The Vantage Point
Episodes

Jan 4, 2026
Dr. Janice Thorpe | The Art of Conversing
Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
1hr 30 min
Dr. Janice Thorpe, communications professor and researcher from the University of Colorado, joins us to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in higher education and the architecture of effective communication. In this episode she talks about how to overcome public speaking fears, online vs. traditional classes, as well as AI guardrails in college, policy and society. As a professor, her career has been devoted to understanding how meaning is created, transmitted, and sustained through conversation, body language, cultural understanding and much more.

Jul 22, 2025
Jul 22, 2025
2hr 10 min
Dr. Tom Francis is a seasoned psychologist, educator, and executive coach whose career bridges the academic, corporate, and creative worlds. Holding a Psy.D. in Organizational Leadership and an M.A. in Psychology from the University of the Rockies, he has spent over a decade teaching undergraduate and graduate psychology courses at institutions such as Pikes Peak Community College and CSU-Pueblo. Known for his engaging, inclusive teaching style and consistently high student evaluations, Dr. Francis brings humor, empathy, and intellectual depth to subjects ranging from Abnormal Psychology to Leadership Ethics. Outside the classroom, Dr. Francis is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and a longtime facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership, where he has guided hundreds of senior leaders through transformative coaching engagements.

Nov 11, 2023
Nov 11, 2023
56 min
November marks Veteran and Military Family Appreciation Month, and so we're pausing to thank our military and veteran community for your service. Be sure to get your free 12 oz. coffee from Starbucks on Veterans Day--and check out the many services and resources that your local nonprofits and organizations have to offer to help you every day of the year.
Today's episode features the full interview with Vietnam Era Veteran, Phil Chapman, who served in the Navy as a a Data Analyst from 1965. Hear his humor, wisdom, and inspiring perspective in this interview with Paul Watson.
Also, Chelsea Wallace and John Swailes discuss opportunities for your career after leaving the military.
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is a Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Aug 18, 2023
A Special Lift for Special Operators
Aug 18, 2023
Aug 18, 2023
21 min
Join the Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF) for an evening of networking, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails with Special Operators from our most elite military forces who are looking to make Colorado their home after they're finished serving our country. We are excited to announce George Piro as our guest speaker for this special event. George Piro was the lead interrogator for Saddam Hussein for seven months and shares his incredible experience with us.
- Some images and copy courtesy of SOTF
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Aug 17, 2023
Aug 17, 2023
22 min
Mt. Carmel's Transition & Employment Peer Navigator, Justin Verhulst, has details about the August 22, ASRC Federal Hiring Event taking place at Mt. Carmel. If you're transitioning out of the military, you have a background in space and want to stay in Colorado Springs, this event is for you!
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Jul 29, 2023
Jul 29, 2023
1hr 2 min
The longest serving airman in Air Force history, Major General (Ret.) Alfred Flowers, and a new partnership with USAA to prevent veteran suicide. Then, Melba Robinson-Santa and the Colorado Enterprise Fund helping veterans start and grow their own businesses. The Colorado Veterans Business Outreach Center at Mt. Carmel is open for business! And, a group teaching networking and interviewing skills to help veterans land their dream job.
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.
Jul 25, 2023
LINK Cast Episode 2: Prepping for Transition
Jul 25, 2023
Jul 25, 2023
29 min
Hosts Mark Smith, Nanette Brede' and Mark Shuster are talking about how soon is soon enough to begin prepping for transition.
LINK Cast is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center presented by Mt. Carmel’s Directorate of Transition and Employment and produced in the Veterans Voice studio located on the campus of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs Colorado. The link cast podcast drops the first and 3rd week of each month.
Jul 24, 2023
LINK Cast Episode 1: Intro to LINK
Jul 24, 2023
Jul 24, 2023
22 min
An introduction to your hosts, Mark Smith, Nanette Brede' and Mark Shuster. They're talking all things LINK, LINK Cast and transition and employment for members of the military connected community.
LINK Cast is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center presented by Mt. Carmel’s Directorate of Transition and Employment and produced in the Veterans Voice studio located on the campus of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs Colorado. The link cast podcast drops the first and 3rd week of each month.

