Best U.S. Army Soldier For Life Podcasts (2025)

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Clarity Over Chaos: John Krotec on NeoMasculinity, Leadership, and the Power of Silence 19:53

1d ago19:53

19:53

What if the biggest challenge men face today isn’t weakness—but noise? In this compelling episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry welcomes John Krotec, a U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and founder of NeoMasculinity Solutions. Together, they explore the dangers of modern misinformation, the collapse of authentic leadership, and how stoicism, silence…

1
Army Brat Andrew Scott Goes From Military Moves to Co-Founding Frontline Heroes Outdoors 53:13

5d ago53:13

53:13

WWW.PUNKBRATS.COM | 512.682.5333 From Base to Backwoods: Army Brat Andrew Scott Shares His Journey to Frontline Heroes Outdoors. Andrew is a proud Army Brat and co-founder of Frontline Heroes Outdoors. Growing up, Andrew moved from place to place, like many military kids do. Through all the change, one thing remained constant: his pride in his fath…

1
Episode 68: Stripes on the Horizon: 9 Keys to Dominating Your Next Military Board 27:15

7d ago27:15

27:15

Send us a text Facing a military promotion board can make even the most confident soldier anxious. The stakes are high—one wrong answer could derail your career advancement. But what if you could walk into that room knowing exactly what to expect and how to respond? This episode delivers a comprehensive roadmap for conquering any military board, fr…

1
Episode 67: Beard or No Beard: Decoding the Army's Facial Hair Memo 10:37

8d ago10:37

10:37

Send us a text Confused about the Army's new facial hair policy? You're not alone. The recently released Directive 2025-13 has created waves throughout all Army components, with soldiers debating what it really means for their grooming standards. Join me as I cut through the confusion and give you a straight-talking breakdown of what's actually wri…

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Camp Cowboy: Breaking Horses, Healing Humans – A Veteran’s Path to Purpose 21:46

8d ago21:46

21:46

What does it really mean to be a cowboy—and can horsemanship heal the human soul? In this gripping episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry rides into the heart of Texas to meet Lane Robison, Program Director of Camp Cowboy, a powerful 90-day program that uses horses, sweat, and soul-searching to help veterans, active-duty military, and first res…

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Episode 66: Stop Settling for Mediocrity in Your Military Service 31:49

14d ago31:49

31:49

Send us a text What separates excellence from mediocrity in military service? It all comes down to your relationship with standards. While the Army establishes baseline requirements for physical fitness, marksmanship, and professional competence, truly exceptional soldiers view these minimums as merely the starting point—not the destination. In thi…

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S15E11 Task Force Movement 34:39

15d ago34:39

34:39

Task Force Movement works with the private sector, military, academia, and government and nongovernment organizations to help identify and solve problems that our military and veteran families face when it comes to finding civilian employment AND to help create smoother civilian career pathways for the military community. Learn more from our discus…

1
Make a Difference Every Day: How LTC (Ret.) Scott Robison Turns Purpose into Action 15:33

15d ago15:33

15:33

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with veteran, entrepreneur, and Camp Cowboy founder LTC (Ret.) Scott Robison for a candid and insightful conversation on initiative, leadership, and how to build trust in business and in life. Scott shares how a joke about stolen valor turned into a hard lesson about assumptions and recognitio…

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Episode 65: New Army Policy Leaves Many Surprised! 30:51

21d ago30:51

30:51

Send us a text The military grooming standards debate has reached a critical turning point. A bombshell Military.com article reveals the Army's upcoming policy that could separate soldiers diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB)—a condition affecting up to 94% of Black men—if they require shaving exemptions for more than 12 months in a two-y…

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Leadership at the Speed of Trust: MG (Ret.) Dusty Shultz’s Mission to Empower Teams 21:57

22d ago21:57

21:57

In this episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry sits down with MG (Ret.) Dusty Shultz, a trailblazing Army officer who’s redefining what leadership looks like after service. From director of intelligence at SOUTHCOM to her current mission advising companies and empowering teams, Dusty brings clarity, compassion, and candor to every conversation.…

