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The Outreach Project

Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge

The Outreach Project, hosted by Joshua Melching and Jonathan Hodge, connects communities with nonprofit resources that truly matter. Through real conversations, spotlight interviews, and a curated resource hub, we highlight impactful organizations and empower people to take the next step toward support, hope, and healing. Because no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

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  • 26 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 4 min
  • English

Episodes 26

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  • S1 · E40
    September 16 · 1 hr 4 min

    You’re Not Alone in This | Mary Mosteller, The Taylor Foundation

    Mary Mosteller, Managing Director of The Taylor Foundation, joins The Outreach Project Podcast for a powerful conversation about PTSD, connection, and turning personal experience into meaningful action. Mary shares how Corey Taylor’s connection to veterans and first responders helped inspire a mission that supports trusted grassroots organizations already serving their communities. She also takes us inside The Taylor Foundation’s festival activations, including its interactive PTSD Storyboard and Memorial Legacy Ribbon Tree. These experiences give people a safe place to share their trauma, honor those they have lost, and discover something many desperately need to see: they are not alone. We discuss nonprofit leadership, suicide prevention, the limitations of crisis-only messaging, and why healing often begins when people recognize themselves in someone else’s story. Learn more about The Taylor Foundation: https://www.wearettf.org/ This episode includes candid discussion of PTSD, trauma, suicide, and mental-health crises. In the United States, call or text 988 for crisis support.

  • S1 · E39
    September 9 · 1 hr 8 min

    “It Completely Healed My Heart” | Tammy Oluvic, Saddles in Service

    Horses do not judge who you were yesterday. They respond to who you are right now. Tammy Oluvic, co-founder and CEO of Saddles in Service, joins The Outreach Project to explain how rescued horses are helping veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and Gold Star families reconnect, rebuild trust, and rediscover purpose. Tammy shares how her husband Mike’s transition from 25 years of Navy service inspired their mission, why horses provide such immediate and honest feedback, and how the organization’s year-long program prepares participants for a demanding capstone experience moving cattle in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. In this conversation: • How horses respond to body language and emotional energy • Why connection begins before anyone enters the saddle • The journey from rescued horses to a life-changing nonprofit • How Saddles in Service supports veterans and first responders • Why participants describe the program as preparing for another mission • The message Tammy received from a participant who said the experience had completely healed her heart Learn more or support the mission: https://saddlesinservice.org/ If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States. Support is available 24/7. Connect with The Outreach Project: https://outreach-project-links.vercel.app/

  • S1 · E38
    September 2 · 56 min

    How Music, Art & Blacksmithing Help Veterans Heal | Stay Tuned for Vets

    Healing does not always begin in a therapist’s office. Sometimes it begins at a forge, behind a guitar, in a woodworking shop, or around people who understand. Army veteran Dustin Cook joins Joshua Melching and Jonathan Hodge to discuss the mission of Stay Tuned for Vets, a nonprofit helping veterans and their families reconnect through music, art, blacksmithing, woodworking, dance, community events, and creative expression. Dustin shares his transition out of the military, why blacksmithing helped save his life, and how the right activity and community can help an isolated veteran rediscover confidence, connection, and purpose. Connect with Stay Tuned for Vets: https://linktr.ee/staytunedforvets The Outreach Project—all links: https://links.theoutreachproject.app/ Mission Sponsor: Gameday Men’s Health — Alamo Ranch https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-tx Podcast Sponsor: Eduardo Pico Designs https://linktr.ee/eduardopicodesigns Podcast Sponsor: Iron Soldiers Coffee Company https://ironsoldierscoffeeco.com/ Stories. Resources. Connection.

