Veteran-Hosted · No BS · Real Paths Forward
FROM BOOTS 2 SUITS

The military does a great job breaking you down and building you back up to be exactly what they need you to be. But they never go back and rebuild you for civilian life. That's what this podcast is for — veterans transitioning out, and those who are already out and still trying to find their footing.

82ND AIRBORNEHost Unit
12+Episodes Published
& Counting
100%Veteran Owned
& Operated
Mission
Purpose After Service Entrepreneurship Franchising Mental Health Career Transition Real Stories
About the Host

THE MAN
BEHIND IT.

82nd Airborne. Staff Sergeant. Combat veteran. Army Recruiter. And then — like every vet — I had to figure out what came next without anyone handing me a map.

I spent 12+ years building a career in enterprise talent acquisition — manufacturing, BPO, healthcare, global operations across 19 countries. Along the way I started this podcast because I kept watching veterans struggle with the same transition I did. Not because they weren't capable. Because nobody showed them what was possible.

Whether you're walking out the gate for the last time or you've been out for years and still feel like something's missing — this is your show. Real people. Real paths. No fluff. No BS.

John Gaona — Host, From Boots 2 Suits
John Gaona
Host · From Boots 2 Suits · Founder · IGY Six Consulting
Episodes

REAL TALK.
REAL PATHS.
NO FILTERS.

Latest EpisodeApr 9, 2025
How Combined Arms Serves 60,000+ Veterans

Bryan Escobedo shares how technology is connecting veterans to resources — and why the transition support gap is bigger than most realize.

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EpisodeApr 2, 2025
Veteran Employment Insights With Dave Lakin

The National Director for Veteran Employment at Still Serving Veterans breaks down the real challenges veterans face entering the civilian workforce.

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EpisodeMar 19, 2025
Non-Profit Veteran: Intrepid Care CEO Mike Barker

The challenges veterans face engaging with support programs — and the therapeutic power of community, woodworking, and boxing.

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EpisodeMar 12, 2025
Corporate Recruiters VS Veteran Resumes

Military acronyms, ATS systems, unconscious bias, and why most veteran resumes get screened out before a human ever reads them.

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EpisodeFeb 26, 2025
VA Home Loan Debunked With Bridgette Simon

Zero down, no PMI, and the biggest misconceptions veterans have about one of their best financial benefits.

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FeaturedDec 18, 2024
Glenn Jr.'s Journey to Resilience and Redemption

PTSD, self-medication, sobriety, and finding purpose through faith, family, and fitness. Raw and real.

Listen Now
Coming Soon2026
VetFran: Why Veterans Win in Franchising

VetFran VP joins to break down why veterans have the highest franchise success rates — and how to find your fit.

Recording Soon
Full LibraryAll Episodes
Browse All Episodes →

Every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. New episodes drop regularly.

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Veteran Resources

TOOLS FOR
THE TRANSITION.

TVC

Texas Veterans Commission

Employment services, benefits, and transition support for Texas veterans and their families.

Visit TVC →
SS

Silver Sage

Veteran housing, employment, and community support across Texas.

Visit Silver Sage →
SAC

SA Coalition For Veterans

San Antonio's network connecting veterans to local support, services, and community.

Visit SACVF →