Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth

Latest Episodes:

154: "I don't want people to give me things. I want to earn things." Trevor Maxwell Reinvents Himself After 20 Years of Service - Part 1 of 2 Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

Hey there, listener! Thank you for checking out our older seasons! As of September 2025, we have revamped our website! So if any episodes or links seem to be missing, don't hesitate to contact Jen at jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

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154: "I don't want people to give me things. I want to earn things." Trevor Maxwell Reinvents Himself After 20 Years of Service - Part 1 of 2

Jen Amos welcomes her US VetWealth colleague and Creator of Military Money Mistakes, Trevor Maxwell, into a two-part interview. Trevor shares his first memory of meeting Jen's husband and business partner, Scott R. Tucker. At the time, they discussed Trevor's decision to take a different career path after retiring from the Navy. He continues to reflect on his journey in the last 5 years since retiring, including his mindset shift of seeing himself as a "new guy" in the civilian world. Trevor leaves us for part one of this interview explaining why he decided to pursue a career that was completely different from his work in the military to leave that part of his life behind.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-GyV9kJLdvE

Connect with Trevor Maxwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorcmaxwell/

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Do you want to do more than “follow orders,” think outside of the box, and manifest your dreams? Then you’ve come to the right show! The award-winning podcast, Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth, is returning for Season 7 to highlight motivational stories of personal growth, financial awareness, and autonomy in our military community. The show is hosted by Jen Amos, a Gold Star daughter, Veteran Spouse, and Entrepreneur.

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

Our main sponsor US VetWealth is proud to offer a FREE Retiree Appraisal to help military retirees make a confident and informed decision on the Survivor Benefit Plan and Thrift Savings Plan. Get a comprehensive understanding and financial valuation of your time in service today by visiting: https://usvetwealth.com/usvw-appraisal/

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on the podcast was recognized by Disney Institute and she was hand-selected as the only non-Disney employee to moderate the first Military Spouse Employment panel for the Veterans Institute Summit. March 2022, Jenny Lynne has voted the 2022 Naval Station Norfolk Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. November 2020, Jen Amos was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! The show continued to collect award nominations in the following years. In September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

153: "Put on your freaking shoes and walk." Keyani Washington's Journey From Hairstylist to Skin & Hair Wellness Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

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153: "Put on your freaking shoes and walk." Keyani Washington's Journey From Hairstylist to Skin & Hair Wellness

Is it possible to turn your adversities into stepping stones to success? Jen Amos delves into Keyani Washington's inspiring journey as the CEO and Founder of CHAT Skin & Hair Co. and Chapter Lead with The Rosie Network.

Keyani began her career in cosmetology in 2005, while also balancing a job at a daycare. She shares how she experienced setbacks, including health challenges that impeded her ability to continue hairdressing full-time and homelessness. Undeterred, she pivoted and developed her line of hair care products. In 2022, She joined The Rosie Network Service2CEO program, which was instrumental in launching her business. Keyani reflects on how she's embraced mantras like "put your shoes on and walk" to confront difficulties head-on, and "do it anyway" to work through fear and doubts.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ruyiQ8l8StQ

Connect with Keyani Washington

Follow CHAT Skin & Hair Co.

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

152: “It takes a village to pursue and live the path less taken.” Season 7 Trailer with Jen Amos Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

151: "Leaving the show does not mean that I'm leaving the community." Saying Goodbye to Jenny Lynne Stroup Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

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151: "Leaving the show does not mean that I'm leaving the community." Saying Goodbye to Jenny Lynne Stroup

Jen Amos and Jenny Lynne officially record for their final time as co-hosts. They open up the bittersweet discussion with icebreaker questions that give insight into their social media presence, career challenges, and their favorite fast food restaurants.

Jenny Lynne shares why she has decided to step down as cohost, her highlights of being on the show since Season 3, how she's expanded her network to the various military branches, and how she'll continue to remain friends with Jen. Jen expresses thanks for Jenny Lynne's contributions and reflects on her own personal growth since she began the show in Summer 2019. In the end, Jenny Lynne reassures listeners that although she's leaving the podcast, she will still continue to serve the military community.

