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The Strategic Veteran

The Strategic Veteran

By: Adam Peters
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Welcome to The Strategic Veteran, a raw and unfiltered journey into military transition. Host Adam Peters challenges the status quo by sharing authentic stories of veterans navigating life after service while advocating for real systemic change in how our military prepares service members for civilian life. Each episode dives deep into the human transition experience - from the struggles that many face but few discuss to the transformative moments that shape new paths forward. Through honest conversations with fellow veterans, Adam explores the challenges of identity, purpose, and belonging that come with hanging up the uniform. More than just a podcast, The Strategic Veteran is a movement. It's about proving that meaningful change is possible, even in systems others claim can't be changed. Whether you're a veteran seeking connection, a service member preparing for transition, or someone passionate about supporting our military community, these stories will inspire, challenge, and empower you to be part of the solution. Join us as we work to bridge the gap between military and civilian life, one story at a time.Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • JJ Hardy

    JJ Hardy
    Mar 23 2026
    What actually makes someone a leader? In this episode of The Strategic Veteran, Adam Peters sits down with Army veteran JJ Hardy to talk about the leadership lessons that only show up when everything is on the line. JJ grew up believing that trusting people was a mistake. Looking out for yourself was the only way to survive. But when he stepped into his first leadership role in the Army, everything changed. Surrounded by a team that depended on him and refused to let him stay on the sidelines, JJ began to learn something most leaders never do. Trust and empathy aren't weakness. They're the things that hold people together in chaos. Today, JJ’s mission is simple. Help people stop hiding behind rank, titles, and authority, and actually learn how to lead. If you've ever struggled with leadership, trust, or finding purpose after service, this conversation will resonate. --- CONNECT WITH THE STRATEGIC VETERAN Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd?si=887c164c4a8e4ae2 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strategic-veteran/id1743039436 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thestrategicveteran --- CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Meet JJ Hardy 02:15 Childhood and learning to trust nobody 06:30 Entering leadership in the Army 10:45 The leadership moment that changed everything 17:40 Why trust and empathy matter in leadership 26:15 The difference between rank and leadership 35:10 Lessons learned from leading soldiers 45:00 Finding purpose after the military 55:30 Helping others become real leaders 1:03:00 Advice for veterans navigating leadership after service
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Anthony Potter

    Anthony Potter
    Mar 16 2026
    What happens when the Army sends you home before you're ready? In this episode of The Strategic Veteran, Adam Peters sits down with Army veteran Anthony Potter to talk about the reality of being med-boarded out of the military and the identity crisis that can follow. Anthony spent eight years serving as an Army medic. For him, the Army wasn't just a job. It was the structure and brotherhood that helped him rebuild after a difficult childhood. But when burnout, toxic leadership, and medical issues forced him out early, everything changed. In this conversation, Anthony shares the reality many veterans face after leaving the military. Rejection in the civilian world, loss of identity, and the quiet struggle that happens when the uniform comes off. He also talks about how he found a new mission by building community for veterans and speaking openly about the things many people are afraid to say. If you've ever struggled with purpose, identity, or transition after the military, this episode will resonate. Subscribe for more real conversations about life after service. --- CONNECT WITH THE STRATEGIC VETERAN Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3U8FOupOu070V00PXR4DSd?si=887c164c4a8e4ae2 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strategic-veteran/id1743039436 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thestrategicveteran --- CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Meet Anthony Potter 02:30 Growing up and finding the Army 06:10 Life as an Army medic 10:20 Burnout and toxic leadership in the military 17:45 Being medically boarded out of the Army 24:30 Losing identity after leaving the military 31:40 Civilian job rejection and transition struggles 40:15 The emotional weight of leaving the brotherhood 49:20 Rebuilding purpose after service 57:30 Building community for veterans 1:05:10 Advice for veterans going through transition
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    1 hr
  • Athena Ives

    Athena Ives
    Mar 9 2026
    Athena Ives' journey is one of incredible resilience, transformation, and a fierce dedication to making a difference. From a childhood in a cult to serving as a Marine Corps lioness in Iraq, she has navigated immense challenges, including homelessness and the profound impact of combat. Now a respected peace and security advisor with a PhD in forensic psychology, Athena shares her story of overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, and advocating for a more compassionate approach to global security. This episode offers a raw and honest look at the realities of military service, the lingering effects of trauma, and the power of finding one's purpose even in the darkest of times.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
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