Explore every episode of the podcast Part-Time Hitter
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Guard Snipers | Josh and John | 30 Oct 2024 | 01:05:39 | |
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be part of an elite military reconnaissance unit? In this episode, I chat with Josh and John, two snipers from the Maryland Army National Guard, about their journey to becoming—and excelling in—one of the military’s most challenging roles. Tune in to explore the world of military sniping, cross-training, and the unique blend of skills that extend beyond the battlefield. Meet the Guests John: An 11 Bravo (infantry) scout and sniper section member, John shares his journey from multimedia production to military service. Josh: He explains how he transitioned from a basic training “old guy” to a dedicated member of the National Guard sniper team.Training & Selection Process Josh and John discuss the rigorous selection process for joining the National Guard sniper section, detailing the physical and mental endurance required. Josh shares insights into the unit’s approach to training, emphasizing self-discipline and resilience. You’ll learn about the intense team-building and practical skills necessary to succeed in a sniper unit, including weapon qualification and specialized skills like creating and using ghillie suits.Civilian Life and Career Crossovers In addition to their National Guard responsibilities, Josh and John hold civilian jobs that influence their work as snipers. Many members in the unit balance careers in fields such as law enforcement, firefighting, and even multimedia production, like John. This crossover highlights the unique versatility of National Guard service members, who bring civilian skills into military operations.Social Media and Community Engagement John discusses his“Violence Through Silence” social media page. Created as a recruiting tool, the page aims to engage potential recruits and educate the public on sniper techniques and equipment. John explains their social media strategy, the type of content they share, and how it resonates with diverse audiences—from Airsoft enthusiasts to active-duty soldiers.“Honestly, we started this page [Violence Through Silence] more so as a recruiting tool for ourselves… We put out selection dates, but none of the company commanders wanted to lose their good guys, so we had to start advertising on our own. We want it to be a tool for useful information but also look badass at the same time.” - Josh. “That’s the cool part about the Guard—everybody has different skill sets… If we’re running something where we need high-angle rescue, we’ll go to one of the firefighter dudes with that experience. It’s kind of funny how our civilian skills can apply to the team.” - John. Resources Violence Through Silence Instagram Violence Through Silence YouTube Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.com http://thefrattyguard.co | |||
| VA Loans and Your Mortgage with Stand For Justice | Jonathan Shaffner and Diana Deen | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:38:20 | |
A study by the Office of Inspector General found that 85% of the eight million people in COVID forbearance weren’t offered the programs they qualified for. The percentage is even higher among veterans and reservists. VA home loans are meant to help veterans afford mortgages, but many aren’t being informed about them. Join me and my guests as we discuss the impact of COVID-19 forbearance and the fight for veterans’ financial rights. Guest’s Introductions After realizing the current problems many homeowners face due to post-COVID forbearance complications, especially veterans and reservists, Colonel (Retired) John Shaffner and Diana Deen joined forces to encourage veterans to seek financial stability assistance. They created The Stand For Justice Program, an initiative dedicated to helping veterans with complications related to VA home loans. The program addresses issues from mismanaged forbearance agreements and unfair loan practices.Challenges with VA Loans and COVID-19 Forbearance Colonel Shaffner and Diana Deen discuss the complications veterans face when reinstating loans after COVID-19 forbearance. Mismanagement and poor communication from mortgage servicers and the VA left veterans without access to necessary support programs. These inefficiencies caused problems like unexpected loan refinancing at higher rates and erroneous foreclosure notices, especially for deployed service members.Regulatory Gaps and Potential Solutions We discuss the systematic gaps and failures in enforcing new forbearance laws. Shaffner highlights the recent CFPB regulation requiring non-bank financial institutions to register a responsible individual for accountability.Advocacy and Community Involvement Through their advocacy efforts with Congress and VA contacts, they have made strides toward long-term solutions to prevent foreclosure among veterans and ensure compliance with new regulations.“When loans get sold, bigger mistakes are made, and it is a challenge. It takes a lot of strength if you're an individual. Most of us, when we start having problems with our finances or problems with paying our mortgage, we tend to shrink back. But actually what we're here to do is help people stand up and fight the system. It's not about the individual. It's really about the system. It's not set up to help people win. They're supposed to be helping you win.” - Diana Deen. Resources Website: www.stand-for-justice.com Email: help@stand-for-justice.com Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.com http://thefrattyguard.com | |||
| Part-Timing During Peak GWOT and Life After with | Benjamin Sledge | 09 Oct 2024 | 01:26:55 | |
