• From Military Spouse to Bestselling Ghostwriter | Brunella Costagliola’s Entrepreneurial Journey
    Feb 20 2025

    In this episode ofVET S.O.S., we welcomeBrunella Costagliola, abestselling ghostwriter, award-winning author, journalist, and translator with over a decade of experience in publishing. She is the founder ofThe Military Editor Agency, a boutique agency that helpsveterans, military spouses, and service members navigate the publishing world and share their powerful stories.

    Brunella opens up about:
    ✅ Her transition frommilitary spouse to entrepreneur
    ✅ How she broke into thepublishing industry
    ✅ The challenges ofgetting military stories published
    ✅ HowThe Military Editor Agency supports veteran authors
    ✅ Advice foraspiring writers in the military community

    📢Looking to publish your story? Connect with The Military Editor Agency:
    🌐 Website:www.themilitaryeditor.com
    📧 Email:pm@themilitaryeditor.com

    🔴Follow & Subscribe to VET S.O.S.:
    🌐 Website: vetsospodcast.com
    🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
    🍏 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s/id1673146703
    📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
    🔗 Social Media:

    • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
    • Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
    • Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
    • Twitter: x.com/vetsospodcast
    • TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

    📣Don’t miss more inspiring stories from veteran entrepreneurs—follow and rate VET S.O.S. today!


    #VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitarySpouse #PublishingIndustry #VeteranStories #Ghostwriting #MilitaryAuthors #TransitionTips #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryCommunity

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Rescuing Lives Worldwide: Bryan Stern’s Journey with Grey Bull Rescue
    Feb 13 2025

    Welcome to VET S.O.S., where we shine a spotlight on veteran entrepreneurs making a difference. In this gripping episode, we’re joined by the extraordinary Bryan Stern, Chairman and Founder of Grey Bull Rescue, a decorated U.S. Army and Navy combat veteran, 9/11 first responder, and Purple Heart recipient.
    Bryan's story is nothing short of incredible. As a former intelligence officer with decades of experience, Bryan transitioned from military service to founding a nonprofit that specializes in rescuing Americans and allies from some of the most volatile and dangerous situations in the world. From the fall of Afghanistan in 2021 to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, natural disasters in the U.S., and even rescuing hostages from Gaza, Bryan and his team at Grey Bull Rescue have conducted 728 high-stakes missions and saved over 7,000 lives worldwide.
    🛠️ Key Topics Covered:
    ✔️ Military Transition: How Bryan landed on his feet after service, starting with consulting before founding Grey Bull Rescue.
    ✔️ Entrepreneurial Journey: The challenges of running a nonprofit in high-pressure environments and the importance of leadership, creativity, and resilience.
    ✔️ Rescue Operations: First-hand accounts of daring missions in places like Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Haiti.
    ✔️ The Realities of Nonprofits: Bryan’s candid insights into the veteran nonprofit sector, the importance of loyalty, and the tough decisions leaders face.
    ✔️ Life-Saving Impact: How Grey Bull Rescue fills a critical gap where governments and other organizations cannot operate.
    💡 About Grey Bull Rescue:
    Grey Bull Rescue was founded during the fall of Afghanistan in 2021 when Bryan decided he could no longer stand by and watch people in need suffer. Since then, the organization has conducted life-saving missions in war zones, disaster areas, and other challenging environments where conventional help is unavailable. Grey Bull Rescue has set records, including two of the largest private rescues in U.S. history, saving 293 Americans from Israel in 2023 and 117 Americans from Afghanistan in 2021. Their motto? “We buy one-way tickets—we don’t come home until they come home.”
    💡 Support Grey Bull Rescue:
    Bryan and his team rely on donor funding to carry out their life-saving missions. Every contribution helps them save lives and bring Americans and allies to safety.
    👉 Visit greybullrescue.org to learn more and donate today.
    📌 Stay Connected with VET S.O.S.:
    ✅ Follow VET S.O.S. on all major podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media.
    ✅ Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to support the veteran community and stay up to date with future episodes.
    🌟 Don’t Drown During Your Transition—Grab the VET S.O.S. Lifeline Today!
    #VETSOS #GreyBullRescue #BryanStern #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEntrepreneur #NonprofitLeadership #Resilience #Leadership #HighStakesRescue #MilitaryStories

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • From Soldier to CEO: Jeremiah Hardy’s Journey with Victory Leadership Coaching
    Feb 6 2025

