Chat 62

Our conversation continues with CWO Jon Cole, USMC , host of The Bunkhouse Podcast , as he opens up about the medical issues that led to his med board, the unexpected effect COVID had on that process, and the difficult reality of leaving the Marine Corps before he felt ready. Jon also reflects on mentorship, second chances, and how leadership is often about seeing value in people others have alrea...

We continue with CWO Jon Cole, USMC , host of The Bunkhouse Podcast , as he makes the leap from enlisted Marine to Warrant Officer. Jon shares what the Warrant Officer Basic Course taught him, how he grew into technical and leadership influence at Camp Lejeune, and what it was like leading during the early days of COVID. This chapter is about growth, adaptation, mentorship, and stepping into a who...

This chapter picks up as Jon reflects on reenlistment, the weight of leadership, and the lessons that came with growing into a Staff Sergeant. From combat deployments and family separation to the culture shock of Okinawa and the unexpected challenge of leading Marines in a completely different environment, Jon opens up about how those experiences reshaped the way he led, taught, and mentored other...

In Episode 50, we kick off Season 4 with a powerful 5-part series with CWO Jon Cole, USMC, and host of The Bunkhouse Podcast. Jon’s journey begins with unexpected turns—from bull riding to almost losing his shot at the Corps, to the moment a Marine Corps commercial changed everything. This is where the path of resilience begins. Tune in and witness how it all started. Catch The Bunkhouse Podcast:...

What was supposed to be the end of Chat 62 now feels more like a pause before the next chapter. In this special message, Erik shares gratitude for the support, reflects on the road so far, and looks ahead to Season 4, beginning with Episode 50 featuring Chief Warrant Officer Jon Cole of The Bunkhouse Podcast . Stay the Course and remember… Your Story Matters! General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

In the final chapter of this six-part series, Marine1169 reflects on life after the Corps. From the challenges of transitioning into the civilian world, to finding his voice through content creation, this episode closes the loop on a 21-year Marine Corps career shaped by leadership, sacrifice, growth, and hard-earned perspective. Marine1169 also shares advice for the next generation of Marines, th...

Afghanistan changed the mission. Retirement changed the mindset. In Part Five, Marine1169 reflects on deployment, leadership, mental health, and the reality of preparing to leave the Marine Corps after more than 21 years in uniform. From Afghanistan to 11th Marines, this chapter is about experience, pressure, and preparing for what comes next. Marine1169’s story continues. Semper Fi. General Email...

Afghanistan. 2013. Now a Gunnery Sergeant, Marine1169 steps into a new role — leading Marines in a combat zone while serving as part of the Quick Reaction Force at Camp Bastion. In Part Four: Tension with senior leadership in Iraq Learning when to stand your ground Orders to Afghanistan QRF training and real-world mortar attacks The weight of responsibility when it’s your Marines From clearing bui...

Recruiting duty wasn’t the plan. While his unit crossed the line into Iraq, Marine1169 was sent to the streets of California — working nonstop, missing holidays, and watching the war unfold from a distance. Then it was his turn. In Part Three, we dive into: The pressure of recruiting duty Guilt while others deployed Arriving in Iraq in 2006 Mortar attacks and convoy risks Memorials that never got...

First duty station. Second Medical Battalion. Real-world lessons begin. In Part Two, Marine1169 steps into Fleet Marine Corps life — engineer platoons, hurricane chaos, Haiti deployments, and the kind of brotherhood you can’t fake. This is where things shift. Rank comes fast. Leadership gets tested. And a young Marine starts to grow up — the hard way. From Camp Lejeune to Camp Pendleton, this chap...

College didn’t work out. So he made a decision. Telling his parents? That was the hard part. A chase around the coffee table. Two weeks of silence. And one question from his Army-veteran father: “You sure you can do that?” From Parris Island in 1994 to graduation day and his first MOS, this episode begins the story of a 21-year Marine Corps career. Marine1169’s story continues next episode. Semper...

In the final chapter of Kevin Osborne’s five-part journey, the conversation shifts from career moves to legacy. Kevin reflects on the lessons that stayed with him long after the Marine Corps—what leadership truly means, what he would have done differently, and how growth sometimes requires unlearning fear just as much as learning courage. From growing up in poverty near Yosemite, to navigating cor...

