• Michelle Watson - IngenuiTea Gourmet Tea & Spice Company
    2025/04/28

    🎙️ In this heartwarming and flavorful episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons sit down with Michelle, the founder of IngenuiTea™ Gourmet Tea & Spice Company and an active duty service member. Michelle’s lifelong love of tea is steeped in rich family heritage, tracing back to her great-grandmother Anna, born in 1880 on the spice-rich Caribbean island of Grenada. Inspired by tradition and driven by a passion for health and wellness, Michelle created a premium, organic tea company that honors her roots while promoting the powerful health benefits of the tea plant, camellia sinensis.

    🫖 Michelle shares her journey from growing up sipping English tea to traveling the world and ultimately launching a brand committed to offering mouth-watering, nutrient-rich teas in their truest form. IngenuiTea™ is more than a business — it's a tribute to legacy, health, and the simple joy of sharing a great cup of tea.

    🌿 Episode Highlights:

    • The story of Great-Grandmother Anna and the origins of Michelle’s love for tea
    • How her world travels and military service inspired the creation of IngenuiTea™
    • The health benefits and healing power of tea
    • Balancing entrepreneurship and active duty military service
    • Creating meaningful moments and memories — one cup at a time

    🍵 Whether you’re a tea enthusiast, a wellness seeker, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiration, heritage, and a deep love for tradition and health.

    🔗 Learn more about IngenuiTea™: https://ingenuiteaandspice.com/
    🌍 Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
    💬 Connect with Donnell Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
    📲 Follow Coach R.L. Simmons: @coachrlsimmons on all platforms

    👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to hear more stories of veterans who are preserving culture, building businesses, and creating impact across industries.

    #VeteransGrowingAmerica #IngenuiTea #MichelleTeaStory #TeaEntrepreneur #VeteranOwnedBusiness #OrganicTea #GrenadaRoots #LegacyAndWellness #MilitaryEntrepreneur #TeaLovers #HealthInACup

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    23 分
  • Rochelle "Slay Queen" Hemmingway- Slay To Sucess
    2025/04/24

    🔥 In this powerful episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, we sit down with Rochelle "SLAY Queen" Hemingway — CEO and Founder of SLAY To Success, LLC, personal branding expert, retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief, author, speaker, and leadership powerhouse.

    ✈️ Rochelle shares her incredible journey of serving over 30 years in the Air Force, rising to the highest enlisted rank and leading over 8,000 people on a major military base. Now, as the visionary behind SLAY To Success, she's helping professionals and veterans build magnetic personal brands that reflect their value, voice, and vision.

    📘 From writing her book SLAY To Success, to launching a leadership and branding-focused company, and completing a Master’s in Strategic Leadership, Rochelle continues to blaze trails in branding, leadership, wellness, and service.

    🎙️ Episode Highlights:

    • Her life as a military kid and the journey to 30 years of service
    • What it means to “SLAY” in leadership and in life
    • The power of personal branding and how it transforms careers
    • Founding SLAY To Success, LLC and creating impact beyond the uniform
    • Her dedication to leadership, health, fitness, and legacy-building

    💡 Whether you're a veteran, a professional pivoting careers, or an entrepreneur seeking clarity in your message — this episode delivers insights on how to lead, brand, and SLAY with purpose.

    🔗 Learn more at: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
    💬 Connect with Rochelle: https://www.slaytosuccess.com/

    👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more empowering veteran stories, branding tips, and leadership gems!

    #VeteransGrowingAmerica #SLAYQueen #RochelleHemingway #SLAYToSuccess #PersonalBranding #VeteranEntrepreneur #WomenVeterans #MilitaryLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #AirForceVeteran #StrategicLeadership #ConfidenceAndClarity

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    27 分
  • Keith "Duke" Davis - Inner Journey: Mental Clarity
    2025/03/17

    🎙️ Soar into the realms of mental wellness and personal development on the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, as hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons are joined by Keith Duke Davis, an Army Officer, aviator, and the innovative Founder and CEO of Inner Journey, Mental Clarity. In this episode, Duke shares his transition from the cockpit to the forefront of mental health advocacy, detailing his creation of the Inner Journey app, designed to enhance mental clarity and personal growth. Tune in to discover how Duke's experiences as an aviator have shaped his approach to mental wellness and leadership.

