VET S.O.S. Podcast is your lifeline to success, dedicated to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Discover invaluable information, resources, and insights from veteran support organizations and leaders in the veteran community. Join us as we connect you with the people and tools that empower our community to thrive.
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Keith Cassant Podcasts
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.
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Understanding VA Disability Appeals: A Veteran Attorney's Insider Guide with Chris McGhee
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57:07Send us a text 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 journey toward proper recognition of service-connected conditions. In this informative conversation, Chris McGhee, a retired Air Force veteran who trans…
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AI Tools Transforming the Military Job Search
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33:41Christian Echeverri, Navy veteran and outreach lead at Best Military Resume and Hire Valor, joins the VET S.O.S. Podcast to share how cutting-edge AI is helping veterans bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment. He dives into the challenges of rediscovering identity after retirement, adjusting post-COVID, and how his journey …
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Navigating an Unexpected Medical Retirement with Aaris Whitman
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35:37Send us a text 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 years as intended, she faced sudden medical retirement and an unexpected civilian transition that left her feeling lost and adrift. "Change is the only …
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Veteran Resilience Training: A Path to Purpose After Military Service
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30:31Marine Corps veteran and resiliency coach Garret Biss joins us on the VET S.O.S. podcast to share his journey through anxiety, addiction, and identity loss—and how those experiences led to the creation of Valiant Path, a revolutionary program in Veteran Resilience Training. Garret explains how most veterans lose more than just a job when they leave…
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Security Clearance Job Search: How ClearanceJobs Helps Veterans Succeed
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30:38In this episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, hosts Shawn Welsh and Keith Cassant talk with Katie Helbling, content creator at ClearanceJobs and host of the Security Clearance Careers podcast. Katie brings her trademark humor and honesty as she discusses how veterans can successfully navigate the security clearance job search after leaving the militar…
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What's The Catch? Exploring a Too-Good-To-Be-True Career with Mark Ardecki
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35:11Send us a text 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 found himself asking the same question most veterans do: "What's next?" Following brief stints as a lineman and arborist, Mark discovered an unexpecte…
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Veteran Workforce Development in Action: Operation Lifeline
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35:23Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Erick Saks joins VET S.O.S. to discuss Operation Lifeline, a nonprofit empowering veterans through housing, SkillBridge internships, and hands-on job training. Discover how Veteran Workforce Development is at the heart of this growing grassroots movement reshaping what veteran support can be. 🎙 Hosted by Shawn Welsh & Kei…
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Healing PTSD with Music: Guitars for Vets in Action
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33:39In this inspiring episode of the Military Transition Resources Show, we sit down with Brian Cain, Director of Development at Guitars for Vets, a nonprofit putting guitars—and hope—into the hands of America’s veterans. Brian opens up about his personal battle with PTSD and brain injury following service in the Marine Corps and law enforcement. He sh…
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Leading with Grit: Shannon Polson’s Veteran Insight
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32:50This week on the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we speak with Shannon Huffman Polson—veteran Apache pilot, leadership expert, and founder of The Grit Institute. Shannon opens up about her military service, her unexpected pivot into corporate life, and the mindset and values that helped her lead with purpose through it all. Shannon introduces us to her powerfu…
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Empowering Military Transitions: Peter Cline on Boots to Books & MilMentor
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32:24In this dynamic episode of the VET S.O.S., we're joined by returning guest Peter Cline, founder of Boots to Books and co-founder of the new MilMentor platform. Peter shares: His authentic and humbling military transition story. How MilMentor is filling the void left by Veterati. The importance of fast feedback and one-on-one calls for career clarit…
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T-Mobile's Veteran Support Revolution with Lacey Craig
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29:14Lacey Craig of T-Mobile joins VET S.O.S. to spotlight how the company is leading the way in veteran hiring, retention, and military family support. As Senior Program Manager for Military and Partnership Recruiting, Lacey discusses the importance of long-term success for veterans and military spouses in the civilian workforce. You’ll hear about T-Mo…
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How Training Service Dogs Helped a Marine Heal and Thrive with Ryan Woodruff
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39:43Send us a text 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 can emerge from our darkest struggles. After two deployments to Iraq and losing 14 fellow Marines, Ryan's transition to civilian life spiraled into PTS…
