🎙️ In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren sits down with Army veteran and Extract Labs founder Craig Henderson to dive into the misunderstood world of cannabis and CBD — and how it's transforming lives for veterans and civilians alike.💥 Hear Craig’s journey from combat infantry in Iraq to pioneering natural wellness solutions through hemp and CBD extraction.💬 Topics Covered:Craig's military journey and receiving the ARCOM with ValorHis mission to destigmatize cannabis for veteransThe surprising benefits of CBD over THCHow Extract Labs helps with PTSD, pain, anxiety, and sleepNavigating the hurdles of launching a CBD startupCBD for pets and why it works🌿 Learn more or shop CBD: https://www.extractlabs.com🎖️ Veterans & First Responders get 60% off forever!🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring leadership and wellness stories#Veterans #CBDHealth #MilitaryToBusiness #CannabisHealing #ExtractLabs

In this episode of Leadership Loading, Jason McClaren sits down with Michael Johnson, a former Marine turned business owner, to uncover his extraordinary journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Learn how a 9/11 calling led Michael to the Marines, why he walked away from a corporate career, and how he acquired a thriving printing business through strategic search.👥 Guest: Michael Johnson🔗 Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keeptrading/

🚀 Topics Covered:Why Michael joined the Marines after 9/11The gritty realities of transitioning to civilian lifeHow waiting tables helped refine his leadershipDiscovering business acquisition as a growth pathThe truth about veteran hiring biases and skills fitBuilding and scaling a wide-format printing company👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for more stories from veteran leaders and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of The Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren sits down with Dr. John Hillen—former U.S. Army cavalry officer, Assistant Secretary of State, business executive, and author of The Strategy Dialogues. From serving on the Iron Curtain during the Cold War to helping CEOs unlock strategic thinking, Dr. Hillen shares his journey through military leadership, national policy, and corporate boardrooms.🔥 Key Takeaways:Lessons from serving with H.R. McMaster during Desert StormWhy only 4% of leaders naturally think strategicallyHow to communicate military experience in civilian interviewsThe essential leadership mindset shift from “doer” to “strategist”How emotional intelligence and ethics shape powerful leadership📘 Grab Dr. John Hillen’s book The Strategy Dialogues at https://amzn.to/44hpIr3👉 https://www.johnhillen.com🎙️ Connect with Dr. Hillen and explore more leadership tools:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhillen

🎙️ In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren sits down with Ashton Young, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran turned wealth advisor and podcast host. Ashton shares his incredible journey from juggling fast food jobs to becoming a financial advisor helping families, entrepreneurs, and individuals achieve financial freedom.💡 Topics covered:Why Ashton almost joined the MarinesLife aboard a Coast Guard buoy tenderCompleting college at sea with American Public UniversityTransitioning from military to the corporate finance worldStarting the Pura Vida Wealth PodcastTips for new leaders and the power of listening📌 Connect with Ashton Young and explore his work:🎧 Pura Vida Wealth Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pura-vida-wealth/id1730255853📘 Learn about American Public University: https://www.apu.apus.edu/💼 Support GoHeroes: https://www.goheroes.org👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring veteran stories and leadership insights!🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications!

Discover how firefighter-turned-entrepreneur Kevin Tacher transformed his service mindset into a multi-million dollar title business. In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Kevin shares how his experience in emergency services shaped his leadership philosophy, his journey from real estate agent to title company CEO, and how he empowers veterans and first responders through hero programs and real estate mentorship.📚 Kevin's Books:Operation Leadership: https://amzn.to/45DlwTBRescue Your Business: https://amzn.to/3ZesZEN🌐 Connect with Kevin:Website: https://titlerate.comSocial Media: Just search Kevin Tacher on any platform🛡️ Sponsor:Brought to you by Go Heroes, Inc. - https://goheroes.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: www.goheroes.org/podcastKey Topics Covered:Transitioning from firefighter to entrepreneurReal estate side hustles for first respondersAirbnb investment tipsLeadership in high-stress environmentsBuilding a recession-proof business

In this episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, host Jason McClaren sits down with fitness coach and knee pain expert Renee Moten. From battling her own knee injuries to helping others avoid surgery, Renee shares her powerful journey and how she turned adversity into a global coaching business. Discover how veterans and civilians alike are getting out of chronic pain without drugs or operations!🔥 Get Renee's Knee Pain Strap ➡️ https://healmyknees.com📩 Contact Renee ➡️ Reach her via the site for coaching or questionsRenee's Book: Knee Pain Recipe: Approaching Pain Holistically https://amzn.to/43esHQtKEY POINTS:Renee’s transition from personal training to virtual knee pain coachingHow military injuries inspired her missionThe critical role of ankle and calf mobility in healing joint painLaunching a product to help people heal naturallyHow leadership and compassion play into lasting client transformation

🎙️ Leadership Load Podcast with Jason McClaren
📚 Featuring: Matthew Jones, veteran, author, and literary editor
🎧 Listen as we explore Matt’s gripping journey from dishwasher to naval officer to bestselling author.

In this episode, Matt shares:

• His motivation to join the Canadian military and experiences in Afghanistan

• The emotional cost of war and how language can both sanitize and reveal trauma

• The transition from military to writing and why many veterans struggle to tell their stories

• Insights from his new book Predators, Reapers and Deadlier Creatures

• Powerful tips for veterans and aspiring writers looking to process trauma and find their voice

• A candid look at ethical leadership in the military and beyond

📘 Grab Matt’s Book:👉 Predators, Reapers and Deadlier Creatures
🔗 More from Matt: matthewjamesjones.com

📲 Connect with Matt:Instagram & Facebook – @MatthewJamesJones
Join the mailing list via his website!

#VeteranStories #MilitaryWriting #PodcastInterview #AfghanistanWar #HealingThroughWriting

After 21 years in the Navy as a nurse, Gayle Walker found a completely new calling—helping families through some of life’s most critical moments. In this inspiring episode of the Leadership Loading Podcast, Jason McClaren talks with Gayle about her transition from military life to founding her company, Life Doula Inc., where she now supports families as a postpartum and life doula.💼 Learn how military leadership skills translate into entrepreneurship💡 Discover what a doula really does—and how they help at every life stage🔥 Hear Gayle’s top leadership tip for anyone starting over📌 Connect with Gayle Walker:Website: https://www.lifedoulainc.comInstagram, LinkedIn, Facebook: @mylifedoula🎙️ More Episodes & Resources:Check out past podcast episodes on mindset and small business financing!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more powerful leadership stories.