The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) sent 3 million soldiers overseas. Far from the comfort of their homes and deep within the turmoil of Iraq, soldiers had no choice but to show resilience and unwavering commitment to their mission. In this episode, you’ll hear the extraordinary story of Benjamin Sledge, a distinguished veteran, as he shares his insights on military operations during GWOT, his transition to civilian life, and the personal growth he experienced from his service. Meet Benjamin Sledge Benjamin Sledge is a decorated combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, primarily under special operations in the U.S. Army. After the military, Sledge transitioned into geopolitical intelligence and became certified in crisis response, trauma care, and suicide prevention. He has over 14 years of experience as a director and published author, with his award-winning book Where Cowards Go to Die.Short-Staffed Situations and Heroic Acts Currently, the military is experiencing a short-staffing issue, especially in the recruiting area. Lieutenants are fast-tracking their career paths and entering into roles that are typically held by captains. For example, Morgan Ashworth undertook a critical mission when he was unprepared for it due to short staffing. During this mission, the Civil Affairs (CA) team sprang into action to help his team. This heroic rescue could have been prevented if the military wasn’t short staffed.Military Recruitment Challenges The Gen Z population is heavily digitally isolated, causing them to not be a part of a community. If the military learns how to market itself as a community that offers purpose and connection, this may attract new recruits. We also explore how the military's current focus may have shifted from combat readiness to politically correct initiatives, affecting the quality of recruits.Where Cowards Go to Die Inspired by Benjamin's experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, his book, Where Cowards Go to Die, explores the harsh realities of war. It also fosters an understanding of the deep psychological scars war leaves on those who serve. The book has garnered multiple literary awards and positive reception from readers and VA clinicians alike, who find its raw honesty and detailed portrayal of combat experiences both refreshing and heartbreaking.“You need to put in the hard work to get better, though what that looks like varies for everyone. I don’t want our generation defined by mental health struggles; I want us to be seen as strong and resilient, like my grandfather said. We work hard when things get tough.” - Benjamin Sledge. Resources Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.org http://thefrattyguard.com | |||
| From Active Duty to Contracting and the NG with SGT | Sam Rybeck | 02 Oct 2024 | 01:02:11 | |
In this episode of Part-Time Hitter, I sit down with Sam Rybeck, a Senior Relationship Manager at Clear Ridge Defense (https://clridge.com/). We get into Sam’s experiences transitioning from military service to civilian life, his role as a Signal Intelligence Analyst in the Army, and the importance of mentorship and community for service members navigating their careers. Sam’s Background Sam Rybeck currently serves as the Senior Relationship Manager for Clear Ridge Defense, based in Baltimore, Maryland. He began his career in the United States Army as a Signal Intelligence Analyst supporting the National Security Agency at Fort George Meade. After transitioning from active duty in 2021, Sam supported the United States Cyber Command J33 current operations cell. He now drives recruiting, outreach, and engagement full-time for Clear Ridge Defense while serving in the Maryland National Guard.Understanding Signal Intelligence Sam talks about the role of a Signal Intelligence Analyst, explaining that this position involves collecting, analyzing, and disseminating foreign signal intelligence. Sam emphasizes that the work can range from intercepted radio communications to non-communication electronic signatures and chemical signatures in the atmosphere. He shares how he enlisted in the Army with a basic understanding of the job and how his experiences shaped his career.Sam’s Military Experience Sam recounts his time at Fort Meade and describes his unique path compared to his peers. While most of his fellow analysts went to traditional line units, Sam found himself embedded within the intelligence community. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning out of active duty and the impact of mentorship on securing a civilian role.Transitioning to Civilian Life Sam discusses the importance of networking and how he ultimately joined Clear Ridge Defense, where he has found fulfillment in helping service members make similar transitions. He talks about his current role in the Maryland National Guard, describing it as a valuable experience that allows him to maintain a connection to the military while pursuing a civilian career. Sam provides insight into the balance between his military commitments and civilian responsibilities, noting that his unit is predictable and supportive.Advice for Service Members: Sam emphasizes the significance of leveraging military experience to navigate challenges in both military and civilian environments. He advocates for strong support systems that can help service members successfully transition to civilian life.Resources Clear Ridge Defense: https://clridge.com/ Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.org http://thefrattyguard.com | |||
| Financial Illiteracy in the Military | Lawrence Raymond of Green Collar Finance | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:46:12 | |
