20 Years Done Podcast

I'm joined by Dr. Kristi Cabiao to discuss her advocacy work around Tricare, military families, and all the nuts and bolts under the hood that many of us don't perceive.

I'm joined by Dr. Pamela Buchanan to discuss her experience working in emergency medicine, and the medical industry generally over the past 20+ years. While our lived experiences differ, we found common in ground as we viewed our respective professional backgrounds through the lens of mental health, burnout, boundaries, and systems seemingly designed for exploitation.

I'm joined by Chris McGhee to discuss professional and leadership development in the corporate sector. We compare that development against how the military develops leadership.

This episode is a wide-ranging conversation with Kevin Traw, starting with the role of chaplains on the flight line and how their presence, trust, and nontransactional support shape maintenance culture and professionalism. From there, we move into military discipline and how commanders approach discharge decisions, including what they consider and what they are expected to ignore. We also walk through a scenario together, modeling the kind of back-and-forth that should exist between a commander and senior enlisted leadership in a healthy unit.

In this episode, I’m joined by Elaina Kovnat, someone I supervised about 15 years ago during my time in aircraft maintenance. She shares her experiences across multiple work centers and leaders, and what daily life in the career field actually felt like. This was a difficult conversation for me personally. I’ve known Elaina a long time, and hearing the pressure she faced reinforced how demanding maintenance already is and how that difficulty can increase for women in the workspace. Content note: This episode includes discussion of workplace harassment and predatory supervisory behavior that some listeners may find distressing.

In December 2025 the Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released a video and accompanying policy to rescind the DoD’s chaplain doctrine and replace it with a more Christian-centric framework. In this episode, I’m joined by Libby Alders to examine the “Make Chaplains Great Again” theme and what it suggests about rolling back religious pluralism in the military. We discuss how the chaplaincy has evolved to serve a diverse force; and why that evolution is now under political fire. The conversation explores what this debate means for service members, institutional neutrality, and the future of faith inside the ranks.

I'm joined by MSgt(ret) Doug Smits a 20 year Air Force veteran and current 3L law student. We discuss the factors and facets of military discharges that many people are unaware of and the long term effects that discharges below Honorable can carry.

This week, I am joined by myself, Chris McGhee, for a personal conversation about growing up in poverty, the shame that often accompanies it, and the hidden costs of being poor that go far beyond money. I also explain why this episode is part of a fundraising effort with GiveDirectly, which provides direct cash assistance to people living in extreme poverty. givedirectly.org/Done #PodsFightPoverty #GiveDirectly

Libby Alders joins me to explore how religion operates differently within the military, including the influence of Christian nationalism both inside and outside the ranks. We discuss moral injury, why theocratic structures fail, and the broader risks created when a military force is not emotionally or psychologically developed.

I'm joined by John Cordle, Dr. Eng., to discuss his experience with the federal downsizing in early to mid 2025. John and I do a deep dive on the highly capable federal workforce that works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to improve the quality of processes, programs, and facilities for servicemembers; and how the 2025 downsizing may not be "right-sizing" as much as senior leaders would want people to think.

In this episode I'm joined once again by Jason Silvernail. We discuss the art of apologizing which has seemingly been lost, or more accurately co-opted in this day and age to no longer account for behavior but to instead react to feelings. Jason discusses why apologies are not the proper repair for feelings, only to take accountability for harmful behavior.

I'm joined by Dave Siemiet who recently wrote an article titled "CMSAF, abandon the ivory tower and lead us - Back to Our Roots" In this discussion Dave and I delve into the complex politics of chasing that next promotion when there are no more stripes to get. Dave gives fascinating insights into the inner workings of Chief to Chief interactions and relations.

In this episode, Jennifer Barnhill joins to discuss her new book, The Military Stories You've Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear. We talk about the power of storytelling as a form of advocacy, the lessons she learned from hosting Reverse Town Halls with service members and families, and how she transformed those discussions into a data-informed, human-centered narrative about military life.

