TheMilVet Podcast

Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

Your hosts, Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia, interview the highest-performing military veterans & civilian allies on earth. Our guests include CEOs of multibillion-dollar companies, founders of incredible businesses, and legendary investors. Our goal is educate, inspire, and entertain you. 

  1. 1h ago

    Ep. 175 From Wall Street to Entrepreneurship: Brian Stengel on Resilience, Risk, and Reinvention

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with longtime friend and financial services veteran Brian Stengel to discuss his extraordinary journey from growing up in a Marine Corps family to becoming a successful entrepreneur, investment banker, and private equity investor in the technology sector. Brian shares how being raised by a Marine Corps aviator shaped his perspective on leadership, adaptability, and embracing change. After graduating from the University of Virginia and earning his MBA in finance at the Wharton School, Brian built a 30-plus-year career on Wall Street, working with some of the world's leading investment banks before taking the leap into entrepreneurship and launching his own firms. The conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business, navigating career setbacks, surviving market crashes, and leading through uncertainty. Brian also offers valuable insights into the world of private equity, venture capital, and technology investing, while sharing practical advice for veterans and professionals looking to transition into new industries or bet on themselves as entrepreneurs. Listeners will gain insight into: Growing up in a Marine Corps family and the lessons learned from military lifeHow early influences shaped Brian's approach to leadership and businessHis journey from the University of Virginia to Wall Street and investment bankingThe decision to leave a successful career path and start his own companyLessons learned from entrepreneurship, failure, and resilienceNavigating the dot-com boom, the 9/11 economic shock, and the financial crisisBuilding and advising high-growth technology companies and entrepreneursThe evolution of private equity, venture capital, and technology investingWhy curiosity and continuous learning are critical in rapidly changing industriesHow networking creates opportunities and accelerates career transitionsThe importance of developing relationships and leveraging LinkedIn effectivelyWhy veterans often possess the exact skills needed to succeed in finance and businessThe value of grit, perseverance, and embracing rejection as part of growthPractical advice for anyone considering entrepreneurship or a major career pivotWhy your network truly becomes your net worthThe importance of giving back, mentoring others, and building a legacy of serviceFinding purpose and fulfillment through lifelong learning and helping the next generation succeedBrian also shares powerful lessons on navigating uncertainty, making difficult career decisions with incomplete information, and maintaining conviction in yourself during challenging times. Drawing from decades of experience in investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship, he offers candid advice on what it takes to build a meaningful career and why success is rarely a straight line. Whether you're an active-duty service member preparing for transition, a veteran interested in private equity, venture capital, or entrepreneurship, or a professional seeking inspiration on leadership and resilience, this episode delivers actionable insights and timeless lessons on adaptability, networking, and betting on yourself. 🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet: TheMilVet 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond. #TheMilVet #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #InvestmentBanking #WallStreet #Technology #TechLeadership #VeteranCareers #VeteranTransition #Networking #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #Finance #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService #BusinessLeadership #StartupLeadership #PrivateCapital #VeteranCommunity Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

    42 min

  2. Jul 1

    Ep. 174 The Private Equity Playbook: Leadership, Mentorship, Culture, and Taking the Leap with Capitol Meridian’s Brooke Coburn

