In this episode, we sit down with Chris, a retired Air Force veteran whose love for sports and connecting with people led him to an exciting post-military career as an NCAA basketball official. Chris shares how being a multisport athlete shaped his discipline, why sports are vital for morale in the military, and how financial security and pride in your job pave the way for a successful transition.

He also talks about his inspiring work with the Military Sports Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting intramural sports teams across all military branches. From the locker room to the basketball court, Chris' story highlights how passion and purpose can turn your next chapter into a slam dunk (pun intended).

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with life lessons, actionable advice, and a celebration of the powerful connection between sports and service.

In this episode, Victor shares his journey from retiring from the Air Force to stepping into the classroom as a JROTC instructor. JROTC stands for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. It is a program sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces offered in high schools across the country. Its primary goal is to develop leadership skills, discipline, citizenship, and personal responsibility among students. While it introduces participants to military values and skills, JROTC is not a recruiting tool and does not obligate students to join the military. Victor opens up about adjusting to civilian life, building bridges with the next generation, and why teaching might be the perfect path for veterans looking to make an impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with insight and advice!

In today's episode, Matt shares his journey from serving in the Navy to pursuing neuroscience, and ultimately transitioning into data engineering. Our conversation delves into topics like consciousness, the power of the mind, alcoholism in the military, the loss of community, alternative treatments for mental illness, and the far-reaching impacts of artificial intelligence. Matt's intellect and candor brought depth and insight, making this a truly thought-provoking discussion.

Welcome to 2 Vets 1 Mic! Today, we’re honored to introduce our very first guest. His military transition story is nothing short of inspiring—raw, honest, and incredibly courageous. He shared the highs, the lows, and everything in between with an authenticity that truly resonates. This conversation perfectly captures what our podcast is all about: Real talk for veterans. We’re here to explore the good, the bad, and the in-between of our journeys in the hope that it helps someone else along the way. Let’s dive in!

In today’s episode, Celeste shares her inspiring journey to military retirement. She reflects on what motivated her to join the Air Force, the highlights of her career, the decision to retire and the tools and strategies that helped her make a smooth transition into civilian life.

In this inaugural episode, we dive into the origins of this podcast—our mission to provide guidance, support, and resources for veterans navigating the transition from active duty to civilian life. You'll hear the story behind the podcast's creation, inspired by the need for a dedicated space where veterans can access real-world advice and insights to make this transition smoother and more successful. This season, we'll bring on veterans from various backgrounds to share their unique stories, challenges, and triumphs, providing listeners with relatable experiences and practical tips for making their own transitions.