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From Sergeant Major to CEO: Tony Grinston on Leading Army Emergency Relief
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29:44Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Tony Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army and current CEO of Army Emergency Relief (AER). In this VET S.O.S. episode, Tony talks about his transition from military leadership to nonprofit CEO, shares valuable advice for separating service members, and details the many ways AER supports…
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Heroes to Heroes: Saving Veterans Through Faith, Healing, and Moral Injury Recovery
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26:11Michael Haltman, Chairman of the Heroes to Heroes Foundation, joins VET S.O.S. to share how their powerful peer-driven and faith-based program helps combat veterans overcome moral injury and suicidal ideation. From intensive one-year coaching to deeply spiritual journeys to Israel, the Heroes to Heroes Foundation delivers a proven path to healing a…
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Mission Transition with Matthew Louis: A Tactical Guide for Veterans and Employers
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26:38Welcome to the VET S.O.S. Podcast! In this episode, Shawn and Dr. Hira talk with Matthew Louis, acclaimed author of Mission Transition and Hiring Veterans, and a leading voice in the military transition space. Matt discusses his own journey from the Army to the corporate world, how he’s helping bridge the civil-military divide, and why employment i…
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Tackling Veteran Underemployment through The Call of Duty Endowment with Dan Goldenberg
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46:54Send us a text 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 career transition done right. When Dan took over the Call of Duty Endowment in 2013, he transformed it from a traditional "big check and handshake" f…
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Empowering Military Transitions: Act Now Education & MillMentor with Jai Salters
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26:12Join the VET S.O.S. Podcast for a high-impact conversation with Jai Salters, Navy veteran and founder of Act Now Education, MilMentor, and Service to Success. With over 77,000 served, Jai and his team are redefining what veteran and spouse support looks like—offering free certifications, job prep programs, tailored mentorship, and real hiring oppor…
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Three Years of VET S.O.S. with Dr. Vincent Soto: Dressing for Success & Transforming Transitions
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32:36Three Years Strong! Dr. Vincent Soto on Transition, Transformation & Dressing for Success We’re celebrating three years of VET S.O.S. with a returning guest and key figure in our journey — Dr. Vincent Soto! From his early days on Season 1 to now leading two powerful organizations — Navigating Solutions and Transition2Transformation — Dr. Soto embod…
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The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Separation Vs. Retirement with Michael Pett
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36:09Send us a text 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 comparing potential civilian earnings against military retirement, launched him into remarkable opportunities at Accenture and Uber before his current lead…
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🎖️ Operation Protect Veterans: Fighting Scams Against Veterans with Inspector Carroll Harris
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31:21This week on the VET S.O.S. podcast, we bring you an essential conversation that every veteran and their family needs to hear. Our guest is Inspector Carroll Harris, a 33-year government service professional, Marine Corps veteran, and national advocate for the Operation Protect Veterans campaign through the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Scams tar…
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From TEDx to NASA: John Bates on Mastering Communication for Military Transition Success
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33:55🎧 Ready to amplify your voice and lead with impact? This episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast is a masterclass in communication training. Join us as we welcome John Bates, founder of Executive Speaking Success and communication coach to organizations like NASA, Navy EOD, and Google. John’s mission is to empower veterans, transitioning service members,…
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Healing Invisible Wounds: UF Health’s Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program for Veterans & First Responders
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28:52What happens when a veteran survives multiple traumatic brain injuries, experiences daily cognitive and emotional symptoms, and then finds a program that changes everything? In this deeply inspiring episode of VET S.O.S., we welcome Steve Papas, U.S. Navy veteran and Executive Director of the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program at UF Health Jacksonvi…
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Lead With Purpose: Veteran Transition, Leadership & Legacy with Algrish Williams
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30:38In this special 150th episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, we’re honored to welcome Algrish Williams, retired Command Sergeant Major, author, and CEO of Williams Leadership Consulting. Algrish shares his powerful transition story—balancing command responsibilities with preparation for civilian life—and how he leveraged intentional networking and lead…
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From Combat to Podcasting: Scott DeLuzio’s Mission to Support Veterans
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33:34🎙 New Episode of VET S.O.S. Podcast! 🎙 Scott DeLuzio – Army veteran, host of Drive On Podcast, author of Surviving Son, and advocate for veteran mental health. In this powerful episode, Scott shares his unique transition story, how he coped with losing his brother in combat, and how he turned his struggles into a platform for veterans to find hope …
