Q&R (Question & Response) Podcast

Ryan Nichols and Quincy Harper

Question & Response (Q&R) is a podcast for veterans who know there’s more life after the uniform—but aren’t interested in following a one-size-fits-all transition plan. Hosted by Quincy and Ryan, Q&R dives into the real conversations around transitioning out of the military, especially for those choosing unconventional paths. From entrepreneurship and self-employment to mindset shifts, identity, and purpose beyond service, this show tackles what most transition briefings never cover. Each episode blends honest dialogue with practical insight, highlighting military-owned small businesses and veteran entrepreneurs who are building something meaningful in their communities. These aren’t highlight reels—they’re real stories, real struggles, and real wins from people who’ve been in the fight and chose to bet on themselves. Whether you’re preparing to transition, recently separated, already building a business, or simply redefining success after service, Question & Response offers perspective, clarity, and the confidence to build what’s next—on your own terms. Because your identity was never the uniform.And your next mission is yours to define.

Episodes

  1. Mar 15

    From the South Side to Entrepreneurship | Featuring Johnny Martinez

    On this episode of the Q&R Podcast, Quincy and Ryan sit down with Johnny Martinez, a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, entrepreneur, and community leader whose journey proves that the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Johnny shares how growing up on the south side of San Antonio shaped his work ethic and determination long before he ever stepped into the Air Force. During his military career, he served as both a Military Training Instructor (MTI) and Recruiter, two roles that required leadership, discipline, communication, and the ability to connect with people. Those experiences didn’t just shape his military career — they laid the foundation for the business mindset and leadership skills he uses today. After retiring from the Air Force, Johnny and his wife Jessica Martinez took those lessons and turned them into something bigger — building multiple successful businesses that serve their community and amplify local voices. Together they operate:  • Party People Photo Booth – bringing energy and fun to events across the region  • Top Flight Realty Group – helping families achieve the dream of homeownership  • Social Plug Media – a creative platform dedicated to highlighting local entrepreneurs, leaders, and community stories In this episode, Johnny opens up about the transition from military life to entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting and scaling businesses, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people who believe in your vision. This conversation is about leadership, resilience, family, and building something meaningful after service. If you’re a veteran thinking about your next move, an entrepreneur building something from the ground up, or someone looking for inspiration on how to turn life experience into opportunity — this episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen now and hear how Johnny Martinez turned service into success. email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209 Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/ Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

    1h 1m
  2. Feb 23

    Mike Hayes aka DJ Magic: From the farm to Entrepreneur

    What happens when a small-town kid from rural Georgia leaves the farm, serves over 20 years in the United States Air Force… and accidentally discovers his calling in an empty NCO club? In this episode of Question & Response, Ryan and Quincy sit down with Mike Hays — better known as DJ Magic — to unpack a journey that proves purpose doesn’t always arrive with a perfect plan. Mike’s DJ career didn’t start with a business strategy or a dream board. It started when his mentor asked him to “cover the booth for a few minutes”… and didn’t come back for an hour and a half. Alone. No roadmap. No backup. Just pressure. What could have been a disaster became a spark. From that moment, Mike fell in love with the craft — reading crowds, controlling energy, creating experiences. But passion is one thing. Building a business is another. And like many veterans transitioning from service, he had to learn the hard way that talent doesn’t automatically equal entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up on a farm and how it shaped his work ethicServing 20+ years in the Air Force while discovering a creative outletThe uncomfortable transition from hobbyist to business ownerLessons learned about pricing, branding, and building a reputationWhat veterans often miss about the business side of entrepreneurshipReinventing identity beyond rank and titleThis conversation isn’t just about music. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself when you’re thrown into the deep end. If you’re a veteran navigating transition, an aspiring entrepreneur learning as you go, or someone who discovered your passion by accident — this episode is for you. Because sometimes your next chapter doesn’t start with a plan. It starts with being left alone in the booth. 🎙️ Listen now and discover how DJ Magic turned pressure into purpose. email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209 Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/ Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

    46 min
  3. Feb 17

    Sherry Pratt: Family over Career!!!

    What does leadership look like after the uniform comes off? In this episode, we sit down with Sherry Pratt — a 21-year United States Air Force veteran who served as both a PME Instructor and First Sergeant. For decades, she mentored Airmen through high-stakes decisions, complex challenges, and pivotal life moments. Now? She’s guiding families through one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make — homeownership. After retiring from the military, Sherry transitioned into the mortgage industry as a Mortgage Loan Officer with Your Veteran Lenders, powered by Movement Mortgage. But she didn’t leave her leadership behind — she brought it with her. We talk about:  • The identity shift from First Sergeant to financial advocate  • How military leadership translates into the mortgage world  • Why education and clarity matter more than rates  • Helping veterans fully understand and leverage their VA benefits  • Treating every loan like a mission — with preparation, precision, and purpose Sherry’s calm, educational approach removes fear from the financing process and replaces it with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned homeowner, or transitioning service member, this episode delivers insight you won’t want to miss. Because service doesn’t stop at retirement — it just takes on a new mission. email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209 Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/ Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

    1h 7m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Question & Response (Q&R) is a podcast for veterans who know there’s more life after the uniform—but aren’t interested in following a one-size-fits-all transition plan. Hosted by Quincy and Ryan, Q&R dives into the real conversations around transitioning out of the military, especially for those choosing unconventional paths. From entrepreneurship and self-employment to mindset shifts, identity, and purpose beyond service, this show tackles what most transition briefings never cover. Each episode blends honest dialogue with practical insight, highlighting military-owned small businesses and veteran entrepreneurs who are building something meaningful in their communities. These aren’t highlight reels—they’re real stories, real struggles, and real wins from people who’ve been in the fight and chose to bet on themselves. Whether you’re preparing to transition, recently separated, already building a business, or simply redefining success after service, Question & Response offers perspective, clarity, and the confidence to build what’s next—on your own terms. Because your identity was never the uniform.And your next mission is yours to define.