The Next Tour podcast

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia chat with Ryan Pavel, CEO of Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP). Ryan is a veteran who separated after 5 years of service as an active-duty Marine. WSP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips service members and veterans for success in higher education. Ryan shares the mission and the focus of Warrior-Scholar Project. He also explains WSP’s Academic Boot Cam...

Episode 21 - Transition and Finding Your Career Path In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Ross Dickman, US Army veteran and CEO of Hire Heroes USA. We talk about the unique aspects of what this Veteran Service Organization does differently in a space filled with more than 45,000 other entities and how their approach to helping veterans and spouses find their own career paths,...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Kate Horrell, ChFC®, AFC®, MQFP® about Post 9-11 GI Bill Benefits. Kate Horrell is a financial educator and expert who deals with these benefits on a daily basis; so much so that she wrote the book on it. Join us as we delve into examples and more specifics of the Post 9-11 GI Bill. Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk withDedrick Curtis, CFP®, ChFC®, AFC® about Post 9-11 GI Bill Benefits. With Dedrick’s extensive background and experience working at universities, with servicemembers, veterans, and families, he shares his tips on using Post 9-11 GI Bill Benefits, making the most of your benefit, and how to avoid some common pitfalls. Join us as we delve into t...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Daniel Kopp, an Air Force veteran, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Military Qualified Financial Planner (MQFP®), and widower, where we unpack some of the most important aspects of being prepared to deal with the loss of a loved one. Daniel’s firsthand experience and his professional expertise highlight several things families can do, bo...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Lacey Langford, an Air Force veteran and founder of both MILMO Show and MilMoneyCon, where we explore her venture into entrepreneurship as a financial professional. Lacey helps us understand how a veteran or military spouse can get into the financial professional sphere, what resources to leverage along the way, and some excellent tips on w...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Terri Bailey, the spouse of a member of the Army National Guard and an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), where we unpack some of the most critical things to consider when thinking about joining the Guard or Reserves, be it following time on active duty or as an initial entry point into military service. Terri also talks about some of t...

Episode 15 – Transition and State Veteran Resources    In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk withTodd McCaffrey, a retired US Army Major General who is currently the Secretary for South Carolina’s Department of Veterans Affairs. We dive into the reasons it is important for veterans to understand the difference between federal andstate benefits, and we unpack some tips for how best t...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Brandon Lovingier about financial readiness, financial health, and tips to become financially independent. As the host of his own website and video series, Enlisted Money , Brandon brings a fresh perspective to all servicemembers, veterans, and family members who are looking to do better with their own finances. He also holds designations a...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Melissa Comeau, spouse of a US Marine who was injured and ultimately medically retired several years ahead of their planned separation. Melissa discusses the impacts of a sudden and unplanned separation, covering topics such as finances, spouse employment and what it takes to face the unknown as a caregiver to a wounded service member. Meli...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia speak with Pat Williams, Program Director, Engagement and Career Transition Services, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), about effectively building a post-service resume. Pat also provides some helpful tips and advice on successful interviews in the civilian sector, how networking plays into fruitful job searches and interviews, and why...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia chat with Hana Romer, a Marine Corps veteran and military spouse. We discuss Hana’s journey with mental health, both during her time on active duty and following her transition out of uniform after 10 years of service. We also unpack barriers to mental health access, real and perceived, and talk strategies on how to get out of your own way when it co...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia speak with their friend Ramón “CZ” Colón-López about how to leverage your influence in the next chapter of life following military service. CZ was the fourth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) and retired in November 2023 after serving 33 years in the Air Force. As SEAC, CZ held the highest enlisted rank in th...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia are joined by John Hooley, where we explore military transition into corporate America. John, who mentored Ian through American Corporate Partners, discusses the attributes and unique talents service members bring to civilian companies and how to best be postured for success in the next career. One particularthing to consider is the use of one or mor...

Episode 8 – Transition and Family   In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia have a conversation about their family’s military transition withtheir daughters, McKenzie (22) and Mina (20), both of whom are college students. McKenzie is in her fourth year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is in Air Force ROTC. She will be graduating in May withher degree in Aerospace Engi...

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Jerry Quinn, Chief Operating Officer at the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), where we explore the ins and outs of life insurance needs during transition. Although not a sexy topic, life insurance (otherwise known as death insurance – not really!) becomes a necessary discussion during military transition where there is...

Bonus Episode 1 – Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)   In this bonus episode of The Next Tour, Ian interviews Andia about a program that she helps manage through the Association of Military Banks of America called the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP). She explains the program origins, program eligibility requirements, how to find a participating financial institution, how to receive...

Episode 6 – Transition and Military Spouse Employment   In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Andrea Singsaas. Andrea is the founder and CEO of The TyneGroup, an executive coaching practice dedicated to helping leaders navigate growth and change through one-on-one coaching and public speaking. As a military spouse of 9.5 years, Andrea has navigated her own challenges with under...

Episode 5 – Transition and TRICARE In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Lila Quintiliani. Lila is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and a Chartered Financial Consultant®, where she puts those important designations to full-time use as the Program Director - Financial and Benefits Education/Counseling at the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). In this conversation...

Episode 4 – Transition Decision  In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with their friend of more than 20 years, Jason Medsger. Jason is an Air Force Colonel and is the Security Force Officer Career Field Manager. Although still active duty, he is getting ready to “push the button” for retirement and plans to retire effective August 2026. In this first installment of our time with Ja...

Episode 3 – Transition and Benefits Planning  In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia dig into benefits planning at retirement and separation with Heather Walrath. Heather is the spouse of an Air Force veteran; she is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and works at Navy Mutual in the Education and Veteran's Services Department as a Military Benefits Liaison and Financial Educator.  In this...

Episode 2 – Transition and a Quest  In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia chat with Jason “Jay” France. Jay retired after more than 31 years in the Air Force finishing his career as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader at United States Transportation Command. At the culmination of his tremendous career, he took to the wilderness and hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a childhood dream of...

Episode 1 – Our Transition  In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia share their own experience with transition, including the surprises, challenges, and triumphs they’ve faced over the last year since their transition. As the hosts of The Next Tour, they provide a glimpse into the coming season of the show and some insight into what their guests will explore deeper. Of course, it will be c...

Welcome to The Next Tour with Ian and Andia where we explore military transition. This is our introduction episode.