The Power of Authentic Friendship with Shannon Book (Part 5 of 5)
Release Date: 09/01/2025
Zenon Duda (Part 1) – The Art of Metamorphosis and the "Starving Artist" Myth
The Two-Promises Podcast
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 ). 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...
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⚓️ FULLSEND FRIDAY: Navy SEAL Anthony Rivera on AI-Driven Transition, Cracking the VA Code, and the "Fog of Peace"
The Two-Promises Podcast
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...
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⚓ Anthony Rivera (Part 4): The Dawn of Agentic AI, Mental Health Reform, and the SOS Protocol
The Two-Promises Podcast
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...
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🛡️ Anthony Rivera (Part 3): The Identity Bridge—Health Vaults, Financial Gains, and Serving Others
The Two-Promises Podcast
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...
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⚓ Anthony Rivera (Part 2): Cracking the VA Code—AI, Automation, and the 11-Day Disability Turnaround
The Two-Promises Podcast
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...
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Anthony Rivera (Part 1): Mastery of Chaos—From BUD/S Pool Comp Failures to the "Wild West" of Iraq
The Two-Promises Podcast
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...
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⚓️ Full Send Friday: Navy SEAL Aaron Peña on Real Estate Investing, The VA Loan "System," and Healing Invisible Wounds
The Two-Promises Podcast
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...
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⚓ Aaron Peña (Part 4): Building the FOB—Brotherhood, Invisible Wounds, and the Power of Surrender
The Two-Promises Podcast
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,...
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🏠 Aaron Peña (Part 3): Triage in Real Estate—Translating SEAL Team Discipline to Negotiations and Risk Assessment
The Two-Promises Podcast
How does the intense triage mindset of a combat medic translate directly to managing complex, costly civilian transactions? In Part 3 of this four-part series, former Navy SEAL Corpsman Aaron Peña shares his approach to applying the high-stakes discipline of the SEAL teams to real estate sales and negotiations. Aaron discusses why real estate deals are "not high stakes" compared to the battlefield, detailing his Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for client management that instill Confidence and eliminate chaos. In a moment of levity, Aaron recounts a classic Failure and Resilience story...
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🩺 Aaron Peña (Part 2): Triage Under Fire—How a SEAL Medic's Grit Translates to Complex Real Estate Deals
The Two-Promises Podcast
How does the grit, urgency, and disciplined focus of a combat medic translate into the world of real estate? In Part 2 of this four-part series, former Navy SEAL Corpsman Aaron Peña shares the story of his military identity—how he became a healer in a community of warriors—and how those high-pressure skills now shape the way he navigates complex real estate deals. Aaron talks about the academic firehose of the Joint Special Operations Combat Medic (JSOCM) course, the struggle to prove wrong those who said he couldn’t pass without a college degree, and the kinetic learning style that...
info_outlineIn Part 5 of our 5-part series with Shannon Book, the conversation comes full circle with a powerful focus on friendship, authenticity, and community. Shannon reflects on the lessons of military life, where every role is essential, and respect forms the foundation of trust. Together, we explore the importance of living fearlessly, embracing vulnerability, and staying true to who we are. This final part serves as both a reminder and a challenge: connection and authenticity are not just ideals—they are the keys to personal growth and stronger communities.
What We Talk About:
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Friendship is built on mutual respect and support.
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Authenticity is key to living a fulfilling life.
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Fearlessness allows for genuine self-expression.
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Every role in the military is valuable and essential.
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Community support is crucial for personal growth.
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It's important to embrace one's journey without judgment.
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Connection with others can provide healing and strength.
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Being true to oneself fosters deeper relationships.
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Respecting each other's experiences leads to understanding.
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Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Timestamps
⏳00:00 Intro Music
⏳00:30 Celebrating Friendship and Community
⏳02:02 Embracing Authenticity and Fearlessness
⏳04:55 The Value of Different Roles in the Military
⏳07:48 Respecting Each Other's Journeys
⏳10:38 The Importance of Connection and Support
⏳17:17 Outro Music
As this 5-part journey with Shannon Book comes to a close, we’re reminded that the true measure of growth is not just in personal victories, but in how we show up for others with honesty, respect, and courage. Authenticity and community are the anchors that keep us grounded—and the bridges that carry us forward. May these conversations inspire you to live fearlessly, embrace your journey, and build connections that last a lifetime.