The Swandingo Files

40 Episodes
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By: Stephen Swanson

Welcome to The Swandingo Files, the podcast that provides a unique blend of entertainment and education for veterans transitioning into civilian life. Your host, Stephen Swanson, an army veteran with over 14 years of experience, is passionate about helping veterans overcome the challenges that come with transitioning into a new world of possibilities. Join Stephen as he shares his own insights and experiences, providing valuable advice on how to combat the lack of structure, comradery, regular paychecks, and other obstacles that arise during the transition process. But don't worry, this podcast won't be all seriousness and no fun! The Swandingo Files...

Swandingo Files | Robin Westerlund | Mr. Sandman
#51
05/23/2023

Robin Westerlund is a sleep optimization coach, in other words, he helps people understand the importance of deep sleep and give them actionable steps to implement right away.

He currently has clients in 5 different countries and he is also a public speaker that holds workshops on getting better sleep.

Want to learn more about Robin?

https://linktr.ee/performancecoachrobin

Want to learn more about the Stephen Swanson or the Swandingo Files?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

https://hephaestusglobal...


Swandingo Files | Laurel Portie | Ad Queen
#50
05/12/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson sat down with Laurel Portie.

Laurel Portié is a highly accomplished advertising expert with over 20 years of experience in the television industry.

Having worked for major companies such as CBS, FOX, and Scripps, Laurel developed a unique copywriting formula that helped her scale past television advertising and create a groundbreaking $5 ad strategy.

As the founder of adcoachingfor7.com, Laurel helps coaches and service providers reach their ideal customers through targeted cheap Facebook and YouTube ads.

With several awards to her n...


Swandingo Files | Herbert Richards | Air force pilot
#49
05/11/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files we brought in another generation of the Richards family and interviewed Hebert Richards, father of Marilyn Richards.

Herbert D. Richards served 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Technical Seargent from 1958-1977. Born in Jacksonville, IL and raised in East Alton, IL, he grew up in a poor, but hard working family. His father went from job to job and they moved around Illinois often, but finally settled in East Alton. At 16 years of age, he quit school to get a job and help his father make...


Swandingo Files | Jason McNamara | No More 9-5 Club
#48
05/10/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Jason McNamara.

Jason McNamara has found his passion after a successful career in sales where he transitioned to Business Development, Investments, Entrepreneurship, and Coaching and Training. He cofounded 4DV’s which is a business accelerator and efficiency optimization corporation meant to help entrepreneurs quickly scale their small businesses to maximize potential. He also sits on several nonprofit boards that range from revitalizing lower-income neighborhoods to coaching youth baseball to help give back to his community. Before all this, he ventured into Real Estate flips, long-term re...


Swandingo Files | Sean Young | Sitting with Sean
#47
05/02/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Sean Young.

Sean Young is a person in long term recovery. Sean is the host of Sitting with Sean Podcast, US Army Veteran of 12 and a half years, and a peer support specialist. Sean has faced almost every form of trauma you can think about and has used his experience with addiction and mental health disorders to help other people in their journey to recovery. Sean works with Justice involved Veterans in Alaska and Maryland to help them gain and maintain recovery skills that will...


Swandingo Files | Taylor Proctor | Business and Happiness
#46
05/01/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Taylor Proctor.

Taylor Proctor is an intuitive business strategist dedicated to elevating and scaling businesses to new heights. With experience guiding Fortune 100 organizations and building multi-million-dollar companies, Taylor's methods empower high-achieving business owners and elite startups to become dominant forces in their industries.

As a certified mentor, C-suite executive, and serial entrepreneur, Taylor excels in crafting customized blueprints to help businesses reach their full potential alongside VIP Power Days for entrepreneurs to leap forward in their businesses.

Host of the internationally...


Swandingo Files | John Malott | O'snap
#45
04/30/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson sat down with John Malott, the founder of O'snap.

John Malott Get's Results!

With years of experience in various industries and a deep commitment to helping others achieve their goals, he brings a unique set of skills and insights to the table. He has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs navigate difficult challenges, overcome limiting beliefs, and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives. Whether you are looking to improve your leadership skills, build stronger relationships, or simply find greater fulfillment...


