VET S.O.S. Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Scoop with Dr. Turrill & Dr. Arambula - Veteran Stories of Transition and Transformation Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Scoop, Kingsley Scott interviews Dr. Robert Turrill and Dr. Eddie Arambula, co-editors of Veteran Stories of Transition and Transformation. This remarkable book features 25 authentic veteran journeys, told in their own words, reflecting resilience, growth, and the life-changing impact of education.

Discover how USC’s Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program became the backdrop for these transformative stories, the challenges of encouraging veterans to open up, and why sharing your own story is as healing for the writer as it is inspiring for the reader.

Dr. Turrill and Dr. Arambula reveal the pitfalls, breakthroughs, and lasting lessons of veteran storytelling — and why they believe your story matters more than you think.

📘 Available Now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Pine Peak Press
🔗 Follow Dr. Robert Turrill & Dr. Eddie Arambula on LinkedIn
#VeteranVoices #MilitaryLifeAfterService #HealingThroughStorytelling #USCVeterans #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterUniform #MilitaryEducation #TransitionStories #VeteranHealing #VETSOS

VERS - Supporting Military Children Through Education and Transition Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, host Dr. Hira speaks with Mary Bier, MBA, President & CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), about the critical work being done to support military-connected children.

Mary shares her personal experiences as a military spouse and parent, her professional advocacy journey, and MCEC’s innovative programs that prepare students for college, career, and life success. From peer mentoring through Student 2 Student (S2S) to leadership development and scholarships, this conversation sheds light on how communities and schools can uplift military families.

Listeners will also learn about the Heroic Hearts Scholarship, opportunities at the Francis Hesselbein Student Leadership Program, and upcoming Global Training Summits designed to equip educators and student leaders.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone who wants to better understand and support the unique challenges of military children.

Follow and subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more resources, stories, and insights to help veterans and their families thrive.

#VETSOS #MilitaryChildEducation #VeteranResources #MilitarySpouse #MilitarySupport #VeteranEducation #MilitaryKids #MilitaryLife #VeteranTransition #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranSupport

The Scoop - Grit Leadership: Building Resilience and Purpose Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of The Scoop from the VET S.O.S. Podcast Network, Kingsley welcomes Shannon Huffman Polson, one of the first women to fly the U.S. Army’s Apache helicopter and the founder of The Grit Institute. Shannon shares how her groundbreaking military career shaped her bestselling book The Grit Factor and her Grit Triad leadership model: Commit, Learn, and Launch.

Through personal stories, lessons from dozens of leaders, and actionable exercises, Shannon reveals how grit is a choice — one that empowers you to overcome adversity, reclaim your story, and lead with purpose.

Perfect for veterans navigating transition, leaders seeking to inspire their teams, or anyone ready to embrace change with courage, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience and leadership.

Learn more at thegritinstitute.com and download the free GRIT Manifesto.

#VETSOS #VeteranLeadership #GritFactor #ResilientMindset #ApacheHelicopterPilot #WomenWhoLead #VeteranTransitionSupport #LeadershipSkills #MilitaryServiceStories #OvercomingAdversity #PurposeDrivenLife

MTRS - Building the Veteran Podcast Community with Purpose Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Marine Corps veteran and Homefront SitRep co-host David Willis joins the VET S.O.S. podcast to discuss his military transition journey and his commitment to highlighting grassroots veteran organizations. From reconnecting with fellow Marines to co-founding a podcast that gives voice to boots-on-ground nonprofits, David shares heartfelt stories, lessons from failed nonprofits, and why finding your "tribe" is the key to post-service purpose.

Catch this conversation filled with humor, honesty, and practical advice for any veteran navigating life after service.

Listen, subscribe, and share. Your transition lifeline starts here.
#VeteranPodcastCommunity #MarineCorpsVeteran #MilitaryTransitionSupport #VETSOS #HomefrontSitRep #GrassrootsVeteranSupport #VeteranMentalHealth #FindYourTribe #PurposeAfterService #CombatVeteranStories

The Scoop - Unlocking Creative Thinking for Veteran Success with Bob Sager Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop, Kingsley Scott welcomes Bob Sager, founder of Spearpoint Solutions and author of 101 Freaking Brilliant Business Ideas and More Freaking Brilliant Ideas. Bob reveals how veterans and leaders can leverage scientific creative thinking methods to succeed in business and life after service.

From building a lasting legacy to applying the “Power of Three” and “Making Your Dash Count,” Bob’s strategies are designed to help you thrive in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Whether you’re transitioning from the military, growing a business, or leading a team, these actionable ideas will help you innovate, adapt, and stand out.

🌐 spearpointonline.com | 📚 Bob Sager’s books on Amazon
Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bobsager

#VeteranSupport #CreativeThinking #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #MilitaryTransition #Mentorship #CareerSuccess #VeteranEntrepreneur #Innovation #VETSOS

VERS - Augusta Tech’s Mission: Empowering Military Students Through Education & Career Pathways Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Host Dr. Hira welcomes Kittie Clark, Military Services Coordinator at Augusta Technical College, to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight. With a background in process improvement and a passion for military student success, Kittie shares how Augusta Tech supports over 700 military-affiliated students each semester through:

A Military Service Center offering VA benefits assistance and a community space
In-demand programs like cybersecurity and healthcare with hands-on training
Partnerships with Fort Gordon’s Army Cyber Center of Excellence for credit transfers
Student Veterans of America chapter activities and national conference participation
Efforts to expand credit for prior learning and build more career pathways

Whether you’re an active duty member, veteran, spouse, or dependent, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating education, maximizing benefits, and building a strong career foundation.

