Adapt and Overcome Podcast

Tommy Hardaway · adaptandovercomepodcast.com

Welcome to the Adapt and Overcome Podcast, hosted by former Marine Tommy Hardaway. This show is for professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are tired of conventional advice and are ready to embrace a more resilient, decisive, and effective approach to their careers. <span style="color:#ffffff;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-

46 episodes

2mo ago latest

weekly cadence

English language

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Episodes 46

"Infantry Officer to Satellite Building: Marine's Least-to-Most Tech Leap" featuring Lee Meeks
2mo ago · 23:37
What happens when an infantry officer leaves the Marine Corps and finds himself helping build advanced satellite systems? In this episode, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Marine veteran Lee Meeks to discuss his unexpected journey from the least technical military specialty to the world of aerospace and technology. Lee shares how veterans bring much more to the workforce than technical skills alone. He explains why teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership are often more valuable than a specific military occupational specialty. Drawing on over 20 years in the Marine Corps and decade
"From Marine to ER Nurse to Actress: A Story of Reinvention" featuring Nicole Stubbs
2mo ago · 17:38
What happens when a Marine Corps officer, an ER nurse, and a creative artist all come together in one person? In this episode, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Nicole Stubbs to explore her remarkable journey of service, resilience, and reinvention. Nicole shares how growing up in a military family led her into the Marine Corps, how a medical separation changed the direction of her life, and how she found purpose in healthcare as an emergency room nurse. After experiencing burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic while balancing motherhood and deployments, she discovered an unexpected outlet through a
From Marine to Financial Advisor: A New Mission to Help Veterans Win featuring Bo Khamphanthong
2mo ago · 21:02
Marine veteran Bo Khamphanthong joins Tommy Hardaway to share how he transformed his military experience into a new mission of helping veterans and active-duty service members prepare for life after the military. In this conversation, Bo discusses financial planning, VA disability claims, retirement options, and the importance of building a successful transition plan. After serving in the Marine Corps and deploying to Iraq, Bo's original goal was to become a criminal defense attorney. Instead, life led him through personal training and eventually into financial services, where he discovered hi
"Burnt Out on AT&T Sales, Came In Completely Green: Marine's Pivot" featuring Thomas Shirley
2mo ago · 17:59
What happens when a Marine veteran walks away from a successful sales career and starts over in an industry he knows nothing about? In this episode, Thomas Shirley shares how burnout led him to make a major career change and how the mindset he developed in the Marine Corps helped him succeed in the world of technology. Thomas discusses his journey from AT&T sales into payment technology, where he now works as a Systems Engineer supporting critical systems for a global financial technology company. He opens up about entering the field with no experience, learning on the fly, and embracing conti
"44 Years as Marine, 37th Commandant: Retired at 66, Now 73" featuring Robert Neller
2mo ago · 22:14
What happens when a man spends 44 years serving as a Marine, reaches the role of 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and then steps into civilian life at age 66? In this episode, retired General Robert Neller shares the reality of transition, purpose, leadership, and life after service. General Neller opens up about the challenges of leaving behind a structured military life and reinventing himself after retirement. He discusses the importance of reconnecting with veteran networks, finding purpose after service, and helping fellow veterans navigate the next chapter of life. Be a Guest Are you
"7 Years Before I Joined: High School JROTC to Marine Officer" featuring Matt Milburn
2mo ago · 23:02
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 fro
"Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army: Doctor Served All Four Branches" featuring Dr. Charles Sasser
2mo ago · 22:45
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 avia
"Philosophy Degree, No Jobs: Marine Pivoted to Software Engineering" featuring Clinton Avery
2mo ago · 21:07
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 soft
"My Screws Were Loose After Marines: Now I'm the Therapist" featuring Matt Rensi
2mo ago · 19:22
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
"Venezuela to AWS: Marine Built Software That Serves Billions Monthly" featuring Jose Villalta
2mo ago · 26:14
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
"17 Years in Prison to Director of Nation's Largest Reentry Facility" featuring George Nolan
2mo ago · 19:53
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
"20 Years in Uniform—Then Came the Question: What Now?" featuring Jon Milner
3mo ago · 20:31
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 f
"Flew 100% Battery Electric Aircraft in Norway: Marine Leading Revolution" featuring David Stepanek
3mo ago · 24:15
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, communicatio
"Law School at 67? This Navy Captain Is Just Getting Started"
3mo ago · 21:50
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
"9 Months on IVs While Pregnant: Pharmacist Turns Suffering Into Mission" featuring Dr. Danielle Plummer
3mo ago · 22:35
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
"Responsible for 150 Marines—Couldn't Be Responsible for Myself" featuring Bert Bender
3mo ago · 23:22
What happens when a Marine officer responsible for 150 lives transitions into civilian life—and suddenly has to figure out how to lead himself? In this episode, Tommy sits down with Bert Bender, a cybersecurity and data privacy attorney, to unpack his journey from the Marine Corps to the legal world. Bert shares how his military leadership experience shaped his professional mindset, but also reveals the unexpected challenges he faced when that structure disappeared. Bert dives into his work helping organizations respond to data breaches, manage legal risks, and proactively prevent cyber incide
