary basketball coach and an NBA refere…

1
Marine Survived Desert Storm, Invaded Iraq with His Son, Then Survived Fallujah 1:28:24

2M ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Meet Marine Corps veteran Armando Garcia, a dual-branch warrior who served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps. In this episode of Urban Valor, Garcia recounts his incredible journey from Desert Storm to Fallujah, including surviving a grenade blast, building military infrastructure, training future Marines, and even serving alongside h…

1
Iraqi Kid Leads Marines to Buried American Soldiers 1:55:19

3M ago1:55:19

1:55:19

Former U.S. Marine Michael Delery joins us on Urban Valor to share a powerful and haunting story from his time in Iraq. During the 2003 invasion, Mike’s unit was approached by a young Iraqi boy who led them to a shallow grave—revealing the remains of four missing American soldiers. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Mike faced nonstop pressur…

1
Army Combat Cameraman Captures the Horrors of War (Still Haunts Him) 1:11:28

3M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

This week on Urban Valor, we hear the extraordinary story of Army Staff Sergeant Robert Ham—a combat videographer whose job was to document war through the lens. Serving from 2007 to 2017, Robert captured footage most Americans will never see—graphic, haunting, and real. But it wasn’t until he reviewed the footage later that the emotional weight tr…

1
Purple Heart Marine Survives Car Bomb But Battles PTSD 1:32:35

3M ago1:32:35

1:32:35

Michael Allison is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who survived a devastating VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) attack in Iraq—but his toughest battles came after the war. In this episode of Urban Valor, Michael opens up about the trauma that followed his deployment, including PTSD, addiction, and divorce. Born in Jamaica and raised in …

1
Marine Veteran Survives Fighting the Enemy Up Close in Fallujah 2:43:41

3M ago2:43:41

2:43:41

Marine veteran George Kite shares his account of close combat in Fallujah, the brutal realities of war, and the lifelong impact of PTSD in this week’s Urban Valor episode. From growing up poor in South Carolina—sometimes homeless—to enlisting on his 17th birthday, George’s journey is one of survival, grit, and raw honesty. He remembers the chaos of…

1
Navy Vet Survives Near-Death Knife Attack - "He stabbed me in the back and cut my spinal cord" 1:20:00

4M ago1:20:00

1:20:00

Navy Veteran Jesse Swalley shares his story of survival after a brutal knife attack left him paralyzed. Raised in the San Fernando Valley, Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Navy seeking a better life and served as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate from 1980 to 1986. After navigating the dangers of the flight deck and the challenges of military life, Jesse face…

1
Marine’s In-Depth Account of the Bloodiest Battle of Iraq War 2:37:14

4M ago2:37:14

2:37:14

Marine veteran Sam Williams reveals the brutal reality of close-quarters combat during the Iraq War, including the infamous Second Battle of Fallujah. In this Urban Valor episode, Sam shares his experiences from the frontlines of Iraq, where he and his unit were forced to retreat from Mosul after engaging a hostile crowd and later thrown into the b…

1
Soldier Tasked with Pulling Mangled Bodies Out of Truck in Afghanistan 1:06:42

4M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

In this week’s episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Army veteran Denny Giamazzo, who was raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Denny faced unspeakable abuse—abandoned by his drug-addicted mother, burned with cigarettes, and left alone for days as a young child. After entering foster care, he found brief moments of hope, but the scars of his …

1
Army Officer Survives Afghanistan But Fights New War at Home 1:38:18

4M ago1:38:18

1:38:18

Army veteran George Hayworth faced war in Afghanistan—but his toughest battle came after returning home. In this week’s episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with George, a former U.S. Army Artillery Officer, who opens up about his life before, during, and after combat. From his service with the 101st Airborne Division to struggling with identity, ad…

1
Marine’s Dreams Crushed After Passing Sniper & MARSOC Tests 1:51:43

5M ago1:51:43

1:51:43

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Marine Rob Martinez, whose unbelievable story of perseverance through Scout Sniper and MARSOC selection is inspiring and heartbreaking. Raised in Kissimmee, Florida, Rob enlisted in the Marine Corps after a rough start in life. Originally signed up as a Motor Transport Mechanic, Rob’s ambition never s…

