Your Next Mission® video podcast with host 12th Sergeant Major of the Army and Co-Founder of the American Freedom Foundation, Jack L. Tilley, proudly presented by Navy Federal Credit Union, Purdue Global and USAA with additional sponsorship from Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision. Your Next Mission® is a program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation that provides digital and online content, resources and support to our Veterans, Military Servicemembers, Military Spouses and their Families. Episodes released each week on Tuesday at 1000 CST
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June 9, 2026Episode 5141 min
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 51 | 66% Of Veterans Suffer In Silence. Here Is How We Break The Stigma
66% of Veterans struggling with thoughts of suicide have never spoken to anyone about it in their entire lives. In this powerful, full-length episode, SMA (R) Tilley sits down for an unforgettable, raw conversation with Keith Hotle, the CEO of @StopSoldierSuicide Together, they dismantle the dangerous myths surrounding Veteran mental health, unpack the heavy psychological toll of transition isolation and share a heartbreaking lesson from the Sergeant Major’s own military career that every Leader and Family Member needs to hear.
June 2, 2026Episode 5030 min
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 50 | The "Secret Service" Nobody Gives You a Medal For
Military Spouses make massive sacrifices, but how do you build a powerhouse career when you’re constantly relocating? In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with Nicole Leth—a resilient Military Spouse, public health expert, and current instructor at the U.S. Secret Service Health and Resilience Training Section.Nicole shares her raw, "un-sugarcoated" journey navigating 27 years of military moves, handling the "bumpy" transition to civilian retirement with her Servicemember spouse, and how she went from directing Armed Forces Wellness Centers to training Federal Secret Service agents. If you are a Veteran, Military Spouse, or Servicemember preparing to transition, this episode is packed with essential advice on resilience, marriage communication, and maintaining your health under extreme stress.
May 26, 2026Episode 4943 min
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 49 | The True Cost of Freedom: A Marine's Unfiltered Vietnam Story of Survival
In this special Memorial Day episode, on the number #1 video podcast on military transition and leadership, host 12th SMA(R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with fellow Vietnam Veteran Esteban Valenzuela, founder of the Law Offices of Esteban L. Valenzuela & Associates. In this deeply moving conversation, Esteban opens up about the darkness that swallowed him upon returning from war—from carrying weapons on the streets of California and battling severe addiction to a moment where he nearly took his own life. Discover how a brotherhood of Marines, a dedicated VA counselor, and a life-changing return trip to Vietnam hosted saved his life, transforming his perspective on Memorial Day from a dark, isolated nightmare into a beautiful celebration of family, gratitude, and remembrance.
May 19, 2026Episode 4841 min
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 48 | The Brutal Truth About Military Transition (What They Don't Tell You) | Stacy Holt & 15th MPCON (R) Russell L. Smith
Military retirement sounds like the finish line, but the next battle begins after you take off the uniform. Welcome to Your Next Mission®, the nation's #1 video podcast on military transition and leadership.In this episode, host and the 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with Stacy Holt, @usaa Military Affairs Director Spouse Engagement & 30+ year Marine spouse and the 15th MCPON (R) Russell L. Smith to pull back the curtain on the intense, unexpected, and often unsettling challenges of military retirement.From the reality of financial readiness under the Blended Retirement System (BRS) to personal mental health battles post-command, this raw and honest conversation gives Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families the blueprint to survive and conquer their "second act."On the second half of the episode where Master Chief Smith shares a jaw-dropping story about how USAA proactively hunts down active-duty Servicemembers to refund them thousands of dollars using the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) , and Stacy shares a raw, heart-wrenching account of how a single community event literally saved a military spouse's life.If you are Servicemembers, a Veteran, or a Military Spouse navigating life after service, this raw, honest, and vulnerable conversation will give you the blueprint to find your "second act" and remind you that you are never alone.👉 Looking for Your Next Career? Check out our Veteran job board in partnership with RecruitMilitary: https://yournextmission.org👉 Support our Veterans: Donate property or a used vehicle to support our work at the American Freedom Foundation: https://americanfreedomfoundation.org/donate
