Navy SEAL: Sniper, Divorce, & How Baking Saved His Mental Health | RealTOC Ep 20

Navy SEAL: Sniper, Divorce, & How Baking Saved His Mental Health | RealTOC Ep 20

What happens when you mix sourdough science with military survival? In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Dick Johns, a former Navy SEAL and sniper instructor, for a raw conversation about transition, mental health, and... the perfect sourdough blueberry muffin. Before diving into the heavy stuff, Dick takes us into the kitchen to show us how he uses his sourdough discard (meet "Jason" the starter!) and a secret ingredient, sour cream, to bake the ultimate muffins. But baking is more than just a hobby for Dick; it is a lesson in delayed gratification and a therapeutic escape from the chaos of life. Back in the studio, the conversation gets incredibly real. Dick opens up about his 13 years in the SEAL teams, from the brutal realities of BUDS training (including a terrifying pool encounter with a "silverback gorilla" of an instructor) to multiple deployments in Iraq and Guam. He dives deep into the high divorce rates in the Special Forces community, his own transition into corporate tax work, and his deeply personal journey with therapy, sobriety, and learning to give himself grace. This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how deep the struggle or how chaotic the transition, finding connection and sharing your story is the ultimate way to heal. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.realtoc.com/] Connect with Dick Johns: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-johns17/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-johns17/] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] Special thanks to Gunner Gear: https://gunnergear.com/ [https://gunnergear.com/] #NavySEAL #SourdoughBaking #MentalHealthMatters #veteranstories

From Artillery to Shingles: A Veteran's Guide to Starting Over | RealTOC Ep 19

Join us as host Cameron Hardin steps onto a ladder and into the world of professional roofing with Zach Floyd, a former Army National Guard supply sergeant who traded mortar for shingles. From the perspective of a veteran with an unstoppable work ethic, Zach walks us through what it's really like to be a commercial roofer. Follow along as Zach demonstrates a "watered down" version of a roof inspection, pointing out everything from granule loss and ventilation failures to the damage caused by improper flashing and exposed nails. He shares his knowledge of standard materials vs. metal roofing and explains why proper maintenance is key. Then, Zach takes us back to his Middle Georgia roots, sharing hilarious and relatable stories about growing up in Jeffersonville, fighting with brothers, and the unique brand of "redneck entertainment" that built his immune system. He speaks candidly about his time as an artilleryman and supply sergeant in the 48th Brigade, his deployment to Afghanistan, and the life-altering injury that eventually led to his transition out of active guard service. Now, a 100% commission-based roofing sales specialist, Zach reveals why this career was the "best decision he ever made", from the freedom to be home with his kids to the rewarding feeling of fighting and winning for clients against insurance companies. This episode of RealTOC has it all: trade secrets, veteran stories, and the heart of a truly stubborn (in a good way) entrepreneur. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.realtoc.com/] Connect with Zach Floyd: Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/zfloyd3⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/zfloyd3] Website: ⁠https://www.goroofingatl.com/⁠ [https://www.goroofingatl.com/] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #RoofingLife #VeteranEntrepreneur #VeteranStories

How an Army Sniper Found His Calling in Special Education | RealTOC Ep 18

In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Donny Rocci, a former U.S. Army sniper, veteran of the Iraq War surge, and dedicated special education administrator. We start the day on the water for some fishing before heading into the studio to dive deep into a journey defined by transition, identity, and service. Donny opens up about the grit required to lose 50 pounds just to enlist, the sharp cultural contrast between active duty and the reserves, and the "ripping off the Band-Aid" reality of transitioning from a 15-month combat tour to a college classroom in just weeks. He shares the honest struggles of losing one’s identity after leaving a specialized unit and the dark periods of wandering that many veterans face when the mission suddenly disappears. The heart of Donny’s story lies in his "accidental" discovery of special education. He reflects on how working with students with autism gave him a renewed sense of purpose that rivaled his time in the military. As he prepares for a new chapter in Colorado, Donny discusses the importance of vulnerability, the power of mentorship, and why fulfillment is the ultimate key to happiness. We are also joined by his son, Ryan, as they look forward to their family’s next big adventure. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.realtoc.com/] Connect with Donny Rocci: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donaldrocci [https://www.facebook.com/donaldrocci] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donny-rocci-60bb795a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/donny-rocci-60bb795a/] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #VeteranStories #ArmySniper #SpecialEducation

