Acknowledge 2 Action

In this episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, I sit down with John Kerkhoff to explore his journey from the Air Force to the Army and into the business world and how his experiences shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in awareness, accountability, and action. John reflects on navigating change, uncertainty, and growth in real time throughout his military career. Those lessons didn’t end w...

In this episode of Acknowledge 2 Action , host Matthew Benko sits down with Phil Needles: educator, leader, and lifelong advocate for learning, connection, and purpose to explore the transformative power of acknowledgment, resilience, and community. Phil shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to a distinguished career spanning higher education, entrepreneurship, and executive l...

n this episode, host Matthew Benko reconnects with Ashon Calhoun, who has achieved academic and professional success all while actively serving in the Army National Guard. From starting at community college to now pursuing his graduate degree at Villanova University, Ashon’s journey highlights the power of balance, resilience, and purpose. Recently honored with the NCTA Changemaker Award, Ashon re...

🎙 Episode 28 – Make Them Tell You No: From Fighter Pilot to Entrepreneur | Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast Guest: Alex Lisot | Host: Matthew Benko🚀 From flying F-15 fighter jets to building a life of freedom and purpose, Alex Lisot shares his inspiring journey from military service to entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Alex reflects on his path from the Air Force Academy to becoming a fighter p...

In this powerful episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, host Matthew Benko welcomes fellow Air Force veteran Kijuan Amey for a powerful conversation on service, sacrifice, and second chances. From soaring at 30,000 feet as a KC-135 boom operator to surviving a devastating motorcycle accident that left him blind, Kijuan’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering faith. Before trage...

In this powerful episode, former Navy SEAL Dave Swarts shares his inspiring journey—from high school ambitions to the rigorous demands of BUD/S training, the impact of 9/11, and the highs and lows of a 20-year military career. As we near the one-year anniversary of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast, this conversation brings a vital focus to post-military M.E.P.S.S. (Mental, Emotional, Physical, Soc...

In this powerful episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, former Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet pilot Kegan Gill shares his gripping story of survival, resilience, and transformation. After experiencing the fastest survived ejection in naval aviation history, Kegan defied the odds—overcoming catastrophic injuries, PTSD, and the challenges of recovery to reclaim his purpose. In This Episode, Kegan S...

In this episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, Kevin Brewer delves into his transformative journey from military service to personal growth, navigating health challenges and embracing radical acceptance. Drawing on his military background, Kevin shares insights into leadership, coping mechanisms, and the profound impact of asking the right questions to overcome life’s obstacles. The conversa...

In this compelling episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast, host Matthew Benko sits down with Nick Palmisciano, a military veteran, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose journey embodies resilience, humor, and a relentless drive to make a difference. From his transition to civilian life to founding Diesel Jack Media, Nick shares candid insights into the challenges of finding purpose after servic...

In Episode 22 of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, Matthew Benko sits down with Jay Browning to explore his inspiring journey from Marine Corps service to law enforcement, and ultimately, to a rewarding career in fundraising and consulting. Jay shares insights on the importance of mentorship, networking, and leadership, illustrating how each of these elements shaped his career trajectory and perso...

Join host Matthew Benko in episode 21 of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast as he sits down with Mike Barnum to discuss his military journey and life after service. They explore the importance of personal branding, the distinction between kindness and niceness, and how to build unity in a politically polarized world. Mike reflects on mental health challenges, the significance of acknowledgment, and...

In this powerful episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast, host Matthew Benko sits down with Nick Lavery, a Green Beret and motivational speaker, to explore a journey defined by resilience, motivation, and the transformative power of humility and teamwork. Nick shares intimate details about his time in the military, the life-changing moment he lost his leg, and how he reshaped his life through...

In this special re-release, we take a look back at a pivotal episode that played a key role in inspiring the creation of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast. Originally recorded on February 11, 2022, during the Veteran Power Hour on Montco Radio, this conversation features host Matthew Benko and guest JT Frank, founder of Consequence of Habit Inc. Together, they explore the unique challenges veterans...

In this episode, Angel Munoz shares her inspiring journey of joining the Army and the deep military roots of her family. She opens up about the profound support they received from their community after the tragic loss of her brothers—Robert Arsiaga, US Army, KIA on April 4, 2004, and Jeremy Arsiaga, US Marine Corps, who passed away on September 4, 2015, after losing his battle with PTSD. Angel ref...

In Episode 17 of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, Brandon Guingrich shares his compelling journey into the military, highlighting his experiences as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in the Air Force. Sparked by the events of 9/11, Brandon chose a career path in EOD, where he faced intense training and honed his problem-solving skills. He delves into the technological advancements i...

Join us in our latest episode, "Feed the Fire," where Ben Monnette shares his military journey and personal transformation. Ben opens up about his struggles with alcoholism and the profound impact it had on his life. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and building a support system to overcome addiction. Discover the power of the mind in shifting perceptions and finding small victories to...

In this episode, Heriberto "Eddie" Arambula, PhD, recounts his military journey and the profound impact it had on his life. Enlisting in the US Army in 2002, Eddie was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and deployed to Iraq in 2004, where he experienced intense combat. He was part of the unit featured in the National Geographic series "The Long Road Home,", https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210820/ based...

Join Matthew Benko and Shane Smith as they share their experiences as C-130 Crew members in the Marine Corps and Air Force. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the unique aspects of their training, the diverse missions they undertake, and the camaraderie that defines their roles. The discussion covers the cultural experiences gained, the pursuit of better lives for their families, and t...

Join us in this episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast as Adam Peters shares his incredible military journey, starting with his decision to join the Army at 17. Adam recounts his experiences in basic training and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, his transition to civilian life after being medically retired, and his struggles with heavy drinking. Adam's story highlights the importance of s...

In this episode, Matthew and Chris continue their conversation on transition and readjustment from episode 7. They explore various topics, including leadership, their military experiences, and the decision to actively transition from active service to the civilian way of life. Emphasizing the importance of building rapport, asking open-ended questions, and listening to understand, they also discus...

In this episode, Matthew interviews his brother Josh about his extensive military journey and experiences. Josh joined the Air Force after high school and initially planned to do four years with the intent to become a State Trooper following his military service. However, after deployments to Saudi Arabia and Haiti, he decided to make the military his career. Over 26 years, Josh completed 10 diffe...

Join us for Episode 10 of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, where we dive into Connie Whalen's incredible military journey and personal transformation. Starting her Navy career at the age of 17 as a yeoman, Connie transitioned into a Navy counselor, dedicating 20 years to recruiting duty. Through challenges and sacrifices, Connie found success with vital family support and a commitment to work-lif...

In this episode, titled "Strong Enough…Long Enough," we dive into an inspiring conversation with Jesse Iwuji, a U.S. Naval officer, NASCAR driver and Team Owner and entrepreneur. Jesse shares his remarkable journey—from graduating from the Naval Academy to embracing a multiple career in the Navy, Nascar and a variety of entrepreneurships. Jesse emphasizes the importance of a resilient mindset and...

Tyler Schmoker  shares his journey from active duty in the Army to joining the National Guard and Reserve. He highlights the importance of highlighting the stories of those who serve in non-traditional career paths within the military. Tyler discusses his experiences in the Louisiana National Guard during Hurricane Katrina, where he was part of a quick reaction force and deployed to the New Orlean...

In this  @Acknowledge2ActionPodcast  episode Chris Hernandez shares his experiences and insights from his 24-year military career. The conversation covers topics such as leadership, mentorship, career progression, duty stations, deployments, building rapport, and the power of acknowledgement and taking action. Chris emphasizes the importance of getting to know the people you work with and asking o...