Episodes

  • Zenon Duda (Part 1) – The Art of Metamorphosis and the "Starving Artist" Myth

    Zenon Duda (Part 1) – The Art of Metamorphosis and the "Starving Artist" Myth
    Jan 26 2026
    What happens when you trade the steel factory for the sculptor's studio? In the Season 3 premiere of the Two Promises Podcast, we step into the visionary world of Zenon Duda (Zen of Zensculptor.com). Meeting at the intersection of grit and fine art at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Zen joins the show to discuss the transformative power of the creative process. Zen pulls back the curtain on the "Tortured Artist" trope, reframing it as a universal human condition that art simply makes visible. From dumpster diving for "found ideas" at the San Francisco Art Institute to the brutal economic realities of the gallery world in Santa Fe, Zen shares a masterclass on the character traits required to survive as a professional creator. We explore why a $3-an-hour wage is the hidden trap for many artisans and how street performance at the Venice Biennale taught him more about value than any classroom could. 🔍 Key Topics & SEO Insights The Phoenix Metaphor: Why Zen views art not as something to be destroyed (Burning Man style), but as a cycle of natural decay and metamorphosis. Reframing "Torture": Understanding that artists aren't more "troubled" than their neighbors—they just have a medium to process the trauma that most people "suck up and power through." The Economics of Sculpture: The brutal truth about business chops, marketing, and why "making good work" is only the first step to financial viability in the arts. Consumer Psychology in Art: Why we buy what we buy, from the "Goldilocks" weight of a ceramic pot to the impulsive pull of a 6-foot painting. Cultural Value Shifts: Comparing the appreciation (and funding) of artists in the United States versus the street-performance culture of Europe. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 01:32 Introducing Zenon Duda—artist, visionary, and scrounger. 02:17 The Burn Factor: Why Zen prefers natural decay over the "Burning Man" style of art destruction. 04:29 Found Objects vs. Found Ideas: Metamorphosizing a discarded "Xanax" canvas into a work of joy. 06:23 The Tortured Artist Myth: Why artists are no different than the average Joe on the street—except for their "voice." 08:45 The Help Button: How connecting through art serves as a fundamental reserve for human communication. 12:30 The Artisan Standard: Character traits required to move from hobbyist to professional sculptor. 15:38 Impulse and Quality: The psychology behind why people open their wallets at craft fairs and galleries. 18:04 The Santa Fe Reality: A look inside the art gallery world—high overhead and the "suicidal" wait for foot traffic. 20:29 The Starving Artist Trap: How losing "business chops" leads to making $3 an hour after 80 hours of labor. 21:50 Venice Biennale Performance: A lesson in street performance and the cultural value of art in Europe vs. America. 25:15 Paradigm Shifts: Zen's ultimate purpose—engaging viewers so they walk away "a little bit changed." About the Guest Zenon Duda is a master sculptor and visionary artist known for his ability to find beauty in discarded materials and natural forms. With a background spanning steel factories to high-end galleries, Zen operates Zensculptor.com, where he creates work that challenges the viewer's perspective. His journey includes significant time spent in the international art scene and a deep-rooted commitment to the evolution of craftsmanship. Art isn't just about the finished piece; it's about the Metamorphosis of the person behind the tools. Whether you're an artisan, an entrepreneur, or a neighbor "powering through," Zenon Duda reminds us that connection and growth is the ultimate fulfillment. Ready to find your voice? Visit Zen: Explore the portfolio and vision at Zensculptor.com. Support the Arts: Next time you're at a craft fair, gallery, or out and about, look for the "Found Idea"—it might just change your life. Join the Conversation: Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this deep dive into the human condition through the lens of art. ▶️ What's Next? This is Part 1 of 4. In Part 2, Zen takes us deeper into the dust of the Black Rock Desert as he shares his insider stories from Burning Man. Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss the next evolution of this conversation! 🌎 Connect with the Two Promises Podcast 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📲 Follow Us: Youtube Tiktok Facebook Instagram #ZenonDuda #Zensculptor #ProfessionalArtist #SculptureArt #StarvingArtist #ArtMarketing #VeniceBiennale #BurningManArt #FoundObjectArt #Metamorphosis #ArtTherapy #Craftsmanship #TwoPromisesPodcast #VisionaryArt #CreativeProcess
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    27 mins
  • ⚓️ FULLSEND FRIDAY: Navy SEAL Anthony Rivera on AI-Driven Transition, Cracking the VA Code, and the "Fog of Peace"

