Adapt and Overcome Podcast

What happens when someone starts learning Marine values seven years before ever putting on the uniform? In this episode, Marine veteran Matt Milburn shares how his journey began in high school Marine Corps JROTC and how those early lessons shaped a 21-year Marine Corps career and his transition into the defense technology industry.
Matt discusses his current work supporting U.S. Army and Marine programs in satellite communications and command-and-control systems while continuing his mission of serving warfighters after military service. He also opens up about the realities of transitioning from military life to the civilian workforce after more than two decades in uniform.
 
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What happens when a military aviator serves across nearly every branch of the U.S. military and then reinvents himself as a physician and healthcare entrepreneur? In this episode, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Dr. Charles Sasser to discuss his remarkable journey from the Marine Corps to medicine, and how he is reshaping healthcare through a patient-first practice model.
Dr. Sasser shares how his experiences in the military shaped his mindset, leadership style, and belief in perseverance. He talks openly about transitioning from military service into medicine, returning to school after his aviation career, and building an independent healthcare practice that removes insurance from the equation to focus on quality care and stronger patient relationships.
 
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What happens when a Marine Corps veteran earns a philosophy degree and discovers there aren’t many job openings for philosophers? In this episode, Clinton Avery shares how he transformed uncertainty into opportunity and built a career in software engineering through persistence, learning, and small daily improvements. This conversation is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely straight lines.
Clinton takes listeners through his journey from a young kid fascinated by computers in the library to serving in the Marine Corps, earning a philosophy degree, and eventually pivoting into software engineering after working in the insurance industry.
 
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What happens when a Marine veteran returns from multiple combat deployments carrying invisible wounds—and later becomes the person helping others heal?
In this episode of Adapt and Overcome, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Marine veteran, therapist, researcher, and counselor Matt Rensi to discuss his journey from serving three combat tours in the Middle East to rebuilding his life after PTSD, depression, and personal struggles.
Matt shares how therapy changed his life and ultimately inspired him to become a mental health professional serving active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and families. He explains how his own experiences allow him to connect deeply with clients dealing with trauma, PTSD, depression, and life transitions.
Matt also opens up about returning to therapy during a difficult season while balancing full-time work, a PhD program, marriage, and raising four young children. His message is clear: healing is ongoing, and asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.
 
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What does it take to go from immigrating from Venezuela with very little, serving in the Marine Corps, and helping build software that supports billions of users worldwide? In this episode, Jose Villalta shares his journey of resilience, service, and growth.
Jose Villalta is a software engineer with Amazon Web Services (AWS), working with Elastic Container Services (ECS), helping support cloud infrastructure that powers workloads around the globe. During the conversation, Jose explains how his technical background spans hardware, processors, communications systems, embedded software, and cloud technology. He discusses the massive scale involved in AWS systems and the responsibility required when software impacts millions of customers monthly.
Jose also opens up about his journey from Venezuela to South Florida, how the Marine Corps helped shape his mindset, and how military service gave him the discipline and confidence to pursue higher education and a career in engineering.
 
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What happens when someone spends 17 years in prison and chooses to rebuild instead of give up? In this powerful episode, Tommy Hardaway sits down with George Nolan to discuss his journey from Marine veteran, addiction, incarceration, and repeated prison sentences to becoming the Director of Marketing for New Freedom, the largest reentry facility in the United States.
George shares how a defining moment during his final prison sentence forced him to confront who he had become and inspired him to rebuild his life through purpose, discipline, and service. Today, he helps formerly incarcerated men and women transition back into society and build stable, meaningful lives.
In this episode, listeners will hear:
George’s story of serving 17 years in prison and what sparked his transformation
How New Freedom supports people returning from incarceration with housing, healthcare, employment support, fitness, mentoring, and recovery services all under one roof
The importance of mental health, personal development, and purpose over simply chasing money
Lessons learned from military service, identity, and rebuilding values
Why “doing the work” is essential for lasting change
New initiatives supporting women reentering society and anti-trafficking programs in Arizona
 
