In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Paul Rodgers, a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, who took his passion for woodworking and turned it into a post-military career. Using his creativity and desire to remain connected with the military and veteran space, Paul formed Barefoot Woodwrks, where he blends his mastery of design with the visions of his clients, creating heirloom quality works of art, all with the military at heart. Check out this episode to hear how Paul was able to turn his hobby into something significantly more and learn some tips on how you can do it, too.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

·     Boots to Business entrepreneurial education and training program for service members and military spouses.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn. Also, check out Barefoot Woodwrks if you would like to get your hands on some of Paul’s exceptional work.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia chat with retired Air Force Brig Gen Mike Manion, where we “unpack” how he and his wife, Shannon, were able to go from active duty to living full-time abroad. Listen in as we talk about the year immediately following retirement where they lived as nomads, where Mike and Shannon explored many destinations around the world before settling on their forever home in Italy. We go on to discuss tax implications, the process to land the right visa, and other considerations they had to wade through to make living in a foreign country, while maintaining their US citizenship, a realized dream – not a living nightmare!

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

 Warrior Expeditions – follow Mike’s journeys on different trails and learn about the foundation that supports warriors during the journey and beyond

Manions on the Move – additional journey journals and updates from the Pacific Crest Trail and more on their Facebook page (Instagram page here)

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Ben and Angela Jacobson, both retired Air Force officers, to chat about their year-long adventure with their RV across America. While on terminal leave, before their official retirement dates, Ben and Angela toured the country where they hit 37 states, stopped at 174 locations, including 30 military bases and about 50 Harvest Hosts locations, and made so many incredible memories along the way. Hear about their epic adventure, their tips for hitting the road, and their favorite stories from the trip.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Harvest Hosts - Network of locations to park with your RV 
• RVParky - RV Parks and Recreation Directory
• Recreation.govU.S. Military Campgrounds and RV ParksAll Trails - trails and guides for hiking, camping, and running
• Keep Your Daydream - YouTube channel
• ChooseFI - Financial Independence Community
• Afford Anything - podcast
• The Simple Path to Wealth - book (links to Amazon)
• Ben & Angela’s YouTube channel1 Year on the road in a Travel Trailer - Ben & Angela’s trip summary video

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia give a recap of Season 1, share some of their favorite moments, and highlight some of the many things they learned during the first year ofrecording. They also give a quick highlight of what’s to come in Season 2.

Join Ian and Andia on your transition journey to learn about the multitude of resources available to you and your family.

Connect with Ian and Andia on LinkedIn

Connect with The Next Tour:

The Next Tour Podcast homepage

Instagram

Facebook

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurateinformation, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Grant Vermeer, a US Navy veteran, current military spouse, podcaster, and founder of The Vermeer Group, a concierge service specializing in connecting military and veteran families with tailored real estateprofessionals around the country. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of home buying, particularly around the time a service member transitions out of uniform and highlight some of the major considerations to keep in mind. We also talk a little bit about how military members and military spouses are keenly adept at being in the real estate business, where Grant shares some insights about how to get into the profession.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show or shared by our guest:

The Vermeer Group where you can connect with trusted real estate professionals nationwide.Academy Insider Podcast 

Connect with Grant Vermeer on LinkedIn.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Jason Medsger to follow up on his transition journey, first highlighted in Episode 4. Almost a year ago, Jason was contemplating the retirement decision and preparing to “push the button” to apply for retirement.

Now that he has an approved retirement date, we revisit the questions we asked the first time around, such as what gives him anxiety ahead of closing this chapter in his life, what his career exploration journey has looked like thus far, and the impacts of transition on the family now that a retirement date has been set. Stay tuned for more installments of Jason’s journey through transition – it is sure to be both entertaining and informative!

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia have a conversation with Britt Andrade, a US Army veteran andWarrior-Scholar Project participant. She unpacks her experience as a junior enlisted servicemember and her journey as a college student. Through Warrior-Scholar Project’s unique focus on bootcamps and preparatory programs, Britt not only succeeded in attaining her bachelor’s degree and turned hersuccess into her current undertaking. Britt is halfway through attaining her Juris Doctor to eventually work as an attorney with a focus on helping veterans!

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Warrior-Scholar Project
• Vassar Veterans Initiative

Connect with Britt Andrade on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or anyaffiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Attiyya Ingram, a tax professional and spouse of an active duty US Marine. She walks us through some of the most common mistakes transitioning servicemembers make when leaving military service, whether it is to enter the civilian job market or fully retire. Attiyya provides practical advice when it comes to effective planning and where to best seek professional assistance when covering your new tax landscape.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show or shared by our guest:

·     Ingram Financial Management

·     Military Tax Experts

Connect with Attiyya Ingram on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this bonus episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Dr. Gabrielle (Gabby) L’Esperance, Director of Insights at the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). Gabby shares information about the 2025 Military Family 360 Survey and why the data from this survey is so impactful, which is why we encourage military and veteran families to participate. At the end of this quick bonus episode, we also share information on how the government shutdown is affecting military families and how our listeners can help MFAN and the wonderful work they do to support the military community.

Take the 2025 Military Family 360 Survey

Visit CombatMilitaryHunger.org

Connect with Gabby on LinkedIn

Visit TheNextTourPodcast.com for more episodes.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia have US Army veteran and lifelong positivist, Andrew Polley, as a guest. Andrew was honored by Hire Heroes USA as the Junior Enlisted Client of the Year, following multiple post-military professional endeavors that all had one thing in common – giving back to his fellow human being. But often givingback can come at a price, both spiritually and otherwise, which is where this episode picks up his story. Andrew shares his transition story and journey with finding a career with the help of Hire Heroes USA where he has the opportunity to not just give back but feel his own self value at the same time. Join us as Andrew walks us through his journey – you can’t miss this episode.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show or shared by our guest:

• ⁠Hire Heroes USA⁠  
• ⁠HVA of Indiana⁠