I'm joined by Siaosi Soto an Air Force veteran to discuss his viral video where he bodyboards in his blues uniform and what inspired him to make the video. We also discuss his career in Security Forces, his approach to leadership and followership, and some of the issues he experienced in his career that left him with a lasting impression. Link to Siiaosii's instagram video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNUl6gENheW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Reif, a PhD candidate at Duke University, to explore her recently published research on how employees perceive AI in the workplace—and how these perceptions differ from reactions to past workplace innovations. We also dive into her insights on collaboration and dynamics in diverse remote teams.

Dr. Abraham Peck joins me for a deep dive into the conditions that led to the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany between World War I and World War II.

I'm joined by a very good friend of mine Eric Pulkowski to discuss his perceptions and expectations as a civilian for military safeguards against unlawful orders.

I'm joined by Dr. Daniel Johnson to discuss his research on blast injuries, as well as his work bringing his research to legislatures and media. We also discuss trying to access national media on behalf of veterans and servicemembers in a noisy media environment.

I'm joined by Derrick Jackson to discuss his 21 year career as an aircraft maintainer and OSI Special Agent. Derrick has authored his first novel Shadow One loosely based on his career. Derrick and I discuss myths around OSI, human trafficking in South Korea and the impacts on security clearance, counter-intelligence, and crime.

I'm joined by Megan Harless to discuss the recent and upcoming changes to military PCS moves, both through contractors and if service members elect to move themselves.

I'm joined by SMSgt(retired) for a debrief of her 23 year career. We discuss her challenges as a young airman and how that informed her later in her career.

I'm joined by MSgt(ret) Elton Madden to discuss his mentorship during my career. Elton discusses the concept of "Do what your stripes can handle" and how it is both a warning and a responsibility to push for things to be better.

I'm joined by Lydiah Owiti-Otienoh to discuss her experienced as a foreign born military spouse and how those lived experienced informed her advocacy work. For more information check out this link: https://fbmnetwork.com/

I'm joined by 3L students Neha Srinivasan and Briana Thompson to discuss veteran disability law, active duty legal issues, cultural norms surrounding military discipline and military law. I also reference an article I wrote 2 years ago linked here: https://www.fafo-law.com/blog/blog-post-title-four-ygdhx

I'm joined by Jennifer Ross to discuss the Veterans Upward Bound program. This link is the survey discussed in the latter half of the episode: https://sites.google.com/view/project-parity/home?authuser=0

Join us for a compelling conversation with Jason Silvernail, a U.S. Army physical therapist, as we explore essential leadership themes. Jason breaks down the critical relationship between responsibility, accountability, and authority in leadership. Learn how these concepts interconnect to cultivate effective leadership practices that can transform individuals and organizations. The article "Lying to Ourselves: Dishonesty in the Army Profession" referenced in the episode: https://press.armywarcollege.edu/monographs/466/

I'm joined by Dr. Angela Karnes Padron to discuss the concepts of burnout and its impacts, whether immediately tangible or not.

In this enlightening episode, I'm joined by retired Navy Senior Chief Leah Stiles, founder of Sea Waves, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing eating disorders within the military. We delve into the cultural and organizational factors that contribute to eating disorders among service members, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities due to military life. Through education and support, Sea Waves aims to assist those struggling with these challenges.

In this episode, I'm joined by Monica Mohindra, the Director of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress. We explore the program’s impact and delve into how it enhances our understanding of American veterans. We discuss societal perceptions of veterans and how the project provides a more holistic view of their experiences and contributions.

I'm joined by Aaron "Doogie" Hauser to discuss the differences between fixing jets and merely greening them up, and how the distinction between the two belies more profound organizational issues within aircraft maintenance in the Air Force.

I'm joined by Kevin Traw to discuss the Officer and Enlisted divide and how it survives, or doesn't, in the civilian sector.

An update on the DOD Occupational Suicide Study and what efforts have been made to push for a full release of the data required by the 2023 NDAA.

I'm joined by Jessica Ruttenber to discuss her time in the Air Force and her advocacy work both during her military service and afterwards. Her organization Level Up Aviation (https://www.levelupaviation.org) is focused on equity in aviation.

