The MisFitNation

Welcome to The MisFitNation Show, hosted by Rich LaMonica—a US Army Veteran who, alongside a fellow US Army Veteran and a Business Leader. Our mission is simple: inspire and empower you to be a better human being. We highlight the powerful stories of Veterans and First Responders, sharing their journeys of resilience and strength. Through captivating interviews, we also bring you guests from all walks of life—authors, entrepreneurs, coaches, motivational speakers, and health & fitness professionals.

Each episode features individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved success, offering valuable insights, life lessons, and actionable advice. Whether it's stories of grit from our Veterans and First Responders or expertise from thought leaders, The MisFitNation is a community dedicated to personal growth and collective well-being.

Join us for one episode or become a regular listener. If you believe your story can inspire others, reach out to us to be a guest on the show!

Recognized as the 2021 Best Society and Culture Podcast at the Veteran Podcast Awards and named in Podcast Magazine's 2022 Top 40 Over 40, The MisFitNation Show is your go-to platform for inspiration, motivation, and transformation.


Want to be a guest on The MisFitNation? Send Rich LaMonica a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/richlamonica

Society & Culture
Documentary
Business
426
Kirsten McKenzie Best Selling Author
<p>In this episode, we have author Kirsten McKenzie from New Zealand on to discuss her story. A full-time author, she is a former customs officer and antique dealer, who has also dabbled in film and television.</p> <p>Her historical time-slip series - <em>The Old Curiosity Shop Series</em> (which includes <em>Fifteen Postcards</em>, <em>The Last Letter,</em> and <em>Telegram Home</em>), has been described as 'Time Travellers Wife meets Far Pavilions', and 'Antiques Roadshow gone viral'. The series was acquired by Podium Audio in 2020 and is now available as audiobooks.</p> <p>Kirsten lives in New Zealand with her husband, her daughters, two rescue cats, and can usually be found procrastinating on Twitter.</p> <p><br></p> <p>https://www.kirstenmckenzie.com/author</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
37 min
427
Pup Camp with Dave Shade
<p>After serving a tour overseas fighting in the mountains of Afghanistan, he found himself alone and separated from the brotherhood forged in battle with my unit in the 82nd Airborne. When he became a civilian again, like most veterans he was lost trying to find his way in a world coping with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress. When all seemed lost, he found solace in the most unexpected of places: A boxer puppy named Lulu.</p> <p>Undoubtedly, Lulu had saved his life as she taught him how to live, love, and feel again. She healed the wounds of war (the ones you don’t see on the outside). This amazing animal had instilled in him a love for the species that made him want to help their kind. Many families and dogs lack great training, and he found I was born for this - to train dogs, create happy families and happy homes. Then, he spent 5 years training thousands of dogs.</p> <p>From this, he started an online training venture that has launched recently. You can visit it a the link below.</p> <p>https://pupcamp.com/</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
41 min
428
Army Veteran to Entrepeneur
<p>In life, we all have encounters with multiple amazing people. In mine, I have had tons of them, especially through my uniform career. One such encounter was with a young man in Korea. He was very mature for a young guy, especially in uniform. He was always pushing for greatness. He was the Battalion Commander's driver then moved on to the Brigade. He also went from a young soldier to an NCO while in Korea. Well, he continued to hustle for the rest of his time, then transitioned out and has become a successful independent over-the-road trucker. He is an inspiration to all young people transitioning into the unknown. &nbsp;Have a plan and keep pushing forward.&nbsp;</p> <p>Charles Davis Jr is a hard worker who has never stopped hustling since I met him, he has remained humble and is still hungry!</p> <p><br></p> <p>https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheMisFitNation</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
33 min
429
Coaching and Mentoring the Youth
