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In today’s episode, we sit down with Chris Greco — a dedicated father, husband, and executive performance coach whose journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. Known for his unwavering faith, grit, and perseverance, Chris brings a boundless energy and a core-values approach that has helped transform both people and organizations.

Chris shares his experiences leading high-stakes turnarounds, including his role as CEO in 2023, where he revitalized a struggling retail tech company — saving jobs and delivering investor returns in under four years. Praised by a former food industry CEO as someone who “took a company from nothing and turned it into an industry-wide success,” Chris’s story is one of resilience and results.

We also dive into earlier milestones, like the $1.3 billion exit he led as the sales and marketing head in 2016 at a mobile tech provider, and his pivotal 2008 go-to-market strategy during Apple’s landmark launch era, which brought in 1,000+ new subscribers daily. With leadership experience at AT&T, Location Labs, Symantec, and Avast, Chris offers powerful insights into what it really takes to grow businesses in competitive markets.

Through it all, Chris remains grounded in his belief that trust, people, and purpose-driven leadership are the pillars of any thriving team — whether in the boardroom or at home.

What You’ll Learn:
• How faith and values fuel Chris’s leadership style
• Lessons from turning around a company during tough times
• Strategies for scaling growth in tech and telecom industries
• Why trust and vision are non-negotiables in high-performing teams
• The mindset shifts that separate good leaders from great

He is also the author of 8 Steps to Overcoming Adversity, a Maxy Award Winner book that Admiral Bill Owens called “Faith-based advice underscored by a powerful story of suffering and perseverance.”

Connect with Chris - https://www.grecospeaks.com/about

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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Imagine dedicating 30 years to the Air Force, retiring with honors, and returning to serve again—only to be abruptly terminated without explanation. Publicly shamed, later vindicated, and still left in limbo more than a year later. This is the reality for today’s guest: Doug “Cinco” DeMaio.

Doug’s story is not just about personal resilience—it’s a stark indictment of a broken administrative system within the U.S. military. In this powerful episode, he shares his experience, exposes systemic failures, and explains why transparency and accountability are crucial for restoring trust in our armed forces.

What You’ll Hear:
• The events leading to Doug’s sudden dismissal
• His experience navigating the military’s opaque administrative system
• The emotional and professional toll of being silenced and sidelined
• Why systemic reform is urgently needed
• How Doug continues to advocate for integrity and innovation in defense

About the Guest:
Douglas D. DeMaio is CEO of All Domain Solutions LLC, consulting with the DoD, industry leaders, and academia on integrating AI into military operations. A retired Air Force and Alabama Air National Guard officer, Doug commanded at multiple levels, flew over 3,200 hours (including 500+ in combat), and helped shape strategy on space warfare, AI, and multi-domain operations. He holds advanced degrees from the Eisenhower School and SAMS and has authored influential work on defense innovation and strategy.

🎧 Listen or watch for a behind-the-scenes look at military leadership, justice, and one officer’s relentless pursuit of the truth. This will be my second in person podcast at our new home! It warms my heart a few take the time and can come see us!

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5449868908953600

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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In this in-person episode of Stories of Service, Theresa Carpenter speaks with Christopher Lamy—veteran, dog trainer, and her SkillBridge provider—about his journey from Air Force K-9 handler to community advocate. Growing up as the oldest of seven, Chris developed leadership skills and a bond with animals early on. After 10 years in the military, including deployments with Navy SEAL Team 2, he pursued a law degree but ultimately returned to dog training after a mentor’s passing. Now based in Long Beach, MS, he runs Canine Coaching with Chris, leads a nonprofit for shelter dogs, and co-hosts the Whiskey and Wolves podcast.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:
• Chris’s early days as the “dog guy” in a big family
• His intense military journey and work with elite teams in combat
• The emotional and physical toll of service—and how he kept going
• Why he walked away from a legal career to follow a different calling
• How he’s making a difference in the lives of dogs and veterans alike
• His ongoing mission to serve through storytelling and canine advocacy

Follow and Support Chris Lamy:
• Canine Coaching with Chris - https://www.caninecoachingwithchris.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninecoach...
• Podcast: Whiskey and Wolves: • Whiskey and Wolves Podcast

🛑 Don’t miss this inspiring story of reinvention, resilience, and the healing power of purpose.

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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Can a Navy SEAL serve in our toughest military roles, launch multiple companies, speak hard truths, and still have the heart to lead a movement in wellness? Rob Sweetman is living proof.

In this episode, I sit down with Rob — a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist and founder of 62Romeo and Sleep Genius — who’s on a mission to radically improve how veterans, first responders, and high-performers sleep, recover, and live.

After serving with SEAL Team Seven and navigating injuries including PTSD and TBI, Rob took a pivotal turn into sleep science following the tragic loss of a fellow SEAL. What he’s built since then is not just science-backed — it’s soul-driven. Rob now speaks globally, leads retreats at Happy Canyon Ranch, and team lead for the NYC Navy SEAL Swim as a voice for warrior advocacy and transformation.

