FTU...Life after the military Podcast

Episode 120 - Shaun's Journey

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!!!" 

Episode 119 - Marilyn & Daniel

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!!!"

Episode 118 - Marvin the super Doc

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!!!"

Episode 117 - James Jackson, VIP

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!!!"

Episode 116 - Jason & Melanie

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!!!"

Episode 115 - T. Shane and Big Guns Coffee

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!!!"

Episode 114 - Kijuan Amey: a story of triumph

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!

Episode 113 - Jason is ready to Retire

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!!!".