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PODCAST

Military Retirement Podcast

w/ John McConnell and Victor De La Flor

Highlighting military retirement journeys from all walks of the military. Wide ranging long form conversations with Veterans. We discuss the retirement process, life starting in the military, and life after the military. Also talk to former military members who transitioned before reaching retirement and started their own businesses.

government

All Episodes

01:18:37

Finding Purpose After Military Retirement | Annette...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2026/02/13

What happens when you hang up the uniform…and realize your next mission isn’t about a title?In this Military Retirement Podcast episode, we sit down with Annette Whittenberger — Editor-in-Chief of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine — to talk purpose after retirement, imposter syndrome, mental health, routines that keep you grounded, and why veterans need platforms where they can be seen and heard.We also dig into the power of “just doing the thing,” how music and fitness support mental health, and why

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01:28:17

Military Retirement Happiness: Finding Peace,...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2026/02/11

John and Vic dive into a powerful conversation about what really makes you happy after leaving the military. From stepping away from the constant grind to finding peace in simplicity, we explore how veterans can reclaim freedom, purpose, and mental clarity after service.Vic shares his experience taking a much-needed break on the Oregon coast, reflecting on how disconnecting from distractions, social media, and nonstop notifications can completely reset your mindset.We also talk about the transition

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01:49:23

The Veteran's Mindset: Beards, Grooming Standards,...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2026/02/07

John and Vic sit down for another "Veteran Talk and Coffee" to discuss the evolving landscape of military life and the personal transition journey. We dive into the Navy's new contract with the N app for body composition, the ongoing debate over grooming standards and beards in the fleet, and why "structured stress" is a vital part of military training.We also explore tactical tools for focus, including Vic's "digital minimalism" experiment and the power of

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01:27:39

Finding Your Second Mission: Omar Portilla on Life...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2026/01/23

John and Vic are joined by Omar Portilla, a Marine Corps veteran, filmmaker, and author of the poetry collection Dust Settles. Omar shares his raw and honest journey of navigating the "wide open ocean" of transition, from being recalled for multiple deployments to finding his footing in the New York arts scene.We discuss the "Minimalist Phone" habit, the importance of trying multiple jobs to find your "Gold," and how creative writing became a critical tool in Omar’s

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01:49:40

#119 - Military to Civilian Masterclass: TSP, SGLI vs...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2026/01/16

John and Vic are joined by Josh Cantrell, founder of MVMT Financial and a retired Army Master Sergeant. We break down the "alphabet soup" of veteran benefits, from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).Josh shares his personal journey of taking a deferred resignation (DRP) from federal service to launch his own firm, offering a masterclass on financial readiness and why "waiting for the VA" isn't a strategy. Plus, we discuss how veterans can access

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01:35:45

#118 - From Uniform to Corporate: Leora Opstelten on...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2026/01/09

John and Vic are joined by career counselor Leora Opstelten for a deep dive into the "boots-on-the-ground" reality of finding a civilian career. We discuss the culture shift between active duty and corporate environments, how to translate "military jargon" into "civilian English," and the power of the informational interview.Whether you are navigating the current federal hiring landscape or looking to pivot into a new industry, Leora provides the roadmap to ensure your

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01:50:19

#117 - Finding Your Focus: Chris Lancia on...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2026/01/01

John and Vic are joined by Chris Lancia, Chief of Staff for Tennessee's Department of General Services and a retired Army Public Affairs Officer. Chris shares his unique journey from crew chief to journalist to senior state leader, providing a masterclass in networking and finding a "new mission" after military service.We dive deep into the first-of-its-kind Tennessee Governor’s Veteran Fellowship Program, the value of trade skills, and why the "grass isn't always

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01:10:38

#116 - From Uniform to IT: Mark Casper on Tech For...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/12/26

In this high-impact episode, John and Vic welcome Mark Casper, President and CEO of Tech For Troops. This incredible nonprofit is on a mission to bridge the digital divide for veterans and their families by providing free hardware, guaranteed data destruction, and thousands of professional training courses.If you are a veteran looking to break into the tech industry—or if you simply need the tools to navigate the modern job market—this is an essential watch.Key Topics and Timestamps:[03:45] The

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01:27:33

#115 - The Elon Musk Federal Audit: How "DOGE" is...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/12/20

In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic dive into the high-stakes changes currently rocking the federal government. From sudden mass layoffs in the DOD and VA to Elon Musk’s direct emails to federal employees, the landscape of veteran employment and benefits is shifting rapidly.We discuss the recent relief of top military leaders, the impact of budget-cutting initiatives like "DOGE," and urgent deadlines for veterans to protect their life insurance coverage. Whether you are

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01:31:50

#114 - The Debt-Free Life: Financial Freedom, Smart...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/12/10

In a world of economic uncertainty, achieving financial freedom is more critical than ever. This week, John and Vic share candid lessons from their personal journeys toward becoming debt-free, offering practical, actionable advice on how service members and veterans can secure their financial futures.We cover everything from budgeting with your spouse to the power of a single thrift store find.Key Actionable Takeaways:The Debt-Free Foundation: Vic details the strategy of combining finances with your

