TheMilVet Podcast

In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes Marine Corps Veteran and current Mission Lead at Swarm Aero, Andrew “Andy” Christian, for an in-depth conversation that spans decades of service, personal evolution, and cutting-edge innovation.Andy shares his story of enlisting in the Marine Corps straight out of Wisconsin, deploying to Desert Storm just 90 days after boot camp, and embarking on a storied career in infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations. From the gritty sands of Saudi Arabia and the streets of Mosul to the early days of MARSOC and Afghanistan’s complex counterinsurgency operations, Andy’s experiences are nothing short of extraordinary.He opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped him—whether it was watching recon Marines walk with swagger, enduring a deadly convoy ambush in Iraq, or standing up village stability operations in Taliban-controlled territory alongside legendary leaders like General Scott Miller. His path also includes a unique transition from enlisted to officer via the Marine Corps’ Meritorious Commissioning Program, proving that grit, initiative, and leadership can change a trajectory.Now in the tech world as a Mission Lead at Swarm Aero, Andy brings his battlefield lessons to the forefront of drone and autonomous flight innovation—helping shape the future of aerospace and national security.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of special operations, leadership under fire, and the journey from combat to cutting-edge tech.Tune in for a blend of Marine Corps grit, recon wisdom, and forward-looking aerospace vision. 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 compelling episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins is joined by Cassidy Nolan, a United States Marine Corps Veteran turned advocate for veterans' mental health. Cassidy opens up about his personal journey, from his time in service to his struggles with PTSD and the challenges many veterans face transitioning back to civilian life.Through candid conversation, Cassidy discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the military community and the vital work being done to support veterans in their recovery. He shares insights from his own healing process, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the impact of finding purpose after service.This episode is a raw and inspiring look at the hidden wounds of war and the strength it takes to confront them. Cassidy’s story is a reminder that veterans are not defined by their struggles, but by their resilience, courage, and the support they give one another.In addition, Cassidy talks about his involvement with Mach 1 Hot Sauce, a veteran-owned business that blends bold flavors with a passion for supporting the veteran community. With each bottle, they not only spice up your meals but also contribute to veteran programs, helping those who served find new purpose. Tune in for a powerful conversation about healing, hope, and the ongoing fight for veterans' well-being, all while supporting a great cause! 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 powerful episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Miki Nguyen to share the gripping story of his family's escape from Saigon during the fall of Vietnam in 1975. Miki’s father, a South Vietnamese military officer, made a heroic and daring escape, not just for his own family, but for his crew and countless others.Miki reflects on the extraordinary resilience and determination of his father, a man who defied the chaos of war to land a Chinook helicopter in the heart of Saigon, risking everything to rescue his loved ones. With firsthand accounts and never-before-seen photos, Miki details his father’s life as a helicopter pilot, the desperate scramble to leave Saigon amidst the bombing, and the unexpected and dangerous journey to find a US Navy ship in the open sea.This episode goes beyond a war story—it’s a tale of grit, survival, and the unbreakable bond of family. Miki’s journey to uncover his father’s lost legacy and bring it to light is a testament to the unsung heroes whose stories have remained hidden for decades. Listen in for a rare and emotional look at history through the eyes of a child and the heroism of a father. 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 the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins is joined by Kevin Cornish, the founder and CEO of Moth + Flame, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing training through virtual reality. Kevin shares his journey from Hollywood to tech, detailing how he transitioned from aspiring filmmaker to leading a company at the forefront of AI and VR. He explains the power of immersive training experiences, particularly for the military and workforce development, and the benefits of using virtual reality for scenarios like suicide prevention, cultural training, and even aircraft maintenance.As a self-proclaimed "Luddite" when it comes to technology, Beau learns from Kevin how VR is not just a futuristic concept but a practical, scalable tool already making a real impact. The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities of bringing immersive tech into mainstream use, while debunking some of the myths and fears surrounding AI and VR. Whether you’re familiar with these technologies or just getting started, this episode offers an insightful look into the future of training and decision-making in high-pressure environments.Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how VR is not just a tool, but a bridge to transforming how we learn, react, and make decisions. 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 the Military Veteran Podcast, Tim Hsia sits down with Emery Wager, a Marine veteran, Stanford graduate, and the co-founder of Confido Legal. Emery takes us on a journey from his childhood in the Pacific Northwest to the competitive sailing world and his transition into the Marines. He reflects on his time at Stanford, where he balanced academics with sailing, and the decision that led him to join the Marine Corps despite not coming from a military background.Emery shares his experience from officer candidate school at Quantico to his deployments in Afghanistan, offering valuable insights into leadership and the realities of military life. After his military service, Emery made a seamless transition into the world of legal tech, co-founding Confido Legal, a company dedicated to modernizing the legal industry. He discusses how his background in engineering and leadership informed his entrepreneurial journey.Listen in as Emery talks about navigating different worlds—from the academic halls of Stanford to the intense training of the Marine Corps, and how these experiences shaped his approach to business and life today. 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 the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brian Coyne, a former Marine and current CEO in the private equity world. Brian shares his unique journey from serving 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps to successfully transitioning into the private equity sector—a path less traveled by many veterans.Brian discusses how his military background in leadership, discipline, and results-driven environments translated into the corporate world, despite the challenges of lacking a traditional finance background. From exploring opportunities in defense and sports to ultimately finding a home in private equity, Brian provides valuable insights into the power of networking, mentorship, and leveraging one's strengths during a transition.Tune in to hear how Brian navigated this unfamiliar terrain, built meaningful connections, and earned the chance to lead within a private equity firm, ultimately becoming a CEO in a turnaround company. Whether you're transitioning out of the military or looking to make a career change, Brian’s story offers practical advice on tackling new challenges and making bold career moves.Don't miss this inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of learning as you go. 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

Welcome back to The MilVet Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Rich Comitz, a dedicated veteran and Chief Operating Officer at American Corporate Partners (ACP), to discuss his remarkable journey from military service to academia and finally to his current role helping veterans transition into civilian careers.Rich takes us through his time at West Point, his 23 years of service in the U.S. Army, and his unexpected path into higher education. We explore the challenges veterans face when transitioning out of the military, including the frustrations of applying to countless jobs with little response. Rich shares how networking, mentorship, and a bit of serendipity helped him land his position at Long Island University, and how this eventually led him to ACP.He also gives us a deep dive into the work ACP is doing to help veterans and military spouses find their next career, build meaningful mentorship relationships, and thrive in the civilian workforce. Whether you're a transitioning veteran or someone who supports them, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating career pivots, embracing new opportunities, and finding success after service.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about perseverance, mentorship, and the power of service. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend! 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 The MilVet Podcast, Joseph Cabrera from Mainshares joins hosts Brendan Aaronson and Beau Higgins to discuss search funds and small business acquisitions. Cabrera, a former Army officer and special ops veteran, shares his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, including a near-miss with Goldman Sachs. He discusses the importance of leadership, team building, and creating a strong "tribal" dynamic in business, drawing parallels to his military experiences. Cabrera recounts his journey to becoming Chief of Staff at a finance and tech firm, where he discovered his passion for building new businesses and fostering strong teams. He then founded Wyld Whisper, a leadership development company that utilizes extreme experiences, before ultimately joining Mainshares to empower the next generation of business operators through acquisition. Listeners will gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship through acquisition and how veterans can leverage their unique skills in the business world. Cabrera's story is an inspiration for vets seeking new avenues for service and success. Learn more about Mainshares at mainshares.com and connect with Joseph on LinkedIn! 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

Welcome back to The MilVet Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Halterman previously of The Honor Foundation to discuss the incredible work they’re doing to support veterans, particularly those in the special operations community, as they transition to civilian life.Michael takes us through his own journey, from being one of the first members of MARSOC to navigating the challenges of reintegrating into civilian society. We dive deep into the importance of finding your true identity outside the uniform, and how the Honor Foundation’s unique approach helps veterans discover their purpose and strengths—beyond just securing a paycheck.With valuable insights on leadership, transition, and the power of self-discovery, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone going through transition or supporting a veteran in their journey. Don’t miss Michael’s powerful message on how to approach life after service with clarity, purpose, and confidence.Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend! 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 The Military Veteran Podcast, we chat with Julie Cane, a former Navy pilot who made a successful transition from the military to the civilian workforce. From flying helicopters for Navy SEALs to leading a company focused on investing in democracy, Julie shares her fascinating journey and the lessons learned along the way.In this conversation, Julie opens up about her military background, including her time at the U.S. Naval Academy, flight school in Pensacola, and her role in various high-adrenaline missions. She also discusses her smooth (but challenging) transition to civilian life, touching on her work at SEI Investments, her time at UCLA for an MBA, and the shift to consulting and corporate venture capital at companies like Autodesk.We also dive into the transferable skills veterans bring to the civilian world: leadership, strategy, adaptability, and resilience. Whether you're a veteran making the transition, someone curious about military career paths, or just interested in inspiring career stories, this episode is for you! 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