  • S1 · E37
    August 26 · 56 min

    Building a Landing Zone for Veterans | Liz Belt & Charlie Golf One

    Combat veteran Liz Belt joins The Outreach Project Podcast to share her story of service, motherhood, transition, purpose, and the mission behind Charlie Golf One. Liz served as an Army engineer, deployed while her daughter was still an infant, and experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to move from the structure, adrenaline, and brotherhood of military service back into civilian life. Today, she serves as Vice Chair of Charlie Golf One, a Northern Michigan nonprofit working toward something ambitious: creating a veteran reintegration community near Traverse City that can provide veterans and their families with a stable landing zone, community support, resource navigation, and time to rebuild after leaving active duty. We talk about: • The reality of transitioning out of the military • The experience of female combat veterans • Finding purpose after service • Military families navigating reintegration together • Charlie Golf One's vision for veteran housing and community support • Their search for property in the Traverse City area • Why asking for help sometimes starts with calling one buddy • Josh's upcoming keynote appearance at the Charlie Golf One Gala This conversation is funny, direct, personal, and ultimately about one thing: Making sure veterans don't have to figure out what comes next alone. Support Charlie Golf One: https://www.charliegolfone.org/ Connect with The Outreach Project: https://links.theoutreachproject.app/

  • S1 · E36
    August 17 · 42 min

    Kris Wright: NASCAR, Service & the Daytona 500 Dream

    What does it actually take to survive a NASCAR race when the floor of the truck reaches 185 degrees? NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Kris Wright joins The Outreach Project Podcast to take us inside race day, the physical punishment drivers experience behind the wheel, and the team mentality that keeps him in the truck when everything in his body wants out. Kris also takes us through a career path that is anything but ordinary — competitive golf, European racing, aviation, COVID derailing his original plans, and the unexpected pivot that ultimately brought him to NASCAR. Then the conversation moves beyond racing. We talk about NASCAR's deep connection to veterans and military service, Kris' experience supporting the VFW community, his work helping provide thousands of golf clubs to kids, why giving back can mean more than making money, and the deeply personal story behind his own adoption. And looking ahead, Kris has one major racing goal still sitting in front of him: Take a shot at starting the Daytona 500 in 2028. It's racing, service, family, gratitude — and plenty of Shake & Bake. The Outreach Project — Stories. Resources. Connection.

  • S1 · E35
    August 12 · 43 min

    The Outreach Project Hits DC | Taking Our Mission to the White House

    The Outreach Project made it to Washington, DC. Seven months into the mission, Hodge and Josh found themselves inside the White House complex presenting what they've built and having serious conversations about the future of veteran and first-responder resource access. In this episode, they tell the full story—from the relationship that opened the door to Washington, to walking into the briefing, presenting The Outreach Project, receiving validation and pushback, and answering a difficult question: how quickly should this mission move when lives are on the line? They discuss the challenge of connecting millions of veterans, first responders, service members, and families with resources that already exist, the realities of funding and scaling the platform, and why they aren't interested in waiting years to find out whether this idea can make a difference. Of course, it's still Hodge and Josh—so the trip also involved profuse sweating, an unfortunate encounter between an iron and a suit jacket, and an AirPod meeting an airport bathroom floor. This one is about opportunity, pressure, validation, friendship, and what happens when an idea that started between two friends suddenly finds its way to Washington. Connect with The Outreach Project:https://links.theoutreachproject.app/ No one has to face life's challenges alone.

  • S1 · E34
    August 3 · 1 hr 7 min

    How a Rubber Duck Reached a Veteran in Crisis | DuckDuck214

    A simple rubber duck opened the door to a veteran in crisis outside a VA hospital. Marine Corps veterans Sean Hutton and Tom Holmes of DuckDuck214 join Joshua Melching and Jonathan Hodge to explain how their “duck drops” are bringing humor, hope, and human connection to veterans, first responders, and their families. What began as Jeep ducking and a play on the DD-214 has become a nonprofit mission built around one powerful message: You are not forgotten. Sean and Tom share the story of encountering a veteran living in his vehicle and struggling to receive immediate help, why Sean refused to walk away, and how DuckDuck214 is working with other nonprofits and VA leaders to close gaps in veteran support. The conversation also explores PTSD, isolation, suicide prevention, nonprofit collaboration, the power of simply showing up, and DuckDuck214’s vision of growing from one small duck into a nationwide movement. “We care. You’re important. You matter.” Connect with DuckDuck214: https://duckduck214.godaddysites.com/ Download The Outreach Project app, find trusted resources, watch the show, and support the mission: https://links.theoutreachproject.app/ Episode sponsor: https://ironsoldierscoffeeco.com/ This episode discusses suicide and mental-health crisis. Veterans in crisis—or anyone concerned about one—can call 988 and press 1 or text 838255.

