L.I.V.E. with Courage Podcast

In this episode of the LIVE with Courage Podcast, Christian Lefer shares how someone can live their purpose through starting a non-profit. 

We discussed:
00:34 Christian introduces himself
02:18 Christian shares his first experiences with non-profits
05:22 Why start a non-profit versus a for profit business
07:13 Why we need non-profits-small to large
09:28 Tax exemption and donor deductibility
14:03 5 Stages of the Non-profit Lifecycle
16:46 Why Instant Non-Profit is successful at serving their customers
21:35 Christian shares why he started Instant Non-Profit
25:34 How non-profits can sustain the founder ethically
30:14 How to get in touch with Instant Non-Profit
32:49 Final Words

Guest Bio: Christian Lefer started Instant Non-Profit to help others live their purpose through starting a 501c3 non-profit entity.

Resources:
Instant Non-Profit

Recording Date: February 14, 2022

In this episode of the LIVE with Courage Podcast, Otis shares his transition from the Army into his purpose of coaching transitioning service members through his company Tribe+Purpose.

We discussed:
00:43 Otis introduces himself
02:00 Post service, Otis got a job like he thought he should do
03:21 The last “job” brought a realization
04:18 Coaching rugby had a major impact on Otis
06:32 Otis started looking into business coaching
07:08 Made a commitment to get to know local community
07:41 Made a commitment to give back to the veteran tribe
08:28 Never want to see someone make the same mistakes
10:00 Most important lesson when you take the uniform off
12:07 Path of purpose
14:39 People struggle with knowing what their path of purpose is
16:25 Passions can lead to path of purpose
19:38 Everyone has to discover their own purpose
20:07 Ikigai
22:16 It’s the movement towards something that matters to you
25:11 Military transition is an individual and continuous journey
27:28 There are amazing resources available to veterans
30:21 Asking the right questions before starting a job
34:20 Discover your values
35:43 Coaches and writes a newsletter through Tribe+Purpose
37:39 Final words

Guest Bio: Otis McGregor is a former Army Green Beret. Post service, Otis found himself on a path of discovering his purpose. He is now the founder of Tribe+Purpose and works with transitioning service members through his organization and others.

Resources:
Tribe+Purpose
The Honor Foundation
Commit Foundation
Ikigai
Green Beret Foundation

Recording Date: January 26, 2022

In this episode of the LIVE with Courage Podcast, Annie shares her experiences of empowering transitioning service members through the Leader Transition Institute.

We discussed:
00:36 Annie introduces herself
00:51 Spent entire life with a military ID (dependent, active duty, spouse)
01:23 Things are so much better now than when she separated
01:57 So many more veterans are military spouses as well now
02:33 Making mistakes is a good way to learn
03:14 Reenlisted due to not having a plan, like many others
04:17 The military does not prepare veterans for transition
05:28 Most people live more years post service than in service
06:32 We get sucked into being a good service member, team first
07:57 Service members have no idea what area they want to specialize
08:51 Service members are not qualified for the field they want
10:09 Not doing the job in the civilian sector can be a challenge
11:00 Competing priorities and reality of entering the job market
11:29 Expectations of the company create additional challenges
11:55 Importance of networking
12:21 Unrealistic expectations and compromise
13:26 Sometimes you have to do what you have to do
14:19 You know what skills you will learn or who you may meet, be open
15:36 “Going from we to me” explains how the mind works during transition
16:26 “Going from we to me” focuses on individual purpose as well
16:46 There is so much to us as human beings
17:20 Focusing on the future and think big
18:22 “Going from we to me” has a communication assessment
20:14 Many veterans are not financially well prepared
22:10 Importance of living intentionally
23:00 How to sign up for Leader Transition Institute programs
24:33 Organizations and installations can request the program
26:02 Don’t wait, plan for your transition!

Guest Bio:
Annie Brock is a former military child, Army veteran, and Air Force spouse. She spearheads the Leader Transition Institute where they empower service members to learn about themselves in order to be successful post military service.

