The Enduring Mindset Podcast

Kevin Kidder
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS

Hosted by retired Army Staff Sergeant Kevin Kidder, the Enduring Mindset Podcast is a veteran leadership podcast focused on military transition, resilience, identity, and purpose after service. Through conversations with veterans, leaders, authors, and professionals, each episode explores how people rebuild direction, strengthen character, and lead well in life beyond uniform. Season One aligns with The Invisible Veteran, examining what it means to reclaim purpose, identity, and connection after transition.

  1. MAY 12

    Wake Up to Die Again. A Conversation with Scott Lackey

    In this conversation, Scott Lackey shares his journey from a freedom-seeking kid in Arkansas to Army service during Desert Storm, entrepreneurship, repeated personal and professional setbacks, and ultimately becoming an author and storyteller focused on resilience, identity, and personal growth. He reflects on the difficulty of transitioning out of the military, the loss of structure and identity many veterans experience, and the emotional toll of rebuilding after failure and disappointment. Scott discusses leadership, ambition, faith, and the lessons learned through both success and adversity, including how some of life’s greatest growth comes through painful seasons and unexpected “lightning strikes.” He also shares the inspiration behind his book Wake Up to Die Again and the importance of vulnerability, purpose, and honest conversations around struggle, healing, and rediscovering direction after major life transitions. This episode is thoughtful, reflective, and especially relevant for veterans, leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating change while trying to stay grounded in who they are beyond titles, careers, and accomplishments.

    1h 40m

  2. MAY 5

    What If You Actually Do Belong Here? A Conversation with Navy Veteran Becky Scheusner

    In today’s episode, we dive into the gap between self-perception and how others actually see us. My guest is Becky Scheusner, a Navy veteran, Brown University graduate, and mentor working with military-affiliated students at Brown. Becky shares her journey from a small-town girl in Kansas to serving as a Navy musician, becoming a single mother during her transition from the military, and eventually finding her place at one of the most respected universities in the world. One of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is leadership and self-doubt. Becky talks openly about the hesitation she once felt stepping into leadership roles, not because she lacked capability, but because she did not believe she looked like the kind of person others would naturally follow. We explore the importance of authenticity, curiosity, mentorship, and learning to stop disqualifying yourself from opportunities before giving yourself a chance. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not always loud, and that growth often begins the moment you stop questioning whether you belong in the room.

    1h 20m

  3. APR 28

    The Nothing Is Real (And It’s Stealing Your Life)

    In this solo episode, I break down a message that has been sitting with me for a long time. It is something I did not fully understand as a kid watching The NeverEnding Story, but see clearly now as an adult. This is not about a movie. It is about what happens when people lose hope, start doubting themselves, and slowly drift away from who they are capable of becoming. Most people do not get stopped by the world. They stop themselves.

    13 min

  4. APR 21

    From Vietnam to Burnout Recovery: A Marine’s Hardest Fight with Keith Cole

    In this compelling interview, Keith Cole shares his journey from Vietnam veteran to author and mental health advocate. He discusses the silent battles of burnout, the power of faith, and practical recovery strategies to help others heal and find strength.

    58 min

  5. APR 14

    Good Follows Grief: Leading Yourself Through Transition with Dean Huard

    What happens when the mission ends—and everything changes? In this episode, Kevin sits down with retired Army leader Dean Huard to talk about life after service, navigating uncertainty, and rebuilding after setbacks. Dean opens up about his transition from the military to civilian leadership, the unexpected challenges of unemployment, and a serious health crisis that forced him to slow down and reassess everything. Through it all, he shares the mindset that carried him forward: Build Yourself First, Unite Your Tribe, and Serve Others. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and one powerful truth—good follows grief.

    1h 18m

  6. APR 7

    Don’t Self-Select: Kaedy Molley on Rebuilding Identity and Winning After Transition

    In this inspiring interview, Katie Molly shares her journey from military service to higher education, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, community, and continuous growth for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Discover valuable resources, personal insights, and practical advice to empower veterans in their next chapter.

    1h 17m

  7. MAR 31

    USMC CPT Riley Tejcek on Chasing Excellence without Losing Yourself

    In this conversation, Riley Tejcek shares her journey from Division I athletics to the Marine Corps to competing on Team USA, reflecting on discipline, identity, and the challenge of pursuing excellence without allowing performance to define who you are. She discusses the role faith has played in shaping her perspective, the importance of clear priorities, and how small, daily decisions build long-term resilience. Riley also offers insight into navigating change when plans shift, staying grounded through transition, and maintaining a sense of purpose beyond titles and achievements. Her perspective is practical, honest, and relevant for anyone striving to perform at a high level while staying anchored in who they are.

    37 min

  8. MAR 17

    Turning the Page: Ryan Pote on Identity, Writing, Faith, and Life After Service

    In this thoughtful conversation, Ryan Pote shares his journey from military aviation to authorship, reflecting on discipline, identity, and the mindset required to build a meaningful second chapter after service. He discusses the lessons military life taught him about preparation, humility, and consistency, along with the realities of stepping into writing without a traditional literary background. Ryan also offers insight into creativity, personal growth, and the importance of staying committed to a long-term vision even when the path is uncertain. His perspective is grounded, practical, and encouraging for anyone navigating transition, leadership, or reinvention.

    1h 27m
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by retired Army Staff Sergeant Kevin Kidder, the Enduring Mindset Podcast is a veteran leadership podcast focused on military transition, resilience, identity, and purpose after service. Through conversations with veterans, leaders, authors, and professionals, each episode explores how people rebuild direction, strengthen character, and lead well in life beyond uniform. Season One aligns with The Invisible Veteran, examining what it means to reclaim purpose, identity, and connection after transition.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Kidder
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kevin Kidder