  • S1 · E33
    July 29 · 1 hr 45 min

    The Fight After the Fight: Surviving Was Only the Beginning | Officer Ann Marie Carrizales | EP 33

    Officer Ann Marie Carrizales was shot in the face and chest during an MS-13 ambush. She returned fire, got back into her patrol car, and pursued the gunmen. But surviving the shooting was only the beginning. Ann is a United States Marine Corps veteran, retired law enforcement officer, former Marine Corps boxer, nationally recognized speaker, and the creator of The Fight After the Fight. In Episode 33, Ann takes us beyond the shooting and into what she calls Round Three: the invisible fight that begins after the physical danger is over. We discuss post-traumatic stress, military sexual assault, women in the military and law enforcement, peer support, suicide, family trauma, vulnerability, and why making it home is not the same as truly surviving. Ann’s message is simple and direct: It’s okay not to be okay—but you cannot unpack and stay there. At some point, you have to come out of the foxhole and take action. This episode includes honest conversations about gun violence, military sexual assault, suicide, post-traumatic stress, and trauma recovery. CONNECT WITH ANN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefightafterthefight/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefightafterthefight/ PODCAST SPONSOR Rucking Realty Group https://ruckingrealtygroup.com/ MISSION SPONSOR Apex Global Outdoors https://apexglobaloutdoors.com/ THE OUTREACH PROJECT APP IS NOW LIVE Download The Outreach Project on the Apple App Store or search “The Outreach Project” in the Google Play Store. Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-outreach-project/id6766302601 Web App: https://theoutreachproject.app Website: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/

  • S1 · E32
    July 22 · 1 hr 16 min

    The Millionaire Mindset, Purpose After Service & Building Wealth | Ashton Levarek | EP 32

    Former Air Force Pararescueman Ashton Levarek joins The Outreach Project Podcast to discuss the mindset behind success, transitioning from military service, entrepreneurship, and building generational wealth. This episode explores: • Purpose after the military • Identity and limiting beliefs • Mental performance • Financial freedom • Real estate investing • Leadership • Building a life worth remembering This isn't just a conversation about money. It's about becoming the person capable of creating the life you want. Connect with Ashton: https://valkeregroup.com/ https://go.valkeregroup.com/free-webinar-registration Mission Sponsor: Apex Global Outdoors Podcast Sponsor: Rope Solutions

  • S1 · E31
    July 16 · 1 hr 10 min

    Finding Purpose After Service | Navy Veteran Amy Lockhart on Fishing, Healing & the Outdoors | EP. 31

    any veterans lose more than a career when they leave the military—they lose their community, identity, and sense of purpose. Navy veteran Amy Lockhart shares how fishing, the outdoors, and serving others helped rebuild hers. We discuss military transition, mentorship, women's experiences in service, rebuilding your network after retirement, and why simply showing up for someone can change a life. Proud Podcast Sponsor: ☕ Iron Soldier Coffee Company Mission Sponsor: 💪 Gameday Men's Health

  • S1 · E30
    July 8 · 1 hr 17 min

    Inside the TACP Foundation | Eddie "Hollywood" Wambolt on Healing, Leadership & Resiliency | EP 30