Whether there's inflation going on or not, financial freedom = a comfortable lifestyle. However, most of us are not taught financial literacy when we’re young, which is why so many of us struggle. In this episode, I chat with Sergeant First Class Lawrence Raymond, founder of Green Collar Finance. He shares his personal experience of living in poverty and how he was able to push through its unique challenges. Join us and discover the financial tools you never knew you needed until now. Meet Lawrence Raymond At the age of 17, Lawrence started investing as a way to escape poverty. In the beginning, he made simple investment mistakes because he had no one to teach him. Despite this, he was determined to build a solid financial foundation for his future. Thanks to his understanding of personal finance, he started the Green Collar Finance company to teach others to keep them from making big financial mistakes. Through one-on-one coaching and group sessions, Lawrence helps individuals understand the basics of budgeting, investing, and building generational wealth.Common Financial Mistakes Service Members Make Lawrence shares the most common financial mistakes that service members often make: Failing to budget Accumulate unnecessary debt Not saving for the future He discusses why it’s important to understand how money works and how developing positive financial habits can help prevent these pitfalls.The Gap in Financial Literacy in the Military There are not many resources available to teach active and reservists financial literacy, and the ones that do exist are usually irrelevant or so dry that it’s impossible to gain value from them. This is why Lawernce offers free coaching sessions on Zoom. He wants to help service members learn about personal finances in a way that fits their schedules. He has successfully assisted over 600 service members, helping them save $346,000 in debt. His work focuses on debt reduction, financial planning, and saving strategies. Lawrence’s goal is to continue helping service members improve their financial literacy and achieve true independence.“There should not be a soldier or service member stuck in the same financial situation I was in.” - Lawrence Raymond. Resources Green Collar Finance Lawrence’s Instagram If you haven’t read the book we mention in this episode, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, we encourage you to check it out. Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.org http://thefrattyguard.co | |||
| Transitioning To The Army Reserve | CPT Brandon Krehling | 11 Sep 2024 | 01:00:24 | |
In today’s world, time is the ultimate currency and only a few can balance dual careers. In this episode, I chat with Brandon Krehling, a dedicated Civil Affairs Team Chief in the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion and consultant, on his daily challenges in two demanding roles. Listen to Brandon’s journey to learn how efficient planning and resource management can pave the way for success in one’s life. Meet Brandon Krehling During his high school years, Brandon was actively involved in the JROTC program. The structure and stability provided by JROTC during challenging times shaped his early interests in the military. He shares how the mentorship he received helped guide his pursuit of scholarship opportunities at West Point and Shippensburg University.Insights into Active Duty and Reserve Life There’s a stark contrast between active duty and reserve life. Brandon shares the proficient handling of tasks by reserves due to limited time and resources, unlike the inefficient routines observed in active duty environments. He stresses that civilian patience for wasted time is minimal, thus emphasizing the importance of efficiency.Transition to Civil Affairs and Reserves Brandon's transition from the regular army to reserves culminated in his role at the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion. Despite initial challenges, Brandon finds solace in the autonomy and problem-solving aspects provided by his unit. Surprisingly, he encounters high-caliber individuals driven by professional careers and part-time service.Balancing Full-time Career and Reserve Duties Managing a full-time career while fulfilling reserve duties poses its own set of challenges. However, Brandon finds a balanced routine through a steady 40-hour work week and the flexibility of working from home, making it more manageable. Despite the struggle of balancing two different roles, he still believes that leaving active duty was the right choice. It allowed him to create a stable lifestyle and reduced relocations.“It doesn't matter what position you're in. It’s going to be challenging.” - Brandon Krehling. Resources Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.org http://thefrattyguard.com | |||
| The Private Sector and Meme-Lording with | Sitreps2Steercos | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:53:03 | |
PTH 003 | Kyle Eberly - The Private Sector and Meme-Lording with Sitreps2Steercos Are you thinking about building a business? In this day and age, you’re going to have to learn more about social media marketing, even if you hate putting yourself out there. In this episode, I chat with Kyle Eberly, founder of Sitreps2Steercos, about building an online brand. He also advises how military individuals can smoothly transition into the corporate world. Kyle Eberly’s Background Kyle is a former Army aviator who has transitioned into the corporate world. Following his military service, he decided to pursue higher education. Originally aiming for a career in investment banking, Kyle found the industry uninviting and shifted his focus. His professional journey eventually led him to Google, where he currently holds a managerial position. Additionally, Kyle is the founder of the popular meme page "Sitreps2Steercos," which boasts over 72,000 followers and assists military members in transitioning to corporate roles. His content parodies extreme military characters while offering practical advice for veterans.Humor & Authenticity in Branding To promote your brand, you’ll have to experiment and be funny. Remember, people scroll on social media for entertainment. Kyle shares how most people really aren't funny, because of nervousness. However, when you embrace your imperfections and learn from audience feedback, eventually you’ll see results. He recounts his growth journey with Instagram, noting how it struck a chord with the military community through relatable content about post-military life.Navigating Social Media Hostility There will be times when you make someone angry with your content while growing your brand. Kyle shares anecdotes of encountering hostility and irrational behavior on social media, often from anonymous accounts. He discusses a particularly negative experience involving a former military acquaintance who harassed him online, escalating to personal insults and threats. He also touches on the decreased hostility in the military meme community over recent years.Work Transferability and Leadership Styles Another key topic is the limited transferability of military skills to civilian jobs, particularly those of army officers or helicopter pilots. Kyle notes the significant cultural differences between military and corporate environments. Military leadership styles, which often clash with civilian corporate expectations, are illustrated through personal insights and experiences.