The Veterans Unmasked’s Podcast https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com Veterans Unmasked is a long-form podcast dedicated to documenting the real, unfiltered stories of military veterans, first responders, and their families.

Hosted by Remy — a combat veteran and Gold Star husband — the show goes beyond surface-level conversations to capture what service, loss, and life after the uniform truly look like.

These are not headlines or highlights. They are honest accounts of combat, transition, identity, and resilience — recorded to preserve voices that are too often lost with time.

Veterans Unmasked exists to honor those who served by giving them the space to be heard, understood, and remembered.

Unmasked. Unbroken.

]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:18:54 -0500 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en us Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Society & Culture:Documentary 1440 episodic Veterans Unmasked is a long-form podcast dedicated to preserving the real stories of veterans, Gold Star families, first responders, and the people impacted by service long after the uniform comes off. Founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran/Gold Star Husband, the show explores combat, sacrifice, trauma, resilience, transition, family, and the human realities often left out of public conversation. These are not scripted interviews or surface-level discussions. Veterans Unmasked creates a space for honest, unfiltered conversations that document experiences before they are lost to time. Real Veterans. Real Stories. Real Impact. Veterans Unmasked Veterans Unmasked No true https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18229548/Veterans_Unamsked_Logo_1400x1400.jpg The Veterans Unmasked’s Podcast https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com 144 144 Episode 004 | Sergio Payan | Army Veteran & Firefighter | From fighting war to fighting fires Episode 004 | Sergio Payan | Army Veteran & Firefighter | From fighting war to fighting fires https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/episode-004-sergio-payan-army-veteran-firefighter-from-fighting-war-to-fighting-fires/ https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/episode-004-sergio-payan-army-veteran-firefighter-from-fighting-war-to-fighting-fires/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:18:54 -0500 veteransunmasked.podbean.com/63417a54-36f4-3b49-8023-8feab58126f8 Veterans Unmasked | Episode 004 From fighting a war overseas to fighting fires at home, Sergio Payan's life has been defined by service. In this powerful episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with Army veteran, firefighter, and EMT Sergio Payan for an honest conversation about military service, brotherhood, sacrifice, loss, and the responsibility of continuing to serve others long after leaving the battlefield. Sergio shares stories from his Army service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the transition back to civilian life, and his career as a firefighter and EMT. He also reflects on the loss of three close friends and fellow soldiers—PFC Aaron M. Genevie, PFC William C. Johnson, and PFC Michael P. Pittman—whose memories continue to shape the man he is today. This episode explores: • Service during Operation Iraqi Freedom • Brotherhood and military life • Coping with the loss of fellow soldiers • Transitioning from the Army to civilian life • Firefighter and EMT service • Mental resilience and purpose • Continuing to answer the call This episode is dedicated to the memory of: 🇺🇸 PFC Aaron M. Genevie 🇺🇸 PFC William C. Johnson 🇺🇸 PFC Michael P. Pittman Their service, sacrifice, and memory will never be forgotten. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ☕ Proud Partner: Iron Soldiers Coffee Company Use promo code: IRONUNMASKED Save 5% on all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌐 Website: Support the Mission

Cashapp: $VeteransUnmasked 🎧 Listen On: Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music iHeartRadio 📱 Follow Veterans Unmasked: Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families. If you believe these stories matter, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and consider supporting the mission. Honor. Remember. Never Forget. #VeteransUnmasked #SergioPayan #ArmyVeteran #Firefighter #EMT #OperationIraqiFreedom #VeteranStories #FirstResponder #Brotherhood #MilitaryPodcast #FirefighterLife #NeverForget #GoldStarFamilies

]]> Veterans Unmasked | Episode 004

From fighting a war overseas to fighting fires at home, Sergio Payan's life has been defined by service.

In this powerful episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with Army veteran, firefighter, and EMT Sergio Payan for an honest conversation about military service, brotherhood, sacrifice, loss, and the responsibility of continuing to serve others long after leaving the battlefield.

Sergio shares stories from his Army service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the transition back to civilian life, and his career as a firefighter and EMT. He also reflects on the loss of three close friends and fellow soldiers—PFC Aaron M. Genevie, PFC William C. Johnson, and PFC Michael P. Pittman—whose memories continue to shape the man he is today.

