Stay ConnectedWe talk with active duty Coast Guard personnel and veterans about their service careers. The Military services unlike most businesses do not conduct an exit interview. So if they won’t we will. Our retired Coast Guard E-9’s will talk the good and the bad of our guests time in the service. This podcast focuses on leaders and Coast Guard policies effecting active duty member’s.
The Exit Interview email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Copyright: © 2025 The Exit Interview
On this episode the team
Meets with Dan Reppen, co-founder of Breakwater Alliance who shares his personal story of mental health challenges and recovery.
https://www.bwafoundation.org/
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
On this episode we interview Dan “Skip” Noel. Dan is a prior Marine who later served in the Coast Guard and decided to help form an incredible non-profit of peers supporting peers called Breakwater Alliance Foundation.
Download to hear his story of service that continues to this day
Website: https://bwafoundation.org
Ph: 430-777-2923
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
September is suicide prevention month. On this episode John Kopp returns to discuss mental health and suicide awareness.
John is a former BM1 in the Coast Guard, and mental health provider in Washington State. He is also the founder of Fierce Heart Development http://www.fierceheartdev.com , a coaching service geared to help you navigate your CG career.
If you need immediate mental health assistance dial 911. If you’re having thoughts of suicide dial #988
The CDC Suicide Resource list has a ton of excellent options to help anyone navigate challenging times
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/general-resources.html
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
On this weeks episode the E9 Mafia j reviews Marshall Griffin - a retired USCG Commander, JAG Defense Attorney, and founder of Griffin Law Firm.
https://www.griffinlawdefense.com/about/marshall-griffin/
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
With September being suicide awareness month, it’s important that we have some crucial conversations. This week we interview the amazing and talented Karla Nemitz. A voracious advocate for Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention, talented artist, and former Coastie as she shares her journey.
Pick up some of her incredible her art here - https://www.artbykarlanemitz.com/
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide, please reach for help first. Here are some resources
#988
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/suicide-prevention/
https://www.22aday.org/
https://www.bwafoundation.org/
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
SK2 David Portillo was separated without due process after posting a meme to CG Memes.
Hear his story on this weeks episode of The Exit Interview
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
You asked for it, we brought it!
On Episode 5 we are joined by CWO3 Chris Whitmore, a retired Coast Guard Investigative Services Agent.
Listen as he details his journey and dispels or confirms rumors about CGIS.
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsor Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
For episode 4, we interview Retired EMC Todd Buncie. Todd served in the Navy and Coast Guard before retiring and eventually pursuing a career as a real estate agent.
Listen as Todd shares his story and journey through the service. If you need his relocation services in Corpus Christi TX give him a call
+1 (361) 828-1134
As always, if you would like to be interviewed or have any feedback reach out to us at E9_A_Team@proton.me
Sponsors:
Service called Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
Join the E-9 Mafia as we interview John Kopp.
John Kopp is a prior BM1 and Surfman 527, who left the service after 9 years. Since leaving the service he has written a phenomenal historic account of the fatal 1977 training incident of CG-41332 on the mouth of the Columbia River. He went on to start a family, become a mental health provider and is launching his next mission - a Coaching Service called Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Pick up a copy of his book CG-41332 here:
https://a.co/d/2U40j3Q
As always, if you would like to be interviewed or have any feedback reach out to us at E9_A_Team@proton.me
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
On this episode the E9 Mafia talks with the infamous D8 whistleblower Whistler Mcgee.
In May of 2024, a brave and anonymous person came forward by way of an anonymous email that was sent to a large portion of CG personnel and leadership. They later posted the email online for everyone to see.
This email quickly gained traction and others began coming forward.
The E-9 Mafia and McGee have a robust conversation, and provide insight into what went wrong, and what could have went right with the report of sexual assault, and subsequent toxic behavior and allegations of harassment.
If you are a victim or survivor of sex assault and need resources.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center:
https://www.nsvrc.org/survivors
National Suicide Hotline:
https://988lifeline.org/
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
To contact the E9 Mafia email:
E9_A_Team@proton.me
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/the_real_exit_interview
Sponsors
Fierce Heart Development:
https://fierceheartdev.com/
Astoria Scuba
https://astoriascuba.com/ Discount code:exit10
(503)325-2502
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