    The mission doesn't stop after military service. This week, Jonathan Hodge and Josh Melching welcome Eddie "Hollywood" Wambolt, Director of the TACP Foundation's Resiliency & Restoration Program, for a powerful conversation about healing, leadership, veteran retreats, and supporting Tactical Air Control Party members beyond active duty. If you'd like to learn more about the TACP career field discussed throughout this episode, we highly recommend watching the documentary: https://youtu.be/fmbZTuemjFg?si=trrwtkpSUwC9LV_h Eddie "Hollywood" Wambolt 🏢 Eddie Wambolt's Company (MW Compounds) https://www.mwcompounds.com/ 🌐 TACP Foundation https://tacpfoundation.org/ Apex Global Outdoors https://apexglobaloutdoors.com/ 🦍 Green Gorilla Land Management 🧭 VetNav Services 🎙️ Featured Guest🏔️ Mission Sponsor🤝 Episode Sponsors

  • S1 · E29
    June 30 · 1 hr

    2x Purple Heart Recipient Mike Nares on Combat Recovery & Finding Purpose w/Freedom Alliance | Ep 29

    Mike Nares is a two-time Purple Heart recipient, combat veteran, and leader within Freedom Alliance. In this episode, Mike shares his story of service, combat, loss, recovery, and finding purpose after war. He also talks about Freedom Alliance, War Heroes on Water, and the power of getting veterans back around people who understand what they have been through. This conversation is raw, personal, and powerful. Stories • Resources • Connection

  • S1 · E28
    June 21 · 48 min

    VA Benefits Veterans Aren’t Using — The Veteran’s Veteran w/ Drew Jones | EP 28

    In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh and Hodge sit down with Drew Jones, founder of The Veteran’s Veteran, also known as The Vets Vet. Drew shares his journey from the Mississippi Army National Guard and law enforcement into veteran advocacy after navigating his own VA claim process. After years of denials, paperwork, appointments, and hard lessons, Drew reached 100% permanent and total status — then began helping other veterans do the same. This conversation covers the gaps many veterans face when leaving the military, especially in the Guard and Reserve, where transition support can be limited. Drew explains what makes his one-on-one coaching different, why veterans should not feel guilty about seeking benefits, and how VA disability can unlock access to healthcare, community care, student loan forgiveness, CHAMPVA, tax benefits, license benefits, and more. The episode also highlights the emotional side of transition — losing the brotherhood, the phone getting quiet, and the importance of asking for help before things get worse. Whether you are a veteran, first responder, spouse, or family member trying to help someone navigate the VA, this episode is packed with practical insight and real talk.

  • S1 · E27
    June 17 · 1 hr 7 min

    Men’s & Women’s Health, Testosterone, Peptides & Preventative Care — Game Day Men’s Health | EP 27

    In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh and Hodge sit down with Vern from Game Day Men’s Health for a real conversation about men’s health, women’s wellness, preventative medicine, testosterone, peptides, veteran and first responder health, and why so many people wait too long to get checked.Vern brings a military and DoD background, a lifelong passion for exercise science and wellness, and a mission-driven approach to helping people take ownership of their health. This episode goes beyond clinic services and digs into education, access, resources, and the barriers veterans, first responders, active duty members, spouses, and families face when trying to get help.We talk about: • Why men and women often ignore symptoms until they become bigger problems • Testosterone, energy, sleep, confidence, libido, and overall wellness• Peptides and the future of preventative medicine • Women’s wellness and services available through Game Day • Why education is one of the biggest missing pieces in health care• Active duty and veteran barriers when trying to get help • The importance of working with qualified medical providers• Why Game Day supports veteran and nonprofit organizations •How purpose, service, and giving back shape Vern’s businessVern also shares powerful stories about people who walked through the doors struggling physically and mentally, and how getting educated, getting checked, and finding the right care helped change the direction of their lives. This episode is not medical advice. It is a conversation about awareness, education, and encouraging people to ask better questions, get checked, and speak with qualified medical providers. MISSION SPONSORGame Day Men’s HealthThank you to Game Day Men’s Health for supporting The Outreach Project and helping us continue connecting veterans, first responders, and families to stories, resources, and real conversations that matter.Game Day Men’s Health PODCAST SPONSORIron Soldier Coffee CompanyThis episode is also supported by Iron Soldier Coffee Company. Thank you for standing behind the mission and helping fuel conversations that connect service communities to real resources. THE OUTREACH PROJECT LINKSWebsite: https://www.theoutreach-project.comPodcast: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/podcastNonprofit Directory: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectoryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/YouTube: @TheOutreachProjectHq ABOUT THE OUTREACH PROJECTThe Outreach Project connects veterans, first responders, and their families to nonprofits, resources, and stories that matter. Through long-form conversations, community partnerships, and a growing nonprofit directory, we help bridge the gap between people who need support and the organizations built to serve them.Stories • Resources • Connection #menshealth #womenshealth #veteranhealth #firstresponders #gamedaymenshealth #theoutreachproject #testosterone #peptides #preventativehealth #veterans #firstresponders #wellness #podcast #militarycommunity #healthawareness