This episode explores:

• Service during Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Brotherhood and military life
• Coping with the loss of fellow soldiers
• Transitioning from the Army to civilian life
• Firefighter and EMT service
• Mental resilience and purpose
• Continuing to answer the call

This episode is dedicated to the memory of:

🇺🇸 PFC Aaron M. Genevie
🇺🇸 PFC William C. Johnson
🇺🇸 PFC Michael P. Pittman

Their service, sacrifice, and memory will never be forgotten.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

☕ Proud Partner: Iron Soldiers Coffee Company

Use promo code: IRONUNMASKED

Save 5% on all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🌐 Website:
Support the Mission

Cashapp: $VeteransUnmasked

🎧 Listen On:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
iHeartRadio

📱 Follow Veterans Unmasked:
Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked
X: @VeteranUnmasked

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families.

If you believe these stories matter, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and consider supporting the mission.

Honor. Remember. Never Forget.

#VeteransUnmasked #SergioPayan #ArmyVeteran #Firefighter #EMT #OperationIraqiFreedom #VeteranStories #FirstResponder #Brotherhood #MilitaryPodcast #FirefighterLife #NeverForget #GoldStarFamilies

]]> Veterans Unmasked true No 5429 4 full Episode 003 | Brice Porter | Air Force Veteran | From Service to Purpose Episode 003 | Brice Porter | Air Force Veteran | From Service to Purpose https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/from-service-to-purpose-brice-porter-on-leadership-brotherhood-life-after-the-military/ https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/from-service-to-purpose-brice-porter-on-leadership-brotherhood-life-after-the-military/#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500 veteransunmasked.podbean.com/db111c59-17f6-3e9a-a6a2-77810b629f02 In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with retired U.S. Air Force veteran Brice Porter for a candid conversation about military service, leadership, mental health, brotherhood, and finding purpose after the uniform comes off.

After more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, Brice has continued his mission of serving others through the Men's Textile Collective Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping veterans build community, connection, and healing through creativity and shared experiences.

Together, Remy and Brice discuss the realities of military life, the challenges many veterans face during transition, the importance of maintaining strong support networks, and why service doesn't end when a military career does.

This episode is a powerful reminder that purpose can be found in unexpected places—and that every veteran's story matters. Learn More at: Men's Textile Collective Foundation

About Veterans Unmasked

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served.

Support the Mission: SUPPORT THE MISSION CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked

Special Thanks: Iron Soldiers Coffee Co. Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

Connect with Veterans Unmasked: Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked

#VeteransUnmasked #BricePorter #AirForceVeteran #MensTextileCollectiveFoundation #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

]]> In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with retired U.S. Air Force veteran Brice Porter for a candid conversation about military service, leadership, mental health, brotherhood, and finding purpose after the uniform comes off.

After more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, Brice has continued his mission of serving others through the Men's Textile Collective Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping veterans build community, connection, and healing through creativity and shared experiences.

Together, Remy and Brice discuss the realities of military life, the challenges many veterans face during transition, the importance of maintaining strong support networks, and why service doesn't end when a military career does.

This episode is a powerful reminder that purpose can be found in unexpected places—and that every veteran's story matters.

Learn More at: Men's Textile Collective Foundation

About Veterans Unmasked

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served.

Support the Mission:
SUPPORT THE MISSION
CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked

Special Thanks:
Iron Soldiers Coffee Co.
Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

Connect with Veterans Unmasked:
Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate
YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked
Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked
X: @VeteranUnmasked

#VeteransUnmasked #BricePorter #AirForceVeteran #MensTextileCollectiveFoundation #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

]]> Veterans Unmasked true No 5078 4 full Episode 002 | Taylor Mahaffey | USMC Veteran | The Silence After Service Episode 002 | Taylor Mahaffey | USMC Veteran | The Silence After Service https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/episode-002-taylor-mahaffey-the-silence-after-service/ https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/episode-002-taylor-mahaffey-the-silence-after-service/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500 veteransunmasked.podbean.com/2c780244-3b98-3af8-ad61-27e437864d0b In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with U.S. Marine Combat Veteran Taylor Mahaffey for a candid conversation about military service, combat deployments, and the often-overlooked challenges that follow after returning home.

Taylor reflects on enlisting after the events of September 11th, training at Camp Pendleton, and deploying to Iraq during a time when mortar and RPG attacks were a regular part of daily life. But this conversation goes beyond combat.

Together, they discuss the loss of structure after leaving the military, the isolation many veterans experience, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the reality that struggles such as anxiety, depression, addiction, divorce, and suicide affect veterans from every background—not just those who served in combat roles.

