S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! You ever get tired of the noise of social media and just yearn for some good ole fashioned common sense? In this episode, we sit down with Texan-to-the-bone Charles Hamm, a former Marine sergeant, retired entrepreneur, and 3x #1 International Bestselling Author. With over 75 years of life experience, Charles has worn many hats, from...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Ever wonder what it would be like to quit your job, live on your savings, and explore the world? My next guest has been doing just that for a number of years. Thanks to smart financial decisions and a passion for exploring, she travels internationally meeting people from all walks of life and shares her experiences (and cost cutting...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! From Navy SEAL to Advocate – The Journey of Bill Brown In this episode, we sit down with Bill Brown, an Iraq Veteran Navy SEAL who served honorably for eight years, completing three deployments. Bill shares his incredible journey from the battlefield to higher education, where he utilized the Montgomery GI Bill to attend Rutgers Uni...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Can you heal yourself and rise to leadership in the Navy’s highest enlisted ranks? In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Amaury Ponciano—an inspiring example of authenticity, accountability, and transformation. From surviving the tragic USS Cole bombing to battling his own personal demons, Amaury’s story is a raw and honest remi...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jessica Ruttenber, a trailblazing U.S. Air Force pilot who turned her “vertical challenges” into an incredible aviation career. With over 3,000 flight hours, Jessica soared as a Senior Pilot and became a fierce advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality in th...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Anspach, a seasoned entrepreneur, marketing consultant, prolific author, and podcast host with over 30 years of experience helping businesses build authority, craft legacies, and achieve long-term success. Known for his no-nonsense approach to marketing, Rob shares his famous “Rob-isms”—memorable...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! The transition from military service to civilian life is one of the most profound journeys a veteran can face. Finding a renewed sense of purpose is key to shaping this next chapter. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Col. (Ret) Bill Butler, the acting president of The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio....

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! This week, I sit down with Ted Blickwedel, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who risked everything to expose critical issues within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Ted’s journey began at the VA VET Center in Warwick, RI, where he provided mental health care to fellow ve...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Can U.S. military members truly exercise their First Amendment rights? What are the limits on free speech within the armed forces, and why do these boundaries exist? While everyone agrees on the importance of protecting operational security, how do we also encourage innovation and support those willing to step forward with bold idea...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! “You take every job assuming it’s a good one. Yet, at any point, your intuition might signal that something has changed—whether it’s the organization, or you. Either way, only you can take charge of fixing your work and your life.” - Kate Goggin In this episode, we sit down with Kate Goggin, author of 10 Little Rules When Good Jobs...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this episode, we’ll sit down with Julie Vida, a distinguished technology and business executive with a career that spans military service, high-impact roles in the public sector, and leadership in the tech industry. Currently, Julie leads the growth team for the Defense sector at ManTech, focusing on innovative solutions to secur...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! My next guest runs a property that helps our veterans in many ways and was recently granted new land to continue their mission. Yeck is a former United States Marine, Special Intelligence Communications (MOS 2651—Company L, Marine Support Battalion, NSGA, Guantanamo Bay, and 1st Radio Battalion, Kaneohe, Marine Corpe Air Station), a...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! On April 6, 2018, Sgt. Ryan Carter went to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for what is considered a routine back surgery for chronic neck pain. He left the hospital paralyzed, never to walk again.  He and his wife believe he is the victim of military malpractice, but is currently unable to litigate his case and rec...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What can be do to stop the spread of divisiveness? How can we understand one another and seek to empathize with people who don’t look like us, act like us, or even think like us?  I believe this understanding is vital. One amazing veteran has founded an organization that’s on the front lines of healing our fractured communities thro...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! There is nobody better out there who has the fortitude to push through change like Chris McGhee, Esq., LL.M. His own experiences as an aircraft maintainer seeing an acute mental health crisis has pushed the United States Department of Defense to study suicide rates by job code, to which they did a “nice try” with an overdue study wh...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! With a passion for giving back to the veteran community, today I am so honored to bring Melissa Washington to the S.O.S. podcast. Melissa is an award-winning advocate, speaker, author, entrepreneur, CEO, publisher, Radio Show Host, and proud Navy veteran. Woven throughout all of her diverse pursuits is a mission of service—and a pas...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Today, I welcome Jenni Harmon. Nearly 30 years ago, we went through boot camp and Navy aircrew school together and have stayed in touch ever since.  You may recall that I hosted her on the second episode of the S.O.S. podcast three years ago. We discussed her taking up skateboarding and how her life unfolded after serving in the Nav...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! You reach the top of your career but then walk away. Why? Is there something else out there driving you?  My next guest spent nearly her entire adult life in the corporate banking sector. Grueling hours. High stakes deals. A well-paid and prestigious position. After several decades, she turns her life in another direction: teaching...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What’s your next mission when the military ends? How do you find your tribe, your purpose, and that way to support yourself while a part of a growing community? Would you make a go at it by forming a military podcast? Roger and Dan, hosts of the Tracer Burnout podcast, join the S.O.S. podcast to tell the deeply personal story of how...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What was it like running the country’s largest and most extensive health care delivery system during a global pandemic that stressed every government sector? On this episode of the S.O.S. podcast, meet Dr. Richard Stone, a physician, a combat veteran, and former head of the Veterans Health Administration. Starting in December 2019,...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! No better person to explain the benefits you earned by serving than a former Undersecretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs! In this episode, learn about the overlooked, misunderstood, and underutilized service benefits that often confuse veterans and prevent them from accessing support services. There are ma...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! My next guest needs no introduction for many of you. His crew’s presence this past year in the Red Sea was highly publicized. Not only that, he is part of a new era of “influencer” senior leaders, taking his leadership lessons outside the skin of the ship, and helping the public better understand our Navy! “Chowdah” Hill is a native...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Controlling ourselves in the most stressful situations is vital to a healthy life. We can learn much from those who intentionally do hard things. This act of discipline trains us so that we are prepared when life unexpectedly hands us a traumatic experience. Adam Boyd spent years in law enforcement as a detective specializing in dom...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Rehab is often associated with people who have the most urgent and complex addictions and mental health crises. What if we better educate our service members on what was available, what TriCare covers, and how to spot a reputable provider? My next guest and I will explore this subject in depth and discuss how military members can si...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! How can you better understand how to make connections and network authentically? Do you want to understand what will lead to the most significant opportunities? When I met Scott Manthorne, I knew I was talking to a master networker who not only talked the good game, but worked hard to build genuine relationships. He has decades of c...