1
Royal Marine Ambushed, Blown Up, & Nearly Kidnapped By Al Qaeda 2:26:23

5M ago2:26:23

2:26:23

Retired Royal Marine Commando Lee West joins us on Urban Valor to recount the moments when he was nearly kidnapped by Al Qaeda at a checkpoint in Baghdad. Lee served from 2003 to 2020, rising to the rank of Color Sergeant, and brings a firsthand account of frontline combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his second deployment to Afghanistan, Lee wa…

1
Marines Face Brutal Combat in Iraq's Bloodiest Warzones 2:19:22

5M ago2:19:22

2:19:22

In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, we feature Marine Captain Jason Angell, who shares his firsthand experiences from the Iraq War, including brutal combat in Ramadi and Hit. From relentless firefights to life-or-death situations, Jason takes us deep into the chaos of urban warfare, the unwavering courage of Marines, and the brotherhood that k…

1
Hardcore South-Central LA Gangster Rises to Retired Navy Master Chief 59:43

5M ago59:43

59:43

From the violent streets of South Central LA to the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy...this is the incredible true story of Raul Ramos. Drawn into gang life at just 11 years old, Raul had gang tattoos on his face by 13 and was living in one of the most dangerous environments in America. But at 18, he made a life-changing decision: joining the…

1
Army Paratroopers Viciously Fight Taliban Trying to Overrun Their Position 2:31:03

5M ago2:31:03

2:31:03

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Army Veteran Danny Szczakowski, a former Airborne Infantry paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. From enduring a challenging childhood in Hereford, Texas, to facing intense combat in Afghanistan, Danny's story is one of resilience and sacrifice. In this episode, he recounts multiple gunfights agains…

1
Love In a Time of Collar Chokes, Part 1 1:19:43

6M ago1:19:43

1:19:43

In Part 1 of our 2 part episode we talk to Sameerah (Sam) Dane. We talk about women in martial arts and fostering an inclusive and welcoming community in an intimidating sport for women to get into. We also talk about Sam and her husband Adam. We get in depth about old school courtship, chance encounters in meeting, working at Hot Topic, personal a…

1
Marine Combat Vet Exposes the Military’s Biggest Betrayal! 45:51

6M ago45:51

45:51

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Marine veteran Andrew Higgins, who shares the brutal reality of military transition. After enlisting as an 0311 Rifleman, Andrew deployed to Afghanistan, where he faced life-threatening situations and the psychological conditioning of becoming a warfighter. Now a Readjustment Counselor and licensed Marriag…

1
Marines Recover Fallen Comrade Dragged and Hung in Town Square 58:52

6M ago58:52

58:52

Marine veteran Chris Mansfield shares his story of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, where he and his unit were tasked with a harrowing mission: recovering Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, a fallen Marine who was captured, dragged through the streets, and hung in the town center of Nasiriyah before being buried in a landfill. In this episode of Urban Valor,…

1
Special Ops Medic Rescues Mom and Child Crushed by 110-ft Tree 1:24:04

6M ago1:24:04

1:24:04

This week’s Urban Valor episode features Rory Farrell, a retired Navy Special Operations Corpsman (2004-2024), who shares his journey through the military and beyond. Growing up in Colchester, CT, Rory was deeply impacted by 9/11, which inspired him to enlist in the Navy. He pursued the Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman pipeline, undergoin…

1
Marine Survives Bloody Fallujah Mile and Ramadi’s Deadliest Streets 59:13

6M ago59:13

59:13

Marine Veteran Brian Mendez takes us inside the brutal battles of Fallujah and Ramadi, sharing his experiences fighting through the Fallujah Mile, one of the deadliest combat zones of the Iraq War. In this episode of Urban Valor, Brian reflects on the mental and emotional toll of war, his battle with PTSD, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became his sav…

1
Marine's Life-Altering Betrayal by His Recruiter 1:41:56

7M ago1:41:56

1:41:56

In this week’s Urban Valor episode, we feature Marine veteran Michael D’Angelo, a Las Vegas native who overcame a turbulent upbringing marked by homelessness and family struggles. Michael shares his journey from running the streets to enlisting in the Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner. He opens up about how a recruiter’s deception left him in the Re…