In this episode, we are visiting with two men who have dedicated their lives to service. They both started out serving via the military. One was a leatherneck a Hollywood Marine who saw combat in Iraq, wound up being medically retired in 2010 from the Corps. He then on a request from his oldest son became a football coach for his team. A year later he was coaching in High School.  Then life happened and he had to take that resilient mindset to a new level. He continued to serve with Team Rubicon, Team Red White, and Blue became a Fellow with the Mission Continues and a Shepherd with the Save a Warrior foundation.  All of this led him back to coaching, the true life of service.  Our second guest was the son of a Navy family, He grew up in Virginia, had some speedbumps while in school, and wound up not graduating with his class. He joined the Army as an Engineer. Here he found his path with true mentors all around him, great leaders, and advice. He earned the coveted Sapper tab as a young Sergeant (not many achieve this). He left service and started a path he never thought possible, he is becoming a teacher. He is also a coach of all sports.  He loves to coach, teach and mentor and he is a student of each game he is involved in. Please welcome Terrance Gant and Tim King - Veterans, Coaches, Mentors, Leaders --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
56 min
430
Andrew Jones of AJImpacts
<p>Welcome Back to the MisFitNation</p> <p>In this episode, we are speaking to one of my Brothers and of course a MisFit, Andrew Jones. &nbsp;Andrew Jones is a Marine Corps Combat Veteran who stood on the Yellow Footprints of MCRD San Diego in July of 1999 at the young age of 17 and deployed to Iraq in 2003 with the 1st Marine Division as an Anti-Tank Assaultman. During the Battle of Baghdad on April 8th, Andrew suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) when his position was impacted by an enemy rocket. When Andrew returned home, he was diagnosed with severe Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder, resulting in substance abuse, broken relationships, homelessness, jail time, and battles with suicide.</p> <p>To reach him fill out the contact form on his page.</p> <p>https://ajimpacts.com/</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
35 min
431
Moments Matter
<p>In this episode, we have the honor of speaking to Dave Sanderson. &nbsp;Dave Sanderson is the President of his firm, Dave Sanderson Speaks International based out of Charlotte, NC. On January 15, 2009, Dave was one of the last passengers off the plane that crashed into the Hudson River, best known as&nbsp;<em>The Miracle on the Hudson</em>, considered to be the most successful ditching in aviation history. he has built a career as a motivational speaker, mentor, and author. Recently named one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers in Inc.com, Dave averages over 80 speeches a year for major corporations across the world.</p> <p><br></p> <p>To reach out to Dave you can visit his website&nbsp;</p> <p>https://davesandersonspeaks.com/</p> <p>or email him directly</p> <p>dave@davesandersonspeaks.com</p> <p>The best place to interact with Dave is on his LinkedIn account&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiredavesanderson">linkedin.com/in/hiredavesanderson</a></p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
35 min
432
Zero Moment of Truth with Paul Mackiewicz
<p>This Episode brings Paul Mackiewicz to the show. &nbsp;Paul has served as an executive in the digital marketing industry at an INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company on two occasions. He is a motivator and wants businesses to succeed and will help them achieve their best self.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>https://www.hashtag-smart.com/</p> <p>https://vetsandplayers.org/</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
50 min
433
Living a Positive life
<p>In this episode, we welcome a woman of the world Jenny Gracia. &nbsp;She tells us about the things she is doing to help others find their best self and make life-changing choices for the better along the way. &nbsp;</p> <p>Here is how to reach out to Jenny:</p> <p>https://linktr.ee/aceitesdevida?fbclid=IwAR3kvLTbZWCu3dkBT_OK7Ftv-R9vhYJ-tWkf9qO8cjQ1RLeuw4bpGmpDjaE</p> <p>Our second Guest is Reden Dionisio an Active Duty Navy Hospital Corpsman. &nbsp;He started an online business and turned it into a way to help families of the fallen with remembrance coins. &nbsp;</p> <p>https://www.fortis-fidelis.com/pages/about-us</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
53 min
434
Dear Calvin Project and The Price of Freedom Fo...
<p>Welcome back to the MisFitNation</p> <p>In this episode we are talking to a couple of Veterans who recognized a need and have started two ventures to help families in remembering their fallen heroes. The first interview is with Charlie Jones of the Dear Calvin Project. &nbsp;This is a great idea and we look forward to the products he produces for the families and most importantly the history they receive of their hero in video form.</p> <p><br></p> <p><a href="http://www.dearcalvinproject.com/?fbclid=IwAR1JaOohxvl8Ua6cRbqyxJCZH2oaI-3yOPZk1S1gYtdr1gZpC7BZSRYxRsI" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.DearCalvinProject.com/</a></p> <p>https://www.facebook.com/DearCalvinProject</p> <p><br></p> <p>Our second guest is Dennis Shroader and he started the Price of Freedom Foundation in order to produce well written biographies of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. &nbsp;He will produce in a book form both hard copy and digital along with video media as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>https://www.priceoffreedomfoundation.org/home</p> <p>https://www.facebook.com/PriceofFreedomFoundation</p> <p><br></p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
