In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with fellow Marine veteran and entrepreneur Nick Powell, Vice President of Business Development at BigRentz, the nation's largest equipment rental network. Nick shares his incredible journey from a turbulent path in high school to the Marine Corps, where a chance encounter with a recruiter in dress blues changed the trajectory of his life. Listeners will hear how Nick’s engineering MOS, unexpected at first, laid the foundation for his civilian career — one that eventually led him into the world of tech startups and equipment rental innovation.

Nick also opens up about the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the value of soft skills like networking, and how he pivoted from bartending to co-founding and scaling a multimillion-dollar construction tech startup, ProsRent, which would later merge into BigRentz.

Whether you're a veteran exploring your next chapter or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, this episode is filled with practical wisdom on leadership, resilience, and the power of building the right team. Tune in to hear how Nick applied his Marine mindset to the business world and why humility, hustle, and human connection are keys to success.

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
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Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
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In this riveting episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Tim Hsia sits down with Gene Yu — a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, author, entrepreneur, and the man behind an audacious real-life hostage rescue mission. Gene shares the extraordinary story that inspired his new book, The Second Shot: A Green Beret’s Last Mission, recounting how a personal connection, combat experience, and sheer determination, converged to rescue family friend Evelyn Chang from Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Gene opens up about his difficult start at West Point, growing up with identity struggles, how a stolen book by author Gus Lee set him on the path to the military, and how he transformed from the bottom-ranked plebe to one of the Army's most elite operators. He also reflects on the international spotlight that followed the rescue, being thrust into celebrity status in Taiwan, and how all of it led to his latest mission — founding cybersecurity startup Blackpanda.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and the long arc of purpose. Whether you're a veteran, founder, or simply seeking inspiration, Gene’s journey offers powerful lessons on delayed success, growth through hardship, and paying it forward.

Topics Covered:

• The real-life rescue that inspired The Second Shot
• Special Forces training and operational insight
• Identity, struggle, and finding purpose
• From West Point to Palantir to founding Blackpanda
• Navigating fame, family, and public service
• Delayed velocity and entrepreneurship

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
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In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, host Beau Higgins sits down with Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, a man who has worn many uniforms—Army Ranger, Border Patrol Agent, Drill Sergeant, Actor, and more.

From chasing a dream in college baseball to deploying with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, Vincent shares how resilience, adaptability, and service shaped his journey across multiple careers. He opens up about the impact of 9/11, the trauma and brotherhood of combat, and how he transitioned that mindset into law enforcement and, eventually, Hollywood.

🎬 Most known for his breakout role on Mayans M.C., Vincent reveals how his military discipline, emotional resilience, and leadership training helped him succeed on set. He dives into what it's like auditioning in LA, how acting became a second mission, and how his time in uniform continues to inform his creative work today.

🔑 Episode Highlights:

• The unexpected way losing a baseball scholarship led to the military
• The challenges and brotherhood of being an Army Ranger
• Lessons from serving in Border Patrol's elite special operations teams (BORSTAR & BORTAC)
• How trauma, training, and teamwork laid the foundation for success in Hollywood
• Why emotional intelligence is the next frontier for veteran success

Whether you're transitioning from the military, navigating your next mission, or just want a raw, real story of purpose-driven reinvention—this one’s for you.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

🔗 Subscribe and follow @TheMilVet for more stories of leadership, resilience, and veteran excellence.

#VeteranStories #VincentVargas #TheMilVetPodcast #MilitaryTransition #RangersLeadTheWay #BorderPatrol #VeteransInFilm #PurposeAfterService #VeteranLeadership #EmotionalResilience #MayansMC

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Lewis Manalo, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Old Glory Studios, for a wide-ranging conversation on his incredible journey—from NYU film school to combat engineer in the 82nd Airborne Division, and back to civilian life as a creative force in the gaming and film industries.

Lewis shares how witnessing 9/11 from his Jersey City apartment changed the trajectory of his life, leading him to enlist and deploy to Afghanistan during OEF. He talks about his time in uniform, including early missions with the 101st Airborne, and the cultural differences between units that stood out to him.

After transitioning out of the Army, Lewis faced unexpected challenges reentering the film world, even needing to remove his military service from his resume at times. But through perseverance and his passion for storytelling, he found his niche—first in writing and then in the world of AAA video games like Ghost Recon and Dying Light 2.