May 5, 2026Episode 4639 min
Your Next Mission® | Season #6 EP 46 | Inside MilSpouseFest + Military Influencer Conference 2026 | Jessica Manfre
On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast,SMA Tilley welcomes Jessica Manfre, LCSW — Military Events Manager at Recurrent Military, Director of MilSpouseFest, licensed therapist, author of Never Alone, and proud Coast Guard spouse of 21+ years. Jessica oversees 8+ MilSpouseFest events a year (presented by USAA) on bases across the country and now internationally and works alongside founder Curtez Riggs on the Military Influencer Conference (MIC). In this episode, Jessica and SMA Tilley dig into: The biggest challenges facing Military spouses today (community, child care, mental health, employment). Why the Military Spouse is the ultimate force multiplier. How MilSpouseFest brings free, family-friendly programming to bases nationwide. Upcoming 2026 stops: Norfolk Naval Base May 12, Osan AB & Camp Humphreys South Korea Oct 20–21, and Puerto Rico in December. What MIC 2026 in Tampa really is (hint: "influencer" means LEADER, not TikTok dancer). Real talk on PCS, deployment, isolation, and finding your people. This year the MIC 2026, is September 23–26 at the JW Marriott in Tampa, FL, where nearly 4,000 attendees are expected. Whether you're a Servicemember, Veteran, Milspouse, Milpreneur, content creator, or military-connected brand, this is THE event of the year. Eligible to attend MilSpouseFest? Active, Guard, Reserve, AND Veteran Spouses — all welcome, kids included. milspousefest.com | militaryinfluencer.com | yournextmission.org
April 28, 2026Episode 4538 min
Your Next Mission® | Season #6 EP 45 | Healing. Transition. Purpose. That's AFW2's Mission | MSG (R) Marsha Hoskins - AFW2, Leslie Santiago Rodriguez & CMSgt (R) Jason David - BCBS A FEP
No Airman Left Behind. Inside the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, that promise is more than words. It is a mission that never ends. On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley goes inside the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) with MSG (R) Marsha Hoskins of AFW2, Leslie Santiago Rodriguez and CMSgt (R) Jason David of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Federal Employee Program, and to reveal exactly how this program is changing lives and why no Airman is ever left behind.The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) is the lifeline for wounded, ill, and injured Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. From the moment of injury through every stage of recovery, AFW2 walks alongside warriors with personalized care, advocacy, mentorship, and a community that refuses to let anyone heal alone. And when partners like Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program stand shoulder to shoulder with that mission, the impact multiplies. This is the inside look every Airman, Guardian, caregiver, Veteran, and Military Family needs to hear.CMSgt (R) Jason David shares the warrior's perspective. Marsha Hoskins breaks down how the program actually works and who it serves. Leslie Santiago Rodriguez explains how Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP partners with AFW2 to extend care and resources to those who served. Three voices. One mission. Zero filters. Because heroes don't heal alone, and no Airman is ever left behind.LEARN MORE / GET INVOLVEDAir Force Wounded Warrior Program: https://www.woundedwarrior.af.milBlue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program: https://www.fepblue.orgWhat you will hear in this episodeInside the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and exactly who qualifies for AFW2 supportHow AFW2 walks with warriors and Families from the moment of injury through every stage of recoveryWhy CMSgt (R) Jason David says the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program saved more than just his careerHow Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program partners with AFW2 to extend care, advocacy, and lifelong resourcesWhat caregivers and Military Families need to know about the support available to them right nowWhy the transition from active duty to civilian life is one of the hardest battles a wounded warrior fightsThe role adaptive sports, mentorship, and community play in the healing process inside AFW2How the partnership between BCBS FEP and the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program is reaching Airmen who did not know help existedWhy corporate America stepping up matters and what real partnership looks like in actionThe honest truth about what wounded warriors and their Families need most and how you can be part of the solutionHow to connect a wounded, ill, or injured Airman or Guardian to AFW2 todayWhy no Airman is ever left behind and what every Veteran should know about asking for helpWhat is the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program?Who qualifies for AFW2 support?How does the Air Force support wounded, ill, and injured Airmen?What does No Airman Left Behind mean in the Air Force?How does Blue Cross Blue Shield partner with