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Military Bottom Line

Business & Economics Podcasts

Whether you're in the military, considering joining or just want to learn more about military life and opportunities, this podcast is for you. Every week I talk to someone new that has their own first hand experience with the US military. While we focus on the opportunities the military offers for personal growth, we also discuss the cost of those opportunities. I truly believe the military is the greatest opportunity to build a strong future at a young age. Learn with me as we discover how others have made it work for them. *Links in show notes may be affiliate links*

Location:

United States

Description:

Whether you're in the military, considering joining or just want to learn more about military life and opportunities, this podcast is for you. Every week I talk to someone new that has their own first hand experience with the US military. While we focus on the opportunities the military offers for personal growth, we also discuss the cost of those opportunities. I truly believe the military is the greatest opportunity to build a strong future at a young age. Learn with me as we discover how others have made it work for them. *Links in show notes may be affiliate links*

Language:

English


Episodes
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Brent Bowers - Passive Income From Land (Ep. 95)

1/5/2026
Brent Bowers is a real estate investor, coach, and former Army Officer who transitioned out of military life after realizing he wanted more time with his wife and children. After first getting interested in real estate in 2007, Brent built a successful investing business with a primary focus on buying and selling vacant land—an approach that allowed him to scale, hire a team, and reclaim time with his family. Today, he helps aspiring and experienced investors learn the ins and outs of land investing through coaching and education, guided by a people-first philosophy that prioritizes service, impact, and long-term success over quick wins.

Duration:00:53:05

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David Pere - Live Coaching Call (Ep. 94)

7/3/2025
It has been a hot minute - but we're still out here.I was fortunate enough to pick David Pere's brain and ask hime some questions I have pertaining to business, real estate and content creation.Hope you find some of this discussion helpful!

Duration:01:10:43

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Mark Burnett - Chemical Casualties (Ep. 93)

7/30/2024
Mark Burnett’s father was stationed at camp Lejeune back in 1957. As Mark put it, he was conceived in-utero and born in Camp Lejeune. His family stayed there for two more years. Before moving the cherry point, but that did not get him away from the contamination. After his diagnosis, Mark spent months sifting through thousands of pages of old news papers to identify as many people as he could who may have been impacted by Camp Lejeune's contaminated water. In this episode, we discuss Mark's story, details of Camp Lejeune's water contamination and the ongoing litigation with details on how you can get involved. Learn more at https://chemicalcasualties.com/ If you find a name you want to gather evidence for, use the CODE M27QUXBY FOR 33% OFF --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:01:07:09

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Joe Malone - Staying Lethal (Ep. 88)

7/29/2024
Joseph Malone is a former Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Marine with seven total deployments who's now on a mission as a personal safety consultant. Join us as we delve into Joseph's journey in and out of the military TWICE, what made him try out for MARSOC and what ultimately helped him put the pieces of his life back together after transition. Joe now operates his own business teaching others how to protect themselves and the ones they love. Discover the essence of the "Lethality Lifestyle" as Joe advocates, for self-defense skills, positive mindset, and discipline for collective empowerment and peace. Connect with Joe: https://www.instagram.com/joseph_malone_official/ Joe Malone Training: https://joemalonetraining.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:53:46

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Jason Burds - Navigating Identity & Entrepreneurship (Ep. 92)

7/23/2024
I was recently a guest on Talia Rhea's podcast (who was on episode 16 of my show). Please enjoy the discussion we had on military transition, career pivots, leadership and much more. What does it mean to you reinvent yourself? What are the lessons to be learned from running your own business? In this episode, Talia sits down with USMC veteran and real estate appraiser, Jason Burds, to talk all things entrepreneurship, pivoting careers, and why identity is often the most neglected component of a military (and major life) transition. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:42:57

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Blake Daily - Air Force Officer to Boutique Hotel Investor (Ep. 91)

7/2/2024
Blake Dailey is an Air Force Veteran turned entrepreneur and real estate investor. Blake attended the USAFA from 2015-2018 where he played football as a middle linebacker. Early in his Air Force career as a Contracting Officer, Blake started investing in real estate with a single Airbnb unit and has, over the last five years, scaled his business to operate in four states with a team of 30 employees, both virtual and domestic. He now manages over 150 short-term rental (STR) listings, generating an annual income of $3 million. Blake shares his expertise on growing and scaling STR businesses to earn passive income and offers investment opportunities for passive investors seeking similar success. Connect with Blake: Website: https://blakedailey.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlakeDailey IG: https://www.instagram.com/blakejdailey/ Other Resources: https://www.bestplaces.net/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:45:12