  • S1 · E26
    June 10 · 55 min

    The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project: QPR, Service & Supporting Those Who Serve | EP 26

    DESCRIPTION: In Episode 26 of The Outreach Project Podcast, Josh Melching and Jonathan Hodge sit down with Courtney, Lori, and Hannah from The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project — a pin-up service organization supporting veterans, active duty military, first responders, and their families. This conversation covers QPR suicide prevention training, support after line-of-duty death or injury, family trauma, first responder mental health, service after service, and the power of simply making people feel seen. The Rivetin’ Rosie’s Project brings the spirit of Rosie the Riveter into modern service — showing up at events, supporting other nonprofits, building community, and helping provide tools that can save lives. Guest Links: Website: https://therivetinrosiesproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therivetinrosiesproject/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Rivetin-Rosies-Project-61573835770010/ Mission Sponsor: Gameday Men’s Health Alamo Ranch Website: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-tx/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameday_alamoranch/ Podcast Foundational Sponsor: ROPE Solutions Website: https://www.ropesolutions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesolutionsofficial/ The Outreach Project: Website: https://www.theoutreach-project.com Nonprofit Directory: https://www.theoutreach-project.com/nonprofitdirectory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/ YouTube: @TheOutreachProjectHq If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone. #TheOutreachProject #RivetinRosiesProject #Veterans #FirstResponders #MilitaryFamilies #QPR #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #ServiceAfterService #RosieTheRiveter

  • S1 · E23
    June 3 · 1 hr 8 min

    Finding Purpose After Trauma with Dwayne Brown | Shepherd's Light Foundation | Episode 25

    After 26 years in law enforcement, Dwayne Brown found himself battling isolation, depression, and thoughts of suicide following an officer-involved shooting. Today he leads Shepherd's Light Foundation, helping veterans and first responders find hope, healing, and purpose through faith-based retreats and peer support. This conversation explores trauma, faith, resilience, and the power of finding purpose after life's darkest moments.

  • S1 · E24
    May 27 · 1 hr 7 min

    Ross Alewine on Trauma, Fatherhood, Leadership & Finding Purpose Again | EP 24

    In Episode 24 of The Outreach Project, Ross Alewine from Rope Solutions joins us for one of the most honest and impactful conversations we’ve had to date. We discuss military transition, trauma, addiction, suicide survival, fatherhood, leadership, and what it really takes to rebuild your life after hitting rock bottom. Ross opens up about the moments that nearly broke him, the people who helped pull him back, and why purpose, accountability, and showing up for your family matter more than ever. This episode is about resilience, vulnerability, and the reality that even the strongest people still struggle. If you’re fighting battles silently right now — this conversation is for you. 🪢 Rope Solutions: https://www.ropesolutions.com/ 📱 Rope Solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesolutionsofficial/ 🌐 The Outreach Project: https://www.theoutreach-project.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHQ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/ #TheOutreachProject #RopeSolutions #Veterans #Leadership #MentalHealth #Fatherhood #Podcast #MilitaryTransition #MensMentalHealth