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Episode 64: Beyond the Uniform: 5 Traits That Set Great Soldiers Apart 22:41

28d ago22:41

22:41

Send us a text The stark contrast between exceptional soldiers and those merely going through the motions reveals itself through five distinct traits that consistently separate warriors from paycheck collectors in today's military. Drawing from experiences across multiple duty stations, this raw, unfiltered breakdown exposes what truly makes certai…

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S15E10 Military Travel Benefits: Space-A, Military Lodging & More! 31:57

29d ago31:57

31:57

We've all heard the term Space-A travel, but have you ever wondered what it is and how it works? Or how you can take advantage of Space-A flights, Space-A lodging, and military recreational lodging as a service member, military retiree, veteran with a service-connected disability, and more? You can find out on this week's new Soldier for Life Podca…

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From Addiction to Impact: Richard Kaufman’s Comeback Story 32:32

29d ago32:32

32:32

“I started living for what I can do—not what I can’t do.” — Richard Kaufman In this powerful episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry welcomes Richard Kaufman—Army Veteran, best-selling author, and host of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency podcast—known nationwide as The Comeback Coach. From addiction and homelessness to blindness and recovery, Ri…

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Leading with Authenticity: Matthew Marsden’s Mission to Honor Veterans Through Film 35:38

1M ago35:38

35:38

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with actor and producer Matthew Marsden, known for his roles in Black Hawk Down, Rambo, and Transformers. Though not a Veteran himself, Marsden has become a passionate advocate for the military community through his work on and off the screen. Marsden shares how his experience training with Ar…

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Episode 63: USAREC to USARD: Inside the Army's Recruiting Makeover 50:24

1M ago50:24

50:24

Send us a text The Army recruiting landscape is changing dramatically, and we've got the inside scoop. In this eye-opening conversation, Sergeant Bruner returns to break down the major transformation happening within Army recruiting—starting with the elevation of U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) to U.S. Army Recruiting Division (USARD), now a …

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S15E9 Why YOU Should Tell Your SFL Story 24:27

1M ago24:27

24:27

Our Soldiers for Life are Army ambassadors. They are amazing individuals who chose to dedicate themselves to serving their country, to making a difference. They help people in their communities understand - and connect with - our Army. And they help inspire the next generation to serve. And one of the most important ways that they do all of this is…

1
Mandatory Fun Day: How Humor, Grit, and Service Fuel a Viral Voice for Veterans 26:12

1M ago26:12

26:12

In this episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry sits down with Army officer and viral military influencer Austin von Letkemann, better known as Mandatory Fun Day. With a decade as an enlisted soldier before commissioning, Austin delivers raw, hilarious, and brutally honest insights about military life — from barracks blunders to leadership that …

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From Code to Command: Marlie Andersch on AI, GovCon, and Leadership After the Uniform 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

Air Force veteran Marlie Andersch, CEO of rockITdata, shares her raw journey from launching a tech startup before COVID to scaling in GovCon and AI. She dives into lessons on leadership, layoffs, hiring mistakes (including an AI bot!), and the real cost of loyalty. If you're building, leading, or navigating the veteran-to-entrepreneur path, this is…

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S15E8 U.S. Army Medical Retirement and Separation Process 38:56

2M ago38:56

38:56

If you are going through the Army medical retirement/separation process (we're including Soldiers, their families AND their Army commanders in that "you"), there is a LOT to know and do, but like everything we talk about, there are MANY resources out there to help. And on this week's all new Soldier for Life Podcast, Mr. Lemuel (Lem) Chance from th…

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Top Leadership Myths 18:06

2M ago18:06

18:06

Think leaders always eat last? Never take flak? Always confident? Think again. In this raw and real episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry debunks 3 of the biggest leadership myths holding teams back. If you're serious about leading well—especially under pressure—this is the one you can’t miss.By John Berry

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Max Lederer Shares How He Went From Being a USAF Brat to the Stars and Stripes Publisher. 1:01:59

2M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

WWW.PUNKBRATS.COM | 512.682.5333 From Air Force Brat to the Stars and Stripes, Max Lederer shares about his extraordinary journey through Law School, his military service in the U.S. Army, and how he became the publisher of the Stars and Stripes newspaper. Stars and Stripes is an independent news organization that serves the U.S. military community…

1
Mission-Ready Vendors: Building a Team That Aligns, Delivers, and Elevates 25:04

2M ago25:04

25:04

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry explores the critical role of external partners—your attachments and detachments—in achieving organizational success. Drawing parallels to military operations, John discusses how to identify aligned vendors, assess contracts, manage expectations, and avoid costly mistakes. With firsthand stories of coll…

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S15E7 Planning for Your U.S. Army Retirement 39:32

2M ago39:32

39:32

Are you planning for your U.S. Army retirement? If so, this week's Soldier for Life Podcast episode includes everything that you will need to know for your retirement planning journey! Listen as CW3 (Ret.) Lynn Peterson - the RSO Program Manager for the Army Retirement Services Office and our all-around retirement planning guru - shares LOADS of in…

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Leading with Urgency: Steven Kuhn’s Journey from the Military to Multimillion-Dollar Deals 44:20

2M ago44:20

44:20

In this episode of Veteran Led, host John Berry sits down with Bronze Star recipient and Gulf War Veteran Steven Kuhn—author of Unleash Your Humble Alpha and co-founder of Novascale Partners. Steven shares how military principles like urgency, adaptability, and unwavering purpose fueled his rise from a post-service identity crisis to leading billio…

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From Ecstasy to Educator: A Soldier’s Fall and Redemption 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

Hooked from the first pill, headed for Leavenworth. In this gripping episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with David Mike—former soldier, convicted drug dealer, and now author of Dishonor. From a broken leg at Airborne School to the darkness of addiction and the light of redemption, this is a raw, emotional journey of failure, faith, and…

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Top 10 Bad Examples of Leadership 8:51

3M ago8:51

8:51

Step inside the battlefield of leadership failures with Veteran Led. In this episode, Veterans pull no punches as they expose the worst leadership they've ever witnessed — no names needed, just hard truths. From selfish credit-grabbers and insecure tyrants to mission-driven disasters that cost lives, our guests share jaw-dropping, raw stories that …

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S15E6 This We'll Defend: Celebrating 250 Years of U.S. Army Service to Our Nation 28:52

3M ago28:52

28:52

On this week's Soldier for Life Podcast, we are excited to talk about the Army’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration and the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War. Listen as we sit down with Captain Jonathan Bratten, the command historian for the Maine Army National Guard and the National Guard Bureau’s Revolution…

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You Can’t Save a Loser: Why Great Leaders Build Great Teams 6:37

3M ago6:37

6:37

You can’t change the people around you—but you can change who you’re around. John Berry breaks down elite leadership and building A-player teams.By John Berry

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Episode 62: Ranger School's Radical Fitness Test Overhaul 15:25

3M ago15:25

15:25

Send us a text Everything you thought you knew about preparing for Ranger School just changed. The Army has unveiled a radical transformation of the Ranger Physical Fitness Test that will challenge candidates in entirely new ways starting April 2025. The traditional assessment of push-ups, sit-ups, and a five-mile run? Gone. The new test is a gruel…

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Built in Battle: How Warriors Become World-Class CEOs with Channing Walker 41:12

3M ago41:12

41:12

When life blows up—literally—you either sink or rise stronger. In this episode of Veteran Led, soldier in the special operations community, turned powerhouse CEO, Channing Walker, shares how he went from IED survivor to scaling multimillion-dollar ventures. Dive into Channing’s no-fluff lessons on building unstoppable teams, winning federal contrac…