Swandingo Files | Josh Costner | disaster mitigation expert
#44
04/29/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson spoke with Josh Costerner.

Josh Costner is a speaker, writer, and disaster mitigation expert, specializing in both natural and man-made disaster with nearly a decade of collegiate studies on the subject, as well as several years training under FEMA. He works with various agencies and private entities on critical infrastructure inspections as an FAA certified commercial UAV pilot. He is a Combat Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Chief Information Director for United Americans Disaster Response Team.

Want to learn more about Josh?

<...


Swandingo Files | Jim Cathcart | Mentor Minutes
#43
04/27/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson was joined by Jim Cathcart.

Jim's book Mentor Minutes shows exactly how to reach the top of any field you choose. He has done this himself repeatedly and led many others worldwide to do the same. Jim has authored 25 books, delivered 3,400 highly paid speeches and his TEDx video has over 2.6 Million views!

Want to learn more about Jim Cathcart?

free.cathcart.com

Want to learn more about Stephen Swanson or the Swandingo Files?

https://swandingo.com

...


Swandingo Files | Sara Boyd | Operation Truth
#42
04/26/2023

In this episode of the swandingo files our host Stephen swanson spoke with Sara Boyd.

A little bit from Sara...

My name is Sara Boyd, a Disabled Medically Discharged Army Counterintelligence Special Agent who lost her promising career and physical health after an Anthrax vaccine injury. She's been diagnosed by the VA through the War Related Injury and Illness Study Center or WRIISC with Vaccine Injury from the Anthrax or Small Pox vaccines. She's dedicated her retirement life to bring awareness to vaccine injury and the need for medical research. Starting the charity, Operation Truth-Vaccination...


Swandingo Files | Invader Girl
#41
04/25/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Invadergirl.

A little bit from invader girl...

"Invader girl here, I wanted to take a moment and say thanks for checking out the store today and allowing me to introduce myself. I started Black Canvas LLC in 2020 as a means to capture the images and stories of Veterans, Law Enforcement Professionals and the many amazing people I have met on my journey through life. What started as a way for people to give life to their thoughts, memories and dreams has since expanded...


Swandingo Files | Dean McMurray | The Military Medium
#40
04/24/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interview Dean McMurray.

Dean is a native of Northern Minnesota and a 24 year Army Veteran. Today he lives in Fargo, ND with his wife and two children.

Dean was not always aware of his abilities to communicate with spirits. It wasn’t until after an overseas deployment with the Army that his spirit guides decided it was time for him to step into his gifts and they paid him a visit!

Although it was a shocking emersion into this new part of his...


Swandingo Files | Denny Chapman | Pinky Power
#39
04/23/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson spoke with Denny Chapman.

A little bit from Denny...

"I’m a full time influencer/media host specializing in Firearms and Outdoor Sports industries, making content for Survival Dispatch YT (300,000 + subscribers) and several other Firearms and Survival sites and social media channels. I was a cast member of the original History Channel “Top Shot” television series, former Anchor Host of GunTV, and a multi-discipline shooting competitor with many titles, including the Men’s All-Around (Cowboy Action/Mounted Shooting) World Champion at the 2011 SASS End of Trail. I’...


Swandingo Files | Stephen O'Donnell | Master Blaster Coffee
#38
04/22/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson spoke with Stephen O'Donnell.

Stephen O'Donnell is a military veteran who served in USMC 91-96, US Army 99 07, and 5 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as EOD / SOF. He is now the owner of Master Blaster Coffee.

Want to learn more about Stephen and master blaster coffee?

https://masterblastercoffee.us

Want to learn more about Stephen Swanson or the Swandingo Files?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

https://hephaestusglobal.com<...


Swandingo Files | Ty Valkanas | Bad Ass
#37
04/21/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson spoke with Ty Valkanas.

Ty is a Former US Navy SEAL, former Chula Vista Police Officer, turned Real Estate Investor and Entrepreneur.

Want to learn more about Ty?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-valkanas-b418196/

https://BusinessOpportunityFinders.com

Want to learn more about Stephen Swanson or the swandingo files?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor hephaestus global?

https://hephaestusglobal.com


Swandingo FIles | Amy Tiemeyer | Volunteeraholic
#36
04/20/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson spoke with Amy Tiemeyer.

