In this episode, I sat down to talk with retired 20-year Marine Corps veteran, MSgt. Derek Mensen. Derek's early life was steeped in the typical American pastimes of football and baseball, with a brief foray into wrestling. His family, while not having a history of military service, was supportive when Derek and his older brother decided to join the military. Derek's decision to join the Marine Corps was influenced by his older brother's less than satisfactory experience in the Army.

 

Derek's military career was diverse and challenging. He began his service at the Naval Academy, a unique duty station that provided him with a well-rounded background and valuable networking opportunities. He later served in the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, which offered unique training opportunities, albeit in a more administrative role.

 

Around the nine-year mark in his career, Derek joined the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), a decision he made despite being considered "older" in the assessment / selection process. Derek ultimately had 6 combat deployments. His time in the Raider community was a significant part of his career, but as he approached the end of his service, he was thrust into a transition to the Team Chief role, which he used to his benefit to prepare for civilian life.

 

Derek's transition was aided by programs like the Honor Foundation, which helped him find his "golden thread" and his "why". He also pursued a Master of Business for Veterans at USC, which led him to meet his current business partners of the San Diego based Trident Coffee Roasters. Today, he is the Director of Operations.

 

This podcast episode is a must-listen for military veterans, especially those considering a transition to civilian life. Derek's story is a testament to the value of adaptability, foresight, and the willingness to seize opportunities as they come.

 

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CONNECT WITH DEREK:

https://www.instagram.com/tridentcoffee/

https://www.tridentcoffee.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmensen/

In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, I’m joined by Christopher Hoyer, a retired police officer from the Phoenix Police Department. Chris shares his journey from a troubled youth to a 20-year career in law enforcement, and his experiences dealing with trauma and its aftermath.

 

Chris grew up in a single-parent household, with his mother being his primary caregiver. His biological father, a Marine Force Recon who served in Vietnam, was absent from his life. Despite the challenges, Chris developed a no-quit attitude that carried him through his life.

 

His journey into law enforcement was not a straight path. After moving from New Hampshire to Arizona, he started a carpet installation business. It was during a random carpet installation that a customer suggested he would make a good police officer. This suggestion sparked a career change that led him to serve 20 years with the Phoenix Police Department.

 

During his service, Chris was involved in several shootings, including an ambush that took the life of his friend and fellow officer. He admits that he didn't properly address the trauma he experienced, which was a catalyst for his early retirement in 2018.

 

In the aftermath, Chris has become a public speaker, sharing his experiences and the lessons he learned about dealing with trauma. He's also written a book, "When the Day Comes, Training for the Fight," where he offers insights on how to survive a career as a first responder.

 

This episode is a must-listen for first responders, offering a raw and honest look at the realities of a career in law enforcement. It provides valuable insights into dealing with trauma and the importance of mental health in high-stress professions.

 

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CONNECT WITH KEVIN:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hoyer-25398192/

https://www.instagram.com/hoyerchristopher/

Welcome to another amazing episode of the podcast. We delve into the life, the struggles, and the triumphs of a veteran. This is the story of Kevin Gilley, a Navy veteran who served his country with pride and honor, but faced a battle of a different kind when he returned home.

 

Kevin grew up dreaming of becoming a firefighter, a dream he pursued from his high school days. Many firefighters he knew had served in the military, which gave them an extra advantage when applying for firefighter roles. This inspired Kevin to join the Navy right after high school, with the intention to gain the extra points for his firefighting career.

 

In the Navy, Kevin initially signed up as a damage controlman, focusing on firefighting, but later switched to being a corpsman due to better advancement opportunities. He served as part of the Search and Rescue (SAR) team. He served two tours in Iraq and spent seven months in Indonesia for humanitarian assistance as part of Operation Unified Assistance following a devastating tsunami.

 

After his four-year service, Kevin left the Navy to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter. However, he began to struggle with anxiety, nightmares, and untreated PTS, which led him to alcohol as a coping mechanism. His struggles with alcoholism and PTS had a significant impact on his life post-Navy, leading to a series of personal and professional challenges. Including a couple stints in prison and a period of living homeless on the streets of Las Vegas.

 

Kevin's story is a stark reminder of the unseen battles military members often face. It's a call to action for us to support veterans, to understand their struggles, and to help them find the resources they need. It's also a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. To all military members out there, know that you're not alone. There are resources and communities ready to stand with you. And remember, it's okay to ask for help. Your strength is not defined by your struggles, but by your ability to overcome them.

 

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CONNECT WITH KEVIN:

https://www.instagram.com/two8ninemedia/

[email protected]

In this podcast episode, we delve into the life of Angel Soriano, a former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, who shares his journey from being a skateboarder to serving in the military. Angel's story is one of transformation and growth, offering valuable insights for military members and those interested in understanding the military lifestyle.

