Your Thoughts Your Reality – Details, episodes & analysis

Send us Fan Mail

What if the smartest career move after service isn’t a perfect plan, but a bold restart? We sit down with retired Navy SEAL, CEO, and author Marty Strong to explore how veterans can trade the myth of linear success for a practical path that blends grit, creativity, and modern vocational skills. Marty opens up about leaving the Teams, entering finance with zero sales experience, and building a mentor network from scratch—then explains how poise under pressure turned market chaos into client trust and long-term growth.

We unpack the real barriers many veterans face during transition: narrow job expectations, a lack of sales and prospecting training, and the misconception that one wrong move means failure. Marty breaks these apart with field-tested advice on gap analysis, self-training, curiosity, and emotional intelligence. He shows how the very traits honed in uniform—discipline, adaptability, and calm in uncertainty—become a superpower in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship when applied with intention.

Then we dive into Warriors Haven USA, the nonprofit Marty co-founded to close the vocational gap with hands-on training and direct pathways to paid work. From a Florida wood-and-metal shop with lasers and 3D printers to a virtual business academy teaching AI, cybersecurity, and business planning, the program moves veterans through a three-level track: exposure, skill-building, and apprenticeship-to-onboarding. With employer partners that include Michelin-level kitchens and diverse manufacturers, Warriors Haven USA turns training into opportunity, and ambition into a job offer.

If you’re a veteran or family member seeking a meaningful civilian career, you’ll hear concrete steps to move further, faster: find mentors who have “arrived,” embrace experimentation over perfection, and keep your creative edge alive at any age. Ready to rethink your path and build skills that pay? Listen now, then subscribe, share with a veteran who needs this, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The hardest battles aren’t always fought in combat—they often begin when the uniform comes off. We sit down with Marine Corps veteran and recovery coach Garrett Biss to trace the invisible journey many veterans face: the sudden loss of belonging, the narrowing focus that comes with chronic fight or flight, and the quiet urge to hide behind masks just to be accepted. Garrett offers a clear framework—connection, authenticity, and meaning—that helps explain the void and shows a practical way out.

Garrett’s own story flips the usual recovery script. With guidance from a mentor, he didn’t aim at cravings first; he aimed at the emptiness underneath them. By reconnecting with his whole self and giving equal weight to strengths and wins—not just mistakes—he reduced the need to numb. He shares simple tools you can use today: a 100 wins list to widen perspective, small daily gratitudes that shift attention from threats to truths, and brief self-regulation practices to calm the nervous system so real connection becomes possible. We also unpack why masks sabotage belonging, how identity gets split during service, and what it takes to rebuild confidence without rank or role.

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or a professional who supports the community, this conversation delivers practical steps and language you can use right away. You’ll learn how to spot patterns of isolation, invite safer authenticity, and help someone move from “I used to be someone” to “I still am someone.” Explore Garrett’s free resources at thewarriorreset.com, and share this episode with someone who needs a roadmap back to purpose. If this resonated, follow the show, leave a review, and tell us one small win you’re claiming today.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

When resistance shows up in your life, are you quick to push through it, or do you pause to consider what it might be trying to tell you? This powerful conversation with retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Tina Parker challenges everything we think we know about resistance and authentic leadership.

Tina, founder of Lead Outside the Lines and a certified neuro encoding specialist, draws from her 23 years of military service to unpack how resistance often signals growth rather than warning. She reveals the critical distinction between resistance that stems from fear of the unknown versus resistance that signals genuine misalignment with our values and purpose.

What makes this episode transformative is Tina's explanation of how our bodies physically respond to resistance – shutting down creativity and higher thinking precisely when we need these resources most. You'll discover practical tools for replacing self-judgment with curiosity and learn how to regulate your nervous system to access your natural wisdom.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Tina shares research on gender differences in confidence: women typically need to feel 85% confident before pursuing opportunities, while men need only 15%. This "expectation gap" creates unique challenges for women in leadership positions – challenges Tina herself navigated when requesting part-time work in the federal government during a personal crisis.

Whether you're facing internal doubts or external naysayers, this episode offers a revolutionary framework for discernment. Tina's three simple yet profound questions – "Am I in alignment? Am I in integrity? Am I on my path?" – provide a compass for navigating resistance authentically. When the answer to all three is yes, resistance becomes not an obstacle but a signpost of growth on your journey toward truly authentic leadership.

Connect with Tina at leadoutsidethelines.com and discover her upcoming Conscious Leadership Accelerator for visionary women. Your relationship with resistance will never be the same after listening to this episode.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

When Danny O'Neel enlisted as a forward observer on 9-11, he couldn't foresee the profound impact his service would have, not just on his country, but on the winding path of his own life. From the crucible of military service to the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship, Danny's journey is an embodiment of resilience and the human spirit's capacity to evolve. Our latest conversation invites you into the heart of this transformation, where the scars of conflict become the badges of honor in civilian life. As Danny shares his narrative, it's clear that the battles don't end on the battlefield; they continue in the minds of our veterans.

