TheMilVet Podcast

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Nate Boyer—United States Army Special Forces Veteran, former NFL player, filmmaker, and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP)—to explore one of the most unique and inspiring post-military journeys ever told.Nate shares how, after serving in the Special Forces, he took an unconventional leap into college football at the University of Texas—despite never having played a down of organized football. That decision launched a path that eventually brought him to the Seattle Seahawks locker room, playing alongside legends like Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson. But as Nate reflects, the real story begins after the final whistle—when both athletes and veterans alike are faced with a daunting question: Who am I without the uniform?This raw and honest conversation unpacks how Nate discovered the deep parallels between the military team room and the pro sports locker room—and why losing that sense of mission and community leaves so many feeling lost. That insight led to the founding of MVP, a nonprofit that reconnects veterans and former pro athletes through shared workouts, peer support, and purpose-driven community.In this episode, Nate opens up about:Why he transitioned from his military career to professional football—and what he learned on both fieldsTraining alongside elite athletes while still deploying to Afghanistan in the off-seasonGetting “the call” from Pete Carroll and the surreal experience of suiting up in the NFL preseasonHow MVP recreates the team environment for those transitioning out of service or sportThe making of MVP the movie—and why telling real stories mattersHow you can join, support, or partner with Merging Vets and Players todayWhether you’re a veteran, athlete, leader, or transition support advocate, this episode is a powerful reminder that identity doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It just evolves—and MVP is making sure no one goes through that evolution alone.Learn more and get involved at: vetsandplayers.orgFollow Nate: @nateboyer37#MergingVetsAndPlayers #VeteranTransition #AthleteLifeAfterSport #GreenBeretToNFL #MVPtheMovie #TeamRoomToLockerRoom #VeteranSupport #NFLTransition #IdentityAfterService #MentalHealthAwareness #MissionContinues #VeteransInFilm #FromServiceToScreen #MilVetPodcast #NateBoyer Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes Nicholas Kovalsky—United States Army veteran and the co-founder of  Perspectives Health—to dive into his unconventional journey from military service to mission-driven entrepreneurship.Nicholas shares how his firsthand exposure to the mental health crisis, both in and out of uniform, inspired him to take action—starting first with a grassroots harm reduction nonprofit, and later pivoting into high-tech healthcare solutions. With raw honesty and grit, he unpacks the whirlwind journey of leaving college, going into debt, and betting everything on building a startup from the ground up—with no business background, no funding, and no clear path forward.He reflects on the power of just showing up, trusting your team, and learning everything the hard way—through risk, rejection, and relentless iteration. From pitching at random conferences to moving cross-country with no safety net, Nicholas shows what it really takes to build a company that’s already transforming how clinicians manage their most time-consuming task: administrative documentation.In this episode, Nicholas opens up about:Why he walked away from a full ride at UChicago to pursue a startup dreamBuilding a startup team from scratch with zero product and 100% convictionHow his company developed a game-changing AI agent for electronic health recordsThe role of speed, risk tolerance, and “high agency” in entrepreneurial successWhat the military instills in founders that no MBA canThe overlooked opportunity for enlisted veterans to lead in tech and innovationWhy mental health, substance use, and homelessness remain top priorities for impactWhether you're a veteran thinking about launching a startup, a mission-driven builder, or someone who believes in solving real problems with real-world action, this episode is packed with insights, hard truths, and authentic inspiration.#VeteranFounders #AIHealthcare #MentalHealthInnovation #VeteransInTech #StartupJourney #MilitaryTransition #HighAgency #HealthTech #EnlistedVeterans #MissionDrivenStartup #FoundersStory #MilVetPodcast #FromBootsToBusiness #SubstanceUseCare #EntrepreneurshipInAction Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this inspiring episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Matt Ibbetson, United States Navy Veteran, Partner at Ridgemont Equity Partners, and graduate of the United States Naval Academy to explore his fascinating journey from rural roots to high finance.Matt shares how growing up on a farm instilled the work ethic that carried him through the Naval Academy, life undersea as a submarine officer, and later into elite consulting with McKinsey & Company. He dives deep into the lessons learned in leadership, discipline, and communication—skills that proved invaluable as he transitioned into the Private Equity world.From building teams on a submarine to driving portfolio operations in middle-market companies, Matt reflects on:The power of preparation, humility, and hard workHow military experience uniquely prepares veterans for leadership in businessWhy networking is about giving—not just gettingBuilding value in private equity while staying true to family and personal valuesThe importance of mission alignment in your career decisionsWhether you’re a transitioning service member, a veteran in business, or just someone looking for actionable career wisdom, Matt’s story is a powerful example of how to turn service-driven values into long-term professional success.Don’t miss this one—it’s packed with insights on leadership, transition, and the value of service in every chapter of life.#VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition #PrivateEquity #VeteransInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #SubmarineLife #McKinseyAlumni #NavyVeteran #RidgemontEquityPartners #CareerTransition #MilVetPodcast #ServiceToSuccess #NetworkingMatters #MissionDrivenLeadership #FromMilitaryToBusiness Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with Khalid Noori — Program Strategist at Honor the Promise, Special Operations Veteran; Afghanistan National Army Special Operation Command  (ANASOC), and graduate of Hindustan University — for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation on service, sacrifice, and storytelling after war.Khalid shares his extraordinary journey as a Veteran of Special Operations Command in Afghanistan to rebuilding a life and purpose in the United States after the fall of Kabul. Through raw honesty and deep reflection, he speaks about navigating the trauma of war, becoming a father in exile, and the enduring brotherhood between Afghan and American veterans.We explore NOORI, a documentary set to be released in 2026, led by Honor the Promise and Lyla Kohistany, and produced by Dulcinea Productions, directed by Will Agee. The film follows Khalid Noori and Abdul Matin Popalzai—two former Afghan Special Operations members—on their journey across America as they transition to civilian life, explore identity and purpose, and reconnect with their fellow Afghan and U.S. SOF veterans, including GEN(R) Scott Miller, Michael Rodriguez, and Luke Focer, while confronting the personal and collective wounds of war.The film’s impact partners are the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOT) and the Global SOF Foundation (GSOF).If you’re interested in supporting this cause, please open the link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/operation-enduring-bond.In this episode:🔹 How Khalid's experiences in combat and as a refugee inspired the healing journey behind NOORI 🔹 Why telling the full story of Afghanistan means honoring sacrifice—and celebrating partnership 🔹 The identity crisis veterans face after service—and how fatherhood redefined Khalid’s mission 🔹 What Americans often misunderstand about Afghanistan—and why that must change 🔹 A call to view Afghan veterans as assets, not victims, in the next chapter of American society—---------🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.#VeteranTransition #AfghanistanVeterans #NOORI #TheMilVetPodcast #PostTraumaticGrowth #MilitaryBrotherhood #HonorThePromise #SpecialOperations #VeteransStorytelling #AfghanSOF #MilitaryToCivilian #RefugeeToLeader #VeteransInAmerica #FatherhoodAfterWar #GlobalWarOnTerror #ForcesForGood #9_11Legacy #VeteranHealing #AfghanAmericanCommunity Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with David Harris, Software Investor at Vista Equity Partners, United States Air Force Veteran, and graduate of United States Air Force Academy and Stanford University, MBA to explore his transition from military service to the world of Private Equity—and how curiosity, grit, and strategic networking opened doors along the way.David shares how his time at the United States Air Force Academy and his early career in software development laid the groundwork for an untraditional path into high finance. From navigating the MBA application process to landing internships at Blackstone and Scout Ventures, David walks us through the mindset and methods he used to translate military experience into business success.He also opens up about the power of intelligent networking, how one cold LinkedIn message led to a chain of life-changing opportunities, and why the veteran community is uniquely positioned to support each other in the private sector.You’ll hear about:Why David believes an MBA is the most efficient transition tool for vets unsure of their next stepHow internships and early exposure shaped his path into investingThe myth of networking—and how to authentically “connect” insteadHow reaching out (even awkwardly) can lead to career-defining relationshipsHis decision to skip investment banking and go straight into private equityWhy software, people, and mission alignment led him to Vista Equity PartnersWhether you're exploring a pivot into finance, tech, or business leadership—or just want to hear how one veteran carved his own lane in a competitive industry—David’s story is packed with actionable insight and inspiration.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.#VeteranTransition #MilitaryToMBA #PrivateEquity #VistaEquityPartners #VeteranNetwork #TheMilVetPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #MilitaryExperience #CareerPivot #StanfordGSB #Blackstone #AirForceVeteran #VeteransInFinance #NetworkingForVeterans #MissionDrivenCareers #ForcesForGood Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with Michael Osburn, Managing Director of Aristos Global and former Army contractor (civilian) assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Kunar during The Surge, to explore his unique path from civil-military operations in Afghanistan to tackling complex problems in private equity and construction consulting.Michael shares how working alongside military, intelligence, and DEA teams as a civilian contractor shaped his approach to leadership, teamwork, and “being an asset, not a liability”—lessons that carried over into building his own company. From the challenges of fusing military and civilian efforts in dynamic environments to navigating a return to private sector life, Michael offers a grounded, practical perspective on how experiences in conflict zones translate into business acumen.You’ll hear about:The challenges of integrating military, civil, and intelligence teams in AfghanistanThe value of building real-world networks before you need themHow Michael structured Aristos Global to operate as the “special operations” of construction consultingAdvice for those transitioning from public service or overseas contracting into private equity, real estate, and constructionWhether you're considering a transition from high-stakes environments or interested in how crisis management skills apply to entrepreneurship, this episode is full of insight, authenticity, and practical wisdom.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.