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 20 years in the military, but then decided that he wanted to pursue other interests. Chas explains how he diversified his portfolio and sets his hours while pursuing his dreams. Chas is an example for all veterans to follow! We end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TODE!!!"

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 program has progressed to virtual seminars due to the overwhelming need for a program such as this. I also had to apologize because I have become a bit overwhelmed with my projects that I missed our first recording date and Tony was gracious enough to reschedule. We end the show the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 interested in starting their own franchise. You can reach him through his website to set up a meeting and take advantage of his assistance. We end the show a bit early because I realized I scheduled an episode on my wife's birthday.

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 and it is alright to take a break. Shaun also explain how he pursued a career in music when others thought it wouldn't work. We talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. We end the show withe the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!" 

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. Marilyn and Daniel both share their current projects and we end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 hair transplant and our golf games. We end the show with shout outs and the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 his skills in the military helped him with his transition and he provides an update on his MBA at Northwestern. James talks about how networking helped him with finding a career that suits him. We end the show withe the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 several years of transitioning. We talk about following up with another episode on mental health. I apologize for "stalking" them on Linkedin, not really. I end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 explains the process that he and his daughter developed to grow the beans. Big Guns is available at https://www.biggunscoffee.com/ and can be bought locally in the Carolinas. We end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 became a motivational speaker. We discuss his new book "Don't Focus on Why Me: From Motorcycle Accident to Miracle". If you only listen to one episode from this podcast, please listen to this episode. Thank you Kijuan!

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 of Veterans Affairs and the importance of choosing a VA facility that is right for you. We end the show with shout outs and the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and ROLL TIDE!!!".

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 spouse and the adventures of having children. We end the show with shout outs and the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 shout out to Cinterra and my boss Jason and we end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 to return to the show.  

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 Chris for helping me remain sane and I end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 with a shout out to my children and the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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 my grandbabies. I end the show with the farewell "ZOT!" "ZOT!" "ZOT!" and "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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!" and "ROLLTIDE!!!"

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 "ROLL TIDE!!!"

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!!!".