With raw honesty, we wade through the turbulent waters of mental health, a conversation made more poignant by the staggering reality of veteran suicide. Danny, alongside his wife Faun, extends a lifeline through Warfighter Overwatch, fostering a space where vulnerability meets courage and community becomes a sanctuary for healing. It's a testament to the power of reaching out, and a reminder that sometimes the bravest thing one can do is to ask for help. This episode tackles the complexities of navigating post-service life, unpacking how communication and shared experiences can bridge the gap between military and civilian worlds—and in the process, rebuild the companionship that's often forfeited upon hanging up the uniform.

Our dialogue transitions from the personal to the universal, exploring how support systems for our first responders—those on the frontlines of our domestic battlegrounds—need reinforcing. Danny's insights into the mental toll of high-stakes heroism and the disparity in societal support are both eye-opening and heart-wrenching. Ending on a note of empowerment, we echo Danny's call to action: to harness the power of our thoughts and reshape reality. Every story shared is a beacon, guiding listeners toward a life of purpose, where the legacy of service is honored not in silence, but through the solidarity of those who have worn—and continue to wear—the uniform.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever felt overpowered by the inner critic that seems to hold a megaphone to all your doubts? Well, buckle in as I, Michael Cole, team up with the inspiring Jodi Rae Solomon, a Neuroencoding specialist and coach who's mastered the art of silencing that naysayer and turning it into a cheerleader. Through her personal evolution from victimhood to victory, Jodi unveils techniques that can help anyone, especially veterans, reclaim their joy and steer their own life course. We uncover her transition to a life of freedom on the open road with her trusty canine companion, illustrating that it's not just about where you are, but how you see it that shapes your happiness.

This episode doesn't stop at just storytelling; it's brimming with hands-on strategies to take you from stuck to unstoppable. Learn the ins and outs of the 'Stop Technique'—a method so effective it'll have your unresourceful thoughts packing their bags. We'll dig into the gritty details of how to transform your daily wins from mere footnotes to headline news in your personal narrative, and introduce you to 'Asstitude,' a vibrant blend of celebration and movement that's guaranteed to lift your spirits. As we wrap up, don't miss the exclusive sneak peek into our upcoming masterclass and a unique course designed to reshape not just your body, but your mindset towards weight loss. With Jodi's expertise and your willingness, we're on the cusp of crafting soul-amazing lives, one shift at a time.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

As we sat down with Charlya Barbarita Howard Dienes, each word she spoke resonated with the weight of her father's legacy—a disabled American veteran who battled with mental health post-service. Her heartfelt stories not only shed light on the silent heroism of families like hers but also paved the way for our deep dive into the transformative power of neuro-encoding science. We unearthed how nutritional approaches, including the promising ketone technology, are making strides against depression, and how simple practices like intermittent fasting can significantly uplift our veterans' well-being post-deployment.

The conversation took a poignant turn as Charlya recounted her journey from witnessing her father's descent into schizophrenia to harnessing her medical expertise to heal others. It's a tale of forgiveness, resilience, and the blend of spirituality with science that she now brings to her work as a federal chaplain. We also unpacked the STOP technique—a lifeline for anyone caught in the riptide of negative thoughts—and explored Neuroencoding's role in helping veterans' transition back to civilian life, tackling the specters of PTSD, anxiety, and stress.

We wrapped up with an open-hearted invitation to support the life-changing work of Hope Soap, a beacon of empowerment through skill-building and employment. I shared my pledge to extend a helping hand through personalized meal plans that prioritize health without compromising on taste, tapping into the natural sweetness of ingredients like monk fruit. And finally, we reflected on the undeniable power of sharing narratives, a reminder that each story contributes greatly to the tapestry of healing and legacy. Join us, engage with these resources, and let's collectively empower the thoughts that shape our extraordinary realities.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

When retired Lieutenant Colonel Tina Parker walked away from her military uniform, she didn't just close a chapter—she began penning a whole new book. Join us as Tina, now a neuroencoding specialist and founder of Lead Outside the Lines, recounts her remarkable transformation and how she guides fellow high achievers to rediscover authenticity amidst the burnout of their demanding lives. Our conversation illuminates the inner compass that guides veterans through both service and civilian transition, revealing the resilience required to rewrite one's purpose and redefine success.

The journey to mental wellness can often feel like a solitary trek, but it's conversations like these that remind us of the power of shared experiences and the breakthroughs they can foster. We delve into the trenches of mental health, particularly in the lives of veterans and those touched by trauma, discussing revolutionary tools like neuroencoding and the mirror technique that bring healing into focus. Tina's insights offer a ray of hope, as we uncover the 'aha' moments that can reshape the landscape of one's life, proving it's never too late to steer towards fulfillment and potential.