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Veteran Transition, Mentorship, and Leadership with Jeffrey Lodick
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33:28In this episode of VET S.O.S., we sit down with Jeffrey Lodick, a retired Army Master Sergeant, veteran advocate, and leadership expert. Jeffrey has dedicated his post-military career to helping transitioning service members, supporting organizations like FourBlock, and mentoring countless veterans—including our host! What You’ll Learn in This Epis…
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Walking 500 Miles to Find a New Purpose with Randall Surles
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52:21Send us a text 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 journey from 32 years in Army Special Forces to becoming a sought-after editor and ghostwriter for military authors. Randy's story begins with unexpect…
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Healing Through Horses: Equine Therapy for Veterans with Katie Fallon
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31:19🎙 Healing Through Horses: How Equine Therapy Supports Veterans | VET S.O.S. In this episode, we’re diving into the healing power of equine-assisted therapy with Katie Fallon, Founder & Executive Director of Bridle Paths. With over two decades of experience in equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapeutic riding, Katie shares how her journey led to …
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Bridging the Gap: How Defenders Gateway Supports Veterans & First Responders
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26:02🎙️ Bridging the Gap: How Defenders Gateway is Connecting Veterans & First Responders to Critical Resources In this episode of VET S.O.S., we welcome Cheri Otzenberger, Director of Member Relations at Defender's Gateway. She shares how this innovative community-driven platform is helping military service members, veterans, and first responders navig…
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Dropping Military Transition Truth Bombs with Keith Cassant
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44:19Send us a text 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 podcast with powerful insights about navigating unexpected career changes. Keith opens up about his journey since military retirement in 2019, sharing how …
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QRF Up: The Lifesaving App for Veterans & First Responders | VET S.O.S. Podcast
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27:37🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast – Featuring Kayla Milan from QRF Up In this episode, we highlight QRF Up, a game-changing nonprofit tackling veteran and first responder suicide with a mobile crisis response app. With the simple push of a big red button, veterans and first responders in crisis get instant support, connecting to a licensed therapist and, if ne…
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From Marine to Mission: Matt Watkins' Operation Headshot & Veteran Success Strategies
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32:08🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast: Matt Watkins & Operation Headshot In this episode, we talk with Matt Watkins, Marine veteran and founder of Operation Headshot, about his transition from active duty, career setbacks, and how he is now empowering veterans and military spouses through professional branding, headshots, and networking. Key Takeaways: ✅ The emoti…
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Embracing Life's Post-Military Adventures with Gennaro Mazzeo
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44:05Send us a text 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 embarked on an unexpected journey that led him from ROTC instructor to bartender to federal employee with Naval Criminal Investigative Services. What mak…
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Eradicating Veteran Homelessness: Tunnels to Towers’ Mission w/ Gavin Naples
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27:46🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast – Featuring Gavin Naples, Tunnels to Towers Foundation 🎙️ In this episode, we’re joined by Gavin Naples, Vice President for Homeless Veteran Programs at the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, to discuss their groundbreaking work in permanent supportive housing, veterans' villages, and national case management. Since 2023, the found…
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Adapting through Career Changes from Government to Tech with Melinda Beyer
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43:26Send us a text 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 leadership at gaming giant Roblox as Director of Cybercrime and Strategic Intelligence. With refreshing candor and practical wisdom, Mindy reveals the stra…
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Breaking the PTSD Stigma – Jonathan Sheridan on Mental Health, Resilience & Recovery
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29:51Welcome to another powerful episode of VET S.O.S.! Today, we sit down with Jonathan Sheridan, a former EOD tech in the U.S. Air Force and the host of the Normalized PTSD podcast. Jonathan shares his deeply personal journey with PTSD, mental health struggles, and the coping mechanisms that have helped him reclaim his life. From his difficult transit…
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Revamping the Military Transition Framework with Jason Anderson
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54:34Send us a text 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 interviews, quickly rising to an executive position managing operations across Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. But behind this apparent success lurked a tr…
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Unlocking VA Benefits & Military Transition Success | Networking, VR&E & More
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32:10Welcome to another insightful episode of VET S.O.S., brought to you by the Who You Know Network and a proud member of the Parade Deck Community! 🎙️ Today, we’re sitting down with Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Jason A. David, a veteran advocate who is passionate about helping service members successfully transition to civilian life. He shares invalua…