In Part Four of Kevin Osborne’s story, the uniform comes off—but the challenges don’t. Kevin shares what transition really looked like: long hours unloading trucks, building server racks overnight, navigating layoffs, and wrestling with the frustrations of both corporate and federal systems. From contract specialist roles to the VA hospital and an unexpected opportunity to attend the National Defe...

In Part Three of Kevin Osborne’s story, Kevin opens up about difficult leadership, isolation, faith under pressure, and what it’s like to constantly butt heads when you don’t quite fit the mold. From moments of unexpected loyalty and betrayal, to navigating promotions, family dynamics, and the search for purpose near the end of his enlistment, this chapter paints an honest picture of how leadershi...

In Part Two of Kevin Osborne’s story, the journey continues from boot camp straight into Marine Combat Training, MOS school, and life in the fleet. Kevin talks about skipping leave, grinding through comm school in 29 Palms, standing fire watch on New Year’s Eve, and returning home changed—more confident, but still navigating a complicated relationship with his father. This episode also covers his...

Every Marine has a starting point. In Part One of this multi-episode conversation, Kevin Osborne takes us back to his early life—growing up with very little near Yosemite, grounded in faith, and shaped by the discipline and lessons he learned through baseball. Before the uniform and before leadership roles, Kevin was a young man looking for direction and opportunity. The Marine Corps became a path...

After returning to Riverside, CA (post-EAS), Alex Mendoza knew it was time for a change. With the help of fellow Marine Andy Escanuela, he packed his seabag and headed for Oak Cliff, Texas in search of a new beginning. This final chapter of Alex’s story is about second chances, growth, and the brotherhood that keeps showing up—even years after the Corps.  Special thanks to guest contributor Gunny...

From Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton to Kuwait and back to Camp Pendleton, Alex Mendoza reflects on the highs and lows of his Marine Corps journey. In this installment, we dive into his post-boot camp transition, adapting to new environments, dealing with homesickness, and navigating the cultural shock of military life far from home. Alex also shares leadership lessons learned the hard way, including...

Corporal Alex Mendoza opens up about growing up in the Inland Empire of Southern California & Mexicali, Mexico, navigating family tensions as he left for boot camp, and the emotional weight of chasing something bigger than himself. In this opening chapter, Mendoza reflects on a journey that didn’t follow the standard Marine script—missing the iconic Yellow Footprints, reporting to MOS school b...

In the final chapter of his story, Darwin GlavezDiaz takes us through life after Okinawa — the long road home, the frustrations of missed reenlistment, and the hard lessons of transitioning back to civilian life. From the pride of earning his Corporal chevrons overseas to coming home to an empty base, Darwin opens up about the challenges, the humor, and the growth that come with hanging up the uni...

We continue with Part Two of Corporal Darwin Glavez Diaz’s story — picking up right after boot camp as he returns home in uniform, full of pride, and ready for what’s next. Darwin talks about the highs of recruiter’s assistance, the humbling realization that life keeps moving while you’re gone, and the wild ride that followed at Marine Combat Training and Camp Johnson . From red-taped lockers to l...

Season Three of the Chat 62 Podcast kicks off with Corporal Darwin GlavezDiaz. From his roots in LA and Central California to the yellow footprints at MCRD San Diego, Darwin shares the ups and downs of his path to becoming a Marine. He opens up about life as the son of Salvadoran immigrants, nearly losing his shot at enlistment after being falsely named in a gang stabbing, and the challenges of DE...

September 11th, 2001 changed everything. Twenty-four years later, the memories live on through the voices of Marine & Navy Veterans who served before, during, and after that day. In this bonus episode of the Chat 62 Podcast, we revisit powerful moments from Season 2—featuring Paul Stringer, Henry Rodriguez, Dani Mercy, Gunny Moon, and Lyndon Walker—as they share reflections shaped by that day...

“Life After the Corps.” In the final chapter of Lyndon Walker’s journey, he reflects on life after the Marine Corps —but not before finishing strong. Walker shares what it was like trying to find his place in the civilian world after wearing the uniform. He opens up about making up for lost time after the Brig, his first marriage , becoming a father , and eventually finding love and stability late...

“Brig Time and Redemption.” In Part Two of Lance Corporal Lyndon Walker’s journey, things take a turn. Walker shares what led to his time in the Brig , the demotion in rank, on-base restriction , and how he fought to rebuild his reputation and finish his enlistment with dignity. From joining the PAC to facing the consequences of one bad night—this is a story about accountability, resilience , and...