This episode of I'm F.I.N.E. dives deep into the realities of veterans’ benefits, VA disability claims, and the support systems available through Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs). Featuring co-hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek, along with guest Karen Smietanski, a veteran service officer, the discussion breaks down how veterans can successfully navigate compensation and pension (C&P) exams, file VA claims, and access the benefits they’ve earned—often without even realizing they qualify.

Eric Peterson and Karen Smietanski share firsthand insight into how the claims process really works, common mistakes veterans make, and why telling your full story during a C&P exam is critical. Brad Stosiek helps guide the conversation through real-world experiences that highlight both the challenges and life-changing outcomes that can come from properly filed claims and strong advocacy.

The episode highlights common misconceptions about VA benefits, including the belief that only combat veterans qualify or that it’s too late to apply. Through powerful real-life stories, Karen Smietanski explains how conditions like Agent Orange exposure, degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, PTSD, and other service-connected injuries can impact veterans long after service—and how proper documentation and advocacy can change outcomes.

Listeners will also learn about key programs such as the PACT Act, Veterans Treatment Court, community care options, and mental health and substance use support services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of asking questions, seeking help from certified VSOs instead of paid “claim sharks,” and understanding how spouses and dependents may also qualify for benefits such as DIC, CHAMPVA, and pensions.

With powerful personal stories of veterans receiving life-changing back pay and ongoing compensation, Eric Peterson and Karen Smietanski highlight how VACs collaborate with nonprofits, social workers, and healthcare providers to close gaps in care. Brad Stosiek ties it all together with a focus on awareness, advocacy, and breaking down stigma around seeking help.

Whether you’re a veteran, family member, or advocate, this episode provides essential insight into VA disability claims, veteran mental health resources, and the full range of benefits available through the VA system.

In this episode of I'm F.I.N.E., Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of moral injuries, exploring their impact on veterans, civilians, and anyone navigating difficult life experiences. From personal stories of loss, military experiences, and ethical dilemmas to practical insights on healing, self-love, and resilience, this episode sheds light on how humor, connection, and self-compassion can help us carry the weight of life's toughest moments.

Listeners will learn:

• What moral injuries are and how they differ from PTSD
• How veterans interpret and cope with moral injuries
• Real-life experiences highlighting moral conflict and ethical challenges
• Techniques for self-forgiveness, resilience, and emotional healing
• The importance of humor, compassion, and open conversation in mental wellness

Whether you're a veteran, mental health advocate, or simply seeking to understand and process complex emotions, this episode offers guidance, encouragement, and actionable takeaways for building a more resilient mindset.

Tune in to I'm F.I.N.E. and explore how understanding moral injuries can transform the way we approach our own challenges and support those around us.

In this episode of the I'm F.I.N.E. Podcast, hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek explore the tricky world of self-sabotage and how it can quietly hold you back in life. With guests Alicia Kleinert and Corey Norton, they share actionable strategies to recognize, disrupt, and overcome self-sabotaging behaviors.

Learn how positive self-talk, morning routines, and celebrating small victories can help you break free from fear-based patterns. They also discuss practical tips for managing procrastination, reducing phone distraction, and building daily habits that boost motivation and productivity.

Plus, the hosts honor Don Ball, a mentor and veteran advocate, and highlight upcoming events like the Buddy Check 22 Golf Outing and Martino’s Octoberfest, where they’ll be sharing new merch and supporting the community.

Whether you’re struggling with negative self-talk, procrastination, or unhealthy habits, this episode provides tools to help you stop sabotaging yourself and start living your best life.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize and disrupt fear-based self-sabotage
• Harness positive self-talk to change your mindset
• Build an effective morning routine for productivity
• Celebrate small wins to stay motivated
• Reduce procrastination and phone distractions

🎧 Listen now to gain practical insights and start being truly F.I.N.E. about self-sabotage.

In this episode of the I’m F.I.N.E. Podcast, hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek sit down with Alicia Kleinert and Corey Norton for a heartfelt conversation on aging gracefully—and what it really means to grow older with strength, vulnerability, and resilience.

