
Transition Drill
Paul Pantani
The go-to podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and first responders preparing for life after service. Hosted by Paul Pantani—a retired law enforcement leader with 30+ years of experience—Transition Drill features candid conversations with veterans from every military branch, as well as law enforcement professionals navigating career change, retirement, and the transition to civilian life. Guests share stories of mental health, post-traumatic growth, job search strategies, and what it really takes to succeed after the uniform. Whether you're transitioning from policing, firefighting, or military service, this podcast will help you lead the next chapter with clarity and confidence.
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Top 10 Transition Drill Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Transition Drill episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Transition Drill for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Transition Drill episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

137. Retired Marine Gunny | A Successful Real Estate Investor & CEO | Helping Veterans. Anthony Glenn II
Transition Drill
04/01/24 • 114 min
In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, explore the life of Anthony Glenn II, a Marine Corps veteran whose story is a testament to the power of resilience, transformation, and the fighting spirit of a Marine. Anthony's early life was marked by adversity. His youth was a struggle for attention and direction, leading him into frequent run-ins with the law. Yet, it was this very fight for survival and identity that forged his path to the Marine Corps.
Anthony's transition from a troubled youth to a disciplined Marine is not just a story of personal achievement; it's a narrative that resonates with the core values of the military community. His journey into the Marine Corps, driven by a quest for structure and a refusal to return to a life that offered no future, is a powerful reflection of the transformative impact of military service. Despite initial reservations, including a stark warning from his father, a retired Army Colonel, Anthony's determination saw him through the rigorous challenges of boot camp at Parris Island, where he quickly learned the true meaning of discipline and camaraderie.
His military career, however, was not without its trials. Anthony's early inclination towards confrontation followed him into service, leading to multiple altercations. Yet, it was the Marine Corps' structured environment and the mentorship he received that eventually helped him channel his aggression into a more constructive outlet, showcasing the Marine Corps' ability to mold individuals into their best selves.
Beyond the uniform, Anthony's story is one of continuous growth and contribution. His post-military life, marked by a successful foray into real estate, demonstrates the seamless transition of military skills into civilian success. His work in real estate, particularly with veteran first-time home buyers, is a testament to his commitment to serving others, reflecting the enduring values of honor, courage, and commitment instilled in him by the Marine Corps. In 2017, Anthony founded the non-profit Veteran Homeowner’s Club, to provide assistance and education programs to transitioning service members
Anthony's willingness to help other military veterans navigate the complexities of civilian life, especially in securing homeownership, is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration. His journey embodies the essence of the military spirit – fighting, overcoming adversity, and never ceasing to strive for excellence.
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https://linktr.ee/TransitionDrillPodcast
SUBSCRIBE AND WATCH EPISODE ON YouTube:
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CONNECT WITH ANTHONY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-glenn-ii-mba-usmc-ret-803b4822/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tonyglennii/

73. Retired Navy SEAL Commander Master Chief | Today the CEO of the Tech Company Sylabs. Jason Tuschen
Transition Drill
01/09/23 • 140 min
Jason Tuschen enlisted in the Navy in 1990. In 1992, he successfully completed Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUD/S) training and was assigned to SEAL Team THREE. After multiple deployments, he was selected for assignment to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he served as an operator and later a leader of an assault force. In December of 2001, he took an assignment as an instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Center and spent the next two years teaching tactics to future SEAL operators and leaders. Upon completion of that assignment, he transferred to SEAL Team SEVEN where he was the senior enlisted advisor of the task force responsible for leading the team through pre-deployment training and a follow-on deployment to Baghdad, Iraq. Upon return from that deployment, he was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer and put in charge of First Phase at BUD/S. After a successful tour at BUD/S, he spent the next decade in executive leadership positions throughout Naval Special Warfare. His career culminated at Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG-1) where he served as the Command Master Chief, responsible for 2000 personnel, four SEAL Teams and five ancillary commands focused on executing National Security Strategy in the Middle East, South East Asia, and the Korean Peninsula. In 2018 Jason retired after a 27-year career in the military. Along with retired SEAL Command Master Chief Jason Torey, they founded Randori INC to help develop the leaders and cultures of organizations. After being an advisor to the CEOs of tech startup Sylabs, in April 2020 he took over as CEO of Sylabs Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration and Management from Excelsior College and a Master of Science in Management from the American College of Financial Services. Jason has been happily married for 20 years to his wife Marijo and raised two children.
PODCAST - LISTEN, WATCH, AND SUBSCRIBE
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CONNECT WITH JASON