“I have my voice through my page. A lot of people like it. I don't care if you like me or not. There's one reason I don't mix stuff up with work. I just have a very clear separation between the two.” - Kyle Eberly. Resources Sitreps2Steercos Instagram Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard. http://friendlyforces.org http://thefrattyguard.com
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| The Army National Guard and Tech Sales with 1SG Jon Stresing | Jon Stresing | 05 Sep 2024 | 00:44:16 | |
Welcome to the first episode of Part-Time Hitters, a podcast dedicated to sharing the lives of military reservists. I'm Eric Evans, your host and thought leader for the reservist's community. In this episode, I chat with Jon Stresing, a long-time friend, infantry first sergeant in the Maryland Army National Guard, and account executive at Nvidia. Tune in as we explore the invaluable insights from his military experience and transition to the tech industry. Military Service and Deployment Jon Stresing deployed to Iraq in 2007 as part of a battalion with different companies, including one in Camp Mrez and another in Missoul. His squad's primary mission was to search for IEDs 5 to 15 km ahead of convoys during the surge in Iraq. We also discuss our deployment to Baltimore during the 2015 riots, where we faced gang member threats and public impatience despite initial support.Transition to Civilian Life and Tech Industry After completing his accounting degree, Jon Stresing transitioned to tech sales in the DoD space after working at PwC. He shares his experience transitioning from audit to tech sales and the importance of sales skills in different roles. Jon emphasizes the transferability of sales skills and the general sales cycle in various industries.LinkedIn Insights and Veteran Hiring Practices Jon Stresing talks about the impact of photo content as king on LinkedIn, noting the prevalence of original photos at tech conferences and on LinkedIn posts. We also discuss the issues surrounding veteran hiring practices at large companies and the lack of support for reservists.Personal Anecdotes and Experiences Jon shares his experience of being viewed as the only person his acquaintances knew who had deployed despite his entire friend group having Combat Infantry Badges. He describes himself as an "overpaid translator" who can speak both Silicon Valley and infantry languages.“What I see on LinkedIn, especially in the veteran space, is companies posting about career fairs and how we love veterans. I perceive it as basically all optics to the point where they set up their little booth, got the picture, maybe took a few resumes, and got the hell out of there. These are the types of people who I reach out to and talk to about friendly forces. Usually, I’ll ask what you are doing to support reservists and people who are still in. And I just get flat-out ignored or a blank stare.” - Jon Stresing. Resources Check out our partner, Friendly Forces. Friendly Forces is a non-profit dedicated to helping reservists like us navigate the difficult path of finding a career that meshes with the National Guard lifestyle.http://friendlyforces.org Part-Time Hitter is produced in partnership with The Fratty Guard. Check out their website for memes, merch, and more.https://thefrattyguard.com/
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| What Is the Part-Time Hitter Podcast? | Eric Evans | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:02:23 | |
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Part-Time Hitter Podcast! Hosted by Eric Evans, this podcast is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Freddy Guard. Podcast Overview The podcast aims to spotlight the stories of individuals serving part-time in the military across all branches. Provides insights into the various roles and experiences of part-time military personnel.Topics Covered Different jobs in the military, from specialized engineers to police officers. Exploration of lesser-known military roles with fascinating stories. Features on individuals doing remarkable things outside of uniform, including authors, entrepreneurs, and politicians. Discussions with executives and others balancing dual careers in military service and civilian life.Target Audience Who is this podcast for? Current Reservists: Connect with peers in the community, learn from the successes and failures of others, and discover new opportunities in the reserve and National Guard. Prospective Reservists: Gain insights into the lifestyle and possibilities within the reserve or National Guard. Ideal for those transitioning from active duty or civilians considering military service. General Public & Policymakers: Understand the value reservists bring to the civilian sector. Acknowledge the challenges faced by part-time service members.“We aim to tell stories from cool people within the military across all branches.” - Eric Evans. | |||
| Trailer | Eric Evans - Part-Time Hitter | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:01:39 | |
Part-Time Hitter is designed to help you thrive as a reservist. We have conversations with reservists who are doing great things as a part of their service or in their civilian life, and give you the information you need to reach your goals. Listen in for information about programs, services, and bonuses you can take advantage of. Life as a reservist can be a tough balance, but Part-Time Hitter is here with the inspiration and tools you need to thrive. | |||