Vets And Badges

Vets And Badges delivers real stories of service, sacrifice, and triumph—from the battlefield to the badge. Join host Robert Asencio (Army vet/retired Police Captain) and featured co-host/Neuroscientist Dr. Pamela Seraphine as they bridge the gap between heroism and healing.Explore raw interviews with veterans and first responders alongside expert insights into the science of PTSD and trauma recovery. Discover the truth behind the uniform and the blueprint for resilience.New episodes weekly. Real Stories. Real Heroes. Real Science.Visit: https://www.vetsandbadges.com

Vets And Badges is a education podcast hosted by Robert Asencio, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Robert Asencio hosts Vets And Badges, a education show with 100 episodes published.

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  Vets And Badges

  Delta Force Operator on PTSD: Veterans Aren’t Broken

  Aug 1, 202639 min

  He survived over 40 concussions, failed Special Forces selection twice, and still made it into Delta Force. In this episode, SGM Taamir Ransome sits down with Robert Asencio to unpack what the military doesn’t prepare you for: the war that starts after the uniform comes off. From growing up on the streets of Newark to leading operators in combat, Ransome breaks down moral injury, the stigma that keeps veterans and first responders silent, and why he believes veterans “aren’t broken — we’re changed.” This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about trust, trauma, and what real reintegration actually requires. Ransome is the author of “Mind of a Soldier: 34 Laws for the War After the War,” written to help veterans, first responders, and the employers and families around them understand what reintegration really looks like. – https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Soldier-Laws-War-After/dp/B0GSRYS5B5 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Finding Purpose in Protecting Others 00:14 What Is Moral Injury? (Not What Clinicians Think) 01:45 Balancing the Scales: Mentoring the Next Generation 02:09 The Hero-or-Villain Myth: How America Misunderstands Veterans 04:34 Why Cops & Soldiers Hide Their Struggles 05:04 Peer Support vs. Traditional Therapy — Why Trust Matters 07:39 Officer vs. NCO: Who’s Really the Better Leader? 09:29 The “Ambush” Effect: Why Asking for Help Feels Like a Trap 11:09 From Newark Streets to the Military: His Origin Story 17:20 Hardwired for Success: How Structure Saved His Life 19:40 Failing Selection, Reclassifying, and Earning His Spot 22:03 An Intimate Relationship With Death 27:39 40+ Concussions: Living With the Physical Toll 29:58 Mindset, Resilience, and Finding Grace 32:01 Finding Humor in Combat 34:22 Inside “Mind of a Soldier”: Why He Wrote the Book 35:35 “We’re Not Broken, We’re Changed” — The Truth About Reintegration 37:50 Closing Thoughts Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING – a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

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  Vets And Badges

  The IRS Can't Touch Them: A Veteran IRS Attorney Exposes

  Jul 31, 202617 min

  Get an inside look at tax secrets for the ultra-wealthy. Learn how high net worth tax planning works for celebrities and sports owners. Earle Ford shares his journey - from US Army veteran to state prosecutor to IRS Attorney assigned to the IRS Estate and Gift Trust Program. Working in tax at the highest level involves far more than just filling out forms. This perspective covers the reality of handling assets for movie stars, sports team owners, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. If you have ever considered a career in high net worth tax or wondered how top-tier firms manage the portfolios of the world's most famous people, this breakdown provides the necessary context. We discuss the unique pressures and environments, such as meeting clients near Mar-a-Lago, that come with billionaire accounting. You will understand how celebrity tax returns differ from standard filings and why the attention to detail required in this field is unmatched. This is an honest look at the professional demands of wealth management career paths. Subscribe for weekly career breakdowns, and comment which industry role you want to hear about next Chapters: 00:00 - Exploring the World of High Net Worth Taxation 02:58 - The Role of the IRS in Estate and Gift Tax 05:59 - Challenges in Tax Enforcement for the Wealthy 09:05 - From Law School to IRS: A Personal Journey 12:07 - Military Service and Its Impact on Career Choices 14:59 - Values of Service and Commitment to Country Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

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  Vets And Badges

  The Hidden TBI Epidemic Destroying Veterans and First Responders

  Jul 2, 202627 min

  Are you treating traumatic brain injury as a mental health issue? Learn why brain imaging is critical for veterans and first responders and HBOT is proving to make a life saving difference. Many professionals face high-risk environments that can cause lasting physical damage. This discussion clarifies why the brain is often misdiagnosed when symptoms appear. We examine the physiological reality of brain health, specifically how the organ's fragile consistency makes it susceptible to injury during service-related activities. Understanding the physical nature of traumatic brain injury changes how we approach recovery. By prioritizing proper brain imaging before assuming a mental health diagnosis, veterans and first responders can better advocate for their long-term wellness. Knowing the difference between psychological and physical trauma is the first step toward effective care. Definition of HBOT: Hyperbarric Chamber Oxygen Therapy Chapters: 00:00 - Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries in Veterans 03:07 - The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 06:09 -The Impact of Brain Imaging on Treatment 08:50 - Personal Stories and Experiences with TBI 12:10 - Addressing Mental Health and Behavioral Issues 15:10 - The Need for Awareness and Diagnosis 18:06 - The Journey of Healing and Hope 21:04 - The Future of Treatment and Support Takeaways: -The brain is fragile and can be injured easily. -Many veterans are misdiagnosed with mental health issues instead of TBIs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can aid in brain healing. -Brain imaging is crucial for understanding TBIs. -Veterans often feel hopeless due to lack of diagnosis. -There is a significant reduction in suicidal thoughts after treatment. -The 22 Project aims to reduce veteran suicides through effective treatment. -Personal experiences can shape understanding and empathy in treatment. -Community support is vital for veterans' recovery. -Awareness and education about TBIs are essential for better outcomes. The 22 Project: https://support22project.org/ About Ashley Williams, LCSW: https://www.ashleywilliamslcsw.com/ About Vets And Badges Host: Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative, US Army Veteran who served as a member of the Special Operations community with over 34 years of public service experience. Vets and Badges Podcast is an initiative of HEALING - a non-profit created to support veterans, first responder and community stakeholders. For more visit: https://www.kbcf.org/programs/healing-corp/ Info@VetsAndBadges.com www.VetsAndBadges.com VAB - 2026

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  Vets And Badges

  Lost Both Legs. Gained 2 World Records. Never Gave Up

  Jun 3, 202635 minS0

  <p>What does it take to forge an elite warrior — and what does neuroscience reveal about that transformation?</p><p></p><p>U.S. Army Special Forces CPT Benjamin Harrow joins Robert Asencio and Dr. Pamela Seraphine for a conversation that goes beyond the battlefield. Dr. Pamela Seraphine decodes the neuroscience behind CPT Harrow's evolution of excellence — from the mental crucible of Special Forces selection to the leadership wiring built under pressure.This is more than a veteran's story. It's a master class in resilience, identity, and the science of what the human brain does under extraordinary stress.</p><p></p><p...

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  Vets And Badges

  NAMI Miami Mental Health Walk | In supporting of our community - South Florida

  May 11, 20265 minS0

  <p>Walk for Mental Health Awareness. Fun for all at LoanDepot Park, Miami. Join us May 16, 2026, in the fight break the stigma and help others. </p><p></p><p>Susan Holton, CEO of NAMI Miami, discusses the event's details, community involvement, and the importance of donations to support mental health initiatives. The dialogue emphasizes the collective effort needed to address mental health challenges and recognizes the unsung heroes in the community who contribute to this cause.</p><p></p><p>About Vets And Badges Host:</p><p></p><p>Robert Asencio is a retired police Captain, former Florida State Representative...

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