    ⚓️ FULLSEND FRIDAY: Navy SEAL Anthony Rivera on AI-Driven Transition, Cracking the VA Code, and the "Fog of Peace"
    Jan 23 2026
    What happens when the "Fog of War" turns into the "Fog of Peace"? In this comprehensive Full Send episode, Navy SEAL veteran and Vetivize CEO Anthony Rivera joins his BUD/S Class 267 classmate to discuss the tactical and psychological blueprint for a successful military transition. Anthony pulls back the curtain on the elite selection process, sharing raw stories from BUD/S Pool Comp and hallucinatory nights in Iraq's Al Anbar province. He then reveals the "cheat code" he discovered in the CFR 38 that allowed him to turn around a VA disability claim in just 11 days. We explore the future of veteran healthcare through Agentic AI, why "emotionally flat" medications are often prescribed without baselines, and the tactical SOS Protocol for managing life's overwhelming waves. This is a masterclass in identity reinvention and systemic reform. Key Topics & SEO Insights • The 11-Day VA Claim Blueprint How understanding the CFR 38 Rating Schedule can bypass the national 181-day average wait time for benefits • Mastery of Chaos Lessons from Navy SEAL training (Pool Comp and the Tread) that apply to high-stakes civilian entrepreneurship • The Future of Veteran Tech Implementing Agentic AI to handle mundane bureaucratic tasks, allowing veterans to focus on spirituality and community service • The ROI of Veteran Benefits How the average Vetivize user increases their annual tax-free income by $14,400 and how this saves corporate America millions in healthcare premiums • The Suicide Antidote Why "Service to Others" is the most effective prescription for the identity crisis and post-service emotional flatness • The SOS Protocol Stop, Seek Center, Orient, Signal — a tactical framework for navigating mental overwhelm and high-stress transitions Episode Timestamps 01:32 Class 267 Reunion — Reliving the cold, miserable days in the Coronado surf zone 04:34 Pool Comp Failures — Overconfidence under a "chill" instructor 10:10 The Lawn Dart Injury — Breaking a shoulder and collarbone two weeks before graduation 14:54 Iraq Hallucinations — Dancing dragons after two weeks of combat sleep deprivation 24:22 Lord of the Flies — Burning the Ubaidi base during closure 32:28 Hypercapnia Blackout — Passing out during the BUD/S Tread 36:37 Entering the Fog of Peace — Transitioning out after 11.5 years and the identity crisis 38:52 Cracking CFR 38 — Ignoring peer advice and reading the source regulations 41:14 The Birth of Vetivize — Using AI to connect veterans and nonprofits 49:19 The BDD Program — The six-month pre-separation claims window 54:40 Migraines and IBS — Symptoms veterans normalize but shouldn't 64:13 The $14,400 Raise — Financial impact of correct benefits integration 68:51 Startup Hell Week — Daily fires of entrepreneurship with a SEAL mindset 75:06 Community as the Antidote — Spirituality and service as suicide prevention 81:55 The Identity Trap — Letting go of rank-based self-definition 89:26 Diabetes vs Mental Health — VA medication critique without baselines 93:27 Safety Brief Humor — The joke that broke the platoon 100:32 Burn the Boats — Going all-in on the next mission About the Guest Anthony Rivera is a retired Navy SEAL and founder of Vetivize. After navigating his own high-speed transition, Anthony dedicated his career to helping over 7,000 veterans access their earned benefits. Vetivize uses proprietary AI to centralize the fragmented veteran nonprofit ecosystem and provides a secure Health Vault for service members. Connect with Anthony Rivera: Website: https://vetavize.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyriveraexecutiveleader Success isn't about never failing. It's about the grit to re-engage. If you're navigating the VA black hole or wrestling with who you are after service, remember this, If it's not alright, it's not the end. Call a buddy. Re-enter the arena. 🌎 Connect with the Two Promises Podcast 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📲 Follow Us: Youtube Tiktok Facebook Instagram #NavySEAL #VADisability #CFR38 #MilitaryTransition #Vetivize #AgenticAI #VeteranHealth #BUDS #PTSDRecovery #Entrepreneurship #IraqWarStories #MentalHealthReform #SOSProtocol #TwoPromisesPodcast #VeteranBrotherhood #IdentityTransition
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • ⚓ Anthony Rivera (Part 4): The Dawn of Agentic AI, Mental Health Reform, and the SOS Protocol