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Lisa Benson - From the Battlefield to Business (Ep. 90)

6/29/2024
In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Benson, an Army veteran who transformed personal and professional adversity into a story of triumph. After enlisting in 2000 to overcome financial hardship and pay for college, Lisa navigated the challenges of deployment, returning home to pursue a career as a massage therapist dedicated to helping fellow veterans. With a Bachelor's in Management and a Master's in Public Administration, Lisa then sought to impact the VA, but found a more fulfilling path as an entrepreneur, founding DeBella DeBall Designs to support veteran-owned businesses. Join me as we explore Lisa’s journey through PTSD, the therapeutic world of roller derby, and the invaluable veteran programs like Team RWB, The Pink Berets, and the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the enduring Veteran spirit. Connect with Lisa: Website: www.debelladeball.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-benson-12dbdb IG: https://www.instagram.com/debelladeballdesigns/ Other Resources: Team RWB: https://teamrwb.org/ The Pink Berets: https://thepinkberets.org/ Video on VR&E: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_786kQm2s --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:01:02:51

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4 Crucial Lessons I Learned After Buying a Business | What No One Tells You

6/4/2024
Two months ago, I took the leap and bought a business. Here are the first four things I’ve learned that no one tells you about being your own boss: - Being Your Own Boss Isn’t Total Freedom While it’s great to be in charge, it doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. Unlike before, I can’t completely detach even on vacations. - The Challenge of Too Little Work Stressing over too little work is a new experience. As an employee, slow periods didn’t bother me. Now, the financial pressure is real, and I’d rather be too busy than not busy enough. - Mindset Shift as an Owner Ownership changes your perspective. Productivity, profitability, and resources become your primary focus. It’s a good shift but beware of becoming a micromanager. - Work Becomes More Enjoyable There’s a unique thrill in knowing your hard work directly impacts your success. It’s more fun and exciting to “eat what you kill,” but it requires a different way of thinking. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:04:07

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My VR&E Story

5/21/2024
I used VR&E to get a master's degree, but that's not how I started...At first I thought I was going to use it for an accelerated BSN. But right before starting, I switched over to completing my MS in Project Management. We don't all go in straight lines...I was surprised at the work required to apply for and be approved for VR&E. Here is what I learned. VR&E Application Assignment includes: Career Exploration Guide: - Find 10-15 job postings for the career you are pursuing in your area that required the degree you want - Include school curriculum for the program you want to do - Discuss your disability restrictions for said career path and how your injuries relate to your current role vs desired role - Discuss job postings and if you’re willing to move, need anything extra etc. - Answer several questions about your current role, desired role and VA ratings - Research 2-3 schools with a program that you could attend to complete goal - WRITE a career proposal about your research and why you want to pursue said job This isn't as straightforward as applying to use the GI Bill. Good luck! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:07:35

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David Hopkins - Stepping on an IED, 8 years of school & VR&E Benefit (Ep. 89)

4/30/2024
In this episode of, we delve into the gripping journey of David Hopkins, a former Marine Corps Infantryman who enlisted on a five-year contract to escape his turbulent past. On a kinetic Afghanistan deployment with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, David faced the horrors of combat just three weeks into his deployment when he stepped on an IED. But David's story doesn't end on the battlefield. Despite his intense experiences, he refused to let his dreams crumble in the dust. Through sheer determination and the support of programs like the GI Bill, VR&E, and VA Disability, David embarked on a grueling eight-year mission to carve out a new path for himself. Tune in as David shares his remarkable journey from the frontlines of war to the halls of academia, where he pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering against all odds. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering resolve to persevere, no matter the obstacles. David shared the following video taken during Afghanistan deployment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wObO3xb_OdQ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:01:30:23

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Bill Fulton - Veteran Owned Business & FREE Government Surplus

3/19/2024
Bill spent 8 years in the Army Infantry. After a disabling injury Bill opened his own security company and retail store selling military and survival products in Alaska. It was during this time that he began working with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies initially in undercover operations and later as an analyst specializing in counter domestic terrorism. Bill was also involved in the getting the Veteran Small Business Enhancement Act passed to allow certified veteran owned businesses to benefit from government surplus equipment. Bill currently spends his time on a small holistic, sustainable farm in New England with his wife and two children. Connect with Bill: https://www.instagram.com/dzbillfulton/?hl=en Bill's book "The Blood of Patriots" --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:58:09

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What the heck am I doing?

