The Veteran Blueprint

July 5, 2026 ~ Chris Kolenda, a retired colonel, shares his journey from Nebraska to West Point, his military career, and his transition to civilian life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 28, 2026 ~ Larry Fisher, who leads his community and helps veterans get homes in Florida and Michigan, shares his family’s military background and his early involvement with the Civil Air Patrol, which led to his own distinguished military career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising...

June 21, 2026 ~ Gretchen Smith, founder of Code of Vets, a nonprofit assisting over 8,000 veterans with rapid response efforts. Gretchen Smith shares her journey from growing up in rural North Carolina, her time in the Air Force, and the challenging transition back to civilian life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use o...

Feb. 14, 2026 ~ Dennis Stephens discusses his journey from growing up in Southeast Texas to joining the Marine Corps, going against his family’s Army tradition. Dennis Stevens shared his experiences in boot camp and his unexpected role as an amphibious assault vehicle crewman. Dennis Stevens later transitioned to civilian life, working for the Department of Energy, becoming a police officer, then...

June 7, 2026 ~ Tony Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, discusses his upbringing in Jasper, Alabama, his military career, and his current role. He shares experiences from basic training, being a drill sergeant, and the challenges of being the Sergeant Major of the Army, including testifying before Congress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for inform...

May 31, 2026 ~ Air Force veteran Michael Matteis, creator of Sentinel AI, to discuss his life journey and innovative work. He shares his upbringing, military experience stationed in England, and the challenges he faced post-service, including homelessness and suicidal thoughts. He introduces Sentinel AI, a platform designed to proactively reduce veteran suicide through a chat companion and a predi...

May 24, 2026 ~ Blackhawk One Fox, an influencer, shares his courageous story on YouTube and TikTok to help struggling veterans. Blackhawk One Fox recounts a difficult childhood in Oregon and joining the military at 23, experiencing three combat tours and a severe injury. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal d...

May, 17, 2026 ~ Kwesi Betserai, Detroit’s first Veterans Affairs Manager, discusses his 28-year military career and its influence on his current role. He shares his upbringing in Detroit, his journey through college, and his decision to join the Army, where he discovered his leadership abilities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec...

May 10, 2026 ~ Bonnie Carroll’s upbringing and military career, which was influenced by her mother, a World War II pilot. Bonnie Carroll discusses how the tragic death of her husband led her to create the TAPS program, which provides support for military families grieving a loss. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of p...

May 3, 2026 ~ Ed Pulido discusses his life and military service, including his father’s immigration and military career, which influenced his own. He recounts joining the military at 17, his early experiences in basic training, and how he supported a fellow recruit who later became a Sergeant Major. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our col...

April 26, 2026 ~ Torch Martin, a 23-year Air Force veteran, discusses his diverse military career and his transition to civilian life. Torch shares details about his upbringing in Oklahoma, his multiple attempts to enlist after 9/11, and the unique cultural experiences he had during his five-year assignment in Misawa, Japan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for...

April 19, 2026 ~ Nikki Giani discusses her childhood in Queens, New York, growing up in a single-parent home. She then shares her journey through the Air Force, from enlisted to officer, including her daughter’s battle with cancer and her eventual transition out of the military. Finally, she talks about the challenges and triumphs of starting her own business, the Small Business Architect, to help...

April 12, 2026 ~ Magnus Johnson joins the show to discuss his unique upbringing, military service, and founding of Mission 22. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 5, 2026 ~ Brian Fay talks about growing up in Florida, his decision to join the military after finding college was not for him, and his experiences as a Cavalry Scout and later as a combat medic, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He also explains the work of Concerned Veterans for America, an organization that advocates for veterans’ healthcare and congressional war powers. Host...

March 29, 2026 ~ Janae Sergio highlights her story of overcoming childhood homelessness and military sexual abuse. She shares her difficult upbringing, joining the Navy, and subsequent advocacy work with the Gronstad Foundation, which aims to help veterans heal and transition to purposeful lives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec...

March 22, 2026 ~ Dean Dauphenais discusses his experiences growing up on a Native American reservation and his transition into the Marine Corps. Dean shares insights into reservation life, his family’s values, and his motivations for joining the military as a way to leave the reservation. The conversation also covers the challenges of military-to-civilian transition and Dean’s current work as Exec...

March 16, 2026 ~ Herb Thompson, a retired Green Beret Special Operator, shares his difficult upbringing in Upstate New York, his path to joining the Army, and his unconventional journey to becoming a Green Beret despite being colorblind. He also talks about his combat experience, his transition out of the military, and how he now helps others through his motivational speaking and podcast. Hosted b...

March 8, 2026 ~ Daniel Odell, also known as The Fluffy Poodle, to the Veterans Blueprint, where he shares his journey of turning pain into purpose. He recounts a troubled childhood marked by poverty and abuse, leading to his entry into the military as a food service specialist. He discusses his military experiences, including a deployment to Iraq and a career-ending injury, and how a service dog a...

March 1, 2026 ~ Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard discusses his upbringing in a family of faith and law enforcement, which instilled a sense of selfless service and community. From an infantry platoon leader to intelligence, he highlights his understanding of both tactical and strategic perspectives. He then talks about the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, advocating for program...

Feb. 15, 2026 ~ Dr. Paul Lawrence discusses his military service, his family’s military background, and his transition to the private sector before joining the VA. Dr. Paul Lawrence explains his “Glad You Asked” videos, which provide quick answers to common veteran questions, and the process of filing a disability claim. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for inf...

Feb. 8, 2026 ~ Lloyd Knight, a veteran who served 19 years in the Air Force, discusses his military career and transition to civilian life, his diverse upbringing as an Army brat, his intense training as an aircraft loadmaster, and his growth as a leader. He also talks about his work at UPS, where he developed the veteran talent acquisition strategy, and his nonprofit, Vetlanta, which connects vet...

Feb. 1, 2026 ~ Clayton Simms, known as “SivDiv Update,” discusses his journey from a challenging upbringing in Kentucky to joining the Marine Corps and his experiences in Afghanistan and Syria. He shares the culture shock of transitioning from infantry to a psychological operations planner role and his decision to leave the military due to deployments and family. Simms explains how his struggles w...

Jan. 25, 2025 ~ Tiffany Jones Lewis, a Navy veteran and entrepreneur, discussed her journey from a traditional Southern upbringing to founding the TGL Collection. She spoke about her military service, which she viewed as a vehicle for travel and higher education, rather than a combat-focused path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our colle...

Jan. 18, 2026 ~ Scooter Brown, a Marine Corps veteran, discusses his unique journey from growing up in Colorado, riding bulls, and working on ranches, to serving in the initial invasion of Iraq. He shares his experiences in combat and the tough transition back to civilian life, where music became his therapy and new purpose. Brown is now a successful musician, performing with notable artists and l...

Jan. 11, 2026 ~ Sloan, a Marine Corps veteran, discusses her challenging transition from military to civilian life. She highlights the difficulties of adapting to a less structured environment and feeling isolated without the camaraderie of her fellow service members. Sloan now works in communications, helping public safety, and finds purpose in her new role. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz compa...