#ConstructionLeadership #MilitaryTransition #ContractorExperience #PrivateEquity #RealEstateDevelopment #SpecialOperationsMindset #AfghanistanDeployment #TheMilVetPodcast #CivilMilitaryOperations #VeteranNetwork #LeadershipDevelopment #AristosGlobal #ForcesForGood Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode, Beau Higgins sits down with Adam Frankl—Author, The Developer Facing Startup, Startup Advisor, US Army Veteran —to explore the powerful ways military principles translate into the tech world. Adam shares insights from his career at high-growth startups, the lessons he carried over from the military (like the five-paragraph op order and OODA loop), and how he uses them to lead teams and define winning strategies in business.They dive deep into:- Why credibility matters more than hype in developer culture- How to craft a simple, powerful company strategy in five words or less- What makes social proof more effective than sales fluff- The massive and accelerating impact of AI on software development- Why veterans bring unique value to startups—whether they know it or not- Tactical advice for new founders: “Talk to your customers first.”Whether you’re a veteran breaking into tech, a founder shaping your vision, or just curious about how AI is reshaping the future, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, storytelling, and sharp insight.🎧 Listen now and learn how to lead with clarity, credibility, and purpose in today’s fast-moving world.#VeteransInTech #StartupLeadership #MilitaryToTech #AdamFrankl #BeauHiggins #TechPodcast #Entrepreneurship #StartupAdvice #ArtificialIntelligence #AIandStartups #MilitaryStrategy #OODAloop #VeteranTransition #AIRevolution #TechCareers #LeadershipPodcast #FoundersAdvice #DevCulture #SocialProof #EngineeringLeadership Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Trey Hart, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Valhalla Group and U.S. Army Reserves Civil Affairs Officer for a powerful conversation on veterans transitioning into the world of private equity and venture capital.Trey shares his personal journey and how his background shaped his leadership, values, and investment strategy. He dives deep into the unique strengths veterans bring to the business world, the importance of USERRA protections, and the challenges many face entering an often nepotistic and niche Private Equity / Venture Capital space.You’ll hear Trey’s thoughtful perspective on:Why hiring one veteran can shift an entire company’s culture and policyCommon resume pitfalls for transitioning service members—and how to fix themHow Valhalla Group is investing at the intersection of national defense and commercial innovationThe importance of veteran-to-veteran networking—and why it’s not a dirty wordHow to own and reshape the narrative of what it means to be a veteran todayWhether you're currently transitioning, already in the civilian workforce, or just curious about how military experience translates into business leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom, humility, and actionable advice.🎧 Listen now to learn how veterans can lead in the boardroom, in startups, and in shaping the future of American industry.Learn more about Valhalla Group: https://www.valhallainvestors.com/ Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, Beau Higgins sits down with Jason Grower, retired Navy Pilot and passionate veteran advocate, to talk about the realities of military transition — the good, the bad, and the uncertain. From losing a job offer weeks before retirement to finding renewed purpose through networking and community impact, Jason’s story is a roadmap for navigating life after service.Jason shares how critical it is to own your transition, build your network before you need it, and stay connected to your community — both professionally and personally. The conversation also explores how veterans can rediscover purpose, give back, and thrive in new ways beyond the uniform.Beau and Jason dive into the following topics:• Why transitioning service members must own their careers • The misconceptions around networking — and how it actually mirrors military life • How to rebuild your identity and purpose after taking the uniform off • The importance of asking for help — and doing it the right way • Local vs. national resources for veterans — and why knowing where you're going matters • How volunteering and mentorship can fill the “give-back” gap many veterans feel💡 Whether you're still serving, recently transitioned, or just looking to support the veteran community, this episode is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and actionable advice from someone who's been through it — and is helping others do the same.🔗 Learn more about the New Hampshire Military Leadership Team and Honor Flight 📧 Connect with Jason on LinkedIn or get involved with local veteran support organizations#VeteranTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranResources #NetworkingNotNotWorking #OwnYourCareer #HonorFlight #GiveBackAfterService #TheMilVet #JasonGrower #BeauHiggins #VeteranSupport #VeteranCulture #VeteranMentorship #MilitaryLifeAfterService Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, Beau Higgins sits down with Alex Lisot, former Air Force Officer and Founder of Master the Military, to discuss the most common — and often misunderstood — challenges veterans face during the transition to civilian life. From VA disability frustrations to rebuilding purpose and community, Alex shares how his platform is guiding thousands of veterans with practical, no-fluff tools and support.Alex opens up about his own experience navigating the VA system, the lessons learned from building and exiting his first business, and why he chose to structure Master the Military as a for-profit solution in a space dominated by nonprofits. He and Beau dive deep into topics like: • Why veterans often struggle with self-investment • The myth that the VA is the enemy • Building community after service • Creating structure and purpose outside the uniform • Lessons learned from entrepreneurship and transitioning out💡 Whether you’re active duty, in transition, or already out, this episode offers insight, motivation, and resources from someone who’s walked the path — and is building the bridge for others to follow.🔗 Learn more: https://www.masterthemilitary.com 📧 Contact Alex: alex@masterthemilitary.com#VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #VAClaims #Entrepreneurship #VeteranBenefits #MasterTheMilitary #MilVet #VeteranLife #MilitaryToCivilian #VAHelp #ForProfitWithPurpose #AlexLisot #BeauHiggins #VeteranResources Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:Tweet us at @brendan_aronsonFollow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvetSubscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veteransCheck out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet