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DogTags to Ownership

DogTags to Ownership

By: Julie Austin and Matthew Cain
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DogTags to Ownership is the podcast designed for military members and veterans ready to transition from service to success in business. Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship for the first time or are already on the path to business ownership, this show provides the tools, insights, and inspiration you need to thrive.


Hosted by U.S. Army Officers Julie Austin and Matthew Cain, we explore the unique strengths veterans bring to the entrepreneurial world, share actionable advice from experts, and feature inspiring stories of those who’ve successfully made the leap.


Tune in to transform your military experience into a foundation for innovation, resilience, and business leadership.


#DogTagsToOwnership #VeteranEntrepreneurs #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness

© 2026 DogTags to Ownership
Economics Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • S2:E38: How One Veteran Turned Grief Into a Mission to Heal Others
    Sep 22 2026

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    Summary:

    In this episode, Dr. Arielle Jordan shares her inspiring journey from military service to mental health advocate and entrepreneur. She discusses her work with veterans, trauma therapy, and founding The Jordyn Effect nonprofit, offering valuable insights into mental wellness and healing.

    Key Topics:

    • Military transition and mental health challenges
    • Trauma therapy and EMDR techniques
    • Founding and mission of The Jordan Effect nonprofit
    • Resources and programs for veteran mental wellness
    • The importance of community and connection in healing

    Takeaways:

    • Treat people well and focus on genuine connection.
    • Find passion in your work and let it fuel your impact.
    • Normalize conversations about mental health and seeking help.
    • Use resources like vocational rehab to support education and career goals.
    • Healing from trauma involves understanding and addressing systemic issues.

    Chapters:

    1. Introduction to Dr. Arielle Jordan and her background
    2. Military service and transition out of the Army
    3. Educational journey and shift to psychology
    4. Starting her business and nonprofit ventures
    5. Mental health resources for veterans and systemic challenges
    6. The role of EMDR in trauma healing
    7. Building the Jordan Effect nonprofit and community impact
    8. The importance of therapist-client fit and communication
    9. Advice for veterans and entrepreneurs
    10. Final thoughts and resources for mental wellness


    Resources:

    • Connect with Dr. Arielle Jordan - https://www.ariellenjordan.com/
    • Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
    • We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
    • Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.
    • Attend the C.R.A.F.T. event in Tampa.

    Support the show

    Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

    Follow us on Social Media

    Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

    TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership




    Support the show

    Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

    Follow us on Social Media

    Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

    X: @DTO_Podcast

    TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership

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    38 mins
  • S2:E37: Why Aaron King bet on Pickles instead of a Safer Job
    Sep 15 2026

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    Summary:

    Aaron King discusses turning a pickle hobby into Barracks Brine Pickle Company

    Air Force Veteran Aaron King shares how a boredom-fueled kitchen experiment, and a strong support network led him to launch Barracks Brine. This episode is about betting on yourself, building a consumer packaged goods brand from scratch, and turning unusual flavor ideas into a real business. We cover Aaron’s military transition, the origin of his fruit-infused pickle concepts, and how SkillBridge, friends, and community connections are helping him move from hobby to scalable company.

    This Week's Forces Brands USA Business of the Week is Call Sign a watch company that has partnered with the American Legion for a watch collaboration and the proceeds go to back to the American Legion.

    Key topics:

    • In this episode, Aaron King introduces himself as an Air Force veteran, pickle maker, and founder of Barracks Brine, a brand built around crunchy, flavor-packed pickles with unconventional twists.
    • The business started as a side hobby, with Aaron giving samples to his unit, local community members, restaurants, and eventually testing demand on Facebook Marketplace in 2024.
    • Aaron talks through the role of SkillBridge through Unturning Steel, which gave him time and support to develop the business while still having income stability.
    • The conversation highlights the importance of community, with Aaron crediting military and civilian friends for helping with the website, kitchen access, business advice, and problem-solving.
    • Aaron discusses Kickstarter as a way to raise capital for R&D, packaging, labels, and new flavor development without relying only on his own pocket.
    • He shares ambitions for Barracks Brine to become a standout pickle brand with collaborations, limited releases, and eventually national distribution.
    • Beau Garrett the founder of Call Sign also joins the podcast for this weeks Forces Brands USA Business of the week to discuss his partnership with the American Legion and making the perfect watch for their collaboration.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction to S2:E37: DogTags to Ownership
    01:14 - Introduction to Aaron King Owner of Barracks Brine Pickles
    06:25 - The Start of Barracks Brine Pickle Company
    10:06 - Building the Business
    16:11 - Kickstarter Campaign
    22:08 - Owning your life after service
    25:50 - Final Two Questions
    28:30 - Forces Brands USA Business of the Week: Call Sign
    33:30 - Call Sign collaboration with the American Legion
    36:12 - Challenges of American-Made Watches
    39:18 - Closing thoughts

