VET S.O.S. Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Mission Transition: Your Military Exit Gameplan Jul 19, 2025

Show notes

“Don’t just get a job—find your calling.”In this episode of The Scoop on the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we’re joined by Matthew Louis, veteran and author of Mission Transition. He walks us through his strategic blueprint for exiting the military with confidence—and entering the civilian world with clarity.

🔹 How to define your personal “True North”🔹 Resume translation, branding, and communication tips🔹 Understanding lifestyle filters and career alignment🔹 Negotiation tactics and hidden value in compensation packages🔹 How tools like Purepost can instantly help you match with jobs

Whether you’re six months from separation or six years post-service, this episode will reshape how you think about your future. Kings and Matt also share candid stories that will resonate with any veteran seeking purpose after service.

🧠 Learn more at ⁠www.matthewjlouis.com⁠📍 Build your Passport at ⁠www.purepost.co⁠

#MilitaryTransitionBlueprint #VeteranPodcast #MissionTransition #VeteranCareerTools #MattLouisInterview #PostMilitarySuccess #TransitionResources #VeteranVoices #CivilianCareers #VETSOS

Security Clearance Job Search: How ClearanceJobs Helps Veterans Succeed Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, hosts Shawn Welsh and Keith Cassant talk with Katie Helbling, content creator at ClearanceJobs and host of the Security Clearance Careers podcast. Katie brings her trademark humor and honesty as she discusses how veterans can successfully navigate the security clearance job search after leaving the military.

Katie offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ClearanceJobs platform and explains how it differs from other job boards like USAJobs and LinkedIn. Learn why creating your profile early—before your out date—is crucial, how to maintain your clearance status under the new two-year policy, and what recruiters are really looking for when hiring cleared professionals.

Topics include:

Building a strategic job search timeline
Translating military skills for civilian hiring managers
Busting myths about “automatic” job placement for senior leaders
The power of niche platforms in federal and defense employment
Katie’s sassiest memes and why humor is a powerful transition tool

We also explore ClearanceJobs' ecosystem: job groups, newsletters, virtual bootcamps, and new initiatives like FedWork.net and ClearanceJobsBlog.com.

Whether you're six months out or just getting started, this episode will give you real tools and advice to succeed in your post-military career journey.

🌐 More at: www.vetsospodcast.com
🔎 Check out: www.clearancejobs.com
📧 Contact Katie: katie.helbling@clearancejobs.com
🎙️ Subscribe to VET S.O.S. on all platforms @vetsospodcast

#SecurityClearanceJobs #VeteranCareerAdvice #MilitaryTransition #ClearanceJobs #DefenseContracting #VeteranSupport #FedCareers #MilitaryToCivilian #VETSOS #CareerStrategy

Your Final Debrief: Transition with Purpose Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of The Scoop, host Kingsley sits down with Air Force veteran and emotional intelligence expert Mary Polanco, founder of Lead and Lead Well, LLC and author of Your Final Debrief. Mary shares her deeply personal story of transitioning from the military, overcoming anxiety and depression, and rediscovering her identity outside the uniform.

We explore the emotional and psychological aspects of military transition, why there's no “right” way to move forward, and how her book empowers veterans—and anyone in a life shift—to design a life aligned with their values.

📚 Learn how your final debrief can become your greatest launch point.💻 Grab free resources or order the book at: liveandleadwell.org🔗 Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marypolanco

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and share with someone who’s navigating transition.

#VeteranVoices #MilitaryTransition #VETSOS #TheScoopPodcast #MaryPolanco #Resilience #EmotionalIntelligence #YourFinalDebrief #MentalHealthAwareness #LifeAfterService

Veteran Workforce Development in Action: Operation Lifeline Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Erick Saks joins VET S.O.S. to discuss Operation Lifeline, a nonprofit empowering veterans through housing, SkillBridge internships, and hands-on job training. Discover how Veteran Workforce Development is at the heart of this growing grassroots movement reshaping what veteran support can be.

