Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You

Exit Buddy
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture

Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You shines a light on the real struggles and triumphs of veterans navigating life after military service. Each episode dives into the heart of military transition—sharing tales of resilience, setbacks, humor, and growth as veterans move from boots to business or rediscover purpose in civilian life. If you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice on military transition, or just a reminder that you’re not walking this path alone, Exit Buddy is here to help you find your way forward and thrive beyond the uniform.

  1. 4d ago

    Find Your People: Building Your Post-Service Tribe

    The military gives you a ready-made community. When that structure disappears, a lot of veterans feel the gap.  In this special Exit Buddy compilation, we pull together moments from four veterans on finding your people, leaning on the ones who show up, creating community when it’s missing, and remembering that you don’t have to carry the transition alone.  You’ll hear about joining communities that fit, the power of a network that believes “we can all win,” building support after loss, and the simple truth that this work is lighter when shared. Featured Guests: John Stoner (Army) on finding your people and joining communities that support youJacki Davenport (Air Force) on the network that carried her through transition and the mindset of “we can all win”Joe Hogge (Army) on creating the Fireside Chat Support Network and the importance of building community and family after serviceJoey Meininger (Air Force) on why you can’t do it alone, and giving yourself permission to need support Key Takeaways: You don’t have to (and shouldn’t) navigate transition by yourselfGo find the communities that fit youLean on the people who show upSometimes the support you need may not exist yet—you may have to build itNeeding help is not weakness; it’s part of the process Links to the Full Featured Episodes: Hawk & Hack: Finding Your Personal Brand and Cyber Tribe (John Stoner)We Can All Win: Don’t Self-Select Out of Your Next Mission (Jacki Davenport)12 Foxtrot to 12 Fox Beer: Brewing Community & Finding Family (Joe Hogge)The Off Ramp: Empty Chairs, New Chapters, and Betting on Yourself (Joey Meininger) If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need the reminder that their people are out there.  Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Exit Buddy: Veteran Voices, to stay updated and connect with other listeners and guests.  #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #ExitBuddy #VeteranCommunity #PostServiceSupport Send us Fan Mail Visit us at https://exitbuddy.buzzsprout.com to learn more about the show. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ashleyjones.creative@gmail.com.

  2. Sep 28 ·  Bonus

    Producer Pick: Brewing Beer, Building Community & Finding Family

    This is a special producer pick episode from Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You—one that still resonates every time we hear it. Army combat engineer Joe Hogge turned a love of Bavarian beer into a Texas Hill Country brewery named after his old MOS. In this episode, he shares the reality of his first-year transition, the hidden trauma that can build from years of explosives training, and the decision to launch the Fireside Chat Support Network after a local tragedy. Joe’s story is a clear reminder that finding—or creating—your community after the military is essential. If you haven’t heard it yet (or it’s been a while), this one’s worth your time. Original show notes and transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535619/episodes/18642081-12-foxtrot-to-12-fox-beer-brewing-community-finding-family Follow us for more veteran stories, and share this episode with a service member who needs the reminder to find their post-service family. Send us Fan Mail Visit us at https://exitbuddy.buzzsprout.com to learn more about the show. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ashleyjones.creative@gmail.com.

  3. Sep 14

    Identity Shift & Mental Reset: Who Are You After the Uniform?

    Leaving the military often means more than changing your uniform or job. It means figuring out who you are when the rank, the title, and the built-in community are gone. In this special Exit Buddy episode, four veterans share honest moments about the identity shift and mental reset that happens after service. You’ll hear about empty chairs after the retirement ceremony, the challenge of becoming “just” yourself, reclaiming identity in small but meaningful ways, and learning how to come down from a constant state of high alert. These are real stories about the internal side of transition. Featured Guests: Joey Meininger (Air Force) on going from Command Chief to “just Joey,” the empty chairs moment, and why the identity shift can hit harder than expectedJaimee Freeman (Air Force) on starting the process years before she left and learning who she was outside of being ChiefTrecie Spencer (Air Force) on the fear of not having an identity outside the military, feeling like a child again, and reclaiming herselfPatience Ulstad (Army, 82nd Airborne) on living at a 10 out of 10 and what it took to create range and resetKey Takeaways: The identity shift is real and often arrives later than you expectStart exploring who you are outside of rank while you’re still inSmall acts of reclaiming yourself matterConstant high alert is not sustainable—learn how to come back downLinks to the Full Featured Episodes: The Off Ramp: Empty Chairs, New Chapters, and Betting on Yourself (Joey Meininger)From Chief to “Just” Jaimee: Soul Searching & Taking Your Shot (Jaimee Freeman)Red Nails, New Trails: Forging Your Identity After Service (Trecie Spencer)Nervous System Reset: From Combat Ready to Calm Within (Patience Ulstad)If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow service member or veteran who’s in the middle of their own reset. Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Exit Buddy: Veteran Voices, to stay updated and connect with other listeners and guests. #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #ExitBuddy #IdentityShift #VeteranMentalHealth Send us Fan Mail Visit us at https://exitbuddy.buzzsprout.com to learn more about the show. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ashleyjones.creative@gmail.com.

