In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Grant Vermeer, a US Navy veteran, current military spouse, podcaster, and founder of The Vermeer Group, a concierge service specializing in connecting military and veteran families with tailored real estateprofessionals around the country. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of home buying, particularly around the time a service member transitions out of uniform and highlight some of the major considerations to keep in mind. We also talk a little bit about how military members and military spouses are keenly adept at being in the real estate business, where Grant shares some insights about how to get into the profession.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show or shared by our guest:

The Vermeer Group where you can connect with trusted real estate professionals nationwide.Academy Insider Podcast

Connect with Grant Vermeer on LinkedIn.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Jason Medsger to follow up on his transition journey, first highlighted in Episode 4. Almost a year ago, Jason was contemplating the retirement decision and preparing to “push the button” to apply for retirement.

Now that he has an approved retirement date, we revisit the questions we asked the first time around, such as what gives him anxiety ahead of closing this chapter in his life, what his career exploration journey has looked like thus far, and the impacts of transition on the family now that a retirement date has been set. Stay tuned for more installments of Jason’s journey through transition – it is sure to be both entertaining and informative!

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia have a conversation with Britt Andrade, a US Army veteran andWarrior-Scholar Project participant. She unpacks her experience as a junior enlisted servicemember and her journey as a college student. Through Warrior-Scholar Project’s unique focus on bootcamps and preparatory programs, Britt not only succeeded in attaining her bachelor’s degree and turned hersuccess into her current undertaking. Britt is halfway through attaining her Juris Doctor to eventually work as an attorney with a focus on helping veterans!

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Warrior-Scholar Project
• Vassar Veterans Initiative

Connect with Britt Andrade on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or anyaffiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Attiyya Ingram, a tax professional and spouse of an active duty US Marine. She walks us through some of the most common mistakes transitioning servicemembers make when leaving military service, whether it is to enter the civilian job market or fully retire. Attiyya provides practical advice when it comes to effective planning and where to best seek professional assistance when covering your new tax landscape.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show or shared by our guest:

· Ingram Financial Management

· Military Tax Experts

Connect with Attiyya Ingram on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this bonus episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Dr. Gabrielle (Gabby) L’Esperance, Director of Insights at the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). Gabby shares information about the 2025 Military Family 360 Survey and why the data from this survey is so impactful, which is why we encourage military and veteran families to participate. At the end of this quick bonus episode, we also share information on how the government shutdown is affecting military families and how our listeners can help MFAN and the wonderful work they do to support the military community.

Take the 2025 Military Family 360 Survey

Visit CombatMilitaryHunger.org

Connect with Gabby on LinkedIn

Visit TheNextTourPodcast.com for more episodes.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia have US Army veteran and lifelong positivist, Andrew Polley, as a guest. Andrew was honored by Hire Heroes USA as the Junior Enlisted Client of the Year, following multiple post-military professional endeavors that all had one thing in common – giving back to his fellow human being. But often givingback can come at a price, both spiritually and otherwise, which is where this episode picks up his story. Andrew shares his transition story and journey with finding a career with the help of Hire Heroes USA where he has the opportunity to not just give back but feel his own self value at the same time. Join us as Andrew walks us through his journey – you can’t miss this episode.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show or shared by our guest:

• ⁠Hire Heroes USA⁠
• ⁠HVA of Indiana⁠

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia chat with Ryan Pavel, CEO of Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP). Ryan is a veteran who separated after 5 years of service as an active-duty Marine. WSP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips service members and veterans for success in higher education. Ryan shares the mission and the focus of Warrior-Scholar Project. He also explains WSP’s Academic Boot Camp, workshops, and plans for the future. If you are an enlisted servicemember, veteran or someone who works with them – this is the episode for you! Plus, there will be a part two – so watch for that episode soon.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

Warrior-Scholar Project

Connect with our guest and Warrior-Scholar Project on social media:

• Warrior-Scholar Project LinkedIn
• Warrior-Scholar Project Facebook
• Warrior-Scholar Project Instagram
• Ryan Pavel LinkedIn
• Ryan Pavel (twobitrye) Instagram

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-servicelife. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 21 - Transition and Finding Your Career Path

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Ross Dickman, US Army veteran and CEO of Hire Heroes USA. We talk about the unique aspects of what this Veteran Service Organization does differently in a space filled with more than 45,000 other entities and how their approach to helping veterans and spouses find their own career paths, regardless of service characterization, sets them apart from the pack. Additionally, we talk about when their services can be leveraged and why taking advantage of their coaching model as early as possible can be the best thing one can do for their post-military career.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Hire Heroes USA

• Hire Heroes USA LinkedIn Page

Connect with Ross Dickman on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.