Leave the Light On Podcast

03/26/2025

It has been a while, but we are excited to share episode #6 of our podcast!

Hear a raw and unfiltered account of Vietnam War veteran Gary Portell recounting his intense and transformative experience in basic training. From the shock of arrival to the forging of camaraderie an

07/03/2024

It has been a long time since our last episode, but you do not want to miss the opportunity to listen to this one!

The United States implemented a draft during the Vietnam War to bolster military forces. From 1965 to 1973, approximately 1.8 million men were conscripted into service, with many serving in combat roles in Southeast Asia. The controversial draft sparked protests and debates over its fairness and necessity. It impacted families and communities nationwide, leaving a lasting legacy on American society and the perception of military service during that era.

In this episode, we will delve into the gripping journey of my Dad’s experiences after being drafted and embarking on basic training. You'll hear firsthand his accounts as he recounted the moment he received the call to serve and the trials he faced during the initial training days. As a part of the cache of items I found while helping clean out my dad’s garage, we will hear the first of many letters he wrote when he started his journey as a U.S. Army soldier. This is a personal story, shared on the Leave the Light on Podcast:

https://soundcloud.com/leavethelightonpodcast/leave-the-light-on-episode-5-get-back-to-basicstraining?si=c96ff5dd83de49649a90c246f58326ea&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

05/15/2024

It has been a bit, but episode #4 is ready! We discussed the moments before and after my dad received his draft letter.

You can click the link below or access the episode on your podcast platform of choice!

https://soundcloud.com/leavethelightonpodcast/leave-the-light-on-episode-4-stepping-into-the-unknown?si=a7f25f3371ff41c8a15febe8008b16e6&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

04/17/2024

Episode #3: Going to the Chapel is ready for you to listen!

In this captivating episode of Leave the Light On, we delve into the extraordinary meeting as a drummer whose life was forever changed by the beat of fate. Join us as we journey through the heartwarming narrative of my mom and dad’s encounter that eventually led to our family.

You can click the link below or listen on your podcast platform of choice!

In this captivating episode of Leave the Light On, we delve into the extraordinary meeting as a drummer whose life was forever changed by the beat of fate. Join us as we journey through the heartwarmi

04/10/2024

Episode #2 is ready for you to listen, review, and share!

My dad, Gary Portell, takes us on a heartfelt exploration of his upbringing, recounting cherished memories of family, friends, and the simple joys of youth. From carefree days spent playing in the sun to the tender bonds forged in the embrace of loved ones, his childhood is a tapestry of warmth and nostalgia with a love of sports, music, and my mom! Listen as I surprise him with a digital version of a song he played with his band, Crook and the Four Thieves / Wolfmen.

You can click the SoundCloud link below or access the Leave the Light On Podcast on your podcast platform of choice. It is now on Spotify and iTunes!

https://soundcloud.com/leavethelightonpodcast/leave-the-light-on-episode-2-a-boy-before-a-soldier?si=bb52e3eca67d4659b12df4369f066edf&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

04/10/2024

Episode two has been recorded and will posted soon!

My dad, Gary Portell, takes us on a heartfelt exploration of his upbringing, recounting cherished memories of family, friends, and the simple joys of youth. From carefree days spent playing in the sun to the tender bonds forged in the embrace of loved ones, his childhood is a tapestry of warmth and nostalgia with a love of sports, music, and my mom! Listen as I surprise him with a digital version of a song he played with his band, Crook and the Four Thieves / Wolfmen.

04/06/2024

With elevated nerves and excitement, we release episode #1 of the Leave the Light On Podcast!

In the first episode of “Leave the Light On: A Story of War and a Battle of Resilience podcast, listeners embark on a journey with Mathew Portell as he sets the stage for the podcast series! He will describe when he uncovers a treasure trove of items belonging to his father, a Vietnam War veteran. As Mathew sifts through the relics, he realizes that his father has only shared his traumatic war experiences once before. Intrigued by this revelation, Mathew delves deeper into his father's story, seeking to understand the significance behind his father's solitary disclosure and the emotional weight his father has carried for decades.

We will be releasing the podcast on all major podcast platforms shortly! However, you can only access episode #1 on Sound Cloud by clicking the link below.

Mathew Portell is an Educator, Founder of Trauma Informed Educators Network, Podcaster, International Keynote Speaker/Trainer, 2020-2021 MNPS Elementary Principal of the Year

04/05/2024

Episode #1 has been recorded! It should be edited and uploaded tomorrow. Let this journey begin…

03/22/2024

It is hard to imagine how emotional this journey is going to be for my dad. As I dig deeper into all he endured, I become more emotionally invested in what he experienced and how I might not have fully understood or extended the grace he deserved.

I have already shed many tears thinking about how hard this podcast might be, yet I am so grateful he is willing to embark on this journey of healing with me.

Look how physically small he was when he was drafted...

I am looking forward to recording the first episode next week.

In the first episode of “Leave the Light On: A Story of War and a Battle of Resilience podcast, listeners embark on a journey with Mathew Portell as he sets the stage for the podcast series! He will describe when he uncovers a treasure trove of items belonging to his father, a Vietnam War veteran. As Mathew sifts through the relics, he realizes that his father has only shared his traumatic war experiences once before. Intrigued by this revelation, Mathew delves deeper into his father's story, seeking to understand the significance behind his father's solitary disclosure and the emotional weight his father has carried for decades.

03/21/2024

These are only a few of the hundreds of items found in a memory box of my father's Vietnam War experience. You can join him and me as we unpack the stories behind the items found!

03/19/2024

If you would like to follow Gary Portell and I's podcast journey, you can get updates here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557741980489

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