Jul 15, 2023
Making the Case for Hiring Veterans
Jul 15, 2023
Jul 15, 2023
1hr 8 min
We’re making the case for hiring veterans with a lift from Pikes Peak Work Force Center; Mt. Carmel’s Director of Transition and Employment; veteran owned Delta Solutions and Strategies and a Navy veteran with a business superpower.
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Jul 13, 2023
Jul 13, 2023
1hr 28 min
New Executive Actions Aimed at Creating More Opportunities for Milspouses
By Cindy Centofanti for the Veterans Voice News Service
In this podcast, Veterans Voice host, Cindy Centofanti, talks with Sue Hoppin, National Military Spouse Network president and founder, about new executive actions created to improve employment opportunities for military spouses.
READ THE WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NATIONAL MILITARY SPOUSE NETWORK
<-> Originally published in The Front <->
The Front is published in the Colorado Springs Business Journal weekly on Thursdays
A service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, The Veterans Voice Project and the Veterans Voice News Service in partnership with the Colorado Springs Business Journal

Jul 8, 2023
Jul 8, 2023
1hr 28 min
Action 22 is helping vets in rural Colorado; the White House is helping milspouses get jobs; the PACT Act has been set up to save veteran lives and a special message for Special Forces.
Action 22's, Making Action Happen Radio Program
Contact Brian McCain and Sara BlackhurstD: 719-369-7901E: admin@action22.org
Dr. Silpa Krefft
The Time to Make Your PACT Act Claims is Now
Veterans enrolled in VA Easter Colorado Health Care System may request a screening by sending a message in MyHealtheVet or leaving a voicemail at 720-857-2511. For more information on how to apply for VA health care, including the documents needed to determine eligibility, visit VA.gov/health-care/how-to-apply. To apply today for benefits or learn more about PACT Act claims and care, call 1-800-MYVA411 or visit VA.gov/PACT.
Veterans can also contact their local VSO about starting a claim. Veterans who apply for PACT Act-related benefits before August 10, will have benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 when the bill was signed in to law.
REQUEST VSO SERVICES: 719-772-7000
Sue Luangkhot Hoppin
New Executive Actions Aimed at Creating More Opportunities for Milspouses
In this podcast, Veterans Voice host and Cohen Veterans Network's, Cindy Centofanti, talks with Sue Hoppin, National Military Spouse Network president and founder, about new executive actions created to improve employment opportunities for military spouses.
READ THE WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NATIONAL MILITARY SPOUSE NETWORK
Paul Watson | Cindy Centofanti | Dean Gobel
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION
O: (719) 728-8816E: info@specialforcesfoundation.org
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.
Jun 24, 2023
Jun 24, 2023
57 min
In this edition of Veterans Voice, the Cohen Military Family Clinic is open and providing mental health treatment services. ACI Learning is training and adding veterans to the workforce. A Key Bank team spends a day helping at Mt. Carmel and Veterans Business Outreach Centers at Mt. Carmel is guiding veterans to success in business.
Cindy Centofanti (L) | Amy Moore (R)
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Red Rock is located at at 1915 Aerotech Drive Ste 114, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. Please call us at 719-370-5141 or email us at CVNCS@red-rock.com with any questions or to get more information on how to schedule an in-person appointment.
LEARN MORE
- Copy courtesy of Cohen Veterans Network
Kia Palmer (L) | Eric Phillips (R)
The Veterans Business Outreach Center Program is now open! Entrepreneurial service members, veterans, and their family members are encouraged to use VBOC resources to help develop their business concepts and ideas.
Contact Kia Palmer at kpalmer@mtcarmelcenter.org for more information!
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA
Chris Young, ACI Learning Centers
CONTACT CHRIS
E: chris.young@acilearning.com D: (719) 309-1421
ACI LEARNING FOR VETERANS
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Jun 10, 2023
The PCS Season Survival Guide
Jun 10, 2023
Jun 10, 2023
51 min
Spring and Summer mark the start of PCS season. Permanent changes of station mean pulling up stakes, starting over in a new community and all that entails. Our experts and host have PCS'd nearly 50 times between them and they've got some helpful tips and advice to help you survive it all.
CLINT JORDAN AND NEXT MOVE MILITARY
LINDSEY MEEK AND ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
LAURA EARLY AND WISE ADVISE + ASSIST TEAM
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center Transition and EmploymentMilSpouse Career AssistanceBlair Erato: 719-4758
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Jun 3, 2023
From Colorado Springs to Trinidad!
Jun 3, 2023
Jun 3, 2023
44 min
Mt. Carmel is serving veterans in Trinidad, CO; jobs, networking and a cold beer for veterans; award winning veterans hiring veterans and a VSO first: meet Colorado’s Women Veterans Service Officer!
Join us for Veterans Voice Sunday mornings at 7:30 on KRDO Newsradio 105.5 FM, 1240 AM and 92.5 FM. The podcast drops Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. and is available at www.veteransvoice.us
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