the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program?What benefits do wounded warriors get through Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program?How does AFW2 help with the transition to civilian life?What support is available for Air Force wounded warrior families?How do I connect a wounded Airman to the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program?What is the role of caregivers in AFW2?How do adaptive sports help wounded warriors heal?What resources are available for Air Force veterans with PTSD or TBI?How does the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program work with the VA?What is the impact of AFW2 on Airmen and Guardians?How can civilians support wounded warrior programs?What does Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP cover for federal employees and veterans?#NoAirmanLeftBehind #AirForceWoundedWarrior #AFW2 #BlueCrossBlueShield #BCBSFEP #FederalEmployeeProgram #WoundedWarrior #YourNextMission #SMATilley
April 21, 2026Episode 4438 min
Your Next Mission® | Season #6 EP 44 | The Difference Is the Why: How the Army Turns Compliance Into Commitment | 17th Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA Michael R. Weimer
The NCO Corps does not need compliant Soldiers. It needs committed warfighters. On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, 12th Sergeant Major of the Army (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with 17th Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer to break down exactly what turns compliance into commitment and why the difference is the why. Two SMAs. Zero filters. The truth that every Soldier, NCO, Veteran and Military Family needs to hear right now. SMA Weimer said it straight. "You could be really fit, really tough, and still be a one trick leader". And in 2026 that is not enough. The NCO Corps needs Soldiers who are adaptive, curious, continuously learning and committed from the inside out. Not because they have to be. Because they understand why they should be.These two leaders go beyond the manual to discuss merit-based retention, Transforming in Contact, and how the Army is using Artificial Intelligence to update doctrine at light speed. Whether you are an active duty NCO or a Veteran transitioning to civilian life, this is the "No Filter" truth about the state of the force.What you will hear in this episodeWhy SMA Weimer says brilliance at the basics is the only foundation that makes technology lethalHow Transforming in Contact is putting new equipment directly into the hands of Soldiers and taking real time feedback on the spotWhy the Army's new merit-based retention strategy is finally rewarding committed Soldiers instead of treating everyone the sameWhat the journey from compliance to commitment actually looks like across a 20 to 30 year careerWhy adaptability and continuous learning are the most critical skills for the NCO of 2026 and beyondHow Combined Arms Center is using artificial intelligence to update doctrine and training at a speed this Army has never seen beforeWhat SMA Weimer witnessed at minus 20 degrees in Alaska that made him proud of this generation of NCOsWhy the warrior mindset that made you successful in uniform will make you successful the day you take it offThe honest truth about barracks healthcare and food strategy and what Army leadership is doing about it right nowWhy leaders who explain the why are the ones who turn compliant Soldiers into committed war fightersWhat both SMAs say every young Sergeant must master that is completely different from what was required of their generationHow home station training before CTC rotations is transforming readiness across the entire forceWhy you cannot be a one trick leader in today's Army and what that means for your career right nowWhat SMA Weimer means when he says the Army is on a war path to eliminate ridiculous rules so Soldiers can train and fightWhat is the difference between a compliant Soldier and a committed Soldier?How do Army leaders build commitment in their Soldiers?What does SMA Weimer say about NCO leadership in 2026?How do you turn a compliant Soldier into a committed war fighter?What is merit-based retention and how is the Army changing it?How does the Army use artificial intelligence in NCO training today?What is Transforming in Contact and how does it impact Soldiers?What skills does a sergeant need in 2026 that were never required before?How do you build trust with this generation of Soldiers?What is the journey from compliance to commitment in the Army?How is the Army updating doctrine faster using artificial intelligence?What did SMA Weimer say about NCO grit and the next generation?How does home station training prepare Soldiers before CTC rotations?What is Combined Arms Center doing with artificial intelligence right now?What does every battalion Sergeant Major need to be doing before a Soldier reaches their ETS window?How does the warrior mindset translate from military service to civilian life?What is the Army doing about barracks healthcare and food strategy for Soldiers and Families?How do you go from one enlistment to 20 plus years of committed service?
