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Military Retirement Podcast

Military Retirement Podcast

By: w/ John McConnell and Victor De La Flor
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About this listen

Highlighting military retirement journeys from all walks of the military. Wide ranging long form conversations with Veterans. We discuss the retirement process, life starting in the military, and life after the military. Also talk to former military members who transitioned before reaching retirement and started their own businesses.w/ John McConnell and Victor De La Flor Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • #99 From Chief to Civilian: A Marine's Guide to SkillBridge, Family, & Finding a New Purpose
    Aug 17 2025

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer Rich Near to explore the complexities and triumphs of transitioning from military to civilian life. Rich shares his personal journey, from his challenging upbringing to a decorated career in the Marine Corps, and offers invaluable advice for veterans and their families. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate the post-military world with a focus on career, family, and purpose.What you'll learn:Overcoming Transition Challenges: Learn how to "cheat" the system with a proven strategy for a successful civilian career.The Power of SkillBridge: Rich explains how this program can provide an invaluable bridge to your next career.Work-Life Balance: Discover strategies for prioritizing your family and finding a rewarding career that offers flexibility.The Importance of a Strong Foundation: Rich shares advice on marriage, raising children, and building a network for lasting success.Key Timestamps:[00:04:31] Rich Near's military background and journey.[00:10:32] The decision to retire and the importance of marketability.[00:18:36] Unpacking the SkillBridge program and transition strategy.[00:29:18] Rich's experience with the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program.[00:46:52] Marriage advice and the importance of a strong family unit.[01:04:29] Practical advice for budgeting and researching the cost of living.[01:13:06] Parting words of wisdom for a successful transition.Resources Mentioned:The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey https://amzn.to/4fIOZifSkillBridge Program: Learn more about this DOD program on the official website https://skillbridge.osd.mil/Hiring Our Heroes: Explore fellowship opportunities and resources for veterans https://www.hiringourheroes.org/#MilitaryRetirement #VeteranTransition #SkillBridge #WorkLifeBalance #MilitaryToCivilian #Veterans #Podcast #RichNear #HiringOurHeroes #7HabitsIf you would like to start your own livestream or podcast, go check out 🎙️ StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680We are part of the Amazon associate progrm, Some links may result in affiliate sales for the show.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • One Year Later: Did Retirement Make Me Happier?
    Aug 8 2025

    In this episode, the hosts reflect on their retirement journeys, with Vic celebrating his one-year anniversary of leaving the Marine Corps. They discuss the importance of structure in civilian life, balancing ambition with personal well-being, and the mental adjustments needed after leaving the military. The conversation also touches on current events, including the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, Netflix's move into live sports, and potential government changes with a new Department of Government Efficiency.


    Timestamps:


    00:43 - A one-year retirement anniversary for Vic.

    4:37 - Vic's transition to a contractor position and finding new structure.

    9:28 - Balancing ambition with personal life and avoiding burnout.

    18:15 - The mental adjustment of letting go of hypervigilance.

    22:20 - A valuable tip for veterans using VR&E benefits.

    25:57 - The hosts' thoughts on the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight.

    32:07 - The significance of Netflix streaming live sporting events.

    41:55 - A discussion on potential changes to the federal government and workforce.

    47:47 - The potential nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.

    52:26 - The importance of verifying information and educating yourself.

    54:50 - A roundup of recommended podcasts, including Joe Rogan and Tim Ferriss.

    1:00:05 - A book recommendation on the nature of truth and usefulness.

    1:18:25 - A reminder about the upcoming VA login system changes.

    1:21:37 - A final note on the TRICARE and federal employee benefits open season.


    Books and Resources Mentioned:


    Useful Not True by Derek Sivers - https://amzn.to/4ojqrA0

    Joe Rogan Experience Podcast - @joerogan

    The Tim Ferriss Show - @timferriss

    The Diary of a CEO Podcast - @TheDiaryOfACEO


    Social Links:


    YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast


    Hashtags:

    #MilitaryRetirement #VeteranTransition #VR&E #Podcast #MilitaryLife #VeteransBenefits #MentalHealth #NetflixSports #GovernmentEfficiency #dereksivers #JRE #TimFerriss

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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • #97 What REALLY Matters on the USMC Birthday
    Aug 3 2025

    In this special episode, the Military Retirement Podcast celebrates the 249th birthday of the Marine Corps! Join the hosts as they reminisce about their experiences at Marine Corps balls, discuss the value of a full 20-year military career, and offer advice on mental health and leadership. They also talk about a new e-book promotion for Veterans Day and the future impact of AI on the military and job market.


    Timestamps:

    00:52 - A special episode for the 249th Marine Corps Birthday.

    06:22 - The pride and tradition of Marine Corps birthday celebrations.

    17:24 - The value of staying in the military for a full 20-year career.

    34:30 - A discussion on the importance of mental health support.

    40:51 - The hosts announce a Veterans Day book promotion.

    51:50 - Book recommendations on leadership and self-reliance.

    1:04:52 - Mention of Veteran AI, a company that helps with VA claims. (our conversation with VeteranAI here: https://www.youtube.com/live/OCwPckVmPYM?si=WLOrHcv9LLcgZsih )

    1:13:27 - A salute to all veterans for Veterans Day.


    Books and Resources Mentioned:


    The Bottom Line Up Front - https://amzn.to/40E4TEU


    Surf When You Can by Brett Crozier - https://amzn.to/4foDxYO


    Legacy by James Kerr - https://amzn.to/46K6pbP


    Freedom by Sebastian Junger - https://amzn.to/40QcQpX


    Veteran AI - A company using AI to assist veterans with VA claims. You can learn more here: https://veteranai.co/ - https://www.youtube.com/live/OCwPckVmPYM?si=WLOrHcv9LLcgZsih


    Social Links:


    YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast


    Hashtags:

    #USMC #MarineCorpsBirthday #MarineCorps #MilitaryRetirement #VeteransDay #MilitaryPodcast #Veteran #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #VeteranAI


    As an Amazon Affiliate some of the links you see might result in commissions for the site. You don't pay anything more but we make a few pennies off of each purchase in order to keep the podcast running and keep things as ad free as possible.

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    1 hr and 23 mins
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