Resources:

• Leader Transition Institute - Going from We to Me

Recording Date: October 12, 2021 

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Charles shares his transition from a Vietnam Era combat Marine through the private sector to owning his own business.

We discussed:
00:35 Charles introduces himself
02:20 Transition during the Vietnam Era
04:23 Transition assistance did not exist
05:34 Marriage and family kept Charles grounded
06:42 There are all kinds of transitions in life
07:03 Experienced a recruiter that did not believe military experience mattered
08:18 Grunt to corporate world was a major change
08:56 Being an entrepreneur is not for everyone
09:47 Military experience has been valuable in business (sound bite)
10:16 Ego has a negative impact on business
11:38 There is no way to convey value to non-veterans
15:09 Working through PTSD challenges
19:28 Good partner, support system, makes a big difference
20:02 Relationship with children changes throughout life
21:24 Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon…a journey
23:49 Losing your cool is not productive
25:16 It doesn’t hurt to put some discipline into your personal life
29:07 Importance of cultivating positivity

Guest Bio:
Charles Read is a Vietnam Era combat Marine and now business owner. He has spent many years working in the corporate environment, but now owns his own business called Get Payroll and wrote a book titled The Payroll Book.

Resources:

• The Payroll Book 
• Get Payroll 

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Benjamin shares his transition from Army combat medic through doubt to a fulfilling position.

We discussed:
00:37 Benjamin introduces himself
00:55 member of many Army organizations
01:19 decided to not promote due to time commitment
01:32 “its time to get out when I stop having fun”
01:45 failed to account for family’s sacrifice
02:28 started transition early
02:51 SFL-TAP instructor’s story was cause for concern
03:48 started submitting resumes 6 months out with no success
04:54 never been in a position of not being desirable
05:51 things start to turn around
06:54 interviewed with a former commander and higher level
07:22 unfortunately was not selected for position and was devastated
07:49 decided the opportunity was a practice run
08:07 decided HCA would be next “home” and went for it
08:57 at about two months from retirement, started interviewing with HCA
13:00 finally got through the multiple levels of interviews, started losing faith
13:17 got a firm offer with no chance to negotiate
13:50 did not feel in a position to negotiate
14:05 didn’t want to be in a temporary position
14:38 accepted the position and moved to Nashville
15:12 great support during on-boarding
15:28 started working and had a renewed purpose
15:36 getting there was difficult
16:01 reaching back to former peers to mentor them
16:56 military experience is different than civilian experience and doesn’t always count
17:38 never pass up an opportunity to ask what their concerns are about you
18:26 challenges of gender expectation and excelling in the military
21:53 knew about resources, endorsed them, but wasn’t willing to use them
22:52 Senior NCOs need to practice what we preach
24:42 biggest challenge: getting over myself
27:53 grateful to be with HCA
29:16 Advice: be open

Guest Bio:
Benjamin Heimstead is a retired Army combat medic. He currently works for HCA in Nashville, TN.

Resources:

• HCA Careers 
• Military OneSource 
• Vet Center
• WWP 
• MFLC 
• O2O 

Recording Date: September 15, 2021

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Dillon shares is difficult transition from the Army which led him through a time of homelessness before he found his purpose.

We discussed:
00:48 Dillon starts to share his transition story
01:02 The military has been his entire life…a calling
01:50 Dillon mentions being a young father and actor
02:09 Decides to join the military to better his life
02:31 Loved being a cop
03:00 Separated with an anger towards the military
03:24 Works closely with the VA
03:30 Was a homeless veteran and struggled with alcohol
04:16 Started helping other veterans because we never leave a fallen comrade behind
04:49 Struggling with re-enlisting or not – how to still serve
04:59 Does a lot of volunteer work
05:27 Changing hearts and minds
06:49 Loves science and facts, but also very spiritual
07:07 There is a lot of chaos in our communities right now and our communities need us
07:48 The true meaning of a politician is a person of the city, we all need to be politicians
08:40 Negative mindset at time of separation
09:01 Conflict between a soldier life and real life
10:03 Conflict between personal beliefs and mission
11:05 Knew he was going to be an actor at the age of 3
11:36 Relates with method actors like Adam Driver-tied to warrior mentality
12:37 Veterans are connected….like family
13:41 Many veterans lose the warrior mentality, and we need to remind them
14:13 We need warriors to stand up for what they believe in
14:49 Before you separate and right after, get your finances in order
15:47 Obtain and use your benefits
17:15 A lot of information is not shared with veterans when they separate
18:31 The veteran community is strong and beautiful
19:55 Christina shares some information on the science of being a veteran
20:55 Its okay to show real emotions
21:13 People ought to speak up and share experiences
21:25 Dillon shares a little about his PTSD
22:03 Service members sacrifice
23:21 The warrior mentality is connected to resilience
25:03 We are in the middle of a revolution
25:56 Dillon's final words

