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Ever wonder what it would be like to quit your job, live on your savings, and explore the world? My next guest has been doing just that for a number of years. Thanks to smart financial decisions and a passion for exploring, she travels internationally meeting people from all walks of life and shares her experiences (and cost cutting hacks) online!

In this episode, we dive into the sun-soaked, wanderlust-filled life of Christina Gawlik, a true nomad who’s made the world her home. Christina shares what it’s like to chase an endless summer, immersing herself in vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes. From swimming in crystal-clear waters to snorkeling through underwater wonders, her adventures are as exhilarating as they are inspiring.

But Christina’s travels are about more than just the scenery. She opens up about her love for connecting with locals, learning their stories, and exploring how their lives have unfolded from childhood to the present day. Along the way, she indulges her passion for trying new cuisines, savoring flavors that tell a story all their own.

Whether you’re a fellow wanderer or simply dreaming of your next escape, this episode will leave you inspired to pack your bags and explore the world in a more meaningful way. We’ll also explore the movement known as FIRE (financial independence, retire early) which has become a movement for those who choose to “work” on their own terms.

Find Christina and learn how she does it - https://lnkd.in/ezh2549B

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
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From Navy SEAL to Advocate – The Journey of Bill Brown

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Brown, an Iraq Veteran Navy SEAL who served honorably for eight years, completing three deployments. Bill shares his incredible journey from the battlefield to higher education, where he utilized the Montgomery GI Bill to attend Rutgers University and Rutgers Law School.

Now, Bill works alongside renowned military and veteran attorney Tim Parlatore at Parlatore Law Group, where he advocates for the rights and well-being of service members and veterans.

Bill is also the founder and driving force behind the NYC SEAL Swim, an inspiring event that has raised millions of dollars to support Gold Star families, Navy SEALs, and their loved ones. He opens up about the mission behind the swim, the impact it’s had, and what motivates him to give back to the SEAL community.

Join us for this powerful conversation about service, resilience, and making a difference beyond the uniform.

Highlights from the episode:
• Bill’s journey as a Navy SEAL, including three deployments to Iraq.
• How the Montgomery GI Bill helped him transition to civilian life and pursue higher education.
• His work at Parlatore Law Group advocating for military and veteran communities.
• The NYC SEAL Swim: its mission, success stories, and the lives it’s touched.
• Bill’s reflections on leadership, legacy, and service beyond the battlefield.

Connect with Bill Brown:
• Learn more about the NYC SEAL Swim: https://impact.navysealfoundation.org/event/2024-nyc-seal-swim/e559597

• Follow Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambrown77?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring look at the life and legacy of a true American hero!

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
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Can you heal yourself and rise to leadership in the Navy’s highest enlisted ranks?

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Amaury Ponciano—an inspiring example of authenticity, accountability, and transformation. From surviving the tragic USS Cole bombing to battling his own personal demons, Amaury’s story is a raw and honest reminder that true leadership begins with owning your struggles and turning them into strengths.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey, Amaury’s 20+ years of Navy service have been defined by resilience, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence. He opens up about:

• Witnessing unimaginable loss during the USS Cole disaster
• Confronting personal flaws, including a battle with serial womanizing
• Balancing the demands of military life with his roles as a son, father, and mentor

But Amaury’s journey isn’t just about challenges—it’s also about growth. He’s a two-time master’s degree graduate, most recently earning one in Applied Cyber Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School. He’s a global traveler who’s visited over 80 countries and 100 cities, a soccer enthusiast, and a lover of cultural exploration through food. His why are his kids and leaving a legacy his mother and children can be proud of. Author of “Anchored in Resilience – Overcoming Adversity through Mental Health Awareness”

Join us as Amaury shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of community. Whether you’re navigating your own struggles or striving to be a better leader and human, this conversation will leave you inspired to take accountability, embrace growth, and lead with authenticity.

📹 Watch live and discover what it truly means to “own your s**” and live with purpose.*

📕 Read his book! Anchored in Resilience: Overcoming Adversity through Mental Health Awareness

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jessica Ruttenber, a trailblazing U.S. Air Force pilot who turned her “vertical challenges” into an incredible aviation career. With over 3,000 flight hours, Jessica soared as a Senior Pilot and became a fierce advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality in the military and aviation industries.

We discuss her groundbreaking achievements, including:
• Advocating for the Department of Defense’s first maternity flight suit, meeting the unique needs of female pilots.
• Leading efforts to redesign Air Force aircraft standards, eliminating height restrictions that once excluded 44% of women from aviation roles.
• Championing the Equality for Military Mothers Amendment in the FY21NDAA, protecting 200,000 Armed Forces members from pregnancy-related discrimination.

Now retired, Jessica shares how her passion for breaking barriers continues as director of Level Up Aviation, where she creates opportunities for underserved communities and pushes for a more inclusive aviation industry.

This is an episode about resilience, advocacy, and the power of change—don’t miss it!

Connect with Us:
• Follow the S.O.S. podcast for more stories of extraordinary leaders.
• Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Level Up Aviation: https://www.levelupaviation.org/get-started

Follow Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaruttenber?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

***Apologies for the sound -- learning lesson!***

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
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In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Anspach, a seasoned entrepreneur, marketing consultant, prolific author, and podcast host with over 30 years of experience helping businesses build authority, craft legacies, and achieve long-term success.

