The Veterans Growing America Podcast

Donnell Johns & Coach R.L. Simmons
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Welcome to "The Veterans Growing America Podcast," hosted by the insightful duo, Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons. This engaging podcast is dedicated to showcasing the entrepreneurial journeys of veterans, active service members, and their dependents who have bravely ventured into the world of business. In collaboration with Veterans Growing America (VGA), an organization committed to fostering the growth of veteran-owned businesses, our hosts bring to life the stories of those who have served their country and are now serving their communities through entrepreneurship. Each episode invites a new guest to share not only the unique proposition of their business but also their personal narrative as a veteran or a family member of a veteran.

  1. SEP 29

    Episode 36 - QTEE Crochet ft. Tanisha Nicholson | Veterans Growing America

    Veterans Growing America Podcast ft. Tanisha Nicholson (QTEE Crochet) In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Tanisha Nicholson, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, artisan, and the creative force behind QTEE Crochet. Tanisha shares her journey from 22 years of military service to building a soulful brand rooted in craftsmanship, love, and community. With humility and humor, she reflects on her transition from service member to business owner—and how discovering Veterans Growing America became the spark that helped her finally believe in her creative calling. From one-of-a-kind crochet pieces to custom resin art, Tanisha’s creations tell a story of purpose, resilience, and originality. In this episode, she opens up about the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the power of representation, and the beauty of creating with intention. 🔑 Key Takeaways: QTEE Crochet was born from Tanisha’s lifelong love of creating and giving.Military life taught her discipline, leadership, and how to channel competitive drive into excellence.She never intended to sell her art—until VGA gave her permission to shine and the resources to grow.Tanisha doesn’t follow patterns—she lets spirit, color, and connection lead her designs.Her first crochet class helped a student go from beginner to selling their own work.Customer service, community, and confidence are cornerstones of her business advice.VGA provided the LLC help, business tools, mentorship, and emotional support—all for free.Her work was recently featured on The View—a testament to what happens when you “just do it.”👑 “Don’t say you’re going to do it. Do it. You never know who you’ll meet at VGA.” 💫 Connect with Tanisha & QTEE Crochet: 🔗 Instagram & Facebook: @qtcrochet_2019 🌐 Website: www.veteransgrowingamerica.com → Search "QTEE Crochet" in the Members Directory 🧶 Custom commissions | Resin art | Crochet classes | Crochet with love. 🎯 Veterans Growing America – Where We Brag Different Join the only community that helps veterans, military spouses, and dependents start and grow businesses through mentorship, events, exposure, and love. 👉 Shop, support, and join at www.veteransgrowingamerica.com 📍 Visit our stores in Stonebridge VA and Clarksburg, MD 📱 Follow: @VeteransGrowingAmerica 🐐 Need a money coach? Book with Coach RL at yourmoneygoat.com/bookings 🛒 #ShopVeteran | #VeteransGrowingAmerica | #QTEECrochet | #BlackWomenInBusiness | #MilitaryCreatives | #VeteranEntrepreneurs | #SupportSmallBusiness | #CrochetWithLove | #BlackVeteranOwned | #JustDoIt

    26 min

  2. SEP 22

    Episode 35 - Mindset Quality ft. Dr. Arielle Jordan | Veterans Growing America Podcast

    In this deeply moving episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach RL Simmons sits down with Dr. Ariel Jordan — Army veteran, trauma-informed therapist, author, and founder of Mindset Quality — to discuss post-traumatic growth, racial healing, and redefining resilience for veterans, leaders, and first responders. After serving in the U.S. Army as a culinary specialist, Dr. Jordan experienced a series of personal traumas that led her to become a powerful force in the mental health and healing space. She now dedicates her life to helping others transform pain into purpose through therapy, EMDR, wellness retreats, and her signature program: Mission Redefine. This episode is a masterclass in emotional resilience, leadership after loss, and the critical role of support systems, community, and healing conversations in veteran entrepreneurship. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: What post-traumatic growth really means How trauma shows up in leadership & entrepreneurship Why veterans & first responders need more than motivation Dr. Jordan’s personal journey from survival to service The story behind Mindset Quality and Mission Redefine The connection between racial trauma and mental health How to build your “battle buddy” and “starting five” in business Why healing must happen before legacy can be built 📚 About Dr. Ariel Jordan: 🪖 U.S. Army Veteran (Culinary Specialist) 👩🏽‍⚕️ Licensed Therapist, EMDR & Trauma Specialist ✍🏾 Author of Holding Space & United We Serve, United We Heal 🧠 CEO of Mindset Quality 🌿 Retreat Leader | Mental Wellness Advocate | Speaker 🔗 Resources & Links: 🔗 Website: https://bio.arielandjordan.com 📘 Books: Holding Space, United We Serve, United We Heal 🌐 Follow @MindsetQuality on Instagram and LinkedIn 💼 VGA Community: veteransgrowingamerica.com Keywords: Dr Ariel Jordan,Veterans Growing America Podcast,Mindset Quality,post traumatic growth,trauma healing for veterans,emdr therapy,black woman veteran,mental health leadership,mission redefine program,racial trauma healing,black therapist podcast,healing from trauma,military women entrepreneurs,veteran mental health support,veteran owned business podcast,army culinary specialist,coach RL Simmons,black veteran therapist,mental wellness for first responders,holding space book,united we serve united we heal