Guest Bio:
Dillon LeMaster is a former Army Military Police Officer, father, and actor. He is also a dedicated volunteer and community member who found purpose in serving others.

Resources:

• Dillon's Website
• Warrior Road 
• Warrior of the Light Book 
• Wounded Warrior Project 
• American Legion
• Invictus Poem 

Recording date: September 3, 2021

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Jose shares his transition from the Army to a path of discovery.

We discussed:
00:18 Welcome
00:40 Jose introduces himself
01:09 Joined the Army as infantryman and continued on as a Ranger
01:47 later transitioned into the regular Army
02:07 Served two years with the old guard
02:20 Retired at 20 years
02:38 Jose shares how his military transition transpired
03:34 Explains a bit about the med board process for retiree eligible
05:43 We think we are ready….maybe not…
06:20 Not feeling ready because it was not a personal decision
06:47 Service members have a hard time identifying if they’ve done enough
07:29 Jose realized after reflection that he did his part to prepare the next generation
08:30 Shares a bit about his MMA experience
08:51 and a bit about his other experiences post service
10:22 Jose shares how he feels about having to find a new career or purpose
11:01 He also tells us about his physical challenges and acceptance of
11:44 Acceptance of “it” not being his place to be in the military anymore
12:43 Advises junior enlisted to not give up on the Army so quickly
13:09 and take advantage of the benefits while you are in the military
14:02 have a plan in place before you transition out of the military
16:44 switch career fields to something transferable prior to separation
17:44 Jose acknowledges that retirees have more financial security than others
19:21 Final words: don’t give up and grind

Guest Bio:
Jose Barreiro is a retired Army Sergeant Major and former Army Ranger and MMA fighter. Since transition, Jose has explored other paths like marksmanship and gun safety trainer, tactical advising, spotlight bartending, and modeling.

Recording date: August 31, 2021

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Christina shares her transition from the Air Force with special guest host Geronimo Moreno. This is Part 2 of 2.

We discussed:
00:28 Geronimo and Christina bring part 2 in
00:48 Did not transition unit Christina moved to San Antonio
01:05 How Christina’s pre-transition journey began
01:46 Christina did not work for 7 years
02:02 Why Christina did not call herself a veteran for 11 years
02:40 Mentored for 6 years helped Christina heal
03:14 Christina was suicidal during transition
03:29 The universe begins to align towards path of purpose
04:13 Started transition 11 years post discharge in San Antonio
06:16 Advice if a veteran is stuck in “limbo” during transition:
05:59 Reach in to those that are struggling through transition
06:22 Advocate for each other…it’s okay and needed
07:22 Many can relate to transition not going as expected
07:53 Arrived in San Antonio and lived with brother
08:32 Worked as DOLEW TAP Trainer for 6 weeks
08:46 Headhunted into resilience position at Fort Sam
09:15 Mental health declined immediately
10:07 Got fired from position
10:50 Made acceptance with being fired rather quickly
11:17 Brought up the importance of staying on your path of purpose
11:52 Getting fired = Getting famous
12:08 Christina wants to get famous
12:58 Christina is an entrepreneur, so Geronimo says
13:26 Hamilton the play resonated with Christina
13:50 Christina is struggling with her path of purpose due to depression
15:19 Its hard to find the right therapist, treatment, meds, etc.
15:58 Eleven is Christina’s number
16:17 Advice: There is no one size fits all transition
17:04 Advice: Take the time to discover who you are
21:51 Christina fan girls over Brené Brown
23:19 “You will not transition until you punch”
23:48 “It is not flipping a switch”
24:26 Self-Awareness, Grace, and Self-Compassion on your journey
24:55 Geronimo and Christina close out the show in a lengthy way lol

Guest Bio:
Christina Herr is an Air Force veteran, mom of four, doctoral student, and entrepreneur. She is passionate about advocating for veterans and empower others to achieve the success they define for themselves. Christina is also the host of the Transition Tales Podcast.

