In this episode of Untold Valor, we sit down with Shaun Hall, Director of Programming at the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC). Since 2008, VBC has created spaces (both in-person and online) where veterans from all eras and branches can share their stories, connect with one another, and preserve history for future generations.

Shaun shares how he discovered VBC through his theater work, why storytelling is so powerful in the veteran community, and how the organization pivoted during the pandemic to expand its reach nationwide. From intimate one-on-one interviews to large gatherings with hundreds of attendees, the VBC provides a safe, welcoming place where every veteran’s voice matters. Learn how you can join, listen, and support this mission of connection, healing, and inspiration.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎭 Shaun’s journey from theater to the VBC

🥞 How VBC grew from local breakfasts in Pittsburgh to a national community

📖 The power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire

📚 Preserving stories through magazines, history projects, and one-on-one interviews

💡 Why listening is the best way to thank a veteran

0:00 – Intro

1:01 – Getting to know Shaun and VBC

6:16 – The power of storytelling

7:22 – VBC events and getting involved

11:36 – Highlighting lesser-known conflicts and stories

16:09 – Shaun’s message to listeners

Shaun Hall

Shaun is host and producer of VBC’s podcast, The Scuttlebutt. He is not a veteran but has a passion for veterans’ stories. Shaun received his BFA in Acting from Point Park University in 2004 and has spent over a decade in the non-profit sector supporting missions that focus on storytelling.

Veterans Breakfast Club

https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/

OTHER RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this episode of Untold Valor, we welcome Sarah Schwager, Program Lead for the King of Prussia chapter of Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans heal through the therapeutic power of fly fishing. Founded in 2005, Project Healing Waters now serves veterans across 48 states with over 200 programs nationwide. Sarah shares how her lifelong passion for fishing and background as a certified trauma therapist come together in her work with veterans recovering from both visible and invisible wounds of service.

From casting lessons and fly tying to group outings and community events, the program offers far more than fishing- it provides camaraderie, confidence, and connection for those who have sacrificed so much. Sarah also explains the many ways listeners can support the mission, from volunteering to donating equipment or funds.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:06 – What is Project Healing Waters?

3:01 – How Sarah got involved in this project

5:05 – Recovery through Project Healing Waters

9:04 – PHW Women on the Fly

10:51 – The therapeutic power of fishing and community

13:31 – Getting involved

22:02 – Sarah’s message to our listeners

Sarah Schwager

Learn more about Sarah HERE

Project Healing Waters

https://projecthealingwaters.org/

Ways to Give

https://projecthealingwaters.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/

OTHER RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

In this powerful kickoff to Season 4, we’re joined by Kimberly Hollenback, Regional VOCA Supervising Attorney with Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Kim shares how her team helps victims of domestic violence- especially veterans and their families- navigate difficult legal situations involving restraining orders, custody battles, financial abuse, and more.

Domestic violence isn’t always visible. Emotional, psychological, and financial abuse are equally damaging and often harder to spot. This conversation explores how trauma, PTSD, and addiction can intersect with domestic violence, making it harder for survivors to ask for help. Listeners will also learn how trauma-informed legal support can help survivors regain a sense of control and safety.

If you or someone you know feels trapped, isolated, or unsure of what to do next, there are confidential resources available and professionals who can help.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:47 – Meet Kim and her work with LASP

3:06 – How domestic violence shows up in veteran communities

3:58 – Getting help: legal aid, income caps, and VOCA funding

7:51 – The different forms of abuse

11:32 – Common barriers to getting help

12:41 – What led Kim to this career

14:58 – Final thoughts: You’re not alone, and help exists

Kimberly Hollenback

Learn more about Kim HERE

EPISODE LINKS

LASP

https://www.lasp.org/domestic-violence

OTHER RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q