    31 min

  3. SEP 15

    Episode 34 - Patricia and Lily | Veterans America Podcast

    In this inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Jones sit down with Lily and Patricia, twin sisters and co-founders of Likha Kawayan — a unique family-owned brand crafting handmade bamboo bags sourced directly from the Philippines. Raised in the military spouse lifestyle and rooted in resilience, Lily and Patricia share how they’ve navigated over 15 years of entrepreneurship, transitioned from web design to physical products, and partnered with their father to preserve a traditional Filipino craft. From bootstrapping businesses to building community with Veterans Growing America, this episode is packed with actionable advice, humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom. 🧵 Key Highlights: The truth about starting a business as a military spouse Why they pivoted from services to physical products The story behind Likha Kawayan’s bamboo bags Challenges of entrepreneurship (and how to survive them) How VGA helped them move from theory to execution The power of setting boundaries in business Their entrepreneurial superpowers (and yours too) What it means to be “in business for yourself, but not by yourself” 🔗 Connect with Likakawayan: 🌿 Website: https://likhakawayan.com/ 👜 Alt URL: https://www.likhabags.com 📱 Instagram: @likhakawayan 📘 Facebook: Likhakawayan 💼 LinkedIn: Lily and Patricia Arboleda 📍 VGA Directory: veteransgrowingamerica.com ✅ Support Veterans Growing America: Become a member: veteransgrowingamerica.com Join our events or shop in-store Follow us on all social platforms: @veteransgrowingamerica When you're in business for yourself, make sure you're not by yourself veterans growing america podcast,likha kawayan bags,bamboo handbags,military spouse entrepreneurs,family business,filipino handmade bags,twin sisters in business,women veteran owned business,entrepreneurship stories,black veteran podcast,how to start a business,military spouse business,handmade bag business,start a product based business,veteran small business,rl simmons podcast,coach rl simmons,vga podcast,filipino american business,patricia and lily arboleda,likabags review

    37 min

  4. SEP 8

    Episode 33 - Let's talk about Branding and Marketing w/ Olivia Nunn | Veterans Growing America

    In this powerful episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with U.S. Army Veteran, CEO, speaker, mental health advocate, and branding expert Olivia Nunn — the dynamic founder of Olivia Nunn Communications. Olivia shares her raw and inspiring journey from Army officer to accidental entrepreneur, revealing how her military service, unexpected personal hardships, and desire to uplift the veteran community shaped the brand and business she leads today. She dives deep into: Her 20-year Army career and time as the voice of Soldier for Life How a life-changing divorce sparked her entrepreneurial journey Building a personal brand rooted in storytelling, strategy, and authenticity The real mental health struggles many veterans face behind the highlight reel Why she advocates for minority veterans, military spouses, and women in uniform The power of pageantry and femininity in healing and rediscovery Her top resources for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs 🔑 Key Takeaways: Military leadership naturally equips veterans for business — discipline, resilience, and grit are transferable skills. Entrepreneurship often begins by accident, but growth requires intention, mentorship, and mindset. Your story is your brand — people connect to authenticity, not just products. Olivia's business evolved as she grew — learning to target the right client is part of the journey. The veteran community faces invisible challenges—mental health, food insecurity, childcare barriers—and we must continue to tell those stories. Representation matters. Supporting minority-led veteran initiatives like VGA helps build an equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. 📣 Connect with Olivia Nunn: 🌐 https://www.olivianunn.com 📱 Instagram: @the_olivianunn 💼 LinkedIn: Olivia Nunn 🎧 Stay tuned for her new podcast launching Fall 2025! 🫡 Support Veterans Growing America: Explore our Veteran Business Directory Shop at our retail locations in Virginia (Stonebridge) and Maryland (Clarksburg Outlets) Follow us: @veteransgrowingamerica 💻 www.veteransgrowingamerica.com 🎯 Tags (no hashtags): Veterans, entrepreneurship, personal branding, mental health advocacy, Army veteran, Olivia Nunn, communications strategy, storytelling, women veterans, military transition, minority veteran support, military families, veteran resources, leadership, business coaching, soldier for life, pageantry, event planning, military spouse support, veteran empowerment, coach RL Simmons, Donnell Johns, Veterans Growing America, resilience, advocacy, representation, service after service.

