🎙️ Leadership Load Podcast with Jason McClaren
📚 Featuring: Matthew Jones, veteran, author, and literary editor
🎧 Listen as we explore Matt’s gripping journey from dishwasher to naval officer to bestselling author.

In this episode, Matt shares:

• His motivation to join the Canadian military and experiences in Afghanistan

• The emotional cost of war and how language can both sanitize and reveal trauma

• The transition from military to writing and why many veterans struggle to tell their stories

• Insights from his new book Predators, Reapers and Deadlier Creatures

• Powerful tips for veterans and aspiring writers looking to process trauma and find their voice

• A candid look at ethical leadership in the military and beyond

📘 Grab Matt’s Book:👉 Predators, Reapers and Deadlier Creatures
🔗 More from Matt: matthewjamesjones.com

📲 Connect with Matt:Instagram & Facebook – @MatthewJamesJones
Join the mailing list via his website!

#VeteranStories #MilitaryWriting #PodcastInterview #AfghanistanWar #HealingThroughWriting

After 21 years in the Navy as a nurse, Gayle Walker found a completely new calling—helping families through some of life’s most critical moments. In this inspiring episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren talks with Gayle about her transition from military life to founding her company, Life Doula Inc., where she now supports families as a postpartum and life doula.💼 Learn how military leadership skills translate into entrepreneurship💡 Discover what a doula really does—and how they help at every life stage🔥 Hear Gayle’s top leadership tip for anyone starting over📌 Connect with Gayle Walker:Website: https://www.lifedoulainc.comInstagram, LinkedIn, Facebook: @mylifedoula🎙️ More Episodes & Resources:Check out past podcast episodes on mindset and small business financing!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more powerful leadership stories.

Welcome to Leadership Loading with Jason McClaren!In this episode, Jason talks with Blake Bourne, Executive Director of Veterans Bridge Home, about military service, transitioning to civilian life, and building a community that truly supports veterans.🔗 Links Mentioned:👉 Veterans Bridge Home: https://www.veteransbridgehome.org📧 Contact: info@veteransbridgehome.org📞 Phone: 704-332-8002📌 Key Topics Covered:Blake’s journey from college athlete to Army veteranHow 9/11 shifted his path and inspired serviceThe power of mentorship in military career choicesTransitioning from military to nonprofit leadershipFounding and mission of Veterans Bridge HomeImportance of grassroots and community-driven veteran supportWhat real veteran support looks like—beyond just financial aidLeadership tips: patience, perspective, and curiosity🔥 Whether you're a transitioning service member, a nonprofit leader, or just curious about how we can better serve veterans, this is a must-watch episode.👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more inspiring leadership stories!#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #NonprofitLeadership #VeteransBridgeHome

In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren sits down with Army veteran and emotional intelligence coach Philip Ayles. Philip shares his powerful journey from a troubled youth in Dayton, Ohio to a 24-year military career, and now his mission to guide fellow veterans through life after service.💡 Key Topics Covered:Why Philip joined the military and how it transformed his lifeHis experiences as a military police officer and being at Ground Zero and the PentagonStruggles with transitioning to civilian life and being told he’s "overqualified"The importance of emotional intelligence and self-awarenessHow his company Ayles Solutions helps veterans and first responders thriveThe healing power of equine therapy and finding self-love🌐 Learn more about Philip’s work: https://www.aylessolutions.com/📧 Email: philayles@aylessolutions.com📞 Phone: 904-469-6883💬 “Once your cup is full, let the overflow nourish the world.” — Philip AylesSubscribe and hit the bell 🔔 to stay updated on more inspiring leadership stories!#VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition #EmotionalIntelligence #VeteranSupport #LeadershipLoading

In this episode, Jason McClaren sits down with Chez Chesak — Army veteran, travel writer, and executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. From nearly missing the military age cutoff to writing for Good Housekeeping, Chez shares his inspiring journey of resilience, purpose, and storytelling.Whether you're a veteran, writer, or adventurer, this episode will leave you motivated to chase your next mission — with a pen, a passport, or a purpose.🎧 Key Topics Covered:Chez's unique path to joining the military at age 34Transitioning from soldier to published travel writerBalancing leadership, family, and creative lifeHow veterans can turn their military experience into writing careersExploring the U.S. as a travel writer and finding adventure close to home🌐 Connect with Chez:Website: ChezConnects.com📣 More About the Guest:Chez is a freelance outdoor and travel writer, the Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, and President of the Society of American Travel Writers.💬 Let us know: Have you considered a creative career after service? Drop your thoughts in the comments!#MilitaryVeteran #TravelWriter #LeadershipTips #VeteranStories #OutdoorWriters #JasonMcLaren #ChezChesak #CreativeCareers #VeteransVoice

In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren chats with Justin Baer, the entrepreneurial mastermind behind Collars & Co. Justin shares his incredible journey from launching a nonprofit event calendar to creating Check-In Easy, which landed him a gig at Google’s holiday party. Now, with Collars & Co., he's sold over a million polos and even snagged investments from Mark Cuban and Peter Jones on Shark Tank!🔥 Key Takeaways:From Wall Street Journal to Shark Tank: How childhood business lessons shaped Justin's path.Fail Fast, Pivot Faster: The evolution from charity happenings to Check-In Easy.The TikTok Breakthrough: How a simple video skyrocketed sales to $40,000 in the first month.Leadership Insights: Why doing the hard stuff and embracing failure are critical to success.Exciting New Products: The Maverick Performance Blazer and future plans for Collars & Co.📲 Explore Colors & Co.: https://collarsandco.com/👉 Subscribe for more entrepreneurial insights and leadership tips!#Entrepreneurship #SharkTank #BusinessSuccess

🎙️ In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren sits down with leadership coach and strategist Jimmy Malik. Jimmy shares his transformative journey from a high-pressure leadership role at META to becoming a leadership coach focused on a "connection-first" approach. If you're a new or seasoned leader, this episode is packed with real-world stories and tips to lead with empathy and unlock your team's full potential.

🔗 Connect with Jimmy Malik:👉 Jimmy Malik's LinkedIn & Socials (via QR code on video)👉 Website: https://www.jimmymalik.com

💡 Key Points Covered:

• Jimmy’s early leadership journey in a first-generation household

• Navigating leadership adversity at META and pivoting to a people-first approach

• The power of one-on-one connections and building psychological safety

• Coaching Gen Z and younger millennials for authentic leadership

• Real-life coaching success with nonprofit leaders

• Reframing questions to empower your team

• The shift from building high-performing teams to enabling high-functioning humans

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more leadership insights!
📢 Share your leadership stories or questions in the comments below!

#Leadership #VulnerabilityInLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #JasonMcClaren #JimmyMalik #ConnectionFirstLeadership #LeadershipTips #TeamBuilding #GenZLeadership

In this episode of The Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren chats with Shel Horowitz from Going Beyond Sustainability. Shel shares his incredible journey from grassroots activism—where he led a movement that stopped a 40-luxury-home project in just 13 months—to becoming a leading voice in green leadership and ethical business.Key Topics Covered:How Shel's "Save the Mountain" campaign sparked his career in sustainable businessThe surprising intersection of profitability and environmental/social goodWhy going green isn't just about ethics—it's also a smart business strategyTop tips for new leaders to integrate green practices in their companiesHow to engage employees in sustainability initiatives and foster innovation📚 Shel's Latest Book: Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the World https://amzn.to/41BYHxk🚀 Connect with Shel Horowitz:Website: Going Beyond Sustainability https://goingbeyondsustainability.com/