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brooke Coburn, Co-Founder and Partner of Capitol Meridian Partners, to discuss his remarkable journey from growing up in rural upstate New York to spending 25 years at The Carlyle Group and ultimately launching his own private equity firm focused on the national security ecosystem. Brooke shares how a single corporate finance class at Princeton sparked his interest in investing, why culture and mentorship shaped every major decision in his career, and what he learned helping build one of the world's most successful private equity firms during the industry's formative years. The conversation explores the realities of building a career in private equity, the importance of finding the right people and culture, and why veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive as operators in private equity-backed businesses. Listeners will gain insight into: • Brooke's unconventional path from rural New York to Princeton and Wall Street • How he discovered private equity before it became the industry it is today • What made The Carlyle Group's culture different and why it mattered • The importance of mentorship and finding leaders who invest in your growth • Why culture is one of the most important career decisions you'll ever make • How private equity firms think about talent, leadership, and building companies • The difference between investment roles and operating roles in private equity • Why veterans often excel as operators inside PE-backed companies • The realities of breaking into private equity and alternative pathways into the industry • How great companies scale and why leadership requirements change as organizations grow • The lessons learned from helping build Carlyle into a global investment platform • Why Brooke decided to leave a highly successful career to launch Capitol Meridian Partners • The importance of betting on yourself and avoiding future regrets • Why grit, resilience, and continuous learning matter more than having all the answers • The role of people, culture, and leadership in creating investment success Brooke also shares practical advice for young professionals and transitioning veterans, emphasizing that careers are rarely linear, mentorship is invaluable, and the right culture can accelerate both personal and professional growth. Whether you're interested in private equity, considering entrepreneurship, exploring career transitions, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on investing, leadership, and building a meaningful career. 🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet: TheMilVet 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond. #TheMilVetPodcast #TheMilVet #PrivateEquity #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Culture #Mentorship #PrivateEquityCareers #NationalSecurity #VeteranCareers #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerDevelopment #InvestmentManagement #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

    43 min

  3. Jun 24

    Ep. 173 The Alaska Adventure Project Story | Veteran Transition, PTSD Recovery, and Lifelong Community

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with leaders from the Alaska Adventure Project, a nonprofit based in Ketchikan, Alaska, that helps veterans reconnect through outdoor adventure, community, and shared experience. The conversation centers on how the organization supports healing and purpose for veterans through time in nature and small-group engagement. Billy Boulton, the founder and president of Alaska Adventure Project, discusses his Marine Corps service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and his transition out of the military after injury and PTSD-related struggles. He also describes how returning to Alaska and spending time commercial fishing and in the outdoors helped him rebuild a sense of purpose and inspired the creation of the nonprofit. Darrin Isham, a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Petty Officer, talks about his role in helping build and lead the organization, drawing on decades of military and veteran-nonprofit experience. He emphasizes the value of veteran connection, structured peer support, and environments where veterans can open up safely. Will Picquelle, who helps with outreach and fundraising for the organization, offers the civilian perspective on supporting veterans and building community around the mission. His involvement reflects the broader team effort behind Alaska Adventure Project and its focus on service, healing, and long-term connection. The episode explores the realities of running a nonprofit organization, including fundraising, operational planning, community support, and balancing mission impact with sustainable growth. Beau and the team dive into the unique challenges veterans face after leaving military service, including isolation, loss of identity, and finding renewed purpose in civilian life. Listeners will gain insight into: The challenges of transitioning out of military serviceHow nature and outdoor adventure can support healing and mental wellnessThe impact of PTSD, TBI, and veteran isolation after serviceWhy community and camaraderie remain critical after the militaryHow Alaska Adventure Project was founded and evolved over timeThe importance of veteran-focused nonprofit organizationsLessons learned building and operating a mission-driven nonprofitHow military leadership skills translate into entrepreneurship and nonprofit workWhy small-group connection and alumni engagement matter for long-term supportThe role civilians can play in supporting the veteran communityHow shared experiences and storytelling help veterans reconnect and healWhy purpose, service, and belonging remain essential after the uniform comes offBilly, Darren, and Will also share candid reflections on veteran suicide, the importance of maintaining lifelong connections, and the powerful transformation that can happen when veterans feel seen, supported, and surrounded by people who understand their experiences. Whether you’re a veteran navigating transition, someone passionate about supporting the military community, or simply interested in stories of resilience, leadership, and healing, this episode offers an authentic and inspiring conversation about finding purpose after service and building community through shared experience. 🔗 Learn more about Alaska Adventure Project → Alaska Adventure Project 🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → TheMilVet 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service. #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #PTSD #MentalHealth #VeteranSupport #Leadership #Nonprofit #OutdoorTherapy #AdventureTherapy #NavySEAL #MarineCorps #Healing #Community #Purpose #TheMilVetPodcast Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

