Liberty Call Podcast

Juan Lucero
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL

Liberty Call is where service ends and freedom begins. Hosted a Navy Commander Juan Lucero, this podcast dives deep into the real stories of veterans navigating life after the military. From the discipline of the uniform to the uncertainty of transition, Liberty Call explores what it means to reinvent yourself, find purpose, and embrace freedom in retirement and beyond. Every week, we sit down with service members, retirees, and global adventurers who share their journeys of transformation. You’ll hear from veterans who traded boots for backpacks, found new missions in entrepreneurship, built second careers, or chose the path of world travel and cultural discovery. These conversations highlight the resilience, struggles, humor, and victories that come with carving out a new life after service. ⚓ What you’ll get from Liberty Call: • Honest, unfiltered stories from Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard veterans. • Insights on the transition process: retirement, VA claims, financial planning, and civilian careers. • Global travel inspiration — living abroad, cultural exploration, and adventure travel. • Hard-earned lessons on family, freedom, resilience, and leadership. • Motivation to create your own roadmap after military service. This podcast isn’t just for veterans — it’s for anyone curious about reinvention, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. Whether you’re active duty planning for retirement, a veteran building your next chapter, or a civilian seeking stories of courage and adventure, Liberty Call gives you a front-row seat to life’s biggest transitions. Juan brings not only decades of Navy experience but also the perspective of someone preparing for his own retirement and global travels with his wife. Together, they aim to show that life after the military isn’t an ending — it’s the beginning of a new mission. 🎧 Join the crew. Subscribe to Liberty Call and discover how veterans are redefining life, freedom, and adventure around the world. #MilitaryRetirement #VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #LibertyCallPodcast #TravelFreedom

  1. FEB 2

    From the Deckplates to Retirement: A Command Master Chief’s Final Watch aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

    In this episode of the Liberty Call Podcast, I sit down with Joel “Rod” Rodriguez, a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief who served 31 years and finished his career as the Command Master Chief aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. Rod and I go back to our time at COMHSCWINGPAC, when I was a Lieutenant and he was a Senior Chief. That shared experience sets the tone for a grounded, honest conversation about leadership, legacy, and life after the uniform. We talk candidly about: What truly matters in the final years before retirementCommon mistakes Sailors make when transitioning outLeadership lessons from the deckplates to the flag levelHow to mentally prepare for life after the NavyAdvice for those already retired and searching for purpose This episode is packed with real-world wisdom, hard-earned lessons, and straight talk from a Master Chief who’s lived it all—and isn’t sugarcoating a thing. Whether you’re still serving, nearing retirement, or already retired, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

    1h 28m
  2. From Navy Ships to Civilian Freedom — The Journey of LCDR Aaron Kastrup (Ret.)

    JAN 2

    From Navy Ships to Civilian Freedom — The Journey of LCDR Aaron Kastrup (Ret.)

    🎙️ Episode: Liberty Call Podcast 🎖️ Guest: LCDR Aaron Kastrup, USN (Ret.) Today we sit down with retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Aaron Kastrup, a proven leader and veteran who dedicated his career to service, sacrifice, and building warriors. Aaron pulls back the curtain on the realities of Navy life — the wins, the struggles, family challenges, leadership lessons, and the emotional transition into civilian life. This episode delivers straight talk about: Life in the Navy and key milestones in Aaron’s careerLeadership under stress and what makes great Sailors succeedFamily life, resilience, and the impact of military service at homeThe emotional and mental side of leaving the serviceWhat life after the Navy really looks likeAaron’s advice for active duty, reservists, retirees, and families If you wear the uniform, once wore it, or love someone who does — this conversation will resonate. 🔹 🎧 Listen • Subscribe • SupportIf you’re enjoying the Liberty Call Podcast, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another veteran or military family. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyCallPodcast 🌎 Follow the journey & travel life after service: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyCalls 🔹 🏷️ Keywords / SEO Tagsveteran transition, navy retirement, navy officer, leadership, military life, veterans podcast, liberty call, life after military, veteran mental health, navy veterans, us navy leadership, military family, veteran stories

    54 min
  3. From Sheriff’s Deputy to Navy Chief to Thailand: Ryan Smith on Identity, Transition & Building a New Life

    12/27/2025

    From Sheriff’s Deputy to Navy Chief to Thailand: Ryan Smith on Identity, Transition & Building a New Life

    In this episode of Liberty Call, I sit down with Ryan Smith — a former Sheriff’s Deputy, proud U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer, and newly retired law enforcement professional who is about to take on his boldest mission yet: building a brand-new life in Thailand. Ryan opens up about decades of service in uniform, balancing military and law enforcement careers, the emotional weight of transition, identity beyond the badge and anchors, mental health, resilience, family, and why he’s choosing to start a new chapter overseas. This is straight talk. No fluff. Just real perspective from a man who served his community, served his country, and is now redefining what “the next chapter” looks like. 💬 Conversation Highlights• Growing up, joining law enforcement, and rising through the ranks • Serving as a Navy Reserve Chief — leadership, pride, and brotherhood • What retirement really feels like when the uniform comes off • Identity, purpose, and mental health after service • Why Thailand? Lifestyle, peace, and a reset on life • Advice for military and law enforcement preparing to transition • What he wishes people truly understood about veterans and cops 🎯 Why This MattersA lot of people talk about transition like it’s paperwork, checklists, and timelines. It’s not. It’s emotional. It’s psychological. It changes your identity. Ryan breaks it down honestly and powerfully — and if you’re military, law enforcement, a veteran, or family, this conversation hits home. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Move Forward.If you’re retiring soon, already transitioned, or thinking about your next chapter — this episode gives you perspective, hope, and the confidence to build the life you actually want. 🔗 Resources• Follow Liberty Call • Veteran Crisis Line — Dial 988 then Press 1 • Military & Veteran Resources If this episode helped you: 🔥 Share it with another Veteran or LEO 👍 Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories ⭐ Leave a review to support the mission