Listen now and discover how Augusta Tech is helping the military-connected community thrive in higher education and beyond.

#VeteranEducation #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSuccess #MilitaryStudents #CareerPathways #HigherEdForVeterans #CybersecurityEducation #MilitarySpouseSupport #CreditForPriorLearning #VETSOS

MTRS - VFW Leaders on Veteran Transition, Advocacy & the Future Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of VET S.O.S., Shawn Welsh talks with outgoing VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt and incoming Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore about their personal military transition experiences, the evolving role of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and their shared commitment to advocacy and veteran support.

They discuss the importance of programs like “Still Serving,” combat-tested gaming, and partnerships with groups like Irreverent Warriors to engage younger veterans. They also highlight key legislative priorities, including the Forever GI Bill, the PACT Act, and the urgent need to pass the Richard Starr Act.

Carol shares her vision as the first female Commander-in-Chief — focusing on advocacy, the dedication of VFW service officers, and the POW/MIA mission. Together, they reinforce that the VFW remains a place where veterans find community, support, and a voice in Washington.

Tune in to hear how the VFW continues its 125-year mission: for veterans, by veterans.
#VETSOS #VFW #VeteranTransition #MilitaryAdvocacy #VeteranSupport #StillServing #VeteranResources #RichardStarrAct #MilitaryCommunity #POWMIA #VeteranLeadership

From Navy to Coach: David Kiwimagi’s Blueprint for a Powerful Veteran Career Journey Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Scoop, Kings sits down with Navy veteran and leadership coach David Kiwimagi, also known as “Kiwi.” Together, they explore what it really takes to succeed after the military—from saving a marriage on the rocks to launching a thriving coaching business.

David dives into:

How to turn unspoken expectations into real agreements
Why controlling your controllables is the key to transition success
What “his business, her business, not your business” really means
How to win every argument (yes, even with your spouse!)

This episode is packed with wisdom for veterans, couples in business, and anyone navigating life’s big transitions.

🎯 Ready to find clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose?

📘 Download Kiwi’s free resource:👉 ⁠www.davideandlexiskiwi.org⁠

🎙️ Brought to you by VET S.O.S.—helping you thrive, not just survive.

#VeteranCareerJourney #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranCoach #KiwiCoaching #LeadershipForVeterans #VetEntrepreneurship #MilitaryTransitionSupport #RelationshipGrowth #HisBusinessHerBusiness #VETSOS

Ryan Woodruff: Healing Through Service, Sobriety, and Service Dogs Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

In this VET S.O.S. Transition Podcast episode, we welcome Ryan Woodruff, CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, for a compelling conversation on post-military purpose and recovery. Ryan opens up about his challenging transition from Marine infantryman to civilian, his battle with alcoholism, and the profound transformation he experienced through service dog programs.

Now leading Clear Path’s multifaceted veteran support initiatives—ranging from ADI-accredited service dog training to wellness therapies and the Operation Socrates SkillBridge program—Ryan brings hope and healing to veterans across the U.S.

His journey is a reminder that with support, structure, and service, veterans can rediscover purpose and thrive in life after the uniform.

🔗 Visit www.clearpath4vets.com to learn more.
🎙️ Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring veteran stories.

#VeteranTransition #ServiceDogsSaveLives #MilitaryToCivilian #VETSOS #ClearPathForVeterans #VeteranWellness #AddictionRecovery #VeteranPrograms #PostMilitaryLife #HealingThroughDogs

Veteran Career Journey: Master Civilian Career Success Aug 23, 2025

Show notes

This episode dives deep into post-transition career success with Army veteran and author Bill Kieffer, who returns to discuss his latest book focused on what to do after you land the job.

With decades of experience in HR and talent management, Bill reveals practical strategies veterans can use to thrive in the civilian workforce using his Landing → Integrating → Thriving model.

🎙️ In this episode:

Understanding your workplace and role in the first 90 days
Navigating internal culture and expectations
Aligning your career path with your personal "why"
Managing culture shock and career pivots
Building a long-term strategy for growth and satisfaction
Why your job is part of your life journey

Bill also shares how his nonprofit, Veteran Career Journey, provides free monthly training to help veterans close the gap with employers and reduce transition-related stress.

📘 Get the book on Amazon – search “Bill Kieffer”🌐 Learn more: veterancareerjourney.org🔗 Connect: William E. Bill Kieffer on LinkedIn📞 Call: 419-205-7072

You’re not alone. Build your veteran career journey with support, clarity, and purpose. Listen now and thrive beyond transition.

#VeteranCareerJourney #VeteranTransition #PostMilitarySuccess #MilitaryToCivilian #CareerCoaching #VETSOS #VeteranEmpowerment #PurposeDrivenCareer #WorkforceReadiness #VeteranMentorship

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