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on the podcast was recognized by Disney Institute and she was hand-selected as the only non-Disney employee to moderate the first Military Spouse Employment panel for the Veterans Institute Summit. March 2022, Jenny Lynne has voted the 2022 Naval Station Norfolk Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. November 2020, Jen Amos was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! The show continued to collect award nominations in the following years. In September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. In November 2021, the show was an Award Finalist for the 5th Annual National Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards. December 2021, the show was a Golden Crane Podcast Awards Nominee. September...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

150: "I have a deeper understanding of community now, and I really hope that it'll show in our next season." Season 6 Finale with Jen Amos and Jenny Lynne Stroup Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

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150: "I have a deeper understanding of community now, and I really hope that it'll show in our next season." Season 6 Finale with Jen Amos and Jenny Lynne Stroup

Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth's Season 6 Finale has arrived! Jen and Jenny Lynne acknowledge that this shorter than the normal season has been anticipated for some time, especially as they now focus on other priorities in their lives. Together, they share what they'll be doing in the off-season, reflect on their experiences at Disney Institute's Veterans Institute Summit, tease what's to come for Season 7, and much more.

Jen and Jenny Lynne will still be active online. Continue reading to learn how to stay in touch in the off-season!

Subscribe to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT

Follow our show on social media:

Follow Jen Amos on social media:

Follow Jenny Lynne Stroup on social media:

THANKS FOR LISTENING. CATCH YOU ALL IN THE NEXT SEASON!

Enjoy our show? Kindly leave us a written 5-Star review on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/30SJ7NW, Podchaser https://bit.ly/3dnCacY, or write a LinkedIn Recommendation for Jen Amos https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenamos/edit/forms/recommendation/write/ or Jenny Lynne Stroup
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

149: "Telling your story, getting it down on paper, getting it out through art, and getting it out in the world, in some way, is mystically healing." Heart to Script with Amy Uptgraft and Lea Johnson Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

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149: "Telling your story, getting it down on paper, getting it out through art, and getting it out in the world, in some way, is mystically healing." Heart to Script with Amy Uptgraft and Lea Johnson

At the Veteran's Spouse Project (VSP), Amy Uptgraft and Lea Johnson work very hard to create a safe space for military spouses to share where they are on their life's journey. Amy updates us on the current VSP offerings since she first joined us in February 2021. First time on the show, Lea shares the headspace she's currently in as she and her husband anticipate military transition. Together, they talk about their intense desire to build true community based on authenticity, how everyone's story has equal weight, how listeners can sign up for their next Heart to Script program, and much more.

Get Involved with The Veterans Spouse Project

Additional Resources

079: “The stability of a military spouse’s mental health is the cornerstone of the military family.” Theatre and expressive arts with Amy Uptgraft https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/episode/079

Announcements

Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth is a Finalist for the 13th Annual The Plutus Awards presented by Capital Group for “Best Military Personal Finance Content.” Read more at https://bit.ly/hdtf-plutus-22

RETURNING FALL 2023

The award-winning podcast, Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth, is returning for Season 7 in Fall 2023 to share inspiring stories of service and self-sufficiency from the military community! This show is a must-listen for military servicemembers and families interested in pursuing financial autonomy while serving our nation.