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Hawes Sisters on the Move: Growing Up Army Strong! 46:13

3M ago46:13

46:13

WWW.PUNKBRATS.COM | 512.682.5333 In Season Two, Episode Three of Punk Brats, we hear from the Hawes sisters, Kayla and Julia. They share their experiences of constant change, saying goodbye to friends, and starting over, as well as the deeply personal challenges of living with a father struggling with PTSD. Join us for an honest and heartfelt conve…

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Episode 61: Beyond gender lines: Examining the Pentagon's push for unified combat fitness standards 24:44

4M ago24:44

24:44

Send us a text Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dropped a bombshell directive that's sending ripples through military fitness circles - a move toward gender-neutral physical standards for combat roles across all service branches. This isn't just a bureaucratic shuffle; it's a fundamental rethinking of how we prepare our warfighters for the battle…

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S15E5 Warrior-Scholar Project 34:16

4M ago34:16

34:16

The Warrior-Scholar Project hosts intensive, one-week college-prep academic boot camp programs for enlisted service members and veterans at America’s top universities to help ease their transition from the military to higher education. Learn more as we chat with the CEO of the Warrior-Scholar Project, Ryan Pavel.…

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Conditioned to Win: Why Metrics Matter Less Than Moments 5:57

4M ago5:57

5:57

Numbers track our progress, but they don’t tell our story. In this episode, John S. Berry breaks down why true leadership isn’t found in statistics, but in the moments we rise after failure. Learn how veterans are conditioned to win through relentless preparation, resilience, and character under pressure. Subscribe and discover how to turn your tou…

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Episode 60: Green Numbers, Red Flags: Why Soldiers Leave Early 35:06

4M ago35:06

35:06

Send us a text The future of our military readiness hangs in the balance as nearly one in four new Army recruits leave service within their first two years. What's driving this alarming exodus, and why are the very programs designed to help new soldiers actually contributing to higher failure rates? This deep-dive explores the startling contradicti…

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From Command to Culture: LTG (Ret.) Jody Daniels on Leadership, Readiness & Metrics 53:18

4M ago53:18

53:18

In this powerful episode of Veteran Led, host John Berry sits down with trailblazer Lieutenant General Jody Daniels, Ret., the first woman to command the U.S. Army Reserve. With over 41 years of military service and a successful civilian career at Lockheed Martin, Dr. Daniels shares raw insights on what it takes to lead nearly 200,000 service membe…

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S15E4 Up Your Military Talent Game: The Value Of a Veteran 33:04

4M ago33:04

33:04

Want to hire some incredibly talented employees at your company or organization? (We know you are, of course, emphatically nodding your head yes.) Then you should really be thinking about transitioning Soldiers, veterans, and military spouses! On this week's brand new Soldier for Life Podcast, we talk with Ms. Lisa Rosser, the CEO and Founder of an…

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Leadership and Strategy: Optimizing Financial Health with Marine Veteran Emery Wager 27:56

4M ago27:56

27:56

What happens when a Marine officer, Silicon Valley engineer, and fintech disruptor builds a better way for law firms to get paid? On this episode of Veteran Led, host John Berry sits down with Emery Wager, co-founder & CEO of Confido Legal. From combat tours in Afghanistan to streamlining cash flow for thousands of law firms, Emery shares why finan…

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Episode 59: The Power of Military Networking: Your Secret Weapon 30:39

4M ago30:39

30:39

Send us a text Networking isn't just a buzzword—it's the difference-maker in military careers that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. What sets apart those who rise through the ranks isn't just competence, but the meaningful connections they build along the way. This deep dive explores how networking transforms your Army experience through mult…

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Build vs. Buy: Scaling Your Business with Navy Veteran Travis Mack 30:33

4M ago30:33

30:33

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Travis Mack, Chairman and CEO of Saalex Corporation, as he shares valuable lessons on scaling businesses. A decorated Navy Veteran turned successful entrepreneur; Travis breaks down the crucial decisions leaders face when growing their organizations. Key Takeaways: • How to identify w…