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Exceeding Your Own Expectations with Christopher Coffey
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38:19Send us a text 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-figure job offers and a complete rethinking of his value in the civilian workforce. This eye-opening conversation challenges the most persistent myths abo…
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Honoring WWII Heroes: Forever Young Veterans’ Mission to Heal & Remember
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21:29Welcome to another inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Diane Hight, founder of Forever Young Veterans, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the silent suffering of military veterans aged 65 and older. Through her organization, Diane and her team work tirelessly to grant unfulfilled dreams for aging veterans, ta…
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Keeping Good Records for Career Succes with Lori Norris
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26:23Send us a text 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 success and failure. In this tactical solo episode, Lori Norris shares a comprehensive system for organizing your job search and ongoing career docume…
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Mu Beta Phi: Ending Veteran Homelessness & Building Military Brotherhood
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30:52In this powerful episode of #VETSOS, we sit down with Michael G. Harris, the International President of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc. Michael shares his journey from military service to veteran advocacy and how Mu Beta Phi is making a real impact in the veteran community. From fighting veteran homelessness to providing mentorship programs f…
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Demystifying the ATS: How to Get Your Resume Past the "Robot" with Marisol Maloney
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40:54Send us a text 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 industry recruiter and resume writer Marisol Maloney pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you hit "submit" on that job application. "The ATS b…
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Healing Veterans Through Art Therapy | True Top 1% Foundation | Mental Health & PTS Recovery
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30:00Join us for another impactful episode of #VETSOS, where we sit down with JR, founder of the True Top 1% Foundation. JR shares his incredible journey from a career in sales and behavioral science to pioneering art therapy programs for veterans. His foundation is dedicated to supporting military veterans through creative expression, helping them heal…
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Patriotic Kenny's Mission: Supporting Veterans with Mobility Scooters & Fighting Isolation
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32:23In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re honored to sit down with Patriotic Kenny (Kenny Jary), a Navy veteran whose story exemplifies resilience, community, and a steadfast commitment to helping others. Kenny shares his remarkable journey, from serving aboard the USS Okinawa during the Cuban Missile Crisis to his tr…
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Adapting to Corporate Culture with Nick Perez
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39:58Send us a text 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 podcast, Nick shares his experiences since retiring from the United States Air Force. Having spent decades in military service, the shift to corporate c…
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Empowering Veteran Transitions: Abigail G. Manning on Purple Threads and Authentic Health
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30:03In this transformative episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith are joined by the inspiring Abigail G. Manning, founder of Create Awareness...Change Lives, Inc. Abigail brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experience to her work as a mindset coach, empowerment speaker, and workshop instructor. With a unique blend of academic exper…
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Military Transition Insights from Human Resources with Gary Steensgard
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53:15Send us a text 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 civilian job markets and how to navigate the realities of the hiring process. A few key highlights covered in this episode: • Honest reflections on the…
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Unlocking Purpose After Military Service: Mike Schindler on Transition, Mission, and Identity
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30:40Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel like navigating uncharted waters. In this powerful episode of VET S.O.S., we’re joined by Mike Schindler, a U.S. Navy veteran, award-winning author, and the founder and CEO of Operation Military Family Cares. Mike shares his incredible story of resilience, growth, and his mission to help…
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Highlighting Mentorship and Entrepreneur Education with Leslie Coffey
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43:40Send us a text 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, whether you intend to join the corporate world or open your business. As a military spouse herself, Leslie brings firsthand knowledge and empathy to the d…
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Empowering Veterans: JJ Hardy on Leadership, Transition, and Advocacy | VET S.O.S. Podcast
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32:01In this powerful and motivational episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re joined by JJ Hardy, a highly accomplished leadership coach, veteran advocate, and founder of Victory Leadership Coaching. With nearly two decades of military experience, JJ has dedicated his post-service life to helping veterans and civilians alike build resilience, develop …
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