57 min
435
Freedom and Prosperity / Love Your Launch
<p>In This episode we have the honor of speaking with two Veteran Entrepreneurs. &nbsp;One Dr. Luke McClees, has started a venture called Freedom and Prosperity&nbsp;which educates veterans and educates about veterans. We guide military-connected people to achieve their&nbsp;definition&nbsp;of success with a whole-person approach. Freedom and Prosperity also focuses on educating the non-military connected population to move past their&nbsp;stereotypes&nbsp;of veterans and have a truly inclusive view of the veteran&nbsp;community.</p> <p>Website https://fptt.org/</p> <p>IG @freedom_prosperity</p> <p>Our second guest is Britney Thornton-Homco and she started Love Your Launch Academy. &nbsp;She is a Social Media Monster and her mission is to inspire and guide high performing women who want to defy traditional models of success and happiness so they can lead their lives with heart and confidence.&nbsp;</p> <p>Website https://loveyourlaunchacademy.com/</p> <p>FB/ britneythorntonhomco</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
60 min
436
Made4uTX and Southern, Sweet and Sassy LLC
<p>This week we are pivoting to one of the many ways veterans and their spouses can transition out of the military and into a successful second career.</p> <p>Our first guests are Joseph and Amanda Garcia of Killeen Texas. They are passionate about community and veterans. They took a leap in September 2020 to start a business right at the height of a pandemic. You can check them out at</p> <p><a href="https://www.made4utx.com/">https://www.made4utx.com/</a>or on Face book @made4utx</p> <p><br></p> <p>Our second guest is Missy Green a Navy Veteran and Spouse and owner of Southern, Sweet, and Sassy LLC.&nbsp;</p> <p>Welcome to Southern, Sweet &amp; Sassy! A service-connected disabled veteran and woman-owned small business. We are a premium quality coffee supplier.</p> <p>What a great person and businesswoman. &nbsp;She is doing great things and you should check her out.&nbsp;</p> <p>https://southernsweetandsassyllc.com/</p> <p>FB @southernsweetandsassyllc</p> <p>IG @southernsweetandsassyllc</p> <p><br></p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
50 min
437
Faithsmagnet - Mental TAP
In this episode, we will speak with Gerard Nguedi. who saw a need based on his own experiences and started a company that is in line with his passion and his vision The company is called Faithsmagnet The Mission Statement is as follows OUR MISSION IS TO EMPOWER POST 9/11 VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO HELP THEM END INNER-MIND STRUGGLES AND FIND BALANCE AS WELL AS THEIR NEW MISSION, PASSIONS, CONFIDENCE, PURPOSE, HAPPINESS, SUCCESS, AND FULFILLMENT IN THEIR NEW LIFE AND CAREER IN THE CIVILIAN WORLD. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
47 min
438
The Family Part 2
<p>This is the continuation of our last episode. This time my better half joined me to tell some of her journeys from being an 18-year-old getting married into the Military and the bumpy road we went on from there to now. She will give good advice to the young spouses out there now. We will also talk about the mindset needed to make it through all of this. We hope you enjoy it. The MisFitNation</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
29 min
439
The family and it's importance to the Military ...
<p>In this episode, we will discuss the family. Not just a normal family, the one which is attached to the military. How do they handle life with the stress attached? What tricks did they have for coping with life and how did they get through the good and bad times.&nbsp;</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
50 min
440
A Strong Mind equals a Strong Body
<p>This episode takes you on a journey of a strong woman who has faced many challenges and has stood up every time to fight. She teaches us about resilience and of course our introduction to Zumba. &nbsp;Our second guest takes us from the green side navy to a transition which was a difficult decision. He then will show us how there is hope, how having a purpose has helped him. &nbsp;</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
58 min
441
What is the MisFitnation
<p>This First Episode is dedicated to introducing you to us. We are a happy band of people who work hard, play hard reset, and start again. The Nation had its official start in 2010 but had been brewing forever. Some of us have known each other for over ten years others for 40-50. &nbsp;During this Episode, you will meet two of the MisFits who are truly part of if not the heart and soul of the Nation.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p>We hope you enjoy it and follow us on Spotify or any of your favorite podcast locations.&nbsp;</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support" rel="payment">https://anchor.fm/richard-lamonica/support</a>
52 min