In this special panel episode of Do The Thing, host Stacey Lauren brings together an extraordinary lineup of leaders, veterans, therapists, nonprofit founders, and media innovators to launch the Billion Dollar Activation Campaign, a bold initiative to raise $1B for causes that matter through the power of challenges and shared action.

This panel marks the official kickoff of a challenge-led movement focused on supporting veterans, first responders, and their families by helping them reconnect with their voice, community, and purpose.

These aren’t just stories. They’re blueprints.

You’ll hear raw truth, actionable frameworks, and the origin story of the new film project At Liberty, a collaboration fueled by real people doing the thing.

Meet the Panelists:
Kathryn Avery – Founder, Restoration Ranch
Ashley Braund – Founder, Courageous Hearts Collective
Ryan Berman – Author, Courageous; Founder, Courageous Inc.
Stacey Lauren – Host of Do The Thing, creator of the challenge model
Courtney Lawless – Career strategist, veteran advocate
George Makrinos – Filmmaker, veteran, creator of At Liberty
Ryan Montis – Veteran & mindset coach
Stacy May – Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Fred Smith – Corporate executive, Marine veteran
Lance Strong – Equine therapist, Army veteran
Michael Wood – Founder, Turning Steel

Inside this Episode:
- How challenges restore connection, purpose, and trust
- Why silence is the enemy, and how to break it
- What it really looks like to transition from service to significance
- How nonprofits, creators, and companies can co-lead solutions
- The story behind the At Liberty film and the movement it’s sparking

This panel is for anyone who believes in collective action and is ready to stop talking and start doing.

Learn more & join the mission: https://dothethingcollaboration.com

Explore the film project: https://atlibertyfilm.com

Timestamps:
0:34 — Stacey introduces the Billion Dollar Activation Campaign
3:03 — Fred Smith shares his combat story and corporate transition
5:50 — Kathryn Avery on founding Restoration Ranch after loss
12:18 — Michael Wood on storytelling and launching Turning Steel
16:00 — Ashley Braund on serving teens of first responders
22:40 — Ryan Berman on corporate courage and breaking the silence
30:27 — Ryan Montis and H (Eliseo) on veteran purpose & challenge spaces
40:00 — Courtney Lawless on job search trauma and hiring gaps
49:00 — Lance Strong on horsemanship as trauma recovery
56:55 — George Makrinos on the origin of At Liberty and creative service

YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5IL9JVG2uw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-collective-action-panel-veterans-first-responders/id1618590178?i=1000731998391

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/13D6Hd8QhtXAIQ2thkBAIT

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