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Beyond The Frontline

Beyond The Frontline

By: Donna Hoffmeyer & Jay Johnson
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About this listen

 Beyond the Frontline is a podcast of Coming Home Well Tune in as your hosts, Donna Hoffmeyer and Jay Johnson, both U.S. Air Force veterans, tackle topics relating to transitioning from the Frontline to the Homefront. Get to know your host, Donna Hoffmeyer is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work. Get to know your host, Jay Johnson is the owner and CEO of J2 Servant Leadership, LLC, a consulting company just outside of San Antonio, TX. He is a certified coach, trainer, and motivational speaker. Jay is a retired United States Air Force veteran with 21 plus years of service. During his time in uniform, he had the pleasure of serving 10.8 years enlisted and an additional 11 years commissioned. Jay retired from active duty in 2010 and worked for five years as a government civil service employee before assuming his current duties. Over the course of his professional life, he has served as a weapons instructor, EMT, Commandant of Cadets and Assistant Professor (Auburn University), change manager, and strategic planner. Jay serves on two Boards of Directors, is President of his BNI chapter, and is active in Kiwanis, Rotary, and local chambers of commerce. He holds a BAAS in Behavior Analysis and Sociology from the University of North Texas, and an M.Ed. from the University of Oklahoma.© 2023 Beyond The Frontline Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • HBOT Therapy for Brain Recovery | William Person

    HBOT Therapy for Brain Recovery | William Person
    Apr 26 2026

    What happens when the damage to your brain isn't visible on a standard MRI, but it’s destroying your life?

    On this episode of Beyond the Frontline, Donna talks with Will Person, a former 9-year Team USA bobsled athlete turned advocate. Will’s story is a wake-up call for anyone in the high-impact world—from elite athletes to military veterans and domestic violence survivors.

    Inside the Episode:

    • The "Sled Head" Reality: Will discusses the extreme G-forces (up to 84.5 Gs!) and the crashes that led to a wave of suicides, strokes, and Parkinson’s among his teammates.
    • The Invisible Injury: Why symptoms of CTE and TBI often don't surface until a decade after the trauma, and why talk therapy isn't enough when the brain is physically damaged.
    • The Military Parallel: The striking similarities between bobsledders and artillery units—soldiers who may never see a "combat zone" but return with severe TBI symptoms from repeated blast exposure.
    • A Path to Healing: How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and advanced imaging changed Will’s life, and his mission to make this treatment 100% free for those who need it most.

    Resources & Support:

    🔗 Learn More: TreatNow.org – Advocacy for veteran access to HBOT. 🔗 Follow Will: TikTok @OneManWithTheChamber for CTE and treatment insights. 🔗 Donate: Support the mission to provide free HBOT at Will’s GoFundMe .
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Why the Trades are the Ultimate Transition Strategy | Ben Higginbotham

    Why the Trades are the Ultimate Transition Strategy | Ben Higginbotham
    Apr 14 2026

    In this episode, host Donna sits down with Ben Higginbotham, a Marine Corps veteran and Director of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Military Veterans Program. Ben shares his journey from the infantry to leading a nationwide initiative that connects transitioning service members with high-paying careers in the trades.

    Episode Highlights:

    • The Power of the Union: Breaking down what the UBC actually is and the benefits—including full medical, pensions, and no-cost training.
    • The UBC MVP Program: A deep dive into the 8-week, fully paid SkillBridge program for Carpenters, Millwrights, and Pile Drivers.
    • Transition Realities: Why starting at the bottom is often the fastest path to the top and how financial stability directly impacts veteran mental health.
    • Soft Skills vs. Passion: Why your military discipline is your greatest asset, even if you’re starting a completely new craft.

    Connect with Ben & UBC MVP:

    • Website: ubcmvp.org
    • LinkedIn: Ben Higginbotham
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Tuning the Brain: Processing Trauma Somatically Part 2 of 2

    Tuning the Brain: Processing Trauma Somatically Part 2 of 2
    Mar 30 2026

    In the conclusion of this powerful two-part series, Donna continues her conversation with Marine Corps veteran and tech executive Tony Crescenzo. After discussing the discovery of neuro-acoustic technology in Part 1, Tony dives deeper into the mechanics of healing the "invisible wounds" of service.

    This episode explores the intersection of AI, neuroscience, and human performance, moving beyond traditional talk therapy to examine how regulating brainwave oscillations can provide a path home for veterans and first responders living in a state of constant hypervigilance.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Peak Neuro LLC – Visit Website
    • Intelligent Waves LLC
    • Semper Fi & America’s Fund
    • The Ross Institute (Dr. Colin Ross)
    • Beyond the Frontline Archive: * Psychedelic Medicine with Charlie Powell
    • Epigenetics with Bonnie Goff
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    46 mins
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