#12 Kylene Ruth
In this episode, Jake sits down with retired Air Force officer Kylene Ruth to discuss her journey from the Academy to squadron command, her evolution as a leader, and the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into civilian life.
Highlights:
– Why Kylene chose the Air Force Academy and how basketball shaped her path
– The moment she knew maintenance—not the cockpit—was her calling
– Lessons from leading with influence, not just compliance
– Balancing dual-military life, marriage, and family while serving
– Candid reflections on transition: healthcare, mental health, and identity after the uniform
– Advice to service members preparing for retirement and life beyond the military
Resources Mentioned:
– U.S. Air Force Academy: afacademy.af.edu
– Leadership development & coaching (Kylene’s business)
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & guest introduction
05:30 – Why Kylene chose the Academy
12:15 – Becoming a maintenance officer
20:00 – Evolving views on leadership & influence
35:50 – Dual-military marriage and family balance
45:00 – The decision to retire & planning for transition
55:00 – Physical and mental health challenges post-service
1:10:00 – Key advice for those preparing to leave the military
1:20:00 – Final thoughts and parting wisdom
#11 Dan Slaughter
Episode 11: Dan Slaughter’s Journey
Dan Slaughter, Army Veteran & Real Estate Developer
Overview:
Dan Slaughter shares his 26-year journey from Army brat to Army officer, cybersecurity expert, and real estate developer. A grounded and thoughtful conversation on transition, identity, and service beyond the uniform.
Highlights
-How growing up as an Army brat shaped Dan’s career decisions
– Why he transitioned from active duty infantry to National Guard and later Reserve Intel
– Lessons learned from two deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq
– Navigating career, family, and purpose through multiple life transitions
00:00 – Intro
01:15 – Army upbringing and ROTC beginnings
04:00 – Special Forces National Guard service
06:45 – Returning to civilian work post-Afghanistan
12:00 – Intel deployment in Iraq
16:30 – Working with DOD as a civilian
19:50 – Redefining purpose around family
23:00 – Transitioning into retirement and life after service
28:00 – Key advice for future retirees
#10 Rich Pelletier
In this episode of Blue Yonder, Jake reconnects with retired Chief Rich Pelletier to explore how purpose, service, and leadership shaped his military career and post-service success. From their time launching leadership initiatives at Shaw AFB to Rich's transition into Amazon, the conversation dives deep into discovering your next mission, the power of mentorship, and why role modeling matters more than ever after hanging up the uniform.
Rich Pelletier shares his journey from launching munitions in the Air Force to leading teams at Amazon. This episode unpacks how to rediscover purpose, serve without a uniform, and bring military-honed leadership into civilian roles.
Highlights:
– The pivotal role PME played in preparing Rich for civilian leadership
– How Rich leveraged genuine connections to land multiple job offers
– Replacing military service with personal service and mentorship
– The importance of finding your purpose before transitioning
#9 Jeff Tucker
In this episode of Blue Yonder, Jacob reconnects with his first Air Force roommate, Jeff Tucker, to reflect on nearly three decades of friendship, service, and transition.
Jeff shares his unexpected path to the Air Force at age 23, his experiences as a recruiter, and the highs and lows of military life — including leadership challenges, post-9/11 deployments, and tough career decisions.
They talk openly about transition struggles, the loss of identity after service, divorce, depression, and how Jeff ultimately rebuilt his life through real estate and community in East Tennessee.
This episode is a candid, often humorous look at military culture, personal growth, and what it takes to move forward when the uniform comes off.
🎙 Topics include:
– Real estate after retirement
– Leadership lessons from basic training
– The mental toll of military missteps
– Building identity beyond the rank
– Advice for service members nearing the end
#8 Charles Holman
In this powerful episode of Blue Yonder, Jake reconnects with longtime friend and retired Air Force veteran Charles Holman for the first time in nearly two decades. What unfolds is a deeply candid conversation about trauma, transformation, and the often unseen weight of military service. From his chaotic early years and near-death experiences to becoming a respected leader in both military and tech startup spaces, Charles reflects on the cost of service, the struggle of transition, and what it means to truly reinvent yourself after the uniform comes off.