    42 min

  5. SEP 1

    Episode 32 - Speaking from the Lens w/ Jasmine Rush | Veterans Growing America

    In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns welcome Jasmine Rush, Navy Veteran, photographer, storyteller, and founder of Speaking From the Lens, LLC. Jasmine takes us through her incredible journey—from firefighting on the flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima to capturing powerful narratives through her lens. With authenticity, humor, and faith, Jasmine shares how military discipline and family roots in entrepreneurship shaped her into a business owner who leads with heart and purpose. She talks candidly about transitioning out of the Navy, launching her first business (a janitorial company during her husband’s deployment), and how a spiritual retreat helped birth Speaking From the Lens—a media company that weaves faith, imagery, and powerful storytelling into every frame. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Military life prepares you for entrepreneurship—but the transition still requires planning, community, and mindset shifts.Jasmine’s grandmother, Lorena Snow, planted her entrepreneurial roots through hustling, real estate, and business ownership in Baltimore.“Speaking From the Lens” means every photo tells a spiritual story—Jasmine’s faith is the foundation of her creativity.The Navy taught her leadership, people skills, and the value of mentorship—critical to her business growth.Entrepreneurship is not solo work—ask for help early and often.Veterans Growing America gave her more than visibility—it gave her community, collaboration, and support.📸 Connect with Jasmine Rush: Instagram/Facebook/YouTube: @SpeakingFromTheLens Website: https://www.speakingfromthelens.com 🎯 Join Veterans Growing America Whether you’re a veteran, military spouse, or supporter of the community—shop, support, and share! 🛒 Visit our stores in Virginia (Stonebridge) and Maryland (Clarksburg Premium Outlets) 🌐 www.veteransgrowingamerica.com 📱 Instagram/Facebook/YouTube: @VeteransGrowingAmerica 🐦 X/Twitter: @VeteransGrowing 👉 Tag this episode: Veterans, Navy Veteran, entrepreneurship, military transition, creative business, veteran photographer, Black woman entrepreneur, autism mom, military spouse, Speaking From the Lens, storytelling, Christian entrepreneur, small business, Veterans Growing America, Donnell Johns, Coach RL Simmons, community building, veteran business network, Navy leadership, resilience, branding through imagery, inspirational entrepreneur, faith-based business.

    20 min

  6. AUG 25

    Episode 31 - Entrepreneurship with Heart: Monteiz Dash on Faith, Service, and Seniors

    In this powerful episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Monteiz "Dash" Dash, an Army veteran and franchise owner of Seniors Helping Seniors Manassas. Dash shares his transition story from active-duty military service to becoming a compassionate entrepreneur serving the elderly community with purpose and pride. 💼 Dash opens up about: How military leadership prepared him to lead a team and run a business His decision to choose the franchise model and why it works for new entrepreneurs The mission behind Seniors Helping Seniors and the deeply personal stories that inspire his work The hidden work behind building a world-class agency—not just a veteran-owned brand His collaboration with Veterans Growing America and how it provides a strong network and exposure for veteran entrepreneurs He also drops truth about the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship—ego, vulnerability, and the pressure to perform without applause. 🧠 Key Takeaways: Military experience builds the skills, but business demands structure, humility, and persistence Community and connection are everything—especially when serving seniors Franchising provides a structured playbook, but success comes from executing with heart Don’t just rely on your veteran status—build something world-class 📍PLUS: Dash and VGA are teaming up for a Wellness Weekend in September, focused on supporting children, teens, seniors—and yes, financial wellness too! 📞 Connect with Dash: 🌐 www.shsmanassas.com 📧 dash@shsmanassas.com 📱 703-659-0950 🫡 Veterans, spouses, and dependents—tap into this conversation if you’re thinking of starting a business, buying a franchise, or just want to be inspired by one of our own who’s walking the talk. ✅ Subscribe, like, and share to help amplify these stories of veteran entrepreneurship. 🎯 Tags (no hashtags): Veterans, entrepreneurship, military transition, franchise ownership, senior care business, Veterans Growing America, financial wellness, military spouses, business strategy, franchise model, leadership, mindset, business coaching, elder care, community support, veteran-owned business, tactical growth, coach RL Simmons, Donnell Johns, Montiez Dash, seniors helping seniors, purpose-driven business, Black veteran entrepreneurs, holistic wellness, business playbook, military resilience, networking, DMV business, veteran leaders.

