Leadership Loading Podcast

From living in his car after a home invasion and crippling PTSD… to building a multi-million-dollar janitorial company and helping thousands of people strengthen mental resilience — Aaron “Sergeant Q” Quinonez journey is nothing short of extraordinary.In this episode of Leadership Loading, host Jason McClaren dives deep with Aaron about:His elite Marine Corps role with 1st ANGLICO calling in airstrikes and working with Special ForcesThe home invasion that changed his life and worsened his PTSDWhy he built a janitorial business focused on mental healthHow investing in people’s mental resilience reduced turnover from 300% to 67%Winning back-to-back seasons on the reality show The BloxPractical leadership advice that any new leader can use TODAYAaron’s Links:Q Actual (civilian mental health app): https://qactual.comOperation Pop Smoke (veteran mental health app): https://operationspopsmoke.comAaron’s speaking and training: https://sergeantq.com📢 If you’ve ever struggled with mental health, leadership, or building a team that actually wants to work with you, this is your must-watch episode.

Gary Polk, founder of the Polk Institute Foundation, joins the Leadership Loading podcast to share how social entrepreneurship and leadership values can change your business, and your life. From being a banker in Beverly Hills to building a tuition-free nonprofit helping underserved entrepreneurs, Gary breaks down what it really takes to succeed in today’s business world.🔗 Learn More:Polk Institute: https://polkinstitute.org📌 Key Topics:Why "Character" is the #1 leadership trait in businessThe triple bottom line: People, Planet, ProfitHow veterans & underrepresented groups are empowered through the Polk InstituteWhat is the "Fundable CEO"?How entrepreneurship is a team sportBuilding grit, resilience, and mental fitness in foundersThe Silver Tsunami: Helping baby boomers with exit strategies📢 Free programs available for veterans, women, and early-stage entrepreneurs!

In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren speaks with Bob O'Connor, author of Jeep Show: A Trooper at the Battle of the Bulge. Bob shares the little-known history of enlisted WWII entertainers—troops who risked their lives to perform just behind the front lines to boost morale. Discover the leadership lessons these stories offer and how they apply to today's military and corporate teams.

💡 Key Topics:

Morale-building through presence and leadership

Forgotten WWII history: The Jeep Shows

Lessons from POW and Medal of Honor recipient James Stockdale

How leadership impacts frontline effectiveness

Applying military morale techniques to modern workplaces

📚 Get the book:Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HXcoQ8

🎧 Visit Bob's site: https://jeepshowbook.com

🛡️ Support Shields & Stripes https://shieldsandstripes.org/: Bob donates $1 per copy sold

In this powerful episode of The Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren welcomes Chad Carter, a retired Air Force Judge Advocate turned passionate veterans’ advocate. Chad shares his compelling journey from aspiring prosecutor to JAG officer and how he’s now fighting for veterans' rights through his nonprofit, Bayou Veterans Advocacy.🎙️ Topics Covered:Chad’s 20-year career as a JAG officerThe gaps in veteran mental health servicesWhy peer support teams are vitalStarting a nonprofit for veteransTips for new leaders in high-pressure roles🔗 Learn More:💼 Chad’s Law Firm: https://parkeralexander.com🇺🇸 Bayou Veterans Advocacy: https://bayouvets.org💡 Support Veteran Certifications: https://goheroes.org✊ If you're a veteran or know someone who is, share this episode to inspire action and change.

🎙️ In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren sits down with Philippe Johnson—retired Air Force officer, military attaché, and author of What Hangs in the Balance. Philippe shares his journey from a military upbringing to a 24-year career in the Air Force, and how his experiences shaped his views on ethical leadership.📚 Learn how his frustration with modern political leadership led him to write a powerful leadership book based on deep research—including reading 25,000+ presidential tweets.🚀 Whether you're a veteran, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about real estate and self-improvement, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful reflections.🔗 LINKS:Get What Hangs in the Balance: https://amzn.to/3ZIriQjConnect with Philippe: https://philippejohnson.com/More episodes of Leadership Loading: https://www.goheroes.org/podcast📌 Key Topics:Military career path & ROTC insightsTransitioning from the military to civilian lifeReal estate investing after retirementResearching presidential behavior and writing a leadership bookThe core traits of principled leadership

🎙️ In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren sits down with Army veteran and Extract Labs founder Craig Henderson to dive into the misunderstood world of cannabis and CBD — and how it's transforming lives for veterans and civilians alike.💥 Hear Craig’s journey from combat infantry in Iraq to pioneering natural wellness solutions through hemp and CBD extraction.💬 Topics Covered:Craig's military journey and receiving the ARCOM with ValorHis mission to destigmatize cannabis for veteransThe surprising benefits of CBD over THCHow Extract Labs helps with PTSD, pain, anxiety, and sleepNavigating the hurdles of launching a CBD startupCBD for pets and why it works🌿 Learn more or shop CBD: https://www.extractlabs.com🎖️ Veterans & First Responders get 60% off forever!🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring leadership and wellness stories#Veterans #CBDHealth #MilitaryToBusiness #CannabisHealing #ExtractLabs

In this episode of Leadership Loading, Jason McClaren sits down with Michael Johnson, a former Marine turned business owner, to uncover his extraordinary journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Learn how a 9/11 calling led Michael to the Marines, why he walked away from a corporate career, and how he acquired a thriving printing business through strategic search.👥 Guest: Michael Johnson🔗 Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keeptrading/

🚀 Topics Covered:Why Michael joined the Marines after 9/11The gritty realities of transitioning to civilian lifeHow waiting tables helped refine his leadershipDiscovering business acquisition as a growth pathThe truth about veteran hiring biases and skills fitBuilding and scaling a wide-format printing company👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for more stories from veteran leaders and entrepreneurs.

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!