Transition Drill

PODCAST - LISTEN, WATCH, AND SUBSCRIBE https://linktr.ee/TransitionDrillPodcast   In this episode of the Transition Drill podcast I delve into the life and career transitions of Gary Faust, a former law enforcement officer. The conversation begins with a nostalgic look back at his upbringing in Orange County, where he was influenced by his father's dedication to law enforcement in Santa Ana. His m...

PODCAST - LISTEN, WATCH, AND SUBSCRIBE https://linktr.ee/TransitionDrillPodcast   In a candid discussion, I get into the life and passions of Bobby Holland, a retired Navy SEAL with a penchant for golf. We discuss his transition from the military to civilian life and subsequently starting his golf apparel company – Hoolie. Bobby grew up playing and loving football as well as the discipline and res...

PODCAST - LISTEN, WATCH, AND SUBSCRIBE https://linktr.ee/TransitionDrillPodcast    In this episode, I delve into the life of Andrew Cruz, a man whose journey from L.A. to the discipline of the Marine Corps has shaped him into a multifaceted entrepreneur. Andrew served 18 years and got out as Gunnery Sergeant in 2021. This is a must-listen for first responders, law enforcement, military veterans, a...

PODCAST - LISTEN, WATCH, AND SUBSCRIBE https://linktr.ee/TransitionDrillPodcast   In this episode I had a candid conversation with Shanon Morris. Shanon shares her unexpected journey to the Naval Academy. Growing up in the suburbs of Illinois, she had never heard of the Naval Academy until a flyer arrived in her mail during her high school years. A subsequent trip to Washington, D.C., and a tour o...

In this episode, I interview Nick Velez. Nick is a first-generation Mexican American who not only broke barriers by becoming the first in his family to join the U.S. Marine Corps but also navigated the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life.   The decision to join the military wasn't made on a whim. Inspired by his 6th-grade teacher, an Army Ranger, Nick’s initial desire was to join the...

In this episode, I got to talk with Andrew “Sully” Sullivan, a retired Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer. Sullivan shares his journey to becoming a member of one of the most elite military units in the world. After serving for 18 years and medically retiring in 2020 he started the non-profit Community First Project, where he and his team are providing training to law enforcement which focuses on tacti...

 In this episode, I sat down to talk with retired 20-year Marine Corps veteran, MSgt. Derek Mensen. Derek's early life was steeped in the typical American pastimes of football and baseball, with a brief foray into wrestling. His family, while not having a history of military service, was supportive when Derek and his older brother decided to join the military. Derek's decision to join the Marine C...

In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, I’m joined by Christopher Hoyer, a retired police officer from the Phoenix Police Department. Chris shares his journey from a troubled youth to a 20-year career in law enforcement, and his experiences dealing with trauma and its aftermath.   Chris grew up in a single-parent household, with his mother being his primary caregiver. His biological fathe...

Welcome to another amazing episode of the podcast. We delve into the life, the struggles, and the triumphs of a veteran. This is the story of Kevin Gilley, a Navy veteran who served his country with pride and honor, but faced a battle of a different kind when he returned home.   Kevin grew up dreaming of becoming a firefighter, a dream he pursued from his high school days. Many firefighters he kne...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the life of Angel Soriano, a former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, who shares his journey from being a skateboarder to serving in the military. Angel's story is one of transformation and growth, offering valuable insights for military members and those interested in understanding the military lifestyle.   Angel grew up in a small family with two brothers in W...

In episode 98 of the Transition Drill podcast, we delve into the life and career of Kevin Seiff, a former Navy SEAL and Marine Corps officer who transitioned into entrepreneurship. Kevin's journey began at the age of 12 when he met a Navy SEAL and was inspired to follow a similar path. After attending the Naval Academy and serving in the Marine Corps, with 1 combat deployment to Afghanistan, Kevin...

 In this episode of the Transition Drill podcast, I got to talk with Lt. Colonel Isaac Lee, a retired Marine Corps helicopter pilot who served for 20 years with multiple combat deployments. Isaac shares his journey from being a student studying advertising to becoming a Marine, and then becoming a Senior VP of Operations for a company in San Diego after his retirement in 2017.   Isaac discusses hi...

