From U.S. Army Special Forces to building tactical gear companies and operating international logistics businesses in Panama, Travis Rolph has spent his life adapting to new missions.

In this episode of the Veteran Wellness Podcast, host Erik Lawrence sits down with fellow Green Beret Travis Rolph to discuss his remarkable journey from the 82nd Airborne Division and 5th Special Forces Group to founding Mayflower and becoming a partner in Velocity Systems.

Travis shares firsthand stories from the early days of Special Forces, deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, and how his experiences designing equipment for operators helped shape an innovative tactical gear business.

But the transition from military service to entrepreneurship came with challenges he never expected.

“I had more stress in business than I ever had in the military.”

Travis opens up about the pressure of running a company, the mental toll of constant international travel, and why he eventually stepped back from day-to-day operations. He and Erik also discuss traumatic brain injuries, treatment experiences, physical endurance, and the importance of finding what works for your own mental and physical wellness.

From the battlefield to the boardroom, this is a conversation about service, innovation, resilience, and learning when it's time for a new mission.

🎖️ WELCOME & SUPPORT OUR FOUNDING SPONSORS

Velocity Systems | Founding Sponsor

Proudly supporting the Veteran Wellness Podcast and our mission to share the stories and experiences of those who have served.

Velocity Systems is known for developing and manufacturing high-performance tactical gear and protective equipment for military, law enforcement, and other professionals who depend on their equipment when it matters most.

Learn more about Velocity Systems:
https://www.velsyst.com/

Support The Mission:

Green Beret Guide to Baofeng Radio: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961989255?tag=vssbooks-20

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/eriklawrencevss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikLawrenceVSS

Instagram: @realeriklawrencevss | @erikthehiker

🐾 HEALTHYBUD | SUPPORT YOUR DOG'S HEALTH

Our dogs take care of us in more ways than we sometimes realize. Taking care of them matters, too!

We're proud to partner with Healthybud.

Shop: https://healthybud.co/OTAGO

Use code OTAGO for 20% off your first order!

🎖️ SUPPORT THE VETERAN WELLNESS PODCAST

Our mission is to share the stories, experiences, and resources that help veterans and their families navigate life beyond military service.

Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, Special Operations professionals, and people making a difference in the veteran community.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eriklawrenceVSS

Support the mission through Patreon, explore official podcast merchandise, and find our latest resources through the links provided on our channel.

DISCLAIMER: The experiences and opinions shared by guests are their own. Discussions of health, wellness, and treatment experiences are informational and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

#VeteranWellnessPodcast #TravisRolph #SpecialForces #GreenBeret #MilitaryTransition #VeteranWellness #Entrepreneurship #VelocitySystems

Surviving the mission is one thing. Learning how to live afterward is another.

Dave LaMorte joins longtime friend Erik Lawrence for a candid conversation about bomb disposal, Special Forces, intelligence work, and the path that eventually led him toward helping other veterans.

Dave recounts chemical exposures during his years as a bomb technician, the challenges he says followed, and experiences with psychedelics that changed how he viewed his life. He also shares a recent heart-failure diagnosis and the procedure that opened a blocked artery.

But this conversation goes beyond survival stories.

Erik and Dave revisit the ayahuasca retreat they attended together, the difficult emotions Erik confronted, and the changes he describes afterward. They discuss meditation, spiritual beliefs, supporting people through painful experiences, and why the work continues long after a retreat ends.

From serving alongside his brother Scott to finding purpose in supporting fellow veterans, Dave returns to a familiar commitment: taking care of your people.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Dave's path from bomb disposal to Special Forces and intelligence work
• His account of repeated chemical exposures and their aftermath
• Brotherhood, leadership, and serving alongside Scott LaMorte
• Erik's personal experience with ayahuasca
• Meditation, spirituality, and changing old patterns
• The role of support, integration, and aftercare
• Finding a new way to serve after the uniform comes off

For veterans, first responders, and anyone carrying difficult experiences, this is an honest conversation about seeking support, making sense of the past, and finding purpose in what comes next.