April 14, 2026Episode 4334 min
Your Next Mission® | Season #6 EP 43 | Roger That!...A Bank that is Tracking! | Jill Castilla
What does it look like when a bank actually understands the mission? What if your financial institution spoke your language, operated with discipline, and had your six the way your unit did? On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, Jill Castilla joins SMA Tilley to break down how Citizens Bank of Edmond is redefining banking for Veterans, Servicemembers, and Military Families and how the Roger app is changing the way people manage money in real time. This isn’t just about banking. This is about readiness, trust, and leadership applied to your finances...the way you can understand! Are you tracking?.....What is the Roger app and how does it work?How does Citizens Bank support Veterans and Military Families?What banks are best for Servicemembers and Veterans?How can Military Families improve financial readiness?What financial tools are designed for the military community?Who is Jill Castilla and why is she important in banking?What makes a bank military-friendly?How can Veterans better manage money after service?What are the best banking apps for budgeting and saving?How does leadership translate from the military to banking?What is the Roger app?What are the best banking apps for Veterans?How Jill Castilla leads with purpose in the financial sectorWhy Citizens Bank of Edmond is different from traditional banksHow the Roger app is helping simplify finances for everyday AmericansThe real financial challenges facing Veterans and Military FamiliesWhy financial readiness is just as critical as mission readinessLeadership lessons from the battlefield to the boardroomIf you’re a Veteran, Servicemember, Military Spouse, or someone who supports the military community—this conversation is for you.#Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #Servicemembers #VeteranBenefits #MilitaryLife #FinancialFreedom #Banking #Leadership #YourNextMission #JillCastilla #RogerApp #MoneyManagement #TransitionSuccess #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition
April 7, 2026Episode 4235 min
Your Next Mission® | Season #6 EP 42 | Really! We're Moving Again?| "Moving With The Military" | 1SG (R) Patrick & Maria Reed
Question? What Do PCSing Military Families Really Face? On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes 1SG (R) Patrick Reed and wife Maria Reed, creators and hosts of the VetstreamTV.com series “Moving With The Military.” They expose the real, unfiltered truth behind military life on the move and discuss the unbelievable ways they are supporting many Military Families. What do Military Families REALLY go through during a PCS move?What is it like to uproot your life every 2–3 years?What does constant relocation do to marriages, careers, and children?Why do so many Military Spouses struggle to maintain careers?This conversation goes beyond the highlight reel.This is about the weight carried by Military Families every single move.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE:The emotional and financial toll of PCS movesThe reality of starting over again and againHow Military Families build resilience through uncertaintyThe silent sacrifices of Military Spouses and ChildrenThe truth about employment challenges for Military SpousesThe mission and impact behind “Moving With The Military.”Why these stories matter for both the military and civilian communitiesWhat is a PCS move in the military?How often do Military Families PCS?Why is PCS so stressful for Military Families?What do Military Spouses struggle with the most?How do you prepare for a PCS move?What are the hardest parts of military life?How do Military Children handle moving so often?What support is available for Military Spouses?Can Military Spouses have stable careers?What is “Moving With The Military” TV show about?Who are the hosts of “Moving With The Military?”How do Military Families stay strong during transitions?What does life after a PCS look like?How do you rebuild community after moving?What are PCS entitlements and benefits?How does PCS affect mental health?What is the biggest challenge of Military Family life?How do you transition out of the military successfully?What is Your Next Mission® podcast?Who is SMA Jack L. Tilley?WHY THIS MATTERS:Behind every Servicemember is a Military Family that serves alongside them.PCS moves are not just logistics.They are life resets.New schools.New jobs.New communities.Over and over again.If you have ever worn the uniform, supported someone who has, or want to understand the true cost of service, this episode is for you.
March 31, 2026Episode 4052 min
Your Next Mission® | Season #6 EP 41 | Comedian Jeff Allen opens up about Marriage, Family Chaos, Everyday Life and Faith that Hits Home
Comedian Jeff Allen opens up about Marriage, Family Chaos, and Faith that Hits Home is exactly what audiences are searching for when it comes to real, relatable, and hilarious comedy rooted in truth and Faith.In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, comedian Jeff Allen joins SMA Tilley for a conversation that blends humor, real-life experience, and Faith in Christ. From marriage struggles to family chaos, Jeff Allen delivers comedy that hits home because it’s real and relatable.Jeff Allen is one of the most recognized comedians in America, known for stand-up centered on marriage, parenting, and everyday life. What sets him apart is how his Christian Faith shapes his comedy by bringing perspective, honesty, and meaning behind the laughter.What makes this episode stand out is the dynamic between Jeff Allen and SMA Tilley. Their back-and-forth is natural, unscripted, and at times hilarious. You’ll see moments where SMA Tilley is genuinely caught off guard laughing, as Jeff connects through shared truths about life, leadership, marriage, and Faith.Also• Jeff Allen on marriage, family chaos, and real-life humor• How Faith in Christ shapes his comedy and message• Why clean comedy still connects in today’s culture• A real and funny conversation with SMA Tilley• Humor that hits without crossing the lineQuestions:Who is Jeff Allen, comedian?Is Jeff Allen a Christian comedian?Is Jeff Allen a clean comedian?What is Jeff Allen known for?What are Jeff Allen’s best marriage jokes?Where can I watch Jeff Allen stand up comedy?Is Jeff Allen on Dry Bar Comedy?What comedians talk about marriage and family?Who are the best clean Christian comedians?Is clean comedy still funny today?Why is Jeff Allen so relatable?What podcast is Jeff Allen on?Who is SMA Tilley?What is Your Next Mission podcast?
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