    Welcome back to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight! In this powerful episode, we’re honored to feature Jeremiah Hardy, a seasoned leadership coach, resilience advocate, veteran supporter, and founder of Victory Leadership Coaching. With 18 years of leadership experience, Jeremiah has dedicated his post-military career to empowering leaders to thrive through empathy, effective communication, and mental toughness.
    Jeremiah opens up about his unexpected and challenging military transition due to health issues and how he navigated those difficulties by tapping into local veteran support systems like DAV and the American Legion. He discusses how his professional experiences in management revealed a significant gap in basic leadership skills, motivating him to launch his own company to help organizations foster healthy workplace cultures and build strong, resilient teams.
    Now, through Victory Leadership Coaching, Jeremiah provides personalized leadership coaching, consulting services, a Business Basics Program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, and a Warrior Leadership Coaching Certification that equips leaders with mindset and coaching tools to drive success. He also emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship, crediting veteran entrepreneur programs like Bunker Labs for playing a critical role in his business growth.
    📌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
    - Jeremiah’s personal story of overcoming adversity during his military transition
    - How leadership gaps in corporate environments inspired him to start his business
    - Strategies for building effective teams and positive workplace cultures
    - Insights into launching and sustaining a lifestyle business versus scaling a large enterprise
    - The role of veteran support organizations like Bunker Labs in entrepreneurial success
    - Why resilience, hard work, and adaptability are critical in business ownership
    - Practical advice for new entrepreneurs: “Do the hard things and don’t give up!”
    🔗 Connect with Jeremiah Hardy:
    🌐 Website: victoryleadershipcoaching.com (New website launching soon with downloadable resources and leadership tools)
    📱 Social Media: Victory Leadership Coaching (Available on all major platforms)
    📅 Book a session with Jeremiah—whether or not you join his programs, it’s worth the conversation!
    💥 Support VET S.O.S.
    A huge thank you to our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, your one-stop shop for cutting-edge products, services, and training. From AI technology to corporate gifts, they have everything you need to help your organization thrive.
    👉 Check them out at spearpointonline.com and use code VETSOS to support our mission!
    🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
    Find VET S.O.S. on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms.
    As always, remember:
    💡 Don’t try to sea a transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
    #VeteranEntrepreneur #LeadershipDevelopment #VictoryLeadershipCoaching #VeteransInBusiness #MilitaryTransition #ResilientLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #VeteranSupport #BunkerLabs #VETSOS #LeadershipCoaching

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • From Combat Boots to CEO: Paula Sanchez Journey in Healthcare Innovation & Veteran Entrepreneurship
    Jan 30 2025

    Welcome back to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight! In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Paula Sanchez, CEO and founder of Sankirtz Marketing & Consulting Services. Paula is a proud veteran of the Air Force and Army National Guard, holding a master's degree in nursing informatics. Her company is an independent health IT consulting agency that specializes in interoperability, human-centered design concepts, UX/UI solution designs, pragmatic marketing, and agile methodology. Paula shares her inspiring journey from serving as a surgical technician in the Air Force to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She opens up about the emotional and professional challenges she faced during her military transition, highlighting how the lack of support in 2001 led her to discover veteran resources much later in her career. Programs like V-WISE, FourBlock, and WoVen played a critical role in helping Paula gain business acumen, build a supportive network, and foster resilience in entrepreneurship. She also emphasizes the importance of paying it forward by actively mentoring and empowering fellow veterans, especially women veterans. In this episode, Paula delves into how Sankirtz Marketing & Consulting Services helps healthcare organizations and regulatory industries streamline workflows, improve compliance, and implement innovative solutions. She explains how her background in nursing informatics allows her to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and IT professionals, ensuring that technological solutions are both compliant and user-friendly. Paula discusses her company's growth from domestic healthcare clients to international corporate partnerships, expanding into other regulatory industries beyond healthcare. Discover how Paula turned her passion for healthcare innovation into a thriving business and how she's leveraging her extensive experience to tackle industry pain points. Gain valuable insights into how veterans can transition into entrepreneurship, maintain discipline, and build sustainable businesses in competitive markets. Learn more about Sankirtz Marketing & Consulting Services: https://sankirtz.com/ Connect with Paula Sanchez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-sanchez-msn-bsn-rn-cspo/ Contact Paula directly: info@sankirtz.com | Text: 404-825-1041 ✨ Subscribe to VET S.O.S. on YouTube and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! 🔗 Follow VET S.O.S. on all major podcast platforms and social media. Remember: Don't drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline! #VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneur #PaulaSanchez #SankirtzConsulting #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #HealthcareInnovation #Entrepreneurship #WomenVeterans #Leadership #VeteranSuccessStories