71. Coast Guard Fireman to Culinary School | Today a Professional Chef and Restaurant Owner. Mario Amaral
Transition Drill
12/26/22 • 55 min
Mario Amaral served 4 years in the Coast Guard as a fireman aboard a drug interdiction ship out of Florida. While still active in the Coast Guard he met a professional chef in 2005, which made him realize he wanted to be a chef himself. He got out of the military and attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College in Las Vegas. Since graduating from culinary school, he has helped open restaurants across the country, including the Red Rock Resort, Buddy V’s, the restaurant of Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro, in Las Vegas. He worked for several years in restaurants including Olives in the Bellagio, and Spago in the Venetian. While working at a restaurant in New Hampshire, Mario reconnected with Chef Todd English, whom he previously worked for. Mario was brought on to oversee operations with English’s restaurants in Alabama, Florida, and Boston as well as large scale events like Super Bowl LIV in 2019. Mario has also won cooking competitions on his own including the Back of the House Brawl in Vegas. Today, Mario is back in Southern California working with his friend and fellow chef Dylan Soros as business partners in the restaurant Savage Chef.
PODCAST - LISTEN, WATCH, AND SUBSCRIBE
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CONNECT WITH MARIO

176. Retired Firefighter Captain | Beach Lifeguard | Mentorship & Transition Plans. Dave Shenbaum
Transition Drill
12/30/24 • 118 min
The best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, After 34 years in service, starting as an L.A. County Ocean Lifeguard, and 31 years as a Firefighter with the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, Dave Shenbaum shares his journey of dedication, growth, and resilience. From his early days on the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol to rising through the ranks as a firefighter and paramedic, Dave's career embodies commitment to public safety and the growth that comes from overcoming personal challenges, like navigating dyslexia to excel in promotions and enduring a two-level spinal fusion surgery. Eventually promoting to Captain, and acting Asst. Battalion Chief the last 2 years of his career, Dave embraced mentorship and leadership. His career, marked by community impact, personal sacrifices, and overcoming injuries, culminated amidst unexpected drama as he transitioned out of the fire service. Now focused on giving back through mentorship and planning his next chapter, including reconnecting with his family, Dave’s story is an inspiring testament to commitment, growth, and the enduring spirit of first responders. This episode is a must-listen for veterans, first responders, and anyone seeking insight into the balance of service, family, personal growth, and paying it forward.
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CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/
WEB: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.com
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:
CONNECT WITH DAVE:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/daveshenbaum/

183. Act of Valor - "Ajay" and Terminal List | From Thai Boxing to Navy SEAL SEN. CHIEF (Ret.). Ajay James
Transition Drill
02/17/25 • 296 min
The best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. On this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, we sit down with Ajay James, a Retired Navy SEAL Senior Chief, and a man who has lived multiple lives across different professions. His journey is one of relentless pursuit—of challenge, of purpose, and of transformation. From his roots in Trinidad to navigating life in the U.S., joining the military, and eventually becoming a special operations warrior, Ajay’s story is packed with insights for military veterans, first responders, and anyone facing a major career change.
Ajay didn’t start out with a clear path toward the military. Growing up in a strict household with a father who was a police officer and engineer, discipline was ingrained in him early. However, academics never felt like the right fit, and his journey was anything but conventional. Before enlisting, he worked in fields like executive protection, trained as a Muay Thai fighter, and even modeled professionally. But deep inside, he knew he wanted something greater—a challenge that pushed him beyond his limits.
That challenge came in the form of the Navy SEAL Teams. Despite enlisting at 33 years old, well past the typical age for special operations candidates, Ajay committed himself to the brutal training required to become an elite warrior. Through BUD/S, he was assigned to SEAL Team 5, serving in deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. He eventually achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
But after years of military transition, deployments, and combat, Ajay faced his toughest mission yet: life after service. Leaving the SEAL Teams wasn’t just a career shift—it was an identity shift. Like many military veterans, he had to navigate the complexities of finding new purpose, building a civilian career, and adjusting to a world without the structured intensity of special operations.
Today, Ajay has embraced veteran transition, helping others through mentorship, fitness, and leadership development. Whether working with law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, or transitioning service members, he’s proving that the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of transformation.
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Tactical Transition Tips: Round 59 | Adapting to AI
Transition Drill
02/20/25 • 29 min
The best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. In Round 59 of the Tactical Transition Tips series on the Transition Drill Podcast, advice is tailored to police officers, first responders, and military veterans at various stages of their career transition. Whether you're on the cusp of change, planning a few years down the line, or envisioning a decade ahead, this episode has you covered.
In this episode, the three transition tips addressed are:
Close Range - Leverage AI for your Transition
Medium Range - Grow With AI
Long Range - Future-Proof Your Career with AI
Your host, Paul Pantani, leveraging personal experience, offers actionable strategies. This tips series provides invaluable insights and practical tips to help you successfully navigate the complexities of changing careers. These vital topics offer guidance and support for navigating the complexities of transition planning for life after service.
CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:
SPONSORS:
Trident Coffee
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Link: https://tridentcoffee.com/discount/TDP15
Promo Code: TDP15
HUMAN PERFORMANCE TRT
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Web: https://hptrt.com
Promo Code: TDP