1
Marine Prevents Tragedy by Disarming Fellow Comrade in Crisis 59:41

7M ago59:41

59:41

In this powerful Urban Valor episode, Marine veteran Chris Skinner shares his gripping story of courage and quick thinking that prevented a potential tragedy. Serving in the U.S. Marines as a Combat Logistics Specialist from 2016 to 2022, Chris recalls his most pivotal moment—disarming a fellow Marine who was on the brink of taking his life. Throug…

1
Power of Grit with Jake Zweig 1:02:05

7M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

***Special Bonus from the Archive*** Join host Mike Kim in this episode of the Veteran Et Cetera as he converses about the intricacies of veteran readjustment culture with Navy SEAL veteran Jake Zweig. Discover insights into leadership, mentorship, and the power of grit as Jake shares his journey from a Naval Academy graduate to an entrepreneur. Th…

1
Army Special Forces Green Beret Medic Endures Multiple Brushes with Death 2:41:21

7M ago2:41:21

2:41:21

In this gripping episode of Urban Valor, we sit down with U.S. Army Green Beret and Special Forces Medic, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jacek “Jack” Waliszewski. A political refugee from Poland, Jack’s life was shaped by his father’s role in co-founding the Solidarity Movement, one of the most successful anti-communist revolutions in history. Jack takes …

1
Marine Veteran Reveals the Silent Deadly Battle Within Service 39:08

7M ago39:08

39:08

In this Urban Valor episode, we sit down with Kristine Phanthavilay, a former U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant (E6) and Motor Transport Mechanic (2006-2010). Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Kristine joined the Marine Corps after struggling in college, looking for something more. She shares what it was like growing up as a first-generation American from…

1
What It Really Takes to Survive Navy SEAL Hell Week (And Why Most Fail) 2:30:36

8M ago2:30:36

2:30:36

This episode of Urban Valor highlights the incredible life of U.S. Navy SEAL veteran Johnny Collins. Growing up in Sykesville, Maryland, Johnny overcame personal challenges, including his parents' divorce, to pursue his dream of becoming a SEAL. Enduring six grueling BUD/S classes and three Hell Weeks, he demonstrated determination to earn the cove…

1
Army Units Collide in Blue-on-Blue Firefight & MRAP Crash in Iraq 2:03:53

8M ago2:03:53

2:03:53

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Army Veteran Daniel Perez. Born in Riverside, CA, Daniel grew up in a challenging childhood marked by his parents' separation and lack of supervision. His early years were consumed by fighting, drug use, and being expelled from high school. Motivated by stories of Iraqi sniper "Juba," Daniel enlisted in th…

1
First Sergeant Reveals Brutal Truth Behind Training Marine Recruits 1:12:03

8M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

In this week’s Urban Valor episode, retired Marine First Sergeant Mark Wheatley shares gripping stories from his 24 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps (1975–1999). Born at Kirtland Air Force Base, Mark grew up in a military family but broke tradition by joining the Marines instead of the Air Force. Mark reveals truths about his time as a Dri…

1
#28 From Trauma to Triumph: Daniel Torres on Healing and Resilience 27:42

8M ago27:42

27:42

Send us a text In this powerful episode of Wounds to Wisdom, Daniel Torres, a combat veteran and former police officer, shares his emotional journey of healing and resilience. Daniel opens up about his experiences in the military, his transition to law enforcement, and the traumatic incidents that deeply impacted his mental health. When betrayal by…

1
Can we change violent minds? 57:40

8M ago57:40

57:40

In her final lecture, the forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead, assesses how we deal with violent offenders and asks is it time for a re-think? The UK has more than 70 people on whole life tariffs, at incredible expense – all to appease a sense of revenge, she says. Dr Adshead assesses the effectiveness and impact of therapeutic interventions with…

1
Army Combat Medic & Purple Heart Recipient Enlists in Marine Corps 2:04:58

8M ago2:04:58

2:04:58

This week on the Urban Valor Podcast, we meet Cory Carranza, a Purple Heart recipient and Army and Marine Corps veteran. Cory’s story begins in Banning, CA, where he endured heartbreaking childhood trauma. After witnessing a horrific event as a kid, Cory turned to the Army when college didn’t work out, becoming a 91B Combat Medic. In this episode, …

