In this episode of the Dr. Virga Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan and Roger, the hosts of the Tracer Burnout Podcast. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you’re missing out on one of the most authentic veteran-led conversations out there. Their podcast isn’t about glorified war stories or Hollywood-fabricated military narratives—it’s about real veterans, real experiences, and real conversations that often go unheard.
Meet Dan and Roger: The Brains Behind Tracer Burnout
Dan and Roger are longtime friends, military brats turned career Army men, who spent over two decades serving in various roles. Their experiences took them across the globe, from frigid Fort Drum to the warzones of Iraq and Afghanistan. Now retired, they’ve found a new mission—giving veterans a voice.
-Dan: The History Buff and "Space Force" Skeptic
Dan’s military career spanned over 20 years, starting in the late ‘90s. He worked his way up from infantry rifleman to platoon sergeant, endured the relentless grind of being a drill sergeant, and experienced the tedious existence of an observer/controller. His service took him from the uninspiring landscapes of Fort Irwin and Fort Drum to the beer halls of Germany and the beaches of the Dalmatian coast.
Since retiring, Dan has sworn off clean shaving and never takes a hot shower for granted. These days, he enjoys sitting by the fireplace, sipping on fine Scotch, and turning the pages of a real book—because after years of deployment, solitude is a gift.
-Roger: The Nomadic Artilleryman with More Kids Than Free Time
Roger took the officer route, commissioning into the Army after attending the "Harvard of Eastern North Carolina"—East Carolina University. His career revolved around packing up, moving to another country, and keeping his belongings in long-term storage.
After multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Roger is now happily retired, wrangling his kids between basketball, gymnastics, and climbing practice. He dreams of having hobbies one day, but for now, he’s knee-deep in family life while keeping Tracer Burnout on track.
Why They Started the Tracer Burnout Podcast
The idea for Tracer Burnout came about when Roger, sitting in a hotel room in Boston, texted Dan with a half-baked idea about starting a nonprofit for veterans. Instead, Dan pitched a different concept—creating a podcast that allowed veterans to tell their own stories, in their own words.
Veterans are often portrayed in extremes—either as superhuman warriors or as broken individuals struggling to reintegrate. The truth is, most veterans fall somewhere in between. They are regular people with extraordinary experiences, navigating life after service just like anyone else.
Their goal with Tracer Burnout is to provide a platform for all veterans, regardless of rank or time in service. Whether you served three years or thirty, whether you were on the front lines or behind a desk, your story matters.
What Makes Tracer Burnout Different?
Unlike other veteran interview podcasts, Tracer Burnout takes a casual, kitchen-table approach to storytelling. There’s no rigid script, no pre-written responses—just two veterans having an open conversation with their guests.
Dan and Roger emphasize that it’s not just about combat experiences—it’s about service. Every veteran, regardless of MOS or deployment history, has a unique perspective that deserves to be shared.
The Challenges of Running a Veteran Podcast
Launching Tracer Burnout wasn’t without its struggles. From choosing a name to navigating shady online logo designers (shoutout to "Kevin McAllister" from Bangalore), Dan and Roger had to learn the ropes of podcasting from scratch.
They eventually found a veteran graphic designer who understood exactly what they were looking for. The importance of working with fellow veterans, who share a common language and experience, became a recurring theme in their journey.
Why These Conversations Matter
One of the biggest challenges veterans face after service is finding a sense of belonging. The military instills a deep sense of camaraderie, but that disappears the moment you transition back to civilian life.
For many veterans, talking about their experiences isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about healing. It’s about making sense of the past and reconnecting with others who understand.
As someone who has served, I know firsthand how valuable these conversations are. I’ve seen veterans open up to fellow service members in ways they never would with their families. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes with shared experience, and that’s exactly what Tracer Burnout fosters.
Want to Share Your Story?
If you’re a veteran interested in being on Tracer Burnout, Dan and Roger make the process simple. They just ask for a DD-214 (sanitized for privacy) to verify service, and from there, they schedule a time to chat. No pressure, no forced narratives—just a space to share your journey.
Final Thoughts
Veterans deserve to have their voices heard—not just the ones in history books, not just the ones on national news, but all veterans.
Whether you’re fresh out of service or decades into retirement, your experiences matter. That’s why Tracer Burnout is such an important platform. It’s a place where veterans can sit down, talk, and connect, without the pressure of fitting into a stereotype.
If you haven’t checked out their podcast yet, I highly recommend it. Their conversations are raw, insightful, and, at times, hilarious. It’s the kind of podcast that makes you feel like you’re sitting at a table with old friends, swapping stories over coffee (or Scotch, in Dan’s case).
New episodes drop every other Monday. You can listen to Tracer Burnout here: https://tracerburnout.com/
If you’re a veteran with a story to tell, reach out to them at info@tracerburnout.com. Your service matters, and your story deserves to be heard.
Download a copy of the
W3: A Veteran's Guide to Mastering Life
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