"Hadn't Done Math in 12 Years—Earned Math Minor, Physics Degree" featuring Cameron "Cam" Colucci
3mo ago · 20:16
What happens when you haven’t touched math in over a decade… and then decide to pursue engineering anyway? In this episode, Cameron “Cam” Colucci shares how he went from zero recent academic experience to earning a math minor and physics degree—proving that discipline, patience, and humility can take you further than natural talent. Cam is a mechanical engineer at Clarity Design Incorporated, a full-service engineering firm specializing in design, prototyping, and manufacturing. With a background in steel fabrication and service as a Marine Corps aircrewman on the V-22 Osprey, Cam brings a uni
"First Marine on Wall Street: 3 Weeks In, 9/11 Happened 1500 Feet Away" featuring Biagio "Ben" Colandreo
3mo ago · 20:27
In this episode, Ben takes us through a truly unique path—one that blends military leadership, financial strategy, and real-world resilience. From being selected as the first Marine placed inside a hedge fund to commanding in combat, his story is packed with lessons on adaptability and forward-thinking. Ben breaks down how his military background shaped his ability to analyze information, forecast outcomes, and make high-pressure decisions—skills that translated directly into success on Wall Street and in venture investing. He also shares how he now works with investors and startups, stepping
"12 to 103 People: Marine Brought Military Structure to Brother's Practice" featuring Andrew McCulloch
4mo ago · 14:55
In this episode of the Adapt and Overcome Podcast, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Andrew McCulloch, a Marine Corps veteran turned COO of a large orthopedic practice in New York. Andrew shares his journey from military service to banking, and ultimately into healthcare leadership—where he helped grow his brother’s practice from just 12 employees to over 100. Andrew explains how principles learned in the Marine Corps—like decentralized leadership, accountability, and leading by example—directly shaped the way he manages teams today. By promoting from within and empowering frontline employees, he
"Relocated Family, Fired 3 Months Later: Marine's Painting Company Pivot" featuring Marcelo Medrano
4mo ago · 26:24
What would you do if you relocated your entire family for a job… only to be fired three months later? In this episode, Marcelo Medrano shares how that exact moment became the turning point that led him into entrepreneurship—and ultimately building a fast-growing painting company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Marcelo, a Marine Corps veteran, opens up about his journey from 13 years of service to working in aerospace with companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. After an unexpected job loss, he found himself at a crossroads. Instead of playing it safe, he leaned into opportunity, co
"First to Graduate High School, Pursuing Doctorate: Marine Can't Clock Out" featuring Tarek Aissaoui
4mo ago · 20:41
What does it take to go from being the first in your family to graduate high school to pursuing a doctorate—after a full career in the Marine Corps? In this episode, Tarek Aissaoui shares his journey of service, leadership, and purpose, and why “clocking out” isn’t always easy for those wired to serve. Tarek Aissaoui is a retired Marine, high school principal, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to helping others grow—both in and out of the classroom. From coaching on Native American reservations to leading in education, Tarek has built a life centered on impact, discipline, and giving
"From Asshole to Refreshingly Direct: Marine's Corporate Transition" featuring Chad King
4mo ago · 14:14
What happens when a Marine steps into the corporate world? Chad King shares his journey from military life to leading a successful software company—and how direct communication became his unexpected superpower. In this episode, Tommy Hardaway sits down with Chad King, a former Marine turned business leader and co-founder of Ayoka Systems. Chad opens up about his transition out of the Marine Corps, the identity shift many veterans face, and how he found purpose again in the world of business and technology. Chad explains how his company helps businesses streamline complex operations through cus
"1988 AI Pioneer: Air Force Vet Saw It All Before ChatGPT Existed" featuring Stephen Pullum
4mo ago · 26:10
Stephen Pullum, an Air Force veteran with over 40 years in cybersecurity and technology, breaks down the real story behind AI, long before it became mainstream. From early mainframe systems to modern AI governance, he shares insights that only someone who’s been there from the beginning can offer. Stephen also explains how his company, Africurity AI, helps veterans transition into civilian careers by translating military experience into real-world value. His mission goes beyond profit—focusing on AI literacy, ethics, and helping underserved communities understand and safely use emerging techno
"Father's a Minister, Mother's a Nurse, I'm a Marine: Service DNA" featuring Boyd Lowry
4mo ago · 21:10
What happens when a Marine, raised in a family rooted in service, builds a business centered on caring for others? In this episode, Boyd Lowry shares how his life of service shaped his mission to care for seniors and support caregivers in one of the most demanding industries. Boyd Lowry has spent over 14 years in the home care industry, helping seniors age comfortably in their homes. With a background in HR, entrepreneurship, and military service, Boyd brings a unique blend of leadership, compassion, and problem-solving to his work. From his time as a Marine in high-intensity environments to r
"Anthropology Degree to Jose Cuervo Engineer: Marine Running the Plant" featuring Matthew Savage
4mo ago · 16:30
What happens when a Marine with an anthropology degree ends up leading engineering at a major tequila plant? In this episode, Matthew Savage shares his unconventional path, powerful leadership lessons, and how military experience can create massive success in the civilian world. Matthew Savage joins Tommy Hardaway to talk about his journey from the Marine Corps infantry to working in engineering and technology at a major Jose Cuervo bottling facility. Starting with no formal engineering background, Matt explains how leadership, problem-solving, and mission-focused thinking helped him rise into

