When life knocks you down, do you get up and fight — or give in?
Florida’s Lieutenant Governor, Jay Collins is a former Green Beret, amputee, and decorated veteran whose life story defines grit, service, and purpose.
From growing up on a small family farm to surviving life-altering injuries in Afghanistan, Jay shares how faith, family, and resilience shaped his journey from soldier to statesman, serving as second-in-command of one of America’s most influential states. He opens up about losing his leg, rebuilding his life, and proving that anything valuable in life isn’t given — it’s earned.
Could a future run for Governor be on the horizon?
What you'll learn in this episode of Common Denominator:
- The mindset that carried Jay through combat and loss
- Lessons in resilience, leadership, and faith
- The meaning of service and sacrifice
- How to raise the next generation with purpose and accountability
- The importance of community, family, and freedom
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
Learn more about Lt. Gov. Jay Collins:
https://www.flgov.com/eog/leadership/people/jay-collins
https://www.senatorjaycollins.com/
@jaycollinsfl https://www.instagram.com/jaycollinsfl
🎙️ About Common Denominator:
Hosted by entrepreneur and philanthropist Moshe Popack, Common Denominator is where extraordinary people share the universal values that make us all human — perseverance, kindness, curiosity, and courage.
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & initial thoughts
01:03 – Jay Collins’ path to Lieutenant Governor
02:13 – Growing up on a family farm & early life lessons
04:25 – Military service: Korea, Colorado, California & RAF Molesworth
06:30 – Surviving combat & amputations, returning to active duty
08:53 – Requalifying as a Green Beret: lessons in perseverance
13:49 – Leadership priorities: faith, family, freedom
15:42 – Veterans & government accountability
21:35 – The role of family & community support
22:15 – Transitioning to Florida & nonprofit work
29:22 – Leading during crisis: Israeli evacuations
30:50 – Economy, insurance & property tax priorities
34:49 – Education: tailored solutions & critical thinking
36:36 – Gratitude, resilience & lessons for all
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