Join me in this episode of the Transition Drill podcast, we delve into the life of Ashoka, a former Green Beret turned musician. Ashoka's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal growth.   Ashoka's military career began with a deep-seated desire to serve his country. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, he was driven by the honor and respect he earned as a...

In this episode of the Transition Drill podcast, we delve into the life and career of Craig Garcia, a police officer with over two decades of experience. He retired from Mesa PD in 2021 at the rank of Sergeant. Craig's journey in law enforcement is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Craig began his career in a newly formed police department on an Indian reservation, where he faced the uni...

Join me in this episode for a profound conversation with Joe Hudak, a retired Green Beret – Special Mission Unit. Joe served 20 years in the Army and had 11 combat deployments. He shares his personal journey of battling trauma, seeking treatment, and finding hope in unconventional approaches. This episode is a must-listen for members of the military and law enforcement who are navigating their own...

In this engaging podcast episode, Dave Weiner, a military veteran and seasoned law enforcement professional, shares his personal journey from serving 8 years in the Air Force, then over 20 years in Federal law enforcement to starting his own training and education firm, Secure Measures. Dave's expertise lies in bridging the gap between the military and law enforcement communities by offering speci...

Kate Allgood, a former ice hockey player and founder of Quantum Performance, shares her journey from being a promising athlete to transitioning into a career in sports psychology. Kate talks about her early years playing hockey in Canada, competing against boys and eventually becoming a potential candidate for the 2010 Winter Olympics. After graduating college, she came to Southern California to t...

In this engaging episode, Douglas James, a marketing and entrepreneur coach, shares his journey from a troubled upbringing in New Orleans to finding purpose and success after serving in the Navy. Douglas opens up about his childhood escape through art and the challenges he faced growing up in a dysfunctional home. Despite struggling academically and being influenced by his father's negative behavi...

Rich “Bojo” Bojorquez grew up in a section of Los Angeles heavily controlled by gangs. Growing up he had to fight more to stay out of the gangs, but an unlikely assist from a prominent local gang member was a turning point for him. Always interested in the military, after graduating from high school he enlisted in the Navy. He served four years as a Damage Controlmen (fire fighter). His plan was t...

Guy Smith was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. Though gangs were all around him, a strong and influential family kept him out of gang life. Growing up he was into martial arts and wrestling, so after high school he ended up in San Diego coaching and fitness training. Many of the clients he was working with were special operations members and they convinced him to join the Navy. Guy en...

Danny Gonzales spent 18 years in law enforcement, starting as a reserve in 1988 and then 16 years as a full-time cop until 2006. Actions by a fellow officer caused Danny to report this activity to command. Danny fought an uphill battle, administration sided with the other officer, and Danny was then the subject of his own IA investigation. Danny was terminated, but he believed his agency when he w...

Nick Lavery, Army Green Beret and Amputee, in Episode 087 of the Transition Drill Podcast. Nick Lavery didn’t grow up with some polished, pre-written plan. He was a Boston kid who poured his energy into sports, earned a football recruiting path, and treated college like the place he had to be so he could keep playing. Then 9/11 hit during his sophomore year, and the direction snapped into place. H...

Jessica “Jess” Quezada has a love for the arts, more specifically photojournalism which led her to join the Marine Corps as a Combat Correspondent in 2013. Quezada’s first assignment was to Marine Corps Recruiting Command stationed at Quantico, and covering all recruiting events across the U.S. She was then assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, where she served as the current and fu...

Ricky Savage served 25 years in the Marine Corps. He was assigned to aviation crews supporting F/A 18s and Ospreys. He achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and retired as an Aviation Officer in 2015. Ricky had four (4) combat deployments, which, in his words, were scarier with each deployment. In his initial transition he went to college and then worked as a contractor in the aerospace indus...

Dr. Kathryn Hamel retired in 2019 as a lieutenant after serving 25 years as a police officer. During her time as a detective, she investigated cases of domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and rape. About 9 years into her career, she survived a horrific crash during a pursuit and fought her way back to full duty. During her recovery she decided to go back to school and eventually kept going thro...