    42 min

  4. Jun 17

    Ep. 172 Military to Private Sector: How Retired Marine Colonel Kevin Hudson Scaled a Startup to 900+ Employees

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with retired Marine Corps Colonel Kevin Hudson to discuss his remarkable journey from infantry officer to Cobra pilot, and ultimately to executive leadership in the private sector at YAM Worldwide. After serving more than 26 years in the Marine Corps, Kevin made the transition into a completely new industry, helping build Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) from a startup with fewer than 20 employees into a global company with more than 900 employees worldwide. Kevin shares how military leadership, problem-solving, and team-building skills translated directly into the business world, despite having no prior experience in golf manufacturing. The conversation explores the realities of military transition, the importance of networking, finding the right post-service career path, and why veterans often bring more value to civilian organizations than they realize. Listeners will gain insight into: Kevin’s path from infantry officer to Marine Corps aviator and Cobra pilotWhat inspired him to join the Marine Corps and serve for more than two decadesLessons learned leading Marines in combat and throughout a military careerThe realities of transitioning from military service into the private sectorHow networking and professional relationships create career opportunitiesWhy veterans often underestimate the business skills they have developed in uniformHow military experience translates into operations, manufacturing, talent management, and executive leadershipThe importance of understanding budgets, personnel management, and organizational cultureWhat it was like helping launch and scale a startup company from the ground floorThe similarities between leading military units and leading high-growth businessesWhy defining where you want to live and how you want to live is critical during transitionCommon fears veterans face when leaving the military and how to overcome themThe value of mentorship and maintaining strong veteran networksHow veterans can continue serving their communities after military retirementFinding purpose, balance, and fulfillment in life after the militaryKevin also reflects on his experience serving as a Marine Corps monitor, where he witnessed countless officers and enlisted Marines navigate transition. Drawing from those experiences, he offers practical advice for service members preparing for civilian careers and emphasizes that military veterans are uniquely equipped to tackle complex challenges, lead teams, and drive results in any industry. Whether you're an active-duty service member planning your next chapter, a veteran exploring new opportunities, or a business leader interested in the value veterans bring to organizations, this episode offers actionable advice and powerful lessons on leadership, adaptability, and lifelong service. 🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond. #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #MarineCorps #Leadership #VeteranCareers #VeteranTransition #ExecutiveLeadership #PXG #Entrepreneurship #OperationsLeadership #Manufacturing #VeteranNetworking #Mentorship #VeteranCommunity #BusinessLeadership #LifeAfterService #TheMilVet #MilitaryLeadership #CareerTransition #VeteranSuccess Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

    45 min

  5. Jun 10

    Ep. 171 Failure, Growth, and Reinvention: Chris Knapp on Building a Career Beyond the Uniform

    Meet Christopher Knapp, retired Navy officer, defense technology leader, and Chief Engagement Officer of the Uncrewed Warrior Foundation, in this insightful episode of TheMilVet Podcast. It is a conversation about unconventional career paths, military transition, purpose after service, and finding your place in the rapidly evolving world of defense technology. Chris shares his remarkable journey from enlisting in the Navy as a journalist at 17 years old to becoming a Naval Flight Officer, serving in airborne command and control, supporting operations in Afghanistan, and ultimately leading uncrewed systems and innovation efforts within Naval Special Warfare. Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on the pivotal decisions, setbacks, and leadership lessons that shaped his career, including the moments when he chose to follow his instincts instead of the traditional career path. In this episode, Chris opens up about: • Going from Navy journalist to Naval Flight Officer through the Seaman-to-Admiral 21 program • Overcoming failure in flight school and learning how to persevere through adversity • Finding purpose and belonging while serving alongside Naval Special Warfare • Leading innovation, science and technology, and uncrewed systems programs within the military • Navigating the difficult reality of military promotion systems and career transitions • Why he never planned to leave the Navy and how he adapted when circumstances changed • Transitioning into the defense technology industry during the COVID era • Building a career around autonomy, robotics, and the future of warfare at Gambit Defense • Helping veterans transition into the uncrewed systems industry through the Uncrewed Warrior Foundation • The importance of mentorship, community, and honest conversations during transition This is an honest and inspiring discussion about embracing unconventional paths, adapting to change, and continuing to serve through leadership, innovation, and mentorship long after military service ends. Whether you're a veteran preparing for transition, a defense professional interested in emerging technology, or someone navigating a major career change, this episode offers practical insights on resilience, growth, and creating impact in your next chapter. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #NavyVeteran #DefenseTech #Autonomy #UncrewedSystems #Innovation #VeteranCommunity #CareerTransition #SpecialOperations #Mentorship #DefenseIndustry #Purpose #TheMilVet Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