    🌟 Episode Highlights:

    • From Aviator to Advocate: Explore Duke’s journey from being an Army aviator to spearheading a mental wellness initiative, highlighting how his military background informs his current mission.
    • The Genesis of Inner Journey: Learn about the inspiration behind the Inner Journey app, its features, and how it aims to provide users with tools for achieving greater mental clarity and well-being.
    • Impact on Veterans and Beyond: Delve into how Inner Journey is tailored not just for veterans but for anyone seeking to improve their mental health, featuring stories of transformation and resilience.
    • Leadership and Mental Wellness: Hear Duke’s insights on the critical connection between effective leadership and mental health, drawing parallels between piloting aircraft and navigating life’s challenges.
    • Future Aspirations for Inner Journey: Discover what’s on the horizon for Duke and his app, including new features and partnerships aimed at expanding its reach and efficacy.

    🔊 Whether you’re a veteran, a current service member, or anyone interested in mental health innovation, this episode offers a unique perspective on the power of mindfulness and technology in fostering overall well-being.

    🔗 Links:

    • Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
    • Dive deeper into Inner Journey and its mission: https://www.innerjourneyapp.com
    • Connect with Donnell Johns on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
    • Follow Coach R.L. Simmons on all platforms: @coachrlsimmons

    👉 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that spotlight veterans leading the charge in health, innovation, and community support. Join the conversation below and share how mental wellness tools have impacted your life!

    #VeteransGrowingAmerica #KeithDukeDavis #InnerJourney #MentalWellness #VeteranEntrepreneur #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth

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    38 分
  • Kalecia Simmons - The Goat Business
    2025/03/13

    🎙️ In this inspiring episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons are honored to speak with Kalecia Simmons, an Army veteran, co-owner of The G.O.A.T. Business, and founder of The Michael Rich Foundation. Kalecia shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship and philanthropy, focusing on her passion for supporting female collegiate athletes through scholarships and her leadership in the business world. Tune in to hear how Kalecia's experiences have shaped her mission to empower women and foster success in sports and business.

    🌟 Episode Highlights:

    • Military to Business Transition: Discover Kalecia’s transition from serving in the Army to becoming a business leader and how her military experiences have influenced her entrepreneurial ventures.
    • The G.O.A.T. Business: Learn about the unique value proposition of The G.O.A.T. Business, how it supports other businesses, and Kalecia’s role in driving its success.
    • Michael Rich Foundation: Explore the motivations behind founding The Michael Rich Foundation, its impact on female collegiate athletes, and the role of sports scholarships in empowering young women.
    • Leadership and Empowerment: Kalecia discusses her commitment to leadership development, particularly among women, and shares insights into fostering environments that encourage growth and achievement.
    • Future Goals: Hear about Kalecia’s vision for expanding her philanthropic efforts and her plans to further influence both the business and sports communities.

    🔊 Whether you’re interested in veteran entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, or the intersection of sports and business, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice from a leader who continues to make significant strides in every field she touches.

    🔗 Links:

    • Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
    • Learn more about The G.O.A.T. Business and The Michael Rich Foundation: www.thegoatbusiness.com
    • Connect with Donnell Johns on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
    • Follow Coach R.L. Simmons on all platforms: @coachrlsimmons

    👉 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that spotlight veterans who are transforming their communities and industries. Drop a comment below to share your thoughts on the role of sports in empowering women and how businesses can contribute to societal change!

    #VeteransGrowingAmerica #KaleciaSimmons #TheGOATBusiness #MichaelRichFoundation #VeteranEntrepreneur #WomenEmpowerment #SportsScholarships #BusinessLeadership

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    30 分
  • Lanitra Howell - Reaffirm Vibes
    2025/03/10

    🎙️ Immerse yourself in the soothing world of fragrance as the Veteran's Growing America Podcast hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons sit down with an Army Veteran and entrepreneur, the visionary behind Reaffirm Vibes. This unique business specializes in creating fragrance products like candles and perfumes, each designed to enhance well-being and bring positive vibes into everyday life. Tune in to hear how military discipline and commitment to service have translated into crafting products that uplift and inspire.