🎙 Hosted by Shawn Welsh & Keith Cassant
🌐 Learn more at opLifeline.org

#VeteranWorkforceDevelopment #SkillBridge #VeteranSupport #NonprofitLeadership #VetCareers #ConstructionTraining #PostMilitaryJobs #OperationLifeline #CommunityService #TransitionPrograms #vetsos

Veteran Career Transition: Insights from Both Sides of the Hiring Desk Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Scoop, a new series from the VET S.O.S. Podcast Network! Host Kingsley Scott sits down with veteran, author, and coach Bill Kieffer to break down the realities of career transition after military service. Bill shares real-world advice on how to close the culture gap, reframe your military experience for civilian employers, and succeed in your post-military career.

Bill’s unique perspective—from both the military and corporate sides of the hiring desk—offers unmatched clarity for veterans navigating this critical life change. Tune in for real talk, honest insight, and a game plan for making the leap from uniform to civilian workforce.

📚 Check out Bill’s books on Amazon: Military Career Transition: Insights from the Employer Side of the Desk.

https://www.amazon.com/Military-Career-Transition-Insights-Employer-ebook/dp/B098TMQF92/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18OWNCBG6KDAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.W90OXnZ7OiPamMOJ4U5YhNg8HqsOD4U166CrYTNRyABEEIRYoR4MeJ2p3WroxgapjTB-3pApz8BsPAaxIEPo4E9nw44KP7PNQaNnT3WgsGOQoO5LVUcWNuJKNAd8dtub0TerIFdZZP5JZbeF3R2OJMa944SBGecDqzmTK8teV13PZZ0Z8T7-XbPaeSFE50xrOXfAFq5yxRjU6GcJ_bD_m0E8xnhJ08RsMn8bKJiGvWI.3ZEbqBy3yTnrGtO9iiLDmo3bpsbc5vsufmsBm5FID3k&dib_tag=se&keywords=william+kieffer&qid=1748689026&s=books&sprefix=william+kieffer%2Cstripbooks%2C98&sr=1-1🌐 Learn more at veterancareerjourney.org

#VeteranTransition #CareerChange #VeteranSupport #VETSOS #TheScoop #MilitaryToCivilian #BillKieffer #VeteranCareerJourney #TransitionAdvice #MilitaryVeterans

Healing PTSD with Music: Guitars for Vets in Action Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of the Military Transition Resources Show, we sit down with Brian Cain, Director of Development at Guitars for Vets, a nonprofit putting guitars—and hope—into the hands of America’s veterans.

Brian opens up about his personal battle with PTSD and brain injury following service in the Marine Corps and law enforcement. He shares how music, Boulder Crest’s Warrior PATHH, and the Guitars for Vets program helped him rediscover purpose—and how he’s now helping others do the same.

🎸 Topics include:

The therapeutic power of music
Why community is essential to veteran healing
The G4V 10-week model and graduation gift
Their expansion plans including songwriting retreats
How to join or support Guitars for Vets

Learn more or donate: guitarsforvets.org
Connect with Brian: brian@guitarsforvets.org

🎧 Subscribe now so you don’t miss any episodes of VET S.O.S.!

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM

#GuitarsForVets #MilitaryTransition #VETSOS #MusicTherapy #VeteranSupport #PTSDRecovery #CreativeHealing #VeteranStories #JamSessionHealing #NonprofitVeterans

Leading with Grit: Shannon Polson’s Veteran Insight Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

This week on the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we speak with Shannon Huffman Polson—veteran Apache pilot, leadership expert, and founder of The Grit Institute. Shannon opens up about her military service, her unexpected pivot into corporate life, and the mindset and values that helped her lead with purpose through it all.

Shannon introduces us to her powerful Grit Triad model—Commit, Learn, Launch—and shares how veterans can embrace transition by reconnecting with their story, building new skills, and stepping forward with audacity and authenticity.

Whether you’re in the middle of a career shift, reflecting on your next steps, or mentoring someone who is, this episode delivers clarity and strength to help you lead the way forward.