The show is very excited to announce its new partnership with The Rosie Network, which will include featuring the stories of Service2CEO Cohort Members. Read more about this exciting partnership at https://issuu.com/therosienetwork/docs/me_mag_2023/16

Our main sponsor US VetWealth is proud to announce their newest FREE resource hub: Military Retirement Blueprint — the perfect knowledge library for career retiring military officers who want to make the most of their retirement. This specialized program provides training, guides, consulting, investment-grade insurance strategies, financial & retirement planning, and more. Join for FREE today by visiting: https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-learning-center-access-the-military-retirement-blueprint/

Stay connected...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

148: "Thank you for being a part of our journey and seeing value in our candidness. It's an honor." Checking in with Jen and Jenny Lynne Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

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148: "Thank you for being a part of our journey and seeing value in our candidness. It's an honor." Checking in with Jen and Jenny Lynne

Jen and Jenny Lynne take a break from interviewing to reconnect! They reflect on how much they enjoy the pace of Season 6, how Jen's priority to feel locally rooted has influenced the format of their show, their pre-recorded thoughts about attending Disney Institute's Veterans Institute Summit, and much more.

Announcements

Jen and Jenny Lynne are going to Disney World to attend Disney Institute's Veterans Institute Summit on August 19 to 20, 2022! Learn how you can register online at https://www.disneyinstitute.com/disney-institute-summits/veterans-institute-summit/

RETURNING FALL 2023

Stay connected and get the latest updates from our Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth community by subscribing to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT Questions? Email jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on the podcast was recognized by Disney Institute and she was hand-selected as the only non-Disney employee to moderate the first Military Spouse Employment panel for the Veterans Institute Summit. March 2022, Jenny Lynne has voted the 2022 Naval Station Norfolk Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. November 2020, Jen Amos was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! The show continued to collect award nominations in the following years. In September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. In November 2021, the show was an Award Finalist for the 5th Annual National Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards. December 2021, the show was a Golden Crane Podcast Awards Nominee. September 2022, the show was a Finalist for the 13th
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

147: "We build trust when we can put a face and a story to an offering." San Diego Military Family Collaborative featuring Jen and Jenny Lynne Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

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147: "We build trust when we can put a face and a story to an offering." San Diego Military Family Collaborative featuring Jen and Jenny Lynne

In late March 2022, San Diego Military Family Collaborative (SDMFC) invited Jen and Jenny Lynne to their first member-only training of the year to share tips and tricks on marketing. Together, they share how the show began, how Jenny Lynne became a co-host, how they foster community, how they maintain and grow the show, and much more.

The San Diego Military Family Collaborative supports and strengthens the military-connected community through education, advocacy, and engagement. Learn more at https://sdmilitaryfamily.org/

Connect with SDMFC

RETURNING FALL 2023

146: "Risking is always better than regretting." 30 years of service and paying tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines since 9/11 with Amy Forsythe Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

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146: "Risking is always better than regretting." 30 years of service and paying tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines since 9/11 with Amy Forsythe

Amy Forsythe attended an all-girls Catholic high school, wearing a uniform and doing what the nuns told her to do. It turns out that the military is not that much different. Today, Amy is an award-winning military journalist, a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and the author of Heroes Live Here: A Tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines Since 9/11. She credits the partnerships that made her book possible, shares what inspired her to join the Marines - 30 years ago, how she eventually balanced being in the reserves and civilian life, the importance of recruiting top talent, women in the military, and much more.

Connect with Amy Forsythe

Learn more about Heroes Live Here: A Tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines Since 9/11

Announcements

Jen and Jenny Lynne are going to Disney World to attend Disney Institute's Veterans Institute Summit on August 19 to 20, 2022! Learn how you can register online at https://www.disneyinstitute.com/disney-institute-summits/veterans-institute-summit/
We're excited to announce that Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth is a Finalist for the 13th Annual Plutus Awards presented by Capital Group for "Best Military Personal Finance Content!" The winners will be revealed at the Plutus Awards on September 9 at FinCon22 in Orlando! Learn more at https://www.plutusawards.com/finalists

RETURNING FALL 2023

The award-winning podcast, Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth, is returning for Season 7 in Fall 2023 to share inspiring stories of service and self-sufficiency from the military community! This show is a must-listen...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

145: "I don’t know who she is. But she’s a military spouse. I have a sister here, and so I’m going to stand next to her." Women Who Do Wonders with Pamela Bolado Aug 09, 2022

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