The Next Tour podcast

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

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia chat with Ryan Pavel, CEO of Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP). Ryan is a veteran who separated after 5 years of service as an active-duty Marine. WSP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips service members and veterans for success in higher education. Ryan shares the mission and the focus of Warrior-Scholar Project. He also explains WSP’s Academic Boot Camp, workshops, and plans for the future. If you are an enlisted servicemember, veteran or someone who works with them – this is the episode for you! Plus, there will be a part two – so watch for that episode soon.

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

Warrior-Scholar Project

Connect with our guest and Warrior-Scholar Project on social media:

• Warrior-Scholar Project LinkedIn
• Warrior-Scholar Project Facebook
• Warrior-Scholar Project Instagram
• Ryan Pavel LinkedIn
• Ryan Pavel (twobitrye) Instagram

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-servicelife. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 21 - Transition and Finding Your Career Path

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Ross Dickman, US Army veteran and CEO of Hire Heroes USA. We talk about the unique aspects of what this Veteran Service Organization does differently in a space filled with more than 45,000 other entities and how their approach to helping veterans and spouses find their own career paths, regardless of service characterization, sets them apart from the pack. Additionally, we talk about when their services can be leveraged and why taking advantage of their coaching model as early as possible can be the best thing one can do for their post-military career.

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

• Hire Heroes USA

• Hire Heroes USA LinkedIn Page

Connect with Ross Dickman 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 talk with Kate Horrell, ChFC®, AFC®, MQFP® about Post 9-11 GI Bill Benefits. Kate Horrell is a financial educator and expert who deals with these benefits on a daily basis; so much so that she wrote the book on it. Join us as we delve into examples and more specifics of the Post 9-11 GI Bill.

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

●     KateHorrell.com

●     College Finances for Military Families: IncludingPost 9-11 GI Bill Benefits – Buy on Amazon

●     VA.gov: About GI Bill Benefits

●     GIBill Comparison Tool

●      Episode 19: Transition and Education with 9-11GI Benefits – Part 1 with Dedrick Curtis

o  Listen

o  Watch

Connect with Kate Horrell on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimerThe 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 talk withDedrick Curtis, CFP®, ChFC®, AFC® about Post 9-11 GI Bill Benefits. With Dedrick’s extensive background and experience working at universities, with servicemembers, veterans, and families, he shares his tips on using Post 9-11 GI Bill Benefits, making the most of your benefit, and how to avoid some common pitfalls. Join us as we delve into the nuances of the Post 9-11 GI Bill.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during theshow:

·       College Finances for Military Families: Including Post 9/11GI Bill Benefits by Kate Horrell

·       VA.gov: About GI Bill Benefits

·       GI Bill Comparison Tool

·       Yellow Ribbon List

·       FAFSA considerations

·       Transfer Education Benefits (TEB) Portal

·       Penny Earned Financial

·       Your university’s VA Certifying Official/School CertifyingOfficial

Connect with Dedrick Curtis on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests onThe 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 withprofessionals 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 Daniel Kopp, an Air Force veteran, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Military Qualified Financial Planner (MQFP®), and widower, where we unpack some of the most important aspects of being prepared to deal with the loss of a loved one. Daniel’s firsthand experience and his professional expertise highlight several things families can do, both big and small, to ease the burden when tragedy strikes. For example, having a shared login and password manager can ensure your shared digital life is not in limbo and stuck behind firewalls and layers of security to unlock and access. Daniel’s story is a great reminder of how we can work through the pain and come out on the other side by both being prepared early on, but as well by seeking help when we lose someone we love.

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

• Trust and Will Estate Planning

• The Conversation Project

• Five Wishes Care Planning

• Choose FI Podcast: Optimizing Your Financial Plan Before Military Retirement with Dianel Kopp

• Survivor Benefit Plan (Military OneSource)

• Wise Stewardship Financial Planning

• Military to Financial Planner Podcast

• Financial Therapy Association

• Kansas State University Financial Therapy Graduate Certificate Program

• Military Financial Advisors Association

• LastPass password manager

• 1Password password manager

Connect with Daniel Kopp 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.