In this powerful episode of Coffee Talk with Bryan and Marie, the hosts sit down for an honest conversation about the unfolding conflict in Iran and how it echoes the experiences and emotions of the Iraq War. Drawing from their own connections to the military community, Bryan and Marie explore the deep impact these conflicts have on Service Members, Veterans, and their families — from deployment stress to the long-term weight carried long after coming home.

They also turn their focus inward to the Veteran community itself, discussing the importance of unity, encouragement, and lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down. With compassion and candor, they highlight why support, understanding, and community matter now more than ever.

A grounded, heartfelt discussion for anyone connected to military life — or anyone who wants to better understand the people who serve.

In this episode of Coffee Talk with Bryan & Marie, we sit down with Kayle Smith — a Marine‑turned‑Soldier who retired from the U.S. Army in October 2019 and has since dedicated his second career to strengthening the lives of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF).

Kayle currently serves as the Prevention and Resiliency Program Manager for the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA). His work focuses on statewide resilience initiatives, lethal means safety, and suicide prevention efforts aimed at protecting Utah’s military‑connected community. Before joining UDVMA, Kayle led the Military Affiliated Student Hub (MASH) at Utah Valley University, helping Veterans and military‑connected students navigate education, benefits, and transition.

He is an active member of the Utah Governor’s Challenge Team and serves on the Lethal Means Prevention workgroup of the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition and Committee (USPCC). Kayle’s mission is simple but powerful: equip every Service Member, Veteran, and family with the resources they need — and ultimately “work himself out of a job” by helping create a future with zero Veteran suicides.

Join us for a meaningful, grounded conversation about service, purpose, transition, and the work being done to protect those who protect us.

In this powerful episode of Coffee Talk with Bryan and Marie, Dr. Damon Friedman shares his remarkable journey from United States Marine Corps Officer to Air Force Special Warfare Officer, serving 20 years with four combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. A highly decorated veteran — including three Bronze Stars (one with Valor) and the Air Force Combat Action Medal — Dr. Friedman now leads national efforts to support at‑risk veterans through SOF Missions and the Veteran Service Alliance.In this powerful episode of Coffee Talk with Bryan and Marie, Dr. Damon Friedman shares his remarkable journey from United States Marine Corps Officer to Air Force Special Warfare Officer, serving 20 years with four combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. A highly decorated veteran — including three Bronze Stars (one with Valor) and the Air Force Combat Action Medal — Dr. Friedman now leads national efforts to support at‑risk veterans through SOF Missions and the Veteran Service Alliance.

He also discusses his influential book Igniting Movements, which outlines a proven model for inspiring people, uniting communities, and driving meaningful change. With advanced studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and Harvard’s Executive Education Program, Dr. Friedman brings deep insight into leadership, resiliency, and the mission of helping veterans thrive. This conversation is a must‑listen for anyone passionate about service, purpose, and building movements that make the world better.

He also discusses his influential book Igniting Movements, which outlines a proven model for inspiring people, uniting communities, and driving meaningful change. With advanced studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and Harvard’s Executive Education Program, Dr. Friedman brings deep insight into leadership, resiliency, and the mission of helping veterans thrive. This conversation is a must‑listen for anyone passionate about service, purpose, and building movements that make the world better.

Assistance for Veterans Struggling with Challenges from Military Service

In this episode of Coffee Talk with Bryan and Marie, we sit down with Travis Landchild — combat Veteran, author, and creator of Stick Vet Comics. Through dark humor, spiritual symbolism, and raw honesty, Travis uses his comic strip to reveal the challenges Veterans face when transitioning into civilian life. His work depicts the demons Vets carry, the internal battles they fight, and the truth that humor can sometimes say what words alone cannot.

Travis is also the author of From Warrior, To Veteran, a book that breaks down the complex journey of cleansing, healing, and growth after returning from war. Drawing from his own experience, he explores belief systems, emotional reconstruction, and the practical exercises that help Veterans move from survival to transformation.

As a former Army Mental Health Specialist, Travis served on the front lines of psychological resilience — responsible for maintaining the mental stability of thousands of soldiers. His mission didn’t end when he left the military. Today, he continues serving the Veteran community through Stick Vet Comics and his online group, Stick Nation, where he hosts “Not‑A‑Counseling” gatherings for Veterans climbing the mountain of healing together.

Join Bryan and Marie for a powerful, honest conversation about art, trauma, humor, and the lifelong work of becoming whole again.

In this episode of Coffee Talk with Bryan and Marie, we sit down with Army Veteran Stephen Page whose path spans military intelligence, elite martial arts competition, and small‑business leadership. Born and raised in Preston, Idaho, he served on Active Duty in the U.S. Army from 2008–2012 as a 35M (HUMINT), deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After transitioning out of the military, he helped run a small business while competing in martial arts at the highest levels — earning titles at U.S. Nationals and the Pan‑Ams in Olympic Taekwondo, along with a Brown Belt in Judo and a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu.

Today, he owns and operates Venom Tactical Techniques, Training & Consulting (VT3C), providing emergency management, preparedness, security, tactical, and first‑aid training for communities and organizations. Join Bryan and Marie for a grounded, high‑energy conversation about service, discipline, entrepreneurship, and building skills that save lives.

In this episode of Coffee Talk with Bryan and Marie, we sit down with Steven Nihipali — father of five, musician, and U.S. Army veteran whose story carries both pride and pain. Steven served seven years in the Army as a 42R (saxophone player), but his path took a sharp turn when he was assigned to convoy security in Mosul, Iraq during OIF 5–6. His deployment ran from August 2008 to September 2008, a period that left a lasting impact on his life and health.

Nearly a decade after returning home, Steven medically separated from the military and was eventually rated 100% by the VA, with support from the Wounded Warrior Project. His journey is one of resilience, identity, fatherhood, and learning to rebuild after service.

Join Bryan and Marie for a grounded, heartfelt conversation about music, war, recovery, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

Bryan and Marie are back on Coffee Talk after taking a much‑needed mental health break. In this honest and grounding conversation, they open up about stepping away, recognizing burnout, and learning to pour into themselves with the same care they give to others. Join them as they explore the importance of rest, boundaries, self‑investment, and giving yourself permission to pause when life gets heavy. This episode is a reminder that taking a break isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.

Step into the Season Opener of Coffee Talk with Bryan & Marie as they sit down with an extraordinary guest, Rob Whiteley. After serving 28 years in the U.S. Army (1993–2021), Rob retired as the Operations Sergeant Major for Cadet Command and Fort Knox. His career spans roles as an 11B Infantryman and later an 11Z Senior Enlisted Advisor, with multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East, the Western Pacific, and beyond.

Now in retirement, Rob has dedicated his life to building a nonprofit organization focused on service, purpose, and giving back. Join us for a powerful, grounded conversation about leadership, sacrifice, transition, and the mission that continues long after the uniform comes off