Best Brendan Aronson Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 132 From the Battlefield to the NFL: Nate Boyer on Identity, Transition, and Purpose 52:09

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Nate Boyer—United States Army Special Forces Veteran, former NFL player, filmmaker, and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP)—to explore one of the most unique and inspiring post-military journeys ever told. Nate shares how, after serving in the Special Forces, he took an…

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Ep. 131 From Army Medic to Healthtech Founder: Nicholas Kovalsky’s Bold Leap into AI Innovation 55:22

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes Nicholas Kovalsky—United States Army veteran and the co-founder of Perspectives Health—to dive into his unconventional journey from military service to mission-driven entrepreneurship. Nicholas shares how his firsthand exposure to the mental health crisis, both in and out of uniform, …

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Ep. 130 From Submarines to the Boardroom: Applying Military Principles in the Private Sector 49:51

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In this inspiring episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Matt Ibbetson, United States Navy Veteran, Partner at Ridgemont Equity Partners, and graduate of the United States Naval Academy to explore his fascinating journey from rural roots to high finance. Matt shares how growing up on a farm instilled the work ethic that carr…

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Ep. 129 What the War in Afghanistan Left Behind: Khalid Noori on Brotherhood, PTSD, Healing, and Rebuilding 1:07:56

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with Khalid Noori — Program Strategist at Honor the Promise, Special Operations Veteran; Afghanistan National Army Special Operation Command (ANASOC), and graduate of Hindustan University — for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation on service, sacrifice, and storytelling after war. Khalid shares his…

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Ep. 128 How Strategic Networking Took David Harris from the Air Force Academy to Private Equity 1:04:31

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with David Harris, Software Investor at Vista Equity Partners, United States Air Force Veteran, and graduate of United States Air Force Academy and Stanford University, MBA to explore his transition from military service to the world of Private Equity—and how curiosity, grit, and strategic networkin…

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Ep. 127 Be an Asset, Not a Liability: How a Civilian Contractor Became a Leader in Construction Consulting 38:13

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with Michael Osburn, Managing Director of Aristos Global and former Army contractor (civilian) assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Kunar during The Surge, to explore his unique path from civil-military operations in Afghanistan to tackling complex problems in private equity and constructi…

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Ep. 126 How Military Thinking Wins in Tech: Adam Frankl’s Blueprint for Leading and Launching Startups 46:49

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In this episode, Beau Higgins sits down with Adam Frankl—Author, The Developer Facing Startup, Startup Advisor, US Army Veteran —to explore the powerful ways military principles translate into the tech world. Adam shares insights from his career at high-growth startups, the lessons he carried over from the military (like the five-paragraph op order…

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Ep. 125 Why Veterans Win in Venture: Trey Hart’s Mission in Finance and National Security 49:08

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Trey Hart, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Valhalla Group and U.S. Army Reserves Civil Affairs Officer for a powerful conversation on veterans transitioning into the world of private equity and venture capital. Trey shares his personal journey and how his background shaped his …

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Ep. 124 Losing the Job, Finding the Mission: One Veteran’s Guide to Starting Over 51:13

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, Beau Higgins sits down with Jason Grower, retired Navy Pilot and passionate veteran advocate, to talk about the realities of military transition — the good, the bad, and the uncertain. From losing a job offer weeks before retirement to finding renewed purpose through networking and community impact, Jason’s sto…

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Ep. 123 Mastering the Military Transition: Alex Lisot on Taking Control After Service 42:18

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In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, Beau Higgins sits down with Alex Lisot, former Air Force Officer and Founder of Master the Military, to discuss the most common — and often misunderstood — challenges veterans face during the transition to civilian life. From VA disability frustrations to rebuilding purpose and community, Alex shares how his pl…

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Ep. 122 Breaking the Mold: Femininity, Leadership & Grit in the Military 52:25

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In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kellie Hall Sbrocchi, an active duty Navy officer, trailblazing recruiter, digital influencer, and founder of the Why Not Do Both? Movement. Kellie shares her deeply personal journey—from resisting the idea of the Navy as a teen to rising as one of the service’s most vi…

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Ep. 121 Wayne Phelps: Writing, Leading, and Innovating After the Military 40:37

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In this episode of The MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Phelps, a 20-year veteran and accomplished author, to explore his remarkable journey from military service to the private sector and publishing world. Wayne shares candid stories from his time as a Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) of…

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Ep. 120 Inside the Commandant’s Office: Tom Gordon on Leading Marines and Cadets 40:44

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In this special episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes longtime friend and retired Marine Corps Colonel Tom Gordon, now serving as the Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel, one of the nation's premier senior military colleges. Tom shares his remarkable journey from aspiring Marine Corps Officer in junior high to leading Marines in …

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Ep. 119 Leading, Serving, Preserving — A Marine General’s Journey with General James Lukeman 39:18

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In this special episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with a legendary Marine, friend, and former boss—General James Lukeman (Ret.), now President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. With 40 years of active duty service, including command at every level from platoon to division, General Lukeman shares candid reflec…

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Ep. 118 High Risk, High Reward: Navigating Special Operations Forces Transition with Purpose 38:27

