Life After the Military: Now What?

28 April Productions
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • Updated Weekly

The podcast "Life After the Military: Now What?" hosted by Keith Billman explores the journey of veterans as they transition from military life to civilian careers. In the first episode, Keith shares his own story, detailing his path from being an Army infantryman to becoming a plumber. He reflects on his experiences in the military, the challenges he faced, and the choices he made during his transition to civilian life. Each episode aims to feature interviews with other veterans, discussing their unique experiences, career paths, and the various roads they took after leaving the military. The podcast serves multiple purposes: it is a resource for veterans who are unsure about their future after service, informative for those considering enlisting, and entertaining for a broader audience interested in personal stories of service members. The overall theme centers on curiosity about the post-military lives of veterans, highlighting the diverse careers and experiences they have pursued. Additionally, Keith hopes to rekindle connections with fellow veterans and provide a supportive community through shared stories and insights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 08/18/2025

    So Long...For Now?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 08/11/2025

    Plumber to Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal to Plumbing Inspector: Josh McFarland

    In this episode, Keith sits down with Josh McFarland, a former Army EOD specialist turned city plumbing inspector in Minneapolis. Josh shares his journey from a challenging youth in a strict religious community to discovering plumbing through family ties, transitioning into military service in his 30s, and ultimately building a rewarding post-military career in plumbing and inspection. He talks candidly about the ups and downs of his plumbing career, the demanding path through EOD training, his unique experiences protecting dignitaries in the capital region, and the personal challenges and growth that came with military life. Josh also discusses his involvement with the EOD Warrior Foundation and offers valuable advice for those joining or leaving the military. This episode is a raw and insightful look at perseverance, career transitions, and finding purpose both in uniform and beyond. Find me on Facebook at Life After the Military: Now What? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574796509003 Theme music by Wookiefoot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 08/04/2025

    Army Infantryman to Owner of Stagebot: Chris Malcolm

    In this episode, Keith sits down with Chris Malcolm, a former Army infantryman with three deployments to Iraq, who shares his unique journey from military service to becoming a live event production company owner. Chris opens up about the challenges of transitioning out of the military, dealing with PTSD, and how he found healing and purpose behind the scenes of concerts and festivals. He dives into the realities of running a live sound and production business, the nitty-gritty of the industry, and offers practical advice for veterans and newcomers interested in audio and event production. Tune in to hear compelling stories from the battlefield and backstage, valuable lessons on resilience, reinvention, and the art of mixing both sound and life after service. Find Chris at stagebot.live Theme music by Wookiefoot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 07/28/2025

    Navy Cryptologic Technician to Founder of GetGeofencing.com: Chris Seminatore

    In this episode, Keith sits down with Navy veteran and marketing entrepreneur Chris Seminatore to discuss his unique journey from military intelligence to pioneering location-based advertising with his agency, GetGeofencing.com. Chris shares how skills and discipline from his Navy career, including tours during the Gulf War, laid the foundation for his successful transition into the private sector. They dive into the power of geofencing technology—serving targeted ads based on physical location—and why it’s disrupting traditional digital marketing, especially as social media ads decline in effectiveness. Chris also opens up about overcoming the challenges veterans face after service, including imposter syndrome, adapting to civilian life, and building confidence through a healthy mental, physical, and spiritual foundation. He offers practical advice for veterans looking to launch businesses, emphasizing passion, perseverance, and daily discipline. Enjoy candid conversations about military experiences, entrepreneurship without outside funding, managing a thriving agency with over 1,600 clients, and the importance of creativity and mental wellness in business success. Plus, Chris and Keith discuss insights on quitting smoking, anti-aging clinics in Mexico, and the pitfalls of socialism and social media addiction. Tune in for an inspiring episode packed with actionable wisdom for veterans, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating life transitions with grit and heart.  Find Chris and learn more at GetGeofencing.com. If you’re a veteran interested in sharing your story on the podcast, email keith@28aprilproductions.com Find me on Facebook at Life After the Military: Now What? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574796509003 Theme music by Wookiefoot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 07/21/2025

    Army Infantryman to Pre-Construction Manager: Eric Swinnen

    In this episode, Keith reconnects with fellow infantryman Eric Swinnen to dive into their shared military experiences and the challenging transition to civilian life. Eric shares his journey from Army infantryman at Fort Bragg to navigating various post-service jobs—including car sales, warehouse work, and route sales—before finding his passion in commercial construction project management. They discuss the realities of military service, the struggle with identity after leaving the military, and how their time in uniform shaped their resilience and work ethic. Eric offers candid insights on mental health, the importance of making a plan when transitioning out, and why construction is a great career path for veterans. The conversation also touches on embracing change, adapting to new industries, and the evolving landscape of work with AI. Tune in for a raw, honest conversation about life, work, and finding purpose after service. If you’re a veteran interested in sharing your story on the podcast, email keith@28aprilproductions.com Find me on Facebook at Life After the Military: Now What? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574796509003 Theme music by Wookiefoot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 07/14/2025