  4. Aug 26 ·  Bonus

    Producer Pick: Buckle Down & Break Through to Cyber Success

    This is a producer pick from Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You — one we still recommend every time someone asks for a strong transition story. Marine veteran Tom Eston went from infantry to cybersecurity leader, podcaster, and mentor. In this episode, he shares how curiosity and self-discipline fueled his career shift, why mentorship doesn’t have to be formal to be powerful, and how the skills he built in the Corps still set him apart in the corporate world. He also talks about launching a podcast and the risks that paid off along the way. It's worth another listen if you haven’t heard it (or even if you have). Original show notes and transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535619/episodes/18159486-buckle-down-break-through-from-devil-dog-to-cyber-champion Follow along for more veteran stories, and send this one to a service member who’s mapping out their next chapter. Send us Fan Mail Visit us at https://exitbuddy.buzzsprout.com to learn more about the show. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ashleyjones.creative@gmail.com.

  5. Aug 14

    Cracking the Civilian Job Code: Stories to Help Your Transition

    If you’ve ever stared at a blank resume, wondered how your MOS actually translates, felt lost in a sea of civilian job titles, or struggled to stand out at job fairs and interviews, this episode is for you. In this special Exit Buddy episode, we pull together powerful moments from six veterans who’ve already walked the path from military service into civilian careers. You’ll hear honest stories about finding direction through networking, realizing your skills transfer more than expected, tailoring resumes, networking on LinkedIn, starting over with humility, leaning on mentors, and introducing yourself in a way that sticks. These aren’t cookie-cutter tips. They’re real experiences and practical lessons to help guide your own transition. Featured Guests: Bryson Bort (Army Veteran) on why resumes feel impossible until you know what you’re aiming for, and how networking helps you find directionStephanie West (Navy Veteran) on how logistics skills transferred directly into a corporate operations role at Starbucks, plus the importance of staying open-mindedShanon Raab (Navy Veteran) on tailoring your resume, beating AI screening, and using LinkedIn to create real opportunitiesJacki Davenport (Air Force Veteran) on starting at the bottom again, learning the new corporate language, and never self-selecting out of opportunitiesTom Eston (Marine Veteran) on seeking mentorship and the military life experiences that set you apart in the corporate worldWilliam “Jax” Jackson (Navy & Air Force Veteran) on how a clear, value-driven introduction can make all the difference when speaking to employersKey Takeaways: You need some direction before a strong resume is possible—networking conversations can help you discover what’s possibleMilitary skills often transfer more directly than you thinkTailor your resume and LinkedIn to the specific role; keywords matterBe willing to start over, stay humble, and learn the new languageYour network and mentors can open doors that applications alone cannotKnow how to introduce yourself so people remember the value you bringLinks to the Full Featured Episodes: Cracking the Corporate Code: Turning Military Skills into Cyber Success (Bryson Bort)Brewing Your Next Chapter: Translating Supply Corps Skills to Starbucks (Stephanie West)Fire on Deck to Fire in the Belly: If You Lose Your Passion, You've Lost at Life (Shanon Raab)We Can All Win: Don’t Self-Select Out of Your Next Mission (Jacki Davenport)Buckle Down & Break Through: From Devil Dog to Cyber Champion (Tom Eston)Stocking Freezers at 3 A.M. to Pentagon Recruiter: A Zero‑Excuses Transition (William “Jax” Jackson)If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow service member or veteran who’s figuring out their next chapter. Thanks for listening to Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You. Take care of yourself and keep going. Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Exit Buddy: Veteran Voices, to stay updated and connect with other listeners and guests. #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #ExitBuddy #CivilianCareer #JobSearch Send us Fan Mail Visit us at https://exitbuddy.buzzsprout.com to learn more about the show. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ashleyjones.creative@gmail.com.

