In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, we talk with Nick Johnson, an Army veteran, Military Spouse, and member of the Mission43 Employment team. Nick shares stories from his personal life including his journey of joining the Army Airborne and the struggles he’s faced (and overcame) while transitioning back to civilian life. Nick opens up about his mental health struggles and how counseling and support networks played a key role in his recovery. The discussion highlights Mission43’s holistic approach to veteran support, focusing on employment, education, and building strong networks. Nick is also passionate about connecting veterans and military spouses with Idaho employers, helping them navigate the job market and building successful lives in Idaho after the military. Listen in and learn some valuable lessons from Nick’s jump back into civilian life.
In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, host Dan Nelson sits down with Cole Petrie, the newly appointed CEO of Higher Ground. Higher Ground is a nonprofit organization based in Sun Valley, Idaho, dedicated to supporting children and adults with developmental, cognitive, or physical disabilities. They also serve military veterans and first responders with visible and invisible disabilities. The secret to their success is outdoor recreational therapy to assist the healing process and unlock every individual's potential! Cole, a former Navy SEAL, shares his journey from military service to leading Higher Ground and enhancing the quality of life through therapeutic recreation and education.
In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, Dan and Alison (Mission43's Education Director), sit down with Shannon Kerr and Heather Grayson from the College of Western Idaho (CWI) to discuss a new partnership aimed at supporting military veterans as they transition back to civilian life. This partnership offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Leadership and Management, primarily targeting E5 and above but open to all, including military spouses and civilians. The program leverages military leadership training, translating it into college credits, and allows veterans to complete the degree in as few as five classes (15 credits). With flexible learning options, dedicated support staff, and full scholarships available, the program is designed to be accessible and cost-effective, preserving GI Bill benefits for future use. CWI's community-oriented approach ensures personalized support and strong emotional and social backing for veterans. This initiative provides a clear pathway to higher education and better job opportunities!
In this episode of the Mission43 Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Heather Lopez, a dynamic leader in physical therapy, a Mission43 Leaders Fellow, and the director of the Challenge Athletes Foundation (CAF) - Idaho. Dr. Lopez shares her journey from growing up in a small town in Michigan, to serving as an Army physical therapist, to transitioning out of the Army and into a civilian career. Learn about her experiences, the challenges she faced, and how she now leads CAF - Idaho as they support adaptive athletes and veterans. Discover the powerful synergy between Mission43 and CAF - Idaho and how they work together to create a community of support and resilience. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with personal stories and professional insights.
We sit down with Matty Bishop, founder of Cafe Mulé and co-owner of Iron Mule Coffee Company, in his new roasting facility in Boise, Idaho. Join us to hear about his military experience, his foray into the corporate world, and now his life as an entrepreneur.
Learn more and support this great Idaho-based business run by all-around good dudes!:
Website: https://www.ironmulecoffee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironmulecoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironmulecoffee
