Brainstorms

STRIVE to Survive the Holidays with Dr Justin Baker

In this end-of-year episode of Brainstorms, Dr. Justin Baker — clinical psychologist, Navy veteran, and Director of STRIVE (the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative) — joins us for a powerful and genuinely hopeful conversation to close out 2025.
Building on November’s discussion about de-escalating stressful holiday moments, Dr. Baker dives into what happens after things get hard. He breaks down how to recognize real crisis signals, how to support the people we love when they're struggling, and why his team’s groundbreaking Crisis Response Plan (CRP) is changing national standards for suicide prevention — not just in clinics, but in communities, families, and across the military.We talk about grief, expectations, holiday overwhelm, the weight veterans carry, and the simple but game-changing idea that listening can be life-saving. Dr. Baker also shares the origins of caring-contact research, his work with active-duty service members, and how STRIVE is using evidence-based treatment to reduce suicide attempts by more than 70%.
This episode is equal parts grounding, educational, and inspiring — the perfect send-off as we move from “Strive to be Alive in ’25” into what we can fix, learn, and heal in 2026.
If you or someone you love is struggling this season, you are not alone — and this conversation is full of tools, hope, and forward motion.

Lauren Khazem, Ph. D. S.T.R.I.V.E. To Thrive: Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans

In this special Brainstorms episode, host Dr. Chrisanne Gordon welcomes Dr. Lauren Khazem, Research Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Together they explore how suicide prevention and trauma recovery intersect for veterans and people with disabilities, particularly those living with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Dr. Khazem shares how her work with OSU’s STRIVE (Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative) is helping veterans across the nation through evidence-based therapy, telehealth access, and compassionate, practical support. The conversation offers timely insight as the holidays approach—covering topics like grief, belonging, and how families can create safe, inclusive environments for loved ones struggling with invisible wounds.
Learn more: https://medicine.osu.edu/departments/psychiatry-and-behavioral-health/strive 

Seeds of Recovery

In this inspiring October edition of Brainstorms, host Dr. Chrisanne Gordon sits down with U.S. Navy veteran Matt Garrett to explore his powerful journey from the battlefield to the garden. Matt shares how agrotherapy—healing through working with the earth—helped him overcome trauma, rebuild purpose, and start new life through nature.
From his service as a Navy corpsman and two tours in Iraq to his creation of the “Heroes Garden” initiative with The Ohio State University and the VA Vet Centers, Matt shows how restoring the planet can restore the self. The discussion dives into topics like native plant restoration, the importance of biodiversity, and the mental health benefits of reconnecting with nature.

VA Frontline: A social workers perspective

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Maureen Rolfe, MSW, a seasoned VA social worker and mental health advocate, to discuss the critical role of social work in caring for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Maureen shares her journey from working in VA hospitals and Vet Centers to co-leading couples groups, advocating for veterans, and helping them reconnect with community resources.

MEMORIES MATTER: Unlocking the BRAIN to Heal the BODY

In this episode of Brainstorms, Dr. Gordon sits down with Dr. Tom Morse to explore the journey of innovation, research, and turning bold ideas into reality. Dr. Morse shares his experiences in medical research, the challenges of bridging science and entrepreneurship, and the importance of resilience when facing setbacks. Listeners will gain valuable insight into how curiosity, persistence, and teamwork fuel breakthroughs that can change lives.

Episode 7 - JP Lunn PGA Hope

In this powerful episode of Brainstorms we sit down with JP Lunn, a national leader and trainer with PGA HOPE—Helping Our Patriots Everywhere. JP shares inspiring stories of how golf is transforming the lives of veterans and active-duty service members, helping them reconnect, rebuild, and find purpose. From healing trauma and brain injury to fostering community and camaraderie, this episode highlights why PGA HOPE is more than just a game.

Episode 5 - Jody Davids

In this powerful and moving episode of Brainstorms, we sit down with Gold Star Mother Jody Davis for an intimate and emotional conversation about love, loss, resilience, and purpose. Jody shares the story of her son Lance Corporal Wesley Davids, who was killed in action while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps, and how that devastating loss shaped her family and her own life’s mission. From Wesley's decision to serve after 9/11 to the emotional letter he left behind, this episode honors his legacy and the families of the fallen. We also hear how Jody’s younger son, Steven, found healing and purpose by following in his brother’s footsteps, and how Jody turned her grief into advocacy and storytelling—writing a children's book "A Tale of Two Heroes" and helping to bring to life the Eyes of Freedom memorial. Recorded at Sycamore Studios and supported by the Fred and June MacMurry Foundation, this episode is a solemn, heartfelt reminder of the real cost of war and the power of community, remembrance, and grace.
Trigger warning: This episode discusses topics related to combat death, grief, and trauma. Subscribe for more conversations that bridge the civilian and military worlds. Like, share, and comment to help spread this story. https://resurrectinglives.org

Episode 5 - Ed Junod of Veteran/Military Friendly Congregations

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Brainstorms Podcast, we sit down with Ed Junod — a Vietnam veteran, community organizer, and co-founder of the Veteran/Military Friendly Congregations (VMFC) initiative. Ed shares his incredible journey from serving in Vietnam to building a successful professional career, only to later face the heavy weight of PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. His story of recovery and renewed purpose through peer support and spiritual healing offers critical insight into the challenges veterans face—and the hope that comes from connection, community, and faith.
This episode explores how faith communities can become essential partners in the recovery process. Ed discusses the founding of the VMFC initiative, the reality that veterans are ten times more likely to seek help from a clergy member than from the VA, and how churches and congregations across the country can step up to provide meaningful, nonclinical support. He and his co-founders have trained hundreds of peer recovery specialists, hosted boot camps for congregations, and created a simple but effective way for churches to become sanctuaries for healing—especially in rural areas where traditional services are lacking.
This conversation is a call to action. Whether you're a clergy member, a veteran, or a concerned community member, there is something you can do. Visit the VMFC website to learn how your congregation can get involved and support those who have served. And if you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
This podcast is made possible through support from the Fred and Jim MacMurray Foundation, the Resurrecting Lives Foundation, and is recorded at The Sycamore Studio in Plain City, Ohio.

Episode 4 - Dr Christopher Brown

This month’s Brainstorms episode is one for the books! We sit down with the incredible Dr. Christopher Brown—nephrologist, public health leader, veteran advocate, and all-around change-maker. From his rural roots in North Carolina to medical school at UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Brown has dedicated his life to bridging the gap in minority and rural healthcare, especially for our veterans.
In this powerful conversation, we explore the unique health challenges veterans face in rural communities and the systemic barriers that continue to impact minorities seeking quality care. Dr. Brown shares how service, lifestyle, and long-term health are deeply connected, and we dig into how income, food access, and infrastructure limitations like broadband access can drastically affect health outcomes. We also touch on creative and community-based approaches to care—yes, even barbershop medicine—and the critical importance of viewing public health through a preventive, population-wide lens.
As we recognize Minority Health Month, this episode is a timely and moving reminder that health equity isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
Learn more at https://resurrectinglives.org

Episode 3 - Dante Biss-Grayson

For our March episode we discuss rejuvenation and growth and talk with the designer of The Sky Eagle fashion brand seen on red carpets about their journey many veterans face and how he used fashion and design to help with this. 
And March is Brain Injury Awareness month so share this podcast with friends or family to spread awareness of the challenges and resources available!
https://resurrectinglives.org