The Strategic Veteran

Jake Droge, a former US Army National Guard medic (2001-2007), shares his inspiring journey from military service to becoming a nationwide reverse mortgage expert. Inspired by his WWII veteran grandfather, Jake's story showcases how military values translate into helping seniors achieve financial stability in retirement.

🎖️ Episode Highlights:

Connect with Jake:

📱 Phone: 605-941-7029

🌐 Website: jakedrog.com"

Discover how George Boyd, a veteran turned entrepreneur, transformed resilience and trauma into meaningful service. Learn actionable steps for veteran entrepreneurship and finding purpose.

"Transition from Army to Success: Dr. McCray’s Path" takes you on an inspiring journey of resilience and growth. Hosted by Adam Peters on The Strategic Veteran, this episode dives deep into the life of Dr. Brandon McCray, a U.S. Army veteran with 11 years of service who is now a successful entrepreneur and PhD holder. From deployments in Iraq to overcoming personal struggles and building a legacy in leadership, Dr. McCray shares actionable insights on transitioning from military life to civilian success.

Discover how he turned his military experiences into entrepreneurial ventures, including consulting and Antarctic missions. Learn leadership lessons, explore veterans' challenges, and uncover strategies for thriving in any environment. If you’re a veteran or someone seeking motivation, this episode delivers transformative wisdom and inspiration.

Join The Strategic Veteran host Adam Peters as he welcomes retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Mark Toner, who served for 22 years. In this heartfelt interview, Mark shares his journey through personal trauma, resilience, and military service, discussing how his early struggles shaped his path. Mark's mission today is to inspire others facing similar challenges by advocating for mental health and trauma recovery. This episode dives into Mark's journey from overcoming trauma to finding purpose in helping others.

Join host Adam Peters on The Strategic Veteran podcast as he interviews retired U.S. Navy pilot and leadership coach Walt Morgan. With 23 years of military service, Walt shares his journey from Navy aviation to leadership coaching, detailing his transition to civilian life and dedication to veteran empowerment. Discover insights from his helicopter pilot, professor, and leadership coach roles, and gain valuable lessons in resilience, personal development, and professional coaching.

In this powerful episode of The Strategic Veteran, host Adam Peters interviews Army National Guard veteran Scott DeLuzio, a veteran who turned tragedy into a mission of healing and resilience. After the loss of his brother, Stephen, during their deployment to Afghanistan, Scott faced overwhelming grief and challenges returning to civilian life. Through his Drive On Podcast, Scott shares his story to inspire hope among veterans and military families, offering a message of strength, healing, and resilience. His journey, detailed in his memoir Surviving Son, underscores the enduring courage of veterans and the sacrifices made by military families. Join us to hear Scott's moving story of service, sacrifice, and finding purpose in helping others.

In this inspiring episode of The Strategic Veteran, host Adam Peters interviews Jeremy Bourgeois, a Marine Corps infantry veteran who transitioned into a highly successful real estate investor. Jeremy shares his journey from serving in the Marines, where he learned resilience and discipline, to navigating real estate investment challenges in Southern Utah. Starting with no business background, Jeremy took on his first investment—a fourplex he purchased sight unseen—paving the way for the launch of his business, Scout Peak Home Buyers. Learn how he overcame obstacles, built a thriving family-owned real estate business, and continues to grow while applying key lessons from his military career.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:45 - Jeremy's Marine Corps Career

10:00 - Transition to Real Estate Investing

22:30 - First Major Investment: Buying a Fourplex

35:00 - Lessons Learned in Real Estate

50:00 - Starting Scout Peak Home Buyers

1:05:00 - Key Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

1:20:00 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Veterans

Resources:

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In this episode, we sit down with Tom Spooner, co-founder of Warriors Heart, to discuss his inspiring journey from Special Forces to becoming a leading advocate for veteran mental health. Tom opens up about his struggles with trauma and addiction, how these experiences shaped his mission, and the vision behind Warriors Heart, a haven for veterans and first responders facing similar battles. Tune in to hear Tom's powerful insights on resilience and recovery and how he’s transforming lives through Warriors Heart.

In this episode, we cover:

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Resources:

In this episode of The Strategic Veteran, host Adam Peters welcomes Colonel David Fivecoat. Together, they explore the transition from military to entrepreneurship, leadership lessons, and building grit. David reflects on his 24-year Army career, deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and his journey founding Fivecoat Consulting. Whether you're a veteran navigating transition or an executive looking for insights into leadership and resilience, this episode offers powerful takeaways on perseverance and purpose.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Meet Colonel David Fivecoat

10:00 - Military Leadership and Operation Just About

22:30 - West Point Experience and Life Lessons

35:00 - 24 Years in the Army: Key Deployments and Experiences

47:00 - The Challenges of Transitioning to Civilian Life

1:00:00 - Founding Fivecoat Consulting and Entrepreneurship

1:20:00 - Executive Coaching Insights

1:40:00 - Finding Purpose and Grit After the Military

2:00:00 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of The Strategic Veteran, host Adam Peters sits down with Dave Albin, a U.S. Army veteran and world-renowned firewalking expert. Dave shares his transformative journey from battling addiction to leading life-changing firewalks for Tony Robbins and top organizations like Google, NASA, and Microsoft. Learn how Dave overcame personal struggles and discovered his passion for helping others overcome their fears.

Dave recounts his military service, personal challenges, and incredible experiences working with Tony Robbins, where he became the Firewalk Captain, leading firewalks for thousands, including celebrities like Oprah and Usher. He also discusses founding Firewalk Productions and the life-changing impact of firewalking on individuals and teams.

Watch to hear powerful stories of resilience, courage, and transformation as Dave reveals how facing your fears can unlock your true potential.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction to Dave Albin 

1:45 - Early Life and Military Background 

7:20 - Overcoming Addiction and Sobriety Journey 

14:10 - Discovering Firewalking and the First Tony Robbins Event 

23:30 - Becoming Tony Robbins’ Firewalk Captain 

35:00 - Founding Firewalk Productions 

42:15 - Firewalking for Corporate Giants: Google, NASA, and More 

50:45 - Leadership and Personal Growth Through Firewalking 

1:03:00 - Dave’s Message for Veterans and Entrepreneurs