National Military Podcast Day – October 5, 2022, history, significance
National Military Podcast Day, celebrated on October 5, has a dual purpose. The goal is to honor the stories and experiences of ex-military men and women as well as acknowledge their endurance, bravery, and survival. The healing power of talking was one of the driving forces behind the creation of this day. It aims to support veterans to share their stories and start the healing process. Podcasting is certainly the perfect way to both entertain and enlighten Americans and those listening from around the world.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MILITARY PODCAST DAY
Research has shown that we rely on music and other audio tools like podcasts and audiobooks to deal with life’s challenges and help us process our emotions, frustrations, and dreams. Veterans are no different. T
hey frequently use podcasting as a therapeutic outlet for dealing with their experiences in the military. This needs to be celebrated because it’s one of the best ways to deal with P.T.S.D. We grow, process, and deal with things when we talk about them. It’s essential to encourage all veterans to start their own podcasts and simply speak, which is why this special day was founded.
National Military Podcast Day was founded by the team behind Broken Jarhead, L.L.C., and the podcast “Broken Jarhead: The Broken Podcast” in 2021, Shane Cunningham and his business partner, Nick Nickerson, both army veterans, as a therapeutic outlet, and it has grown rapidly.
Typically they will read two fan-submitted topics and throw in up to 15 minutes of impromptu comedy to diffuse any tension or somber tone created by complex subject matter. Cunningham and Nickerson’s goal is to encourage debate through their podcast and host an annual free awards ceremony commemorating National Military Podcast Day. They also want to encourage both active duty and veteran service members to keep fighting and never give up.
This day aims to recognize military podcasters who use their platforms to promote their businesses, share stories, or simply as a therapeutic outlet to express what they have bottled up inside.
Operation Enduring Freedom, also known as the Global War on Terrorism, began in Afghanistan on October 6, 2001, so the guys from Broken Jarhead, L.L.C. want to preface a day of remembrance with a day dedicated to celebration.
NATIONAL MILITARY PODCAST DAY TIMELINE
2001
The New War
The United States government sends troops to invade Afghanistan and start the Global War on Terrorism.
2005
Podcast Takeover
Apple releases iTunes, adding formal support for podcasts available to listeners.
2020
Broken But Hopeful
Broken Jarhead, L.L.C. is founded by Shane Cunningham and Nick Nickerson.
2021
Press Play and Heal
National Military Podcast Day is established by the team behind the podcast “Broken Jarhead: The Broken Podcast.”
NATIONAL MILITARY PODCAST DAY ACTIVITIES
Listen to “Broken Jarhead: The Broken Podcast”
Probably the easiest way to celebrate National Military Podcast Day is to listen to the podcast that started it all. “Broken Jarhead: The Broken Podcast” features veterans sharing experiences and tales from their lives, discussing everything from mental health to drinking stories. One way to be a part of this community is by simply listening.
Start your own podcast
If you are a veteran, why not start your own podcast? This way, you can dictate what kind of experiences you want to share, have guests participate in the conversation, and invite the public to submit questions and topics for discussion.
Do something for a vet
If you are not sure what podcasts are or you don’t know how they work, you can simply get out and help a veteran. There are many organizations you can research and local spots you can visit where you can help a veteran find a job, learn a skill, or listen to their stories. Showing some compassion and genuine interest will get you and the individual a long way to healing and empowerment.
TOP 5 MILITARY PODCASTS
“Tank Nuts”
Richard Cutland, a British Army veteran who served with the Royal Tank Regiment, hosts this insightful military podcast featuring a variety of guests from the military world.
“Veteran State Of Mind”
Hosted by bestselling author and former infantry soldier Geraint Jones, this podcast delves into the encounters of soldiers, examining how the military experience shapes attitudes and mindsets in the future.
“Jocko Podcast”
Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink discusses discipline and leadership in war, business, relationships, and daily life.
“General Talk”
This podcast features interviews with British Army and A.B.F. The Soldiers Charity officials and provides insight into the modern military world.
“The WW2 Podcast”
A military history podcast focusing on all aspects of WWII, it introduces different experts in the field who examine various aspects of this historical period.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL MILITARY PODCAST DAY
The power of speech and sharing
Many social researchers and psychologists have commended how sharing stories and talking with people can heal past experiences and pain. In bringing these stories to light through podcasts, the team behind National Military Podcast Day is helping thousands of listeners process their trauma.
The smart use of a modern entertainment tool
Technology is ever-changing, and the digital world regularly comes up with incredible inventions that become worldwide tools for entertainment and education, like podcasts. These nifty audio episodes have only been around for about 20 years. They have already helped many people heal and process their pain through conversation. They have also made people feel good and passionate about their hobbies.
Often forgotten individuals are honored
Veterans and ex-military members are often forgotten once they return from combat, especially when they need to find work or go to university, as there are few resources to help them. Through days like National Military Podcast Day, we are putting the spotlight on the experiences of veterans and soldiers as a way to improve their mental health.
