What Do I Know? with Bill Shakos
What Do I Know? with Bill Shakos
Podcast Description
Curiosity. Empathy. Real Conversations.
Join host Bill Shakos, a self-proclaimed Serial Meet and Greet Guy (SMAGG), as he dives deep into honest conversations that explore identity, community, and the invisible walls that divide us. Through humor, humility, and deeply empathetic storytelling, Bill challenges what we think we know about people who are different. So, he set out to connect with people from all walks of life—one story at a time.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a diverse range of themes including identity, community dynamics, and the impact of local government. Specific episodes delve into topics such as navigating racism in suburban neighborhoods, engaging with local politics as a means for empowerment, and personal reflections on life changes after the pandemic.
Curiosity. Empathy. Real Conversations.
Join host Bill Shakos, a self-proclaimed Serial Meet and Greet Guy (SMAGG), as he dives deep into honest conversations that explore identity, community, and the invisible walls that divide us. Through humor, humility, and deeply empathetic storytelling, Bill challenges what we think we know about people who are different. So, he set out to connect with people from all walks of life—one story at a time.
Sixteen million Americans—about 6% of the U.S. population—carry the title of veteran. They live quietly among us, yet their acts of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism have shaped our freedoms in ways most of us will never fully grasp. We honor them with parades, ceremonies, and endless “thank yous.” But what happens when the bands stop playing?
In this episode of What Do I Know?, we look beyond the public salutes to explore what life after service really looks like for veterans. Many face challenges that extend far beyond their time in uniform—mental health struggles, housing insecurity, substance abuse, and the physical and emotional toll of combat. Joining me is Navy veteran Phil Delgado, headmaster of Westport’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399. Together, we’ll unpack the VFW’s mission, the evolving needs of veterans across generations, and how organizations like Post 399 are adapting to support those returning from recent conflicts. From the camaraderie of the VFW hall to the quiet battles fought in everyday life, Phil shares a candid look at what it means to serve, transition, and keep moving forward.
💡 Inside the Episode:
- What the VFW is, its 125-year history, and how Post 399 is serving veterans today
- The differences between the VFW and the American Legion—and who each organization supports
- How veterans’ needs have evolved from World War II to Post-9/11 service members
- Mental health, PTSD, and the alarming suicide rate. Why do many veterans stay silent about their service.
- How civilians can move beyond “thank you for your service” to become true allies
💬 Why This Conversation Matters:
Our freedoms—speech, press, bear arms, religion, protest, privacy—aren’t guaranteed everywhere in the world. Veterans have defended them for decades, often at great personal cost. This episode challenges all of us to think about what comes after the parade, and how we can show up for the people who showed up for us.
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- YouTube Channel with supplemental content
Disclaimer
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