What does it mean to build influence through service?

In this episode, John S. Berry talks with Curtez Riggs, Founder of the Military Influencer Conference — recorded live at MIC — about what it means to lead with purpose, authenticity, and service.

Curtez shares how his journey from the U.S. Army to entrepreneurship taught him that real influence is measured by the people you lift up. Through his leadership at MIC, and ongoing work with Recurrent Ventures, We Are The Mighty, and Triple Nikel, Curtez continues to empower Veterans, creators, and brands to connect through shared purpose.

Guest Links:
• Military Influencer Conference: https://militaryinfluencer.com
• Recurrent Ventures: https://recurrent.io
• Triple Nikel: https://triplenikel.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtezriggs/

What happens when military families share their stories—and what risks come with speaking out?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry talks with Jennifer Barnhill, journalist, researcher, and the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year. Barnhill has spent her career uncovering how military spouses and children experience service, and how safe storytelling can bridge the gap between civilian and military life.

They explore why families often hesitate to share openly, how leaders can protect those voices, and what true people-first leadership looks like when it includes spouses and kids. Barnhill also previews her upcoming book, The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear, and why it’s time to center military families in the conversation about service and sacrifice.

Guest Links:
• Substack: https://weservetoo.substack.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weservetoo/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morethanadependent/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/More_Than_Mommy

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermbarnhill/

What happens when your purpose doesn’t fit inside the uniform?

In this episode of Veteran Led, host John S. Berry sits down with MSgt Josh White, USAF (Ret.)—founder of Hero Front and now a leading voice for Recurrent Military and the Military Influencer Conference. Josh shares his journey from military funeral honors and podcasting in uniform, to battling identity loss after retirement—and how storytelling helped him reclaim purpose.

They break down the risks of passive suicide, the value of community, and how the Military Influencer Conference helps Veterans build visibility and leadership beyond the uniform. Josh speaks candidly about the emotional toll of transition and the power of vulnerability, mentorship, and mission-focused service.

If you’ve ever struggled to define your purpose after military life, this one’s for you.

Key Topics:

• Starting Hero Front during active duty
• How the Military Influencer Conference builds Veteran community
• Mental health and the danger of passive suicide
• Life after military retirement and finding identity again
• Veteran leadership at Recurrent Military
• Service beyond the uniform through storytelling

🎧 Check out Josh’s work:
Email: HeroFrontPodcast@gmail.com
Website: HeroFrontPodcast.com
All links: linktr.ee/herofront
TikTok: @herofront
Instagram: @herofront
LinkedIn: Josh White
YouTube: HeroFront
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herofront
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2srGvtAaTORP3IESKD41qI?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linktree&utm_campaign=spotify