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Veteran and First Responder topics education w/ humor
Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
51 min
Hidden Battles Radio Live: The Highs and Lows Tour with Rob Cass
On this episode of Hidden Battles Radio Live, Scott Hyder welcomed Rob Cass, creator of the Highs and Lows Tour, for an honest and meaningful conversation about mental health, connection, and the challenges people often face behind the scenes.
Rob shared the story behind the Highs and Lows Tour and discussed the experiences and conversations that inspired him to create it. The tour represented more than simply traveling from one place to another—it was about bringing people together, creating meaningful conversations, sharing personal experiences, and reminding others that life comes with both highs and lows.
During the conversation, Scott and Rob explored the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and the impact that simply being willing to listen can have on someone who may be struggling. They talked about the importance of showing up for one another, checking on friends and coworkers, and creating an environment where people felt comfortable talking about what they were experiencing.
The conversation also highlighted a message that closely aligned with the mission of Hidden Battles Foundation: some of the most difficult battles are the ones nobody can see.
Rob’s story and the Highs and Lows Tour served as a reminder that nobody should have to face those battles alone. Sometimes, one conversation, one phone call, or one person willing to simply ask, “Are you okay?” can make a difference.
It was an important conversation about the highs, the lows, and everything in between—and a powerful reminder that you never know what someone is carrying.

May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
51 min
On this episode of Hidden Battles Radio, host Scott Hyder welcomes in-studio guests Jamie Huertas and Joy Flanders from the Pelham Community Coalition to discuss their impactful community event, “Outrun Addiction.” The conversation highlights the coalition’s mission to raise awareness about substance abuse prevention while supporting local families and students through scholarship funding. Jamie and Joy also share details about their innovative educational training trailer, designed as a mock teenager’s bedroom, which helps parents and community members learn how to identify hidden signs of drug and substance use that may otherwise go unnoticed. Together, the discussion focuses on prevention, education, and building stronger community connections to combat addiction and support healthier futures for local families.

Apr 12, 2026
Apr 12, 2026
51 min
Hidden Battles Radio Live, part 2 of 2 hosted by Scott with special co-host Silent Matt K, features guest Starlet Baker from Strongwater Farm Equine Center discussing the powerful mental health benefits of equine exposure programs. In this episode, Starlet shares how guided interactions with horses help veterans, first responders, and individuals facing stress, anxiety, and trauma reconnect with themselves in a calm, supportive environment. The conversation highlights how horses naturally mirror human emotions, encouraging mindfulness, trust, and emotional regulation without judgment. Listeners will hear how equine programs foster confidence, reduce feelings of isolation, and create a unique path toward healing that complements traditional therapies. This episode emphasizes the importance of connection, purpose, and the transformative impact that time spent with horses can have on overall mental wellness.
Strongwaterfarm.org
Hiddenbattlesfoundation.org
JDCU.org
SWAM.org
PlannedPerfectly.net
CustomIronCraft.com

Apr 10, 2026
Apr 10, 2026
51 min
Hidden Battles Radio Live, Part 1 or 2 hosted by Scott with special co-host Silent Matt K, features guest Starlet Baker (US Army Veteran) from Strongwater Farm Equine Center discussing the powerful mental health benefits of equine exposure programs. In this episode, Starlet shares how guided interactions with horses help veterans, first responders, and individuals facing stress, anxiety, and trauma reconnect with themselves in a calm, supportive environment. The conversation highlights how horses naturally mirror human emotions, encouraging mindfulness, trust, and emotional regulation without judgment. Listeners will hear how equine programs foster confidence, reduce feelings of isolation, and create a unique path toward healing that complements traditional therapies. This episode emphasizes the importance of connection, purpose, and the transformative impact that time spent with horses can have on overall mental wellness.
SWAM.org
JDCU.com
PlannedPerfectly.net
CustomIronCraft.com
Hiddenbattlesfoundation.org

Apr 8, 2026
Apr 8, 2026
51 min
Hidden Battles Radio Live, hosted by Scott with special co-host Silent Matt K, welcomes guest Beth Singleton from Team Hoyt NE to discuss the powerful impact of adaptive running partnerships. In this episode, Beth shares how adaptive athletes and dedicated running partners work together to break barriers, proving that endurance sports are truly for everyone. The conversation highlights the deep bond formed between athlete and partner, emphasizing trust, teamwork, and the shared mission of ensuring individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the freedom and accomplishment of crossing the finish line. Listeners will hear inspiring stories about resilience, inclusion, and the life-changing benefits that adaptive sports provide—not only physically, but emotionally and mentally for both the athlete and the partner. This episode celebrates the spirit of perseverance and reminds us that no one has to face life’s challenges alone when a team is beside them.
SWAM.org
Customironcraft.com
JDCU.com
PlannedPerfectly.net
HiddenbattlesFoundation.com/Events

