The Any Given Day Podcast

JD Mata shares how he applies his diverse professional and educational backgrounds to affect positive change in the humans he coaches and counsels. He reveals how discomfort experienced by physical training is actually a source of comfort for him compared to stepping back and letting others take the lead on occasion.

About JD Mata

JD Mata is a 10-year United States Air Force veteran with multiple deployments supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, as well as Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.  During his time in the military, he trained airmen and soldiers in small unit tactics, firearms proficiency, integrated defense, active shooter response, nuclear security operations, close-air support, detainee handling, and convoy operations.  Following his honorable discharge in 2014, he has been involved in Strength & Conditioning as a coach and human performance researcher in the military, law-enforcement, college, pro, and Olympic sport communities, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journal articles.  Over that time, JD has amassed 20 years of experience in the general and specific development of tactical and athletic skills that contribute to success and survivability in competition and in life.  Now pursuing a second master’s degree to become a licensed psychotherapist, JD is exploring the interconnection between childhood adversity, lifestyle, and resilience in special operations personnel.

The conversation with Mauri DiMeo of Tactical Alpinism covers the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life, the process of certification for international mountain guides, the relationship with risk and passion in the mountains, and the experience of sharing mountain adventures with others. The conversation delves into the themes of pushing beyond limits, professional mountain guiding, the importance of consistency, preparation and mental toughness, and advice for veterans.

About Mauri DiMeo

Major Mauri DiMeo was an Infantry officer in the US Army who served also as an Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS)  and Operations Officer for the United States Army Cadet Command (USACC) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR).

Major DiMeo commissioned as an Infantry officer in 2013 through the United States Military Academy at West Point. He attended Ranger, Airborne and the Austrian High Alpine school before reporting to his first duty assignment with the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) at Ft. Carson, CO. While at 4ID he served as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Rifle Company executive officer. His next duty assignment was with the 10th Mountain Division, Light Infantry (10MTN). While assigned to 10MTN he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operations Freedom’s Sentinel and Resolute Support.

On return from Afghanistan he took Command of Bravo Company, 2-87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Ft. Drum New York. In 2021, Bravo Company was recognized as the top performing maneuver Company in the 2nd Brigade by being selected to represent 10MTN in the first international Winter Mountain Warfare Exercise that 10MTN participated in since the beginning of the War on Terror, Operation Southern Vanguard in 2021 (SV21) in Chile. In preparation for this exercise Major DiMeo was responsible for the resourcing, planning and execution of the training that the Company conducted prior to its deployment to Chile.

Outside of the military Major DiMeo founded Tactical Alpinism in 2022 with the mission to expand the capability of individuals to go bigger in the mountains by teaching mountain navigation and planning best practices. The purpose of enabling individuals to go bigger in the mountains is to expand the military’s capability in the mountain environment by focusing on expertise of the individual within mountain and arctic units. 

He guides in the ski, alpine and rock disciplines on a part time basis for a company based in Northern California. His mountain experience includes two decades of climbing across much of the world and multiple ski based ascents/descents including Mount Shasta, Mount Rainier, and Denali all by multiple routes.  His favorite places to climb are Vingsand, Norway, the Gunks, NY and the Alaska Range, AK. His civilian mountain certifications include AIARE Avalanche Professional Level 2, AIARE Avalanche Instructor, AMGA Assistant Ski Guide and AMGA Assistant Rock Guide.

Chapters

• 00:00 Transitioning to Civilian Life
• 07:45 Tactical Alpinism and Mountain Guiding
• 16:13 Risk and Passion in the Mountains
• 23:57 Sharing Mountain Experiences
• 35:02 Professional Mountain Guiding
• 42:44 The Importance of Consistency
• 49:02 Preparation and Mental Toughness
• 54:22 Advice for Veterans

Colin Meadors shares his experiences preparing for Ranger School and RASP, his deployments to Syria and Afghanistan, the weight of deployment experiences, the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, and the importance of finding balance during the transition period. He emphasizes the need for patience, support, and companionship, as well as the value of seeking help from other veterans and civilian friends.

Host Nate Palin explores the theme of growth after service and the process of resilience. He delves into the layers of resilience, experiences in combat, dealing with trauma, and the concept of rock bottom. Nate also touches on testing of the rebuild, emphasizing the importance of feeling and acknowledging emotions as part of the rebuilding process.

Noel shares his military journey from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps to his successful transition into strength and conditioning. He discusses the importance of discipline, continuous learning, and adapting military principles to civilian life, offering valuable insights for veterans navigating post-service challenges.

