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Imagine taking a leap of faith, shifting careers from aviation to Psychological Operations (PSYOP) in the military, and then venturing into fitness entrepreneurship! That is precisely what our guest, military officer Meg Tucker did. In this riveting episode, Meg shares her journey, the lessons she learned, and how she leveraged her experiences to lead the Valkyrie Project, which is empowering women in physical challenges. Her story is an inspiring tale of resilience, leadership and pioneering change in a male-dominated field.

We also get a front row seat into Meg's innovative fitness training brand, the Valkyrie Project. It started as a lifestyle brand and has evolved into a personalized fitness training program specifically designed for women.  The conversation sparks curiosity as we delve into the potential of AI in the fitness industry. We also touch on some of the challenges faced in providing fitness services, the importance of identifying weaknesses in training, and how best to overcome them. 

As we round off this episode, Meg unveils the link between fitness and military advice for women. We learn about the significance of stressors that stimulate adaptation and the crucial role of rest in muscle and joint recovery. Meg's insights on the importance of varying movement formats provide a refreshing perspective on fitness. Listen in as Meg opens up about her plans post-military service and her aspirations for the Valkyrie Project. It's an episode that ends with a note of anticipation for Meg's future, and you will be left inspired and looking forward to her next updates.

https://www.valkyrieprojectus.com/

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Ever faced a daunting goal and wondered how to conquer it?  I just completed a goal I made to myself 10 years ago.  Amid the struggle and sacrifice, an unexpected joy and appreciation for life unfolded through each step taken towards the finish line. This personal journey of mine was not just about crossing the finish line, but the lessons unearthed along the way.

The journey doesn't end there. As I reflect on the winding path to my goal, we dive into the power of mentorship and owning your success. Mentors can guide you, but the triumph lies in your dedication. So, join me as we explore the importance of setting daily tasks, recognizing your progress, and the invaluable role of a mentor. Tune into this episode and find that spark you need to conquer your goals and aspirations.

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Can you imagine the strength it takes to transition from a military career to civilian life? This week we're privileged to share a deeply personal conversation with Lara Beltz, a Navy veteran who courageously shares her journey through transformative military experiences, shedding light on the internal struggles many veterans face post-service. Lara's incredible journey begins in Sicily, where she worked in the ER and ran EMS in a military setting and faced life-altering events that took years to process.

Together, we navigate the tumultuous path to recovery, highlighting how integral veteran's programs have been in Lara's life. As co-owner of a service organization that employs veterans, Lara reveals the unique skills and values that her military career has instilled in her. The American Warriors Association, a retreat for veterans and first responders, played a significant role in Lara's life, providing a supportive community that understood her experiences and fostered personal growth.

Finally, we cast a spotlight on Lara's inspiring journey as a female leader in the male-dominated military and trades sector. Lara talks about the importance of women taking up space, the need for female representation, and the power of advocating for women in trades. She shares honest reflections on self-worth, shared connection, and personal work ethic, painting a vivid picture of the realities of military life, the transition to civilian life, and the unique challenges faced by women in the military. Don't miss this engaging, insightful conversation with Lara Belz.

Check out the American Warrior Association:

https://awa-usa.org/programs

And to find out more information about the trades go to the place that changed my life:

https://explorethetrades.org

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This weeks after action takes us on a dive into a key take away from the last interview that we had with Matt Stack, Author of Killing Chaos.  Matt's perspective takes veterans on an incredible journey into the why behind are seemingly always chaotic lives.   Once you identify what it is then you can start to shift how we let it into our lives and this, Kill the Chaos.

Check out the previous episode to hear the full interview with Matt, it's a great one.  Id also recommend you grabbing his book on Amazon on the link below.

Killing Chaos Amazon Link
https://a.co/d/bjWnpOJ

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Just imagine, trading a life of partying and video games for the disciplined world of the Marines. That's precisely the journey Matt Stack, author of "Killing Chaos: How Veterans Can Win the War They Didn't Even Know They Were Fighting," embarked on. From being a party-loving high school student to an esteemed Marine Corps veteran, Matt opens up about his experiences, the distinct personalities he met along the way, and the camaraderie that kept them strong.

It's natural to wonder, how does the rigidity of military life shape a person? And, how does that affect their life post-service? Matt Stack is here to shed light on these and many more questions. We dive into his book, examining the idea of chaos as a loved aspect in the military and how it sometimes spills into veterans' civilian lives. Matt also shares fascinating insights on leadership lessons, authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the events that led to penning his enlightening book.

Matt doesn't stop at just narrating his experiences. He further provides powerful tools for managing chaos, transitioning from military to civilian life, and healing from combat trauma. Can spirituality and service to others aid in overcoming trauma and maintaining balance in life? According to Matt, they certainly can. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we explore the unique perspective of life in the Marine Corps and find valuable advice and resources for veterans.

