When life knocks you down, do you get up and fight — or give in?

Florida’s Lieutenant Governor, Jay Collins is a former Green Beret, amputee, and decorated veteran whose life story defines grit, service, and purpose.

From growing up on a small family farm to surviving life-altering injuries in Afghanistan, Jay shares how faith, family, and resilience shaped his journey from soldier to statesman, serving as second-in-command of one of America’s most influential states. He opens up about losing his leg, rebuilding his life, and proving that anything valuable in life isn’t given — it’s earned.

Could a future run for Governor be on the horizon?

What you'll learn in this episode of Common Denominator: 

- The mindset that carried Jay through combat and loss

- Lessons in resilience, leadership, and faith

- The meaning of service and sacrifice

- How to raise the next generation with purpose and accountability

- The importance of community, family, and freedom

Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator

Learn more about Lt. Gov. Jay Collins: 

https://www.flgov.com/eog/leadership/people/jay-collins

https://www.senatorjaycollins.com/

@jaycollinsfl https://www.instagram.com/jaycollinsfl

🎙️ About Common Denominator:

Hosted by entrepreneur and philanthropist Moshe Popack, Common Denominator is where extraordinary people share the universal values that make us all human — perseverance, kindness, curiosity, and courage.

Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/

YouTube: @mpopack

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack

Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & initial thoughts

01:03 – Jay Collins’ path to Lieutenant Governor

02:13 – Growing up on a family farm & early life lessons

04:25 – Military service: Korea, Colorado, California & RAF Molesworth

06:30 – Surviving combat & amputations, returning to active duty

08:53 – Requalifying as a Green Beret: lessons in perseverance

13:49 – Leadership priorities: faith, family, freedom

15:42 – Veterans & government accountability

21:35 – The role of family & community support

22:15 – Transitioning to Florida & nonprofit work

29:22 – Leading during crisis: Israeli evacuations

30:50 – Economy, insurance & property tax priorities

34:49 – Education: tailored solutions & critical thinking

36:36 – Gratitude, resilience & lessons for all