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Host Beau Higgins welcomes two powerhouse leaders from The Honor Foundation: Matt Stevens, CEO and former Navy SEAL, and Kelly McGraw, Chief Impact Officer and long-time Naval Special Warfare spouse. In this deep and personal episode, they explore the challenges and rewards of transitioning out of Special Operations and into civilian life. Matt sha…

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Ep. 117 From Marine to Machine Learning: Paul Hylenski’s Mission to Fix the VA System 45:18

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In this inspiring episode of The MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Paul Hylenski, CEO and Founder of Vet Mentor AI, Marine Corps veteran, best-selling author, and 4x Tedx Speaker to explore his journey from the flight line to the forefront of artificial intelligence. After serving eight years in the Marine Corps — including at the pr…

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Ep. 116 Combat Boots, Construction, and Capital: Marine Veteran Nick Powell’s Transition from the Corps to Construction Tech 43:11

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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…

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Ep 115 - From Green Beret to CEO: Gene Yu on Rescues, Redemption, and Resilience 38:30

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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…

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Ep. 114 Rangers Lead the Way: Life After Combat and Finding Purpose with Vincent Vargas 44:03

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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…

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Ep. 113 From Combat Engineer to Game Producer: Lewis Manalo’s Journey into Gaming 55:41

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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.…

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Ep 112 - Tactical to Tech: A Marine Veteran’s Role in Shaping the Future of Flight with Andrew Christian of Swarm Aero 54:03

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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,…

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Ep. 111 - Mach 1 Hot Sauce & Heroes: Cassidy Nolan’s Journey from Healing and Helping Fellow Veterans 54:15

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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. …

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Ep 110 - Flying Through Chaos: Miki Nguyen on His Family’s Escape During the Fall of Saigon 57:08

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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 …

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Ep. 109 Bridging Chaos and Tech: Kevin Cornish of Moth + Flame on How Virtual Reality is Transforming Military Training 45:24

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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…

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Leadership, Combat, and Tech Innovation: Emery Wager's Transition from the Marines to Confido Legal 56:35

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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…

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From Marine Corps to CEO: Brian Coyne's Journey into Private Equity 35:31

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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…

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Mentorship, Military, and Moving Forward: The Story of Rich Comitz and ACP 42:43

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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…

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Ep. 105 From Army to Acquisitions: Joseph Cabrera on Search Funds & Veteran Leadership 56:04

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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…

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Ep. 104 The Power of Purpose After Service: Helping Veterans Redefine Themselves - with Michael Halterman 58:41

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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…

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Ep. 103 Tech, Finance, and the Military Mindset with Julie Cane of Democracy Investments 53:19

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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…

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Ep. 102 A Lifetime of Service: General Ruark’s Mission to Empower Marines, Sailors, and Their Families 56:42

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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 …

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Ep. 101 From Army Officer to Tech CEO: Leadership and Lessons with Roxanne Bras Petraeus, CEO of Ethena 52:01

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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…

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Ep. 100 From Navy SEAL to Astronaut: Life Lessons on Leadership with Chris Cassidy, of the Medal of Honor Museum 1:00:08

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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…

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Ep. 99 From West Point to CEO: Streamlining Defense Operations with Grant Demaree of OneBrief 44:12

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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…

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Ep. 98 From Army to CEO: Navigating Sales, Scale, and Defense Innovation with Tyler Sweatt, of Second Front Systems 49:23

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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…

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97. Innovating Defense: Solving the Navy’s Toughest Tech Challenges with Mike Frank, Deputy CTO of the U.S. Navy 45:11

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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…

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96. The Power of Servant Leadership in Private Equity with Frank Baumann and Boe Nankivel, of Cold Bore Capital 58:09

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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…

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95. The Power of Mentorship and Military Service: From Foster Care to Yale to Best-Selling Author with Rob Henderson 1:14:24

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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…

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94. The Emotional Side of Money with Dave Won: Tips for Financial Well-Being 46:07

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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…

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93. Building Better Teams through Learning and Development: Steve Gilman’s Lessons from Baseball, Military, & Startups 52:34

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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…

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92. Mentorship, Resilience, and Purpose: Lenore Karafa’s Advice for Transitioning Veterans 48:53

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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…

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91. Beyond the Battlefield: A Military Son's Perspective on Vietnam and Healing 43:51

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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,…

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90. Interview + Career Tips from 25 Years of Veteran Recruiting with Jim Lose 49:36

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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…

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89. People Over Profits: Jim O'Farrell on Building a Meaningful Business 53:26

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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…

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88. The Atlantic CEO on Technology, Media, & The Military w/ Nick Thompson 42:51

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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…

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Ep. 87 Veterans & Tech: Exploring eMERGE Americas 43:26

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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…

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Ep. 86 Empower & Elevate: VetraFi’s Financial Solutions for Veterans 52:38

11M ago52:38

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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.…

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Ep. 85 The Importance of Sales & Data in a Civilian Career with Jim Delaney 55:17

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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…

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84. The Transition Toolkit: Strategies for Transition with JC Glick, CEO of COMMIT Foundation 46:05

12M ago46:05

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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…

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Ep. 83 Startups and Strategy: Startup Success, Pattern Breakers, & The Military with Mike Maples Jr. and Peter Ziebelman 1:09:25

12M ago1:09:25

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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…