In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with fellow Marine veteran and entrepreneur Nick Powell, Vice President of Business Development at BigRentz, the nation's largest equipment rental network. Nick shares his incredible journey from a turbulent path in high school to the Marine Corps, where a chance encounter w…

In this riveting episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Tim Hsia sits down with Gene Yu — a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, author, entrepreneur, and the man behind an audacious real-life hostage rescue mission. Gene shares the extraordinary story that inspired his new book, The Second Shot: A Green Beret’s Last Mission, r…

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, host Beau Higgins sits down with Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, a man who has worn many uniforms—Army Ranger, Border Patrol Agent, Drill Sergeant, Actor, and more. From chasing a dream in college baseball to deploying with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, Vincent shares how resilience, adaptability, and servi…

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Lewis Manalo, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Old Glory Studios, for a wide-ranging conversation on his incredible journey—from NYU film school to combat engineer in the 82nd Airborne Division, and back to civilian life as a creative force in the gaming and film industries.…

Brian and Max, Brian’s two youngest children, are still in grade school. In this episode we sit down with them and with their mom, Allison, for an intimate conversation about how children process and navigate life with a parent who has Parkinson’s. We discover what they know about Parkinson’s, how they’ve seen it impact their dad, and how their fam…

In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes Marine Corps Veteran and current Mission Lead at Swarm Aero, Andrew “Andy” Christian, for an in-depth conversation that spans decades of service, personal evolution, and cutting-edge innovation. Andy shares his story of enlisting in the Marine Corps straight out of Wisconsin,…

Jonavan and Maliah, Brian’s middle children, were just grade schoolers when their father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, they share their heartfelt reflections on the emotions they experienced upon learning of his diagnosis and how it has influenced their lives and shaped them into the adults they are today.…

In this compelling episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins is joined by Cassidy Nolan, a United States Marine Corps Veteran turned advocate for veterans' mental health. Cassidy opens up about his personal journey, from his time in service to his struggles with PTSD and the challenges many veterans face transitioning back to civilian life. …

Anaya and Jaydon were just in grade school when their father received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. In this episode, we sit down with them to reflect on how the initial diagnosis shaped their childhood and discuss the strategies, support, and lessons that helped them navigate life alongside their dad's journey with Parkinson's.…

Amani and Elijah, Brian's two eldest children, live in the same city as their dad and play a vital role in supporting him as he navigates life with Parkinson's disease. In this episode, we sit down with Amani and Elijah to explore their unique perspectives and experiences as the eldest siblings in the family.…

In this powerful episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Miki Nguyen to share the gripping story of his family's escape from Saigon during the fall of Vietnam in 1975. Miki’s father, a South Vietnamese military officer, made a heroic and daring escape, not just for his own family, but for his crew and countless others. Miki …

In this episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins is joined by Kevin Cornish, the founder and CEO of Moth + Flame, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing training through virtual reality. Kevin shares his journey from Hollywood to tech, detailing how he transitioned from aspiring filmmaker to leading a company at the forefront of AI and VR…

In this episode of the Military Veteran Podcast, Tim Hsia sits down with Emery Wager, a Marine veteran, Stanford graduate, and the co-founder of Confido Legal. Emery takes us on a journey from his childhood in the Pacific Northwest to the competitive sailing world and his transition into the Marines. He reflects on his time at Stanford, where he ba…

In this episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brian Coyne, a former Marine and current CEO in the private equity world. Brian shares his unique journey from serving 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps to successfully transitioning into the private equity sector—a path less traveled by many veterans. Brian discusses how his m…

Welcome back to The MilVet Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Rich Comitz, a dedicated veteran and Chief Operating Officer at American Corporate Partners (ACP), to discuss his remarkable journey from military service to academia and finally to his current role helping veterans transition into civilian careers. Rich takes us through his time…

In this episode of The MilVet Podcast, Joseph Cabrera from Mainshares joins hosts Brendan Aaronson and Beau Higgins to discuss search funds and small business acquisitions. Cabrera, a former Army officer and special ops veteran, shares his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, including a near-miss with Goldman Sachs. He discusses t…

Welcome back to The MilVet Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Halterman previously of The Honor Foundation to discuss the incredible work they’re doing to support veterans, particularly those in the special operations community, as they transition to civilian life. Michael takes us through his own journey, from being one of the first…

In this episode of The Military Veteran Podcast, we chat with Julie Cane, a former Navy pilot who made a successful transition from the military to the civilian workforce. From flying helicopters for Navy SEALs to leading a company focused on investing in democracy, Julie shares her fascinating journey and the lessons learned along the way. In this…