May 8, 2023
May 8, 2023
12 min
Financial Advisor and Mt. Carmel Community Ambassador, Jennifer Oliverio, paid a visit to Veterans Voice to explain the Colorado SecureSavings Act, a new retirement savings program created by the Colorado SecureSavings Board in the Office of the State Treasurer. In Colorado, more than 40% of private-sector workforce does not have access to a retirement savings plan at work. That's nearly 940,000 workers. Colorado SecureSavings was created to meet this urgent need.
- Copy partially excerpted from the SecureSavings website.
EMPLOYERS WITH 5 OR MORE EMPLOYEES, IN BUSINESS FOR 2 YEARS OR MORE, MUST REGISTER
SIGN UP HERE
SECUERSAVINGS QUESTIONS?
Contact Jennifer OliverioEdward Jones Financial Advisor
D: 719.545.3564E: jennifer.oliverio@edwardjones.com
DOWNLOAD THE SECURESAVINGS GUIDE HERE
DOWNLOAD SECURESAVINGS 2.0 HERE
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Apr 19, 2023
Showing Appreciation for Military Spouses
Apr 19, 2023
Apr 19, 2023
17 min
In this podcast, showing appreciation for military spouses. Mt. Carmel's transition and employment team is hosting a MilSpouse Appreciation Social in May. The event is free and open to all military spouses and their families. All the details are in the podcast!
RSVP TO ATTEND
Blaire Erato at: (719) 309-4755 | berato@mtcarmelcenter.orgMark Smith at: (719) 309-4724 | marksmith@mtcarmelcenter.org
MORE T&E SERVICES AND EVENTS at MT. CARMEL
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Apr 8, 2023
Apr 8, 2023
55 min
In this episode, a 17 year old filling a vital food pantry; living your final days with dignity; more services for Veterans coming to Pueblo and a Veteran radio show host spreading the word!
Seventeen year old James Irwin Charter School honor student, Janelle Rivera, is leading a five-school drive to fill Mt. Carmel's nearly empty food pantry and Hope Closet with food, clothing and toys. The Lets Give Back event is being hosted by Mt. Carmel April 15, and will feature the treat of lunch for those who donate!
Janelle comes from a military family who were once Mt. Carmel clients in need of assistance. And now that they are in a better place, they are giving back to see it paid forward.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LETS GIVE BACKCall: 719-772-7000
LEARN MORE ABOUT JAMES IRWIN CHARTER SCHOOLS
Army Veteran, Mike Thomas, explains how his approach to helping you live your final days in dignity, beauty and peace.
REQUEST PIKES PEAK HOSPICE SERVICES
Request Services: (719) 309-4719 | Open: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday-FridayWalk-In services at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital | Medical Arts Building1925 E. Orman Ave., Suite 156 Pueblo, CO 81004
Veterans Voice Pueblo
Fridays at 9:00 A.M. on KTSC 89.5 FM
Stream Live Here
Cassime (keh-SEEM) Joseph is leading our expansion to the Pueblo market as host of the Veterans Voice Pueblo radio broadcast and podcast. He is an Army veteran and student at CSU Pueblo majoring in mass communications with an emphasis on multimedia journalism; operations director for CSU Pueblo's media department and the KTSC 89.5 FM radio station; feature writer and photo journalist for school's The Today newspaper; president of the Student Veterans of America CSU Pueblo chapter and an active member of the Black Student Union.
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Apr 1, 2023
Apr 1, 2023
58 min
In this edition of Veterans Voice, an Honor Flight for women warriors; honoring Pat Tillman's memory by helping both the homeless and Veterans in need; a new L.I.N.K. between Veterans and jobs, and a healthcare provider staffing to better serve Veterans!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WOMEN'S FLIGHT
DONATE TO HONOR FLIGHT
REGISTER TO RUN HERE!
TO REGISTER FOR L.I.N.K. OR GET MORE HIRING EVENT INFO
ContactMark Smith at 719-309-4724 or marksmith@mtcarmelcenter.org
GET OPTUM CARE IN COLORADO
ABOUT DR. HARPER | ABOUT DR. JULSON | ABOUT DR. MACMANAMAN
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Mar 25, 2023
Mar 25, 2023
52 min
In this episode, a Veteran Marine leading Citizen Soldier Connection is meeting emergency needs for Veterans. A successful Army Veteran, auto dealership manager and Mt. Carmel board member is offering a better life for former military, and Mt. Carmel’s “army” of social workers are at the ready!
REQUEST CITZEN SOLDIER CONNECTION SERVICES
DONATE TO CSC
PHIL LONG KIA JOBS
REQUEST MILITARY, VETERAN AND FAMILY SERVICESCALL: 719-309-4752
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Mar 11, 2023
Mar 11, 2023
50 min
Thinking of starting a business after your life in the military? In this episode of Veterans Voice, a dream team of Veteran-friendly business advisors with tips and advice on how to research your niche and market, get financing, market the smart way, and one Veteran in particular who shines as a business success story.
CONTACT JIM VAN HORN DIRECTLYFSWB Specialized Lenderd: 719-483-975e: jim.vanhorn@fswb.com
CONTACT TERRY ZARSKYSCORE Mentore: terryzarsky@gmail.com
GET YOUR FREE NETWORKING TIPS
Power Networking Tips
LEARN MORE ABOUT 1350 DISTILLING'S SUCCESS
1350 Distilling
Meet Your Veterans Voice Host
Nanette Brédé | Transition and Milspouse Employment Specialist
Nanette Brédé Mueller is a difference-maker. Following her retirement after 29 years with the U.S. Army as a strategic planner and program manager, Nanette continues as a servant leader volunteering thousands of hours to the veteran community focusing on career transition, spouse employment and veteran-focused national and state legislative issues. An award-winning volunteer, Nanette was selected as the 2020 El Paso County, Colorado Veteran of the Year, in the nation’s largest veterans community. She is also a Distinguished Partner and Community Ambassador with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Feb 20, 2023
Clint Jordan Part 4: The Military Helper in Me
Feb 20, 2023
Feb 20, 2023
17 min
An Air Force veteran, real estate agent, business owner and host of The American Dream TV Colorado Springs (ADTV COS), Clint Jordan is an energetic and charismatic success story. He could do a lot of self promotion with his TV program but that wouldn't reflect his true nature. He's chosen instead to dedicate ADTV COS to shining the light on members of the community he says give back more than they take. In the next installment of ADTV, he features Jay Cimino, owner of the Phil Long Auto Group, founder of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, and retired Colonel Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel Executive Director.