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01:45:16

#113 - American-Grown Coffee & Veteran Farming: How T...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/12/05

John and Vic welcome former Marine T Shane Johnson, co-owner of Big Guns Coffee, for an extraordinary conversation that blends entrepreneurship, extreme physical challenge, and the power of family purpose.Shane shares the incredible story of building the first indoor hydroponic coffee farm in the U.S. with his daughter, Charlie, and how he leverages his experiences—including a near-death incident and multiple world record runs—to serve the veteran community.Key Topics and Takeaways:Building Big Guns

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01:53:58

#112 The Ultimate Veteran Knowledge Base: VA Loans,...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/12/03

John and Vic dive into a mix of crucial veteran updates and welcome former Marine Jeremy Dukes for an in-depth discussion on VA Home Loans, the real estate market, and the power of military skills in a civilian career.This episode provides valuable resources for veterans seeking to buy a home, advance their careers, or navigate their full range of benefits.Key Topics and Takeaways:The Ultimate Veteran Resource: We highlight a fantastic, free, community-built veteran benefits knowledge base (from the

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01:51:25

#111 - Protect Your Vision: Eye Health, TBI Recovery,...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/11/28

John and Vic are joined by special guest Dr. Frank Forgnoni, an experienced Optometrist and Army LTC Reservist, for a critical discussion on preventative health—specifically, eye and vision care for veterans and their families.Dr. Forgnoni shares his decades of expertise, breaking down common vision myths, explaining the importance of early intervention, and discussing specialized treatments for service members.In this episode, we cover:The Power of Preventative Vision Care: Dr. Forgnoni explains

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01:52:00

#110 - Federal Careers & Veteran Job Hacks:...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/10/31

In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic celebrate reaching 1,000 subscribers and discuss the challenges of modern media and recruiting. The highlight of the show is an interview with Rudy Muriel, a veteran and Outreach & Recruitment Specialist for the federal government. Rudy provides invaluable, demystified advice for veterans and military spouses looking to land a federal job.The discussion covers a range of topics including:The "three gatekeepers" of the

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01:39:14

#109 - Veteran Insider Shares TOP Retirement Tips You...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/10/24

In this comprehensive episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic welcome Jane Babcock, a veteran and expert educator on VA benefits. Jane, with over a decade of experience helping thousands of veterans and widows, uncovers some of the most underutilized but crucial benefits available.The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the Wartime Veteran and Surviving Spouse's Pension, a powerful but often overlooked program that can provide significant financial support. Jane clarifies

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01:28:55

#108 - How America’s National Security System...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/10/17

In this dynamic episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic kick off 2025 discussing everything from New Year's reflections to crucial veteran updates. They delve into the recent Supreme Court ruling that expands GI Bill benefits to 48 months for veterans with multiple periods of service [04:35], a game-changer for over a million veterans.The conversation then shifts to the fascinating world of national security with special guest David Van Bennekum, a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel,

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01:29:40

#107 What Happens When Veterans Talk About Change?

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/10/10

Ever felt like skipping the chain of command? Or wondered how to truly thrive after military service? In this episode, Vic and John sit down with Air Force veteran and veteran coach Daniel Faust to explore the gray area of Reserve retirement, the emotional hurdles of transition, and what it truly takes to advocate for those in need.Key Moments[00:01:29] Don't Skip the Chain of Command: A hilarious, cautionary tale about a Marine who went straight to the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps on

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01:10:08

#106 Can you survive Medical Retirement?

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/10/03

Ever wondered about military medical retirement? This episode features a candid conversation with Marine Corps veteran Alberto Boy, who shares his firsthand experience navigating the complex medical retirement process. We dive into dispelling common myths, understanding your financial options, and finding your purpose in civilian life.Key Moments:[08:40] From Infantry to Logistics: A Career Journey: Alberto discusses his 20-year Marine Corps career, including his time in infantry and later as a

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01:23:18

#105 Sunday LIVE! Fed Jobs, DoD Contractor and...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/09/26

Getting out soon? Worried about the transition? In this episode, we're tackling the biggest questions about post-military life, from how to manage your finances to the tricky decision of chasing that last promotion. It's an episode packed with real-world advice and personal stories to help you navigate your next chapter.Key Moments:[00:03:00] VA Claims & Honesty: Why you should never lie on your VA claims and how to properly communicate your condition to get the rating you

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01:43:26

#104 Understanding VA Disability & Healthcare: 0% to...

Military Retirement Podcast ·

2025/09/20

In this essential episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, we're cutting through the complexity to bring you a clear, comprehensive guide to VA disability and healthcare, with a special focus on what a 0% to 100% disability rating truly means for veterans. This isn't just about numbers; it's about understanding your entitlements, maximizing your benefits, and ensuring you receive the care you've earned.Join us as we break down the intricacies of the Department of Veterans Affairs

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116 results

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