Charles Holman shares his raw, unfiltered journey through 20+ years in the Air Force—from enlisting at 18 in search of structure, to reenlisting against all odds after personal and professional hardships, to reaching high-level positions while battling PTSD and internal demons. After a harrowing transition out of the military, Charles opened up about finding identity beyond the rank, navigating mental health recovery, diving into jujitsu and entrepreneurship, and rediscovering purpose as the Director of Quality Enhancement and Development at a public IoT startup. With humility and insight, Charles offers hard-earned lessons on resilience, vulnerability, and the power of rewriting your story.
#7 Michael Rainer
In this candid conversation, Jake sits down with retired Air Force Master Sergeant Michael Rainer to explore the highs, lows, and unexpected realities of life after the military. Michael opens up about the decision to join the Air Force, the challenges of staying in, and the pivotal moment when he chose retirement—not because he was ready to stop serving, but because his family needed stability.
He talks through the emotional complexity of letting go of the uniform, struggling through five different jobs post-retirement, and how the cultural shock of civilian life caught him off guard. Michael’s story also touches on the importance of community, the quiet weight of losing daily purpose, and the emotional trigger behind a simple act like shaving his beard.
For anyone navigating the military-to-civilian transition—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers raw insight, practical reflections, and a powerful reminder: taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s survival.
#6 willie Payne
In this episode, Jake sits down with Willie Payne, a man who has built a life around hard work, humility, and staying true to his values. From the early days of working under pressure to navigating career changes and building family life, Willie shares reflections on what it means to keep showing up—no matter what life throws your way. It’s a story of quiet strength, resilience, and real-world wisdom that listeners from all walks of life can relate to.
Early Hustles: Willie talks about his introduction to hard work, holding jobs from a young age and learning the value of responsibility.
Staying Grounded: He reflects on how personal integrity and a strong work ethic shaped his approach to life and success.
Faith and Family: Willie opens up about how his belief system and the people around him keep him focused and motivated.
The Power of Patience: He shares what he’s learned about staying committed to long-term goals and trusting the process—even when it’s hard.
Advice to the Next Generation: Willie offers simple, powerful lessons about showing up, staying humble, and staying ready.
#5 Jeremy McFall
In this candid and deeply personal episode, Jacob sits down with longtime friend and retired Air Force firefighter Jeremy McFall. From skipping high school to leading firefighting teams in Iraq, Jeremy's story is one of transformation, resilience, and humility. The two veterans reflect on deployments, discipline, leadership lessons, and what it really feels like to transition out of 24 years of military service. Whether you're in uniform, recently retired, or just someone trying to navigate life's next chapter — this episode will resonate.
Early Days: Jeremy shares his unconventional entry into the Air Force, prompted by his dislike of school and a smart recruiter who steered him into firefighting.
Military Missteps & Growth: He opens up about his struggles as a young Airman, including near-misses and hard lessons learned from disciplinary actions — and how those shaped his outlook and leadership style.
Deployment & Responsibility: From wild partying in Panama City to near-death experiences in Iraq, Jeremy’s story illustrates a gradual shift toward responsibility, purpose, and mentorship.
Post-Service Identity: Now a fire inspector at NAS Pensacola, Jeremy discusses the emotional gap left by leaving active duty — particularly the loss of camaraderie and a sense of mission.
Family First: Jeremy reflects on retirement planning, the importance of keeping his family grounded, and how he’s adjusting to life outside the uniform.
Top 3 Takeaways: He leaves us with wisdom forged from fire — literally and figuratively: appreciate diverse experiences, don’t stress what you can’t control, and make space for others to succeed.
#4 J Acre
Today I got to spend some time with an old friend and discuss his journey through the military and into civilian life. Huge take away...taking that sense of service and putting it in a box and off to the side. If you have been there then you know that feeling.
#3 Robbie and Kent
This podcast-style transcript features a candid conversation hosted by Jacob Peeterse with long-time friends and fellow Air Force retirees Kent and Robbie Greenwood. The episode delves into their shared military past, their simultaneous retirement from the Air Force on April 1, 2024, and the personal transformations they’ve experienced since transitioning into civilian life.
#2 Ryan Schnyders
Sat down with a long time friend Ryan and discussed his journey from retiring from the Air Force to being a real estate agent for professional athletes. There are quiet a few twist and turns but very much worth the ride. One huge thing sticks out to me from this discussion, when asked what he wishes he knew prior to retiring that he knows his answer was, there is nothing to fear!
#1 Josh b
Today I sat down with long time friend Josh and discussed his leaving the Air Force at a young age as well as his return to service as a commissioned officer. We covered a lot of ground in between, hope you enjoy.