    Marine Corps Helicopter Mechanic and Embassy Security Guard Turned Founder of Range 22 and 22 Media: Zack Cross

    In this compelling episode, Keith sits down with Zack Cross, a Marine Corps veteran with a unique military career spanning helicopter mechanic duties and embassy security missions across nearly 50 countries. From intense overseas experiences in places like Serbia, Congo, and Colombia to the challenges of post-service life, Zack shares his journey of transformation and finding purpose beyond the uniform. They dive deep into Range 22 Media, a veteran-founded initiative dedicated not just to content creation but to building a supportive community focused on veteran and first responder mental health, suicide prevention, and resilience. With a mission rooted in authenticity, Range 22 offers a blend of meaningful storytelling, humor, and real-life support designed to uplift those “still fighting” after service. Tune in to hear about their upcoming shows, the power of community, and insightful advice for those transitioning out of the military or considering enlistment. Find Range 22 at Facebook, TikTok and Instagram by searching Range 22. You can also check out his apparel line at shop.range22.com. If you’re a veteran interested in sharing your story on the podcast, email keith@28aprilproductions.com Find me on Facebook at Life After the Military: Now What? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574796509003 Theme music by Wookiefoot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. 07/07/2025

    Army Combat Engineer to Director of Human Resources and Safety: Kevin

    In this episode, Keith sits down with Kevin, a former Army combat engineer turned Director of Human Resources and Safety at an industrial construction company. Kevin shares his journey from military service—including deployments and Guard duty—to leveraging the GI Bill for a business degree and transitioning into the corporate world. They discuss the challenges and rewards of managing HR and safety in a multi-trade company, insights into military skills that translate to civilian careers, and practical advice for veterans transitioning out of service. Kevin also offers guidance for those considering military service and highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning in career growth. If you’re a veteran interested in sharing your story on the podcast, email keith@28aprilproductions.com Find me on Facebook at Life After the Military: Now What? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574796509003 Theme music by Wookiefoot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 06/30/2025

    Marine Corps and Army Field Artillery to Assembler: Alberto Herrera

    In this compelling episode, Keith sits down with Alberto Herrera, a Marine Corps and National Guard veteran whose journey from the streets of Detroit to active duty and beyond is nothing short of remarkable. From joining the Marines as a Field Artillery Cannoneer to navigating life after service, Alberto shares raw and honest reflections on military life, personal growth, and the challenges faced transitioning back to civilian life. Listeners will hear about the intense camaraderie, the chaos and discipline of artillery service, and the emotional impact of deployments — including missed combat deployments and real combat losses within his unit. Aherrera opens up about his struggles with anger management, the isolation many veterans face, and the importance of connection and mental health support. He also candidly discusses his career shifts after leaving active duty — from hospital security through remote monitoring at Lowe’s, to his current role at Ford Motor Company — offering insights into union benefits, balancing school, work, and family, and his ambitions for the future. This episode is rich with practical advice for those considering joining the military and for veterans preparing to transition back to civilian life, including navigating VA benefits, the GI Bill, and the importance of leaning on your community. A must-listen for veterans, military families, and anyone interested in the real stories behind service and life after the uniform. If you’re a veteran interested in sharing your story on the podcast, email keith@28aprilproductions.com Find me on Facebook at Life After the Military: Now What? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574796509003 Theme music by Wookiefoot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

The podcast "Life After the Military: Now What?" hosted by Keith Billman explores the journey of veterans as they transition from military life to civilian careers. In the first episode, Keith shares his own story, detailing his path from being an Army infantryman to becoming a plumber. He reflects on his experiences in the military, the challenges he faced, and the choices he made during his transition to civilian life. Each episode aims to feature interviews with other veterans, discussing their unique experiences, career paths, and the various roads they took after leaving the military. The podcast serves multiple purposes: it is a resource for veterans who are unsure about their future after service, informative for those considering enlisting, and entertaining for a broader audience interested in personal stories of service members. The overall theme centers on curiosity about the post-military lives of veterans, highlighting the diverse careers and experiences they have pursued. Additionally, Keith hopes to rekindle connections with fellow veterans and provide a supportive community through shared stories and insights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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