Throughout the discussion, Taylor shares the moment he realized he was not alone in what he was experiencing and why veteran-to-veteran connection can be a critical step toward healing.

This episode also highlights organizations and resources helping veterans find support, purpose, and community, including Sunny Creek Ranch, FOB Razor, the Marine Corps League, VA programs, county veteran services, and Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court. Learn more about Equine Therapy: Sunny Creek Ranch - Horses for Heroes

About Veterans Unmasked

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served.

Support the Mission: SUPPORT THE MISSION CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked

Special Thanks: Iron Soldiers Coffee Co. Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

Connect with Veterans Unmasked: Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked

#VeteransUnmasked #VeteranPodcast #MarineCorps #CombatVeteran #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDAwareness #VeteranStories #MilitaryCommunity #USMC

]]> In this episode of Veterans Unmasked, host Remy sits down with U.S. Marine Combat Veteran Taylor Mahaffey for a candid conversation about military service, combat deployments, and the often-overlooked challenges that follow after returning home.

Taylor reflects on enlisting after the events of September 11th, training at Camp Pendleton, and deploying to Iraq during a time when mortar and RPG attacks were a regular part of daily life. But this conversation goes beyond combat.

Together, they discuss the loss of structure after leaving the military, the isolation many veterans experience, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the reality that struggles such as anxiety, depression, addiction, divorce, and suicide affect veterans from every background—not just those who served in combat roles.

Throughout the discussion, Taylor shares the moment he realized he was not alone in what he was experiencing and why veteran-to-veteran connection can be a critical step toward healing.

This episode also highlights organizations and resources helping veterans find support, purpose, and community, including Sunny Creek Ranch, FOB Razor, the Marine Corps League, VA programs, county veteran services, and Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court.

Learn more about Equine Therapy:
Sunny Creek Ranch - Horses for Heroes

About Veterans Unmasked

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served.

Support the Mission:
SUPPORT THE MISSION
CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked

Special Thanks:
Iron Soldiers Coffee Co.
Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

Connect with Veterans Unmasked:
Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate
YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked
Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked
X: @VeteranUnmasked

#VeteransUnmasked #VeteranPodcast #MarineCorps #CombatVeteran #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDAwareness #VeteranStories #MilitaryCommunity #USMC

]]> Veterans Unmasked true No 6792 3 full Episode 001 | Part 2 | Karen Pfeifer | Gold Star Wife | The Conversation Episode 001 | Part 2 | Karen Pfeifer | Gold Star Wife | The Conversation https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/karen-pfeifer-the-conversation-%e2%80%94-gold-star-wife-grief-family-life-after-loss-veterans-unmasked/ https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/karen-pfeifer-the-conversation-%e2%80%94-gold-star-wife-grief-family-life-after-loss-veterans-unmasked/#comments Mon, 25 May 2026 10:00:00 -0500 veteransunmasked.podbean.com/5843cb53-2a58-3922-be97-82d3d85f3bfa In Part 2 of our Memorial Day launch episode, we sit down with Gold Star Wife Karen Pfeifer for a raw and honest conversation about grief, military family life, loss, resilience, and moving forward after tragedy.

After sharing the story of losing her husband, PFC Chris Pfeifer, and giving birth to their child just 24 hours later in Part 1, this episode opens the door to a deeper discussion about the long-term realities faced by Gold Star families and the strength required to carry on.

This is not scripted. This is not surface-level. This is a real conversation about sacrifice, love, trauma, survival, and remembrance.

About Veterans Unmasked

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served.

Support the Mission: SUPPORT THE MISSION CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked

Special Thanks: Iron Soldiers Coffee Co. Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

Connect with Veterans Unmasked: Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked

#VeteransUnmasked #GoldStarSpouse #ArmySpouse  #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

 

]]> In Part 2 of our Memorial Day launch episode, we sit down with Gold Star Wife Karen Pfeifer for a raw and honest conversation about grief, military family life, loss, resilience, and moving forward after tragedy.

After sharing the story of losing her husband, PFC Chris Pfeifer, and giving birth to their child just 24 hours later in Part 1, this episode opens the door to a deeper discussion about the long-term realities faced by Gold Star families and the strength required to carry on.

This is not scripted.
This is not surface-level.
This is a real conversation about sacrifice, love, trauma, survival, and remembrance.

About Veterans Unmasked

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served.