    ⚓ Anthony Rivera (Part 4): The Dawn of Agentic AI, Mental Health Reform, and the SOS Protocol
    Jan 19 2026
    What does the veteran landscape look like five years from now? In the powerful conclusion of our series, Navy SEAL veteran and Vetivize CEO Anthony Rivera paints a vision of a future where technology and spirituality intersect to end the veteran suicide epidemic. Anthony challenges the current medical status quo, comparing the definitive testing for diabetes to the often "test-less" prescribing of mind-altering antidepressants in the VA system. He advocates for a shift toward "prescribing" community service, elite work ethic, and mentorship as the primary tools for recovery. We also get a dose of much-needed levity with a hilarious "Safety Brief" story involving a mission brief with a Team XO and the infamous line from The 40-Year-Old Virgin. The episode wraps with a tactical SOS Protocol—a step-by-step guide to finding center when you're treading water in a sea of overwhelm. This is more than a podcast; it's an immediate action drill for your life. Key Topics & Search Insights Agentic AI & Mundane Tasks: How the next wave of AI will handle the "bureaucratic weight" of veteran life, allowing heroes to focus on spirituality and service. The Over-Medication Critique: A deep dive into why "emotionally flat" chemical solutions often fail to address the root of veteran despair. Mentorship Up and Down: The necessity of serving others as the ultimate antidote to "the poo-poo feelings" and self-loathing. The SOS Protocol: A tactical framework—Stop, Seek Center, Orient to the Horizon, Signal your Swim Buddy—for navigating high-stress situations. Laughter as Medicine: Why maintaining a sense of humor and "shit-talking" in communities like Jiu-Jitsu is vital for long-term resilience. ⏳ Timestamps 01:08 The 5-Year Vision: How Agentic AI will redefine veteran efficiency and reduce suicide 02:30 The Mental Health Prescription: Why the VA should prescribe exercise and service over antidepressants 03:16 Words vs. Tests: Comparing the definitive nature of a diabetes test to mental health diagnoses 05:06 Spilling Over: How intentional actions and mentoring up and down create a better world 06:30 Making the Safety Brief: A hilarious in-brief story involving the Team XO and a bet 08:57 If You Don't Use It, You Lose It: The 40-Year-Old Virgin reference that stitched up the platoon 10:06 The First Step: Why calling a buddy is the immediate action drill for anyone in the storm 11:15 Rock Bottom Wisdom: Analyzing the Shia LaBeouf Jon Bernthal interview - If it's not alright it's not the end 12:26 Get Hugs, Give Hugs: The power of physical community Jiu-Jitsu and being in the presence of others 13:30 Social Media is Not Real: Why the digital world can't give you a hug or make you stronger 15:25 DB&C Wrap-Up: Introducing the SOS Protocol for when life's waves are crashing 16:30 Stop & Seek Center: Finding presence in the body through breathwork and immediate perimeter security 17:15 Orient to the Horizon: Picking one small target resume phone call rather than the whole elephant 17:50 Signal Your Swim Buddy: Why calling out a problem is a strength not a weakness About the Guest Anthony Rivera is a retired Navy SEAL, classmate of BUD/S 267, and the visionary founder of Vetivize. His mission is to use cutting-edge technology to automate veteran benefits and foster a community rooted in the ethos of "Do Good for Good." Connect with Anthony Rivera: Website: https://vetavize.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyriveraexecutiveleader If you are treading water today, remember the SOS Protocol: Stop flailing, seek center, orient to a fixed point on the horizon, and signal your swim buddy. You were never meant to swim the open ocean alone. Join the mission: Visit Vetivize: Head to vetivize.com to secure your medical data and find your roadmap. Pick Up the Phone: Call one buddy today. No sugarcoating—just talk. Support the Show: If Anthony's story resonated with you, share this episode. Your one share could be the signal a struggling brother needs to see. 🌎 Connect with the Two Promises Podcast 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📲 Follow Us: Youtube Tiktok Facebook Instagram #Vetivize #AgenticAI #VeteranSuicidePrevention #NavySEAL #MentalHealthReform #SOSProtocol #WarriorMindset #MilitaryTransition #JiuJitsuCommunity #VeteranMentorship #Spirituality #HolisticHealth #TwoPromisesPodcast #AlternativeTherapy #IdentityTransition
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    20 mins
  • 🛡️ Anthony Rivera (Part 3): The Identity Bridge—Health Vaults, Financial Gains, and Serving Others