Together, they explore how aging impacts mental health, relationships, and identity, especially for caregivers, veterans, and first responders. Alicia brings her perspective on supporting seniors and caregivers through life’s transitions, while Corey shares the lessons he’s learned working with first responder and veteran communities who are navigating trauma and the passage of time.

The discussion highlights how unprocessed emotions, family dynamics, and cultural expectations around masculinity affect the way we experience aging. From finding purpose in later seasons of life to embracing vulnerability as a strength, this episode sheds light on how to face aging with dignity, compassion, and grace.

👉 What you’ll take away from this episode:

• How to embrace aging as a process of growth, not decline
• The role of caregivers in helping loved ones age gracefully
• Why vulnerability is key to resilience in later stages of life
• How trauma and suppressed emotions affect the way we age
• Practical wisdom for finding meaning and purpose at any age

If you’re a caregiver, a veteran, a first responder, or simply navigating your own aging journey, this conversation will inspire you to see growing older not as an ending—but as a new chapter filled with wisdom, connection, and possibility.

On this episode of "I'm F.I.N.E.," host Eric confronts his skepticism surrounding hypnotherapy, while co-host Brad shares why he's already a believer. Joined by guest Brandon Ringler, a certified hypnotherapist from Better Results Hypnotherapy, they unpack the myths and discover the powerful reality of hypnosis as a tool for mental wellness. From debunking the "you're getting sleepy" cliches to sharing profound personal breakthroughs, this episode makes a compelling case for being open to new forms of therapy.

• What Hypnosis Really Is: A state of focused attention and deep relaxation, not mind control.
• The Science Behind It: How shifting to theta brainwaves allows for reprogramming beliefs and creating decisive change.
• Myth-Busting: Why you can't be made to do something against your will and how it's actually a way of reclaiming personal control.
• Therapeutic Benefits: How hypnotherapy can be a complementary treatment for PTSD, anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, and improving self-esteem.
• A Guided Exercise: Brandon leads a trauma-safe relaxation exercise live on air that you can use to find calm and peace.
• Personal Stories: Brad shares his powerful and emotional experiences using hypnosis to start his weight-loss journey and find closure after his father's passing.

• Brandon Ringler, Certified Hypnotherapist
• Business: Better Results Hypnotherapy
• Website: BetterResultsHypnotherapy.com
• Special Offer for Listeners: Mention the "I'm F.I.N.E." podcast to get your first session half off!
• Personal Training: Find Brandon at Fitness Premier in Manteno, IL.

In this powerful follow-up episode, Eric and Brad continue their conversation with Chris James, a veteran who shares his deeply personal and transformative journey through psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Chris opens up about confronting generations of trauma, the sacredness of the medicine, and the intense preparation it took to face his inner battles. They discuss the hope found in healing, the importance of respect and openness when exploring alternative treatments, and how organizations like Ambeo Life and Balanced Veterans Network are helping veterans find new paths to recovery.

You’ll hear raw reflections on powerful experiences, including touching moments of emotional breakthrough and spiritual reconciliation. The conversation also touches on recent milestones, like Texas dedicating $50 million toward clinical research on Ibogaine for veterans — signaling growing recognition for these therapies.

This episode is a testament to courage, vulnerability, and the evolving landscape of mental health treatment for those who’ve served. If you’ve been curious or hesitant about psychedelic therapy, Chris’s story might offer new insight and hope.

Note: Part One of this two-part series is already available.

In this powerful first part of a two-episode series, Chris James returns to share the emotional journey that led him to pursue psychedelic treatment in Mexico. From childhood trauma and military service to profound personal losses and struggles with alcohol, Chris opens up about the moments that brought him to the edge—and the decision that changed everything. His story is raw, honest, and deeply human.

Be sure to follow us so you don’t miss Part 2, where Chris details his experience with psychedelic medicine and the healing that followed.

Co-hosts Eric and Brad welcome Nick from Explosive Customz to talk cars, custom builds, and the surprising mental health benefits of working in the garage. They also preview Heroes, OGs & Hot Rods, an upcoming event where strongmen, food trucks, and high-powered vehicles collide. Nick shares why wrenching on rides is more than just a hobby—it's therapy.