Captain Chris “Chowdah” Hill shares his remarkable journey as a naval aviator. He reflects on his family's legacy in the Navy and the values that guide his leadership. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of personal values in military service, and the critical nature of morale among sailors.

Captain Hill emphasizes the need for effective communication and the significance of recognizing the unique contributions of every team member. He also candidly addresses his own challenges, including the importance of sleep and maintaining balance as a leader.

In this conversation, Captain Chowdah Hill shares his experiences and insights from his military career, focusing on the rigorous training for nuclear operations, the importance of leadership, and the strengths of different generations.

He discusses the challenges of managing stress, the significance of fostering creativity and inclusivity, and the effective communication strategies he employs to connect with his sailors.

Captain Hill also highlights success stories from his command and addresses common misconceptions about leadership in the military.

Hosted by: Annie Brock | Release Date: December 18, 2024 | Duration: 55:35

Noah Galloway, a veteran of the US Army who became a double amputee after an IED attack during Operation Iraqi Freedom, is the guest on this episode.

He shares his journey from enlisting in the military after the September 11 attacks to overcoming immense physical and emotional challenges following his injuries. He discusses the importance of mental health, the struggles of transitioning to civilian life, and how fitness became a crucial part of his recovery.

Noah emphasizes the need for community support and the value of sharing personal stories to inspire others. He also reveals his plans to start a podcast focused on mental health and personal growth, aiming to normalize conversations around these topics.

Hosted by: Annie Brock | Release Date: December 4, 2024 | Duration: 54:27

Anna Larson is an experienced problem solver, copywriter, and marketer who is now dedicating her efforts to supporting military spouses through their transitions from active duty to civilian life. In this episode, Anna shares her personal journey as a military spouse, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community and friendships.

She discusses her career reinvention, her proudest accomplishments, and the lessons learned during her husband's transition. Anna also reveals the inspiration behind launching MilSpouse Transition, a resource hub aimed at helping military spouses navigate their unique challenges.

The conversation highlights the need for better support systems and resources for military families, emphasizing that transition is a collective experience that requires recognition and assistance for all family members.

Hosted by: Annie Brock | Release Date: November 27, 2024 | Duration: 45:45

In this episode of #zigszagsandpivots, Dr. Jesse Galvan shares his extensive journey from a military upbringing to a successful career in the civilian sector. He discusses the influences of his childhood, the challenges and accomplishments he faced in the Army, and the lessons learned during his transition to civilian life.

Dr. Galvan emphasizes the importance of leadership, the impact of toxic leadership, and the necessity of taking care of people within organizations. He also provides valuable insights for senior leaders transitioning from military to civilian roles, highlighting the need for networking, patience, and understanding the differences in loyalty in the corporate world.

Hosted by: Annie Brock | Release Date: November 20, 2024 | Duration: 45:12

Amanda Huffman, an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and two-time author, joins Annie in this episode to share her story and experiences. She discusses her decision to join Air Force ROTC and pursue a degree in civil engineering.

Amanda discusses the challenges she faced as one member of a dual military couple and the impact that had on her relationship with her husband. She also shares her deployment experiences and the inspiration behind starting her Women of the Military podcast.

Amanda discusses the myths about women in the military and the importance of their contributions. She also talks about navigating the challenges of parenting while also pursuing her career and passions.

Hosted by: Annie Brock | Release Date: November 13, 2024 | Duration: 31:42

Kervin Aucoin, a seasoned intelligence analyst and podcast host, is the guest in this episode. He shares his journey from joining the US Army after the September 11th attacks to becoming an entrepreneur and founder.

He discusses his military experiences, including deployments to Iraq and his work in intelligence and counterintelligence, the importance of unbiased intelligence analysis, particularly the need to counter personal biases, and the challenges he’s faced in becoming an entrepreneur.

Kervin launched Aquin Analytics and started the podcast This Week Explained to provide a sharp analysis of major geopolitical events.

Hosted by: Annie Brock | Release Date: November 6, 2024 | Duration: 40:05

Cheryl Cross shares her journey from broadcaster to working in talent acquisition and management. She emphasizes the importance of following your passions and being open to new opportunities.

Cheryl discusses her experiences in the music industry, competitive intelligence, and executive search. She also highlights the challenges faced by military professionals transitioning to civilian careers and the need for support and guidance during this process. Cheryl's unique perspective as a civilian thought leader in the talent acquisition space sets her apart from others in the field.

In this conversation, Cheryl Cross discusses common myths about talent acquisition, the joy of being an author, and her upcoming book on salary negotiation. She also emphasizes the importance of sharing stories and supporting individuals in transition.

Hosted by: Annie Brock | Release Date: October 30, 2024 | Duration: 44:53

In this episode, Major General Greg Martin shares his journey of battling bipolar disorder after retiring from the US Army. He discusses the challenges he faced in the military, the onset of his bipolar disorder, and the impact it had on his life and family.

Major General Martin emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment for mental illnesses. He also highlights the misconceptions surrounding bipolar disorder and the need to break the stigma.

Through sharing his story, Major General Martin aims to help others who may be going through similar experiences.

Hosted by: Annie Brock | Release Date: October 23, 2024 | Duration: 35:32