    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • From Trauma to Triumph: Daniel O'Dell’s Journey with MotiveFate, LLC & The Fluffy Poodle
    Jan 23 2025

    Welcome back to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight—the lifeline for transitioning service members and veteran entrepreneurs! In this powerful episode, host Shawn Welsh sits down with Daniel O'Dell, a disabled Army veteran, motivational speaker, social media influencer, and the founder of MotiveFate, LLC.
    Daniel’s story is one of resilience, determination, and purpose. Born into poverty and raised in foster care, group homes, and shelters, Daniel endured unimaginable physical, mental, and sexual abuse before the age of 18. After serving in the military, he faced a difficult transition complicated by severe disabilities, including a full neck replacement that limited his ability to work in traditional roles.
    Struggling to find his purpose, Daniel discovered his calling as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. He founded MotiveFate, LLC, a company dedicated to inspiring others to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. With the help of his beloved service dog, the unmistakable Fluffy Poodle—known for his eye-catching green fur—Daniel travels the world speaking to corporations, schools, foster care groups, and Fortune 500 companies, delivering powerful and customized messages of resilience, adaptability, and hope.
    In This Episode, Daniel Discusses:
    ⚡ His challenging transition from military service to civilian life.
    ⚡ The struggles of finding employment as a disabled veteran.
    ⚡ How he turned personal hardship into a thriving business.
    ⚡ The creation and mission of MotiveFate, LLC.
    ⚡ His partnership with organizations like Warrior Rising and the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce.
    ⚡ The importance of setting short- and long-term goals for success.
    ⚡ Valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Never give up. Adapt and overcome.”
    Daniel’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of sharing your story. Whether you’re a veteran navigating your own transition or an entrepreneur seeking motivation, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.
    🔗 Connect with Daniel O'Dell and MotiveFate, LLC:
    📱 Facebook: MotiveFate, LLC
    🐩 Follow "The Fluffy Poodle" on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, and YouTube for more behind-the-scenes moments and updates!
    🔗 Explore More from VET S.O.S.:
    🌐 Website: https://vetsodpodcast.com
    📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
    🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | [Insert Platforms]
    🎯 Sponsored by Spearpoint Solutions
    🛠️ Your one-stop shop for leading-edge products, services, and training solutions—from AI training to corporate gifts.
    💻 Visit: spearpointonline.com
    🎟️ Use code VETSOS at checkout to support our mission and access exclusive deals!
    👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE!
    🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an inspiring story!
    Remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition. Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline.
    #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #MotivationalSpeaker #VETSOS #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #TheFluffyPoodle #MotiveFateLLC #VeteransHelpingVeterans #VeteranOwnedBusiness #DisabledVeteran
    #EntrepreneurMindset #MentalHealthAwareness

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Stories of Service: Tales of Leadership, Resilience, and Community Impact with Theresa Carpenter
    Jan 16 2025

    In Stories of Service, Theresa Carpenter—a dedicated Navy Commander with 28 years of service—shines a light on the lives of ordinary people making extraordinary impacts in their communities. As a seasoned leader, storyteller, and public relations professional, Theresa uses her platform to explore diverse narratives of courage, resilience, and service. Each episode takes listeners on a journey through inspiring stories of individuals tackling systemic challenges, breaking barriers, and uplifting others. From veterans and active-duty service members to everyday heroes, the podcast showcases people who embody selflessness and determination. Theresa shares her own experiences transitioning to retirement, addressing physical and mental health challenges like PTSD and anxiety, and navigating the complexities of balancing her military career with her entrepreneurial endeavors. She openly discusses the ups and downs of podcasting, from technical hurdles to the joy of connecting with her audience. Embracing technology and innovation, Theresa uses AI tools to enhance her storytelling, creating rich, engaging content that resonates deeply. She balances this creativity with the discipline of coordinating with her legal team and chain of command to maintain compliance while still sharing her personal voice. Highlights of the podcast include: Stories of perseverance from veterans, service members, and civilians alike. Honest discussions on mental health, leadership, and the realities of service. Practical advice on professional development, storytelling, and personal growth. Insight into the challenges and rewards of creating a meaningful side hustle. Theresa's passion extends beyond the microphone, with her presence on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Wreaths Across America Radio. She invites her audience to join her mission to bridge gaps in the veteran and active-duty communities, encouraging connection, critical thinking, and humor in the face of life’s challenges. Whether you're a veteran, an advocate, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Stories of Service reminds us all of the profound impact of those who choose to serve. https://www.theresatapestries.com/stories-of-service https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrdmJ4QyRnOCxyB8T-kBtwpPuwqW60P2E