Noël Brand is a performance coach and (co-)owner of Breda Strength & Conditioning and Defensie Trainingsschema. He served 14 years in the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps as a medic and Physical Training Instructor. He coaches a wide variety of GPP clients and professional / competitive athletes. He has helped dozens of clients successfully pass selection and join elite military units.

• Military transition and adaptation
• Continuous learning and certification in coaching
• Discipline and mindset for success
• Applying military principles to civilian life

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:47 Military Journey and Experiences

07:12 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

12:47 Memorable Moments in Service

18:15 Lessons Learned and Unlearning Military Habits

23:33 The Importance of Punctuality

26:24 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

30:20 Building a Strength and Conditioning Business

32:42 Navigating Certifications and Education

41:52 Reflections on Transition Challenges

46:02 Parting Wisdom for Veterans

Matt Luke shares his remarkable journey from incarceration to becoming a dedicated firefighter, husband, and father - personifying the value of mental toughness, doing hard things, and maintaining perspective. Discover how overcoming adversity and embracing discomfort can lead to growth, resilience, and a truly fulfilling life.

“In every challenge or even tragedy lies opportunity. If you train yourself to look for opportunities, you can control the situation and even turn it into something positive.”

Perseverance, passion, mental and physical fortitude: these words embody Matt.

Matt Luke is a full time father of 2 and husband residing in Oakdale, Ca. He is an engineer(firefighter) for CAL FIRE working on a Helitack crew in the Santa Cruz mountains of California. His story is one of both cautionary tale and unwavering endurance. With over a decade of various construction experience, but lacking purpose, he found himself unsuccessfully filling a void with material things and an ego driven attitude.

Matt found himself Incarcerated for 7 years after a temporary setback that would destroy most. Matt proves there is nothing you can’t accomplish if you have the right drive and desire.

An endurance athlete who enjoys suffering to succeed, Matt often participates in several marathons or ultra marathon type races annually. He is also a professional divemaster who enjoys showing people the aquatic realm and exploring new depths all over the world. He enjoys teaching and influencing the upcoming generation in his respective fields, or anything he can be a strong contributing team member in.

After overcoming a tremendous set back in life, he adapted a new mindset and laser like, goal oriented, focus. With many irons in the fire Matt successfully balances an intense career in aviation fire fighting/air rescue, with being a high performing athlete all while being an attentive and devoted husband and father. Partially driven by his desire to be that example for his sons he takes no days off; holds nothing back; takes 100% of the chances laid out before him.

• Matt Luke's background and journey from incarceration to fire service
• The role of mental toughness and doing hard things
• The importance of perspective and gratitude in growth
• Lessons learned from challenges and failures
• The concept of 'any given day' and continuous self-improvement

00:00 Introduction to Matt Luke and His Journey

02:57 The Importance of Mental Toughness in Physical Challenges

05:30 Transitioning from Physical Fitness to Fire Service

08:19 Finding Purpose in the Fire Service

11:00 Incarceration and Its Impact on Life Choices

16:40 The Incident That Changed Everything

22:25 Reflections on Life After Incarceration

22:44 Navigating Life's Challenges

25:15 The Journey of Self-Discovery

27:41 Finding Joy in Adversity

30:38 The Importance of Perspective

33:24 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

37:05 Building Identity Through Challenges

41:02 Resilience and Rebuilding

44:44 Parting Wisdom and Continuous Growth

Margarita Valenzuela, a former Marine, shares her journey from military service to civilian life. She discusses her diverse background, her experiences in the Marine Corps, and the challenges she faced transitioning to civilian life. Maggie shares her educational pursuits in psychology, her insights on the importance of physical training, and her understanding of the pain-pleasure balance in life. The conversation concludes with Maggie offering words of wisdom for veterans, emphasizing the importance of faith and community in overcoming life's challenges.

About Margarita Valenzuela

Follower of Jesus Christ/ Wife/ Daughter/ Sister/ Step-Mom/ Athlete 

Maggie was born in Salinas, CA. Growing up she always had an interest in human performance and spirituality. Maggie joined the United States Marine Corps after high school and served for 11.5 years. Her first duty assignment took place in New Orleans, LA at Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) between 2011-2014. She served as an 0111 Administrative Specialist. During her second enlistment, between October 2014 - July 2015. She volunteered in the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force (GCEITF). She served as a 0311 Infantry after graduating from the School of Infantry (SOI) East. The GCEITF took place in multiple training locations such as: Camp Lejeune, NC, TwentyNine Palms, CA, and BridgePort California Mountain Warfare Training Center. Maggie met other Marines who were also comfortable being uncomfortable throughout various training iterations. In 2016, the Commandant of the Marine Corps authorized Women Marines being granted the opportunity to take part in combat MOS's. 

