Finding Your Team After Service | Wayne Fogel III Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) on Military Transition, Purpose & Mental Health

What does it really take to reinvent yourself after decades in military service? In this heartfelt and insightful episode of The Peakality Podcast, Wayne Fogel III Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) pulls back the curtain on life after the Army, delving into the emotional highs and lows veterans face during their transition to civilian life. Courtney Potter walks with Wayne through personal stories, practical wisdom, and candid reflections on everything from the loss of camaraderie and searching for new purpose, to the truth behind those alarming veteran suicide statistics—and what can be done to make things better.

 

Whether you’re a veteran, supporter, or anyone facing a big life change, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real talk about the power of connection, mentorship, vulnerability, and community.

 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What really happens during the transition from active duty to veteran status (and why it’s so hard)

• The emotional impact of losing your “pack” and how to rebuild a sense of team and belonging

• Insights into the root causes of veteran suicide—and why purpose and community are so essential

• How to translate military skills and leadership experience into meaningful civilian careers

• The importance of mentorship, networking, and finding "your people" on the outside

• Why vulnerability is strength, and how opening up can fuel true healing

• Practical steps for anyone (veteran or not) to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming

ABOUT THE GUEST

LTC Wayne Fogel spent 27 years jumping out of planes, leading battalions, and guiding others through some of life’s toughest arenas. But transitioning out—he admits—was his hardest challenge yet. With honesty and depth, Wayne shares how he navigated uncertainty, found a new mission in business development and veteran advocacy, and learned the value of reaching out, taking risks, and saying “yes” to new connections. His story is a roadmap for anyone seeking growth after massive change.

 

Ready for real strategies and authentic stories to help you thrive? Subscribe and hit play—every episode brings you tools and inspiration to unlock your best self.

 

Subscribe to the Peakilty channel for fresh episodes featuring expert guests, unfiltered wisdom, and practical growth tools every week!

 

#MilitaryTransition #Veterans #MentalHealthMatters #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDriven #CommunitySupport #Podcast #LifeAfterService

 

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 – Why losing your team is so hard after service
02:12 – LTC Wayne Fogel’s military journey & abrupt transition
04:37 – What real mental preparation could look like
07:28 – Losing your “pack”: The emotional challenge of leaving the military
09:40 – Veteran suicide: Core issues & the search for belonging
13:12 – Translating military experience into civilian career options
17:52 – Overcoming bad patterns & leveraging mentors
21:11 – Reinvention: Advice for bold career pivots
23:09 – What Wayne misses most—and how he found new fulfillment
27:57 – Wayne’s one big lesson for anyone in transition
30:54 – The vital importance of vulnerability and community
34:08 – Healing, resources, and the role of technology
40:58 – “Don’t do comparative trauma”—mental health for everyone

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