    🛡️ Anthony Rivera (Part 3): The Identity Bridge—Health Vaults, Financial Gains, and Serving Others
    Jan 12 2026
    Is your identity tied to your uniform, or is the uniform just something you wore? In Part 3 of our series, Navy SEAL veteran Anthony Rivera breaks down the ultimate Immediate Action Drill for the veteran identity crisis. Anthony explains how Vetivize acts as a secure, HIPAA-compliant Health Vault, allowing veterans to track their conditions quarterly so they never have to rely on a hit-in-the-head memory during a VA exam. We dive into the massive financial impact of veteran benefits: how the average Vetivize user increases their annual income by $14,400 tax-free, and why savvy employers are using this platform to save thousands in corporate healthcare premiums. Beyond the numbers, Anthony shares a powerful philosophy on mental health: the antidote to self-loathing is Service. From belly button gazing to burning the boats on your old identity, this episode is a blueprint for anyone who feels their best days are in the rearview mirror. Key Topics & Search Insights The $14,400 Pay Raise The concrete statistics behind veteran benefit increases and how it changes a family's financial trajectory Corporate ROI on Veterans Why businesses pay for veteran benefits programs to reduce their own insurance matching costs and HR turnover The HIPAA-Compliant Vault The importance of data security and why no one, not even the CEO, has a backdoor into your medical records The Service Antidote Why focusing on others is the fastest way to climb out of the poo-poo place of depression Identity vs. Job Moving past the I am a SEAL or Green Beret mindset to embrace deeper roles as a father, husband, and servant ⏱️ Timestamps 01:11 The Vetivize Vault Security, encryption, and why your data is for your eyes only 03:14 The $14,400 Bump How engaging the system increases annual tax-free income 04:20 Employer Upside How veteran benefits save businesses $13k to $15k per employee 05:38 Private Insurance vs. VA Choosing the right healthcare path to save on monthly premiums 07:50 The Startup Hell Week The daily grind of entrepreneurship and solving fires with action 11:51 The Mental Health Spillover How veteran lessons in resilience will eventually heal civilian communities 13:34 The Antidote to Self-Loathing Why serving others is the root source of healing 15:15 Incremental Steps How better food and exercise follow the decision to serve others 17:30 The Rumination Lie Identifying the ego voice that wants to keep you isolated 19:00 The Immediate Action Drill Replacing a lie with a truth in your mental rehearsals 20:41 The Identity Crisis Why the military indoctrinates us to believe we are our jobs 21:50 Belly Button Gazing Analyzing the decisions that got you here and where you want to go next 23:08 I used to suck on my mommy's titty A humorous reality check on leaving the past behind 24:30 Infinite Time Span Realizing we are dead soon and why there's no time to waste on a victim mindset About the Guest Anthony Rivera is a retired Navy SEAL, CEO, and founder of Vetivize. He is a recovering team guy who has transitioned into a servant-leader in the tech space. His mission is to ensure that the 19 million veterans in the U.S. are treated with honor, security, and the financial integrity they earned through their service. Connect with Anthony Rivera: Website: https://vetavize.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyriveraexecutiveleader Don't wait until your ticket gets punched to plan your exit. Anthony Rivera's experience proves that knowledge is only potential power—it becomes real power through implementation. Whether you're dealing with service-connected injuries or navigating the VA system, you don't have to hike Mount Everest in the wrong shoes. You are not your job. You never were. Anthony Rivera reminds us that while the military is an incredible chapter, it isn't the whole book. Whether you're a husband, a father, or a friend, your next mission is waiting and it requires you to be all in. Ready to engage? Check Your Vault Start documenting your health wins and losses this week. Don't rely on a foggy memory. Serve Someone Else If you're in a dark place, find one person to help. Watch how the lights turn back on. Spread the Word Send this episode to a veteran who is struggling to find their identity outside the uniform. ▶️ What's Next? This is only Part 3. Stay tuned for Part 4 of 4 with Anthony Rivera, where the focus shifts to legacy, long-term impact, and how veterans move beyond personal recovery to become force multipliers for their families, communities, and future generations of service members. 🌎 Connect with the Two Promises Podcast 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📲 Follow Us: Youtube Tiktok Facebook Instagram #VeteranIdentity #VABenefits #FinancialAutonomy #NavySEAL #Vetivize #ServiceAboveSelf #MilitaryTransition #MentalHealth #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FunctionalMedicine #SelfAccountability #Entrepreneurship #TwoPromisesPodcast #VeteranWealth #GrowthMindset
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    27 mins
  • ⚓ Anthony Rivera (Part 2): Cracking the VA Code—AI, Automation, and the 11-Day Disability Turnaround