    17 min

  7. AUG 18

    Episode 30: Eric McConaughy on Turning Struggles Into Strategy | Veterans Growing America

    In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Eric McConaty, U.S. Army Veteran and CEO of Tactical Growth Strategies Coaching. Eric dives into his powerful journey from military service to becoming a successful business coach and author of Business Boot Camp. Eric breaks down how his military background shaped his grit, leadership style, and ability to push through entrepreneurial challenges. He discusses the emotional toll of transitioning into civilian life, the isolation many veterans feel, and how purpose, community, and coaching can anchor success. 📘 Inside the Episode: Why your ‘why’ is the backbone of your business How to turn military skills into business leadership The value of mentorship and structured coachin How Business Boot Camp helps small business owners thrive The role of communication, networking, and resilience in building your brand 🎯 Whether you’re starting your first business, scaling your services, or stuck in a mindset rut, this episode delivers tactical steps and real inspiration to keep you moving forward. 🛠️ Learn more: [Insert Tactical Growth Strategies link] 📗 Get the book: Business Boot Camp [Insert book link] 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop with more veteran-led success stories. #VeteransGrowingAmerica #VeteranEntrepreneur #EricMcConaty #BusinessBootCamp #TacticalGrowthStrategies #MilitaryToBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #VeteranSupport #CoachRLSimmons #DonnellJohns #BusinessCoach #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition

    24 min

  8. AUG 11

    Episode 29: Stephanie Brown, Founder of The Rosie Network | Veterans Growing America

    In this inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Stephanie Brown, the visionary Founder and CEO of The Rosie Network — a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military spouses and veterans launch and grow successful businesses. Stephanie shares her powerful motivation for creating The Rosie Network and the real challenges military families face — including the highest unemployment rate in the country among military spouses and the financial hardships many veterans silently endure. She breaks down the mission behind her nationally recognized, free accredited entrepreneurship program, and provides actionable advice for service-connected entrepreneurs looking to launch and scale. 💡 Key Takeaways: - The Rosie Network was born to close the opportunity gap for military families in business. - Military spouses experience the highest unemployment rate in the U.S. - Community, mentorship, and marketing are essential tools for startup success. - Stephanie highlights BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) as a key habit of successful entrepreneurs. - Building a support network can make or break a business. - The Rosie Network offers resources, coaching, and certifications to empower entrepreneurs. 💬 This is more than a conversation — it’s a call to action for the veteran and military spouse community to lean into collaboration, innovation, and ownership. 📌 Learn more about The Rosie Network: https://therosienetwork.org 📲 Follow Veterans Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com 🎙️ Follow Coach RL: @coachrlsimmons 🔗 Connect with Donnell Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more veteran-powered business insights and interviews. #VeteransGrowingAmerica #TheRosieNetwork #StephanieBrown #MilitarySpouseEntrepreneur #VeteranBusiness #EntrepreneurshipSupport #MilitarySpouseEmployment #BHAG #MentorshipMatters #RosieCertified #MilitaryFamilies #WomenVeterans #VGApodcast

    28 min
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About

Welcome to "The Veterans Growing America Podcast," hosted by the insightful duo, Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons. This engaging podcast is dedicated to showcasing the entrepreneurial journeys of veterans, active service members, and their dependents who have bravely ventured into the world of business. In collaboration with Veterans Growing America (VGA), an organization committed to fostering the growth of veteran-owned businesses, our hosts bring to life the stories of those who have served their country and are now serving their communities through entrepreneurship. Each episode invites a new guest to share not only the unique proposition of their business but also their personal narrative as a veteran or a family member of a veteran.

Information

  • Creator
    Donnell Johns & Coach R.L. Simmons
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Veterans Growing America Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Veterans Growing America Podcast