158. Army Veteran | Today Reality Center - Psychedelic Trauma Therapy Without Drugs. Jonathan Chia
Transition Drill
08/26/24 • 150 min
As a military veteran or first responder, you need to be planning and implementing strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. In this episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, Jonathan Chia takes us on a compelling journey through his life, from his upbringing in Cincinnati, Ohio, to his battles with addiction and his eventual redemption through military service. Growing up in a turbulent household shaped by his immigrant father's resilience and his mother's struggles with addiction, Jonathan's early years were marked by challenges that led him down a path of substance abuse. Despite these struggles, he found purpose and honor by joining the Army, where he transformed his life through rigorous training and combat deployments. Jonathan shares insights into how martial arts and the discipline of military service played a crucial role in his personal growth, while also reflecting on the mental health challenges veterans and first responders face. Today, Jonathan channels his experiences into meaningful work with his partners through the Reality Center in Santa Monica, CA, focusing on helping others who are navigating similar journeys addressing trauma. This is an inspiring conversation that highlights the resilience of veterans and first responders, emphasizing the importance of purpose, community, and healing.
SPONSORS:
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SOFLETE
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CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/
WEB: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.com
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:
CONNECT WITH JONATHAN:
WEB: https://www.realitymgmt.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanchia00/

74. Retired California Highway Patrol (CHP) Chief | Today a Corporate Security Director. Mark Garrett
Transition Drill
01/16/23 • 124 min
Mark Garrett made a transition from a law enforcement career to the private sector. Mark spent 30 years with the California Highway Patrol and retired as a Chief in 2020. During his career he worked various patrol duties, investigative and administrative assignments throughout the CHP’s Southern Division Today he is the director of security for a large financial institution. Prior to and during his time with the CHP, Mark was a member of the United States National Cycling Team. He won four United States Elite National Championship titles, and competed in the 2002 World Para Championships, where he and his blind female partner earned two World Championship titles on the tandem bicycle in Augsburg, Germany.
PODCAST - LISTEN, WATCH, AND SUBSCRIBE
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CONNECT WITH MARK

149. Navy SEAL Commander (Ret.) | Life After Combat and Gunfights | CEO Beyond the Brotherhood. Jimmy May
Transition Drill
06/24/24 • 100 min
As a military veteran or first responder, you need to be planning and implementing strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. In this riveting episode of the Transition Drill Podcast, retired Navy SEAL Commander Jimmy May talks about his remarkable military journey, from his early days navigating the challenges of Navy SEAL training to his numerous deployments and leadership roles in combat zones. Jimmy candidly shares his experiences with the unique pressures of military life, including the physical and emotional tolls of constant deployments, injuries, and balancing family life. Transitioning from the battlefield to civilian life, Jimmy discusses his educational pursuits at Harvard, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his commitment to supporting fellow veterans through his non-profit Beyond the Brotherhood. This episode is a must-listen for military veterans, first responders, and anyone inspired by stories of resilience, leadership, and post-military success.
SPONSOR:
Trident Coffee
Get 15% off your purchase
Link: https://tridentcoffee.com/discount/TDP15
Promo Code: TDP15
CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/
WEB: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.com
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:
CONNECT WITH JIMMY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-may/
WEB: https://www.beyondthebrotherhood.org/

03/13/25 • 31 min
The best podcast for military veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders preparing for veteran transition and life after service. Helping you plan and implement strategies to prepare for your transition into civilian life. In Round 62 of the Tactical Transition Tips series on the Transition Drill Podcast, advice is tailored to police officers, first responders, and military veterans at various stages of their career transition. Whether you're on the cusp of change, planning a few years down the line, or envisioning a decade ahead, this episode has you covered.
In this episode, the three transition tips addressed are:
Close Range - Replace Motivation with Momentum
Medium Range - The 5-Minute Rule
Long Range - Develop a Legacy Project
Your host, Paul Pantani, leveraging personal experience, offers actionable strategies. This tips series provides invaluable insights and practical tips to help you successfully navigate the complexities of changing careers. These vital topics offer guidance and support for navigating the complexities of transition planning for life after service.
CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:
SPONSORS:
Brothers & Arms USA
WEBSITE: https://brothersandarms.com
Promo Code Transition20
Trident Coffee
Get 15% off your purchase
Link: https://tridentcoffee.com/discount/TDP15
Promo Code: TDP15
HUMAN PERFORMANCE TRT
Get 30% off your program
Web: https://hptrt.com
Promo Code: TDP
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FAQ
How many episodes does Transition Drill have?
Transition Drill currently has 503 episodes available.
What topics does Transition Drill cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Business and Careers.
What is the most popular episode on Transition Drill?
The episode title 'Tactical Transition Tips: Round 29 | Risk Management' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Transition Drill?
The average episode length on Transition Drill is 83 minutes.
How often are episodes of Transition Drill released?
Episodes of Transition Drill are typically released every 2 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Transition Drill?
The first episode of Transition Drill was released on Sep 2, 2021.
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