    ⚓ Anthony Rivera (Part 2): Cracking the VA Code—AI, Automation, and the 11-Day Disability Turnaround
    Jan 5 2026

    Why does military transition feel like "learning a new language"? In Part 2 of our 4-part series, Navy SEAL veteran Anthony Rivera explains how he applied the "Plan Your Dive, Dive Your Plan" SEAL ethos to the complicated world of VA benefits.

    Anthony reveals how he went from receiving conflicting advice to reading the "root source" documents—the CFR 38—and successfully turned his VA claim around in just 11 days, compared to the national average of 181. We dive deep into his new platform, Vetivize, which uses proprietary AI and automation to act as a "Yelp for Heroes," centralizing the 40,000+ disorganized veteran nonprofits into one seamless interface.

    Whether you are active duty planning an exit via the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program or a veteran who has been out for 40 years, this episode is a tactical guide to documenting your health (from migraines to IBS) and reclaiming the benefits you've earned.

    Key Topics

    The CFR 38 blueprint and VA rating language

    The BDD program advantage for active duty members

    AI-generated documentation and quarterly health reports

    The frog in the pot syndrome with chronic symptoms

    Fixing the veteran nonprofit efficiency gap

    ⏳ Timestamps

    01:00 Facing the identity crisis of leaving the SEAL Teams

    02:00 The 11-day VA claim turnaround versus the 181-day average

    02:31 Why Anthony ignored peer advice and read CFR 38

    04:00 The creation of Vetivize using AI and automation

    04:53 Centralizing 40,000 veteran nonprofits into one system

    06:30 The donor paradox in veteran nonprofit culture

    09:06 Failing through the cracks during COVID-era transition

    12:15 The BDD program and the six-month submission window

    15:10 Mapping the veteran journey and VA customer experience

    17:39 Documentation over memory for TBI and head injuries

    18:37 Migraine and IBS language the VA needs to hear

    20:42 The NSAID trap and long-term stomach damage

    22:00 AI avatars helping veterans with reading retention

    24:00 Matchmaking veterans to services through Vetivize

    About the Guest

    Anthony Rivera is a retired Navy SEAL and the founder of Vetivize. After a decade of elite service and a high-speed transition into the civilian sector, Anthony dedicated himself to helping 7,000+ veterans navigate the VA. Today, his company uses AI to automate the benefits process, ensuring veterans are connected to the federal, state, and nonprofit resources they deserve.