Masculinity, Fatherhood, Balance & Surviving Transition | RealTOC Ep 17

In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Ben Hammond for a raw and honest conversation that goes far beyond the bike trails of Blankets Creek Trail in Georgia. Ben opens up about his journey from serving in the military to transitioning into civilian life, a path marked by challenges, introspection, and the pursuit of true purpose. We dive deep into the essential, often-overlooked topics of modern masculinity and what it truly means to be a "competent man" in today’s society. Ben shares his personal experiences with fatherhood, the importance of faith in navigating life’s toughest transitions, and how he uses his passions, like mountain biking, as a necessary mental reset. This episode isn’t just about gear or trails; it’s about the struggle to find balance, the necessity of silence in a distracted world, and the intentional effort required to raise the next generation of leaders. Whether you're a veteran seeking connection, a father looking for guidance, or someone simply trying to navigate the complexities of life with faith and resilience, this conversation offers a profound perspective. Ben’s story is a powerful reminder that our past struggles don’t define us; they shape us into who we are becoming. Join us as we explore what it means to lead well, love intentionally, and remain grounded through it all. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.realtoc.com/] Connect with Ben Hammond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hammond-bab74b189/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hammond-bab74b189/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenBlock15 [https://www.facebook.com/BenBlock15] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #Masculinity #Fatherhood #VeteranStories

From the Marine Corp to the Air Force to Fire Fighting | RealTOC Ep 16

On this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Harding joins Aaron Lasenyik on his grueling 22 kilometer walk for a very special cause. Prepare for an authentic look into the transition from active duty to civilian life. Aaron covers the specific challenges faced by veterans and first responders, offering insight into the mental and physical demands of these professions. This conversation is not a traditional story; it’s a detailed blueprint of what it means to lead a life dedicated to service, no matter the obstacle. Aaron doesn't hold back as he details his remarkably varied path, from his early days in the Marine Corps through a transition into the Air Force, and ultimately finding his purpose as a firefighter and paramedic. We dive into his experiences on the front lines, both in the military and in the intense struggle against COVID-19. Aaron discusses the challenges of being a public servant, overcoming significant personal setbacks like a DUI, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. His story is one of unwavering resilience, constant adaptation, and the critical importance of creating supportive, collaborative communities for our veterans. Subscribe for weekly RealTOC stories, and comment below with your thoughts on the most challenging aspect of transitioning from service to civilian life. Be sure to hit that like button to support Aaron’s journey, and tap the notification bell for more powerful, deep-dive RealTOC interviews with the everyday heroes making an impact in our communities. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast] Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc] Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RealTOC.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.realtoc.com/] Connect with Aaron Lasenyik: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronlasenyik/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronlasenyik/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronl76 [https://www.facebook.com/aaronl76] MilVet Community: https://www.facebook.com/milvetcommunityorg/?locale=ms_MY [https://www.facebook.com/milvetcommunityorg/?locale=ms_MY] Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bIczd7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bIczd7] Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/auto-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=auto_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6] Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/start/?desc=zerodown&src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_loans]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0] Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/lp/home-insurance/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=home_insurance]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH] Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://veteran.com/best-credit-cards-veterans/?src=realtoc&adg=podcast&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=realtoc&utm_content=credit_cards]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4cY013P⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4cY013P] Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2170331/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0] 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/c/2958094/2124191/20131?partnerpropertyid=3239244?subId1=realtoc&sharedid=realtoc]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3PglBqe⁠ [https://bit.ly/3PglBqe] #veteranstories #usairforce #usmarines #milvet