In this episode of 2 Vets 1 Mic, hosts Celeste Hudson and Kebony Smith welcome Grace Uwizeye-Allen, founder of Graceful Etiquette & Protocol and proud Air Force veteran. Grace opens up about her transition from military life to entrepreneurship and the challenges of finding identity beyond the uniform.

🎙️ She shares how her experience in dental hygiene and education in the Air Force laid the groundwork for a career in business etiquette and executive presence coaching. Now based in San Antonio, Grace leads a team that helps professionals show up as their best selves in any room.

💬 Key Topics:

• Why self-awareness and therapy matter post-military
• How to identify your natural strengths and turn them into a business
• Tips on presenting yourself with intentionality in any professional space
• The importance of financial planning before leaving service
• Why veterans need to build a new identity outside the uniform

If you’re navigating life after service, building your professional brand, or just trying to move with more intention—this conversation is for you

Website: https://www.gracefuletiquette.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracefuletiquette/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/graceful-etiquette-llc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracefuletiquetteandprotocol

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of 2Vets1Mic, Air National Guard veteran Tyler Baker shares his journey from serving in the military to becoming a passionate life insurance advocate and entrepreneur. Tyler discusses his early military service, experiences during national civil unrest, and an ethical dilemma that led to his decision to not reenlist. After deployments and time as a contractor overseas, Tyler ventured into entrepreneurship,—leading him to a deeper calling.

Tyler now helps families plan for the future through life insurance, driven by personal losses and the realization that many in minority communities are underprepared for life's inevitable challenges. He breaks down the differences between term and whole life insurance, the importance of living benefits, and how financial literacy can empower communities.

This episode isn't just about policies—it's about legacy, love, and making proactive choices for your family’s future.

What happens when you stop doubting yourself and start building the skills that matter? In this episode of 2Vets 1Mic, we sit down with Stella Baker—military spouse, business coach, entrepreneur, and Scrum Master—who shares how you can change self-limiting beliefs into unstoppable momentum.

👉 Stella dives into:

✅ Why “can’t” isn’t in her vocabulary

✅ The power of investing in yourself

✅ How to grow as a leader and a human

✅ What it takes to wear multiple hats with purpose and passion

#2Vets1Mic #StellaBaker #MilitarySpouse #SelfImprovement #BusinessCoach #ScrumMaster #VeteranVoices #LevelUp

In this episode we feature April Caldwell. April is a 10-year U.S. Air Force veteran, an entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for small business owners. She is the Co-founder and CEO of fayVen, a marketplace that connects mobile vendors with venues for curated pop-up events. Beyond leading her company, April actively supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem through her service on the boards of Action Zone, Warrior Rising, Military Creator Con, and Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the State College of Florida, where she equips aspiring entrepreneurs with practical tools to turn their ideas into thriving ventures.

April shares why failure in business isn’t just inevitable—it’s necessary. With each setback comes a lesson, and she drops countless gems and powerful reminders to keep pushing forward.

In our season finale, we’re thrilled to welcome Kelli Burns, a retired Air Force veteran turned therapist, for a heartfelt and insightful conversation. Kelli shares what inspired her to join the military and opens up about the impact of service on mental health.

Together, we explore the importance of rest, self-care, and healing, as well as how building meaningful connections help in creating community. Packed with wisdom and practical advice, Kelli drops countless gems throughout this episode. Whether you’re in the military, transitioning out, or simply looking to prioritize your well-being, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss it—tune in now!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kelli-burns-macon-ga/1221121

In this episode, we sit down with active-duty Air Force member, Joanna Maramba, who opens up about her incredible journey of resilience and self-discovery. She shares the powerful story of what inspired her to join the military and how her service brought buried childhood trauma to the surface. Through courage and determination, she sought out a therapist who became instrumental in her healing journey, helping her find strength and clarity.

Her story doesn’t end there—she turned her pain into purpose by co-authoring a book where she shared her experiences to inspire others on their paths to healing. Tune in to hear her raw and authentic account of triumph, personal growth, and the transformative power of storytelling.

#VeteranVoices #TransitionTalk #LifeAfterService #MilitaryToCivilian #VetJourney #BeyondTheUniform #VeteranSupport #RealTalkForVets #2Vets1Mic #VetLife #MilitaryTransition #VeteranStories

In this episode, we sit down with Chris, a retired Air Force veteran whose love for sports and connecting with people led him to an exciting post-military career as an NCAA basketball official. Chris shares how being a multisport athlete shaped his discipline, why sports are vital for morale in the military, and how financial security and pride in your job pave the way for a successful transition.

He also talks about his inspiring work with the Military Sports Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting intramural sports teams across all military branches. From the locker room to the basketball court, Chris' story highlights how passion and purpose can turn your next chapter into a slam dunk (pun intended).

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with life lessons, actionable advice, and a celebration of the powerful connection between sports and service.

In this episode, Victor shares his journey from retiring from the Air Force to stepping into the classroom as a JROTC instructor. JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It is a program sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces offered in high schools across the country. Its primary goal is to develop leadership skills, discipline, citizenship, and personal responsibility among students. While it introduces participants to military values and skills, JROTC is not a recruiting tool and does not obligate students to join the military. Victor opens up about adjusting to civilian life, building bridges with the next generation, and why teaching might be the perfect path for veterans looking to make an impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with insight and advice!

In today's episode, Matt shares his journey from serving in the Navy to pursuing neuroscience, and ultimately transitioning into data engineering. Our conversation delves into topics like consciousness, the power of the mind, alcoholism in the military, the loss of community, alternative treatments for mental illness, and the far-reaching impacts of artificial intelligence. Matt's intellect and candor brought depth and insight, making this a truly thought-provoking discussion.

Welcome to 2 Vets 1 Mic! Today, we’re honored to introduce our very first guest. His military transition story is nothing short of inspiring—raw, honest, and incredibly courageous. He shared the highs, the lows, and everything in between with an authenticity that truly resonates. This conversation perfectly captures what our podcast is all about: Real talk for veterans. We’re here to explore the good, the bad, and the in-between of our journeys in the hope that it helps someone else along the way. Let’s dive in!