The Morning Formation Podcast

KP

Hosted by KP Phillips—a U.S. Army combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, and seasoned instructor in tactics, firearms, and combatives—The Formation Podcast is built on the core pillars of Survivability, Situational Awareness, and the mindset to Adapt & Overcome. Drawing from over two decades of real-world experience in combat zones and high-risk environments, KP leads authentic conversations with warriors, protectors, and everyday individuals who’ve faced adversity head-on. This podcast is more than content—it's a movement for those who understand that the fight begins before the event. Through storytelling, lived experience, and expert insight, The Formation Podcast equips its listeners with the mindset, tools, and awareness to remain vigilant and prepared—whether on the battlefield, in the streets, or in everyday life.

  1. NOV 11

    Jenna Carlton: How A Millennial Navy Veteran Turned Pain Into Purpose

    Shoot me a message! We trace a raw, hopeful route from burnout and impostor syndrome to practical community, women veterans’ needs, and real-world resources that work. Jenna shares why “moderate” matters, how to face trolls, and what it takes to turn service into daily service. • bridging service, leadership, transition, and civilian readiness • creative work vs burnout and boundaries • impostor syndrome as a sign of growth • handling trolls and viral backlash with perspective • loneliness in large cities and shrinking veteran cohorts • civilian misconceptions and hiring gaps • standards, professionalism, and social media culture • VFW myths, membership, and post-level change • reimagining posts with family-first, health-forward programs • therapy fit, VA literacy, and peer recommendations • women veterans’ safety, visibility, and health topics • housing navigation and landlord education for veterans • journaling as a tool for identity and healing • first steps when you feel lost after service “Formation Nation, take what you heard today. Make sure you check on your people as well. Community is not luxury, it’s survival.” Support the show Check out our website Please Support & Donate to the Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themorningform USA Made socks with a Purpose. 20% off with code: TMF https://www.solediersocks.com/tmf Episode Powered By Act Now Education

    1h 4m
  2. OCT 22

    From Military Spouse to True Crime: A Case, A Calling, A Community with Rietta Boksha

    Shoot me a message! We trace the unresolved death of Heather Turner through verifiable facts, while exploring how a military spouse-turned-host balances advocacy, intuition and family life. Along the way we talk stress, functional medicine, compound grief and why facts must lead feelings. • military life rhythms and finding stability during moves • origins of the podcast and pivot into true crime • how a suspect narrative unraveled under scrutiny • key inconsistencies in timelines and 911 details • rural connections, power dynamics and an open investigation • advocacy through TikTok using only sourced facts • safety, boundaries and trusting intuition • stress, trauma and links to health and burnout • functional medicine and root-cause thinking • ALS, family proximity and compound grief • facts before feelings in public discourse • writing books, viral moments and next creative steps Resources Mentioned Killing Chaos Book https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Chaos-Veterans-Didnt-Fighting/dp/B09RM4BTYJ Follow Rietta on Instagram and TikTok Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rietta_books_truth_vibes/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@riettaboksha Support the show Check out our website Please Support & Donate to the Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themorningform USA Made socks with a Purpose. 20% off with code: TMF https://www.solediersocks.com/tmf Episode Powered By Act Now Education

    1h 8m
  3. SEP 30

    Guard Your Circle: Lessons from the Parade Deck Controversy

    Shoot me a message! The military influencer community faces challenging questions about authenticity and service in light of recent Parade Deck controversy. I explain why I've maintained independence and chosen to align only with organizations like Act Now Education that share my values. • Parade Deck organization has gathered numerous military podcasters under one umbrella • Recent allegations have led to dissolved partnerships and questions about transparency • Morning Formation Podcast has remained independent to maintain alignment with core values • Military influencer space often divides between community-focused creators and self-promoters • Awards and recognition systems can sometimes feel more like popularity contests than merit-based acknowledgment  • Many authentic military heroes don't seek the spotlight or maintain social media presences • Important to carefully consider your affiliations and "know your circle" • Legitimacy comes from service, integrity and impact—not titles or networking • Recognition of authentic military content creators who prioritize service over self-promotion • Remember: "Don't confuse looking important with being important" Remember to stay tuned, stay focused, and stay motivated. Warriors fallout. Support the show Check out our website Please Support & Donate to the Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themorningform USA Made socks with a Purpose. 20% off with code: TMF https://www.solediersocks.com/tmf Episode Powered By Act Now Education

