The Working Lead

In this episode of The Working Lead Podcast, we sit down with James McGavoc and his Service Dog, Stanley, to talk about their journey through Hope Lives Here and the changes that came along the way.James and Stanley are both 2025 graduates of Hope Lives Here, but James says the program taught him much more than how to work with a Service Dog. It taught him a lot about himself — something he describes as one of the most important parts of his experience.James shares how he first came to consider

In this episode of The Working Lead Podcast, we sit down with Carl, one of the trainers at Hope Lives Here, to hear his story and learn more about what happens behind the scenes at the organization.Carl talks about his time in the Army, his overseas deployment, his medical retirement, and the unexpected path that eventually brought him to Hope Lives Here. After leaving the mortuary business, Carl originally came to Hope Lives Here to help sell gala sponsorships and tickets. What was supposed to be a

In this episode of The Working Lead Podcast, we sit down with Brooke Melton, the founder of Hope Lives Here, to hear the story behind the organization and the journey that brought her to where she is today.Brooke grew up in Canyon, Texas, played basketball at West Texas A&M, and spent 15 years as an elementary school teacher. But years before Hope Lives Here existed, Brooke found herself on a very different path — one that began with her own experience with post-traumatic stress and a dog named

In this episode of The Working Lead Podcast, we sit down with Carol, the mother of James E. Miller and a member of the Hope Lives Here family.Carol shares the story of James — or Jimmy, as she called him — from growing up in Amarillo to joining the Army and becoming a tanker. She talks about what it was like watching her son deploy to Iraq during Thunder Run and the unique experience of following the war through embedded news coverage, never knowing what the next report might bring.She also shares

In this episode of The Working Lead Podcast, we sit down with Augustine and his Service Dog, Harley, to hear the story of how they found each other and how Hope Lives Here became part of Augustine’s journey.Augustine served 20 years in the Army, followed by another 20 years working at the Clements Unit. After retiring, memories and experiences from his military service began coming back, and he found himself struggling to regain the sense of purpose and direction he once had.His path to Hope Lives

In this episode of The Working Lead Podcast, we sit down with Montea and Kona to talk about their journey as a Veteran and Service Dog team.Montea shares what it’s been like building a relationship with Kona, from his constant need to stay close to her to the ways he is already learning to recognize when she needs support. James also shares his own experiences with Stanlee and how the connection between a Veteran and their Service Dog can become an important part of everyday life.The conversation

What happens when the right service dog comes into your life?In this episode of The Working Lead Podcast, Marine Veteran Matt Dara shares his journey from military service to nonprofit leadership and how being paired with his service dog, Max, changed his life in ways he never expected.Matt opens up about his transition after the Marines, receiving a PTSD diagnosis, finding Hope Lives Here, and the incredible bond he shares with Max. He also discusses the work of the Panhandle Orphan Care Network,