The Decision Hour

Ep: 369 - Restoring Independence: The Future of Mobility with the Zeen

In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Adam Bird sits down with Rick Sherak, Air Force veteran and CEO of Exokinetics, to discuss the game changing mobility device, the Zeen. With over 30 years in the medical diagnostics industry, Rick shares his unique journey from military service to leading a company at the forefront of mobility innovation. Listeners get an inside look at the Zeen’s development, its impact on users’ independence, and how it bridges the gap between wheelchairs and walkers, all without motors or batteries. Rick dives into the device’s safety features, its tailored approach for individuals, and the importance of regaining mobility for veterans and others facing physical challenges. The conversation also explores the emotional impact of renewed mobility, advances in VA access to assistive technology, and the power of determination in overcoming obstacles. Don’t miss this inspiring story of innovation, perseverance, and life-changing possibilities.
 
 ⁠https://gozeen.com/

Ep: 368 - Scaling Without Chaos: Systems, Relationships, and Smarter Growth

In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird dives into the entrepreneurial journey and business wisdom of Barry Bradham, a business systems architect and founder of DigiLink. Barry shares his story of growing up between Washington and Alaska, transitioning from rodeo and agriculture to business, and discovering his passion for automation and CRM systems. Together, they discuss the critical role of CRM platforms for startups, the importance of finding the right community for business growth, and how automation and AI can streamline operations. Barry offers practical advice on building efficient business systems, nurturing relationships, and balancing technology with essential human connection.
Listeners gain insight into the power of mastermind-level networking, strategies for scaling without chaos, and the value of having a trusted advisory soundboard when tough decisions arise. Don’t miss actionable tips to take your business, and your relationships, to the next level.
Visit: comewinwithme.com

Ep: 367 - Preserving Stories: The Power of Digital Challenge Coins

On this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Anna Redmond for an inspiring conversation that goes from entrepreneurship to the evolving world of challenge coins. A Harvard alum and founder of BRAAV, Anna shares her journey from venture capital and thought leadership into transforming the physical security industry with a mission centered on helping people feel safe.
The conversation also dives into how Anna’s connection with the veteran community inspired her to reimagine the tradition of challenge coins by creating a digital twin system that preserves each coin’s story, strengthens connection, and builds a lasting legacy through blockchain technology. Filled with meaningful stories, practical insight, and a deep respect for service members and first responders, this episode highlights how honoring everyday heroism can bring people together and change the way we remember, connect, and carry forward powerful stories.
 
Get on their waiting list today! https://allcoin.braav.co

Ep: 366 - The Power of Self-Healing: Discovering the Stress Is Gone Method

In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Brett Cotter, award-winning author and founder of the Stress Is Gone Wellness Platform, to discuss practical methods for managing stress, anxiety, and deep-rooted trauma. Brett shares his personal story of growing up in Queens, his journey through generational trauma, and his transformative experience with meditation and spiritual healing. Listeners are guided through a calming breath exercise, and Brett explains the science behind how emotional pain is stored in the body. Together, they explore the importance of identifying childhood triggers, cultivating self-awareness, and making empowered decisions to change life patterns. Brett also talks about upcoming retreats, coaching, and daily practices that anyone can implement to release stress and reconnect with their purpose. Tune in for actionable tools and uplifting insights to help break free from anxiety and live with greater intention.
Visit: stressisgone.com

Ep: 365 - From Bottleneck to Breakthrough: Building a Business That Runs Without You

In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with operations strategist Lindsey Korell, founder of Daily Principal, to discuss the critical importance of building businesses that thrive without relying solely on their founders. Drawing from her global experiences and a personal wake-up call after a heart attack, Lindsey Korell reveals why entrepreneurs often become bottlenecks in their own companies and how letting go, through intentional delegation and smart structural planning, can save their health and ensure lasting success. The conversation delves into warning signs of burnout, the value of systematizing business processes, and why every owner should prepare their business for potential sale, even if selling isn’t the goal. Adam and Lindsey share practical advice, candid stories, and actionable insights for business owners determined to build profitable, sustainable companies without sacrificing well-being or legacy.
 
Contact TODAY!
⁠https://dailyprincipal.com⁠
 
Can your business run without you? Find out now!
⁠https://dailyprincipal.com/independence-snapshot/⁠
 
 

Ep: 364 - Is Your Payroll Generating Profit? It Could Be

In this episode of The Decision Hour, host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with Dr. Jacob Guidi, Account Director at Thrive Benefits Group and Doctor of Musical Arts, for a heartfelt conversation on career pivots, the value of discipline, and making meaningful choices for family and work. Dr. Jacob Guidi shares insights from his transition from music performance and teaching to employee benefits, detailing how his passion for helping nonprofits and small businesses is rooted in supporting those underserved by traditional insurance. Together, they discuss the challenges and rewards of working with mission-driven organizations, the importance of accessible employee benefits, and the lasting impact of making tough—sometimes painful—decisions. Through powerful personal stories and practical advice, this episode delivers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone facing big life transitions. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about purpose, discipline, and the power of authentic decision-making.
 