Episodes

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Adapt and Overcome Podcast

Episodes 46

"Infantry Officer to Satellite Building: Marine's Least-to-Most Tech Leap" featuring Lee Meeks

"From Marine to ER Nurse to Actress: A Story of Reinvention" featuring Nicole Stubbs

From Marine to Financial Advisor: A New Mission to Help Veterans Win featuring Bo Khamphanthong

"Burnt Out on AT&T Sales, Came In Completely Green: Marine's Pivot" featuring Thomas Shirley

"44 Years as Marine, 37th Commandant: Retired at 66, Now 73" featuring Robert Neller

"7 Years Before I Joined: High School JROTC to Marine Officer" featuring Matt Milburn

"Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army: Doctor Served All Four Branches" featuring Dr. Charles Sasser

"Philosophy Degree, No Jobs: Marine Pivoted to Software Engineering" featuring Clinton Avery

"My Screws Were Loose After Marines: Now I'm the Therapist" featuring Matt Rensi

"Venezuela to AWS: Marine Built Software That Serves Billions Monthly" featuring Jose Villalta

"17 Years in Prison to Director of Nation's Largest Reentry Facility" featuring George Nolan

"20 Years in Uniform—Then Came the Question: What Now?" featuring Jon Milner

"Flew 100% Battery Electric Aircraft in Norway: Marine Leading Revolution" featuring David Stepanek

"Law School at 67? This Navy Captain Is Just Getting Started"