    Connect with Anthony Rivera:

    Website: https://vetavize.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyriveraexecutiveleader

    Don't wait until your ticket gets punched to plan your exit. Anthony Rivera's experience proves that knowledge is only potential power—it becomes real power through implementation. Whether you're dealing with service-connected injuries or navigating the VA system, you don't have to hike Mount Everest in the wrong shoes.

    ▶️ What's Next?
    This is only Part 2! Stay tuned for Part 3 of 4 with Anthony Rivera, where we break down real-world execution—how veterans apply AI, automation, and documentation systems to avoid delays, reduce friction, and take control of their VA and transition outcomes.

    🌎 Connect with the Two Promises Podcast
    🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

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    #AnthonyRivera #NavySEAL #VADisabilityClaimProcess #CFR38 #BDDProgram #BenefitsDeliveryAtDischarge #VADisabilityCode #VeteranTransition #Vetivize #VeteranAITechnology #AutomatedVAClaims #CombatTrauma #TBIDocumentation #IBSVARating #MigraineVARating #VeteranBenefits #TwoPromisesPodcast
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    28 mins
  • Anthony Rivera (Part 1): Mastery of Chaos—From BUD/S Pool Comp Failures to the "Wild West" of Iraq

    Anthony Rivera (Part 1): Mastery of Chaos—From BUD/S Pool Comp Failures to the "Wild West" of Iraq
    Dec 29 2025

    How do you transition from the "Fog of War" to the "Fog of Peace"? In the premiere of this 4-part series, Navy SEAL veteran Anthony Rivera joins his BUD/S Class 267 classmate to relive the high-stakes selection process that forges an elite warrior.

    Anthony shares a raw and often humorous look at the mastery of chaos, starting with his unexpected failure in BUD/S Second Phase Pool Comp under a "chill" instructor and the overconfidence that led to his setback. We dive into the physical toll of elite training, including a "lawn dart" injury on the obstacle course that nearly ended his career, and the grueling reality of frogman Friday evolutions.

    The conversation shifts downrange to Anthony's first deployment in Iraq's Al Anbar province. From hallucinations of dancing dragons caused by extreme sleep deprivation to burning a "Lord of the Flies" style bonfire as they shuttered a base on the Syrian border, Anthony provides an unfiltered look at the Special Operations lifestyle. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, process-driven culture, and navigating the mental revving that occurs when the engine of the mind won't shut down.

    Key Topics

    The BUD/S selection process and Pool Competency
    Managing chaos through SOPs and process-driven culture
    Extreme sleep deprivation and the revving mind
    Combat operations in Iraq's Al Anbar province
    Transitioning into the Fog of Peace through Vetivize

    ⏳ Timestamps

    01:10 Class 267 reunion and reconnecting after full Navy careers
    02:45 Pool Comp secrets and the "chill" instructor
    05:28 Surf hits and underwater de-rigging chaos
    07:52 The Pool Comp failure caused by overconfidence
    10:10 Obstacle course lawn dart injury before graduation
    12:14 FTX realities and operating injured
    14:31 The Wild West of Iraq in Ubaidi, Al Anbar
    15:50 Dancing dragons and hallucinations from sleep deprivation
    19:05 The engine in the mind and mental overdrive
    21:06 Involuntary combat stress inside CHUs
    24:22 Lord of the Flies moment during base shutdown
    27:49 Enlisted-heavy leadership dynamics in SQT
    32:28 Hypoxia and blackout during the BUD/S tread
    36:14 Entering the Fog of Peace and founding Vetivize

    About the Guest

    Anthony Rivera is a retired Navy SEAL and a graduate of BUD/S Class 267. After multiple deployments to Iraq and serving as a BUD/S First Phase Instructor, Anthony transitioned to the civilian sector with a mission to help veterans navigate the Fog of Peace. He is the founder of Vetivize, a platform dedicated to providing resources and clarity for military members entering the civilian world.

    Connect with Anthony Rivera:

    Website: https://vetavize.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyriveraexecutiveleader

    Whether you're battling dancing dragons in a combat zone or navigating the uncertainty of a career change, the lesson is the same: lean into the process. Anthony Rivera's journey reminds us that even when you lawn dart into failure, the community and the SOPs you build will carry you to the next ridgeline.