    🌟 Episode Highlights:

    • From Army to Aromas: Discover the journey from serving in the military to launching a business focused on fragrances, and how the values learned in service influence business practices.
    • The Essence of Reaffirm Vibes: Explore the mission and inspiration behind Reaffirm Vibes, and how the products are crafted to foster positivity and relaxation for customers.
    • Entrepreneurial Challenges: Delve into the challenges faced while establishing a niche business in the competitive world of fragrances and how these obstacles were transformed into opportunities for growth.
    • Impact of Fragrance on Well-being: Learn about the psychological and emotional benefits of scents, and why Reaffirm Vibes focuses on creating fragrances that do more than just smell good—they rejuvenate the spirit.
    • Future Aspirations: Hear about the future goals for Reaffirm Vibes, including new product lines and initiatives to expand the reach of positive vibes through fragrance.

    🔊 Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, the therapeutic power of fragrance, or stories of veterans who continue to serve their communities in unique ways, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how passion and purpose can create a successful business.

    🔗 Links:

    • Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
    • Learn more about Reaffirm Vibes and their products: https://reaffirmvibes.com/
    • Connect with Donnell Johns on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
    • Follow Coach R.L. Simmons on all platforms: @coachrlsimmons

    👉 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that delve into the entrepreneurial journeys of veterans and the innovative ways they contribute to enhancing our daily lives. Drop a comment below and share how fragrances have impacted your mood and environment!

    #VeteransGrowingAmerica #ReaffirmVibes #FragranceEntrepreneur #VeteranOwnedBusiness #PositiveVibes #WellbeingThroughScents #EntrepreneurialJourney

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    29 分
  • Dondre Lawson - Emerald Technical Solutions & Defense Interns
    2025/03/03

    🎙️ Tune into a compelling episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast as hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons welcome Dondre Lawson, an Army Senior NCO and the driving force behind Emerald Technical Solutions & Defense Interns. With a robust background in IT and cybersecurity, Dondre shares his insights on the crucial role of technology in national defense and how he’s shaping the future of the industry through his work. Discover Dondre's journey from military service to tech entrepreneurship, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

    🌟 Episode Highlights:

    • Military and Tech Expertise: Explore Dondre's extensive career in the Army, focusing on how his experience in IT and cybersecurity has positioned him as a leader in the field.
    • Emerald Technical Solutions & Defense Interns: Learn about the mission of Dondre’s companies, which aim to innovate in cybersecurity solutions and provide internships that prepare military personnel and veterans for civilian careers in tech.
    • Challenges in Cybersecurity: Dondre discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and how his firm addresses these challenges while ensuring robust defense mechanisms for clients.
    • Mentorship and Development: Hear about Dondre's passion for mentoring emerging tech talent, particularly those transitioning from military to civilian roles, and his strategies for developing skilled professionals in cybersecurity.
    • Future of Tech in Defense: Gain insights into Dondre’s vision for the integration of new technologies in national defense and how he plans to continue contributing to this vital sector.

    🔊 Whether you’re interested in cybersecurity, military transitions, or tech entrepreneurship, this episode offers a deep dive into how strategic defense and innovative thinking are key to national and digital security.

    🔗 Links:

    • Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
    • Explore Emerald Technical Solutions & Defense Interns: https://emeraldsolutions.tech/
    • Connect with Donnell Johns on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
    • Follow Coach R.L. Simmons on all platforms: @coachrlsimmons

    👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that showcase the innovative paths veterans take in the tech industry and beyond. Join the conversation below and share your thoughts on the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world!