 

Angel grew up in a small family with two brothers in Whittier, California. As a child, he was a bit of a troublemaker and a passionate skateboarder, dreaming of going professional. However, as he grew older, his interests shifted towards physical fitness and exercise, which eventually led him to consider joining the Marine Corps.

 

The military had always been a part of Angel's life, with both his father and brother serving in the Marine Corps. After high school, Angel decided to follow in their footsteps. Despite the ongoing war in Iraq and his mother's concerns, Angel enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2006.

 

Angel's time in the Marine Corps was transformative. He learned the value of structure, discipline, and camaraderie. He served two deployments in Iraq between 2007 and 2009. Despite the challenges, Angel embraced his role in the infantry, believing it to be the foundation of the Marine Corps.

 

After four years of active duty, Angel left the Marine Corps but found himself missing the structure and culture. He joined the reserves and began exploring his options for the future. Angel recognized the value of education and decided to use his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to pursue higher education.

 

Angel's story is a testament to the transformative power of the military. His journey from a skateboarder to a Marine Corps infantryman highlights the opportunities and challenges that come with military service. This podcast episode offers valuable insights for military members, particularly those considering transitioning to civilian life or furthering their education.

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#transitiondrillpodcast #military #firstresponders #police

In episode 98 of the Transition Drill podcast, we delve into the life and career of Kevin Seiff, a former Navy SEAL and Marine Corps officer who transitioned into entrepreneurship. Kevin's journey began at the age of 12 when he met a Navy SEAL and was inspired to follow a similar path. After attending the Naval Academy and serving in the Marine Corps, with 1 combat deployment to Afghanistan, Kevin transferred to the Navy and served as a SEAL officer for seven years.

 

During his military career, Kevin had unique experiences, such as being one of the few SEALs stationed in Korea during a period of escalating tensions. He worked closely with some “three-letter” agencies and high-ranking military officials, gaining invaluable skills and insights. However, after a decade in the military, Kevin desired more control over his professional career, leading to his discharge in 2020.

 

Today, Kevin is the owner of Flintlock Solutions, a recruiting firm working with life science and technology companies. He also runs The Vetrepreneur Collective, where he trains veterans to leverage their military skills and experiences to become entrepreneurs.

 

This episode offers valuable insights into the transition from military service to entrepreneurship, making it a must-listen for military members, first responders, and budding entrepreneurs. Kevin's story is a testament to the transferability of military skills to the business world and the potential for veterans to carve out successful post-military careers.

 

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CONNECT WITH KEVIN:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-seiff/

https://flintlocksolutions.com/

https://www.vetrepreneurcollective.com/

 

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making/dp/073521414X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1   The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Businesses-published-HarperCollins/dp/B00E27YS0A/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=e-myth+revisited+by+michael+gerber&s=books&sr=1-2   The Infinite Game https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1   Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591842808/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-3

 In this episode of the Transition Drill podcast, I got to talk with Lt. Colonel Isaac Lee, a retired Marine Corps helicopter pilot who served for 20 years with multiple combat deployments. Isaac shares his journey from being a student studying advertising to becoming a Marine, and then becoming a Senior VP of Operations for a company in San Diego after his retirement in 2017.

 

Isaac discusses his decision to join the Marine Corps and how he actively planned and prepared for his transition from military to civilian life. He shares his experiences of translating military skills into business language and how he continues to mentor veterans, helping them navigate their own transitions.

 

Isaac also gives a sneak peek into his upcoming book, a memoir that details his transformation from a scared young lieutenant to a seasoned military officer. He talks about his experiences in the Marine Corps and the mental health challenges he faced during his transition.

 

The episode emphasizes the importance of mental health. Isaac encourages veterans and first responders to take care of their mental health and seek counseling, particularly if they've lived an extreme career. He shares his concerns about the issues many veterans face, such as substance abuse and marital problems, and encourages them to get ahead of these problems.

 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone transitioning from the military to civilian life, offering valuable insights and advice on preparing for the transition, taking care of mental health, and translating military skills into the civilian world.

 

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CONNECT WITH ISAAC:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaaclee1/

Join me in this episode of the Transition Drill podcast, we delve into the life of Ashoka, a former Green Beret turned musician. Ashoka's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal growth.

 

Ashoka's military career began with a deep-seated desire to serve his country. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, he was driven by the honor and respect he earned as a Green Beret. However, his commitment to his daughter led him to make the difficult decision to leave the military and relocate to San Diego.

 

His post-military life saw him working with the CIA for a year before deciding to pursue a master's degree in international affairs. After graduating, he returned to government work but also embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing, exploring introspection, trauma acceptance, and psychedelic therapy.

