Frontline Voices
Frontline Voices
Podcast Description
Presented by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, Frontline Voices brings you raw, real, and unfiltered conversations with American veterans and changemakers who are leading from the front, long after they hang up the uniform. Hosted by IRON Mike Steadman, Marine Corps Infantry Officer turned social entrepreneur and Hoover Veteran Fellow, this show explores the intersections of service, leadership, and impact in a world full of uncertainty.
Frontline Voices is part of the Veteran Fellowship Program. To learn more, click the following link
https://www.hoover.org/veteran-fellowship-program
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast revolves around themes of veteran mental health, leadership, and the impact of military service on civilian life. Key episodes include discussions on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and personal experiences with mental health struggles as highlighted in The Hardest Fight with Matthew Brown. It also explores resilience and mentorship through stories shared in Leading with Grit with Greg Eason, aiming to normalize excellence in various fields.
Presented by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, Frontline Voices brings you raw, real, and unfiltered conversations with American veterans and changemakers who are leading from the front, long after they hang up the uniform. Hosted by IRON Mike Steadman, Marine Corps Infantry Officer turned social entrepreneur and Hoover Veteran Fellow, this show explores the intersections of service, leadership, and impact in a world full of uncertainty.
Frontline Voices is part of the Veteran Fellowship Program. To learn more, click the following link
https://www.hoover.org/veteran-fellowship-program
Army veteran Robin Phoenix Johnson, Hoover’s Veteran fellow from the class of 2024-2025, shares her journey from enlisted soldier to officer, mom, stand-up comedian, and mental health advocate. After a 26-year military career, Robin found her new mission: helping others heal through humor. She discusses the origins of her comedy journey, the science behind laughter as therapy, and how her program Hilarious helps veterans and frontline professionals reframe stress and trauma through a comedic lens. Her message is clear: laughter isn’t just medicine, it’s a leadership skill, a survival tool, and a powerful connector in a divided world. Robin also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, applying to the Hoover Fellowship, and encouraging other “Mustangs” and non-traditional leaders to claim their seat at the table.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Frontline Voices is part of the Veteran Fellowship Program at the Hoover Institution. Applications to join the 2025 Cohort of the Veteran Fellow Program is closing on July 31, 2025. Click here to apply now.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Robin “Phoenix” Johnson is a 26-year Army veteran, certified humor professional, and Hoover Institution Veteran Fellow. After serving in both enlisted and officer roles, she discovered her post-military mission at the intersection of leadership, mental health, and comedy. Robin is the founder of Hilarious, a humor-based therapy program that helps veterans and frontline professionals reframe stress through laughter. A TEDx speaker and passionate advocate, she’s on a mission to prove that resilience isn’t just about grit, it’s about wit.
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