Leadership Loading Podcast

In this episode of The Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren sits down with Dr. John Hillen—former U.S. Army cavalry officer, Assistant Secretary of State, business executive, and author of The Strategy Dialogues. From serving on the Iron Curtain during the Cold War to helping CEOs unlock strategic thinking, Dr. Hillen shares his journey through military leadership, national policy, and corporate boardrooms.🔥 Key Takeaways:Lessons from serving with H.R. McMaster during Desert StormWhy only 4% of leaders naturally think strategicallyHow to communicate military experience in civilian interviewsThe essential leadership mindset shift from “doer” to “strategist”How emotional intelligence and ethics shape powerful leadership📘 Grab Dr. John Hillen’s book The Strategy Dialogues at https://amzn.to/44hpIr3👉 https://www.johnhillen.com🎙️ Connect with Dr. Hillen and explore more leadership tools:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhillen

🎙️ In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren sits down with Ashton Young, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran turned wealth advisor and podcast host. Ashton shares his incredible journey from juggling fast food jobs to becoming a financial advisor helping families, entrepreneurs, and individuals achieve financial freedom.💡 Topics covered:Why Ashton almost joined the MarinesLife aboard a Coast Guard buoy tenderCompleting college at sea with American Public UniversityTransitioning from military to the corporate finance worldStarting the Pura Vida Wealth PodcastTips for new leaders and the power of listening📌 Connect with Ashton Young and explore his work:🎧 Pura Vida Wealth Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pura-vida-wealth/id1730255853📘 Learn about American Public University: https://www.apu.apus.edu/💼 Support GoHeroes: https://www.goheroes.org👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring veteran stories and leadership insights!🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications!

Discover how firefighter-turned-entrepreneur Kevin Tacher transformed his service mindset into a multi-million dollar title business. In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Kevin shares how his experience in emergency services shaped his leadership philosophy, his journey from real estate agent to title company CEO, and how he empowers veterans and first responders through hero programs and real estate mentorship.📚 Kevin's Books:Operation Leadership: https://amzn.to/45DlwTBRescue Your Business: https://amzn.to/3ZesZEN🌐 Connect with Kevin:Website: https://titlerate.comSocial Media: Just search Kevin Tacher on any platform🛡️ Sponsor:Brought to you by Go Heroes, Inc. - https://goheroes.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: www.goheroes.org/podcastKey Topics Covered:Transitioning from firefighter to entrepreneurReal estate side hustles for first respondersAirbnb investment tipsLeadership in high-stress environmentsBuilding a recession-proof business

In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren sits down with fitness coach and knee pain expert Renee Moten. From battling her own knee injuries to helping others avoid surgery, Renee shares her powerful journey and how she turned adversity into a global coaching business. Discover how veterans and civilians alike are getting out of chronic pain without drugs or operations!🔥 Get Renee's Knee Pain Strap ➡️ https://healmyknees.com📩 Contact Renee ➡️ Reach her via the site for coaching or questionsRenee's Book: Knee Pain Recipe: Approaching Pain Holistically https://amzn.to/43esHQtKEY POINTS:Renee’s transition from personal training to virtual knee pain coachingHow military injuries inspired her missionThe critical role of ankle and calf mobility in healing joint painLaunching a product to help people heal naturallyHow leadership and compassion play into lasting client transformation

🎙️ Leadership Load Podcast with Jason McClaren
📚 Featuring: Matthew Jones, veteran, author, and literary editor
🎧 Listen as we explore Matt’s gripping journey from dishwasher to naval officer to bestselling author.

In this episode, Matt shares:

• His motivation to join the Canadian military and experiences in Afghanistan

• The emotional cost of war and how language can both sanitize and reveal trauma

• The transition from military to writing and why many veterans struggle to tell their stories

• Insights from his new book Predators, Reapers and Deadlier Creatures

• Powerful tips for veterans and aspiring writers looking to process trauma and find their voice

• A candid look at ethical leadership in the military and beyond

📘 Grab Matt’s Book:👉 Predators, Reapers and Deadlier Creatures
🔗 More from Matt: matthewjamesjones.com

📲 Connect with Matt:Instagram & Facebook – @MatthewJamesJones
Join the mailing list via his website!