Subscribe to Veteran Wellness Podcast for real conversations about service, health, resilience, and life beyond the mission.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Michael Newton Institute: https://www.newtoninstitute.org/

Connect with Erik:
VSSBooks: https://www.vssbooks.com/
Fire Support: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961989204
Email / guest inquiries: support@vig-sec.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikLawrenceVSS
Instagram: @realeriklawrencevss | @erikthehiker

Erik's Spooky2 link:
https://www.spooky2-mall.com/product/spooky2-central-generatorx-kit/ref/533

DISCLAIMER
This episode shares personal recollections, opinions, and spiritual beliefs. Historical and medical claims reflect the speakers' accounts and have not been independently verified. This is not medical or mental health advice. Psychedelics can carry serious risks and interact with medications; personal experiences do not establish safety or effectiveness. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions or changing medication.

Some links may be affiliate links and may support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

#VeteranWellness #DaveLaMorte #SpecialForces #VeteranStories

The mission ends. The brain doesn't always get the message.

Brain fog. Memory problems. Irritability. Feeling more comfortable in chaos than in the quiet of home. For veterans who recognize those experiences, this conversation is about seeking answers and understanding what an assessment can reveal.

Erik Lawrence sits down with Dr. Sergio Azzolino, a doctor of chiropractic and family nurse practitioner whose practice focuses on functional neurology and integrative care. Erik shares his own experience at the Azzolino Clinic and why seeing his assessment results gave him hope.

Dr. Azzolino explains his approach to evaluating balance, eye movements, coordination, reaction time, and cognition. They discuss repeated blast exposure, concussion history, sleep, and the importance of establishing a baseline so changes can be tracked over time.

They also explore the clinic's rehabilitation tools and treatment approaches, including GyroStim, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), hyperbaric oxygen, and laboratory testing. Dr. Azzolino shares his perspectives on Lyme disease, environmental exposures, and brain health.

At the heart of the conversation is a message veterans hear too rarely: asking for help is a strength.

IN THIS EPISODE

• The invisible toll of repeated concussive exposure
• Brain health, PTSD, and life after service
• What eye movements, balance, and reaction time can reveal
• Dr. Azzolino's BRAIN360 approach to assessment and rehabilitation
• Why a baseline matters when tracking changes
• Erik's personal experience seeking care
• Getting help before your world falls apart

Subscribe to Veteran Wellness Podcast for honest conversations about service, health, resilience, and life beyond the mission. Share this episode with someone who has been putting off asking for help.

CONNECT WITH DR. SERGIO AZZOLINO
Azzolino Clinic: https://azzolino.com/
Dr. Azzolino's background: https://azzolino.com/doctors/sergio-azzolino/
BRAIN360: https://azzolino.com/brain360/
Clinic: San Francisco, California
Phone: 415-563-3800

CONNECT WITH ERIK LAWRENCE
VSSBooks: https://www.vssbooks.com/
Fire Support: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961989204
Email / guest inquiries: support@vig-sec.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikLawrenceVSS
Instagram: @realeriklawrencevss | @erikthehiker

DISCLAIMER
This episode presents the host's personal experiences and the guest's clinical perspectives for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Treatment approaches discussed have varying levels of evidence and may not be appropriate for everyone. Personal results do not establish safety or effectiveness. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment or medication.

Some links may be affiliate links and may support the podcast at no additional cost to you.

#VeteranWellness #BrainHealth #TBI #PTSD #SergioAzzolino

After 21 years of military service, four deployments, combat experiences spanning Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, and a lifetime shaped by military culture, Eli Shultz understands what happens when the brotherhood veterans depend on suddenly isn't around anymore.

