Civvies: A Veteran Career Podcast

In this episode of Civvies, Chris Cassidy—President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum—shares his remarkable journey from Navy SEAL to NASA Astronaut to leading one of the nation’s most meaningful institutions.

Recorded in Arlington, Texas, we discuss how the museum uses storytelling to honor the legacy of Medal of Honor recipients, the emotional complexities of military-to-civilian transitions, and what spacewalks taught...

We sat down with Jery White, a former military counterintelligence agent turned tech professional, who shared a raw, inspiring look at what it takes to transition from service to civilian life. Jery opens up about impostor syndrome, the power of mentorship, and the importance of self-assessment when pivoting careers.

We explore how military experience shapes leadership styles in the tech world, why resilience trumps qualifications, ...

Marine Corps veteran Jesse Sieff shares his inspiring journey from military musician and creator of the viral snare solo "Chopstakovich" to successful entrepreneur and video strategist. Learn practical advice on military transition, leveraging veteran skills, personal branding, networking, and entrepreneurship. Jesse also discusses mindfulness, self-care, and how veterans can excel in creative careers, moving beyond the t...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Aaron Knowles, a 20-year military veteran, IED survivor, and founder of Shred the Stress, a nonprofit helping veterans heal through innovative therapeutic methods. Aaron opens up about the emotional toll of transitioning to civilian life, the importance of community support, and how personal trauma fueled his mission to serve others.

We explore:

• The real challenges of military-to-civilia...

We're gearing up for an exciting new season packed with insightful interviews, thought-provoking discussions, and powerful stories from veterans, military personnel, and the people who support them in their career transitions. Why Tune In? The award-winning Civvies Podcast isn’t just for veterans; it's for anyone who wants to understand the experiences and challenges facing military personnel and veterans today as they transition (...

Yes, Chef! This week, we have a super special guest: Chef Opal Poullard, a two-time Food Network Chopped Champion and USAF Veteran.

Chef Opal's culinary journey is shaped by her global travels, exploring cuisines in Italy, Spain, England, France, Japan, and South Korea. With 7 years in Asia and multiple deployments, she honed her skills and served as an Enlisted Aide to high-ranking Generals. As an Advanced Culinary Instructor at ...

In this episode, Steph checks in with Lee Ring, Co-Owner of CrossFit Lobo in San Antonio, TX. Lee talks about his experience in the Air Force, being a military spouse abroad, finding a job as a civilian, and navigating life as a veteran.

Lee also shares the resources that have helped him run a successful CrossFit gym, as well as his tips for veterans looking to start or acquire a business, and the importance of physical fitness fo...

In this episode, we sit down with our fellow MetroStar veteran team members. This special roundtable delves into the journey of transitioning from military to civilian life, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of our veterans.

Join us as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and support systems that are crucial for veterans embarking on this significant journey. We cover topics like finding employment and leveraging ...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, Gen. Enoch Woodhouse, whose story is a testament to courage, resilience, and legacy.

Woodhouse delves into his early days, detailing the rigorous training and the camaraderie that forged the unbreakable bonds among the Tuskegee Airmen. Through his vivid memories, we gain insight into the resilience required to overcome World War II combat and racial di...

This week, we have the honor of talking with Bernard Toney Jr. about his transition from combat veteran to White House medical officer and medical provider for the First Lady and Vice President.

Toney's journey wasn't easy. He faced significant struggles, including dealing with survivor's guilt and confronting stereotypes and biases due to his appearance.
Mentorship played a crucial role in Toney's life. His story is a powerful test...

This week, we're chatting with Trevor Spires! We look at his transition from military service to becoming a Senior Solutions Architect in Big Tech. You'll hear about his invaluable lessons learned in the military, pivotal moves during his junior to mid-level career phase, and the importance of a mental reset (he took a career break to hike the Appalachian Trail!). Additionally, we explore meaningful ways to give back along your per...

To kick off Civvies Season Two, we go back to where it all started with Season One's host, Andrew Bice, to hear about his journey making the leap from a Navy SWCC to GovCon, taking on his passions for missions to the civilian side.

We chat about utilizing your network, gauging the advice you're given, protecting your physical/mental health, and getting in tune with your life's purpose and your passions.

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A MetroStar Original Podcast: By a veteran for veterans. Tune in bi-monthly to hear from veterans (and their support networks) as they share their experiences, opinions, and knowledge. Tune in to season two on April 24. Stream The Podcast: https://spoti.fi/43Ui440 For two decades, MetroStar has been proud to support veterans as they transition back to civilian roles or for the first time. Explore Veteran Life at MetroStar: http...

Civvies sits down with Jaclyn Scott (Jax), an exceptional individual who played a pivotal role in Operations during the Afghanistan War. As a member of the esteemed Combat Support Teams (CSTs), she accompanied Special Force units on daring missions. In our conversation, we delve into her journey, from combat experiences to facing homelessness. Jax's resilience shines through as she continues her fight, supported by the bipartis...

In Episode 8 of Civvies, join us as we sit down with Eric Ballester from Legacy Expeditions to delve into their upcoming incredible adventure of rowing across the daunting Drake Passage, a treacherous 600-mile journey from South America to Antarctica. (Yes, ROWING). We explore veterans' shared experiences during their transition to civilian life, the weight they carry, the pursuit of purpose, and the profound growth that arises...

This time on Civvies, Andrew engages in a riveting conversation with Kevin Graham, the Founder and Chairman of the Board of The Village Mission, as he sheds light on the harrowing issue of human trafficking. Andrew and Kevin delve into the complexities surrounding this global crisis while exploring the vital role communities play in combatting it. Additionally, they discuss the recent events surrounding the fall of Afghanistan and ...

In this episode of Civvies, Andrew talks with Travis Williams, MS, LMBT, CSCS, an esteemed Exercise Physiologist and former Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) Operator. Travis delves into the profound interplay between physical well-being and mental resilience, leveraging his extensive operational background and scholarly knowledge. Using thought-provoking dialogues and actionable perspectives, he intricately examines t...

Civvies host Andrew sits down with Chad Knipschild, former U.S. Naval Intelligence Officer, to talk about his journey in the military and through his transition to his current position as Senior Product Marketing Manager at Recorded Future. Later, Andrew joins Chad for a dip into cool, winter waters with Virginia Beach's Cold Dip Crew, where they discuss challenging yourself and fostering community in civilian life. Find a vete...

Leslie Irby, Climb4 Executive Director and American Warrior Association Program Manager, discusses the hard and unseen scars she experienced during her time in the Navy and dealing with the many battles that came after her service. From anxiety and coping with a friend's suicide, Leslie shares the path she created through dark times. She now heads a program that excels in providing the right outdoor and camping gear for those w...