Episodes

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 20 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode, Tom and Jodi welcome Steve Cole, Executive Director of Veterans Bridge Home's Metrolina Market, to discuss the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and how local communities can help them succeed. From veteran employment and community connections to suicide prevention awareness and navigating available resources, Steve shares how Veterans Bridge Home is h...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 19 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Ike Belk, co-founder of the U.S. Performance Center, about bringing the 2027 Carolinas Military World Games to the United States for the first time. Ike shares the scale of the global competition, how the games will celebrate active-duty service members and veterans, and why sport can create connections across countries, cultures and military ...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 18 of the “Militarily Speaking” podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Major Cole Hanna, co-founder of H.K. Young Bourbon Company, about building an award-winning Kentucky bourbon brand while continuing to serve on active duty. Cole shares how military leadership shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, why H.K. Young committed to toasted barrel finished bourbon, and what military members should know before start...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 17 of the “Militarily Speaking” podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Sydney Mathis, CEO of Service to School, about helping active-duty service members and veterans turn their military experience and education benefits into meaningful college opportunities. They discuss Service to School’s free college admissions support, VetLink partner schools, veteran-to-veteran mentorship and how military students can find ...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 16 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Monica Fullerton, Founder & CEO of Spouse-ly, about building her online marketplace connecting shoppers with military spouse, service member, veteran, and first responder-owned businesses. They dive into how she aims to support military spouse-owned businesses and create income-generating opportunities that can move with military families. “M...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 15 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP), about how AWP partners with communities nationwide to improve veterans’ quality of life so suicide is not an option. Jim shares AWP’s origins, including early success reducing homeless veterans in the Augusta area from 159 to 7, and explains how AWP bridges local and natio...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 14 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Paul Cockerham, Business Development Director for Purple Heart Homes, to discuss how their organization is transforming the lives of veterans through accessible housing, home repairs, and community support. For many veterans, coming home doesn't always mean returning to a home that meets their needs. Whether it's recovering from combat in...

The boxes are mostly unpacked. The new duty station is no longer a destination — it is home, at least for now. In the 4th and final episode of the Militarily Speaking PCS Survival Series, hosts Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery are joined again by VA Loan Expert Mel Aguto to talk about what happens after a PCS move: the first 30-60 days, the financial and administrative reset, military spouse employment, rebuilding community, and the lessons experienced military families wish they had learned earlier....

In Episode 3 of our PCS Survival Series, Militarily Speaking hosts Tom McLean, Jodi Vickery, and VA Loan Expert Mel Aguto, break down exactly what the government covers, how DLA, per diem, and mileage reimbursement actually work in practice, the financial mistakes that cost families most, and how to manage the emotional weight of the gap period. Militarily Speaking dives into the heart of military life through the voices of those who’ve lived it. Hosted by Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery – seasoned...

In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we continue our four-part PCS Survival Guide. In Episode 2 of our PCS Survival Series, Tom, Jodi, and VA loan expert Mel Aguto break down the biggest planning decisions in any PCS move: how to talk to your kids, on-base vs. off-base housing, and the critical HHG vs. DITY/PPM move choice. Plus: the one thing you should absolutely not do the moment orders arrive. Militarily Speaking dives into the heart of military life through the voices of those who’ve li...

In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we begin our four-part PCS Survival Guide. In this first episode, we cover what to do if you’ve just received received PCS orders — or you know they're coming. Tom and Jodi are joined by senior VA loan expert Mel Aguto (a combined 20+ years of military spouse experience and more PCS moves than they care to count!) walk through everything you need to tackle first: understanding your orders, navigating CONUS vs. OCONUS differences, the paperwork that trips f...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 13 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Jason Anderson, veteran, and CEO & Founder of VeteranPCS, to explore how military families can navigate PCS moves more strategically and even get money back in the process. They dive into the role of real estate in building long-term financial stability, how VA home loans fit into a broader military financial readiness plan, and why workin...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 12 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Jeff Major, a Personal Financial Readiness Specialist at Army Community Service (ACS), to discuss strengthening military financial readiness to providing critical support programs for military families. They outline the essential resources available to service members at every stage of their careers. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast pro...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 11 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Tim Shaw and Colin Block, two leaders dedicated to helping veterans succeed after service. Their conversation centers on transitioning from military to civilian life, highlighting practical strategies, support programs, and the importance of financial readiness for veterans and military families. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produce...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 10 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Jason Laramore, Program Director for Heroes and Horses, who shares how veteran horse therapy helps combat veterans rediscover purpose, resilience, and personal stability through nature, horsemanship, and personal challenge. The powerful work of Heroes and Horses supports veterans as they navigate the emotional and personal challenges of tr...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 9 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Sam, ‘Rags,’ and Bud from the Air Warrior Courage Foundation (AWCF) to the organization’s powerful mission supporting veterans, service members, and military families. They help militarily families with disaster relief, PTSD support, college grants, and much more. Tune in as they highlight the importance of giving back and the enduring bond...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 8 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Sarah Roder from Armed Forces Mutual to break down financial planning for military life. From Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) strategies and early retirement planning to budgeting, military benefits, and financial education for young service members, this conversation delivers practical insights every military family should know. Together, they e...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 7 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we are joined by Retired Brigadier General Omuso “Moose” George, the President and CEO of the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA). Together we cover Moose's impressive 30-year military career, his transition to leading AMBA, and the unique challenges and opportunities of the military banking landscape. From his early days at West Point to managi...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 6 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we dive deep into the world of veteran entrepreneurship and military business leadership with Robert Patton, the founder and CEO of Sheath. Sheath is a unique veteran-owned business known for innovating comfort in men’s underwear. Robert’s journey from Army soldier to successful entrepreneur offers powerful insights for military members, veterans, and milit...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 5 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Heather Walrath of Navy Mutual Aid Association to discuss military financial readiness, budgeting for PCS moves, and long-term planning for veterans and service members. Discover expert tips on saving money, improving credit, managing military loans, and preparing for life after service. Whether you’re new to the military or nearing retirem...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 4 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Bruce McClary, Senior Vice President of Media Relations and Membership for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Financial readiness is an essential part of life for military families, who often face unique financial challenges due to deployments, relocations, and transitions between duty stations. Together with hosts Tom McLean...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we chat with Joe Reagan from the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center. The conversation highlights how veteran service organizations help veterans and military spouses transition to civilian life and launch veteran-owned small businesses, offering critical guidance, funding access, and financial education. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Arm...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 2 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of the Militarily Speaking podcast, we sit down with Brandon Eldridge, Executive Director of the Pike’s Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Brandon shares how small businesses – especially veteran-owned and military spouse small businesses – can access the tools, funding, and financial education they need to thrive. Learn about the upcoming 18th Annual Veteran Small Bus...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 1 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of the Militarily Speaking podcast, we sit down with Lacey Langford, host of the MILMO Show and MilMoneyCon, as well as an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and accredited financial counselor. Together we explore the unique financial challenges military families face. From the importance of financial literacy to practical tips for better money management, this conversation offer...