Buy Matt's Book on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/cxEzOyW

Visit his website:
KillingChaos.com

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Do you ever wonder what separates the successful from the rest? The answer lies in the power of discipline, intention, and action. This engaging conversation will help you embrace these key elements as we discuss overcoming fear to take consistent action and the significance of doing what needs to be done, even if it's uncharted territory for you.

But how do you ensure that your actions are meaningful and lead to real change? We shed light on this by exploring the role of intention and the crucial part your 'why' plays. Discover how the world perceives you through your actions, not your intentions. We wrap up with a deep dive into motivation, exploring how identifying your purpose and the potential consequences of inaction can fuel your drive to achieve your goals. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with powerful tools to take control and create the life you want.

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In this After Action we take a dive into some key take aways that I had from the previous interview we had with Katheryn Basso.  In the previous interview she shared a hidden yet crucial issue is gripping our military - ill-fitting gear for women. Imagine being in the line of duty and being hindered by your own equipment. That's the reality many women in the military face. Our guest today, Katheryn Basso, founder of Cadre Clothing, not only understands their plight but is taking remarkable steps to rectify it. Katheryn shares her stories from the field and opens up a conversation on the impact of ill-equipped gear on the performance and progression of women in the military. 

But our chat isn't just about military gear. For me is made my mind venture into the realms of empathy and kindness, reminding us all of our shared humanity. It's easy to forget that everyone we meet may be fighting their own battles. By lending an understanding ear, we can become part of their solution. For me, this is a far-reaching conversation that goes beyond just military gear. It's about the transformative power of empathy and kindness, and how they can impact our lives and those around us. Tune in for an enlightening and heartwarming episode, as we understand the struggles of women in the military, and discover how simple acts of understanding can make a world of difference.

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Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be the only woman in a room full of military personnel? Our guest, Katheryn Basso, a former Marine officer, shares her inspiring journey from studying sports medicine at the University of Virginia to navigating a male-dominated military landscape. Basso's remarkable military career was fueled by her passion and the events of 9/11, and she details her experience in the Foreign Area Officer Program, where she developed her understanding of different cultures. Tune in for her compelling story that demonstrates determination, resilience, and the courage to pursue your dreams regardless of the challenges.

This episode takes a sharp turn towards the critical issue of equipping women in the military. Basso, having been the only woman in the room numerous times, sheds light on the importance of providing female service members with the proper resources. She highlights the obstacles they face in the military, from ill-fitting equipment to inadequate training. The conversation hones in on the importance of injury prevention, female-specific gear, and the role of commanders in ensuring their service members are adequately equipped as per doctrine. 

Lastly, Basso, the proud owner of Kadri Clothing, touches on the impact of women's tactical gear. She discusses the challenges of designing tactical gear for women, the lack of competition in the women's tactical gear market, and the importance of proper clothing for comfort, confidence, and cognitive function. She also brings to light how ill-fitting body armor can lead to a false sense of security and other issues. The episode wraps up emphasizing the need for more resources for female tactical operators, the importance of having women in charge of their gear, and Catherine's heartfelt gratitude for the support of her investors, the Capital Innovators. Join us in this insightful conversation that offers a whole new perspective on the military.

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Ever felt like you're stuck in a rut, unable to break free and reach your goals? This episode uncovers the hidden mental barriers that might be holding you back. We discuss how our belief system can dictate our actions and achievements, and why the notion that something is impossible might just be in our head. Discover the art of breaking down these beliefs and how the knowledge acquired in the process should lead us to action, instead of being a place to hide. 

In our candid chat, we debunk the fear of the unknown and why it forces us to stay in an uncomfortable position. We emphasize the importance of stepping out of this fear and taking action, because inaction is just a place of hiding. The episode concludes on a powerful note - the idea that knowledge gained should immediately be put into action. Tune in to this enlightening discussion, and you might just find the key to unlock your potential and finally start working towards your goals.

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In this episode we break down one key concept from the full interview we had earlier in the week.  Teimojin Tan's full interview is the previous episode, episode 72.

This week, we sat down with the one-and-only Teimojin Tan, a seasoned surgeon, Canadian Veteran, and reality TV star, whose stories of survival and resilience are nothing short of remarkable. He walks us through his solo expedition on season nine, his trials, his triumphs, and the impactful life lessons he picked up along the way. 

Tan's approach towards life is deeply rooted in the principle of gratitude. In this episode, he shares how an attitude of thankfulness, even in the face of adversity, became his beacon of hope. His perspective on self-definition, encapsulated in the powerful phrase "I am", is a game-changer. The episode is filled with profound insights that promise to resonate with everyone, particularly those battling feelings of solitude. Tune in and let Timogen Tan inspire you to view your life through a lens of gratitude and self-definition.

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