In this inspiring episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Matt Ibbetson, United States Navy Veteran, Partner at Ridgemont Equity Partners, and graduate of the United States Naval Academy to explore his fascinating journey from rural roots to high finance. Matt shares how growing up on a farm instilled the work ethic that carried him through the Naval Academy, life undersea as a submarine officer, and later into elite consulting with McKinsey & Company. He dives deep...

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with Khalid Noori — Program Strategist at Honor the Promise, Special Operations Veteran; Afghanistan National Army Special Operation Command (ANASOC), and graduate of Hindustan University — for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation on service, sacrifice, and storytelling after war. Khalid shares his extraordinary journey as a Veteran of Special Operations Command in Afghanistan to rebuilding a life and purpose in the United States after ...

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with David Harris, Software Investor at Vista Equity Partners, United States Air Force Veteran, and graduate of United States Air Force Academy and Stanford University, MBA to explore his transition from military service to the world of Private Equity—and how curiosity, grit, and strategic networking opened doors along the way. David shares how his time at the United States Air Force Academy and his early career in software development laid th...

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, we sit down with Michael Osburn, Managing Director of Aristos Global and former Army contractor (civilian) assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Kunar during The Surge, to explore his unique path from civil-military operations in Afghanistan to tackling complex problems in private equity and construction consulting. Michael shares how working alongside military, intelligence, and DEA teams as a civilian contractor shaped his approach to leadershi...

In this episode, Beau Higgins sits down with Adam Frankl—Author, The Developer Facing Startup, Startup Advisor, US Army Veteran —to explore the powerful ways military principles translate into the tech world. Adam shares insights from his career at high-growth startups, the lessons he carried over from the military (like the five-paragraph op order and OODA loop), and how he uses them to lead teams and define winning strategies in business. They dive deep into: - Why credibility matters more...

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Trey Hart, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Valhalla Group and U.S. Army Reserves Civil Affairs Officer for a powerful conversation on veterans transitioning into the world of private equity and venture capital. Trey shares his personal journey and how his background shaped his leadership, values, and investment strategy. He dives deep into the unique strengths veterans bring to the business world, the importance ...

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, Beau Higgins sits down with Jason Grower, retired Navy Pilot and passionate veteran advocate, to talk about the realities of military transition — the good, the bad, and the uncertain. From losing a job offer weeks before retirement to finding renewed purpose through networking and community impact, Jason’s story is a roadmap for navigating life after service. Jason shares how critical it is to own your transition, build your network before you need it, a...

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, Beau Higgins sits down with Alex Lisot, former Air Force Officer and Founder of Master the Military, to discuss the most common — and often misunderstood — challenges veterans face during the transition to civilian life. From VA disability frustrations to rebuilding purpose and community, Alex shares how his platform is guiding thousands of veterans with practical, no-fluff tools and support. Alex opens up about his own experience navigating the VA system...

In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kellie Hall Sbrocchi, an active duty Navy officer, trailblazing recruiter, digital influencer, and founder of the Why Not Do Both? Movement. Kellie shares her deeply personal journey—from resisting the idea of the Navy as a teen to rising as one of the service’s most visible and authentic voices. She opens up about breaking stereotypes, navigating criticism, and staying true to herself in a uniformed world that wa...

In this episode of The MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Phelps, a 20-year veteran and accomplished author, to explore his remarkable journey from military service to the private sector and publishing world. Wayne shares candid stories from his time as a Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) officer and later as a pioneering UAV squadron commander during a transformative period for military aviation. From being part of the 15th MEU durin...

In this special episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes longtime friend and retired Marine Corps Colonel Tom Gordon, now serving as the Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel, one of the nation's premier senior military colleges. Tom shares his remarkable journey from aspiring Marine Corps Officer in junior high to leading Marines in some of the Corps’ most demanding roles — including commanding 1st Tank Battalion, leading the first Black Sea Rotational Force, and serving as the...

In this special episode of the MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with a legendary Marine, friend, and former boss—General James Lukeman (Ret.), now President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. With 40 years of active duty service, including command at every level from platoon to division, General Lukeman shares candid reflections on his journey from a Marine Corps family upbringing to an unexpected rise to general officer. Together, Beau and General Lukeman dive into: ...

Host Beau Higgins welcomes two powerhouse leaders from The Honor Foundation: Matt Stevens, CEO and former Navy SEAL, and Kelly McGraw, Chief Impact Officer and long-time Naval Special Warfare spouse. In this deep and personal episode, they explore the challenges and rewards of transitioning out of Special Operations and into civilian life. Matt shares his journey from SEAL Team leadership to Honor Foundation graduate, tech startup exec, and now organizational head—underscoring how identity, ...

In this inspiring episode of The MilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Paul Hylenski, CEO and Founder of Vet Mentor AI, Marine Corps veteran, best-selling author, and 4x Tedx Speaker to explore his journey from the flight line to the forefront of artificial intelligence. After serving eight years in the Marine Corps — including at the prestigious Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1) — Paul faced the same frustrating, confusing VA disability claims process that so many veterans ...

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 fo...

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 ter...

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 ...

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 Afghanist...

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. Fro...

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...