Operation Next Chapter

Season 2 of Operation Next Chapter takes you inside real leadership moments from our time as United States Air Force First Sergeants — but this season isn’t just for those who served. Every story we share is about people: navigating pressure, handling conflict, leading with empathy, setting boundaries, managing burnout, and showing up when it matters most. These are the same challenges faced at wo...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole explore a powerful truth: legacy isn’t something you leave behind someday — it’s something you live out every single day. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, they discuss how leadership shows up not just in careers and titles, but in how you treat your family, serve others, and handle life’s challenges. This episode challenges...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , Marc and Cole tackle a topic many people struggle with but rarely talk about openly — managing stress and anger before they manage you. From high-pressure environments to everyday life after service, unprocessed stress can quietly build into frustration, burnout, and damaged relationships. Through honest conversation and personal experiences, Marc and Co...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , Marc and Cole break down why discipline — not motivation — is the real advantage in life, leadership, and personal growth. Motivation fades, emotions change, but discipline is what keeps you moving forward when things get hard. Drawing from their military experience and lessons learned in life after service, Marc and Cole share how discipline shapes habi...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , Marc and Cole dive deep into a struggle many veterans, leaders, and high-performers know all too well: burnout. The kind that sneaks up on you, weighs you down, and makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. But burnout doesn’t have to be the end of your story. Through real conversations and personal experiences, Marc and Cole open up about the war...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , Marc sits down one-on-one with a fellow retired service member — someone he never served with directly, yet formed an instant bond with long after both left the military. Their connection began not on a deployment or in a squadron, but in a gym… proving that the brotherhood and sisterhood of service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Together, they...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , we dive into one of the toughest transitions veterans face — rediscovering purpose after the uniform comes off. The mission changes, the structure disappears, and suddenly, you’re left asking, “Who am I now?” Through raw conversation and real stories, they explore what it means to rebuild identity, find direction, and create new meaning outside of the mi...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , we get real about the wake-up calls that forced them to take their health seriously — physically, mentally, and spiritually. From ignoring warning signs to rebuilding daily habits, this episode dives deep into what it truly takes to reset your health and get back in control of your body and your life. This isn’t about perfection or chasing quick fixes —...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , we open up about one of the toughest lessons life teaches us — that strong relationships don’t just happen, they’re built through humility, honesty, and growth. From marriages tested by hardship to friendships strengthened through struggle, we dive into what it really takes to connect, communicate, and show up for the people who matter most. We share per...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , we dive into the world of financial fitness — because just like physical fitness, money health takes discipline, consistency, and the right mindset. We talk about how to rebuild financial stability after major life changes, overcome debt, and create a plan that supports your next chapter instead of holding you back. This isn’t about get-rich-quick scheme...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , we tackle one of the biggest challenges many veterans and midlife professionals face — starting over. Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, changing careers, or rebuilding after life knocked you off course, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to create your next mission with purpose. We break down how to design your personal “career...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , we dive into what it truly means to have confidence — not arrogance, not ego — but the kind of quiet strength that helps you face life’s toughest missions head-on. From the military mindset to personal growth after major life changes, we explore how confidence is built, tested, and rebuilt through experience, discipline, and faith. Whether you’re navigat...

In this episode of Operation Next Chapter , we dive into the power of turning a crisis into an opportunity, how life-changing experiences forced us to grow, adapt, and take ownership of our future. What could have been breaking points became turning points — because instead of becoming victims, they chose to see every challenge as an opportunity to rebuild stronger. Join the conversation as we unp...

The moments that changed everything.  In today's episode, we both talk about our life changing experiences and how they forced us to see life differently, to slow down, and to value resilience in a whole new way.  We'll walk through what happened, what changed, some hard truths, and the breakthroughs.  Sometimes, the hardest fights are the ones no one sees, the ones inside ourselves. We...

Let us start by telling you a little about who we are and why this podcast matters to us — and maybe to you, too. We both served 20+ years in the Air Force, and a big part of that time was taking care of people both as leaders and as First Sergeants. That meant we weren't just focused on the mission — we were focused on people. Helping Airmen through challenges, celebrating their wins, and so...