I have been a volunteer my whole life, so much so I am writing a book: Stories of a volunteeraholic. I began volunteering in the JBLM community on and off post more than 15 years ago. I am a US Army and Navy Reserve veteran, military spouse, and Life member of AUSA, VFW, and as a member Wear Blue Run to Remember. I have had the opportunity to be a part of projects and programs that span the country. Because of the amount...


Swandingo Files | Sean Wyman | gbtc911
#35
04/19/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Sean Wyman.

Sean Wyman is a 24yr Law Enforcement Officer and Trainer. He also is a military veteran. His passion is focused on training men and women in Public Safety to survive the mental Ambush. Sean is a 2 time best-selling author.

Want to learn more about Sean?

https://gbtc911.com

Want to learn more about Stephen Swanson?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

https://hephaestusglobal.com


Swandino Files | John Krotec | Poetic Human
#34
04/18/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files out host Stephen Swanson spoke with John Krotec.

John is an entrepreneur, writer, and U.S. Army veteran. After college John went to work in corporate America and realized that despite doing well in the job, he wanted something more.

He joined the military later in life with the purpose of being able to make money to go to law school. The army taught him discipline and how to value himself.

After serving for three years he left the army and returned to civilian life. It...


Swandingo Files | Kristina Heagh-Avritt | Bringing Education Home
#33
04/17/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Kristina Heagh-Avritt.

Kristina Heagh-Avritt is recognized by her peers, parents, volunteers, students and staff for her compassion, commitment and results in the coaching and training of children and their parents.

Utilizing 27 years of professional public classroom teaching, a love of technology, and a passion for helping her students achieve their highest potential she has been a program lead, staff trainer, event organizer, emergency planner, field trip survivor/thriver, and has become a knowledgeable and valuable resource for innovating education solutions.

Combining...


Swandingo Files | Robyn Grable | Talents ASCEND
#32
04/16/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson spoke with Robyn Grable.

Robyn Grable is the Founder and CEO of Talents ASCEND and Veterans ASCEND, now part of The ASCEND Collective (501c3), which she created to help employers invest in a skills-based talent acquisition strategy that is an intentional model of inclusivity for military talent, people with disabilities and justice-involved candidates.

An award-winning advocate, speaker, author, entrepreneur, CEO, and proud Navy veteran Robyn Grable does many things. Yet woven throughout her diverse pursuits is a mission of service—and a passion to give...


Swandingo Files | Meghann Trapp | Dead Lift Diva
#31
04/15/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interview Meghann Trapp.

A little from Meghann about Meghann...

I'm an Air Force Veteran Firefighter and Medic. I served 10 years and after being sexually assaulted on my last deployment, my career was very abruptly ended and derailed by my chain of command. I had no warning or back up plan for goals and how to proceed. I was severely depressed and on the edge of suicide but in denial about it. I was introduced to NLP and mindset/personal growth and development course that...


Swandingo Files | Moyosola Aina | Journey to America
#30
04/14/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Moyosola Aina.

Moyo comes from Nigeria. After coming to the United States with the family for vacations, the dream of starting his family in America began to manifest. Coming here he could build a legacy for his kids and possibly grandkids too However, it doesn`t take him long until he realizes that hardwork isn't enough to get him there. He's been a marketer for 11 years and an entrepreneur for 4 years. As a business owner, he understands that having knowledge on finance, taxes and credit...


Swandingo Files | Griff | Combat Flip Flops
#29
04/13/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host interviewed Griff.

Griff is an Army Ranger, entrepreneur, adventurer, and veteran advocate.

Want to learn more about Griff?

Www.combatflipflops.com

Want to learn more about Stephen Swanson or the Swandingo Files?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

https://hephaestusglobal.com


Swandingo Files | Ryan Finnegan | ForHeroesByHeroes
#28
04/12/2023

Ryan T. Finnegan served over 7 years on active duty in the Marine Corps. Upon his end of service in 2002, Ryan has faced the struggles of depression, anxiety, and hypervigilance as well as alcoholism; however, with the help of regular therapy, sobriety and getting involved in volunteering he has seen a dramatic change in this quality of life.

