What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? Dive into the heart of veterans' stories with Shaun Hall, the Director of Programming at the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC). Since its inception in 2008, VBC has been a sanctuary for veterans from all eras and branches to share their experiences, fostering connections and preserving history. Shaun shares his unique journey from theatre to VBC, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling within the veteran community.

Through both in-person and online events, VBC offers a platform for veterans to voice their stories, whether they're about frontline experiences or lesser-known roles that shaped their lives. The episode also explores how the VBC adapted during the pandemic by transitioning to virtual gatherings, allowing veterans worldwide to connect and share their narratives. This episode is a testament to the healing power of storytelling and the importance of listening to veterans' voices.

As Shaun eloquently puts it, 'The best way to thank a veteran is to listen.' So, if you're curious about the unseen battles of veterans or looking for a community that values every story, this episode is a must-listen. How might you become part of this inspiring journey?

In this episode of Untold Valor, we sit down with Shaun Hall, Director of Programming at the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC). Since 2008, VBC has created spaces (both in-person and online) where veterans from all eras and branches can share their stories, connect with one another, and preserve history for future generations.Shaun shares how he discovered VBC through his theater work, why storytelling is so powerful in the veteran community, and how the organization pivoted during the pandemic to expand its reach nationwide. From intimate one-on-one interviews to large gatherings with hundreds of attendees, the VBC provides a safe, welcoming place where every veteran’s voice matters. Learn how you can join, listen, and support this mission of connection, healing, and inspiration.Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:🎭 Shaun’s journey from theater to the VBC🥞 How VBC grew from local breakfasts in Pittsburgh to a national community📖 The power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire📚 Preserving stories through magazines, history projects, and one-on-one interviews💡 Why listening is the best way to thank a veteran0:00 – Intro1:01 – Getting to know Shaun and VBC6:16 – The power of storytelling7:22 – VBC events and getting involved11:36 – Highlighting lesser-known conflicts and stories 16:09 – Shaun’s message to listenersShaun HallShaun is host and producer of VBC’s podcast, The Scuttlebutt. He is not a veteran but has a passion for veterans’ stories. Shaun received his BFA in Acting from Point Park University in 2004 and has spent over a decade in the non-profit sector supporting missions that focus on storytelling. Veterans Breakfast Club <a href='https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/'>https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/</a>OTHER RESOURCES Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at <a href='https://bit.ly/3OunXzg'>https://bit.ly/3OunXzg</a> Voice &amp; Vision: <a href='https://bit.ly/3miwFoy'>https://bit.ly/3miwFoy</a> CompeerCORPS: <a href='https://bit.ly/3GgKryU'>https://bit.ly/3GgKryU</a>Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: <a href='https://bit.ly/40PtrrN'>https://bit.ly/40PtrrN</a> or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: <a href='https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS'>https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS</a>View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  <a href='https://bit.ly/416cf0Q'>https://bit.ly/416cf0Q</a>

The Veterans Breakfast Club: Stories That Heal and Connect with Shaun Hall

Mental Health

Recovery

Trauma

Substance Abuse

Self-Improvement

Relationships

Interviews

Society and Culture

Faith-Based Recovery

Physical Health

Health & Wellness

Alcohol, Addiction & Recovery

Substance Abuse & Drug Recovery

Sexual Health & Wellbeing

Family & Relationships

Creativity & Innovation

Financial Empowerment

Welcome to Untold Valor, a podcast with a unique focus on veterans with stories of courage, recovery, perseverance and strength. Listen as veterans share their perspectives on what it's like to battle mental health challenges, combat addictions, and overcome other adversities unique to those who have served. We'll also speak with experts who have valuable experience working with veterans through their recovery journeys. Our mission is to reach veterans with a message of recovery and hope. Untold Valor is made possible by Voice & Vision... Bringing help, hope and healing to individuals, families and communities affected by mental illness, addictions, and disabilities in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Voice & Vision's work with veterans began with one veteran meeting another who had mental health challenges and was very isolated. The impact of that relationship on both veterans was life-changing, and a mission to expand that work led to CompeerCORPS, a network of military veterans who provide peer mentoring friendships with other veterans. These veterans spend time together each week promoting mental health and substance use recovery through the healing power of camaraderie, support and friendship. Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans' Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.          Resources:          Voice & Vision: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/          CompeerCORPS: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/compeercorps/          #Recovery #WholisticHealth #Community #podcasting #podcasts #podcastcommunity #podcasterthoughts #veterans #camaraderie #support #friendship #mentalhealth #mentoring #UntoldValor #help #hope #healing #individuals #families #communities #mental illness #addictions #disabilities #battle #courage #recovery #perseverance #strength #life #lifechanging #brokenness #willingness #understanding #therapy #communication #thriving #success #negativethoughts #win #openness #suicide #family

Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? Dive into the heart of veterans' stories with Shaun Hall, the Director of Programming at the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC). Since its inception in 2008, VBC has been a sanctuary for veterans from all eras and branches to share their experiences, fostering connections and preserving history. Shaun shares his unique journey from theatre to VBC, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling within the veteran community.Through both in-person and online events, VBC offers a platform for veterans to voice their stories, whether they're about frontline experiences or lesser-known roles that shaped their lives. The episode also explores how the VBC adapted during the pandemic by transitioning to virtual gatherings, allowing veterans worldwide to connect and share their narratives. This episode is a testament to the healing power of storytelling and the importance of listening to veterans' voices.As Shaun eloquently puts it, 'The best way to thank a veteran is to listen.' So, if you're curious about the unseen battles of veterans or looking for a community that values every story, this episode is a must-listen. How might you become part of this inspiring journey?

Voice & Vision, Inc. & CompeerCORPS

Voice & Vision, Inc. & CompeerCORPS

The Veterans Breakfast Club: Stories That Heal and Connect with Shaun Hall

The Veterans Breakfast Club: Stories That Heal and Connect with Shaun Hall

The Veterans Breakfast Club: Stories That Heal and Connect with Shaun Hall

Thursday 25th September 2025

About this podcast

Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action