 

This healing journey reignited Ashoka's passion for music, leading him to form the band Love N Lightning with his fiancé. Their first song, "Brother In My Arms," is a testament to Ashoka's journey and his hope to help other veterans heal through music.

 

Ashoka's story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of military members. His transition from a Green Beret to a musician symbolizes the potential for transformation and healing, even in the face of adversity. His journey serves as an inspiration for military members, veterans, and anyone facing personal challenges.

 

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CONNECT WITH ASHOKA:

https://www.instagram.com/lovenlightningmusic/

 

In this episode of the Transition Drill podcast, we delve into the life and career of Craig Garcia, a police officer with over two decades of experience. He retired from Mesa PD in 2021 at the rank of Sergeant. Craig's journey in law enforcement is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

Craig began his career in a newly formed police department on an Indian reservation, where he faced the unique challenge of enforcing laws among individuals who were initially resistant to their presence. He lateraled to Mesa PD after 3 years and where he finished his career.

During his tenure, Craig worked in various assignments, including SWAT, gangs, and the major felon unit. He shares a gripping account of an operation that resulted in him being shot, highlighting the inherent risks law enforcement officers face daily.

Craig's dedication to his profession is evident in his efforts to develop an Arizona POST approved basic cell phone investigation training class. This innovative approach leverages cell phone records to locate and apprehend wanted suspects, demonstrating Craig's commitment to evolving law enforcement techniques.

After retiring from law enforcement, Craig joined LexisNexis, where he continues to train officers on using cell phone records to locate fugitives. His story underscores the importance of resilience, preparation, and adaptability in law enforcement, making it an inspiring listen for both seasoned officers and those new to the field.

 

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CONNECT WITH CRAIG:

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Join me in this episode for a profound conversation with Joe Hudak, a retired Green Beret – Special Mission Unit. Joe served 20 years in the Army and had 11 combat deployments. He shares his personal journey of battling trauma, seeking treatment, and finding hope in unconventional approaches. This episode is a must-listen for members of the military and law enforcement who are navigating their own challenges and seeking effective solutions.

Joe opens up about the realities of combat and the toll it takes on mental health. He candidly discusses the initial struggles, including the stigma surrounding mental health treatment and the challenges of finding effective support within the military and VA systems. Joe shares his experience with various treatment methods and the importance of finding the right approach for each individual. From medication cocktails and therapy to the decision to taper off medications, he provides insights into his personal journey and highlights the significance of self-advocacy and exploring alternative options.

We then take a dive into the transformative power of meditation and psychedelics. Joe discusses how meditation enhanced his self-awareness, enabling him to better navigate his thoughts and emotions. He also shares his firsthand experience with a five-day program involving the use of ibogaine and DMT, explaining how these psychedelic treatments provided breakthroughs in healing trauma and fostering a sense of peace and love.

Joe addresses his role as a mentor in the veterans' court system and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and building self-awareness early on. He offers valuable advice for veterans and first responders, urging them to take advantage of the available resources and overcome the stigma associated with seeking mental health support.

 

DIRECT LINK FOR PODCAST EPISODE 94:

https://transitiondrillpodcast.libsyn.com/

 

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-hudak/

In this engaging podcast episode, Dave Weiner, a military veteran and seasoned law enforcement professional, shares his personal journey from serving 8 years in the Air Force, then over 20 years in Federal law enforcement to starting his own training and education firm, Secure Measures. Dave's expertise lies in bridging the gap between the military and law enforcement communities by offering specialized training programs focused on understanding the veteran experience in public safety.

As a veteran himself, Dave recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals transitioning from military service to civilian life, particularly in the context of law enforcement. He provides valuable insights into the importance of planning for the future, finding a new mission, and seeking mentorship during the transitional phase.

Listeners will gain firsthand knowledge about Dave's public safety training programs, which aim to equip public safety personnel with a deep understanding of military culture, language, mental health conditions, and common challenges faced by veterans. These programs are POST-certified, ensuring credibility and industry recognition.

The conversation delves into the significance of creating effective communication channels between law enforcement and veterans. Dave shares stories of guest speakers—combat veterans with firsthand encounters with law enforcement—who offer valuable perspectives on how to handle such situations with sensitivity and understanding.

Moreover, the podcast emphasizes the need for proactive engagement with the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Dave encourages veterans to start planning early, tap into available resources, and establish a preliminary relationship with the local VA, even if they feel they may not need immediate assistance. He shares practical advice for navigating the VA system and maximizing the benefits veterans have earned.

Additionally, Dave shares his own experience of starting a business and provides crucial tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with a military or law enforcement background. He highlights the significance of finding a mentor, understanding the market, and effectively utilizing social media to establish a strong brand presence.

 

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CONNECT WITH DAVE:

https://secure-measures.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-weiner-mpsy-184bb18/