3/12/2024
Trying to recreate the momentum I had. No editing, just action. Hope you all are well. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:10:20

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Adit Shah - Working for FREE during Navy Transition | Ep 86

1/23/2024
Adit Shah is a real estate devemoper and private equity syndicator. After separating honorably from the US Navy, he worked for a developer for FREE for 1 year which led to him founding Housebender Inc, his own development company. Adit also co-founded Tempest 22, a private equity company which raised $3.2M and acquired $18M in assets in under 1 year. Connect with Adit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housebender/ Website: https://housebender.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:42:21

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Don't Waste Your GI Bill

10/1/2023
A lot of veterans find themselves struggling academically after they leave the service. There are a myriad of problems that can come from failing classes while using your GI Bill. After 3 degrees, I have compiled my tried and true methods to ensure success in every college class. Hope these help! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:09:10

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Bill Gureck - From Enlisted Sailor to U.S. Naval Academy | Ep 85

3/21/2023
Tune in to hear Bill's story - how/why he enlisted in the Navy and ultimately found a back door entry into the U.S. Naval Academy. Bill shares details on how to replicate this path, details no one talks about, flight school upset and Navy life as a whole. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:01:08:48

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GI Bill for National Guard & Reservist | How to Get 100%

3/11/2023
If you joined the National Guard or Reserves, you're not going to want to miss out on the opportunity that is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. While it's nearly a guarantee for active duty veterans, it's far from a guarantee for National Guard and Reservists. Some order count for eligibility and some don't. If you serve 90 days of qualifying orders, you'll receive 50% of the GI Bill. If you serve 36 months of qualifying orders, you'll receive 100% of the benefit and there are incremental eligibility levels in-between. Stay tuned to learn the specifics. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:13:51

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Free Graduate School for Mental Health Professionals | 'Readjustment Counseling Service Scholarship'

1/19/2023
If you're considering going to graduate school to become a counselor, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! 2 years of free graduate school in exchange for guaranteed employment and an adventurous place to live? Sounds like a deal! For more info: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Vet_Center_Scholarship_Program.asp --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:04:02

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Douglas James - Military Side Hustle to Full Time Entrepreneur | Ep 84

1/17/2023
As a highly-successful entrepreneur, Douglas James has seen over-and-over how fellow business owners have amazing ideas which deserve to succeed. This knowledge inspired Douglas to empower budding entrepreneurs on how to acquire, close and retain amazing clients, so they can finally experience the lives of their dreams. Douglas decided he wanted to help others to succeed during his time in the Navy. In 2015, he was deployed on a humanitarian mission that allowed him to assist some of the most impoverished communities in the world. It was then and there that Douglas knew he wanted to live his life with great purpose and do everything he can to raise others up. After returning home, Douglas launched his career as an entrepreneur and immediately experienced the power of certain digital marketing and advertising techniques and how they can positively impact virtually any business. Douglas also immersed himself in the world of Facebook Ads and YouTube Ads, learning all he could about this effective marketing platform to reach global audiences. He has used Facebook Ads to help numerous local businesses to succeed, and then expanded his scope to online coaching so he can help other business owners do the same. Known as “The High-Ticket Client Guy”, Douglas has already trained and coached over 5,000 entrepreneurs on how to turbo-charge their earning potential with his proven sales and marketing strategies. Douglas James has been aired on Live TV and featured in major publications like FOX, Entrepreneur, Yahoo, NBC and ABC to name a few. He is a 2-Time Inc. 5000 Entrepreneur, meaning that his company is one of the fastest growing companies in the United States today. Douglas will never forget his time working with the people of Papua, New Guinea and other countries, many of whom were lacking basic essentials like shoes. As a result, he focuses on being a for purpose business, giving back to non profits like Pencils of Promise who build schools for kids in Mexico and RIP Medical who eradicate Military and Veteran Medical Debt. Connect with Douglas Linktree Military Wealth Summit --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:40:53

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Combat to College with John Davis | Ep 83

1/6/2023
Staff Sergeant John H. Davis is a decorated combat veteran with two tours in Afghanistan. John is a veteran advocate, Harvard Graduate and author of Combat to College. Every service member that is preparing to get out, or is already out using their GI Bill, needs to hear what John has to say. Find John’s book here --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:38:01

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Does GPA Matter for Veterans Using the GI Bill?

12/20/2022
There is a lot of pressure to maintaining good grades while in college, but is it really worth the effort? It all depends on how competitive your goals are. The more competitive, the more things like your GPA matter. Either way, a ding to your GPA isn't the end of the world. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militarybottomline/support

Duration:00:05:53