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Two combat vets. No BS. Just truth.

In this episode of The Green Zone Podcast, Chris and Frankie dive deep into the DOD’s $9.8 million investment to study MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD in active-duty soldiers. We break down the science, the policy roadblocks, and the underground veteran pipeline to psychedelic clinics in Mexico.

We cover:

• 💊 MDMA, Ibogaine, DMT, Ketamine – How they’re changing the PTSD game

• 📉 67% success rate in treating PTSD with one dose + therapy

• 🇲🇽 Why special forces vets are risking it all in Mexico to heal

• ⚖️ The red tape that’s killing our warriors

• 🔥 What a federal mandate could fix overnight

This ain’t about getting high. It’s about getting healed.

If you’re a veteran, a policymaker, or just someone who gives a damn — this one’s for you.

👊 Call 988 and press 1 if you’re struggling. You’re not alone.

📲 Follow us, share with a vet, and join the fight to reform mental health care for those who served.

#Veterans #PTSD #PsychedelicTherapy #MentalHealth #MDMA #Ibogaine #DMT #CannabisHealing #GreenZonePodcast

Step inside the wire with The Green Zone Podcast. This dynamic intro sets the tone for every episode—real talk, veteran-driven, and focused on alternative mental health, policy, and purpose. Hosted by Francis Dorsey and Chris Bartholomew, we bring the fight to the forefront. Whether you’re active, retired, or just getting your footing, this is your zone. Listen. Engage. Mobilize.

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Listener Note: This podcast is intended for listeners over the age of 18 and is for educational and entertaining purposes only. The content is not medical advice, and we encourage you to consult with a professional for your individual needs.

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Welcome to Episode 3 of The Green Zone Podcast, hosted by Francis Dorsey and Chris Barthelme—two combat veterans turned advocates breaking down facts and challenging the system. In this episode, we tackle the controversial move by the DOJ and VA to cut 80,000 jobs, representing 15% of the VA’s total workforce. Chris kicks things off by walking through the numbers: in 2016, President Trump inherited a VA backlog of 470,000 unresolved claims. By 2020, that number dropped to 40,000 without increasing VA staffing. Instead, his administration implemented three key reforms: the National Work Queue, the Appeals Modernization Act, and a full transition to digital claims processing. When President Biden took office, he added 80,000 new VA employees, citing the PACT Act, yet the backlog climbed back to 200,000. The data raises a key question—do we have a labor shortage or a leadership crisis?

Francis shares his own experience navigating the VA, including fighting for a second sleep study after initial resistance and struggling to get necessary follow-ups after major neck surgery. Together, the hosts expose how bureaucracy and protocol often override basic common sense and professional medical judgment. Veterans are frequently denied care or delayed because non-medical administrators make decisions that override doctors. Pain and PTSD are treated through checkboxes, not patient-centered care. Chris makes the case that the VA’s problems can’t be fixed by throwing more money or people at them—only by making the system more efficient. The hosts suggest a heavier reliance on Community Care and private-sector partnerships, noting that most veterans would choose a non-VA doctor if given the chance.

The conversation expands into America’s broader entitlement mindset. Francis and Chris draw comparisons between VA inefficiency and national issues like labor shortages, inflated college expectations, and misplaced funding priorities. The duo challenges listeners to consider whether “free” healthcare really leads to better outcomes, pointing out how real accountability and performance often come from the private sector, not bloated government programs.

As the episode wraps, the hosts introduce Doug Collins, the newly appointed VA Secretary and former U.S. Representative from Georgia’s 9th District. While they don’t endorse blindly, they emphasize the importance of giving leadership room to perform. Trump’s prior record on VA reform—including launching VA.gov, setting strict claim processing limits, and drastically improving backlog efficiency—offers a proven blueprint. They argue that we need to allow results to speak before jumping to conclusions. Real leadership involves action, not emotion. The veteran community deserves a system that works, and that starts with accountability, efficiency, and trust.

Finally, a reminder: if you or a veteran you know is in crisis, dial 988 and press 1. You are not alone. Reach out. Speak up. We’ve got your six.