I'm joined by Jeff Hurlbert to discuss the article he co-authored on the necessity of the US Air Force to define toxic leadership. The article can be found at: https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASOR/Journals/Volume-2_Number-4/Stringer_et_al.pdf

I'm joined by CMSgt(ret) Kurtis Ott to further discuss the AETC Mishap Worksheet discussed in Episode 86. Additionally, check the link below for more information as well as images of the Worksheet as of 6/1/2024 and the implementation guidance. It is recommended you review those forms for this episode as Kurtis and I go through the worksheet in detail. https://www.20yearsdone.com/blog/risk-management-or-mismanagement-a-closer-look-at-aetcs-new-worksheet

I'm joined by Dr. Angela Karnes Padron an I/O Psychologist to discuss a recent Risk Management worksheet implemented by the Air Education and Training Command. For reference, here is an article from the Air Force Times: https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2024/04/23/air-force-maintenance-mishaps-are-rising-can-a-worksheet-fix-it/

I'm joined by CMSgt(ret) Mike Wilke to discuss our time serving together where I faced significant career challenges. For more information, see this blog post for the full story: https://www.20yearsdone.com/blog//2018/07/smoke-doesnt-always-mean-fire-part-i.html

I'm joined by musician Becky Warren to discuss her music, her work with veterans, and her solo project creating custom tailored songs. Find Becky's songwriting coaching here: https://songsidekick.com/ Find Becky's Spotify page here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3mTESq7qkYJ5k6WiEAY9Uk?si=51-kJpHASP-DTbwr5-fQPw

I'm joined by Kevin Traw to discuss his time working in the Pentagon and how the DOD interacts with Congress. This episode provides valuable insights for our on going work to expose cultural issues in the DOD as it relates to suicidality.

I'm joined by Brian Ingram who was my flightline expediter from 2005 until 2007. Brian was also the focus of my blog post titled "What's with the 7 levels?" Brian and I discuss leadership theory, flightline culture, and how often junior personnel don't have the situational awareness to understand the complexities of a unit culture and resources and internalize dysfunction on each other. Brian's blog post can be found here: https://www.20yearsdone.com/blog//2019/01/so-whats-with-7-levels.html

I'm joined once again by Tony Carr to discuss the misprioritization of the inconsequential over the important. How we arrived here, why we have persisted, and what we need to do to change our culture.

I'm joined by Francesca Graham to discuss her recent article on the lack of legal protections and assistance for DOD complainants. Francesca is also the creator of the newsletter the DOD Times (Redacted) which can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-dod-times-redacted-7149423593871855616/

I'm joined by MSgt(ret) Eric Stromski once again. In this episode we discuss many of our positive experiences in the Air Force.

I'm joined by Billie Flynn a retired Royal Canadian Air Force Combat Commander, fighter pilot, test pilot, and a global strategic advisor and consultant. Billie shares his insights about how organizational culture can directly impact flight safety. Billie can be found at: https://billieflynn.com/

I'm joined by Travis Barnes to discuss his time in maintenance, his separation from the Air Force, and the evolution of his Subaru performance business Snail Performance. https://www.snailperformance.com/

This episode I call every single House and Senate Armed Services Committee member to let them know there is an open letter unambiguously stating they are complicit in a recent suicide due to their inaction of exercising congressional oversight to compel the DOD to release the suicide study. Don't look away. https://www.20yearsdone.com/blog/an-open-letter-to-the-house-and-senate-armed-services-committee-members-on-behalf-servicemembers-and-their-families

I'm joined by Tony Carr to talk about the evolution of his career through the Air Force, the JQP blog, and his current blog The Radar. This episode serves as an introduction to Tony and a discussion about Air Force policy for the last 15 years.

I'm joined by Luther Abel to discuss his National Review article analyzing the different factors negatively impacting military recruitment over the last few years. His article can be found here: https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/02/why-military-recruitment-is-miserable/

I'm joined by my long-time friend MSgt(ret) Jason Walker to discuss leadership, perseverance, and how his time in the military uniquely prepared him for standing up the first private sector F-16 squadron.

This episode examines the significance of renaming the U.S.S. Stennis, exploring its namesake's segregationist legacy and its impact on today's military. Guests Reuben Green and John Cordle provide insights into the historical context and the symbolic importance of this change for servicemembers.