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🎧 When the Uniform Comes Off but the Mission Continues
Amanda Zeine, DO, FAAP, is no stranger to service, sacrifice, or starting over. After 15 years as a pediatrician and flight surgeon in the U.S. Army—and a traumatic brain injury that changed everything—Amanda’s mission took a creative turn. Now retired and thriving in a new chapter, she’s using storytelling to support the most overlooked heroes: military children.
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of From Battle to Business, Amanda shares her journey from the clinic to the creative desk, her passion behind the Cul-de-Sac Kids series, and what military life has taught her about resilience, family, and identity beyond the uniform.
Key Takeaways:- What it’s like transitioning from Army pediatrician to full-time writer
- How Amanda’s brain injury led to unexpected healing through storytelling
- Why military children need more visibility and representation
- The inspiration behind Cul-de-Sac Kids
- Navigating identity as both a military spouse and veteran
- The challenges and opportunities in starting a second career after trauma
- Creative ways to give voice to underserved communities
- Letting humor and honesty guide your healing
Quotes:“I decided to stop being angry about what I couldn’t do and focus on what I could.”“Military kids serve too—they don’t get to choose this life.”“My mission didn’t end with the Army. It just changed uniforms.”“Writing has been healing—it’s helped me rediscover who I am beyond my title.”Step-by-Step Transformation:
- Career Pivot Triggered by Injury – Amanda’s TBI ended her medical career but opened the door to authorship.
- Turning Pain Into Purpose – She wrote Hot Mess to Wellness to process her healing and connect with others.
- Championing Military Kids – Her new book series follows Chloe, a military child navigating the ups and downs of base life.
- Living the Dual Identity – As both a military spouse and former officer, she speaks to the complexity of post-service life.
- Purpose in the Pages – Amanda’s stories are tools for comfort, empowerment, and understanding for young readers.
Resources Mentioned:
- Cul-de-Sac Kids – A chapter book series focused on military children, providing relatable and encouraging stories.
- Hot Mess to Wellness – Amanda’s debut book, chronicling her personal transformation after injury and retirement.
Advice From Experience:
When you lose your title, you find your truth. Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder that service doesn’t end when the orders stop—it just finds new orders. Don’t wait for perfection to start. Whether it’s writing, business, or healing—start messy, start real.
Connect with Dr. Amanda Zeine at
https://www.alzeinebooks.com/
Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint
https://www.deanvandyke.com
https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/
https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/
If you enjoyed listening, then please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows, so please let me know what you thought and make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast player. It means a great deal to me and our guests.
View all episodes
By Dean Van DykeAmanda Zeine, DO, FAAP, is no stranger to service, sacrifice, or starting over. After 15 years as a pediatrician and flight surgeon in the U.S. Army—and a traumatic brain injury that changed everything—Amanda’s mission took a creative turn. Now retired and thriving in a new chapter, she’s using storytelling to support the most overlooked heroes: military children.
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of From Battle to Business, Amanda shares her journey from the clinic to the creative desk, her passion behind the Cul-de-Sac Kids series, and what military life has taught her about resilience, family, and identity beyond the uniform.
Key Takeaways:- What it’s like transitioning from Army pediatrician to full-time writer
- How Amanda’s brain injury led to unexpected healing through storytelling
- Why military children need more visibility and representation
- The inspiration behind Cul-de-Sac Kids
- Navigating identity as both a military spouse and veteran
- The challenges and opportunities in starting a second career after trauma
- Creative ways to give voice to underserved communities
- Letting humor and honesty guide your healing
Quotes:“I decided to stop being angry about what I couldn’t do and focus on what I could.”“Military kids serve too—they don’t get to choose this life.”“My mission didn’t end with the Army. It just changed uniforms.”“Writing has been healing—it’s helped me rediscover who I am beyond my title.”Step-by-Step Transformation:
- Career Pivot Triggered by Injury – Amanda’s TBI ended her medical career but opened the door to authorship.
- Turning Pain Into Purpose – She wrote Hot Mess to Wellness to process her healing and connect with others.
- Championing Military Kids – Her new book series follows Chloe, a military child navigating the ups and downs of base life.
- Living the Dual Identity – As both a military spouse and former officer, she speaks to the complexity of post-service life.
- Purpose in the Pages – Amanda’s stories are tools for comfort, empowerment, and understanding for young readers.
Resources Mentioned:
- Cul-de-Sac Kids – A chapter book series focused on military children, providing relatable and encouraging stories.
- Hot Mess to Wellness – Amanda’s debut book, chronicling her personal transformation after injury and retirement.
Advice From Experience:
When you lose your title, you find your truth. Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder that service doesn’t end when the orders stop—it just finds new orders. Don’t wait for perfection to start. Whether it’s writing, business, or healing—start messy, start real.
Connect with Dr. Amanda Zeine at
https://www.alzeinebooks.com/
Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint
https://www.deanvandyke.com
https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/
https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/
If you enjoyed listening, then please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows, so please let me know what you thought and make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast player. It means a great deal to me and our guests.