Step inside the wire with The Green Zone Podcast. This dynamic intro sets the tone for every episode—real talk, veteran-driven, and focused on alternative mental health, policy, and purpose. Hosted by Francis Dorsey and Chris Bartholomew, we bring the fight to the forefront. Whether you’re active, retired, or just getting your footing, this is your zone. Listen. Engage. Mobilize.

Support the show

Listener Note: This podcast is intended for listeners over the age of 18 and is for educational and entertaining purposes only. The content is not medical advice, and we encourage you to consult with a professional for your individual needs.

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of The Green Zone Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Caldwell, the Southeast Legislative Director for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing veterans today: access to cannabis as an alternative to opioids and traditional pharmaceuticals.

🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The real challenges veterans face in accessing medical cannabis

✅ The connection between U.S. military presence and the opioid crisis

✅ How outdated federal and state policies restrict treatment options for veterans

✅ Why cannabis and psychedelics could revolutionize PTSD and pain management

✅ What YOU can do to help push for legislative change

Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge from years of advocacy, working with policymakers, medical experts, and veterans to drive evidence-based cannabis reform. This episode isn’t just about policy—it’s about real solutions for veterans who need better options.

💡 Did You Know?

🔹 Veterans are twice as likely to die from opioid overdoses compared to the general population.

🔹 Despite growing scientific support, many states still limit or deny veteran access to medical cannabis.

🔹 Psychedelics, like psilocybin and MDMA, are now at the forefront of mental health treatment research for PTSD.

🚨 CALL TO ACTION:

If you believe veterans deserve safe, effective alternatives, share this episode and help spread the message! Tag a friend, comment your thoughts, and let’s push for real change.

Step inside the wire with The Green Zone Podcast. This dynamic intro sets the tone for every episode—real talk, veteran-driven, and focused on alternative mental health, policy, and purpose. Hosted by Francis Dorsey and Chris Bartholomew, we bring the fight to the forefront. Whether you’re active, retired, or just getting your footing, this is your zone. Listen. Engage. Mobilize.

Support the show

Listener Note: This podcast is intended for listeners over the age of 18 and is for educational and entertaining purposes only. The content is not medical advice, and we encourage you to consult with a professional for your individual needs.

Send us a text

Welcome to the pilot episode of The Green Zone Podcast, where we’re breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and advocating for innovative mental health solutions. This podcast is built to empower veterans and their supporters through open dialogue about the transformative role of cannabis in treating PTSD, insights from industry leaders, and the latest developments in advocacy and policy.

In this inaugural episode, we cover:

• Who It’s For: A podcast for veterans, their families, and anyone over 18 seeking a deeper understanding of mental health, cannabis, and the policies shaping these conversations.
  
  
• Our Mission: We’re here to create a welcoming and judgment-free environment for veterans and supporters to share stories, learn about alternative treatments, and connect with leaders in the cannabis industry.
  
  
• What We Aim to Achieve: From sharing the real-life impact of cannabis on veterans’ mental health to driving policy reform and connecting communities, we’re here to educate, inspire, and advocate.
  
  
• How to Get Involved: Learn how you can help support our mission by sharing your story, spreading the word, or engaging with advocacy efforts that matter.

This episode introduces the purpose of The Green Zone Podcast, setting the tone for what’s ahead—a place for connection, learning, and growth. Together, we’ll explore how cannabis can change lives, what the latest studies reveal, and how we can shape a better future for veterans and the broader community.

Step inside the wire with The Green Zone Podcast. This dynamic intro sets the tone for every episode—real talk, veteran-driven, and focused on alternative mental health, policy, and purpose. Hosted by Francis Dorsey and Chris Bartholomew, we bring the fight to the forefront. Whether you’re active, retired, or just getting your footing, this is your zone. Listen. Engage. Mobilize.

Support the show

Listener Note: This podcast is intended for listeners over the age of 18 and is for educational and entertaining purposes only. The content is not medical advice, and we encourage you to consult with a professional for your individual needs.