    #VeteransGrowingAmerica #DondreLawson #Cybersecurity #TechEntrepreneurship #MilitaryTransition #TechLeadership #DigitalSecurity

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    37 分
  • Michael Diebler - Veteran Command (DTS Maps)
    2025/02/28

    🎙️ Join hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons for an engaging episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast featuring Michael Deibler, an Army Senior NCO and the innovative founder of Veteran Command and DTS Maps. In this episode, Michael shares his experiences from his military career and how they paved the way for his entrepreneurial ventures. DTS Maps, a unique service offering personalized maps that chronicle the global service of military members, exemplifies Michael's dedication to honoring the journeys of his fellow service members. Tune in as Michael answers the show’s standard questions, providing insights into the transitions, challenges, and triumphs of veteran entrepreneurship.

    🌟 Episode Highlights:

    • Military Insights: Discover Michael’s significant experiences as an Army Senior NCO and how they have influenced his business initiatives.
    • Founding Veteran Command and DTS Maps: Learn about the inception of his businesses, particularly DTS Maps, which provides custom maps representing the places where service members have served as meaningful farewell gifts.
    • Entrepreneurial Journey: Michael discusses the skills and lessons learned from the military that have helped him navigate the world of business and entrepreneurship.
    • Serving the Veteran Community: Explore how Michael’s ventures contribute to the veteran community, offering both practical business solutions and meaningful keepsakes.
    • Vision for the Future: Hear about Michael’s future plans for expanding his impact and continuing to support veterans transitioning to civilian life.

    🔊 Whether you’re a veteran, an entrepreneur, or someone fascinated by innovative business ideas, this episode is filled with valuable takeaways about turning service experience into successful business ventures.

    🔗 Links:

    • Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
    • Discover more about Veteran Command and DTS Maps: https://dtsmap.com/
    • Connect with Donnell Johns on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
    • Follow Coach R.L. Simmons on all platforms: @coachrlsimmons

    👉 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that highlight the unique paths veterans take in building impactful businesses and supporting their communities. Join the conversation below and share your thoughts on how personalized keepsakes like DTS Maps can provide a meaningful connection to one's service history!

    #VeteransGrowingAmerica #MichaelDeibler #VeteranCommand #DTSMaps #MilitaryService #VeteranEntrepreneur #BusinessLeadership #ServiceMemorabilia

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    28 分
  • Ryan Hunt- 10th Mountain Recruiting
    2025/02/10

    🎙️ On this episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons welcome Ryan Hunt, an Army veteran and the entrepreneurial force behind 10th Mountain LLC and 10th Mountain Recruiting. Inspired by the storied 10th Mountain Division, Ryan has channeled his military experiences into founding and leading successful ventures that focus on delivering top-tier business and recruiting services. Tune in as Ryan shares his journey from the Army to entrepreneurship, and how his military values continue to influence his approach to business and leadership.

    🌟 Episode Highlights:

    • Military Roots: Explore Ryan's time in the Army and how his experiences have shaped his business philosophy and leadership style.
    • Founding 10th Mountain LLC: Delve into the origins and mission of 10th Mountain LLC, a company dedicated to excellence and innovation in the service sector.
    • Launch of 10th Mountain Recruiting: Learn about Ryan's expansion into the recruiting industry, aiming to connect talented veterans with opportunities that match their skills and aspirations.
    • Leadership Lessons: Hear Ryan discuss the key lessons from his military service that have been instrumental in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
    • Impact and Vision: Discover the broader impact of Ryan's work on the veteran community and his future goals for his businesses.

    🔊 Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a veteran seeking new opportunities, or simply interested in stories of successful post-military careers, this episode offers a compelling look at how discipline and determination can lead to significant achievements in the business world.

    🔗 Links:

    • Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
    • Learn more about 10th Mountain LLC and 10th Mountain Recruiting: https://tenthmountainrecruiting.com/
    • Connect with Donnell Johns on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
    • Follow Coach R.L. Simmons on all platforms: @coachrlsimmons

    👉 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that spotlight the entrepreneurial spirit of veterans who are making a mark in the business world. Join the conversation below and share your thoughts on the transition from military service to business leadership!

    #VeteransGrowingAmerica #RyanHunt #10thMountainLLC #VeteranEntrepreneur #BusinessLeadership #MilitaryTransition #VeteranRecruiting

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    33 分