In this episode of the Veteran Wellness Podcast, Erik Lawrence sits down with Eli Shultz, U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran and co-founder of Bunker Bros, for a conversation about military service, combat, veteran transition, PTSD, TBI, family, health, farming, and why simply reconnecting veterans with other veterans could make a much bigger difference than most people realize.

Eli Shultz is a U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran who retired in 2026 after 21 total years of military service. His career included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria and experience in infantry, mortars, personal security, and other assignments throughout his military career.

Eli is also involved with All American Riders and is a co-founder of Bunker Bros, a nonprofit focused on strengthening veteran connection and developing the Bunker App, a veteran-only social platform designed to help veterans find one another, build community, discover resources, network professionally, and reach another veteran when they need support.

Today, Eli lives in Michigan with his family, where his latest adventure includes raising young children, building Bunker Bros, and apparently deciding that buying a farm wasn't enough to keep him busy.

Bunker Bros
Bunker-Bros.com

All donations and merchandise purchases help support development of the Bunker App.

Contact Erik at support@vig-sec.com

For questions regarding this episode, please contact Erik Lawrence:
support@vig-sec.com

🎖️ Support the Mission

https://patreon.com/VeteranWellnessPodcast

Mentioned in This Episode

Fire Support
Amazon – Fire Support

VSSBooks
VSSBooks.com

VSS Defense & Security
Vigilant Security Services

Connect with Erik Lawrence

Website
Vigilant Security Services

VSSBooks
VSSBooks.com

Email
support@vig-sec.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ErikLawrenceVSS

Instagram
@realeriklawrencevss
@erikthehiker

Disclaimer:

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, it doesn't cost you anything extra and helps support the continued production of the podcast.

#VeteranWellness #BunkerBros #Veterans #VeteranCommunity #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSD #TBI #MarineCorps #ArmyNationalGuard #VeteranSupport #VeteranTransition #ErikLawrenceVSS

Before Mike Vining became an internet meme, he helped build one of the most legendary special operations units in U.S. military history.

In this episode of the Veteran Wellness Podcast, Erik Lawrence sits down with retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Mike Vining, an original member of Delta Force, Vietnam veteran, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) expert whose military career spans some of the most significant operations in modern American history.

Mike shares firsthand accounts of the early days of Delta Force, working under Colonel Charlie Beckwith, and preparing for Operation Eagle Claw, the failed 1980 mission to rescue American hostages in Iran.

He explains how that mission exposed critical problems in joint military operations and helped drive changes that reshaped American special operations.

But the history doesn't stop there.

Mike takes Erik inside the 1983 invasion of Grenada, describing a chaotic helicopter assault, intense enemy fire, and the loss of fellow service members. He also recounts his experiences in Vietnam, including explosive ordnance disposal missions that nearly left him stranded in dangerous situations.

The conversation then turns to Mike's work investigating the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing, where he collaborated with the FBI and challenged widely repeated conclusions about the explosives used in the attack.

Beyond the missions, Erik and Mike explore something equally important: the invisible wounds of military service.

Mike discusses moral injury, survivor's guilt, difficult decisions made in combat, and why understanding these experiences matters for veterans struggling long after their service ends.

And yes, they even discuss the famous photograph that turned Mike Vining into an unexpected internet legend.

The meme made him recognizable. His military career is what makes his story extraordinary.

Guest Bio

Sergeant Major Mike Vining (U.S. Army, Retired) is a Vietnam veteran, explosive ordnance disposal specialist, and original member of the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta, commonly known as Delta Force.

His experience includes Operation Eagle Claw, Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, and investigative work following the Khobar Towers bombing.

🎖️ Support the Mission

https://patreon.com/VeteranWellnessPodcast

Veteran Wellness Podcast

Want to be a guest? Contact support@vig-sec.com

Mentioned in This Episode

Fire Support: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961989204

VSSBooks: https://www.vssbooks.com/

VSS Defense & Security: https://www.vig-sec.com/

Connect with Erik Lawrence

Website: https://www.vig-sec.com/

VSSBooks: https://www.vssbooks.com/

Email: support@vig-sec.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikLawrenceVSS

Instagram: @realeriklawrencevss | @erikthehiker

Disclaimer

Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, it doesn't cost you anything extra and helps support the continued production of the podcast.

#MikeVining #DeltaForce #VeteranWellnessPodcast #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #OperationEagleClaw #ErikLawrenceVSS #VeteranMentalHealth #MoralInjury #EOD

In this episode of the Veteran Wellness Podcast, Erik Lawrence reconnects with longtime friend and fellow U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Travis Ernst for a conversation about military service, business setbacks, physical fitness, mental wellness, faith, and finding purpose in life's next chapter.

Erik and Travis first crossed paths more than 20 years ago and later worked together at Blackheart International, where Travis helped manage operations. They revisit the challenges of building and selling the company, the difficult lessons that followed, and how those experiences shaped their lives.

What happens when a veteran leaves Special Forces and struggles to find a new identity? How do you move forward when something you've worked years to build falls apart? And how do you recognize when a friend needs help, even when they're too proud to ask?

Travis shares four straightforward habits he believes are essential to long-term wellness: eat better, move more, hydrate, and unplug.

Together, they discuss aging, discipline, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mental health, accountability, faith, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships long after military service.

Your military career may be over, but your story isn't. There's always another chapter.

Guest Bio

Travis Ernst is a former U.S. Army Special Forces medic and longtime business professional who served with 1st Special Forces Group.

After his military service, Travis worked alongside Erik Lawrence at Blackheart International. The challenges surrounding that company's sale helped shape his next career.

Today, Travis works with business owners preparing to sell or transition their companies, helping them understand their options, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare for what comes next.

He is also passionate about physical fitness, faith, family, mentorship, and helping veterans find purpose beyond military service.

🎖️ Support the Mission

https://patreon.com/VeteranWellnessPodcast

Veteran Wellness Podcast:

Want to be a guest? Contact support@vig-sec.com

Mentioned in This Episode:

Fire Support: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961989204

VSSBooks: https://www.vssbooks.com/

VSS Defense & Security: https://www.vig-sec.com/

Connect with Erik Lawrence

Website: https://www.vig-sec.com/

VSSBooks: https://www.vssbooks.com/

Email: support@vig-sec.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikLawrenceVSS

Instagram: @realeriklawrencevss | @erikthehiker

Disclaimer

The views and experiences shared are those of the host and guest and are for informational purposes only. Discussions of health, nutrition, fitness, traumatic brain injuries, mental health, fasting, medications, psychedelics, and wellness practices are not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your healthcare routine or starting or stopping any treatment. Some practices discussed may carry significant medical risks.

Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, it doesn't cost you anything extra and helps support the continued production of the podcast.

#TravisErnst #SpecialForces #VeteranWellnessPodcast #LifeAfterMilitary #VeteranMentalHealth #Resilience #MilitaryTransition #MentalWellness #ErikLawrenceVSS

Your body may not be capable of everything it once was. But that doesn't mean you should give up on it.

In this episode of the Veteran Wellness Podcast, Erik Lawrence sits down with Dani Williams, a physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and vestibular rehabilitation, to discuss chronic pain, joint replacements, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), balance problems, recovery, and the physical and emotional challenges of getting older.

Dani explains why physical therapy is about much more than recovering from surgery. It's about restoring mobility, improving quality of life, and helping people regain confidence in their bodies.

For veterans who have spent years pushing themselves physically, accepting new limitations can be especially difficult.

Erik and Dani discuss why some veterans avoid treatment, how pride and frustration can interfere with recovery, and why finding a physical therapist who understands your individual goals is so important.

They also explore the vestibular system, how it affects balance and spatial awareness, and why concussions and TBIs can create challenges that many people don't immediately recognize.