    And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services: https://spearpointonline.com/ Referral Code: VETSOS

    #vetsos #StoriesOfService #LeadershipInAction #VeteranVoices #CommunityImpact #ResilienceAndService


    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • David Daly's Journey: From Marine Corps to Drone Industry Innovator
    Jan 9 2025

    In this compelling episode of the VET S.O.S. Entrepreneurial Spotlight, Shawn Welsh welcomes David Daly, a Marine Corps veteran and trailblazer in the drone industry. David shares his remarkable story of transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship, illustrating the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.
    David reflects on his four tours in Iraq and his struggle to adjust to civilian life, facing obstacles like PTSD and a difficult corporate environment during the 2008 economic downturn. After returning to war zones as a contractor and another stint in Afghanistan, David decided to embrace entrepreneurship, finding both solace and purpose in drone flying.
    In 2017, David founded Vigilante Drones, a versatile drone service provider offering solutions in aerial photography, mapping, and disaster response. His journey didn’t stop there—David launched Altitude University, a comprehensive training program to help aspiring pilots pass the Part 107 drone license exam, and High Stakes University, focusing on advanced drone operations for law enforcement, security personnel, and emergency responders.
    David candidly discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced his business revenue to just $250 in one month. Despite this setback, he rebuilt his ventures with the help of key resources like an MBA from the University of Redlands and support from the Wounded Warrior Project, Rosie Network, and Work Vessels for Veterans, which provided essential drone equipment.
    Shawn and David explore the transformative potential of drones in industries like real estate, topography, and high-stakes operations. They also emphasize the importance of proper training and the legal implications of unregulated drone usage.
    Listeners will gain insight into the dedication, adaptability, and community support that fuel David’s entrepreneurial journey. His story is a testament to the resilience of veterans and the power of turning passion into impact-driven business ventures.
    Key Takeaways:
    Overcoming challenges in transitioning from military to civilian life
    The therapeutic and professional benefits of drone flying
    Building a business from scratch and adapting through crises
    The importance of training and vetting in the drone industry
    Resources and support networks for veteran entrepreneurs
    Links & Resources:
    Vigilante Drones Consulting
    Altitude University
    High Stakes University
    Connect with David Daley on LinkedIn
    Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Subscribe to the VET S.O.S. podcast for more stories of veterans transforming their lives and communities through entrepreneurship. https://www.vigilantedronesconsulting.com/ https://www.altitude-university.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@altitudeuniversity/videos https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-daly-drones/ And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services:
    https://spearpointonline.com/
    Referral Code: VETSOS #vetsos #VeteranEntrepreneurship #DroneIndustry #MilitaryToBusiness #PTSDRecovery #VetSOSPodcast

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Achieve New Heights: Navigating Career Transitions with Don Gleason
    Jan 2 2025

    In this episode of the Vet SOS Podcast, Shawn Welsh sits down with Don Gleason, a leader with over four decades of experience spanning military service, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. Don shares his inspiring journey from a 27-year military career to his role in environmental leadership at Booz Allen Hamilton, and eventually, the launch of his own company, Achieve New Heights LLC.

    Don offers invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from military to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of aligning your passion with your career. His mission is to empower veterans and military spouses to articulate their skills effectively and secure fulfilling careers.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The importance of targeted resumes tailored to job requirements.
    • How early preparation, networking, and goal-setting can ease the military-to-corporate transition.
    • Insights on leveraging leadership principles and personality assessments to unlock career potential.
    • Encouragement to pursue careers that energize and fulfill you rather than settling for just any role.

    This episode is packed with actionable advice for veterans, military spouses, and anyone navigating career transitions. Tune in to hear Don’s inspiring story, practical strategies, and tips for achieving new heights in your personal and professional life.

    Actionable Resources:

    • Mock interview tips and guidance for military spouses.

    Explore career transition services at Achieve New Heights LLC. Website – www.AchieveNewHeights.com LinkedIn – personal – https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-gleason LinkedIn – business - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12373390/

    And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services: https://spearpointonline.com/ Referral Code: VETSOS

    #vetsos #VeteranSupport #CareerTransition #LeadershipDevelopment #MilitaryToCivilian #EntrepreneurshipJourney


    Show More Show Less
    17 mins