The Bridge Podcast: MFAN and rockITdata

Episode 10: Mental Health

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:59:39 -0500

In episode 10 of The Bridge, MFAN CEO Shannon Razsadin sits down with Beth Foster, former Executive Director of the Office of Force Resiliency at the Pentagon, and Ryan Kules, Project Odyssey Program Manager at Wounded Warrior Project, for an honest conversation about the realities shaping mental health within the military community. From cumulative stress and isolation to navigating support systems, the discussion explores how wellbeing is often shaped by far more than a single moment. The conversation explores why resilience alone cannot be the expectation for military families.
This episode features: -Beth Foster, Former Executive Director of the Officer of Force Resiliency at the Pentagon
-Ryan Kules, Project Odyssey Program Manager, Wounded Warrior Project

Episode 9: Military Children

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

In episode 9 of The Bridge, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, connected with nonprofit partners focused on military child wellbeing. With Kara Dallman of Our Military Kids, Jenny Valderas of Operation Homefront and Amse Heck of Military Child Education Coalition, Shannon leads a conversation focused on the often-unseen experiences of military children, examining how stress, transition, and uncertainty shape their daily lives and long-term wellbeing. From the importance of community-based programs and peer support to the role of educators, caregivers, and using MFAN's data to create policy focused on stability, this discussion focuses on practical ways to ensure military children feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.

Episode 8: Rural Health

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

In episode eight of The Bridge, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, sat down with Travis Dalton of Claritev and Maj Gen (Ret) Dr. Michael Place to explore how rural healthcare access shapes the wellbeing and readiness of military families. Drawing on MFAN’s latest research, the conversation examined the realities facing service members and their families who live on or near rural installations, rely on civilian healthcare networks, or transition into rural communities after service. From policy considerations to technology and system transparency, the discussion focused on practical solutions that can improve care for military connected families and ensure that where a family is stationed does not determine the quality of care they receive.

Episode 7- Government Shutdown Response

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:09:58 -0500

In episode 7 of The Bridge, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, sat down with logistics and crisis response leaders Rebecca Grimes, Todd Avery, and Delia Johnson, to discuss how MFAN activated a nationwide emergency grocery response program and information campaign within days of the largest shutdown in American history. Shannon and this panel explore how corporate and non-profit partners can come together during crisis to serve military families and what comes next.

Episode 6: Advancing Military Family Well-Being: Technology, Leadership, and Leidos’ Commitment

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:36:17 -0500

In episode 6 of The Bridge, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, sat down with Liz Porter, the President of Leidos’ Health and Civil Sector, to discuss the interconnected challenges impacting military family health, how technology continues to improve access to resources, and the role of Leidos' commitment to innovation, leadership, and improving the lives of all military families.

Military Family Advisory Network

Leidos

Produced by rockITdata

Episode 5: Employment

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:16:56 -0500

Episode 4: Hunger Action Month

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:01:22 -0500

In episode 4 of The Bridge – The Mission: Food Insecurity, MFAN CEO, Shannon Razsadin, sat down with changemakers from CDC Foundation, Chobani, Instacart, and US Foods. This Hunger Action Month, we’re digging into the persistent challenge of food insecurity for military families as well as partnerships and programs fueling innovative solutions for Hunger Action Month and beyond.

This episode features:

· Diane Kolack – Senior Program Officer - Hunger, Nutrition & Health Action Collaborative at CDC Foundation

· Nishant Roy – Chief Impact Officer at Chobani

· Laura Anderson – Director of Social Impact at Instacart

· Jenece Upton – Senior Manager of Community Affairs at US Foods

Listen Now:

· PodBean

· Apple Podcasts

· Spotify

· Amazon Music

· iHeartRadio

· PlayerFM

· Podchaser

· Boomplay

Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN)

Produced by rockITdata

The Bridge Podcast Episode 3-The Mission: PCS Prep

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:02:45 -0500

The Bridge Podcast: A podcast on how leaders use data to make decisions in the military community.

For over a decade, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) research, coupled with our data-informed, collaborative, and agile programmatic response, has shaped the military family agenda and strengthened the ecosystem for those who serve and the families who stand beside them.

Our podcasts are produced by rockITdata, a leading innovator in health data, AI, and technology solutions.

🎧 Episode - The Mission: PCS Prep

In the latest episode of The Bridge – The Mission: PCS Prep, we dive into key issues for military families when it comes to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. Armed with research, MFAN CEO Shannon Razsadin will moderate a conversation on:

Impact of frequent military moves

Accessing housing

Living on or off base

Featuring:

Erin Ward – Founder/Team Leader, HRVA Homes powered by Keller Williams

For resources, visit:

Military Family Advisory Network

Episode 2- The Mission: Financial Wellness

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -0500

The Bridge Podcast: A podcast on how leaders use data to make decisions in the military community.

Our podcasts are produced by rockITdata, a leading innovator in health data, AI, and technology solutions.

🎧 Episode 2- The Mission: Financial Wellness

In the latest episode of The Bridge – The Mission: Financial Wellness, we cover key issues impacting military and veteran family finances. Armed with data, MFAN CEO Shannon Razsadin invites guest experts to discuss critical topics like the impact of frequent moves on finances, BAH, how to spot and report scams, where find resources, and much more.

Featuring:

George Earhart – Executive Director of the GoVA Foundation

David Evetts – President at the USAA Educational Foundation

Terri Miller – Consumer Education Specialist at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

For resources, visit:

Pilot Episode- The Mission: Access to Care

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:32:13 -0500

The Bridge Podcast: A podcast on how leaders use data to make decisions in the military community.

For over a decade, Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) research—coupled with our data-informed, collaborative, and agile programmatic response—has shaped the military family agenda and strengthened the ecosystem for those who serve and the families who stand beside them.

Our podcasts are produced by rockITdata, a leading innovator in health data, AI, and technology solutions.

🎧 Pilot Episode- The Mission: Access to Care

We tackle the challenges of healthcare access for military families and discuss innovative solutions with industry leaders.

Featuring:

Shannon Razsadin – CEO, Military Family Advisory Network (host)

Dr. Michael Malanoski - Deputy Director, Defense Health Agency

Dr. Ron Moody - Chief Medical Officer at Accenture Federal Services

Dr. Alex Jahangir - Medical Director of Vanderbilt University’s Center for Trauma, Burn and Emergency Surgery

For resources, visit:

Stay tuned for inspiring stories, expert perspectives, and actionable takeaways. Let’s think differently, challenge the norm, and drive progress together!

🔹 Brought to you by MFAN & rockITdata 🔹