First Coast Military Life

First Coast Military Life

Jacksonville and Northeast Florida are proudly rooted in military tradition — we’re honored to be America’s premier military community. A weekly radio talk show and podcast dedicated to the stories, challenges, and triumphs of our region’s veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and the community that supports them. Airing every Sunday at 8 a.m. on FM 104.5 WOKV, and available anytime online and via podcast, First Coast Military Life explores the full landscape of military and post-military life. From finding a purposeful life post their military journey to transitioning out of service to navigating VA benefits and highlighting organizations offering essential support, our mission is to inform, connect, and empower. We also shine a spotlight on local events, community initiatives, and programs that strengthen bonds between the military, veterans, and the wider First Coast community. If it matters to military families and those who support them, we’ll talk about it—on First Coast Military Life. Our goal is to be a trusted resource and a strong voice for those who serve, have served, and the communities that stand behind them!

Episodes

11/2 - Episode  17: "Salty Beginnings to Senior Positions"

October 31, 2025 • 39 mins
This week's guests include: Rear Admiral Gene Kindall (R), and a charity spotlight on Operation Lifeline w/ LtCol Erick Saks (Ret).
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10/26 - Episode  16: "From Salty Beginnings to K9s"

October 24, 2025 • 39 mins
Guests include: Dan Bean (K9s for Warriors); Manny Vera (Travis Manion Foundation)
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10/19 - Episode  16: "From Ranks to becoming the Wounded Warrior Project CEO"

October 17, 2025 • 39 mins
This week's guests include: Lt. Gen. Walt Piatt (Ret), CEO of Wounded Warrior Project; and US Navy veteran Steven Papas, Director of the UF Haley Brian Wellness Program.
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10/12 - Episode 15: "From Boots to City Hall: A Veteran's Journey into Politics"

October 10, 2025 • 39 mins
Guests include: Jax City Councilman Col. Chris Miller (Ret), USN Capt. Dan Bean (Ret) of K9s For Warriors.
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10/5 - Episode 14:  "From Military Executive Leadership to Corporate Leadership"

October 3, 2025 • 39 mins
Guests include: Lt. General (Rt) Guy Swan, reflecting on his service career and business/community involvement beyond his service tenure; and with VeteransMuseum.org Scott Mythen.
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9/28 - Episode 12: Service in the National Guard - Why It Matters

September 26, 2025 • 39 mins
This week's guests inlcude: COL(R) Felix Rodriguez; Operation New Uniform Update w/ Michele McManamon.
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9/21 - Episode 11: "Being Informed for the Biggest Financial Decisions as a Veteran"

September 19, 2025 • 40 mins
On this week's episode: 21st Century Housing Purchase Need to Know as a Vet w/ Tom Reber ; USS Orleck w/ Dan Bean ; Critical Thoughts for Future Financial Stability thru and Beyond Military Service w/ Steve Strum .
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9/14 - Episode 10: Serving the Community in Retirement, and Ways the Bold City Supports Military Personnel

September 12, 2025 • 40 mins
This week's guest lineup includes: USN Captain (Ret.) Aaron Bowman, discussing USO charitable programs; Candace Mabry discusses First Coast Honor Flights; and COJ's Military & Veterans Affairs Director Harrison Conyers discusses military recognition events and veterans care resources.
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9/7/25 - Episode 9:  "Serving the Community after Retirement" 

September 5, 2025 • 40 mins
Brigadier General (Ret.) Mike Fleming discusses the Cohen Center. USN Captain (Ret.) Aaron Bowman discusses USO charitable programs.
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8/31 - Episode 8: The Bold City Supports

September 2, 2025 • 40 mins
Col. Budihas discusses the new Chief of Navy Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle, who took command of the US Navy earlier this week. This week's guest is COJ's Military & Veterans Affairs Director Harrison Conyers, and this week features a spotlight on First Coast Honor Flights with president Candace Mabry.
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8/24 - Episode 7: "The Unsteady Waters of Nagivating the VA Disability Process"

August 22, 2025 • 41 mins
On this week's episode, US Army veteran and VA certified practicing attorney Terrence Gorman discusses challenges and strategies for filing and executing VA benefit claims. And we look at Operation Lifeline w/ Erick Saks.
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8/17/25 - Episode 6: "Veterans in Tech: Their Next Mission"

August 16, 2025 • 40 mins
What sort of opportunities exist in emerging technology after military service? And how do skills acquired in the military translate into the civilian/business sector? Guests include: US Navy veteran and Tech & Manufacturing Expert Rory Comiskey, and Our Community Salutes w/ Ryan Bauman.
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8/10 - Ep.5 From Boots to Bots: Veteran's Taking Flight in the Drone Industry

August 11, 2025 • 50 mins
FCML profiles former and current military service personnel and their engagements in the Jacksonville business and social community. This week's guests include Scott Forbes (Verizon's Director of Drone Operations), and Nick Howland (Fire Watch).
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8/3 - Episode 4: From Boots to the Ballot: A Veteran's Journey to City Hall

August 4, 2025 • 39 mins
Guests include: Councilman Jimmy Peluso, USNR Commander, and John Bear, CEO for 5-Star Veteran's Center.
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7/27 - Episode 3: "From the Sea (or Land) to the C-Suite: Navigating the Civilian Job Market"

July 25, 2025 • 39 mins
This week's episode addresses transitioning out of military life into civilian careers. Guests: Randall Thomas, US Navy vet and host of the "PB & Jax" podcast; and Steve Pappas with the UF Leon Hailey Brian Wellness Clinic.
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Week of 7/20/25

July 21, 2025 • 40 mins
Topics include entrepreneurship after military service. Guests: Greg Grant, Jacksonville Small/Emerging Business Program -- Jodie Biehlman, Steven Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone.
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7/6 Premiere episode (encored 7/13)

July 16, 2025 • 40 mins
Retired Colonel Chris Budihas hosts the premiere episode of First Coast Military Life. The show explores active duty and post-military life, local events, community initiatives, and programs that strengthen the bond between military, veterans, and the wider First Coast community. If it matters to military families and those who support them, we’ll talk about it
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