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Barnside Brotherhood: Jason Sedotal & Nick Crouch
This episode introduced us to two incredible veterans whose mission is to help fellow service members heal through connection, purpose, and the unique bond between humans and horses.
Jason's military journey took him straight to Iraq, followed by a second deployment in 2006 before a medical discharge in 2007. Like many veterans, transitioning home was difficult. He found himself simply working and trying to move forward until he began spending more time with his son and around horses.
Everything changed after attending a training session on equine therapy for veterans. Seeing firsthand how horses respond to human emotions opened his eyes to a new way of helping veterans heal. Since then, Jason has been fully committed to building Barnside Brotherhood.
One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion was Jason's explanation of how foals and horses naturally sense emotions. They react honestly and immediately to a person's emotional state, often helping veterans recognize feelings they may not even realize they are expressing. This unique relationship creates opportunities for trust, reflection, and healing in ways that traditional conversations sometimes cannot.
Nick shared an equally powerful story of resilience.
After suffering a traumatic brain injury at just 19 years old, Nick was medically retired from the military by age 20. Like many veterans facing unexpected life changes, he struggled and spent years self-medicating with alcohol.
One year ago, on Mother's Day, Nick decided to become sober—a milestone he proudly celebrated during the interview.
Although he had always remained active in the veteran community, sobriety gave him renewed purpose. He knew he needed to channel his energy into something meaningful, and Barnside Brotherhood became that calling.
Nick also spoke about helping veterans navigate the often-complicated VA system and connecting them with organizations where they feel comfortable asking for help.
The long-term vision for Barnside Brotherhood is ambitious but inspiring: establish this ranch as a successful model that can eventually be replicated across the country, creating places where veterans can find healing, purpose, and community.
As both Jason and Nick emphasized throughout the conversation, the mission isn't about recognition or expansion—it's simply about doing the right thing the right way. Wherever that journey leads, success will always be measured by the number of veterans whose lives are positively impacted.
This week's featured artist was Navy veteran Brian Grilli, whose music blends Americana, folk, rock, and classic influences into a sound all his own.
With Nordic family roots (which earned a friendly smile from Mark Petersen!), Brian shared that he doesn't see himself as someone with one defining military story. Instead, his focus has always been on serving others and sharing music that connects people.
Influenced by many different genres, Brian describes his style as Americana with touches of folk, rock, and singer-songwriter traditions. He's currently working on a unique project—a cover album featuring songs originally released in 1972.
Brian also made it clear that his greatest goal isn't fame. His passion is simply sharing music and being available for those who may need someone to talk to. Through his website, he encourages fellow veterans to reach out, and he's eager to become even more involved in organizations supporting the veteran community.
Hanging Tree
Co-written with fellow Navy veteran Rich Daly, Hanging Tree was recorded near Joshua Tree and features outstanding musicianship, with Brian playing bass. The song reflects on historic hanging trees in Arizona—once symbols of frontier justice—and reminds listeners that while people assign meaning to places and events, sometimes they are, in the end, simply trees. It's a thoughtful meditation on history, justice, and perspective.
Little Things
Perhaps the most reflective song of the set, Little Things reminds us how easily we overlook life's simple blessings while chasing bigger goals. One memorable lyric captures the heart of the message:
"The best camera you have is your eye."
The song encourages all of us to slow down, be present, and appreciate the moments that truly matter.
So Fine
Closing out the show was So Fine, a fun, classic rock-inspired song with hints of Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page influences. Written as a tribute to his wife, it's an energetic reminder that not every song has to carry a heavy message—sometimes it's simply about celebrating someone you love and enjoying great music.
This episode beautifully illustrated that healing takes many forms.
For Jason and Nick, healing comes through horses, community, and giving veterans a place where they feel understood without judgment.
For Brian, healing comes through music, storytelling, and creating songs that encourage people to slow down, reflect, and connect with one another.
Whether it's in a barn, around a campfire, or through a favorite song, meaningful connections have the power to change lives.
Thank you to Jason Sedotal, Nick Crouch, and Brian Grilli for sharing your stories, your passion, and your commitment to serving others long after your military service ended.
Remember: healing begins with connection, hope grows through community, and no one has to walk the journey alone. We've always got your 6.