Host Bio:
Geronimo Moreno is an Air Force retiree and entrepreneur. He was a previous guest on Transition Tales and is the Marketing & Sales Director at Dynamic Advancement.   

Resources:
Brené Brown
The Struggle Is Real Course

This episode is dedicated to Dexter Mitchell, retired Air Force and all-around amazing guy. I appreciate every bit of support and “manipulation” you served up because it had a major impact on the person I am today. Where were you back in 2008? LOL J/K everything happens for a reason.

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Christina shares her transition from the Air Force with special guest host Geronimo Moreno. This is Part 1 of 2.

We discussed:
00:00 Geronimo brings the podcast in
00:58 Christina introduces herself
01:56 Christina reaches a crossroads & moves to San Antonio
02:45 Staying on path of purpose
03:14 This is hard telling your own story on your own podcast
03:57 Patriotic from a young age
04:29 First memory of veteran/military experience
05:22 Member of J.R.O.T.C. in five different high schools
06:24 Joined the Air Force because brother was a successful Airman
07:15 Almost did not graduate high school
08:21 Self-advocating
09:04 Conforming as a way to survive
09:54 Tells the horrible story (lol) of the day she joined the Air Force
13:42 First job in the Air Force
14:29 Force laterally retrained into Personnel career field
15:50 Experienced a lot of toxicity
17:22 Positive moments happened as well
21:13 Side notes about Orderly Rooms vs. Commander Support Staffs
23:15 Taking care of people and doing the right thing can burn you
24:46 Why Christina decided to separate at 11 years
29:16 Avoided dealing with transition

Guest Bio:
Christina Herr is an Air Force veteran, mom of four, doctoral student, and entrepreneur. She is passionate about advocating for veterans and empower others to achieve the success they define for themselves. Christina is also the host of the Transition Tales Podcast.

Host Bio:
Geronimo Moreno is an Air Force retiree and entrepreneur. He was a previous guest on Transition Tales and is the Marketing & Sales Director at Dynamic Advancement.   

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Moe shares his transition from the Army.

We discussed:
00:44 Moe introduces himself
02:02 Moe starts to tell his transition story
02:25 Went through ACAP (TAP) two years prior to 20
02:36 Moe starts networking during ACAP
03:01 Moe attributes his transition success to Networking
04:27 Moe retires in 2017 with the help of his warrant officer
05:39 Had a job before retirement date
06:00 Where is the VA disability boat?
06:35 Sadness and depression sets in
07:00 Rebelled with socks and bow ties
07:48 No one tells us about the emotional separation
08:51 The civilian world is unfamiliar and uncomfortable
09:48 “It’s okay to feel this way”
10:26 Surrounded by new tribe
11:27 Felt like body knew he retired…aches and pains, etc.
11:59 Realized there was a need to decompress after working 20+ years
12:54 “I am learning about me”
15:45 Learning how to say “no”
16:31 Reminisces about soldiers a bit…not everyone is Captain America
17:17 Relationship challenge during transition
18:56 Learning limits instead of “carrying on the mission”
21:13 Thriving vs. Surviving
23:18 “I am not your first line of defense” (emergency contact)
24:57 Do not do military transition by yourself
28:00 Moe’s final message (you do not want to miss it)

Guest Bio:
Mubota Watson is an Army veteran, father, and comedian. He transitioned directly into a position, but later decided to take some time off for himself. 

Resources:

• Onward to Opportunity (O2O)
• LinkedIn MilCity (#linkedinmilcity on LinkedIn and Facebook)