#VeteranStories #MilitaryWriting #PodcastInterview #AfghanistanWar #HealingThroughWriting

After 21 years in the Navy as a nurse, Gayle Walker found a completely new calling—helping families through some of life’s most critical moments. In this inspiring episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren talks with Gayle about her transition from military life to founding her company, Life Doula Inc., where she now supports families as a postpartum and life doula.💼 Learn how military leadership skills translate into entrepreneurship💡 Discover what a doula really does—and how they help at every life stage🔥 Hear Gayle’s top leadership tip for anyone starting over📌 Connect with Gayle Walker:Website: https://www.lifedoulainc.comInstagram, LinkedIn, Facebook: @mylifedoula🎙️ More Episodes & Resources:Check out past podcast episodes on mindset and small business financing!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more powerful leadership stories.

Welcome to Leadership Loading with Jason McClaren!In this episode, Jason talks with Blake Bourne, Executive Director of Veterans Bridge Home, about military service, transitioning to civilian life, and building a community that truly supports veterans.🔗 Links Mentioned:👉 Veterans Bridge Home: https://www.veteransbridgehome.org📧 Contact: info@veteransbridgehome.org📞 Phone: 704-332-8002📌 Key Topics Covered:Blake’s journey from college athlete to Army veteranHow 9/11 shifted his path and inspired serviceThe power of mentorship in military career choicesTransitioning from military to nonprofit leadershipFounding and mission of Veterans Bridge HomeImportance of grassroots and community-driven veteran supportWhat real veteran support looks like—beyond just financial aidLeadership tips: patience, perspective, and curiosity🔥 Whether you're a transitioning service member, a nonprofit leader, or just curious about how we can better serve veterans, this is a must-watch episode.👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more inspiring leadership stories!#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #NonprofitLeadership #VeteransBridgeHome

In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren sits down with Army veteran and emotional intelligence coach Philip Ayles. Philip shares his powerful journey from a troubled youth in Dayton, Ohio to a 24-year military career, and now his mission to guide fellow veterans through life after service.💡 Key Topics Covered:Why Philip joined the military and how it transformed his lifeHis experiences as a military police officer and being at Ground Zero and the PentagonStruggles with transitioning to civilian life and being told he’s "overqualified"The importance of emotional intelligence and self-awarenessHow his company Ayles Solutions helps veterans and first responders thriveThe healing power of equine therapy and finding self-love🌐 Learn more about Philip’s work: https://www.aylessolutions.com/📧 Email: philayles@aylessolutions.com📞 Phone: 904-469-6883💬 “Once your cup is full, let the overflow nourish the world.” — Philip AylesSubscribe and hit the bell 🔔 to stay updated on more inspiring leadership stories!#VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition #EmotionalIntelligence #VeteranSupport #LeadershipLoading

In this episode, Jason McClaren sits down with Chez Chesak — Army veteran, travel writer, and executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. From nearly missing the military age cutoff to writing for Good Housekeeping, Chez shares his inspiring journey of resilience, purpose, and storytelling.Whether you're a veteran, writer, or adventurer, this episode will leave you motivated to chase your next mission — with a pen, a passport, or a purpose.🎧 Key Topics Covered:Chez's unique path to joining the military at age 34Transitioning from soldier to published travel writerBalancing leadership, family, and creative lifeHow veterans can turn their military experience into writing careersExploring the U.S. as a travel writer and finding adventure close to home🌐 Connect with Chez:Website: ChezConnects.com📣 More About the Guest:Chez is a freelance outdoor and travel writer, the Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, and President of the Society of American Travel Writers.💬 Let us know: Have you considered a creative career after service? Drop your thoughts in the comments!#MilitaryVeteran #TravelWriter #LeadershipTips #VeteranStories #OutdoorWriters #JasonMcLaren #ChezChesak #CreativeCareers #VeteransVoice