In this episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Brendan Aaronson and co-host Beau Higgins sit down with retired three-star General Robert Ruark, a Marine Corps legend whose 36 years of service have left an indelible mark on both the military and nonprofit sectors. General Ruark, now the president and CEO of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, shares …

Today we’re joined by Roxanne Bras Petraeus, co-founder and CEO of Ethena, an innovative compliance training platform redefining how businesses approach ethics and culture. Roxanne shares her journey from serving as an Army Engineer and Rhodes Scholar to launching Ethena, a Series B company that's raised $50 million in venture capital. We dive into…

For our 100th episode, we’re honored to host Chris Cassidy, former Navy SEAL, NASA astronaut, and current President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum. Chris shares his incredible journey from a small town in Maine to becoming one of only 500 humans to have traveled to space. In this episode, Chris reflects on his time as a SEAL during p…

Grant Demaree is the co-founder and CEO of OneBrief, a company revolutionizing mission planning for the Department of Defense. With deployments across major military operations and $53 million in funding, OneBrief is setting the standard for streamlined collaboration and faster decision-making in defense. Grant shares insights into the challenges o…

Welcome to The MilVet Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Tyler Sweatt, CEO of Second Front Systems and partner at the Silicon Valley Defense Group. With a dynamic background that includes military service, sales leadership, and now leading a cutting-edge public benefit corporation, Tyler shares insights on navigating the complexities of defe…

This week, we’re thrilled to feature Mike Frank, Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Navy. Mike’s journey is one of dynamic leadership, transitioning from the Marine Corps to consulting roles and now tackling innovation challenges in federal service. Mike shares his insights on the unique opportunities and challenges of working in public se…

Welcome to The MilVet Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Frank Baumann and Boe Nankivel, operating partners at Cold Bore Capital, a veteran-founded private equity firm focused on the lower middle market. Frank and Boe share their journeys from military service—including Boe’s time as a Navy SEAL and Frank’s experience in Navy intelligence—t…

Today, we’re joined by Rob Henderson, author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. From a childhood in foster care to serving in the U.S. Air Force and earning degrees from Yale and Cambridge, Rob’s journey is a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the transformative power of military service. In this episode, Rob shar…

In this MilVet podcast episode, guest Dave Won explores how childhood experiences shape financial behaviors and stress. He addresses the societal taboo around discussing money, unique challenges for veterans, and the importance of self-advocacy in negotiations. Dave shares insights on emotional drivers of financial decisions, practical budgeting ti…

Welcome to the Military Veteran Podcast! In today's episode, we’re excited to host Steve Gilman, the co-founder and CEO of OneRange, alongside Carina Cho and Lenore Karafa. Steve has an incredible, multifaceted background, —from being a Major League Baseball athlete to an Intelligence Officer and now a successful entrepreneur. We dive into his jour…

In this TheMilVet Podcast episode, Lenore Karafa, Senior Client Partner at TMV, shares her inspiring journey from military service to a successful career in finance and consulting. Lenore discusses her early life, military experiences, and the challenges of transitioning to the corporate world. She highlights the impact of mentorship, strategic dec…

Join us on this episode of the MilVet Podcast as host Brendan Aronson sits down with Carl Sciacchitano, a graphic novelist and the son of a Vietnam veteran. Carl opens up about his recently published graphic novel, which delves into his father's experiences in Vietnam and the lasting impact of war on their relationship. Throughout the conversation,…

In this TheMilVet podcast episode, COO and recruiting expert Jim Lose breaks down the journey from military to civilian careers. Jim shares insights on handling identity shifts, navigating the job market, and acing interviews. With straightforward advice on self-promotion, confidence, and company research, he offers veterans a clear path to success…

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, Jim O'Farrell, president and CEO of Advanced Management Strategies Group (AMSG), shares his journey from Navy sailor to the Naval Academy to building a successful government contracting firm. He discusses the value of sales experience, learning from failure, and fostering a strong corporate culture. Jim highlig…

In this final episode of season 6, Brian Grant and his mother, Dorella Grant talk about their time at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base. And the ongoing battle for accountability and justice for those affected by military environmental exposures. Then, Ted Thompson with the Michael J. Fox Foundation discusses major policy advancements and the …

Nick Thompson, acclaimed journalist, runner, and CEO of The Atlantic shares his views on the media coverage of veterans, the military, and politics in the current age. He provides his insights on the changing landscape of global politics and technology’s impact on the world. In this episode, we explore Nick’s thoughts on how AI will change the medi…