This is more than a conversation about performance — it’s about resilience, purpose, and staying the course when others give up.

We talk about:
• Rob’s SEAL background and personal story of transition
• The silent epidemic of sleep dysfunction in military and high-stress careers
• How sleep and mental health are deeply connected
• Leading from the front in wellness advocacy
• The mission behind Sleep Genius and 62Romeo
• Why Rob believes healing is the new warfare

Rob Sweetman is a former Navy SEAL, sleep scientist, and the founder of 62Romeo and Sleep Genius. He combines elite training with scientific insight to help others optimize sleep, recovery, and performance. After losing a fellow SEAL to suicide, Rob dedicated his life to solving the hidden struggles that plague our warriors and leaders.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.sleepgeni.us/

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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In this powerful episode, we follow Sgt. Andrew “Andy” Lindstrom — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Nevada National Guardsman — as he takes on the military establishment in a courageous solo legal battle.

After reporting military sexual trauma (MST) and financial misconduct within the Nevada National Guard, Lindstrom faced harsh retaliation and was removed from both his military and civilian roles. Refusing to back down, he chose to represent himself pro se, navigating a complex legal fight without an attorney.

Key Topics:
US Veteran turned whistleblower
⚠️ Reporting MST & financial abuses
🛑 Facing retaliation
⚖️ Representing himself
📑 Systemic roadblocks
🫂 Courage, sacrifice, and persistence

Resources & Support:
📺 KTNV Report (https://www.ktnv.com/13-investigates/...)

⚖️ Lindstrom v. Nevada (https://dockets.justia.com/docket/nev...)

🤝 veteransisters.org (https://veteransisters.org/m/create-a...)

🎙️ More: goodpods.com/podcasts/sos-stories-of-service
👥 FB Group: Military Whistleblower Support

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

Send us a text

This week, we're joined by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robin "Phoenix" Johnson—combat veteran, international comedian, and leadership expert. With 20+ years in the U.S. Army and five combat deployments, Robin now uses humor to inspire and lead across the globe. From Armed Forces Entertainment to Stanford classrooms, she shares how laughter can reduce burnout, boost empathy, and reshape workplace culture. Don’t miss her powerful insights, leadership lessons, and hilarious takes on soccer sidelines and the mystery of the offsides rule!

In This Episode:

• Robin’s path from the battlefield to the comedy stage
• The role of humor in leadership, medicine, and resilience
• Behind-the-scenes laughs and lessons on using comedy for change

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Stanford School of Medicine.
• Armed Forces Entertainment,.
• Thayer Leadership.
• Institute for Defense & Business.
• Hoover Institution, and more.

Connect with Robin “Phoenix” Johnson:
Website: https://robinphoenixjohnson.com/meet-...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinphoeni...
LinkedIn: http

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with T.Shane Johnson—U.S. Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and best-selling author. T.Shane opens up about his extraordinary journey from surviving a brutal gang attack and homelessness to building a successful business empire and making a national impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How T.Shane overcame life-threatening adversity and found his purpose
• The lessons he learned during his two years of homelessness after the 2008 crash
• How he built multiple successful ventures, including Big Guns Coffee with his daughter Charli
• The story behind his Hike Across America initiative and his advocacy for homeless veterans and suicide prevention
• His world record pushup feat and appearances on national platforms like ESPN, Fox and Friends, and USA Today
• Why resilience, grit, and a mindset of service are the foundations of his success

Resources & Mentions:
• T. Shane Johnson Official Website https://tshaneinspires.com/
• Big Guns Coffee: Big Guns Coffee Farm and Roastery: https://www.biggunscoffee.com/

Connect with Us:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a boost of inspiration!

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

Send us a text

This week’s guest is Randall Surles—a retired Sergeant Major with over 40 years of experience bridging elite military service and the literary world. From leading missions as an infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment and a Green Beret, to crafting bestselling books as a Story Grid Certified Editor, Randy’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
• Randy’s shift from combat zones to creative writing.
• How military precision influences his storytelling process.
• The behind-the-scenes world of ghostwriting high-stakes nonfiction.
• The art and discipline behind editing bestselling military fiction.
• Why storytelling is his new mission.

📚 Books Randy has worked on include:
• Operation Pineapple Express by Scott Mann (NYT Bestseller)
• The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke (Amazon Bestseller)
• It Was What It Was by Daniel Pace (Amazon Bestseller)
• Life in the Fast Lane (Amazon Bestseller)

Connect with Randy:
• Website: www.thestoryninja.com
• Military Book Editing: www.militaryeditor.com
• YouTube: Randall Surles Military Editor - https://youtube.com/@militarywritersa...
• Facebook Group: Ask a Military Book Editor: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1bsi...
• LinkedIn: Randall Surles - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-s...
• Instagram: @the_story_ninja
• TikTok: @randysurle

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76