Feb 18, 2023
Feb 18, 2023
22 min
Meet Al Maxwell, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF Ret., Mt. Carmel partner and LINK* program facilitator.
"I believe people are capable of doing incredible things and being successful at it if they are given the right tools and a chance to prove their abilities."
- Chief Master Sergeant Al Maxwell, USAF Retired
*Learning, Interviewing, Networking and Knowledge (LINK) is Mt. Carmel's soon-to-launch, two-day transitional interviewing workshop led by Mark Smith, Mt. Carmel's Director of Transition and Employment.
For more information about LINK and how you can participate, please call Mark Smith at 719-309-4724.
The Veterans Voice presented by USAA is a service of Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner, Colorado Computer Support and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Feb 11, 2023
Feb 11, 2023
26 min
In this podcast a conversation with Sue Hoppin, founder of the National Military Spouse Network, about how she's fighting hard to see that military spouses have a secure place in the workforce.
Milspouses Learn More Here
Meet Your Veterans Voice Host
Nanette Brédé | Transition and Milspouse Employment Specialist
Nanette Brédé Mueller is a difference-maker. Following her retirement after 29 years with the U.S. Army as a strategic planner and program manager, Nanette continues as a servant leader volunteering thousands of hours to the veteran community focusing on career transition, spouse employment and veteran-focused national and state legislative issues. An award-winning volunteer, Nanette was selected as the 2020 El Paso County, Colorado Veteran of the Year, in the nation’s largest veterans community. She is also a Distinguished Partner and Community Ambassador with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.

Feb 11, 2023
Feb 11, 2023
56 min
In our first half hour, a powerhouse team of military veteran experts and advocates in transition, employment and milspouse hiring discuss the new L.I.N.K. program at Mt. Carmel and the work they're doing to open up job opportunities for military spouses.
For Veterans and Milspouses Looking for Jobs Call:
Mark Smith, Director of Transition and EmploymentD: 719-309-4724
Blair Erato, Military Career Program CoordinatorD: 719-309-4758
In our second half hour, a conversation with Sue Hoppin, founder of the National Military Spouse Network, about how she's fighting hard to see that military spouses have a secure place in the workforce.
Milspouses Learn More Here
The Veterans Voice Project presented by USAA is an Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center service. Veterans Voice Colorado Springs is produced in the OPTUM Podcast Studio, distributed via the Medicare Mentors Veterans Voice Podcast Channel, powered by Technology Partner Colorado Computer Support, and made possible in part by Supporting Partner, The WireNut Home Services.