Phillip Killough shares his journey from military service to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of self-belief, preparation, and finding support during the transition. He discusses his experiences in the U.S. Navy, the challenges of entering the job market, and how his background in theater helped him develop confidence for interviews. Phillip also highlights the significance of building a strong resume and staying connected to the military community while forging a new identity in civilian life.Follow MetroStar ⮕ https://hubs.li/Q03MMdbW0Jobs at MetroStar ⮕ https://hubs.li/Q03MM3ZT0Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

From 30 years in the U.S. Navy to a thriving career in big tech, Allen Keller’s transition is as honest as it is practical. In this episode of Civvies, host Stephanie Holman sits down with Allen to unpack what it really takes to step out of a military identity, embrace change, and build a purposeful civilian life. Alan opens up about redefining his sense of self after service, the support systems and mentorship that made the difference, and why networking is really about conversations—not just job hunting.

If this conversation helps you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it.

Chat with MetroStar's Mira on jobs and life at our HQ and beyond ⮕ Mira

Follow MetroStar ⮕ MetroStar | LinkedIn

Jobs at MetroStar ⮕ Hiring Our Heroes | MetroStar

Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

00:00 From Navy to Civilian Life: Starting the Transition Journey

06:54 Family, Support Systems & Life in Uniform

10:02 Lessons from 30 Years of Service

15:42 Entering Big Tech: From Leader to Individual Contributor

21:52 Adjusting to Civilian Work Culture & Identity Shift

25:46 Imposter Syndrome, Self-Awareness & Growth

34:30 Embracing Change and Being Comfortable with Discomfort

43:31 Professional Development & Lifelong Learning

54:18 Networking, Mentorship & Giving Back

Adam Peters, a U.S. Army veteran and host of the Strategic Veteran podcast, shares his journey of transitioning from military to civilian life. He discusses the challenges veterans face during this transition, including identity, purpose, and community. Adam emphasizes the importance of asking for help and the healing power of sharing stories. He talks about his experiences with ayahuasca and how it has transformed his life, leading him to help others navigate their own transitions. The conversation highlights the significance of support networks and the need for veterans to connect with one another.

Follow MetroStar ⮕MetroStar | LinkedIn

Jobs at MetroStar ⮕Hiring Our Heroes | MetroStar

Listen to Adam's Podcast ⮕ The Strategic Veteran | Expert Support for Military to Civilian Transition

Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

00:00 The Journey of Transition

05:33 Starting the Strategic Veteran Podcast

07:20 Understanding the Purpose Behind the Podcast

15:34 Lessons Learned from Guests

21:50 Common Challenges in Transition

27:08 Rediscovering Identity and Purpose

33:11 The Importance of Community and Support

39:40 Exploring Healing Through Ayahuasca

44:07 Asking for Help and Overcoming Stigma

51:43 Final Thoughts on Transition and Support

Andy Gill, a veteran and MetroStar technical recruiter, about the challenges and insights related to military transition. Andy shares his personal journey from active duty to reserves, the emotional hurdles he faced, and the importance of support systems. They discuss the significance of networking, the realities of the cleared job market, and common misconceptions about recruiting. Andy emphasizes the need for veterans to leverage their military experience, tailor their resumes, and actively seek opportunities in the tech field. The conversation concludes with advice for newcomers in the cleared space and the importance of resilience and adaptability in their career paths.

Follow MetroStar ⮕https://hubs.li/Q03FWwsF0

Jobs at MetroStar ⮕https://hubs.li/Q03FWw-W0

Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

00:00 Introduction to Military Transition

04:51 Andy Gill's Military Journey

09:45 Transitioning from Active Duty to Reserves

14:40 Emotional Challenges of Transitioning

19:45 Finding Support During Transition

24:48 Lessons Learned from Transitioning

29:46 Navigating the Cleared Space

34:27 Common Roles for Veterans in Tech

39:49 The Importance of Networking

44:22 Recruiter Insights and Myths

49:35 Technical Recruiting and Interviewing

54:37 Advice for Newcomers in the Cleared Space

59:30 Final Thoughts and Resources

Host Stephanie Holman speaks with Dan Horgan, a U.S. Air Force veteran (TACP | JTAC) and Founder of Arrow and Honor Co, about his journey through military transition, the importance of vulnerability, and the power of networking. Dan shares his experiences in the military, his struggles with identity and community after service, and how he found new passions in archery and photography. He emphasizes the need for veterans to seek help, build connections, and embrace vulnerability as they navigate their post-military lives.

Follow MetroStar ⮕ https://hubs.li/Q03CxJjT0

Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

00:00 Navigating Military Transition: A Personal Journey

06:38 The Importance of Vulnerability in Transition

13:34 Networking: Building Connections for Success

21:41 Finding Identity and Community After Service

29:20 Exploring New Passions: Archery and Photography

44:35 The Power of Vulnerability and Seeking Help

Civvies is exploring the inspiring journey of Tim Marcinowski, from his days as an Information Systems Technician in the U.S. Navy to leading open-source strategy at MetroStar. Discover how Tim's passion for technology and music has shaped his career path, providing him with a unique perspective on innovation and leadership. We learn how music serves as a vital outlet for creativity and stress relief, and how it parallels Tim's approach to problem-solving in the tech world. Tune in to hear Tim's insights on the power of open-source, the importance of finding your people, and the role of mentorship during career transitions.

Jobs at MetroStar ⮕ https://hubs.li/Q03zjgCK0

Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

In this inspiring Civvies episode, Ricky Derring, a former Special Forces operator, shares his profound journey from military life as a Green Beret to becoming a respected leader in corporate America. We dive into:

• • The leadership lessons from the battlefield
• • Building trust through transparency and accountability
• • The importance of self-care and purpose
• • The transformative power of mentorship
• • How veterans can find healing through non-traditional methods

• The essential role of community support

Follow MetroStar ⮕https://hubs.li/Q03xs7JB0

Find Ricky on Instagram ⮕ https://www.instagram.com/greenberetvet/

Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

What is a software factory, and why should veterans care?

In this engaging episode of the Civvies Podcast, co-host Andy Gill sits down with tech trailblazers Matt Nelson (CTO of BESPIN), and Hannah Hunt & Austin Herrling (Distinguished Tech Fellows at MetroStar) to explore how software factories are transforming how the military designs, builds, and delivers software at mission speed. Watch to the end to:

• Hear how troops are transitioning from the battlefield to the keyboard
• Discover how continuous delivery, AI, and mobile tools are redefining DoD operations
• Get actionable tips for veterans looking to break into tech (even if you're just tinkering in your garage!)

This episode is packed with real-world insights, powerful stories of innovation, and advice on turning passion into purpose—especially if you're a transitioning service member.

Connect with our guests on LinkedIn:

Matt Nelson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-nelson-2b7888106/

Hannah Hunt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-feldman-hunt-b8646a97/

Austin Herrling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adherrling/

MetroStar: https://www.linkedin.com/company/83745/admin/dashboard/

Follow MetroStar → https://hubs.li/Q03vtpnW0

Careers at MetroStar → Hiring Our Heroes | MetroStar

Content Warning: Episodes of The Civvies Podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics, including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, and more. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of MetroStar. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The MetroStar name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of their owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

00:00 Introduction to Software Factories and Innovation

03:25 The Birth of DoD Software Factories

08:45 Life Inside a Software Factory

15:00 How Projects Begin: Problem Curation & Real-World Impact

23:55 Leadership, Portfolios & Future Focus

31:25 Challenges: Data, Security & Bureaucracy

43:15 Where Government Meets Industry

54:25 How to Get Involved & Break Into Tech