    ▶️ What's Next?

    This is only Part 1! Stay tuned for Part 2 of 4 with Anthony Rivera, where we dive deeper into the specific mission of Vetivize and the tactical steps for a successful career transition.

    🌎 Connect with the Two Promises Podcast
    🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

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    • Youtube

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    #NavySEAL #BUDS #IraqWarStories #VeteranTransition #CombatStress #SleepDeprivation #MasteringChaos #SpecialOperations #Vetivize #SEALTeam #MilitaryMindset #PoolComp #Frogman #FogOfWar #TwoPromisesPodcast
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    38 mins
  • ⚓️ Full Send Friday: Navy SEAL Aaron Peña on Real Estate Investing, The VA Loan "System," and Healing Invisible Wounds

    ⚓️ Full Send Friday: Navy SEAL Aaron Peña on Real Estate Investing, The VA Loan "System," and Healing Invisible Wounds
    Dec 26 2025

    Transitioning out of the elite special operations community is like "learning a new language." In this comprehensive Full Send episode, former Navy SEAL Medic Aaron Peña joins the show to share his blueprint for a successful post-service life.

    Aaron breaks down the exact system he used to turn his Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) into a real estate portfolio using the VA Loan. We dive deep into the technical side of property acquisition—including house hacking multi-family units and VA loan entitlement—before shifting to the raw, personal reality of service. Aaron opens up about his battle with a life-threatening collapsed lung, the emotional toll of trauma in the Philippines, and his journey through the VA Renew Program. This is a masterclass in professional reinvention and personal resilience.

    Key Topics
    • The VA Loan wealth strategy and entitlement looping
    • Transitioning from Navy SEAL Medic to real estate agent
    • The four pillars of home inspection: roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical
    • Recovering from invisible wounds through the VA Renew Program
    • Building a veteran community through a local FOB
    • The all-in mentality and choosing family over rank progression
    ⏳ Timestamps

    00:22 The identity crisis of transitioning out of uniform

    02:57 Retiring at 20 years and the impact of absence on family

    03:40 VA loan strategy and freeing up entitlement

    04:58 House hacking using BAH instead of paying rent

    06:50 Why VA loans work best on 1–4 unit properties

    08:41 Using VA loan entitlement multiple times

    11:00 New construction incentives and closing cost strategies

    12:50 Feeling like a tourist at home after transition

    15:30 Researching successful veterans before leaving service

    21:21 Fatherhood, presence, prayer, and authenticity

    24:50 The 9/11 catalyst and choosing the SEAL path

    27:00 The undesignated grind before the pipeline

    31:09 SOCM school and proving the instructors wrong

    35:58 Combat medicine in the Philippines and mass casualty triage

    46:51 Applying triage and SOPs to real estate

    50:54 The BUD/S tread failure and composure under stress

    63:22 Collaborating without ego while leading in Yemen

    67:45 Mission over commission in real estate decisions

    74:50 Building the FOB in St. Augustine, Florida

    86:50 Processing the loss of a child casualty

    89:13 The Renew Program and inpatient trauma recovery

    93:33 The collapsed lung that nearly ended Aaron's career

    100:32 Burn the boats and committing to the next mission

    About the Guest

    Aaron Peña is a retired Navy SEAL Medic and First Phase Instructor who now serves as a Principal Real Estate Agent in Northeast Florida. He is the founder of the St. Augustine SEAL network (the FOB) and is dedicated to helping veterans and first responders leverage their benefits to achieve financial autonomy.

    Connect with Aaron Peña:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-pena73/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.pena.863363/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron_pena7/

    Compass: https://www.compass.com/agents/aaron-pena/

    If you are currently in a transition—whether it's leaving the military or shifting your career—Aaron's advice is simple: Commit without a plan B. Identify your next mission, find your community, and be humble enough to ask the questions that lead to growth.