Now the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of Old Glory Studios, Lewis opens up about launching a veteran-led game studio, creating their upcoming title ExoBorn, and how his military experience continues to shape the narratives he brings to life.
This episode is a must-listen for veterans navigating creative careers, gamers curious about what it takes to build a studio, and anyone who loves a powerful story of service, resilience, and reinvention.

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
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In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes Marine Corps Veteran and current Mission Lead at Swarm Aero, Andrew “Andy” Christian, for an in-depth conversation that spans decades of service, personal evolution, and cutting-edge innovation.

Andy shares his story of enlisting in the Marine Corps straight out of Wisconsin, deploying to Desert Storm just 90 days after boot camp, and embarking on a storied career in infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations. From the gritty sands of Saudi Arabia and the streets of Mosul to the early days of MARSOC and Afghanistan’s complex counterinsurgency operations, Andy’s experiences are nothing short of extraordinary.

He opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped him—whether it was watching recon Marines walk with swagger, enduring a deadly convoy ambush in Iraq, or standing up village stability operations in Taliban-controlled territory alongside legendary leaders like General Scott Miller. His path also includes a unique transition from enlisted to officer via the Marine Corps’ Meritorious Commissioning Program, proving that grit, initiative, and leadership can change a trajectory.

Now in the tech world as a Mission Lead at Swarm Aero, Andy brings his battlefield lessons to the forefront of drone and autonomous flight innovation—helping shape the future of aerospace and national security.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of special operations, leadership under fire, and the journey from combat to cutting-edge tech.

Tune in for a blend of Marine Corps grit, recon wisdom, and forward-looking aerospace vision.

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this compelling episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins is joined by Cassidy Nolan, a United States Marine Corps Veteran turned advocate for veterans' mental health. Cassidy opens up about his personal journey, from his time in service to his struggles with PTSD and the challenges many veterans face transitioning back to civilian life.

Through candid conversation, Cassidy discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the military community and the vital work being done to support veterans in their recovery. He shares insights from his own healing process, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the impact of finding purpose after service.

This episode is a raw and inspiring look at the hidden wounds of war and the strength it takes to confront them. Cassidy’s story is a reminder that veterans are not defined by their struggles, but by their resilience, courage, and the support they give one another.

In addition, Cassidy talks about his involvement with Mach 1 Hot Sauce, a veteran-owned business that blends bold flavors with a passion for supporting the veteran community. With each bottle, they not only spice up your meals but also contribute to veteran programs, helping those who served find new purpose. Tune in for a powerful conversation about healing, hope, and the ongoing fight for veterans' well-being, all while supporting a great cause!

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this powerful episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Miki Nguyen to share the gripping story of his family's escape from Saigon during the fall of Vietnam in 1975. Miki’s father, a South Vietnamese military officer, made a heroic and daring escape, not just for his own family, but for his crew and countless others.

Miki reflects on the extraordinary resilience and determination of his father, a man who defied the chaos of war to land a Chinook helicopter in the heart of Saigon, risking everything to rescue his loved ones. With firsthand accounts and never-before-seen photos, Miki details his father’s life as a helicopter pilot, the desperate scramble to leave Saigon amidst the bombing, and the unexpected and dangerous journey to find a US Navy ship in the open sea.

This episode goes beyond a war story—it’s a tale of grit, survival, and the unbreakable bond of family. Miki’s journey to uncover his father’s lost legacy and bring it to light is a testament to the unsung heroes whose stories have remained hidden for decades. Listen in for a rare and emotional look at history through the eyes of a child and the heroism of a father.

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins is joined by Kevin Cornish, the founder and CEO of Moth + Flame, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing training through virtual reality. Kevin shares his journey from Hollywood to tech, detailing how he transitioned from aspiring filmmaker to leading a company at the forefront of AI and VR. He explains the power of immersive training experiences, particularly for the military and workforce development, and the benefits of using virtual reality for scenarios like suicide prevention, cultural training, and even aircraft maintenance.

As a self-proclaimed "Luddite" when it comes to technology, Beau learns from Kevin how VR is not just a futuristic concept but a practical, scalable tool already making a real impact. The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities of bringing immersive tech into mainstream use, while debunking some of the myths and fears surrounding AI and VR. Whether you’re familiar with these technologies or just getting started, this episode offers an insightful look into the future of training and decision-making in high-pressure environments.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how VR is not just a tool, but a bridge to transforming how we learn, react, and make decisions.

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet