Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth

Michael Blankers & Steve Curtis from the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation talk about the Champions of Valor Scholarship Program* Michael and Steve share their military background, what led them to their involvement with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation, and their roles.* They share their involvement and passion for the Champions of Valor Scholarship Program.* They explain how Veterans, Service Members, Military Spouses, and Students from Military Families can apply for the scholarship program.* Michael shares his experience playing for a veteran softball team on behalf of another non-profit, Folds of Honor, and how a Gold Star family member’s comment impacted him.* Jen shares her perspective as a recipient and/or as someone aware of organizations that provide resources to Gold Star and military family members like her.* Steve shares the impact of opening up the Champions of Valor Scholarship Program to military spouses.* Michael explains why he holds military spouses in high regard.* Michael and Steve share their experience with the Survivor Benefit Plan decision during their military retirement and emphasize that it’s a personal choice based on individual circumstances.Accepting Applications Until October 1, 2026Veterans, Service Members, Military Spouses, and Students from Military Families can apply for the Champions of Valor Scholarship Program today at: https://www.actofvaloraward.org/bob-feller-act-of-valor-scholarshipsFor donations, visit: https://www.actofvaloraward.org/donateAdditional Resources Mentioned* Educational scholarships to the children and spouses of America’s fallen or disabled service members: https://foldsofhonor.org/scholarships/military-scholarships/Also listen to Michael’s previous interview with us:Jen’s Book Updates* Updated foreword by Stephanie Brown, Founder & CEO of The Rosie Network* First-time listeners can subscribe to get the PDF copy in the welcome email. For subscribers, check the footer of the latest newsletter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Happy end of the Month of the Military Child!To wrap up, Jen reflects on the following:* What it felt like recalling her military child life before becoming a Gold Star daughter* The theme of choosing with childlike wonder and adventure and how it relates to military spouses going through military retirement* The release of the latest chapters of The Military Spouse Benefit PlanSubscribe for free today and get a free copy of The Military Spouse Benefit PlanA Round Up of MOMC Posts: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Let’s continue our talk on Energy Work with Candice Van DertholenIn Part 1 of 2 of our conversation, we discussed:* What is energy work?* Why are we in the right time and generation to embrace energy work?* Who can benefit from energy work?* At what age do we become disconnected from our internal language, and how is military transition an opportunity to reconnect with it?* How to identify patterns that may be holding us back from feeling whole, safe, and supported today.* How integrating energy work into your life and being more inquisitive can be of great benefit to you.Now in Part 2 of 2 of our conversation, we discuss:* How does one begin energy work?* The benefits of stillness and slowing down long enough to hear yourself.* Tips on how to build your nervous system relief over time.* Why building and taking the time to learn who you are is so important.* How energy work can serve you through military retirement.* When Candice knew she wanted to be a root cause practitioner and her full-circle moment.This concludes our conversation with Candice Van Dertholen! Thanks for listening! 🎙Connect with Candice Van Dertholen (Candice Elizabeth)* https://heal.me/candice* https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicevandertholen* https://instagram.com/candice_elizabeth.co* https://substack.com/@candicevandertholenResources Mentioned* On Assimilation: A Transition from War book by Leo Jenkins* Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us book by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross* Improving Military Mental Health: Spiritune teams up with Blue Star Families - https://www.spiritune.com/blog/improving-military-mental-health-spiritune-blue-star-familiesPast Episodes Mentioned This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Have you ever been curious about energy work (a.k.a. energy medicine)?We’re excited to welcome Candice Van Dertholen back to the show to answer your questions!But first…Updates!* If this is your first time here, please subscribe at INSIDETHEFORT.COM to get weekly updates on the show, regardless of whether or not I publish a public podcast episode. 🎙* Reason being, I’m expanding my content from podcasting to blog posts, YouTube videos, exclusive content, and simple newsletter updates! 📰* I finished the latest draft of my book! I cut down the last draft by 10 chapters, lol. More updates soon!Now, let’s talk Energy Work with Candice Van DertholenIn Part 1 of 2 of our conversation, we discuss:* What is energy work?* Why are we in the right time and generation to embrace energy work?* Who can benefit from energy work?* At what age do we become disconnected from our internal language, and how is military transition an opportunity to reconnect with it* How to identify patterns that may be holding us back from feeling whole, safe, and supported today.* How integrating energy work into your life and being more inquisitive can be of great benefit to you* How does one begin energy work?Part 2 of our conversation, the final part, releases next Thursday! Stay tuned! 🎙Connect with Candice Van Dertholen (Candice Elizabeth)* https://heal.me/candice* https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicevandertholen* https://instagram.com/candice_elizabeth.co* https://substack.com/@candicevandertholenPast Episodes Mentioned This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Special thanks to Robyn J. Grable, host of the ASCENDing Beyond Barriers podcast, for the opportunity to re-share Jen’s interview on our show!Robyn’s podcast represents her 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The ASCEND Collective (TAC), which is dedicated to creating career pathways for veterans, military spouses, and underserved talent through a skills-first approach. At the ASCEND Collective, they believe talent is defined by potential — and that everyone deserves opportunities that value them as a person, recognize their skills, and provide a path to success. Learn more at https://theascendcollective.org/It’s been a minute since Jen has had the fortune of being interviewed on someone else’s show!Together, Robyn and Jen discuss the following:* How everything changed when Jen became a Gold Star daughter at 10 years old* How Susan Cain’s book Bittersweet helped Jen channel loss and grief into her work and artistry* How Jen’s family worked with The Price of Freedom Foundation to publish a book about her late father* How it’s like working with her husband at US VetWealth* How retirees find US VetWealth when they are exploring an alternative to the Survivor Benefit Plan* A different perspective for military spouses to make a confident and informed decision on the Survivor Benefit Plan* How Jen’s curiosity about military spouses and the SBP decision led to starting Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth podcast* Jen’s reasoning behind releasing her upcoming book a couple of chapters at a timeJen’s interview is also available on YouTube, thanks to the ASCENDing Beyond Barriers podcast!Also available on Spotify! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

First time here? Welcome!Please listen to the previous episode 228: Supporting Special Operation Forces (SOF) Spouses During Military Transition with Teresa Shick — Part 1 of 2Some quick announcements before diving back into our interview:* Thank you to everyone who attended US VetWealth’s first Post-Military Career Strategy Circle yesterday on January 14th, 2026, 1 PM (ET)!* More Chapter Releases of Jen’s upcoming book — You’ll get emailed directly if you’ve already subscribed. Otherwise, subscribe now to get your free copy!* And just for subscribing, you’ll also receive:* Podcasting mentorship info for seasoned spouses* Free discovery call with Keyani from Ep. 225 and Ep 226.* Bonus freebies from future guest collaborations* And a free subscription upgrade to become an “Insider” — gain access to Inside the Fort Private Podcast, where Keyani’s Part 3 interview is available!Already subscribed? Scroll to the bottom of our latest newsletter to become an Insider now!We’re excited to continue our conversation with Teresa Shick from the SOF Pillar Foundation to discuss the following:* When Teresa realized that she could explore options outside of the 30-minute radius of her husband’s duty station, and the time it took before their family felt like civilians. * What you can expect at the Pillar Foundation retreats, including scholarships for SOF Spouses returning to school. * Teresa and her family’s ever-evolving journey, even in post-military life.* Pre-retreat surveys SOF Spouses take so that they have a tailored retreat experience.* Teresa’s preference to say “It’s our time as a family” rather than a spouse saying, “It’s my time on retirement.”* Reactions when a spouse is asked, “What do you want?”* Who Teresa is outside of being a military spouse and the Founder of The Pillar Foundation, and what she proclaimed to her family once her husband retired.* The number one thing divorced spouses say they needed in hindsight.* How Teresa is managing life at a relatively slower pace as a civilian.Learn how your donations go toward directly supporting our SOF Spouses at https://www.sofpillarfoundation.org/donateCheck out Teresa’s previous episodes 94 & 228:First-time listener?Get up to speed by checking out episode 227 for a recap of the last season! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Happy New Year!We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! Some quick announcements before introducing our guest:* US VetWealth’s Post-Military Career Strategy Circle takes place on January 14th, 2026, 1 PM (ET) — RSVP Now by clicking HERE.* More Chapter Releases of Jen’s upcoming book — You’ll get emailed directly if you’ve already subscribed. Otherwise, subscribe now to get your free copy!* And just for subscribing, you’ll also receive:* Podcasting mentorship info for seasoned spouses* Free discovery call with Keyani from Ep. 225 and Ep 226.* Bonus freebies from future guest collaborations* And a free subscription upgrade to become an “Insider” — gain access to Inside the Fort Private Podcast, where Keyani’s Part 3 interview is available!We’re excited to welcome back Teresa Shick from the SOF Pillar Foundation to discuss the following:* How The Pillar Foundation began as an idea in 2017, when her husband was retiring from the Navy SEALs after 24 years.* When she gained non-profit status in 2020 for her in-person (keyword: in-person) retreat.* When she was finally able to execute her mission statement in 2021, she has been steadfast since.* How The Pillar Foundation supports special operation forces (SOF) spouses, two years before through two years after their husband’s transition.* When she and her husband went through military transition together, including how they navigated the Survivor Benefit Plan decision.* And more to come in part 2! Stay tuned next Thursday!Learn more about The Pillar Foundation: https://www.sofpillarfoundation.org/For more info on TRICARE for former spouses and The 20/20/20 Rule (referencing timestamp 34:10): https://www.military.com/paycheck-chronicles/2015/09/14/understanding-the-202020-ruleCheck out Teresa’s previous episode no. 94:Start the year right by networking with us at US VetWealth’s Post-Military Career Strategy Circle on January 14th, 2026, 1 PM (ET)A professional roundtable for senior military leaders, recent retirees, and veteran leaders who want a more straightforward path forward — and a stronger network to walk it with.This session brings together peers who understand the reality of transitioning from command-level leadership into corporate roles, consulting, entrepreneurship, or federal service. It’s a space to exchange perspectives, compare notes on the job market, and build relationships with people navigating similar challenges.Check out episode 227 for a recap of last season! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

To wrap up our fall season, Jen recaps the following:* Why she returned to podcasting after her one-year break* Updates on more chapter releases for her upcoming book: The Military Spouse Benefit Plan* Shoutouts to this season’s guests:* Ep. 220 — Stephanie Brown and her SBP Testimonial* Ep. 222 & 223 — Kris & Larry with PatriotCare* Ep. 225 & 226 — Keyani with Mrs. P Framework (plus bonus episode)* Free mentorship for seasoned spouses seeking accountability to start a podcast for 2026. To learn more: click here.* How to become a guest on HDTF: click here.The show will resume on Thursday, January 8th! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄🎉P.S. Join us for US VetWealth’s Post-Military Career Strategy Circle on January 14th, 2026, 1 PM (ET)A professional roundtable for senior military leaders, recent retirees, and veteran leaders who want a more straightforward path forward — and a stronger network to walk it with.This session brings together peers who understand the reality of transitioning from command-level leadership into corporate roles, consulting, entrepreneurship, or federal service. It’s a space to exchange perspectives, compare notes on the job market, and build relationships with people navigating similar challenges.Or RSVP now by clicking HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

First time listener? Please listen to the previous episode 225 for part one of Keyani’s interview!We’re excited to welcome Keyani Washington back to the show to catch up on the following for Part 2 of 3 of her interview:* A continuation of how ChatGPT can clarify original thoughts and suggest content ideas.* A final emphasis on Mindset as the first step in the MRSP Framework* The next two steps in Keyani’s framework: Responsibility and Standard* Clarification on setting an “inner standard”* Keyani’s “You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal”* And more to come!Part 3 of 3 is now available exclusively to our podcast subscribers!In the final part of our conversation:* We stress the significance of following Keyani’s MRSP Framework in the order mentioned* How the MRSP Framework applies to your professional and personal life* Simple steps to get started with Keyani’s “You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal.”How can I listen to Part 3?* Subscribe to INSIDETHEFORT.COM.* In your welcome email, you’ll see instructions on how to upgrade your subscription for free.* Note: Please save [email protected] as a trusted contact. If you don’t receive a welcome email, please check your SPAM folder. Issues? Contact Jen at [email protected]* Listen to Part 3 on our private podcast: Inside the Fort by US VetWealth.Check out Keyani’s previous episodes: Ep. 153, Ep. 213, & 225 — First time here? Subscribe to INSIDETHEFORT.COM to receive your FREE upgrade to listen to Part 3 of Keyani’s interview!Resources Mentioned* The Rosie Network — https://www.therosienetwork.org/* You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal — https://keyanisiobhan.com/you-set-the-meaning-7-day-journal This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

We’re excited to welcome Keyani Washington back to the show to catch up on the following:* Keyani’s latest involvement with The Rosie Network* Keyani’s MRSP Framework (a.k.a. “Mrs. P”) for leveling up in your personal or professional life, starting with “Mindset” and how it leads to “Responsibility.”* How ChatGPT helped clarify Keyani’s “original thought” and condensed the brainstorming process to create her framework.This is Part 1 of 3 of Keyani’s interview! Here’s what to look forward to in Part 2:* A continuation of how ChatGPT can clarify original thoughts and suggest content ideas.* A final emphasis on Mindset as the first step in the MRSP Framework* The next two steps in Keyani’s framework: Responsibility and Standard* Clarification on setting an “inner standard”* Keyani’s “You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal”* And more to come!Subscribe to the podcast to be the first to hear about Keyani’s upcoming giveaway — plus additional freebies just for subscribing! Check out Keyani’s previous episodes: Ep. 153 & Ep. 213 — Resources Mentioned* The Rosie Network — https://www.therosienetwork.org/* You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal — https://keyanisiobhan.com/you-set-the-meaning-7-day-journal This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe