In this episode of Coming Home Well, host Dr. Tyler Pieron speaks with Israeli author and former elite combat soldier Yishay Ishi Ron about PTSD, stigma, and the power of storytelling to heal trauma.

Ishi shares his personal journey from military service and silent struggle to writing his acclaimed novel Dog—a cult favorite in Israel now available in English. Using the story of a stray dog as an allegory, Dog explores trauma, redemption, and the life-changing impact of kindness.

Key Topics:

• Living with PTSD as a veteran
• Mental health stigma and seeking help
• Writing as a tool for healing
• The story and meaning behind Dog
• The upcoming film adaptation and Ishi’s next book, The Girl Who Wrote the White Lion

Resources:

• Buy Dog on Amazon
• Ishi Ron’s website

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In this episode, host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Matt Watkins, a Marine Corps veteran who spent 14 years serving as an F-18 mechanic, recruiter, and leader. Matt opens up about the pivotal moment he decided to transition out of active duty, the uncertainty that followed, and how he ultimately rediscovered purpose in the civilian world. Today, he serves as the Military Program Manager at Premise Health, where he advocates for veterans, military spouses, and the broader military community.

Guest Bio

Matt Watkins is a former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant with deep expertise in aviation maintenance, recruiting, leadership, and talent development. After 14 years of service, he navigated the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, applying his skills in new industries before finding his passion in veteran advocacy and workforce development. In addition to his role at Premise Health, Matt supports the military community through nonprofit work and mentorship.

Connect with Matt Watkins

Matt is eager to support veterans, military spouses, and service members. Connect with him on LinkedIn or through his nonprofit initiatives for mentorship, guidance, or community resources.

In this episode of Coming Home Well, host Dr. Tyler Pieron welcomes attorney James R. Burn, a seasoned advocate with decades of experience in veterans benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Offering a perspective rarely heard on veterans podcasts, one from a private attorney rather than a VA or state representative, James shares clear, practical insights into how veterans can successfully navigate two of the most complex benefits systems in the country.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the claims process, learn how to avoid unethical “claim sharks,” and discover why early, well-documented action is one of the best ways to ensure success.

Key Topics Discussed

• Differences between VA benefits and SSDI and how they overlap
• Why accredited representation matters and how to avoid claim sharks
• Updates on the PACT Act and Agent Orange presumptives
• Filing strong claims: documentation, timelines, and common mistakes
• How AI and technology are improving claims processing
• The truth about fraud and why it’s far less common than people think
• When veterans should seek legal help and how to verify accreditation
• Why it’s never too early to file a claim or ask questions

Contact Information

For a free consultation or to learn more about James R. Burn’s services visit abesbaumann.com