    35 min

  6. May 31

    Ep. 170 Imposter Syndrome, Leadership, and Service: Ryan Manion on Building the Travis Manion Foundation

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, about leadership, loss, veteran transition, and finding purpose after service. TMF was founded by Ryan’s mother, Janet Manion, in honor of her son, Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed in Iraq in 2007. Ryan discusses how TMF has grown into a national organization that supports veterans and families of the fallen through programs centered on leadership, service, mentorship, and community engagement. The conversation also highlights TMF’s view that veterans continue to have an important role to play after leaving the military, and that service and community can help create that next chapter. Listeners will gain insight into: The emotional realities of transition after military service and lossHow imposter syndrome impacts veterans and nonprofit leaders alikeRyan Manion’s journey from entrepreneur to nonprofit CEOLessons learned leading and scaling a national nonprofit organizationWhy hiring smart people and building strong teams mattersHow military leadership skills translate into business and nonprofit leadershipThe importance of community, service, and purpose after the militaryHow the Travis Manion Foundation supports veterans and families of the fallenThe impact of programs like Character Does Matter and the 9/11 Heroes RunWhy mentorship and youth engagement are critical to long-term community impactThe connection between service, purpose, and veteran mental healthHow local veterans can create meaningful change in their own communitiesRyan also shares a pivotal story about attending a White House veterans roundtable early in her career and realizing that believing in herself was more important than seeking validation from others. Her reflections on leadership, confidence, and growth offer valuable lessons for veterans, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and anyone navigating major life transitions. Whether you’re a veteran entering civilian life, someone passionate about supporting the military community, or a leader building purpose-driven organizations, this episode delivers an authentic conversation about resilience, identity, leadership, and continuing to serve beyond the uniform. 🔗 Learn more about the Travis Manion Foundation 🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service. #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #VeteranSupport #Nonprofit #MentalHealth #Purpose #Community #GoldStarFamily #TravisManionFoundation #TheMilVet #VeteranLeadership #Service #Entrepreneurship #ImposterSyndrome #VeteranCommunity #911HeroesRun #CharacterDoesMatter Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

