In this heartfelt episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Kendall Brune and Dr. Ryan Rogers to explore the transformative journeys of veterans and leaders. Dr. Rogers shares his deeply personal story of military service, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and how mentorship from Dr. Brune helped him find purpose beyond the battlefield. Together, they discuss the importance of community, the impact of unresolved trauma, and how a bias toward action and supportive relationships can change lives. Tune in for inspiring lessons on leadership, resilience, and the “something extra” that defines us all.
Dr. Kendall Brune Bio: Dr. Brune serves Arise Veteran Foundation as the Board Chair, bringing thirty plus years of experience in senior executive positions in the finance, development, construction and operation of ambulatory care, pharmacy and senior housing and care facilities to include independent, assisted, memory care, skilled and sub-acute environments. His extensive corporate experience has been split between for-profit and not-for-profit organizations in hospital administration focusing on off-site programs to include: sub-acute skilled care unit, senior/adult mental health program, home health and hospice services, rural health clinics, home medical care, adult day care, vocational rehabilitation operations and Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs.
Dr. Brune serves as a Research Fellow with his tribe the Chickasaw Nation, focusing on healthcare issues facing the Nations elders. He serves the Indian Health Services Agency on tribal health boards, tribal mental health and addiction, and sustainable community development through Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Dr. B was also appointed to serve on the Unite Native (UNITE) Board of Directors. The mission of UNITE is to partner with and be a resource for Native American/Alaska Native/Hawaiian Tribes to improve the quality of life through the implementation of evidence-based practices and culturally relevant education and training.
Dr. Ryan Rogers Bio: Ryan joined the United States Army directly out of high school. While in the Army, he served in several countries and US duty stations. In mid-2003, Ryan deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. After an injury, Ryan’s career path changed.
Eventually, Ryan joined the Veterans Administration’s Vocational Rehabilitation program, which helped him change career paths. Ryan received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, emphasizing Human Resources, completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2015 and a Doctorate in Human Services (DHS) in 2021. His study topic was ‘Suicidality Among Military Members/Veterans and the Root Causes.
With his training in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Safe Talk, and Mental Health First Aid, he has become a mental health advocate that empowers veterans, first responders, and caregivers with skills to make impactful changes in their lives and with those whom they serve.
Something Extra:
Dr. Brune: “That you have to not only have faith in God, but faith in yourself and faith in your fellow man.”
Dr. Rogers: “Empires come and go, but what you do is long lasting, what you build within people, that’s what matters.”