In August 2015, Maggie was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, NC and returned to her 0111 Administrative MOS. During her duty assignment, she took interest in becoming a bodybuilder, and human performance coach. In 2016-2017 she competed in two National Physique Committee (NPC) Bodybuilding competitions. Which inspired her to learn more about Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, and earned 3 certifications from the International Sports Science Association in Personal Training. In January 2018, she then attended the Marine Corps Force Fitness Instructor Course in Quantico, VA. She was then appointed as the unit Force Fitness Instructor (FFI), responsible for the Marine Corps Body Composition Program (BCP), Marine Corps Remedial Program (RP). In July 2019, Maggie was assigned to United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany. In November 2020, Maggie was promoted to Staff Sergeant and was re-assigned to Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa Command (MARFOREUR/AF) at Panzer Kaserne, Germany. In June 2021, Maggie began volunteering as an Assistant S&C at Special Operation Command Europe (SOCEUR). Where she supported military service members training at the Preservation of Force and Family Program (POTFF). In September 2022, Maggie went into the skillbridge program post-military service and became a full-time intern at POTFF.

In 2024, Maggie and her husband moved to Vienna, Austria. She is currently a student in Psychology at Webster Vienna Private University (WVPU). In November 2025, Maggie embarked on a journey into becoming a Christian and was baptized along with her husband Jimmy. Today, Maggie is interested in learning about Christian Counseling and combining both psychology and biblical scripture to serve as a Biblical Counselor for her community. 

Paul Ngyuen shares how he overcame the physical limitations and loneliness of being removed from his Ranger family during rehab from a combat injury, and how his perseverance has translated to successes as a veteran in the civilian world. Paul emphasizes the importance of finding community and purpose after service, his transition into entrepreneurship, and the value of connection among veterans.

Paul Nguyen grew up in Fullerton, California, and in 2005 he enlisted in the U.S. Army on an Option 40 contract with the goal of becoming an Army Ranger. After completing the Ranger Indoctrination Program in November 2005, he was assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington. Within weeks, he deployed for the first time.

After returning, he graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School and deployed again almost immediately. During that second deployment, Paul was critically wounded while conducting a raid on an enemy safehouse. Shot at close range with an AK-47 and given just a 2% chance to survive, he fought through devastating injuries that ultimately resulted in his medical retirement in 2008.

What followed was a different kind of battle. Years of physical therapy helped him slowly regain movement in his left leg. Refusing to be defined by his injuries, Paul turned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a path to recovery and purpose. In 2024, he earned his black belt — a milestone that symbolized discipline, perseverance, and resilience.

Since leaving the military, Paul has built and managed multiple businesses. Despite early failures, he never quit. In 2018, he founded a private security company focused on employing fellow veterans, continuing his commitment to service beyond the battlefield. Today, he also works as a firearms instructor and youth Jiu-Jitsu coach, investing in the next generation through leadership and mentorship.

Paul currently resides in Orange County, CA with his wife Tera and dog Scooby.

• Paul joined the military to find a different path than his peers.
• Combat injuries led to a challenging recovery process
• Transitioning to civilian life was difficult, especially feeling isolated after injury.
• Jiu-jitsu became a crucial part of his recovery and community building.
• Starting a security company was a leap of faith that paid off
• Connection with others is vital for mental health and support.
• Veterans should seek out communities that share their interests and struggles.
• Finding purpose in life after service is essential for well-being.

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:49 The Journey to the Rangers

05:40 Deployment Experiences

08:39 Injuries and Recovery

11:23 Transitioning to Civilian Life

14:00 Finding Purpose and Community

16:41 Starting a Business

19:49 The Importance of Connection

22:38 Advice for Veterans

25:05 Conclusion and Reflections

Ryan Antes, a former Ranger and current attorney, shares his military experience, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of resilience. Ryan recalls his journey from military service to law, his experiences in combat, and the health challenges he has faced since leaving the service. They discuss the value of volunteerism, friendship, community engagement, and the importance of helping others.