Want to learn more about Ryan Finnegan?

https://www.facebook.com/ForHeroesByHeroes

Want to learn more about Stephen Swanson?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

<...


Swandingo Files | Bruce Thompson | Talent Ascend
#27
04/11/2023

Military, Veteran, and Military Spouse Advocate who has spent most of the past decade working in the military transition space assisting others to figure out who they are, what they want to do next, and find meaningful employment opportunities as well as the right resources, information, connections, and more.

Want to learn more about Bruce and his mission?

https://talentsascend.com

Want to learn more about Stephen Swanson or the Swandingo Files?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

https://hephaestusglobal.com<...


Swandingo Files | Forrest Barcus | Belfry Signal
#26
04/10/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Forrest Barcus.

Forrest Barcus is a Northern Californian who joined the Army after graduating in 2006. He was stationed in Europe and later deployed to Afghanistan under 101st Bastogne. After leaving the Army in 2011, he started his own business ventures and has been traveling since then. He is married to Shelby Barcus and has a daughter named Bodhi. He is also a co-founder of the Belfry Signal with Matthew Lewis.

Want to learn more about Forrest Barcus and the Belgry Signal?

https...


Swandingo Files | Dan Nicholson | Rigging the Game
#25
04/08/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Dan Nicholson.

Dan cut his teeth in Fortune 500 companies and some of the most prestigious financial institutions in the country, completed a prestigious fellowship with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (where he helped write a national accounting standard), and was recognized four times as a top 40 accountant under 40 globally.

After gathering all this experience, Dan leaned into his entrepreneurial ambitions and founded multiple small businesses, including Nth Degree CPAs, a Seattle-based accounting firm named one of the 10 best-run mid-sized accounting firms in the...


Swandingo Files | Tammi Moses | The Hoarding Solution
#24
04/07/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson spoke with Tammi Moses.

Tammi Moses is the founder and Chief Encouragement Officer of the company Homes Are For Living, LLC dba The Hoarding Solution. She is the survivor of the hoard and understands the challenges of everyone impacted by hoarding. We offer virtual consultations, workshops and training on the issue of hoarding. Tammi is a US Navy Veteran and served on the USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) and on the Island of Guam.

Tammi believes in empowering & inspiring others to take their adversity and...


Swandingo Files | Mike Wilder Damon | VetUnite
#23
04/06/2023

Michael Damon is Veterans’ advocate, public speaker, business consultant, author and father.

After the suicide of two of his combat buddies and his own struggles with PTSD. Mike went public with his demons. Determined not to become a statistic, He did what a warriors do -

He tried to master his PTSD. Through his journey mike developed a philosophy:

Develop your “recipe” by

1. Self care

2. Education ones self

3. Mentorship

4. Peer support

5. Service to others

6. Developed a new purpose

#vetunite #thegod...


Swandingo Files | Josh Elledge | UpMyInfluence
#22
04/05/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Josh Elledge.

Josh Elledge is a U.S. Navy veteran and launched UpMyInfluence.com to help agencies, consultants, coaches, and other high-ticket B2B service providers skyrocket their sales.

He also started SavingsAngel.com which has grossed more than $6 million in sales with zero paid ads.

Josh is a keynote speaker, writes a syndicated newspaper column to 1.1 million readers, and regularly appears on more than 75 TV stations across the country. All told, Josh has appeared in the media more than 2500 times.<...


Swandingo Files | Laverne Toombs | VP of development American Heart Association - Louisiana
#21
04/04/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed LaVerne Toombs.

Laverne is a TEDx speaker, professional storyteller, grant writer, author and fundraiser.

Want to learn more about Laverne?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laverne-saulny/

Want to learn more about Stephen or the Swandingo Files?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

https://hephaestusglobal.com



Swandingo Files | Richard Kaufman | The Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast
#20
04/03/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Richard Kaufman, fellow veteran and host of The Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast.

A little bit from Richard...

"I have personally come back from drug addiction,alcoholism,homelessness,ptsd and blindness. To now having a Top Ranked Podcast And #1 Selling Book."

