Well, it was bound to happen—this is the episode where we actually talk about drugs.

But not the kind you stash in your sock on the Strip. Nope, we’re diving into the kind of medicine that forces you to confront your demons, heal your soul, and rewrite your story. As Josh Halu puts it, "Psychedelics aren’t the answer—they’re the door that opens your path to healing and truth."

In this powerful episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with Josh Halu, a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot who turned his own battle with PTSD into a mission to heal others. As the CEO and co-founder of Sacred Soldier, Josh leads transformational ayahuasca retreats and holistic healing programs designed specifically for veterans. His story is one of courage, vulnerability, and relentless purpose.

But this isn’t just about psychedelics—it’s about confronting trauma, breaking cycles, and stepping into leadership. "True transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process of taking action and showing up for yourself and your community," says Dave.

Even more surprising is the role Las Vegas plays in this narrative. Often seen as a city of indulgence, it’s becoming an unexpected hub for personal growth and holistic healing. As Josh explains, "The desert teaches abundance and opportunity—Las Vegas is the perfect place to grow spiritually and emotionally."

Josh’s journey is a reminder that healing isn’t linear—it’s a courageous process of facing your truth and building a future beyond the pain. Whether you’re a veteran, an entrepreneur, or someone searching for purpose, this episode delivers profound insights into the transformative power of connection, leadership, and resilience.

"When you heal, you create space for others to heal too."

This episode is proof that sometimes the biggest gamble you can make is on yourself—and the rewards are life-changing.

Key Takeaways

• Healing as Leadership: Josh shows how addressing personal trauma can empower veterans to lead with purpose and inspire others.
• Psychedelics in Mental Health: Sacred Soldier integrates ancient traditions with modern therapeutic approaches to guide veterans toward breakthroughs.
• Vegas Beyond the Strip: Las Vegas is evolving into a destination for holistic healing and transformation, far beyond its surface reputation.
• The Ripple Effect: Healing yourself creates space for others to heal, amplifying the impact far beyond the individual.
• Courage in Action: Josh’s story reminds us that transformation isn’t easy, but it’s the foundation for true purpose.

Resources:

• Sacred Soldier Website
• Instagram: @sacredsoldierretreats
• Book: No More Mr. Nice Guy - Robert A Glover
• Community Groups: Radiance Events, Wolf PAC, Revive Community, 963

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

📍 Website: www.pursue.vegas

📱 Follow Us:

• Instagram: @pursuevegas
• YouTube: Pursue Vegas Podcast
• Or slide into our DM's: @daveburlin | @tawnisaurus

*Full timestamps available on our YouTube.

Ready to connect, collaborate, or share your story? We’d love to hear from you!

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas—sometimes, it ends up on a podcast.

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we’re joined by the one and only Jon Orlando, the mastermind behind the Action Junkeez Podcast, for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud conversation that’s almost about sex, drugs, and rock and roll—but with a signature Pursue Vegas twist. “Vegas isn’t just the Strip—it’s a hub of creativity and opportunity waiting to be tapped,” Jon says.

Jon takes us on a wild ride through his journey, from navigating the city’s neon-soaked streets to building a career in podcasting. He shares his insights on Las Vegas as a growing hub for sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. “Vegas has so much money from casinos and big marketing budgets; it’s a playground for creatives and entrepreneurs,” he adds.

With a front-row seat to Jon’s career, we explore how he’s turned his love for storytelling, sports, and entertainment into a platform that’s both engaging and authentic. Collaborating with industry heavyweights like Dave Meltzer, Jon proves that podcasting is more than a trend—it’s a movement. “The ability to adapt is what separates the good from the great,” Jon notes.

Whether he’s reminiscing about his early podcasting days or emphasizing the importance of authenticity in a world full of smoke and mirrors, Jon’s wit, wisdom, and passion shine through. He’s betting big on podcasting as the future of business and storytelling: “If you are in business, you have a personal brand or your own company, you will have a podcast.”

