CMG Jacksonville

First Coast Military Life

Government EN ↓ 52 episodes

Jacksonville and Northeast Florida are proudly rooted in military tradition — we’re honored to be America’s premier military community. A weekly radio talk show and podcast dedicated to the stories, challenges, and triumphs of our region’s veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and the community that supports them. Airing every Sunday at 8 a.m. on FM 104.5 WOKV, and available anytime online and via podcast, First Coast Military Life explores the full landscape of military and post-military life. From finding a purposeful life post their military journey to transitioning out of...

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CMG Jacksonville

Episodes

1/11 - Episode 27: "From the USN to JEA" 09.01.2026 40:06

Guests include: Bill Hickey (JEA/Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Program), and Dee Quaranta (NE Florida Women's Veterans).

1/4/26 - Epsiode 26: "So, you want to start a non-profit?" 30.12.2025 40:06

Featured guests: JSEB Nonprofit Manager Dana Warsop, and Our Community Salutes w/ Ryan Bauman.

12/28 - Episode 25: "Changing How Veterans & Their Spouses Transition Into The Civilian World" 22.12.2025 40:00

Guests include Michelle McManamon (CEO Operation New Uniform) and John Bear (CEO Five Star Veterans Center).

12/21 - Episode 24: "Service Doesn't End When The Uniform Comes Off, It Simply Takes A New Form" 19.12.2025 40:07

Guests include Nick Howland (City Council VP & Fire Watch Executive Director), and Dan Bean (President of USS Orleck Executive Board).

12/14 - Episode 23: Starting, Scaling, and Sustaining Non-Profits 12.12.2025 40:01

Chris Budihas looks at non-profit organizations started, run by, and/or serving military veterans. Guests include Dana Warsop from the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Program, and Dan Bean from K9s For Warriors.

12/7 - Episode 22: "The Few and The Proud" USMC Recruiting in NE Florida 05.12.2025 40:00

This week's guests: Maj. Matt Weber, and a profile of Task Force Hydra 1 with CWO Rick Van Rickley.

11/30 - Episode 21 - "What and where is Camp Blanding?" 26.11.2025 40:00

Guest is Col. Todd Hopkins, plus a feature on non-profit mental health & crisis intervention service "Here Tomorrow" with Brannon Hicks.

11/23 - Mental Health and PTSD Support – Destigmatizing treatment and spotlighting local services 24.11.2025 40:06

Guests include Nick Padlo, of Sophros Recovery, and a spotlight on USO with Aaron Bowman.

11/16 - Episode 19: "Getting a Second Chance w/ Duval County Veterans Court" 14.11.2025 40:00

Guests include: Col. David Abramowitz (Ret) from Duval County Veterans Court, and a philanthropy spotlight on The Fire Watch with Nick Howland.

11/9 - Episode 18 "From Directing Aircraft to A.I." 07.11.2025 40:07

Guests include retired Warrant Officer Nathan Robinson of Red Class Solutions; and a profile of non-profit NE Florida Women Veteran's Organization, with President & CEO Dee Quaranta.

11/2 - Episode 17: "Salty Beginnings to Senior Positions" 31.10.2025 39:52

This week's guests include: Rear Admiral Gene Kindall (R), and a charity spotlight on Operation Lifeline w/ LtCol Erick Saks (Ret).

10/26 - Episode 16: "From Salty Beginnings to K9s" 24.10.2025 39:54

Guests include: Dan Bean (K9s for Warriors); Manny Vera (Travis Manion Foundation)

10/19 - Episode 16: "From Ranks to becoming the Wounded Warrior Project CEO" 17.10.2025 39:58

This week's guests include: Lt. Gen. Walt Piatt (Ret), CEO of Wounded Warrior Project; and US Navy veteran Steven Papas, Director of the UF Haley Brian Wellness Program.

10/12 - Episode 15: "From Boots to City Hall: A Veteran's Journey into Politics" 10.10.2025 39:58

Guests include: Jax City Councilman Col. Chris Miller (Ret), USN Capt. Dan Bean (Ret) of K9s For Warriors.

10/5 - Episode 14: "From Military Executive Leadership to Corporate Leadership" 03.10.2025 39:59

Guests include: Lt. General (Rt) Guy Swan, reflecting on his service career and business/community involvement beyond his service tenure; and with VeteransMuseum.org Scott Mythen.

9/28 - Episode 12: Service in the National Guard - Why It Matters 26.09.2025 39:48

This week's guests inlcude: COL(R) Felix Rodriguez; Operation New Uniform Update w/ Michele McManamon.

9/21 - Episode 11: "Being Informed for the Biggest Financial Decisions as a Veteran" 19.09.2025 40:08

On this week's episode: 21st Century Housing Purchase Need to Know as a Vet w/ Tom Reber ; USS Orleck w/ Dan Bean ; Critical Thoughts for Future Financial Stability thru and Beyond Military Service w/ Steve Strum .

9/14 - Episode 10: Serving the Community in Retirement, and Ways the Bold City Supports Military Personnel 12.09.2025 40:20

This week's guest lineup includes: USN Captain (Ret.) Aaron Bowman, discussing USO charitable programs; Candace Mabry discusses First Coast Honor Flights; and COJ's Military & Veterans Affairs Director Harrison Conyers discusses military recognition events and veterans care resources.

9/7/25 - Episode 9: "Serving the Community after Retirement" 05.09.2025 40:06

Brigadier General (Ret.) Mike Fleming discusses the Cohen Center. USN Captain (Ret.) Aaron Bowman discusses USO charitable programs.

8/31 - Episode 8: The Bold City Supports 02.09.2025 40:20

Col. Budihas discusses the new Chief of Navy Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle, who took command of the US Navy earlier this week. This week's guest is COJ's Military & Veterans Affairs Director Harrison Conyers, and this week features a spotlight on First Coast Honor Flights with president Candace Mabry.

8/24 - Episode 7: "The Unsteady Waters of Nagivating the VA Disability Process" 22.08.2025 41:37

On this week's episode, US Army veteran and VA certified practicing attorney Terrence Gorman discusses challenges and strategies for filing and executing VA benefit claims. And we look at Operation Lifeline w/ Erick Saks.

8/17/25 - Episode 6: "Veterans in Tech: Their Next Mission" 16.08.2025 40:17

What sort of opportunities exist in emerging technology after military service? And how do skills acquired in the military translate into the civilian/business sector? Guests include: US Navy veteran and Tech & Manufacturing Expert Rory Comiskey, and Our Community Salutes w/ Ryan Bauman.

8/10 - Ep.5 From Boots to Bots: Veteran's Taking Flight in the Drone Industry 11.08.2025 50:16

FCML profiles former and current military service personnel and their engagements in the Jacksonville business and social community. This week's guests include Scott Forbes (Verizon's Director of Drone Operations), and Nick Howland (Fire Watch).

8/3 - Episode 4: From Boots to the Ballot: A Veteran's Journey to City Hall 04.08.2025 39:52

Guests include: Councilman Jimmy Peluso, USNR Commander, and John Bear, CEO for 5-Star Veteran's Center.

7/27 - Episode 3: "From the Sea (or Land) to the C-Suite: Navigating the Civilian Job Market" 25.07.2025 39:54

This week's episode addresses transitioning out of military life into civilian careers. Guests: Randall Thomas, US Navy vet and host of the "PB & Jax" podcast; and Steve Pappas with the UF Leon Hailey Brian Wellness Clinic.