Want to learn more about Richard Kaufman?

https://www.amazon.com/Heros-Journey-Darkness-light-ebook/dp/B07MBV7CC3

https://richardkaufman.net

Want to learn more about Stephen Swanson or the Swandingo Files?

https://swandingo.com<...


Swandigo Files | Tom Dorney | VetUnite/Convene Communities
#19
04/02/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Veteran Tom Dorney.

Want to learn more about what Tom is doing?

https://convenecommunities.com/

https://military.convenecommunities.com/register/

https://vetunite.org/

Want to learn more about Stephen or the swandingo files?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

https://hephaestusglobal.com


Swandingo Files | Lisa Kirk | Create with Lisee
#18
04/01/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Lisa Kirk.

A little bit about Lisa, From Lisa...

"I am a retired Army Master Sergeant served MP Corps for 21.5 years in all facets of my job. Deployed to Panama and Afghanistan. Became a Wounded Warrior in 2014 and retired in Plato, MO with my husband and three dogs.

I am a published author with my memoir, In and Out of Uniform”. A short story memoir to inspire and motivate those faced with challenges that i had to never give up and sp...


Swandingo Files | Keith McKeever | Battle Buddies Podcast
#17
03/31/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Keith Mckeever.

From Keith's website...

"I grew up in small town America. Growing up in Central Illinois was not a particularly exciting place to live. Everywhere you look is a corn field. However boring that sounds I had a mostly normal childhood with the exception of loosing my father to cancer at sixteen. Loosing a parent is tough and at the time I had no idea how much that would affect me personally and professionally in the future.

Military service never...


Swandingo Files | VR Small | Veteran Women's Enterprise Center
#16
03/30/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed VR Small.

VR Small knows how to turn vision into reality; as the Founder/CEO for the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), she is driving social, and economic change across our nation. Committed to living her personal slogan “Changing the way we see the world and do business,” VR is a motivational speaker, moderator, educator, and resolute advocate for long-lasting impactful change. Recognized nationally by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Center for Women Veterans, as a Trailblazer “Women Veterans Leading the Way,” VR strives daily to e...


Swandingo Files | Christine Walker | AT Ease! Veteran Magazine
#15
03/29/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Christine Walker, founder of devil dog publishing and AT EASE! Veteran Magazine.

AT EASE! Veteran magazine began as a vision of entrepreneur, Christine Walker, a Desert Storm Veteran, having served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman at Camp Lejeune, MCB. With her background in publishing & design, she wanted to create a print magazine that would give a voice to veterans to share the stories that forged them in the fire. Christine is a 2021 Texas Veterans Hall of Fame Patriot Award recipient, a 2023 Veteran in Residence Cohort...


Swandingo Files | John Renken | Tactical Traveler
#14
03/28/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed John Renken.

John helps to transition, train, and transform high-potential active duty military & veterans into high-performing sales executives.

Want to learn more about John?

https://flow.page/tacticaltraveler

Want to learn more about Stephen or the Swandingo Files?

https://swandingo.com

Want to learn more about our sponsor Hephaestus Global?

https://hephaestusglobal.com


Swandingo Files | Wally Carmichael | Men of Abundance
#13
03/27/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Wally Carmichael.

Wally Carmichael is a leader in Living a Life of Abundance and Prosperity. His No BS, fun and exciting approach to life and business stem from his tough background and 25 years as a US Army Airborne Medic.

He’s the founder and host of the Men of Abundance Podcast - The Pay it Forward Community, which has been downloaded in over 100 countries, and counting..

He’s the founder of Abundance and Prosperity Business Mastery, where he shows business owners how...


Swandingo Files | Alundas Havens | Winners Paradigm
#12
03/26/2023

In this episode of the Swandingo Files our host Stephen Swanson interviewed Marine Corps Veteran Alundas Havens.

From Alundas' website...

"I started out doubting myself as I was working through issues that stemmed from my childhood and during my time in the Marine Corps. Integrating back to society was extremely difficult for me because I battled various injuries from the Corps. I worked positions that didn’t have my Core Values and Ultimately decided a week before my daughter was born to start a podcast called “The Winners Paradigm”.

I created my brand of fea...