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Episode 58: Your Soldiers Deserve Better PT Sessions—Here's How to Deliver 17:46

4M ago17:46

17:46

Send us a text Physical readiness isn't just about fitness—it's about combat effectiveness and unit cohesion. When over 70% of soldiers struggle to hit the 500-point mark on the ACFT, we have to ask ourselves: are our PT sessions truly preparing our troops for the battlefield? The difference between mediocre and exceptional PT leadership comes down…

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From Navy Corpsman to Rock Star: Dave Bray's Journey of Continued Service 29:38

4M ago29:38

29:38

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Dave Bray, former Navy Corpsman and Marine Corps Veteran turned rock star, as he shares his remarkable journey from serving with the Marines to becoming a prominent voice in patriotic rock music. Dave discusses how his military service shaped his music career and his ongoing mission to ho…

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Episode 57: Social Media: The New Front Line for Military Culture 15:06

5M ago15:06

15:06

Send us a text Social media is more than just a tool; it's transforming military culture at its core. In this episode, we look into how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are reshaping communication, camaraderie, and public perceptions of service members. While the connectivity provided by these platforms offers crucial support and commu…

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From Military Intelligence to CEO: Leadership Lessons with Yolanda Clarke 35:32

5M ago35:32

35:32

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Yolanda Clarke, a former Army Intelligence Officer who has successfully transitioned into the role of CEO at Powder River Industries. Named after her Wyoming roots, Yolanda shares how authenticity and transparency shaped her company's identity while navigating the challenges of building a…

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Episode 56 - Rejoining the Ranks: The COVID Vaccine Reinstatement 18:00

5M ago18:00

18:00

Send us a text Explore the complex realities behind the military's COVID vaccine mandate and its aftermath in this thought-provoking episode. We delve into the journey of service members who faced discharge for refusing the vaccine and the newly introduced options for reinstatement. With insights into the administration's decision to allow those af…

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S15E3 Pathways to Military Talent: 50strong 32:36

5M ago32:36

32:36

Looking for a resource to help you find your next career OR valuable military talent for your organization (because I hope we all know what a smart move that is for any company!)? On this week's Soldier for Life Podcast, we chat with Kandi Tillman, the Co-Founder of 50strong, an organization that helps connect service members, veterans, military-co…

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From Nuclear Command and Control to Veteran Support: Leadership Insights with Barb Carson 21:28

5M ago21:28

21:28

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Barb Carson, Managing Director of Programs and Services at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. In this powerful episode of Veteran Led, Air Force Veteran Barb Carson shares invaluable insights on leadership, transition, and Veteran sup…

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Episode 55 - SOLDIER MENTAL HEALTH: Signs, Solutions & Support 31:15

5M ago31:15

31:15

Send us a text On this episode of the Roger Sarnt Podcast, join me, Sarnt Cruz, as I confront the stark realities of mental health issues within the military, a topic that's alarmingly urgent yet often shrouded in silence. Starting with a somber reflection on a holiday weekend, we unravel the distressing statistics from 2023, where nearly a third o…

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From Military Service to Veteran Support: How IVMF is Transforming Veterans' Lives with Ray Toenniessen 19:51

5M ago19:51

19:51

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Ray Toenniessen, Deputy Executive Director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. Through IVMF's innovative programs, including Onward to Opportunity and their entrepreneurship initiatives, the institute serves over 20,000 service mem…

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Army Brat and Veteran, Scott Teakell, Talks About How He Earned His Soldier’s Medal Award and Overcame PTSD Through Forging Knives. 46:36

5M ago46:36

46:36

WWW.PUNKBRATS.COM | 512.682.5333 Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of the Punk Brats!! Larry "Scott" Teakell, a distinguished Army Brat, embarked on his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 1995. With a commitment to service, he dedicated himself to the vital role of a medic, providing critical care and support to his fellow soldi…

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U.S. Army Soldier For Life Podcasts

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