  6. Jul 27 ·  Bonus

    Producer Pick: Finding Your Personal Brand and Cyber Tribe

    Welcome to this special producer pick edition of Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You. If you missed it the first time around, be sure to listen as Army veteran John Stoner shares his resilient path from signals intelligence analyst to cybersecurity leader. He opens up about embracing authenticity through his iconic mohawk, navigating a volatile cybersecurity job market, and leveraging military-honed skills like briefing under pressure to bring calm to cyber chaos. John also offers candid advice on building support networks, prioritizing mental health, and discovering purpose outside the familiar anchor of a security clearance during the transition to civilian life. You can find the original show notes and transcript here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535619/episodes/17880463-hawk-hack-finding-your-personal-brand-and-cyber-tribe Follow us for more authentic veteran stories, and don’t forget to share this episode with a service member who’s navigating their exit. Send us Fan Mail Visit us at https://exitbuddy.buzzsprout.com to learn more about the show. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ashleyjones.creative@gmail.com.

  7. Jul 13 ·  Bonus

    VA Benefits & Documenting Injuries: Don't Leave Money (and Health) on the Table

    Welcome to this special episode of Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You. We’ve pulled together powerful moments from three standout guests around one of the most important topics in military transition: VA benefits and the critical importance of documenting injuries. If you’ve ever pushed through pain with “Vitamin M,” skipped sick call, or thought “it’ll be fine,” this episode is for you. You’ll hear raw, honest stories about denied claims, transition injuries, chronic pain, nervous system burnout, and why claiming what you’ve earned isn’t optional — it’s essential for your health, your family, and your future. These are hard-won warnings and practical roadmaps straight from veterans who’ve lived it. Featured Guests: Rob Fuller (U.S. Marine Combat Engineer) on the long-term cost of toughing it out and relying on Motrin instead of medical documentation.Patience Ulstad (Army Veteran, 82nd Airborne) on feeling “27 going on 70,” finding holistic reset tools, and the power of getting your VA benefits immediately.Jessica Ruttenber (Retired Air Force Pilot) on letting go of ego, documenting injuries for your family’s future, and addressing mental health alongside physical claims.Key Takeaways: Document everything while you’re in or right after separation. Build that paper trail now.File for VA benefits early for better outcomes and potential back pay.Address the full picture: physical injuries, chronic pain, and nervous system health. You’ve earned the support.Do it for yourself and your family. These benefits are not handouts.Links to the Full Featured Episodes: Don’t Tough It Out: A Marine’s VA & Vitamin M Warning (Rob Fuller)Nervous System Reset: From Combat Ready to Calm Within (Patience Ulstad)Breaking Barriers in Aviation & Turning Passion into Nonprofit Purpose (Jessica Ruttenber)If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow service member or veteran who’s transitioning. Thanks for listening to Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You. Take care of yourself! Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Exit Buddy: Veteran Voices, to stay updated and connect with other listeners and guests. #VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #ExitBuddy #VABenefits Send us Fan Mail Visit us at https://exitbuddy.buzzsprout.com to learn more about the show. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ashleyjones.creative@gmail.com.

  8. Jun 29 ·  Bonus

    Producer Pick: From Chief to "Just" Jaimee

    Welcome to this special producer pick edition of Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You. We’re thrilled to bring back one of our standout episodes with Air Force veteran Jaimee Freeman. In this powerful conversation, Jaimee opens up about her transition after 28 years of service — stepping out of the “Chief” identity, finding the courage to turn down the wrong opportunity, and landing her dream SkillBridge role at National Geographic. If you missed it the first time, you’re in for a treat. You can find the original show notes and transcript here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535619/episodes/18077605-from-chief-to-just-jaimee-soul-searching-taking-your-shot Follow us for more inspiring veteran stories, and don’t forget to text this episode to a service member who’s preparing for their own transition. Send us Fan Mail Visit us at https://exitbuddy.buzzsprout.com to learn more about the show. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ashleyjones.creative@gmail.com.

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Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You shines a light on the real struggles and triumphs of veterans navigating life after military service. Each episode dives into the heart of military transition—sharing tales of resilience, setbacks, humor, and growth as veterans move from boots to business or rediscover purpose in civilian life. If you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice on military transition, or just a reminder that you’re not walking this path alone, Exit Buddy is here to help you find your way forward and thrive beyond the uniform.

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