    34 min

  7. May 27

    Ep. 169 Faith, Resilience & Defense Innovation | Clark Yuan on Transitioning from the Army to Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Clark Yuan, Founder and CEO of Stitch3D, United States Army Veteran, and West Point graduate. Clark shares his journey from growing up in a Taiwanese military family to serving as a Military Intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, and ultimately transitioning into entrepreneurship and defense tech innovation. Clark discusses how his experiences in the military, particularly working with geospatial intelligence and fragmented data-sharing systems, inspired him to build Stitch3D, a platform designed to make spatial and geospatial data easier to access, visualize, and collaborate on. He explains how the company evolved from an Air Force-funded research initiative into a venture-backed commercial SaaS platform serving enterprise customers. The conversation dives deep into the realities of military transition, the challenges of building a startup in the defense ecosystem, and the lessons learned navigating SBIR funding, venture capital, and dual-use technology markets. Clark offers an honest perspective on the gap between government R&D funding and long-term acquisition success, why many startups struggle in the defense space, and how founders can position themselves for sustainable growth. Beau and Clark also discuss resilience, leadership, mentorship, and the importance of faith and personal grounding while navigating the pressures of entrepreneurship. Clark shares how finding his faith during the startup journey helped redefine success beyond business metrics and gave him perspective through the uncertainty of building a company. Listeners will gain insight into: How military operational problems can become startup opportunitiesLessons learned transitioning from the Army into entrepreneurshipThe realities of SBIR/STTR funding and defense innovation programsWhy many defense startups struggle to move from R&D to acquisitionHow venture capital and government funding can complement each otherThe importance of customer discovery and product-market fitWhy commercial traction can be critical before pursuing government scaleThe value of veteran networks, mentorship, and communityHow faith, resilience, and purpose influence leadership and entrepreneurshipWhat veterans should know before entering the startup or defense tech ecosystemClark also shares candid advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship, including the importance of humility, adaptability, and building relationships with founders, investors, and operators who have already navigated the path. Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, interested in defense technology, exploring venture-backed startups, or considering founding your own company, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world lessons from someone building at the intersection of national security and innovation. 🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → TheMilVet  🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service. #Veterans #DefenseTech #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Startups #NationalSecurity #VentureCapital #SBIR #Innovation #FounderJourney #TheMilVetPodcast Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

    33 min

  8. May 20

    Ep. 168 From the Navy to Billions in Real Estate Investing: Tom Lynch on Career Growth and Private Equity

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins speaks with Tom Lynch, a Managing Partner at Iron Point Partners and former U.S. Navy JAG officer, about his path from military service into finance and private equity. Tom reflects on how his background shaped his leadership style, transition into investing, and career in real estate private equity. Tom reflects on the influence of military service and Jesuit education in shaping his leadership philosophy, work ethic, and commitment to service. He discusses his unconventional path into finance - attending Dartmouth College and UVA Law, serving as a Navy criminal defense attorney, and later leveraging the GI Bill to earn a business degree while still on active duty. Tom offers candid insight into what it was like entering Wall Street as a nontraditional candidate in his late twenties with a military background and young family. Throughout the episode, Tom emphasizes the value veterans bring to the private sector, including leadership, adaptability, teamwork, discipline, and judgment under pressure. He encourages transitioning service members to embrace their unique backgrounds rather than viewing themselves as “behind” their civilian peers, reminding listeners that careers are long and that military experience can become a lifelong differentiator. Listeners will gain insight into: Transitioning from military service into investment banking and private equityHow veterans can leverage networking and mentorship to enter financeWhy military leadership experience is a major competitive advantageThe realities of entering Wall Street as a nontraditional candidateWhat family offices are and how they operateLessons learned building and fundraising for private equity fundsThe evolution of real estate investing and digital infrastructureWhy culture and teamwork matter in long-term career successHow veterans can position themselves for leadership roles in businessThe importance of resilience, continuous learning, and long-term thinkingTom also shares how service remains central to his life today through his involvement with organizations including Gonzaga College High School, the Washington Jesuit Academy, St. Matthew’s Cathedral, and the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which supports injured service members and their families navigating recovery and long-term care. Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, exploring opportunities in private equity or finance, interested in entrepreneurship and investing, or simply looking for lessons on leadership and long-term career growth, this episode delivers practical advice and real-world perspective from someone who successfully navigated the path from military service to private equity leadership. 🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet → TheMilVet  🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service. #Veterans #PrivateEquity #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Finance #RealEstate #InvestmentBanking #Entrepreneurship #VeteranCareers #Networking #FamilyOffice #DigitalInfrastructure #DataCenters #TheMilVetPodcast Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

    42 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Your hosts, Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia, interview the highest-performing military veterans & civilian allies on earth. Our guests include CEOs of multibillion-dollar companies, founders of incredible businesses, and legendary investors. Our goal is educate, inspire, and entertain you. 

Information

  • Creator
    Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    176
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TheMilVet Podcast
  • Show Website
    TheMilVet Podcast

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