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What happens when a 20-year military career comes to an end and the uniform comes off? In this episode of Adapt and Overcome Podcast, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Army veteran Jon Milner to talk about life after service, transitioning into the civilian world, and continuing to serve with purpose.
Jon shares how his military background shaped his leadership style, mindset, and approach to overcoming challenges. From serving in the Army to becoming a Senior Director for Business Development in the defense industry, Jon explains how discipline, adaptability, and community helped guide his path forward.
Throughout the conversation, Jon opens up about the emotional side of leaving the military, the importance of finding a new mission after service, and why veterans bring tremendous value to the workforce. He also shares advice for young professionals on building financial stability early and finding purpose beyond a paycheck.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How military service prepares people for life challenges
Why many veterans struggle during civilian transition
The importance of finding a new community after service
Leadership lessons learned through adversity
Advice for veterans entering the civilian workforce
Why purpose matters more than just earning a paycheck
The value veterans bring to organizations and teams
 
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What does it take to go from Marine Corps avionics technician to helping lead the future of electric aviation? In this episode, Tommy Hardaway sits down with David Stepanek, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer at Bristow Group, to discuss leadership, resilience, aerospace innovation, and adapting through every stage of life and business.
David shares how joining the Marine Corps in 1983 created the foundation for his leadership journey and shaped the mindset that helped him rise through the aviation industry. He explains how military principles like planning, communication, and teamwork still guide him today while leading transformation initiatives in one of the world’s largest helicopter operations.
The conversation dives into David’s transition from military service into civilian aerospace work with Sikorsky Aircraft and later leadership roles in global aviation operations. He also talks about the challenge of shifting from leading thousands of employees to building a new innovation division focused on electric and hybrid aircraft technology.
One of the highlights of the episode is David sharing his experience flying in a 100% battery electric aircraft in Norway and helping pioneer the future of sustainable aviation. Tommy and David also discuss investing, personal growth, networking, workforce development, AI in aviation, and the importance of resilience for veterans and professionals alike.
 
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Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://adaptandovercomepodcast.com/guest  and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...

What does it look like to reinvent yourself at 67 years old? In this episode of the Adapt and Overcome Podcast, Tommy Hardaway sits down with retired Navy Captain Peter Lawless to talk about perseverance, leadership, military service, financial discipline, and why he’s heading to law school later in life.
Peter shares his incredible journey from growing up in a household with 11 brothers and sisters, to working construction jobs to pay for college, to leading major logistics operations for the Navy and Marines overseas. He opens up about overcoming difficult leadership situations, learning how to adapt to challenging personalities in the workplace, and why empathy became one of his greatest leadership tools.
The conversation also dives into financial literacy, investing, retirement planning, and why Peter believes discipline—not luck—is the foundation for long-term success. He explains how small investments made consistently over time can completely change a person’s future.
Now, at 67 years old, Peter is preparing for his next chapter after being accepted into law school at the University of Florida. His goal is to help people navigate financial planning, estate planning, and even divorce-related financial challenges as a certified divorce financial analyst.
This episode is packed with wisdom for veterans, professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to build a better future while overcoming life’s obstacles.
 
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What happens when a life-threatening pregnancy experience becomes the catalyst for a life mission? In this powerful episode, Dr. Danielle Plummer shares her journey from military spouse to Doctor of Pharmacy—and how nine months on IVs during multiple pregnancies led her to help other women facing similar challenges.
Dr. Plummer opens up about her struggles with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe and often misunderstood pregnancy condition. Despite having access to military healthcare, she found herself dismissed and without proper support. That experience pushed her to pursue advanced education and ultimately specialize in personalized medication management for pregnant women.
Today, she uses pharmacogenetics to help women find safer, more effective treatment options tailored to their DNA—offering hope where traditional systems fall short.
Beyond her medical work, Danielle reflects on the resilience required as a military spouse—navigating constant relocations, career changes, and raising a family across multiple countries. She also shares practical insights on building financial stability, creating income streams, and planning for the future despite uncertainty.
 
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Are you a successful business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at https://adaptandovercomepodcast.com/guest  and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you...