This episode is packed with humor, insight, and the kind of raw authenticity that reminds us why Las Vegas is the ultimate playground for dreamers and doers.

Key Takeaways:

• Podcasting is Essential: Jon likens podcasting to the mobile app boom, calling it a must-have for businesses and personal brands.
• Vegas: The Entrepreneur’s Playground: Las Vegas is thriving with opportunities thanks to its growing sports and entertainment industries.
• Authenticity Wins: Unscripted, genuine conversations are the key to meaningful connections in podcasting.
• Focus on Growth: Jon emphasizes resilience and advises against getting caught up in competition or comparison.
• Podcasting’s Potential: From viral stories to business impact, podcasting offers limitless opportunities for creativity and success.

Resources:

• Follow Jon Orlando: Instagram
• Check out Action Junkeez Podcast: Listen Here

If you’re ready for stories that combine grit, humor, and the unmistakable spirit of Las Vegas, this is the episode for you. And yes—sorry, Mike Kim, we ran out of time!

Share it with a friend, a creator, or that one person who’s “thinking about starting a podcast.” You know the one.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

📍 Website: www.pursue.vegas

📱 Follow Us:

• Instagram: @pursuevegas
• YouTube: Pursue Vegas Podcast
• Or slide into our DM's: @daveburlin | @tawnisaurus

*Full timestamps available on our YouTube.

Ready to connect, collaborate, or share your story? We’d love to hear from you!

Juan Quinones is a visionary entrepreneur, luxury drone pilot, travel influencer, and the founder of Luxy Drone, a leading company in luxury real estate and innovative drone videography. Based in Las Vegas, Juan has transformed the drone industry by creating immersive content that has garnered millions of views online. Through his groundbreaking work with high-profile events and luxury brands, he has positioned himself as a leader in the creator economy.

Beyond his stunning visual content, Juan runs a thriving community dedicated to teaching aspiring drone pilots how to fly and build successful businesses. “My mission is to help at least 100 drone pilots hit their first $1,000 from flying FPV drones,” he shares. His educational program has already helped students, including a 12-year-old, earn their first income through drones.

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, Juan revisits his humble beginnings shooting wedding videos and shares how he built Luxy Drone into a global brand that serves luxury real estate and high-profile events. The conversation dives into Juan’s creative process, his journey to mastering FPV drone technology, and his approach to creating viral content. “What’s really fascinating about creating is that sometimes, it’s like an idea just gets downloaded to you from the universe,” Juan explains.

Juan also discusses the challenges and opportunities of Las Vegas’s evolving creator economy. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration over competition in fostering a supportive creative community. “It’s collaboration, not competition. The people at the top are collaborating. There’s no one competing at the top,” he notes.

Looking to the future, Juan shares his vision for making Las Vegas a hub for innovative content creators, with projects like Warner Brothers’ upcoming studio positioning the city as a global creative force. “Vegas is becoming the second Hollywood, and I want to put my flag here for Luxy Drone,” he says.

Key Takeaways

• Transforming Drone Videography: Juan redefines how luxury real estate and high-end brands leverage drones for captivating media.
• Empowering Creators: His training program helps aspiring drone pilots turn their passion into profit.
• Innovative Storytelling: Juan merges technology and artistry to create immersive, brand-elevating content.
• Collaboration Over Competition: He champions unity in Las Vegas’s creative scene to foster greater success.
• Las Vegas as a Creative Hub: Juan sees Vegas becoming a global leader in content creation, rivaling Hollywood.

Resources

• Follow Juan on Instagram: @juancquinones
• Learn about Juan's Drone Training Program: @fpvcreators
• Book Mentioned: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

📍 Website: www.pursue.vegas

📱 Follow Us:

• Instagram: @pursuevegas
• YouTube: Pursue Vegas Podcast
• Or slide into our DM's: @daveburlin | @tawnisaurus

*Full timestamps available on our YouTube.

Ready to connect, collaborate, or share your story? We’d love to hear from you!