Supporting Veterans in Transition: Veterans, First Responders & the Challenge Model Changing Lives

In this special panel episode of Do The Thing, host Stacey Lauren brings together an extraordinary lineup of leaders, veterans, therapists, nonprofit founders, and media innovators to launch the Billion Dollar Activation Campaign, a bold initiative to raise $1B for causes that matter through the power of challenges and shared action.This panel marks the official kickoff of a challenge-led movement focused on supporting veterans, first responders, and their families by helping them reconnect with their voice, community, and purpose.These aren’t just stories. They’re blueprints.You’ll hear raw truth, actionable frameworks, and the origin story of the new film project At Liberty, a collaboration fueled by real people doing the thing.Meet the Panelists:Kathryn Avery – Founder, Restoration RanchAshley Braund – Founder, Courageous Hearts CollectiveRyan Berman – Author, Courageous; Founder, Courageous Inc.Stacey Lauren – Host of Do The Thing, creator of the challenge modelCourtney Lawless – Career strategist, veteran advocateGeorge Makrinos – Filmmaker, veteran, creator of At LibertyRyan Montis – Veteran & mindset coachStacy May – Licensed Marriage & Family TherapistFred Smith – Corporate executive, Marine veteranLance Strong – Equine therapist, Army veteranMichael Wood – Founder, Turning SteelInside this Episode:- How challenges restore connection, purpose, and trust- Why silence is the enemy, and how to break it- What it really looks like to transition from service to significance- How nonprofits, creators, and companies can co-lead solutions- The story behind the At Liberty film and the movement it’s sparkingThis panel is for anyone who believes in collective action and is ready to stop talking and start doing.Learn more & join the mission: https://dothethingcollaboration.comExplore the film project: https://atlibertyfilm.comTimestamps:0:34 — Stacey introduces the Billion Dollar Activation Campaign3:03 — Fred Smith shares his combat story and corporate transition5:50 — Kathryn Avery on founding Restoration Ranch after loss12:18 — Michael Wood on storytelling and launching Turning Steel16:00 — Ashley Braund on serving teens of first responders22:40 — Ryan Berman on corporate courage and breaking the silence30:27 — Ryan Montis and H (Eliseo) on veteran purpose & challenge spaces40:00 — Courtney Lawless on job search trauma and hiring gaps49:00 — Lance Strong on horsemanship as trauma recovery56:55 — George Makrinos on the origin of At Liberty and creative service
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5IL9JVG2uw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-collective-action-panel-veterans-first-responders/id1618590178?i=1000731998391
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/13D6Hd8QhtXAIQ2thkBAIT