    Resources:

    • Barracks Brine Pickle Company - https://barracksbrine.com/
    • Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
    • We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
    • Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.
    • Attend the C.R.A.F.T. event in Tampa.

    Support the show

    Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

    Follow us on Social Media

    Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

    X: @DTO_Podcast

    TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • S2:E36: From Fighter Pilot to Performance Strategist: Jeff Bonner shares the Daily Debrief Model
    Sep 8 2026

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    Summary:

    In this episode, Jeff 'Bones' Bonner shares his journey from combat fighter pilot to performance strategist, introducing his daily debrief model for continuous improvement applicable across personal and professional life.

    Julie also sits down with the event coordinators and Cory Brown of the Eat Your Feelings Show to discuss VetFest happening this weekend Saturday September 12th in Malvern, Pa.

    Key Topics:

    • The fighter pilot mindset and leadership
    • The development and application of the daily debrief model
    • The importance of habits for continuous improvement
    • Transitioning from military to civilian life and career
    • The impact of reflection and visualization on performance

    Takeaways:

    • Experience alone doesn't make us better; adjustment does.
    • A five-minute daily debrief can significantly improve performance.
    • The debrief model is applicable to business, sports, healthcare, and personal growth.
    • Practicing the habit of debriefing fosters continuous improvement.
    • The importance of starting small and practicing consistently.

    Chapters:

    1. (00:00) Opening the episode and introducing Jeff Bonner and Forces Brands USA Business of the Week: VetFest
    2. (01:02) Jeff Bonner’s background as a fighter pilot and Marine officer
    3. (03:19) Growing up with Top Gun, air shows, and the fighter pilot dream
    4. (06:44) How naval aviation training and service needs shape career paths
    5. (09:35) Transitioning from military service to airline captain
    6. (10:29) Harvard, the Kennedy School, and postgraduate research
    7. (13:27) Why experience alone does not improve performance
    8. (15:22) The five minute daily debrief concept
    9. (16:24) The original audience for the book: business leaders
    10. (17:51) How the model expanded to athletes, healthcare, and personal leadership
    11. (19:55) The GREAT model and common debrief mistakes
    12. (22:49) The five steps: gratitude, goals, evaluation, anticipation, lessons learned
    13. (25:17) Why Jeff wrote the book and why a book was necessary
    14. (27:21) Why the debrief works best at the end of the day
    15. (28:44) Gratitude and starting with “I’m glad to be here”
    16. (29:11) Reviewing goals and asking what you are trying to do
    17. (29:40) Evaluating what worked and what did not work
    18. (30:10) Using visualization and mental preparation to anticipate tomorrow
    19. (30:39) Taking time for one lesson learned
    20. (32:10) Why the habit works because it is consistent and nonjudgmental
    21. (34:22) The new edition of The Daily Debrief and what changed
    22. (35:15) Recording keynotes to keep improving the message
    23. (36:12) The model stays the same, but the applications keep expanding
    24. (38:18) Why knowing the model is not enough without practice
    25. (39:15) Introduction to VetFest

    Resources:

    • Jeff Bonner's Website - https://debriefadvantage.com/
    • Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on Forces Brands USA for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
    • We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
    • Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.
    • Register for the Veteran Social Summit 2026.
    • Check out Vetfest if you’re in the Philadelphia area.
    • Attend the C.R.A.F.T. event in Tampa.










    Support the show

    Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

    Follow us on Social Media

    Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

    X: @DTO_Podcast

    TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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