"9 Months on IVs While Pregnant: Pharmacist Turns Suffering Into Mission" featuring Dr. Danielle Plummer

"Responsible for 150 Marines—Couldn't Be Responsible for Myself" featuring Bert Bender

"Hadn't Done Math in 12 Years—Earned Math Minor, Physics Degree" featuring Cameron "Cam" Colucci

"First Marine on Wall Street: 3 Weeks In, 9/11 Happened 1500 Feet Away" featuring Biagio "Ben" Colandreo

"12 to 103 People: Marine Brought Military Structure to Brother's Practice" featuring Andrew McCulloch

"Relocated Family, Fired 3 Months Later: Marine's Painting Company Pivot" featuring Marcelo Medrano

"First to Graduate High School, Pursuing Doctorate: Marine Can't Clock Out" featuring Tarek Aissaoui

"From Asshole to Refreshingly Direct: Marine's Corporate Transition" featuring Chad King

"1988 AI Pioneer: Air Force Vet Saw It All Before ChatGPT Existed" featuring Stephen Pullum

"Father's a Minister, Mother's a Nurse, I'm a Marine: Service DNA" featuring Boyd Lowry

"Anthropology Degree to Jose Cuervo Engineer: Marine Running the Plant" featuring Matthew Savage

Episodes

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Episodes 46

"Infantry Officer to Satellite Building: Marine's Least-to-Most Tech Leap" featuring Lee Meeks

"From Marine to ER Nurse to Actress: A Story of Reinvention" featuring Nicole Stubbs

From Marine to Financial Advisor: A New Mission to Help Veterans Win featuring Bo Khamphanthong

"Burnt Out on AT&T Sales, Came In Completely Green: Marine's Pivot" featuring Thomas Shirley

"44 Years as Marine, 37th Commandant: Retired at 66, Now 73" featuring Robert Neller

"7 Years Before I Joined: High School JROTC to Marine Officer" featuring Matt Milburn

"Marines, Navy, Air Force, Army: Doctor Served All Four Branches" featuring Dr. Charles Sasser

"Philosophy Degree, No Jobs: Marine Pivoted to Software Engineering" featuring Clinton Avery

"My Screws Were Loose After Marines: Now I'm the Therapist" featuring Matt Rensi

"Venezuela to AWS: Marine Built Software That Serves Billions Monthly" featuring Jose Villalta

"17 Years in Prison to Director of Nation's Largest Reentry Facility" featuring George Nolan

"20 Years in Uniform—Then Came the Question: What Now?" featuring Jon Milner

"Flew 100% Battery Electric Aircraft in Norway: Marine Leading Revolution" featuring David Stepanek

"Law School at 67? This Navy Captain Is Just Getting Started"

"9 Months on IVs While Pregnant: Pharmacist Turns Suffering Into Mission" featuring Dr. Danielle Plummer

"Responsible for 150 Marines—Couldn't Be Responsible for Myself" featuring Bert Bender

"Hadn't Done Math in 12 Years—Earned Math Minor, Physics Degree" featuring Cameron "Cam" Colucci

"First Marine on Wall Street: 3 Weeks In, 9/11 Happened 1500 Feet Away" featuring Biagio "Ben" Colandreo

"12 to 103 People: Marine Brought Military Structure to Brother's Practice" featuring Andrew McCulloch

"Relocated Family, Fired 3 Months Later: Marine's Painting Company Pivot" featuring Marcelo Medrano

"First to Graduate High School, Pursuing Doctorate: Marine Can't Clock Out" featuring Tarek Aissaoui

"From Asshole to Refreshingly Direct: Marine's Corporate Transition" featuring Chad King

"1988 AI Pioneer: Air Force Vet Saw It All Before ChatGPT Existed" featuring Stephen Pullum

"Father's a Minister, Mother's a Nurse, I'm a Marine: Service DNA" featuring Boyd Lowry

"Anthropology Degree to Jose Cuervo Engineer: Marine Running the Plant" featuring Matthew Savage

Podcast 森辺一樹のグローバル・マーケティング〜すべてはアジアで売るために〜