1
Does Trauma Cause Violence? 57:48

8M ago57:48

57:48

How best do we understand how to manage powerful emotions such as rage, fear and shame? With very rare access, Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead gives her third Reith Lecture inside HMP Grendon, where she talks to prisoners and staff, and asks the question: “Does trauma cause violence?” Does being a victim of violence in some circumstances make…

1
Marine Veteran Relives Deadly Sniper Attack in Fallujah, Iraq 2:27:42

9M ago2:27:42

2:27:42

This week on Urban Valor, we highlight the incredible journey of Marine Veteran William Kaisen. Born and raised in Paterson, NJ, Will grew up in a challenging environment just miles from New York City. At just 15 years old, he witnessed the tragic events of 9/11, which deeply influenced his decision to serve his country. Driven by a lifelong dream …

1
#27 Transforming Service to Healing: Zeke Vanderpool's Journey from Combat to Community Support 30:46

9M ago30:46

30:46

Send us a text Zeke Vanderpool, a retired United States Army combat veteran and co-founder of Operation Angel Wing, shares his journey of healing and the importance of connection and camaraderie in the military. He emphasizes the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life and the need for support and understanding. Zeke encourages veterans a…

1
Aren't they all evil? 58:01

9M ago58:01

58:01

In her second Reith Lecture, Dr Gwen Adshead asks if there’s such a thing as “evil.”? In a career spanning nearly 40 years the forensic psychiatrist has heard many of her patients ask: “ I have done evil things but does that make me evil.”? Dr Adshead says that we have often confused “evil” with mental illness. She argues that we all have capacity …

1
Navy Corpsman Recounts the Horror of Mass Casualties in Combat 1:56:22

9M ago1:56:22

1:56:22

In this Urban Valor episode, Navy Corpsman veteran Clint Peyton shares his journey from Corpus Christi, TX, to serving in the Navy. Raised in San Diego, Clint left high school early to work construction before enlisting as a Hospital Corpsman. Assigned to a Marine Corps helicopter squadron, he flew missions during deployments to Iraq and Afghanista…

1
#26 The Bipolar General: Greg F. Martin’s struggle with Bipolar disorder 24:27

9M ago24:27

24:27

Send us a text In this conversation, Sara Correll interviews Greg F. Martin, a retired Major General with the United States Army and author of the book 'Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness.' Greg shares his journey of joining the military, his love for leading troops, and his highlight of commanding thousands of troops in combat. He…

1
Is Violence Normal? 58:01

9M ago58:01

58:01

In her 2024 Reith Lectures, Dr Gwen Adshead, addresses four questions that she has most commonly faced in her work as a therapist with violent perpetrators in secure psychiatric units and prisons: Is Violence normal? What is the relationship between trauma and violence?Is there such a thing as Evil?Can we change violent minds? In this first lecture…

1
Marine Relives the Fiercest and Bloodiest Battle of the Iraq War 1:36:42

9M ago1:36:42

1:36:42

Marine veteran Darnell Golden shares his incredible journey from a troubled neighborhood and early life in Baltimore to the battlefield of the Second Battle of Fallujah, the bloodiest Marine Corps battle since Vietnam. Darnell credits his grandfather for molding him into the man he is today and for the reason he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Darnel…

1
#25: Wounds to Wisdom: How Stories Heal Veterans and First Responders with Natalie June Reilly 27:13

9M ago27:13

27:13

Send us a text In this inspiring episode, host Sara Correll sits down with Natalie June Reilly, the editor of Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives. Natalie shares her unique journey as a writer and editor, and the powerful impact this book has had on both the storytellers and herself. They dive into the importanc…

1
Marine Risks Life Saving Two Comrades Under Fire in Fallujah Ambush 3:24:03

9M ago3:24:03

3:24:03

This week’s Urban Valor episode features retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and Navy Cross recipient Aubrey McDade Jr. Aubrey was born in Pasadena, CA, but grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. He lived in a rough neighborhood and witnessed a lot of violence at a young age. Aubrey enlisted into the Marine Corps as a Machine Gunner. In this episode, he shares …

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Civilian Trauma Podcasts

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