In this episode we hear from Dr. Sara Whittingham, a USAF Veteran, physician, Ironman triathlete, wife and mother. In 2020, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She has become a vocal advocate for Veterans who have been denied benefits despite known exposure to chemicals linked to Parkinson's disease. About Dr. Sara Whittingham Sara Whitting…

Tyler Johnson and Carlos Romero discuss the upcoming eMERGE Americas event in Miami, a major platform for technology, entrepreneurship, and veteran programs. You’ll hear tips on how to get the most out of attending, from networking to the power of in-person connections. From highlighting the benefits of in-person conferences to exploring networking…

In this episode we get the historical context and regulatory challenges surrounding pesticide use with researcher Dr. Caroline Tanner, Director of the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center. Then, retired lawyer, Dan Kinel, shares his journey with Parkinson’s, his story of Trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure working for years in d…

Holden Lindblom, an Army Veteran and co-founder of VetraFi, shares his unique path from military life into the world of entrepreneurship. He highlights the positives and negatives of creating a start-up company and how he’s leveraging his experiences to build VetraFi, a modern banking platform designed specifically for service members and veterans.…

In season 6 of On-Time: A Parkinson's Podcast, host Larry Gifford explores the environmental toxins linked to Parkinson's disease in a four-part series. In this opening episode, guest Dr. Ray Dorsey, Neurologist and Author of "Ending Parkinson’s Disease," explores how chemicals in our daily environment, from pesticides in food to industrial polluta…

Jim Delaney, a former Naval Officer and founder of Traction AI, shares his career journey and insights on sales, branding, and post military life. Jim emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit and exploring different paths. He highlighties how crucial sales are to driving business success and the importance of branding. Jim also stresses t…

In this episode, JC Glick, CEO of The COMMIT Foundation and retired Army Ranger, shares his thoughts on the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Drawing from his own experiences, he discusses the struggle for purpose and identity and the importance of designing a fulfilling life. JC explains how COMMIT empowers veterans and…

On today’s podcast, we talk with Mike Maples Jr. and Peter Ziebelman, Venture Capitalists, Mentors, Leaders, and Instructors of ourselves and most recently, the co-authors of “Pattern Breakers” We explore intriguing analogies and parallels between the military mindset and startup building. Mike and Peter share valuable insights for founders and mil…

Welcome to today’s episode featuring retired 4-star Special Operations Commander Richard Clarke. With decades of military experience, General Clarke has developed a leadership style that values ideas from all levels and emphasizes leading authentically. In his transition to the boardroom, he now helps venture capital firms tackle complex challenges…

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Bowman, United States Military Academy West Point Graduate, U.S. Army Special Forces Officer, the innovative CEO & Co-Founder of Autobiographer. We explore Matt’s unique journey from the military to entrepreneurship and delve into how his company, Autobiographer, is transforming the way people capture and prese…

In this episode, we sit down with Nate Kouhana , the CEO of Anthem Snacks, A Green Beret, and a decorated Veteran with two bronze star medals and a Purple Heart. Nate's journey from the battlefield to the boardroom is inspiring. Anthem snacks is a company redefining the snack industry with a mission-driven approach. Nate shares his inspiring journe…

Richard Haass is the author of “The Bill of Obligations : The Ten Habits of Good Citizens”, a New York Times best-selling book highlighting how we must re-envision citizenship if American democracy is to survive. Richard is an American Diplomat and an expert on international relations. Richard served as the President of the Council on Foreign Relat…

Don Faul is the CEO of CrossFit, a Stanford Graduate School of Business alumnus, and a Marine Corps Veteran. His service included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Force Reconnaissance. Don’s career trajectory showcases the impact of his military background and business education; from his roles as Platoon Commander to his work within …

Sebastian Mallaby is the author of “The Power Law”, a best-selling book about the history of venture capital. Sebastian is the Paul Volcker Senior Fellow in International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations. Sebastian shares his story on how his education at The University of Oxford shaped his writing. He also shares his expertise on Vent…

Taylor Lorenz, author of “Extremely Online” and renowned technology and internet culture journalist shares her expertise and firsthand experiences from being blocked by one of the most powerful and well-known billionaires, to the dynamics of digital culture, and the importance of building a strong personal brand. You will not want to miss this deep…

Jim Schwab, Founding Partner & Managing Director of CrimStone Partners, discusses his time as an Officer in the US Navy and his career adventures that followed. From consulting for BCG, to deciding he wanted to have his own company and become CEO, his time at the Department of State, then back to entrepreneurship. Jim's career spans many decades an…