The Forge

Joey Villalobos
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It’s the culmination of community and learning. I encourage veterans and civilians alike to come, listen, learn something new, or reach out to share some of your knowledge with others. For more info: ourdigitalforge@gmail.com

Episodes

  1. 12/15/2025

    Episode 9: Why the Holidays Suck For Veterans

    For a lot of us, the holidays hit different. Whether you’re a veteran, a civilian, a parent, single, newly sober, grieving, or just trying to keep it together—this season can amplify everything. On The Forge, we break down what makes the holidays so heavy and how to protect your peace: practical coping strategies, routines that stabilize you, and ways to ask for help without feeling weak. If you’re feeling stretched thin, this one’s for you.

    19 min

  2. 11/21/2025

    Episode 8: Scrap Metal - Why Veterans Are Working Jobs They’re Overqualified For

    🔥 SCRAP METAL — Why Veterans Are Working Jobs They’re Overqualified For | The Forge Podcast Veterans aren’t “broken.” They’re underutilized — and the numbers prove it. In this episode of The Forge, we dig into why so many highly trained vets end up working jobs miles below their real capability… and what it actually feels like to go from life-or-death responsibility to being told how to use Excel by someone who’s never seen stress in their life. This isn’t a pity party. It’s a callout. A challenge. And a look at the systems that treat skilled veterans like scrap metal instead of the assets they are. In this episode: The hard truth about veteran underemployment Why “you’re overqualified” is corporate code for “you intimidate me” How military experience gets lost in translation Real stories from the transition trenches What needs to change — on both sides Why this problem isn’t just personal… it’s national If you’re a veteran, transitioning, thinking of getting out, or you just want to understand what the hell is going on behind the scenes — this one’s for you. ⚒️ JOIN THE FORGE This podcast is where veterans and civilians come together to learn, grow, and talk about the real shit without filters. New episodes, shorts, and behind-the-scenes drops every week. Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next hit — especially the follow-up episode where we dig deeper into the fixes (and the failures) nobody wants to talk about. 🎧 LISTEN ON AUDIO Spotify | Apple Podcasts (Search: The Forge Podcast) https://linktr.ee/ourdigitalforge 📩 CONTACT Email: ourdigitalforge@gmail.com

    13 min

  3. 11/18/2025

    Episode 7: Under Pressure- The Real Story of Veteran Suicide

    Every day, 17.5 veterans take their own lives. That's over 6,400 every year. But here's what most people don't know: two-thirds of them were never connected to VA care. The majority aren't the young combat veterans everyone pictures—they're older vets who served decades ago, quietly struggling outside the system. This episode isn't about awareness campaigns or viral statistics. It's about understanding what's actually killing veterans and what's actually saving them. We break down the complexity beyond PTSD—financial crisis, isolation, chronic pain, and the brutal reality of transitioning from mission to civilian life without a new purpose. We talk about the organizations doing real work: 22Kill, Mission 22, SAVE22, The 22 Project—groups that connect veterans to resources, community, and hope. And we cover what actually works: the Veterans Crisis Line (988 press 1), which has prevented over 190,000 veteran deaths since 2007. This conversation is direct, research-backed, and built for both veterans and civilians who want to understand what's happening and how to help. No sugarcoating. No false hope. Just real talk about a crisis we can actually do something about. If you or someone you know is struggling:Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1Text: 838255 The forge is hottest right before the steel takes its strongest form. 🎙️ New episodes every Monday & Thursday💬 Join our community: [Discord link]📧 Business inquiries: [your email] #VeteranSuicide #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #988Press1 #TheForge #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryCommunity #VeteransSupport #SuicidePrevention

    17 min

  4. 11/16/2025

    Episode 6: From the Fire to the Foundation: Housing Market Realities in 2025

    We discuss the housing market, VA loans and what to expect when out looking for homes in today's market. I tease the introduction of my first guest and go over some of the pitfalls we face as veterans and homebuyers.

    48 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Episode 5: Left Behind: The Battle Against Veteran Homelessness

    We're changing things up at The Forge. No more just tech talk—we're going everywhere the conversation needs to go. Starting with the hardest topic: veteran homelessness. Over 32,000 veterans are on the streets tonight. The strongest predictor? Not combat. Not PTSD. Mental illness and addiction that the system fails to address. This episode breaks down: Why billions in funding still leaves veterans homelessThe resources that actually exist (and how to access them)How mental health drives the crisisMy own experience with homelessnessIf you need help: 1-877-4AID-VETIn crisis: 988, Press 1 Real talk. No BS. Let's get into it.

    18 min

  6. 11/08/2025

    Episode 4: Forging Identity & Discipline After Service (No-BS Extended Edition)

    In this raw and motivational episode, host Joey — a former 11B Infantry soldier turned tech student — dives deep into the gritty reality of life after military service. From the disorienting “What now?” phase to rebuilding discipline without the uniform, Joey shares hard-earned insights on identity, habits, and financial freedom. With humor, honesty, and no sugar-coating, this extended edition adds practical tools and a new segment on money habits that every vet (and civilian) should hear. Challenge: Pick one habit — physical, mental, or financial — and stick with it for 7 days. Reflect nightly and share your story at ourdigitalforge@gmail.com.

    4 min

  7. 11/08/2025

    Episode 3: AI Agents, Industry Titans, and the Veterans Who Keep Us Safe (Both IRL and Online)

    In this episode of The Forge, Joey dives deep into the world of AI, IT, and the people shaping our future — both in and out of uniform. He breaks down the top five tech trends of 2025, from AI agents that act as digital co-workers to cybersecurity systems that fight off attacks in real time. Then, he spotlightsthe tools and agents quietly transforming industries behind the scenes — showing how technology is no longer just support but an active teammate in the modern workforce.   But the heart of this episode lies in its closing chapters — a raw and honest look at veteran transition. Joey talks about the challenges of coming home, finding purpose again, and how tech can offer a new mission for those who’ve served. With humor, empathy, and clarity, he bridges the gap between veterans and civilians, reminding us that in The Forge, everyone has a place — and every skill forged through service has a purpose in the digital age. This is the last episode that the podcast will be known as The Digital Forge. The Forge is a podcast for a community not tied to any one topic or profession.

    22 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    Episode 2: From AI Awesomeness to CompTIA Confidence

    We talk about veterans, tech, AI, CompTIA certifications and navigating it all together.

    11 min

  9. 11/05/2025

    Episode 1: Building a Smarter Future Together

    This is just me playing around with AI, creating a community for Vets and Civilians to teach and learn together. This is going to be the intro to hopefully a great podcast. If you have knowledge to share, suggestions to help me on my journey, or just some kind words of encouragement....give me a shout. joey_lobos77@icloud.com

    8 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

It’s the culmination of community and learning. I encourage veterans and civilians alike to come, listen, learn something new, or reach out to share some of your knowledge with others. For more info: ourdigitalforge@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Joey Villalobos
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Joey Villalobos
  • Show Website
    The Forge