Known for his no-nonsense approach to marketing, Rob shares his famous “Rob-isms”—memorable principles like “The cheaper the client, the more hassles involved”—that have guided countless entrepreneurs in attracting high-value clients and avoiding unnecessary headaches. He’s passionate about empowering business owners to recognize their worth, charge accordingly, and create enterprises built to last.

As the host of The E-Heroes Podcast, Rob interviews top-tier entrepreneurs, diving into topics like legacy, storytelling, and building business authority. He’s also the author of dozens of books, including his popular Rob Versus series, where he hilariously documents his encounters with scammers, showcasing his wit and storytelling prowess.

In this episode, we explore:
• The philosophy behind Rob’s “friends first, client second” approach to relationship-building.
• Why planning for legacy is critical for long-term business success.
• Insights into his marketing principles that help businesses refine their messaging and establish authority.
• Stories from his journey, including his adventures chronicled in Rob Versus The Scammers.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or simply someone passionate about building lasting success, Rob’s insights are sure to inspire and inform.

Tune in now and discover how to create a business that stands the test of time.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Rob Anspach’s website: Anspach Media
• The E-Heroes Podcast: Listen here
• Rob Versus The Scammers: Get the book

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with anyone looking to elevate their entrepreneurial journey!

More on Rob and his company - https://anspachmedia.com/

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
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The transition from military service to civilian life is one of the most profound journeys a veteran can face. Finding a renewed sense of purpose is key to shaping this next chapter.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Col. (Ret) Bill Butler, the acting president of The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. Known as the only museum of its kind that honors all U.S. veterans, the NVMM tells the deeply personal and inspiring stories of those who answered the call to serve.

Through immersive exhibits, personal artifacts, and multimedia storytelling, the museum creates a deeply moving experience that pays tribute not only to servicemen and women but also to the families who supported them. This is not just a war memorial; it’s a journey into the lives, sacrifices, and shared humanity of veterans from all eras of service.

Bill Butler brings a lifetime of leadership and service to this mission. A retired infantry officer with nearly three decades of experience, his remarkable career spans combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, service as a technical adviser for Black Hawk Down, and leadership roles at the highest levels of the Army. Now, he’s dedicated to preserving and amplifying the voices of America’s veterans.

Tune in as we explore:

• How Bill transitioned from the battlefield to leading one of the country’s most unique museums.
• The importance of storytelling in honoring those who’ve served.
• Why the NVMM stands out as a beacon of remembrance and education for all Americans.
• Lessons on leadership, purpose, and finding meaning in life after service.

Whether you're a veteran, a military family member, or someone inspired by stories of service, this episode will leave you reflecting on the incredible power of shared experiences and the enduring legacy of those who serve.

📍 Plan your visit to The National Veterans Memorial and Museum: www.nationalvmm.org

🎙 Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation! Subscribe, listen, and share with others who value the stories that shape our nation.

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
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This week, I sit down with Ted Blickwedel, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who risked everything to expose critical issues within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system.

Ted’s journey began at the VA VET Center in Warwick, RI, where he provided mental health care to fellow veterans from 2009 to 2018.

In 2017, he witnessed how harmful clinical productivity policies were jeopardizing the well-being of counselors and the quality of care for veterans. When his concerns were repeatedly dismissed by supervisors, Ted decided to speak out, initiating a whistleblowing campaign that came at a tremendous personal cost.

His efforts led to a federal investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which substantiated his claims and ultimately sparked legislative reforms signed into law.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
• Why Ted chose to expose these issues despite the risks.
• The legal, financial, and health challenges he faced as a whistleblower.
• The impact of his advocacy on veterans, counselors, and VA leadership nationwide.
• His book, Broken Promises, which chronicles the injustices and retaliation he endured while fighting for change.

Ted’s story, featured on NBC, NPR, and the Military Times, is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Tune in to hear how one man’s unwavering commitment to veterans reshaped a broken system.

http://www.vabreakingpromises.com/

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
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Can U.S. military members truly exercise their First Amendment rights? What are the limits on free speech within the armed forces, and why do these boundaries exist? While everyone agrees on the importance of protecting operational security, how do we also encourage innovation and support those willing to step forward with bold ideas to solve complex challenges?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chase Spears, a former U.S. Army public affairs officer who recently completed his Ph.D. dissertation on the diminishing First Amendment protections for service members. We explore how this erosion came to be, the impact on military culture, and what Dr. Spears envisions as possible steps to strengthen both free speech and the effectiveness of our armed forces.

Dr. Chase Spears retired in 2023 as a Major (Promotable) after a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Army, where he served in various critical roles, including Brigade Communication Director, Company Commander, and Public Affairs Training Advisor. His passion for civil-military relations and communication ethics has led to widespread publication in respected outlets such as The American Mind, Real Clear Defense, The Washington Post, and The Baltimore Sun. His insights also appear in academic book chapters for Army University Press and Routledge.

Dr. Spears holds a Ph.D. in leadership communication from Kansas State University, where he focused his research on military norms, culture, and political influences. In 2024, he founded a coaching practice dedicated to helping leaders cultivate courage and lead with conviction.

Find Dr. Spears on X, LinkedIn, Substack, and YouTube at @drchasespears.

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76