  • S1 · E23
    May 20 · 45 min

    Outdoor Healing, Brotherhood & Second Chances — Changed by Nature Outdoors | EP 23

    Justin from Changed by Nature Outdoors joins The Outreach Project to discuss how the outdoors became a way to reconnect, heal, and build community. This episode dives into hunting, fishing, suicide prevention, mentorship, nonprofit collaboration, and the powerful role the outdoors can play for veterans, first responders, youth, and families. Powered by Apex Global Outdoors and VetNav Services. Learn more: https://changedbynatureoutdoors.org/ The Outreach Project: https://www.theoutreach-project.com

  • S1 · E22
    May 13 · 59 min

    Helping Veterans & First Responders Find Purpose Again — Sheepdog Impact Assistance | EP 22

    In this episode of The Outreach Project Podcast, we sit down with Raffy Morales from Sheepdog Impact Assistance to talk about purpose, PTSD, post-traumatic growth, and the reality many veterans and first responders face after service. From disaster response missions and outdoor adventures to Warrior PATHH and Sheepdog University, Sheepdog Impact Assistance is helping veterans and first responders get off the couch, reconnect with purpose, and realize they are not alone in the fight. This conversation dives deep into: • PTSD in veterans and first responders • Post-traumatic growth • Suicide prevention • Disaster response missions • Outdoor adventure therapy • First responder mental health • Veteran transition struggles • Warrior PATHH • Community and purpose after service One of the most powerful moments of this episode comes when Raffy shares the story of a veteran who arrived with a suicide note in his pocket — and left with hope. 👇 SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH THESE ORGANIZATIONS 👇 🐑 Sheepdog Impact Assistance: https://sheepdogia.org/ 🏡 Hometown Hero Outdoors: https://hometownherooutdoors.org/ 🎯 Veterans Creed Outdoors: https://www.vcousa.org/ 🇺🇸 Say When & Remember Him Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092266125091 ⚔️ Til Valhalla Project: https://tilvalhallaproject.com/ 👇 SPONSORS 👇 💪 Game Day Men’s Health (Mission Sponsor) https://gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-t 🏠 Rucking Realty Group (Impact Sponsor) https://ruckingrealtygroup.com/ 👇 THE OUTREACH PROJECT LINKS 👇 🌐 Website: https://www.theoutreach-project.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHQ #Veterans #FirstResponders #PTSD #MentalHealth #SheepdogImpactAssistance #WarriorPATHH #PostTraumaticGrowth #VeteranSupport #TheOutreachProject #DisasterResponse #SuicidePrevention #OutdoorTherapy #Podcast

  • S1 · E19
    May 6 · 1 hr 1 min

    Building High-Performance Teams in Oil & Gas — Rope Solutions EP 21

    This week on The Outreach Project, we sit down with CJ from Rope Solutions — a veteran-led team bringing elite leadership, communication, and performance coaching into high-risk industries like oil & gas.From Green Beret experience to real-world leadership on the rig, this episode breaks down what leadership actually looks like when it matters most.🔗 ROPE SOLUTIONS🌐 https://www.ropesolutions.com📸 https://www.instagram.com/ropesolutionsofficial/💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/rope-solutions-llc/🎙️ WATCH MORE FROM THE OUTREACH PROJECT👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutreachProjectHQ🇺🇸 THE OUTREACH PROJECT🌐 https://www.theoutreach-project.com📸 https://www.instagram.com/the_outreachproject🔥 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNLeadership under pressureBuilding trust in high-risk environmentsWhy execution beats theoryHow veteran leadership translates to industry⚠️ SHARE THISIf this episode resonates — send it to someone who needs it.#RopeSolutions #Leadership #Veterans #Podcast #OutreachProject #HighPerformance #Teamwork #MentalHealth #FirstResponders #MilitaryTransition

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