    🌎 Connect with the Two Promises Podcast
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • ⚓ Aaron Peña (Part 4): Building the FOB—Brotherhood, Invisible Wounds, and the Power of Surrender

    ⚓ Aaron Peña (Part 4): Building the FOB—Brotherhood, Invisible Wounds, and the Power of Surrender
    Dec 22 2025
    What does it mean to be a committed leader when the mission shifts from the battlefield to the home front? In the final chapter of this four-part series, former Navy SEAL Aaron Peña gets vulnerable about the Invisible Wounds of a 20-year career. Aaron discusses the deep sense of loneliness that often follows a military transition and how he took purposeful action to build a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for SEALs in Northeast Florida. From managing the "rabid spider monkey" energy of community service to the harrowing story of a life-threatening spontaneous pneumothorax as a new guy, Aaron's story is a masterclass in resilience. He pulls back the curtain on his time in the Renew Program, an inpatient treatment for combat trauma, proving that the ultimate achievement isn't just surviving the fight—it's having the conviction to ask for help and lead others through their own reinvention. In this episode, you'll learn: Building the FOB: How Aaron grew a local network from 4 to 27 SEALs by simply asking, "Who do you know?" The Down-Man Response: How a brotherhood shows up when one of their own is diagnosed with cancer. The Powerhouse Spouses: Why military spouses are critical to veteran community resilience. SOPs for Suffering: Why "suffer in silence" is a failing strategy and how structured support changes outcomes. The Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A terrifying medical emergency and the fight to remain in the SEAL teams. Time, Talent, and Treasure: A framework for meaningful service within local veteran communities. ⏳ Timestamps 01:13 The loneliness of transition after relocating from San Diego 02:30 Building the FOB by reaching out to the SEAL Future Foundation 03:25 The "young frogman" effect and its impact on veteran mental health 05:00 Supporting a down man after a cancer diagnosis 05:35 How military spouses lead community resource coordination 06:30 Time, talent, or treasure as a framework for giving back 07:50 Building a high-performing real estate team through cultural fluency 10:30 Missing the healing impact of being a medic and confronting life's fragility 13:34 Invisible wounds from a child casualty in the Philippines 15:15 The Renew Program and a five-week inpatient trauma journey 15:58 Breaking the suffer-in-silence mentality through vulnerability 17:30 The dangerous cycle of physical pain and unmanaged mental health 20:16 Waking up with a collapsed lung and emergency room chaos 22:41 Needle decompression and lung surgery details 25:01 Fighting the medical board to remain in the SEAL teams 27:15 Final message on commitment, humility, and embracing the process 29:27 Debrief & Cocktail About the Guest Aaron Peña is a former Navy SEAL Medic, first-phase instructor, and current real estate principal agent in St. Augustine, Florida. He is a passionate advocate for the SEAL Future Foundation and a leader in building local veteran support networks. Aaron's journey from combat trauma to community leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to service and reinvention. Connect with Aaron Peña: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-pena73/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.pena.863363/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron_pena7/ Compass: https://www.compass.com/agents/aaron-pena/ Success isn't just about the mission; it's about the commitment you make to yourself and your community after the uniform comes off. Aaron Peña's journey from a collapsed lung to a flourishing real estate career proves that with enough Grit and the willingness to Surrender your ego, reinvention is always possible. If you felt the conviction in Aaron's story today, don't keep it to yourself. The best way to support the Two Promises Podcast is to take action: Subscribe & Review: Help us reach more people by leaving a 5-star review on your favorite platform. Build Your Own FOB: Reach out to one person this week and ask, "Who do you know?" Start building the community you wish you had. Connect with the Foundation: Support our brothers at the SEAL Future Foundation and find your next ridge line. 🌎 Connect with the Two Promises Podcast 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify 📲 Follow Us: Youtube Tiktok Facebook Instagram #SEALFutureFoundation #VeteranBrotherhood #NavySEAL #MentalHealthAwareness #PTSDRecovery #InvisibleWounds #VeteranRealEstate #StAugustine #VALoan #MilitaryTransition #WarriorMindset #TaskForceDagger #OperatorSyndrome #VeteranSpouse #Reinvention
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    34 mins