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/

Check 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!

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.

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 holdingdownthefort@substack.com as a trusted contact. If you don’t receive a welcome email, please check your SPAM folder. Issues? Contact Jen at jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

* 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

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

Happy end of Military Family Appreciation Month and Happy Thanksgiving!

Jen shares a mix of updates, including:

* The updated objective for the show and the value of seeking a second opinion for military retirement, especially regarding military benefits such as SBP, TSP, and VGLI.

* An update on Jen’s upcoming book, The Military Spouse Benefit Plan.

* How small businesses and entrepreneurs can support military families by hiring military spouse virtual assistants who provide tailored administrative solutions.

* And what’s next for the show!

Resources Mentioned

* Military Family Appreciation Month — https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month

* An alternative way to protect your pension — https://usvetwealth.com/military-retirement-income-toolkit-help-center/

* Freedom Makers — https://www.freedom-makers.com/

Happy Military Family Appreciation Month & Happy Thanksgiving, we are thankful for our military and for everyone who supports them!

First-Time Listener?

Be sure to listen to Part One of this interview by clicking HERE.

At US VetWealth, we often talk about exploring alternative solutions to the Survivor Benefit Plan. Today, we’re taking that same mindset and applying it to healthcare.

Meet Kris and Larry, the partners behind PatriotCare — an organization offering an alternative to TRICARE and traditional health insurance.

While PatriotCare’s website highlights “Healthcare Benefits for Small Businesses & Independent Contractors,” this conversation reveals so much more: the heart and mission behind their work for the military community.

In this second and final part of our interview, you’ll hear:

* More real-life scenarios on how available, affordable, and accessible PatriotCare is

* The term “medical cost sharing company” and how it’s different from a traditional health insurance company

* What Kris’ late father impressed upon him, working in life insurance for 65 years

* …and more!

If you’re ready to explore new opportunities and ideas beyond the military and make more confident choices for your next chapter, this episode is for you.

This concludes our conversation with Kris & Larry from PatriotCare — thanks for listening!

Resources Mentioned

* PatriotCare - https://www.patriotcarehealth.us/

* The Rosie Network - https://therosienetwork.org/

* Stephanie Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniebrown/

* Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce - https://milspousechamber.org

* Military Family Appreciation Month - https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month

* Josh Hager’s Hero WOD with CrossFit - https://www.crossfit.com/workout/2007/02/26#/comments

At US VetWealth, we often talk about exploring alternative solutions to the Survivor Benefit Plan. Today, we’re taking that same mindset and applying it to healthcare.

Meet Kris and Larry, the partners behind PatriotCare — an organization offering an alternative to TRICARE and traditional health insurance.

While PatriotCare’s website highlights “Healthcare Benefits for Small Businesses & Independent Contractors,” this conversation reveals so much more: the heart and mission behind their work for the military community.

In this first part of our interview, you’ll hear:

* How Larry met Stephanie Brown and became involved with The Rosie Network

* Kris’ journey as a Gold Star Dad to Army Ranger Josh Hager, who was killed in Iraq in 2007

* The story of how PatriotCare came to be

* How PatriotCare provides healthcare that’s available, affordable, and accessible — with real-life examples

* A discussion on the lost art of “asking for the sale” and the power of face-to-face connection

If you’re ready to explore new opportunities and ideas beyond the military and make more confident choices for your next chapter, this episode is for you.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Resources Mentioned

* PatriotCare - https://www.patriotcarehealth.us/

* The Rosie Network - https://therosienetwork.org/

* Stephanie Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniebrown/

* Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce - https://milspousechamber.org

* Military Family Appreciation Month - https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month

* Josh Hager’s Hero WOD with CrossFit - https://www.crossfit.com/workout/2007/02/26#/comments

Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of The Military Spouse Benefit Plan are now available! Jen introduces the main character of our story: Susan the Seasoned Spouse.

Let me introduce you to the main character of our story. Her name is Susan. She’s not new to military life, nor is she bitter about it. If anything, she’s mastered it—three kids, a system for everything, from packing boxes to organizing the family’s important documents. She’s the woman who knows where the birth certificates are at a moment’s notice and has the emergency contact forms pre-filled before anyone asks.

Tonight, Susan is sitting at the kitchen table in her twelfth home. The refrigerator is lined with magnets from past duty stations. Her husband, Dave, just returned from a transition briefing. He’s retiring O-6 with 26 years of service, still in uniform, scrolling through emails as Susan tries to make sense of a stack of papers and an open laptop.

“It was… a lot,” Dave mutters.

Susan looks up. “Yeah? What do I need to know?”

“There’s this thing called the SBP. Survivor Benefit Plan,” he explains. “Basically, when I die, you’d still get some of my pension.”

Susan raises an eyebrow. “Sounds… morbid. And vague.”

He shrugs. “Comes out of retirement pay, my pension. I think we have to sign something.”

The way he said “we” unsettles her. He doesn’t sound certain, but something tied directly to Dave’s pension, something that him and their family will be rewarded with after the decades of his service, seemed important to understand. No matter what happens in the early years of post-military, Dave’s pension is the steady income they’ll need to get settled.

Later that night, with the dishwasher humming and the kids finally asleep, Susan decides to reopen her laptop. She visits the DoD site, scrolls, and stumbles on an unfamiliar truth: The decision to choose the SBP isn’t automatic. But how it’s chosen is hers to make.

Her written consent is necessary.

Susan can’t help but wonder: What if she didn’t discover this on her own? Who would’ve told her? Of course, she shrugs her shoulders and raises a brow, thinking that seeking out important information isn’t new to her.

As she continues to stare at the screen, a new thought begins to form. “Wait… do I actually get to decide this?”

To be continued… Listen to the episode now!

If you’ve already downloaded the Introduction, you’ll be emailed the new chapters soon.

If you haven’t downloaded the Introduction yet, then what are you waiting for? It’s free (and I won’t take it personally if you unsubscribe from future emails—yes, I do that, too, lol)! Download now by visiting: https://jenusvetwealth.gumroad.com/l/msbp/SUBSTACK