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The Strategic Veteran

The Strategic Veteran

By: Adam Peters
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 Welcome to The Strategic Veteran, a raw and unfiltered journey into military transition. Host Adam Peters challenges the status quo by sharing authentic stories of veterans navigating life after service while advocating for real systemic change in how our military prepares service members for civilian life. Each episode dives deep into the human transition experience - from the struggles that many face but few discuss to the transformative moments that shape new paths forward. Through honest conversations with fellow veterans, Adam explores the challenges of identity, purpose, and belonging that come with hanging up the uniform. More than just a podcast, The Strategic Veteran is a movement. It's about proving that meaningful change is possible, even in systems others claim can't be changed. Whether you're a veteran seeking connection, a service member preparing for transition, or someone passionate about supporting our military community, these stories will inspire, challenge, and empower you to be part of the solution. Join us as we work to bridge the gap between military and civilian life, one story at a time.Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Tommy Kilpatrick

    Tommy Kilpatrick
    Jan 12 2026
    In this episode, Tommy Kilpatrick shares how he deliberately burned his life to the ground. After decades of marriage, running medical clinics, and building financial stability, Tommy chose homelessness, took a vow of poverty, and walked away from everything he owned. What followed was a radical experiment in faith, healing, fasting, alternative health, and service. From working with Marines suffering from severe PTSD to teaching self-managed health clinics, farming, and bamboo housing in the Philippines, this is a conversation about letting go of money, titles, comfort, and control in order to reclaim purpose. This is not a feel-good story. It is a confrontation with attachment, identity, and what it actually costs to live on your own terms. Subscribe for real transition stories and unconventional frameworks: https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS • Choosing homelessness and a vow of poverty • Running alternative medical clinics for PTSD and trauma • Why fasting, grounding, and discipline change the nervous system • Working with Marines at Camp Pendleton • Detaching from money, status, and control • Building a new life centered on service and simplicity GUEST BIO Tommy Kilpatrick is a former medical clinic operator, author, and lifelong experimenter in alternative health and intentional living. After walking away from wealth and comfort, Tommy now focuses on teaching self-managed health practices, fasting, farming, and community-based healing, currently working with farmers and communities in the Philippines. ⸻ LINKS • Tommy Kilpatrick Facebook: https://www.facebook.com • The Strategic Veteran Podcast: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strategic-veteran/id1743039436
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    51 mins
  • Zack Miller

    Zack Miller
    Jan 5 2026
    In this episode, Zack Miller, founder and CEO of Patriot Growth Capital, breaks down why entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful paths back to purpose after the military. Raised by two Marines and surrounded by service his entire life, Zack shares how he walked away from corporate America to help veterans become business owners instead of employees. We talk identity loss, risk, money, network, and why owning cash-flowing businesses creates real freedom after service. This is a no-fluff conversation about building generational wealth, teaching veterans how to fish, and reclaiming control after the uniform comes off. Subscribe for real transition stories and frameworks that actually work: https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd ⸻ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS • Why corporate America fails veterans • Identity, purpose, and tribe after service • The myth that entrepreneurship is “too risky” • Buying cash-flowing businesses instead of starting from scratch • Patriot Growth Capital’s 5-year veteran ownership model • Teaching veterans how to build generational wealth GUEST BIO Zack Miller is the founder and CEO of Patriot Growth Capital, an acquisition platform designed to help veterans become business owners. With a background in sales leadership, startups, and capital strategy, Zack now focuses on acquiring profitable businesses and training veterans to run and eventually own them. LINKS • Patriot Growth Capital: https://patriotgrowthcapital.com • Email Zack: z.miller@patriotgrowthcapital.com • The Strategic Veteran Podcast: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strategic-veteran/id1743039436
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Russell Torgerson

    Russell Torgerson
    Dec 29 2025
    In this episode, Russ Torgerson shares how a 31-year Coast Guard career as a rescue swimmer and pilot shaped his identity, and how losing that identity nearly destroyed him after retirement. From pulling bodies out of the water to flying missions in some of the harshest conditions on earth, Russ opens up about PTSD, depression, alcohol, and the long road back to purpose. We talk about the veteran transition, identity loss after service, finding a new tribe, and why physical struggle and community matter more than most transition programs ever admit. Subscribe for real transition stories and frameworks that actually help: https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd ⸻ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS • Becoming one of the first Coast Guard rescue swimmers • What continuous trauma does to the nervous system • Leaving service after 31 years and losing identity • Depression, alcohol, and the silent spiral after retirement • Why most veterans say “I’ve got this” when they don’t • Finding healing through jiu-jitsu, discipline, and tribe ⸻ GUEST BIO Russ Torgerson is a retired Coast Guard commander, former rescue swimmer (RS-68), pilot, and aviation program leader. After 31 years of service, Russ now focuses on mentorship, personal growth, and helping veterans navigate identity loss and life after the uniform. ⸻ MEGAPHONE LINKS • Russ Torgerson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtorg • The Strategic Veteran Podcast: • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strategic-veteran/id1743039436
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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