    15 min
  4. SEP 11

    Combat Veteran Insight: Finding Purpose in a Divided Nation

    Shoot me a message! A combat veteran shares his perspective on America's growing political division and makes an impassioned plea for unity following recent political violence. Drawing from military experience and personal sacrifice, he argues that service to others provides meaning in life while highlighting the dangers of forming opinions solely from social media. • Growing up as a military dependent with frequent moves and family challenges shaped his perspective on service • Joined the Army National Guard at 18, later commissioning as an officer during wartime • Combat experience in Iraq provided perspective on real suffering compared to American complaints • People with limited real-world experience often form strong opinions based solely on social media • Being "uninvited to the table" by family and friends over political differences is damaging America • Material success and wealth don't provide inner fulfillment without purpose • The Bronze Star medal he earned belongs to his entire platoon – achievements are rarely individual • Having seen war-torn countries provides perspective on America's relative prosperity • Time is precious – a cord from an IED he narrowly survived serves as a daily reminder • Americans need to invite estranged family members back to the Thanksgiving table Check out Act Now Education, a non-profit helping military members transition to civilian life through certifications, coaching, and mentorship. We're working to reduce the "22 a day" veteran suicide rate by providing a softer landing spot for those leaving service. Support the show Check out our website Please Support & Donate to the Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themorningform USA Made socks with a Purpose. 20% off with code: TMF https://www.solediersocks.com/tmf Episode Powered By Act Now Education

    29 min
  5. SEP 8

    Steel Sharpens Steel: Combat Veteran Shares Leadership Lessons with SFC Alexander Stewart

    Shoot me a message! SFC Alexander Stewart returns to share insights on leadership, resilience, and mental health advocacy, exploring how military experience shapes character and the universal lessons we can learn from service. • Stewart is preparing for a 22-mile ruck march for Hick Strong, a nonprofit providing free counseling for service members • Failure should be viewed as an opportunity to grow rather than a reason to give up • Stewart's book "Unspoken Words" has helped bridge understanding between veterans and their families • Growing up with a military father and professional boxer shaped Stewart's guardian mentality from an early age • Today's military recruits face different challenges and motivations than post-9/11 generation • As a drill sergeant, Stewart recognized the profound influence instructors have on young recruits • True leadership involves providing purpose and direction, not just authority • Stewart now speaks to trauma therapists to help them better understand veteran experiences You can find Alexander Stewart's book "Unspoken Words" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and most online retailers. If you're struggling, remember it's okay not to be okay - reach out and find the help you need. Support the show Check out our website Please Support & Donate to the Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/themorningform USA Made socks with a Purpose. 20% off with code: TMF https://www.solediersocks.com/tmf Episode Powered By Act Now Education

    1h 29m
4.9
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Hosted by KP Phillips—a U.S. Army combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, and seasoned instructor in tactics, firearms, and combatives—The Formation Podcast is built on the core pillars of Survivability, Situational Awareness, and the mindset to Adapt & Overcome. Drawing from over two decades of real-world experience in combat zones and high-risk environments, KP leads authentic conversations with warriors, protectors, and everyday individuals who’ve faced adversity head-on. This podcast is more than content—it's a movement for those who understand that the fight begins before the event. Through storytelling, lived experience, and expert insight, The Formation Podcast equips its listeners with the mindset, tools, and awareness to remain vigilant and prepared—whether on the battlefield, in the streets, or in everyday life.