🎯 SPECIAL OFFER: Use code VETSOS at thegritinstitute.com/courses for 50% off Shannon’s training programs.

💬 Connect with Shannon Huffman Polson:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shannonhpolson
Instagram: @shannonhpolson

#VeteranResilience #GritFactor #PostMilitaryLife #LeadershipDevelopment #FemaleVeterans #VeteranSupport #FindYourPurpose #MindsetMatters #PurposeDrivenLife #VeteranGrowth #VETSOS

Empowering Military Transitions: Peter Cline on Boots to Books & MilMentor Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In this dynamic episode of the VET S.O.S., we're joined by returning guest Peter Cline, founder of Boots to Books and co-founder of the new MilMentor platform.

Peter shares:

His authentic and humbling military transition story.
How MilMentor is filling the void left by Veterati.
The importance of fast feedback and one-on-one calls for career clarity.
His advice for young veterans on taking smart risks.
How mentorship, networking, and strategic career moves can lead to thriving post-military success.

He also dives into upcoming features and corporate partnerships that will ensure MilMentor stays free and accessible to all veterans, service members, and military spouses.

Whether you're transitioning, hiring, or mentoring—this is a must-listen conversation.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to catch all new episodes!

🌐 VET S.O.S. Website: vetsospodcast.com
📲 MilMentor: milmentor.com
📌 Boots to Books: bootstobooks.org

#VeteranTransition #MilMentor #BootstoBooks #PeterCline #MilitaryMentorship #VeteranSupport #MilitaryCommunity #MilitaryToCivilian #NonprofitLeadership #CareerTransition #VETSOS

T-Mobile's Veteran Support Revolution with Lacey Craig Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Lacey Craig of T-Mobile joins VET S.O.S. to spotlight how the company is leading the way in veteran hiring, retention, and military family support. As Senior Program Manager for Military and Partnership Recruiting, Lacey discusses the importance of long-term success for veterans and military spouses in the civilian workforce.

You’ll hear about T-Mobile’s industry-leading initiatives including:

PCS Paid Leave and Remote Work Flexibility
SkillBridge and Military Fellowship Programs
Internships for Veterans and Military Spouses
Internal Mentorship Networks (VAST)
Collaborative partnerships with Hiring Our Heroes, Blue Star Families, and more

Lacey’s personal story as a military daughter, combined with her professional experience, brings a unique and heartfelt perspective to corporate military engagement.

🎧 Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, a spouse seeking employment, or a veteran advocate — this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable information.

🔗 Explore more at vetsospodcast.com
📱 Follow: @vetsospodcast

#MilitaryCareerSupport #VeteranJobs #MilitarySpouseCareers #TMobileMilitary #SkillBridgeProgram #HiringVeterans #CorporateCulture #MilitaryInternships #VETSOS #CareerTransition

From Sergeant Major to CEO: Tony Grinston on Leading Army Emergency Relief Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Tony Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army and current CEO of Army Emergency Relief (AER). In this VET S.O.S. episode, Tony talks about his transition from military leadership to nonprofit CEO, shares valuable advice for separating service members, and details the many ways AER supports soldiers and families.

We dive deep into:

Tony’s personal transition story (and name confusion!)
Leadership lessons from 36 years in uniform
Financial assistance programs for soldiers and spouses
AER’s Career Skills Program grants
Why hiring veterans is a smart business move

Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, a family member, or someone looking to support the military community—this episode is packed with wisdom, empathy, and resources to help you or someone you care about.

💡 Visit: www.armyemergencyrelief.org
📧 Contact Tony directly: michael.grinston@aerhq.org
🎙 Hosted by Shawn Welsh with guest co-host Dr. Hira

#VeteranPodcast #ArmyEmergencyRelief #MilitaryLeadership #CareerTransition #TonyGrinston #VeteranNonprofits #SkillBridgeSupport #VETSOS #TransitionSupport #VeteranEducation

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