Lessons Learned for Vets
Supporting veterans to achieve career success as they navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Each week we will bring you a new mentor who will teach you the lessons they have learned as they traveled the military transition path before you.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 41 minutes
- Episodes
- 189
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Mission Planning Your Military Transition with Lori Norris
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a complex journey that requires strategic planning well before your final out date. Starting 18-24 months ahead isn't excessive. It's nec…
What Happens When You Can't Answer the "What Makes You Happy?" Question with Thomas McKenzie
What happens when the military career you've devoted your life to suddenly comes to an end? For Thomas McKenzie, a Marine who reached E9 before his 20-year mark, this question became pa…
Understanding VA Disability Appeals: A Veteran Attorney's Insider Guide with Chris McGhee
What happens when your VA disability claim gets denied? For many veterans, this rejection feels deeply personal. But as Chris McGhee explains, denial is often just the beginning of a jo…
Navigating an Unexpected Medical Retirement with Aaris Whitman
When Master Sergeant Aaris Whitman received her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis after 23 years in the Air Force, her carefully laid military career plans crumbled. Instead of serving 26-28 ye…
What's The Catch? Exploring a Too-Good-To-Be-True Career with Mark Ardecki
Mark Ardecki's military transition story will resonate with anyone who's faced the uncertainty of post-service life. After nine years as a Marine with a special forces background, Mark …
How Training Service Dogs Helped a Marine Heal and Thrive with Ryan Woodruff
What happens when the skills that kept you alive in combat become the very things holding you back in civilian life? Former Marine Ryan Woodruff's powerful journey reveals how purpose c…
Tackling Veteran Underemployment through The Call of Duty Endowment with Dan Goldenberg
Struggling to translate your military experience into civilian success? Dan Goldenberg's journey from Naval officer to leading the Call of Duty Endowment offers a masterclass in veteran…
The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Separation Vs. Retirement with Michael Pett
Michael Pett defied conventional military career wisdom when he chose to leave active duty at the 15-year mark. His calculated decision, backed by a thorough cost-benefit analysis compa…
Walking 500 Miles to Find a New Purpose with Randall Surles
What happens when a highly-decorated Green Beret with an MFA in Creative Writing decides to forge a completely different path after retirement? Randy Surles takes us on his remarkable j…
Dropping Military Transition Truth Bombs with Keith Cassant
What happens when your dream job becomes uncertain during a government reduction in force? Keith Cassant, a retired Army veteran and sought-after transition expert, returns to the podca…
Embracing Life's Post-Military Adventures with Gennaro Mazzeo
Gennaro "Pirate" Mazzeo turned his military transition into an adventure – and it changed everything. After retiring from the Marine Corps during COVID after 22 years of service, he emb…
Adapting through Career Changes from Government to Tech with Melinda Beyer
Former Marine Corps officer Mindy Beyer takes us on a remarkable journey through her diverse career path that has spanned military service, government work, tech startups, and now leade…
Revamping the Military Transition Framework with Jason Anderson
When Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jason Anderson retired after 20 years of service, his transition looked perfect on paper. He landed a defense industry job with just one resume and two…
Exceeding Your Own Expectations with Christopher Coffey
What happens when your therapist asks you to practice rejection by applying for jobs you think are out of reach? For Air Force Tech Sergeant Christopher Coffey, it led to three six-figu…
Keeping Good Records for Career Succes with Lori Norris
Maintaining meticulous records might not seem like the most exciting aspect of career management, but as veterans know, proper documentation can make all the difference between mission …
Demystifying the ATS: How to Get Your Resume Past the "Robot" with Marisol Maloney
Ever felt like your carefully crafted resume disappeared into the void of an applicant tracking system? You're not alone. In this myth-busting conversation, Navy veteran, defense indust…
Adapting to Corporate Culture with Nick Perez
For many veterans, like Nick Perez, transitioning from the military can feel like stepping into a new world filled with unfamiliar rules and social cues. In the latest episode of our po…
Military Transition Insights from Human Resources with Gary Steensgard
This episode features insights from Gary Steensgaard, a veteran who transitioned from military service to a civilian HR role. We explore strategies for translating military skills for c…
Highlighting Mentorship and Entrepreneur Education with Leslie Coffey
Leslie Coffey, Vice President of Military Engagement for American Corporate Partners (ACP), joins us to shed light on the importance of a mentor in the military transition process, whet…
From Aviation Leadership to Franchising Success with Michael Athanasakis
Michael Athanasakis, a veteran with an impressive military career, shares his story of transitioning from active duty Army service to owning a Chick-fil-A franchise. Discover how leadin…