Host Donna Hoffmeyer talks with Dana and Luke Stricevic, founders of Crux Wilderness, a nonprofit using rock climbing to support veterans and active-duty service members transitioning to civilian life. Luke, a Marine Corps veteran, shares how climbing gave him purpose and structure after leaving the military, and how that personal experience became a mission to serve others.

They explore the strong parallels between military service and climbing, the simple philosophy behind Crux Wilderness, and how their free clinics help veterans build calm, confidence, and community—one climb at a time.

In this episode:

• Rock climbing as a therapeutic, sustainable tool for transition
• Free veteran climbing clinics in San Diego, Joshua Tree, and Inyo National Forest
• Family days, alpine trips, and advanced climbing clinics
• Building community without pressure or obligation

Learn more at Crux Wilderness and discover how climbing can go beyond the frontline.

In this episode of Beyond the Front Line, host Donna sits down with Dr. Brian Livesay, clinical psychologist, military veteran, and Director of Clinical Research at Arise Alliance, to explore innovative and effective approaches to veteran mental health care.

Dr. Livesay shares his personal journey from military service to specializing in trauma and developmental psychology. He introduces listeners to Critical Memory Integration (CMI), an experiential therapy modality designed to help veterans and first responders process trauma, moral injury, and deeply held memories that traditional talk therapy may not fully address.

Together, Donna and Dr. Livesay discuss the importance of trust, agency, and safe therapeutic spaces—and how understanding how the brain processes and reconsolidates memory can transform healing outcomes.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Dr. Livesay’s military background and path to clinical psychology
• Why connection and trust are essential in trauma therapy
• The limitations of traditional talk therapy for trauma and moral injury
• What Critical Memory Integration (CMI) is and how it works
• The science behind memory reconsolidation and experiential therapies
• How CMI differs from other modalities like EMDR
• The role of agency, choice, and safety in the healing process
• Guidance for veterans and first responders seeking mental health support
• How to advocate for yourself and explore alternative therapy options

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Critical Memory Integration: https://criticalmemoryintegration.com

Donna sits down with Noah Smith—Marine Corps veteran, mailman, and military science fiction author—to talk about rediscovering creativity after military service. Noah shares his journey from serving in Afghanistan to transitioning into civilian life, the loss of creative identity many veterans face, and how writing became a powerful outlet for healing, calm, and purpose.

This conversation explores the challenges of transition, the importance of support systems, and why finding a creative outlet can be life-changing.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Noah’s background: joining the Marines at 24 and serving in Afghanistan
• The struggle of losing and rediscovering creativity after military service
• The role of family support, especially Noah’s wife
• How writing military science fiction became a therapeutic creative outlet
• Creating and publishing his debut novel After the Change
• A look ahead at his upcoming sequel Nightfall
• Advice for veterans and creatives: Adapt and overcome

Guest Links & Resources

📘 After the Change — Available on Amazon (paperback, hardcover, Kindle, audiobook)

🌐 www.milsyfy.com — Sign up for Noah’s newsletter

Listener Takeaways

• Creativity is essential for mental health and personal growth
• Support systems matter—especially during life transitions
• It’s never too late to try something new

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Subscribe, follow, and leave a review. Share this episode with someone who might need it and follow Beyond the Front Line for more powerful conversations.

In this episode, Donna welcomes Jason Kulchar, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and current Director of Learning, Development, Culture, and Belonging at ISS North America, for an engaging conversation about leadership grounded in service, humility, and authenticity. Jason reflects on his evolution from an enlisted Airman to senior leader, sharing how curiosity, connection, and a people-first mindset shaped his approach both in uniform and beyond. Listeners will hear practical insights on leading diverse teams, learning from failure, and why Jason lives by a simple but powerful philosophy: keep being awesome.

Learn More About Jason

Connect with Jason Kulchar on LinkedIn (K-U-L-C-H-A-R) and follow along for updates on his book, scheduled for release on February 5, 2026.

For questions or feedback, reach out at cominghomewell@gmail.com.

New episodes drop every other Wednesday, featuring conversations and resources designed to support the transition from frontline service to life at home.

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Donna Hoffmeyer chats with Tony Aubrey, co-founder of Operation Vet Now (OVN), and ambassador athlete Craig Rundell. They discuss the challenges veterans face after service, gaps in traditional support, and how OVN uses sports, music, and community to foster connection, purpose, and resilience.

Key Topics

• Tony’s journey from Air Force service to founding OVN
• Addressing veteran suicide and the need for outreach
• OVN’s programs connecting veterans through sports and music
• The ambassador athlete program and peer support
• Craig’s personal transition story and giving back
• Collaboration between nonprofits and grassroots impact

Resources

• Operation Vet Now: opvetnow.org
• Social Media: Search “Operation Vet Now” on Instagram & Facebook
• YouTube: OVN channel for videos and stories

Call to Action

Veterans or first responders seeking support—or anyone wanting to get involved—can reach out to OVN or connect with ambassadors. Help and community are available.

Connect with Beyond the Frontline

• Email: cominghomewell@gmail.com
• Website: cominghomewell.com

Donna sits down with Dr. Sheila McHenry, President and Clinical Director of Smithson Valley Counseling, to unpack the science and healing potential behind EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and other non-talk therapy approaches for trauma recovery.

Drawing from her background as a military nurse and mental health advocate, Donna explores with Dr. McHenry how EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories, why it’s often more effective for veterans and first responders, and how trauma-informed care can support long-term resilience and healing.

Together, they shed light on the body’s remarkable ability to heal — and how the right therapeutic approach can help individuals move beyond survival and into recovery.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• 🌐 Smithson Valley Counseling
• 🌐 EMDR International Association
• 📘 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Call to Action

If you or someone you love is struggling with trauma, know that help is available — and healing is possible. Explore the resources above, ask questions, and find a therapeutic approach that feels right for you.

For more information on EMDR or to find a qualified therapist near you, visit emdria.org.

In this episode of Beyond the Frontline, host Donna sits down with Jonathan Knaul, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, test pilot, materials engineering PhD, author, and devoted caregiver. Jonathan shares his remarkable journey from a decorated military career to becoming the primary caregiver for his aging parents, both survivors of the Holocaust and World War II.

Donna and Jonathan explore the emotional terrain of caregiving, the weight and wisdom of intergenerational trauma, and the deeply human moments that come with supporting loved ones through dementia. This episode is an intimate look at resilience, identity, compassion, and the healing power of presence.

Resources & Links

• Jonathan’s Book: Final Approach: A Test Pilot Story of Caring for Loved Ones — available on Amazon and major booksellers
• Website: finalapproachbook.com

Donna welcomes Doug Lynam, whose extraordinary journey spans service in the U.S. Marine Corps, monastic life, and a successful career as a money manager and author. Doug shares his story of rebelling against materialism, taking a vow of poverty, and ultimately discovering purpose in helping others achieve financial literacy and well-being. From lessons in mindfulness to practical money management tips, this episode blends spirituality, personal growth, and financial wisdom.

Connect with Doug:

• Website: douglynam.com
• Email: doug@douglynam.com
• Social: @DougLynam on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Substack
• Books available on Amazon and major booksellers

Connect with Doug:

• Website: douglynam.com
• Email: doug@douglynam.com
• Social: @DougLynam on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Substack
• Books available on Amazon and major booksellers

Connect with Doug:

• Website: douglynam.com
• Email: doug@douglynam.com
• Social: @DougLynam on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Substack
• Books available on Amazon and major booksellers

Share your thoughts or questions: cominghomewell@gmail.com

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