FTU...Life after the military Podcast

In this episode I am joined by Chas Sampson, founder of Seven Principles, an organization who helps veterans with the VA claims. Chas has a background in help veterans and has now ventured into help athletes in the NFL. His journey is one to be celebrated due to his perseverance and and his willingness to embrace new ideas in order to achieve his goals. Chas was like many veterans who wanted to do...

In this episode I am joined by Tony Demaio, the Founder and CEO of Helping Heroes USA. We talk about how his organization helps veterans, first responders, and others who deal with suicidal thoughts. We discuss how and why he started his organization and how it had evolved over the years. Tony explains how listening to someone in need makes a difference in their lives. Tony mentions how the progra...

In this episode I am joined by Giuseppe Grammatico and we discuss the opportunities of pursuing a franchise. I found this episode to be very informative and I am extremely grateful to Giuseppe for coming on the podcast and discussing how to start a franchise. Giuseppe explains how to choose a franchise and how to go about financing the franchise. He also provides assistance to people who are inter...

In this episode I speak with Shaun Murphy, veteran, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and author. Shaun shares how he came to write his newest book, Unbreakable Valor: Triumph Through the Soul of Resilience. We discuss how failure should be embraced because it helps to develop perseverance and build character. Shaun's helped me by just reminding me that we all go through rough parts in our life...

In this episode I asked Marilyn to come back and share some information about being a woman in the military and the difficulties of being a mother (things that I will never understand). Daniel comes on to share some knowledge about his transition and the lessons he learned. We discuss how the military has changed over the years and we share some resources that helped with navigating the VA. Marily...

In this episode I catch up with Marvin, an old medic pal and University of Alabama fan. We discuss his transition from the military and the assistance he received from his unit while transitioning. We discuss the difficulties of letting go of the military mindset and leaning into our new lives. We talk a bit about the long hours "regular" people work and how it was not for me. We chat about my hai...

In this episode I catch up with James who demonstrated a high level of perseverance due to the technical difficulties I had with this episode (thank you, James). James explains the steps that he took to develop a plan to transition out of the military. He explains how his plan to be a consultant turned to a career in project management. We discuss his new service animal. We talk a bit about how hi...

In this episode I catch up with Jason and Melanie. Jason started his own YouTube channel to help active duty military prepare for the transition from the military. His provides valid insights to the reality of transitioning from the military and speaks in a language that every veteran and active duty military member will easily understand. They describe the challenges they faced in the first sever...

In this episode I talk to T.Shane, owner of Big Guns Coffee. This is an amazing story of a father supporting his daughter and helping her start a company at the age of 6, YES, I SAID 6! Shane explains how they developed the idea and built a company from scratch. This would be enough for any episode, but Shane describes his that he experienced when he transitioned from the Marine Corps. Shane then...

In this episode I talk to Kijuan Amey. Kijuan is an Air Force veteran with a remarkable story of triumph. He tells me about what drove him to serve his country and the extraordinary job of refueling aircraft while in flight. Kijuan then tells me about the day that changed his life and what motivated him to move beyond that event. He provides insight into what drives him to help people and why he b...

Is this episode I catch up with Jason. After 20 years of service to the U.S., Jason is ready to move on and pursue other ventures. We discuss the importance of planning and networking. Jason's positive attitude and perspective of what is important to him comes through in the discussion and will hopefully help veterans out there. I discuss the VR&E program that is offered through the Department...

In this episode I catch up with Marilyn. We talk a bit about our time in Cell Block 8 (98th CA) and she explains how she transitioned from the military. Marilyn then explains the importance of networking and refining your resume. We discuss the difference between project management in the military and project management in the civilian world. Marilyn talks about the challenges of being a military...

In this episode I catch up with Victor (Vic). We discuss how Vic transitioned from the military to "normal" life. Vic explains how his family helped with the decision to move to Florida. We also talk about how Vic has started several businesses and the lessons he has learned along the way. We talk about how he has leveraged business partners to advance his career to achieve his goals. I give a sho...

In this episode I catch up with Foster (98th Civil Affairs BN). We discuss his transition from the military and the perseverance he demonstrated in navigating through civilian life. We talk a bit about the trap that veterans fall into by pursuing project management jobs. Foster explains how he used the VR&E program to earn another Graduate degree. We end the show shout outs and an invitation t...

In this episode I discuss a video about a boat captain who had a video of his action go viral and he just so happens to be a veteran. I talk about what may have triggered his outburst and how the veteran community should support each other. I explain that the need for improved training for Department of Veterans Affairs administrators is needed now more than ever. I give credit to Alfredo and Chri...

In this episode I discuss the difference in medical care between the military and medical care after the military. I explain the importance of asking questions and voicing your opinion in medical care. I talk about the mighty Ant Eaters of UC Irvine reaching the finals in the NIT. I then talk about the business I started with Jesse and Stacey, The Patriiot Leadership Consultants. I end the show wi...

In this episode I discuss my recent birthday and how I just recently started celebrating them after a 30 year break. I follow that up with my decision to start a consultancy group to provide leadership training to organization. I explain how I trademarked the term "flush the mouse" and intend on passing the rights of this term to the actual creator. I give some shout outs to two tuff puppies and m...

In this episode I discuss the results of running the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon. I then talk about how to deal with unwanted advice by so-called "experts". I also talk about the transition from the military and the need to continue to seek out new skills. I make a recommendation of how the non-veteran community should communicate with veterans. I end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!"...

In this episode I discuss the uncertainty with federal jobs at the moment. I discuss why it is important to have an updated resume and I recommend two sites that offer assistance with resume. I also recommend Cassie Hatcher and her company for assistance to the veteran community. I talk a bit about the importance of updated headshots and end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROL...

In this episode I explain why I have been gone for a few months. I discuss the difficulties I have at the end of each year dealing with survivors guilt, PTSD, and anxiety. I explain how setting short term goals assist me in getting through this annual problem. I give a shout out to Dr. Raz and end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!".

In this episode I discuss where I have been over the last month. I mention the move I made to the solar industry and how my mental health has improved because I moved on from the military. I provide an update on my PhD program and mention how the Crimson Tide is stressing me out. I end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

In this episode I discuss how my personal life and professional life proved to be a bit challenging over the last several weeks. I discuss the interview process for a promotion with my former employer. I then explain how a PhD with a dissertation in conflict resolution did everything in their power to avoid conflict. I follow that up with how patience and perseverance proved to be invaluable in fi...

I start the show by explaining why I have taken some time off from the podcast. I explain that my sister passed away and how that has affected my family. I discuss the importance of doing what makes you happy. I then explain how I attended GalaxyCon and met Danny Trejo and William Shatner (CAPT Kirk). I explain the meaning of "le cheeserie" and I congratulate my friend for being promoted to First...

In this episode I touch on three topics. First, I discuss the reasons why people might "snitch" while in the Army and why it is okay. I then explain the discussion I had this week with a retired Colonel who did his best to convince me that he had retired all while insisting that people address him as "Sir" or "Colonel". I then talk about the importance of getting an insurance policy when you leave...

In this episode I discuss my exciting night out at the Dave Matthews Band concert. I describe how I managed my PTSD and refrained from punching people out. I also mention how my PTSD is my problem and I do not expect people to change their actions for me. I talk a bit about staying healthy after the military. I explain how two former Sergeants Major have successfully transitioned out of the milita...