Episode 110 A Disabled Veterans story Beyond the Uniform

03/17/25 • 37 min

Sergeant Jay Walker shares his 15-year military journey and the challenges of living with a traumatic brain injury sustained during his deployment to Bosnia.
• Joined the Army at 19 as a combat engineer, stationed first in Germany
• Deployed to Bosnia for 10 months in 1997 where he suffered a traumatic brain injury
• Left active duty in 2001 but returned to reserves in 2007, changing roles to dental assistant
• Experiences ongoing symptoms including migraines, memory loss, slurred speech, and vision problems
• Faced homelessness even while serving in the reserves
• Found purpose through coaching high school football despite ongoing health challenges
• Emphasizes the importance of mental health support and "doing the work" for recovery
• Advocates for better understanding from family members supporting veterans
• Plans to start his own podcast to continue sharing veteran experiences
If you want to suggest topics for Jay's upcoming podcast or connect with him, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Previous Episode

Episode 109 Insights From the Mind of a Rapist

Walking alone at night doesn't have to be a terrifying prospect, but awareness is key, especially for women. Join us as we unravel a decade-old article, recently revived on LinkedIn, that shines a sobering light on how attackers identify potential victims. The insights, shared by police officer Martin Katz, guide us through scenarios like accepting drinks from strangers and the perils of using rideshares after a night out. We promise you'll walk away with a stronger sense of how to navigate these situations with confidence and caution.
Parking lots and public restrooms aren't just mundane locations—they're hotspots where predators often prey on the unsuspecting. We explore these unsettling truths and arm you with practical strategies to stay safe, such as projecting confidence and employing everyday items as defensive tools. If you're in a field like real estate that requires trusting strangers, we discuss protocols that could safeguard you in professional settings. Your personal anecdotes and our own experiences underscore the necessity of heightened awareness.
With safety top of mind, we transition from the serious to the playful, as we share stories of youthful recklessness that could make anyone cringe or chuckle. We also tackle the age-old question: are panty lines sexy? Our discussion on undergarment choices adds a lighter touch, all while reinforcing our ultimate message: stay stylish, stay smart, and most importantly, stay safe. Join our conversation to better equip yourself against potential threats and learn how to balance safety with style in every aspect of your life.

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Episode 111: The Changing Landscape of Education

What happens when you bring together two veteran educators with a combined 85 years of classroom experience? You get a masterclass in how American education has evolved—and what remains fundamentally unchanged.
Barb Houschel (entering her 49th year of teaching) and Angie share their journey from Catholic school classrooms with limited resources to navigating the complex landscape of modern public education. Their candid conversation reveals how teachers have become much more than instructors—they're advocates, counselors, and sometimes second parents to their students.
The discussion takes us through pivotal shifts in educational priorities, from the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to the chronic underfunding that leaves teachers constantly fighting for adequate resources. These educators don't hold back when addressing how "gentle parenting" trends and technology have transformed classroom dynamics, often creating new challenges in social skill development that became glaringly apparent after pandemic disruptions.
Perhaps most enlightening is their perspective on sex education curriculum—dispelling widespread misinformation with their firsthand experience implementing age-appropriate, systematic instruction with strong parent communication. Their thoughtful approach reveals how effective teachers build trust with both students and families when handling sensitive topics.
Despite the growing demands and diminishing support for educators, both teachers share the profound rewards that have sustained their lengthy careers: seeing former students grow into incredible adults, knowing they played some small part in that journey. As Barb beautifully states, "When I lay my head on the pillow at night, I know that I've spent my life in an endeavor that is worth doing."
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future of education, this conversation offers valuable perspective from those who've dedicated their lives to shaping generations of young minds. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation on our social channels @BlondeBrunetteandaMic.