    1h 15m
  4. The TRICARE Guy Breaks Down Veteran Healthcare — Must-Know Info for Retirees

    12/13/2025

    The TRICARE Guy Breaks Down Veteran Healthcare — Must-Know Info for Retirees

    In this episode of the Liberty Call Podcast, I sit down with John Letaw, better known as “The TRICARE Guy.” John has helped thousands of veterans understand TRICARE, especially those living overseas — and he’s written three books on the topic, making him one of the most trusted voices in the military healthcare community. We dive into: How TRICARE Select really works for retireesWhy TRICARE overseas is misunderstoodThe biggest mistakes retirees makeHow the catastrophic cap protects youWhat healthcare looks like in places like Thailand and the PhilippinesPharmacy reimbursement and medical claims abroadThe financial traps nobody warns retirees aboutHow to prepare BEFORE you retire to avoid losing coverage Whether you’re close to retirement, moving overseas, or just want to understand your healthcare benefits, this episode will save you money and stress. 📚 Check out John’s TRICARE books — essential reading for active duty, retirees, and expats. John's Website: https://www.thetricareguy.com If you found value in this episode, share it with a shipmate, drop a comment, and subscribe for more conversations with veterans making an impact. #LibertyCallPodcast #TRICARE #VeteranBenefits #MilitaryRetirement #HealthcareAbroad #Veterans

    1h 19m
  5. Scottie: From West Point to the Jungle 🌿

    10/24/2025

    Scottie: From West Point to the Jungle 🌿

    Scottie shares his story from West Point grad to Army officer, entrepreneur, and plant medicine guide in Colombia. Learn how he built a jungle community focused on healing, resilience, and indigenous wisdom.

    1 hr
  6. From Bronx to Dominican Republic: Navy Officer to Farmer

    10/17/2025

    From Bronx to Dominican Republic: Navy Officer to Farmer

    Retired Navy officer Rafa Arias shares his journey from the Bronx to the Navy and into farming in the Dominican Republic—finding peace, purpose, and redefining success abroad.

    1h 5m
  7. Lexie Tillman — Veteran, Entrepreneur & Expat Life in Mexico

    10/10/2025

    Lexie Tillman — Veteran, Entrepreneur & Expat Life in Mexico

    Veteran Lexie Tillman shares her inspiring story of transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship and expat life in Mexico. From navigating PTSD and chronic pain to founding Booking Wonders and raising her family abroad, Lexie opens up about resilience, community, and creating a better life beyond borders.

    1h 41m
  8. Mark Francis — Life After Service in Belize and Ireland

    10/03/2025

    Mark Francis — Life After Service in Belize and Ireland

    In this Liberty Call podcast, Juan interviews veteran Mark Francis, who transitioned from military service to building a life in Belize and Ireland. From cattle and Caribbean rhythms to Irish traditions and countryside living, Mark offers valuable insights into navigating cultural differences, embracing new lifestyles, and making the most of expat life. Perfect for veterans considering life abroad or anyone curious about cultural adaptation.

    1h 26m
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Liberty Call is where service ends and freedom begins. Hosted a Navy Commander Juan Lucero, this podcast dives deep into the real stories of veterans navigating life after the military. From the discipline of the uniform to the uncertainty of transition, Liberty Call explores what it means to reinvent yourself, find purpose, and embrace freedom in retirement and beyond. Every week, we sit down with service members, retirees, and global adventurers who share their journeys of transformation. You’ll hear from veterans who traded boots for backpacks, found new missions in entrepreneurship, built second careers, or chose the path of world travel and cultural discovery. These conversations highlight the resilience, struggles, humor, and victories that come with carving out a new life after service. ⚓ What you’ll get from Liberty Call: • Honest, unfiltered stories from Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard veterans. • Insights on the transition process: retirement, VA claims, financial planning, and civilian careers. • Global travel inspiration — living abroad, cultural exploration, and adventure travel. • Hard-earned lessons on family, freedom, resilience, and leadership. • Motivation to create your own roadmap after military service. This podcast isn’t just for veterans — it’s for anyone curious about reinvention, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. Whether you’re active duty planning for retirement, a veteran building your next chapter, or a civilian seeking stories of courage and adventure, Liberty Call gives you a front-row seat to life’s biggest transitions. Juan brings not only decades of Navy experience but also the perspective of someone preparing for his own retirement and global travels with his wife. Together, they aim to show that life after the military isn’t an ending — it’s the beginning of a new mission. 🎧 Join the crew. Subscribe to Liberty Call and discover how veterans are redefining life, freedom, and adventure around the world. #MilitaryRetirement #VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #LibertyCallPodcast #TravelFreedom

Information

  • Creator
    Juan Lucero
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Juan Lucero
  • Show Website
    Liberty Call Podcast