From knee and hip replacements to managing swelling, rebuilding strength, and understanding appropriate pain during rehabilitation, Dani shares practical insights from her experience working with patients.

The conversation also covers daily movement, nutrition, supplements, accountability, and the importance of following through with rehabilitation outside the therapist's office.

Guest Bio

Dani Williams is a physical therapist with a doctorate in physical therapy and a background in athletic training, kinesiology, and strength and conditioning.

She specializes in orthopedic and vestibular rehabilitation, helping patients recover from surgeries, joint injuries, balance disorders, and neurological conditions, including TBIs.

🎖️ Support the Mission

https://patreon.com/VeteranWellnessPodcast

Veteran Wellness Podcast

Want to be a guest? Contact support@vig-sec.com

Mentioned in This Episode

Fire Support: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961989204

VSSBooks: https://www.vssbooks.com/

VSS Defense & Security: https://www.vig-sec.com/

Connect with Erik Lawrence

Website: https://www.vig-sec.com/

Email: support@vig-sec.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikLawrenceVSS

Instagram: @realeriklawrencevss | @erikthehiker

Disclaimer

The views and experiences shared are those of the host and guest and are for informational purposes only. Discussions of physical therapy, rehabilitation, nutrition, supplements, and wellness are not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment or recovery plan.

Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases through them may support the podcast at no additional cost.

#DaniWilliams #VeteranWellnessPodcast #PhysicalTherapy #VeteranHealth #ChronicPain #InjuryRecovery #TBI #VeteranWellness #Mobility #ErikLawrenceVSS

What does it really mean to grow older without giving up?

For retired Ranger, Special Forces veteran, and former Delta Force operator Kit Cessna, the answer isn't chasing the body you had at 25. It's making sure you're still capable, still useful, and still living life on your own terms.

In this second conversation on the Veteran Wellness Podcast, Erik Lawrence and Kit Cessna move beyond military stories and focus on something every one of us eventually faces: aging.

The discussion centers on the difference between lifespan and healthspan, why consistency matters more than perfection, and how staying physically active becomes increasingly important as we get older.

One moment in particular captures the entire conversation.

While riding in a gravel bike race, Kit watched elite cyclists fly past him. For a brief moment he thought:

"That used to be me."

Then another thought immediately followed:

"I'm still out here."

They also share personal stories from military life, raising families, working demanding careers, and the lessons they've learned after decades of pushing themselves physically and mentally.

This isn't a conversation about trying to turn back the clock.

It's about refusing to stop living while you're still here.

Kit Cessna is a retired U.S. military veteran whose career included service in the Marine Corps, 2nd Ranger Battalion, Delta Force, and Army Special Forces. Following his military retirement, he continued serving through antiterrorism training and law enforcement, including 11 years with the Baton Rouge Police Department SWAT team.

Today Kit continues to live the philosophy he shares in this episode through cycling, functional fitness, outdoor work, and helping others rethink what healthy aging can look like.

🎖️ Support the Mission

https://www.patreon.com/cw/VeteranWellnessPodcast

📖 Fire Support

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961989204

📚 VSSBooks

https://www.vssbooks.com/

🌐 VSS Defense & Security

https://www.vig-sec.com/

Website

https://www.vig-sec.com/

VSSBooks

https://www.vssbooks.com/

Email

support@vig-sec.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ErikLawrenceVSS

Instagram

@vigilantsecurityservices

@erikthehiker

The views, opinions, fitness philosophies, wellness practices, and personal experiences shared in this episode reflect the perspectives of the host and guest. They are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any exercise, nutrition, fasting, or wellness program.

Some links may be affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support the continued production of the Veteran Wellness Podcast at no additional cost to you.

#VeteranWellness #KitCessna #HealthyAging #Healthspan #FitnessOver50 #Cycling #Resilience #Veterans #SpecialForces #DeltaForce #ArmyRangers #FunctionalFitness