Apr 7, 2026
Apr 7, 2026
50 min
In this episode of Hidden Battles Radio, we sit down with Wayne Miller, retired ATF investigator and author of Burn Boston Burn. Wayne shares a powerful inside look at one of the most intense periods in Boston’s history—the devastating arson epidemic that tore through neighborhoods and left investigators racing against time to stop those responsible.
As part of the team working to uncover the truth behind hundreds of suspicious fires, Wayne discusses the relentless investigative work required to track down the individuals responsible. He explains the long hours, the pressure to protect communities, and the emotional toll it took on the investigators tasked with bringing the arsonists to justice.
But this conversation goes deeper than the cases themselves. Wayne opens up about the hidden battles investigators face—the stress of chasing dangerous criminals, the weight of seeing communities destroyed, and the lasting psychological impact of the work.
This episode highlights the resilience and dedication of those who work behind the scenes to keep the public safe, and the reality that the pursuit of justice can leave lasting scars.
burnbostonburn.com
plannedperfectly.net
swam.org
jdcu.com
customironcraft.com

Mar 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
51 min
In this episode of Hidden Battles Radio, we sit down with Wayne Miller, retired ATF investigator and author of Burn Boston Burn. Wayne shares a powerful inside look at one of the most intense periods in Boston’s history—the devastating arson epidemic that tore through neighborhoods and left investigators racing against time to stop those responsible.
As part of the team working to uncover the truth behind hundreds of suspicious fires, Wayne discusses the relentless investigative work required to track down the individuals responsible. He explains the long hours, the pressure to protect communities, and the emotional toll it took on the investigators tasked with bringing the arsonists to justice.
But this conversation goes deeper than the cases themselves. Wayne opens up about the hidden battles investigators face—the stress of chasing dangerous criminals, the weight of seeing communities destroyed, and the lasting psychological impact of the work.
This episode highlights the resilience and dedication of those who work behind the scenes to keep the public safe, and the reality that the pursuit of justice can leave lasting scars.
burnbostonburn.com
plannedperfectly.net
swam.org
jdcu.com
customironcraft.com

Jan 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026
51 min
🎙️ Hidden Battles Radio Live – Featuring Army Veteran John Lombardo (VFR Ministries)
This episode of Hidden Battles Radio Live welcomes Army Veteran John Lombardo, founder of VFR Ministries, for an honest and powerful conversation about service, faith, resilience, and life after the uniform.
John shares his journey from military service to ministry, discussing the challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and how purpose, connection, and community can play a critical role in healing the hidden battles so many carry. Together, we dive into how VFR Ministries supports veterans through outreach, fellowship, and faith-based programs that restore hope and belonging.
This episode is a must-listen for veterans, first responders, families, and anyone passionate about supporting those who have served.

Jan 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026
51 min
🎙️ Hidden Battles Radio Live – Featuring Army Veteran John Lombardo (VFR Ministries)
This episode of Hidden Battles Radio Live welcomes Army Veteran John Lombardo, founder of VFR Ministries, for an honest and powerful conversation about service, faith, resilience, and life after the uniform.
John shares his journey from military service to ministry, discussing the challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and how purpose, connection, and community can play a critical role in healing the hidden battles so many carry. Together, we dive into how VFR Ministries supports veterans through outreach, fellowship, and faith-based programs that restore hope and belonging.
This episode is a must-listen for veterans, first responders, families, and anyone passionate about supporting those who have served.

Oct 29, 2025
Oct 29, 2025
49 min
In this powerful episode, host Chris and Scott talk with James LaMonte, founder of the K9 PTSD Research Center in Massachusetts, to explore the hidden emotional wounds carried by our nation’s working dogs. From police and military K9s to service animals who’ve seen the worst of humanity, James shares how his nonprofit helps these four-legged heroes heal from trauma — and why it’s time to recognize canine PTSD as a serious issue.
You’ll hear the heartfelt story behind the award-winning documentary Healing Dakota, the creation of the Massachusetts K9 Heroes specialty license plate, and new efforts like Dakota’s Law, which seeks to provide lifelong care for retired working dogs.
Join us for an honest, hopeful conversation about loyalty, recovery, and what it really means to stand by those who once stood guard for us.
Topics include:
🐾 The emotional cost of service for working dogs
🎥 The making and impact of Healing Dakota
🚓 How Massachusetts’ new K9 Heroes license plate honors canine officers
❤️ Rehabilitation, advocacy, and what’s next for K9 PTSD awareness