Visit:https://neverendingfundraiser.comAnd checkout their home page: https://thrivebg.com/

Ep: 363 - Toxic to Triumphant: Faith, Fitness and Fighting for What’s Right

In this powerful and candid conversation, your host Mr. Adam Bird sits down with U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist Riley Gruppo. From her roots as an Army brat to breaking barriers as the first woman in her infantry unit, Riley shares her journey with raw honesty—revealing the challenges and triumphs she experienced on and off the battlefield.
You'll hear about Riley’s unique path through the military, her transition to entrepreneurship, and how she found healing and purpose after overcoming toxicity, trauma, and adversity. Riley opens up about standing strong in male-dominated spaces, the hurdles women still face in combat roles, and the importance of sharing your story to help others feel less alone.
This episode isn’t just for veterans or military families—it’s for anyone who has felt out of place, battled self-doubt, or wanted to carve their own path despite resistance. Get ready for real talk about leadership, personal transformation, and taking bold action to set your own standard in life.
Don’t miss this inspiring and unfiltered episode with Riley Gruppo—because your story, and your decisions, matter.
Follow Riley on social media: @rileygruppo
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Threads

362 - PTSD, MST, CPT & Prolonged Exposure with Saarah Nicolas, Ph.D

In this episode, Dr. Saarah Nicolas, Ph.D. joins Adam for a clear, practical conversation about veteran mental health. Drawing on her background in a military family and clinical work with service members, Dr. Nicholas explains how evidence-based therapies help veterans process trauma, reduce symptoms, and rebuild daily functioning.
 
What You’ll Learn
Path & Purpose: How a military upbringing shaped Dr. Nicholas’s mission to serve veterans.
PTSD & MST 101: What these diagnoses mean, common misconceptions, and how to talk about them.
Treatments that Work: Plain-English breakdowns of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE)—who they’re for, what sessions look like, and expected outcomes.
“King & Queen” Symptoms: How hallmark trauma symptoms show up—and strategies to manage them.
Tackling Stigma: Why seeking help was once seen as a career risk in the military, and how the culture is changing.
Therapy with Authenticity: The pivotal moment that led Dr. Nicholas to bring more authenticity into sessions—and why it improves results.
Action Steps: Practical ways service members, veterans, and families can prioritize mental wellness now.
If this episode resonates, share it with a veteran, spouse, or leader who can help move the conversation, and the culture, forward.
 
Contact: ⁠https://www.TampaCW.com

Ep: 361 - Capturing Time: Preserving Veteran Legacies on Film

After 26 years in commercial printing, Jay Garstecki walked away to serve a higher mission: helping veterans heal. In this episode, Jay shares the moments that sparked his calling, how Take a Vet Fishing began, and the evolution into Operation Healing Heroes—the TV series documenting veterans’ stories and shining light on effective PTSD treatments.
What You’ll Hear
The leap from corporate stability to purpose-driven service
The origin story of Take a Vet Fishing and its impact on veterans and families
Building Operation Healing Heroes for television—why the medium matters for awareness and healing
Behind-the-scenes: filming, veteran spotlights, and real outcomes from sharing these stories
Collaborating with Orange County Choppers on the Patriot Bike tribute project—and what it represents
Practical insights on aligning your work with your values and making a measurable difference
Why This Matters Jay’s journey is a playbook for purpose-led leadership. If you care about veteran wellness, storytelling that heals, or making your own values-driven pivot, this conversation delivers insight and inspiration.
Connect & Support Operation Healing Heroes: https://www.OperationHealingHeroes.org

Ep: 360 - A New Banner of Hope: Red Star Foundation's Veteran Support Strategy

This week on The Decision Hour, we confront the reality of veteran suicide—and what each of us can do about it. Marine Corps veteran Jerry Shaffer, founder of the Red Star Foundation, joins us for a powerful, deeply human conversation about remembrance, stigma, and actionable hope.
Jerry lays out the hard numbers behind the veteran suicide crisis—not as statistics, but as stories of lives cut short and families forever changed. He introduces the Red Star banner and lapel pin, symbols that honor those lost to suicide while sparking the honest conversations that can prevent the next tragedy. We also hear how the Foundation’s Red Star Voices program literally saved a young airman’s life—proof that connection and storytelling can be life-saving interventions.
You’ll get an inside look at the Foundation’s growing impact, including collaborations with Gary Sinise & the Lieutenant Dan Band and potential projects with Orange County Choppers—partnerships designed to scale awareness and reach more veterans where they are. Most importantly, Jerry shares practical ways you can help right now—from volunteering and donating to simply checking in and sharing resources like 988 (press 1 for Veterans).
This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action. If you’re a veteran, love a veteran, or care about those who’ve served, you’ll walk away with clarity, compassion, and concrete steps to make a difference today.
 
Key Takeaways
The veteran suicide crisis: what the numbers mean—and why they matter.
How the Red Star banner & pin honor the fallen and break stigma.
A Red Star Voices story that saved an airman’s life.
Why high-profile partnerships amplify awareness and access to help.
Your role: simple actions that support veterans and families now.
Crisis resource: Dial 988, then press 1 for veteran support.
 
https://www.RedStarFundation.org