Support the Mission:
SUPPORT THE MISSION
CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked

Special Thanks:
Iron Soldiers Coffee Co.
Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

Connect with Veterans Unmasked:
Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate
YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked
Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked
X: @VeteranUnmasked

#VeteransUnmasked #GoldStarSpouse #ArmySpouse  #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

 

]]> A raw and honest sit-down conversation with Gold Star Wife Karen Pfeifer about grief, military family life, resilience, and moving forward after unimaginable loss. Following the story of her husband’s death in combat, Karen shares the long-term realities faced by Gold Star families and the strength required to carry on. Veterans Unmasked true No 3634 1 1 full Episode 001 | Part 1 | Karen Pfeifer | Gold Star Wife | Don’t Ever Leave Me Episode 001 | Part 1 | Karen Pfeifer | Gold Star Wife | Don’t Ever Leave Me https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/don-t-ever-leave-me-karen-pfeifer-gold-star-wife-part-i/ https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/don-t-ever-leave-me-karen-pfeifer-gold-star-wife-part-i/#comments Mon, 25 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500 veteransunmasked.podbean.com/df1a8e89-0a81-37c7-a3bb-1debd7ed3276 In this deeply personal two-part conversation, Gold Star Wife Karen Pfeifer shares the story of her husband, PFC Christopher Pfeifer of the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and the life they were building together before war changed everything.

From deployment and injury in Afghanistan to the final days spent at his side, Karen speaks openly about love, fear, grief, isolation, and the unimaginable reality of becoming a mother less than 24 hours after losing her husband.

This episode is not about headlines or politics. It is about the human cost carried long after war ends.

Veterans Unmasked exists to preserve these stories with honesty, dignity, and respect — ensuring the voices of veterans, Gold Star families, and those impacted by service are never forgotten.

⚠️ This episode contains discussions involving combat injuries, death, grief, and trauma that may be difficult for some listeners.

These stories cannot be documented, preserved, and shared without the support of those who believe in this mission. Donations, sponsors, and community support directly help Veterans Unmasked continue recording and archiving conversations like this for future generations.

About Veterans Unmasked

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served.

Support the Mission: SUPPORT THE MISSION CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked

Special Thanks: Iron Soldiers Coffee Co. Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

Connect with Veterans Unmasked: Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked X: @VeteranUnmasked

#VeteransUnmasked #GoldStarSpouse #ArmySpouse  #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

 

]]> In this deeply personal two-part conversation, Gold Star Wife Karen Pfeifer shares the story of her husband, PFC Christopher Pfeifer of the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and the life they were building together before war changed everything.

From deployment and injury in Afghanistan to the final days spent at his side, Karen speaks openly about love, fear, grief, isolation, and the unimaginable reality of becoming a mother less than 24 hours after losing her husband.

This episode is not about headlines or politics.
It is about the human cost carried long after war ends.

Veterans Unmasked exists to preserve these stories with honesty, dignity, and respect — ensuring the voices of veterans, Gold Star families, and those impacted by service are never forgotten.

⚠️ This episode contains discussions involving combat injuries, death, grief, and trauma that may be difficult for some listeners.

These stories cannot be documented, preserved, and shared without the support of those who believe in this mission. Donations, sponsors, and community support directly help Veterans Unmasked continue recording and archiving conversations like this for future generations.

About Veterans Unmasked

Veterans Unmasked is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a Disabled Combat Veteran / Gold Star Husband and dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through long-form conversations that educate, inspire, and honor those who have served.

Support the Mission:
SUPPORT THE MISSION
CashApp: $VeteransUnmasked

Special Thanks:
Iron Soldiers Coffee Co.
Use promo code IRONUNMASKED for 5% off all coffee, tea, and BBQ sauce.

Connect with Veterans Unmasked:
Support the Mission: VeteransUnmasked.org/donate
YouTube: @VeteransUnmasked
Instagram: @VeteransUnmasked
X: @VeteranUnmasked

#VeteransUnmasked #GoldStarSpouse #ArmySpouse  #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Leadership #Brotherhood #Podcast

 

]]> Veterans Unmasked true No 2728 1 1 full Intro Music for Veterans Unmasked Podcast Intro Music for Veterans Unmasked Podcast https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/intro-music-for-veterans-unmasked-podcast/ https://veteransunmasked.podbean.com/e/intro-music-for-veterans-unmasked-podcast/#comments Thu, 21 May 2026 15:25:26 -0500 veteransunmasked.podbean.com/411946e0-cce9-3ae6-9501-77b7b271f66d This is for testing purposes

]]> This is for testing purposes

]]> Veterans Unmasked true No 23 2 full