In Episode 43 of Y’all Street, host Tarek Saab chats with Navy veteran Chad Brown, founder of Love Is King, about his journey from combat to conservation.
Chad Brown’s story is one of resilience and transformation, rooted deep in the spirit of the West. After returning from war, he faced the harsh realities of PTSD and homelessness, but he found his way back to life through fly fishing and the great outdoors. This journey not only helped him heal but also inspired him to create a nonprofit that serves both veterans and at-risk youth.
From Combat to the River: A Western Journey
Brown’s path started when he enlisted in the Navy with dreams of earning the GI Bill and becoming a graphic designer. Little did he know he would face the horrors of war. “I went in to get the GI Bill, but didn’t realize in order to obtain that benefit as a veteran, there was a lot of things that I had to incur in order to use a high cost,” Chad recalled.
Building Community on the Range
After a harrowing experience of losing everything and finding solace in fly fishing, Chad founded Soul River Inc., a nonprofit that connects veterans with at-risk youth through outdoor expeditions. This venture serves as a bridge, allowing veterans to mentor youth while rediscovering their own purpose. “The idea is the soul of the river has a way of helping you through your process, through your darkest moments,” Chad explains.
The iron-sharpening-iron effect is intentional: youth absorb resilience from veterans, and veterans rediscover purpose through the eyes of young people who need them.
Chad Brown
Chad’s innovative approach uses nature as a classroom, teaching critical life skills while fostering a strong sense of community. His expeditions even reach the Arctic Circle, where veterans and youth engage with indigenous cultures, deepening their connection to the land and each other.