About Ryan Antes

Ryan Antes was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. He ran high school cross country at Long Beach Poly and enlisted in the US Army at 108 pounds upon graduating in 1999. Ryan shipped off to Ft. Benning, GA that summer to be trained as an infantryman (11B) with an Airborne and Ranger Indoctrination Program contract.

After successfully completing jump school and RIP, Ryan was assigned to B Co, 2nd Battalion, 75 th Ranger Regiment in Ft. Lewis, WA. Ryan deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Ryan participated in the Jessica Lynch rescue mission, the first and only successful POW rescue since WWII, and was saved by his body armor from a nearly point-blank AK-47 round in Iraq.

During the brief period between those 2 combat deployments Ryan successfully completed US Army Ranger School. Ryan was honorably discharged in December 2003 as a corporal and returned home to Long Beach, CA.

Ryan had saved up his combat pay from both tours and was able to afford an engagement ring for Jessica, whom he met in 7th grade but expressed no interest in him romantically until after he had been bulked up by the Army. He enrolled in California State University, Long Beach for the Spring 2004 semester and married Jessica that July. Ryan graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Minor in Chemistry in May 2006.

Jessica did not want to be poor or live on a boat, so Ryan signed up for law school. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in May 2009 and took the July 2009 California Bar Exam. Ryan passed the Bar on his first attempt and took a job at 100- lawyer defense litigation firm in Irvine, CA where he had worked as a law clerk during the summer after his first year of law school.

After leaving the Army, Ryan sought out volunteer opportunities to help deal with the void he felt being so far from those with whom he served. Ryan was selected to serve as a Commissioner on the City of Long Beach’s Veterans Commission spending several years as Chair. He reached his 8-year term limit in 2024. Ryan has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Gold Star Manor in Long Beach since 2022 and serves as the President of the Board of the Long Beach Area Veterans Collaborative.

Ryan’s early law practice focused on the defense of national homebuilders in a variety of property damage and personal injury actions. Ryan and Jessica were graced with a son, Jackson, in 2012 and a daughter, Aurora, in 2013. He took control of the law firm’s recruiting and mentoring programs and rose through the ranks to become an equity partner.

After a couple of heart attacks in the early 2020s and a falling out with his partners, Ryan transitioned his practice to a solo operation focusing on trust law, contract law, and small business counseling. He opened his own one-man law firm in March of 2024.

Episode Takeaways

• Resilience is often rooted in stubbornness and determination.
• Volunteerism can provide a sense of purpose and community.
• It's important to listen more than you speak in conversations.
• Health challenges can reshape one's approach to life and career.
• Helping others can lead to unexpected friendships and connections.

Giovani Urrutia shares his journey from military service to coaching, emphasizing the importance of discomfort for personal growth and resilience. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the impact of health issues on his perspective, and his creative pursuits in writing. Giovani highlights the value of authenticity in communication and the role of mentorship in guiding others. The discussion is rich with insights on leadership, personal development, and the power of community.


About Giovani Urrutia

Every man tabernacled into every other; superior in some way, woven in the tapestry of life.

Giovani Urrutia discovered strength and conditioning while serving in the United States Marine Corps. What started as a fight against boredom turned into a life-changing discovery, and he felt compelled to help others find their own path. He left the service determined to build a meaningful career, and in a field where the deck was stacked against him, he succeeded.

For the past decade Giovani has worked across the globe helping exceptional organizations, military and sport, understand how to enhance performance, leading to benefit beyond the gym. His hand in too many pots; he's worked as a SME for physical performance not only in sport, but automotive, tech, and even the fashion industry. He doesn’t believe that his job should be as simple as selecting the right exercise, because life doesn’t fit into boxes as simple as a 3x5.

He’s a voracious student and reader, leaving no particular text off the table–if the answers are buried, you will find him digging. He loves anything on wheels, be it his former life building desert race cars, or trying to keep both wheels of his mountain bike on the trail. Right now, you’ll find him helping SOFLETE as their podcast host and resident subject matter expert, while balancing that with becoming an author.

Giovani’s toiling away in the heat of the Sonoran desert with his wife and son.


Episode Takeaways

• Giovani emphasizes the importance of seeking discomfort for growth.
• The military experience shaped Giovani's leadership style and values.
• Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but rewarding.
• Coaching is about guiding others to find their own path forward.
• Health challenges can provide insights into personal resilience and adaptability.
• Creativity can be a powerful outlet for personal expression and growth.
• Understanding one's own pain can lead to better coping mechanisms.
• The importance of community and shared experiences in healing.
• Authenticity in communication fosters deeper connections.
• Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional development.