In a heartfelt exchange brimming with practical wisdom, Tina and I map out strategies to smooth the transition from military to civilian life for veterans and their families. We stress the significance of trusting one's instincts, asking questions that breathe life into aspirations, and the clarity that emerges from knowing what one truly wants. Wrapping up, we extend our deepest appreciation for the opportunity to share these life-altering insights and strategies, confident in their power to bolster not just veterans but anyone ready to march forward into a more prosperous and vibrant future.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

As we sit down with Gina Iovino, nutritional specialist and neuro wellness coach, we unravel the lifelines of support that uplift our veterans and first responders. Gina, with her unique blend of expertise and heartful dedication, brings to light the transformative work of Project Refit and Guardians of Valor. Their efforts to combat isolation and change the stigma around mental illness are not just remarkable; they're a beacon of hope for many. Imagine a world where every veteran feels seen, heard, and valued—our conversation with Gina is a step towards that reality, offering practical strategies that extend far beyond the veteran community.

Trust and support form the bedrock of the healing communities we discuss in today's exchange. Dive into the essence of creating spaces where judgment is left at the door, and acceptance is the unwavering standard. It's not just about the grand gestures but also the small tokens of gratitude, like a simple card with an American flag, that can mean the world to someone who has served. As we share stories of community impact and the fight against the tragic rates of veteran suicide, it's evident that each of us holds the power to make a difference.

Lastly, Gina guides us through the intersection of nutrition, lifestyle, and mental resilience, especially pertinent for those coping with TBI and PTSD. The conversation shifts towards actionable steps, highlighting the importance of diet, exercise, and seeking advice for underlying health issues. We also emphasize the value of tools and workbooks that empower individuals to continue their wellness journey, ensuring the seeds planted in our motivational discussions flourish in everyday life. Join us for this impactful episode, where inspiration meets practical advice, and gratitude for our veterans and first responders echoes throughout.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

They say love conquers all, but when it's put to the test by the rigors of military life, just how strong can a marriage be? Today, we sit down with Cathy and Robert Casteel, two military veterans whose love has been forged in the fires of service, sacrifice, and the unique trials military couples face. From their first connection through a dating service to balancing reserve and active duty roles, the Casteel's open up about their journey. They share the intricate dance of communication crucial to navigating deployments and the role reversals that come with them. This candid conversation isn't just about love; it's a battle plan for any military couple determined to keep their partnership resilient in the face of adversity.

Retirement from the military doesn't mean the mission is over; sometimes, it's a strategic move for the home front. We explore the poignant decision of a father retiring to rebuild the bond with his daughter, Hannah, amidst the complex terrain of blended family life and post-divorce dynamics. Cathy, pivotal in holding the family fabric together, discusses the importance of creating an environment where communication thrives, and all parents are welcomed. This narrative isn't just touching; it's a roadmap for military families navigating the shift from service to civilian life, equipped with actionable strategies to empower their children and strengthen their connections.

As we wrap up, the Casteel's remind us of the core tenets that keep a military marriage standing strong: unconditional love, unwavering support, and a commitment that outlasts any deployment. They guide us through recognizing and respecting our partner's decisions, and confront personal triggers head-on to build a more robust bond. Their insights offer not just hope but practical advice that echoes far beyond the echoes of a farewell salute. Join us for this heartening episode that doesn't just share stories but arms military couples with the tools to fortify their own love against all odds.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Discover the untapped leadership potential within you as we journey with Thomas Solano, an esteemed financial strategist and agency owner. Together, we delve into how veterans can harness their ingrained discipline and perseverance to fuel their personal and professional growth. Thomas offers a treasure trove of insights on transitioning from military to civilian financial strategies, shedding light on the remarkable advantages that military training can bring to the entrepreneurial table. 

My own,  as well as Thomas, shared the transformation from a wayward youth to a devoted family man anchors the conversation on leadership being an innate quality that we all possess. The revelation of this inner strength is something we can all relate to, and we share the steps on how to cultivate the leader within by identifying and actively developing the traits we admire. This episode underscores the necessity of having a clear vision, writing down the leadership qualities you admire, and actively seeking out leadership opportunities — all while keeping your end goal in sight.

We wrap up with a powerful discussion on the importance of dreaming big and practical financial literacy for veterans adjusting to civilian life. The strategies and wisdom imparted aim to empower your journey, equipping you with the tools to manage your finances and maintain a positive outlook, even when life throws you curveballs. By focusing on gratitude, setting achievable goals, and embracing the support of mentors, we pave the way for veterans and their families to thrive in their new chapters. Join us to be inspired and ready to take charge of your reality with intention and purpose.

Explore more episodes, resources, and updates from Mike Cole at:

https://YourThoughtsYourReality.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on leadership, mindset, and navigating life after service.

Support the show