There are moments where the mission chooses you.

Marine Corps Radio Operator SgtMaj Ted Painter was stationed in Okinawa when everything changed. A sudden illness left him paralyzed, intubated, and fighting his way out of an ICU with no windows and no clear answers.

In this episode, Ted walks through how he went from that hospital bed to Iraq, then into Fortune 500 work, and finally into his role at CareSource Military and Veterans. He now focuses on improving how military families get care and support.

We talk about Okinawa, Guillain-Barre, transition, mental health, TRICARE, military transition, and why Marines never really stop being Marines.

Timestamps:

00:00 Waking up paralyzed in the ICU

00:38 How the crisis became a mission

05:21 Okinawa, Guillain-Barre, and learning to walk again

15:42 Fighting out of the hospital with Marine grit

24:20 Finding purpose in healthcare

29:39 What the TRICARE Prime demo actually is

35:04 How this could change care for military families

45:47 Open season, eligibility, and how to enroll

How veterans can use CareSource Military and Veterans:

If you are in the Tampa or Atlanta areas and you are eligible for TRICARE Prime, you may be able to choose the TRICARE Prime demo with CareSource Military and Veterans. This is a Defense Health Agency program that gives families another option for how their care is supported. It does not replace TRICARE.

What it offers:

Simpler access to specialists within the network

Help from real people when you need it (not chatbots)

A focus on scheduling appointments faster and closer to home

For eligible retirees and their family members who choose CareSource during the demo, the TRICARE Prime enrollment fee is waived for the first 12 months.

Open season runs from Nov 11 to Dec 9. That is the window where you can choose CareSoure.

To learn more or check your eligibility:

CareSourceMilitary.com

Questions about the TRICARE Prime demo: 1-833-230-2080

Ready to enroll during TRICARE Open Season: 1-877-996-9333

The Military trained me for war — not for what came after.

In this raw and powerful episode of the HeroFront Podcast, recorded live at the Military Influencer Conference 2025 (MIC Atlanta), host Josh White sits down with Dr. J.R. “The Hood Motivator” McIntyre and SFC Akeem “Fly Recruiter” Daley to talk about what happens after the uniform comes off.

This conversation dives deep into veteran mental health, PTSD recovery, faith, and finding purpose beyond the military. Both guests share how they turned pain into purpose, rebuilt their lives, and now use their voices to inspire and lead others.

If you’ve ever struggled with identity, faith, or direction after service, this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over, it’s just beginning.

Featuring:

Dr. J.R. “The Hood Motivator” McIntyre (@TheHoodMotivator)

SFC Akeem “Fly Recruiter” Daley (@FlyRecruiterKeem)

Recorded live at MIC 2025, Atlanta, GA

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & MIC 2025 vibes

2:30 - Meeting The Hood Motivator & Fly Recruiter

5:10 - Turning trauma into purpose

10:45 - Faith, timing, and divine alignment

17:20 - Veteran mental health & healing

25:00 - The power of storytelling and influence

33:40 - Akeem’s story: from struggle to leadership

42:00 - Dr. J.R.’s message on identity & purpose

50:15 - Josh opens up about depression and recovery

58:30 - Closing motivation: “Your story saves lives”

#HeroFront #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryInfluencer #FaithAndResilience #LifeAfterTheMilitary #MentalHealthAwareness #MotivationalPodcast #VeteranStories #PurposeAfterService #TheHoodMotivator #FlyRecruiterKeem

FROM MILITARY LEADER TO MISS USA INTERNATIONAL

Lisa Tauai’s Unbelievable Transition Story | HeroFront Podcast

What happens when a 20-year Air Force commander trades her uniform for a crown? In this epic episode, we sit down with Lisa Tauai — a retired Lt. Colonel, nationally recognized dietitian, and current Miss USA International 2025 — to explore what it really takes to reinvent your life after military service.

Whether you’re navigating transition, battling imposter syndrome, or dreaming bigger than your circumstances, Lisa’s story is your roadmap to rising strong.

00:00 – Intro Trailer

04:50 – Lisa’s Joyful Energy and “Flow” Mentality

05:31 – Fish-Forward Nutrition and Sustainable Wellness

06:49 – True Crime TV and America’s Most Wanted Story

09:39 – Instagram Growth and Meta Verification Secrets

14:50 – Pageant Queen Origins: First Time on Stage

18:44 – Air Force to Runway: How She Did It

22:54 – Squadron Commander Lessons on Leadership

29:50 – Veteran Depression and Finding Post-Service Identity

34:35 – Launching “Vegas Saints” and Creating Legacy Content

39:52 – Why Veterans Need to Prioritize Health Now

46:15 – Purpose and Longevity: What Blue Zones Teach Us

52:13 – Lisa’s NICU Trauma and Motherhood Resilience

1:04:09 – Parenting, Perspective, and Post-Military Healing

1:16:04 – Where Lisa’s Going Next (Cosmetology and Coaching)

1:21:04 – Military vs Civilian Mindset: Owning Your Voice

1:24:04 – Final Message: “You’re Not Too Late — Start Now”

GUEST: LISA TAUAI

Miss USA International 2025

Registered Dietitian, Veteran, Speaker

Instagram: @lisatauai

If Lisa’s story inspired you, be sure to follow, rate, and share this episode. Your support helps us continue amplifying the voices of veterans, leaders, and everyday heroes.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.