Breaking Isolation, Building Connection: Suicide Prevention with Helping Heroes USA
- S4E154
- 43:39
- September 24th 2025
Host Dr. Tyler Pieron speaks with Tony DeMaio, founder of Helping Heroes USA, about suicide prevention for veterans and first responders. Tony shares his journey from Project Hero to launching Helping Heroes USA, and how communities—not just professionals—can step up to save lives.
Highlights
- The impact of suicide on families and communities
- How isolation fuels risk—and why connection matters
- Recognizing warning signs and starting supportive conversations
- The role of local organizations like American Legion posts and fire stations
- Helping Heroes USA’s mission to train “support angels” in every community
- Tony’s upcoming book It’s a Silent Battle and free webinars
Guest Bio
Tony DeMaio is the founder and CEO of Helping Heroes USA, dedicated to equipping everyday people with tools to support those at risk of suicide.
Resources
- helpingheroesusa.org
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (press 1 for veterans)
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Coming Home Well
Coming Home Well is a podcast dedicated to helping Veterans and their families navigate the journey of reintegration and wellness after military service. Hosted by Dr. Tyler Pieron, each episode explores alternative resources and innovative support systems that go beyond traditional approaches to healing the visible and invisible wounds of war.
From non-traditional therapies and community-based programs to expert interviews and practical tools, this podcast serves as a valuable guide for those seeking pathways to improved mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
In addition to spotlighting these resources, Dr. Pieron is occasionally joined by military historians to revisit key moments in our nation's military history—preserving the legacy of service and sacrifice, and providing context that deepens understanding of the Veteran experience.
Whether you're a Veteran, family member, caregiver, or advocate, Coming Home Well offers insights, connections, and tools to support a successful transition to civilian life.
Meet the Host
Dr. Tyler Pieron is an Army veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan (and a few other conflicts). He served in the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command as a Special Agent until he was medically retired. Tyler hosts Coming Home Well’s radio and podcast shows and focuses on TBI research and helping veterans wade through the bureaucracy to obtain benefits, especially education.
Tyler used his GI Bill benefits to earn a Master of Science degree in Cyber Security Policy and then a PhD. in Information Assurance after receiving a sabbatical and scholarship from the Pat Roberts Intelligence Scholars Program. Tyler lives with his wife Claire, their 3 children (2 boys and a girl), 3 dogs (Beagle, Boxer and Great Dane), 2 lizards (Bearded Dragon and Leopard Gecko), and many fish, near Charlottesville, VA, where he works with the Department of Defense on cyber intelligence issues.