In crisis? Veterans Crisis Line:call or text 988, then press 1
Published April 2, 2024 · 54:18
Guest: Van Curaza
Welcome back to the Helping The Brave podcast, where we dive deep into stories of transformation and hope. Today's episode is a profound journey into the heart and soul of Van Curaza, a former professional surfer turned life-saver through his organization, Operation Surf. Van shares a raw and honest look into his tumultuous past, including his battles with addiction, legal troubles, and the eventual surrender to change that set him on the path to recovery. His story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise from the depths of despair to a life of service and fulfillment.
Together, we'll explore how Van's experiences mirror those of many veterans struggling with PTSD, the importance of addressing emotional truth, and the powerful role of surfing in healing and creating a sense of community. Through Operation Surf's curriculum-based program, Van and his team are offering a lifeline to veterans by reducing PTSD and depression and fostering self-efficacy.
This episode isn't just about the struggles; it's about the solutions and the community support that can change and save lives. We discuss the practicalities of the program, its non-VA approved yet effective nature, and how you, our listeners, can contribute to this life-changing mission. So tune in, as Van Curaza helps illuminate the waves of recovery and the impact of sharing one's story. It's an episode that promises to leave you inspired, informed, and perhaps moved to action.
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#EdParcaut #VanCuraza #OperationSurf #Veterans #PTSDAwareness #SurfTherapy #RecoveryJourney #PodcastHighlight #HelpingTheBrave
August 25, 2026 · 44:09
Guest: Fenix Shepard
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Fenix Shepard for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about Navy service, military sexual trauma, PTSD, addiction, faith, forgiveness, and healing. Fenix shares why she joined the Navy after 9/11, how she served aboard the USS Vella Gulf and USS Preble, and how her life changed after being assaulted during service. She t
July 14, 2026 · 32:25
Guest: Faust Ruggiero
In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Faust Ruggiero for a powerful conversation about PTSD, trauma recovery, and what veterans really need in order to heal. Faust shares lessons from four decades of working with veterans, including why PTSD should not be treated as a simple mental health label and why talk therapy alone often falls short. He explains that trauma
April 28, 2026 · 1:11:29
Guest: Chris Miles
In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with guests Chris Miles and Lee Ettinger for an engaging conversation about military service, transition to civilian life, and entrepreneurship. Chris Miles shares candid stories from his time in the Marine Corps, including challenging boot camp experiences and lessons learned from amphibious assault training. He and Ed Parcaut dive
