In this episode of Hindsight Podcast, host Lee Jones speaks with Anthony Dyer, a U.S. Air Force combat veteran and author of 'Moon Child.' They discuss Anthony's experiences in combat, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of vulnerability and support in the healing process. Anthony shares his journey of rediscovering purpose after service, the duality of being a hero in combat versus feeling lost at home, and the role of faith in his recovery. The conversation emphasizes the significance of recognizing personal struggles and seeking help, as well as the impact of sharing experiences to support others in similar situations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anthony Dyer and His Journey

01:57 The Meaning Behind 'Moon Child'

04:47 The Call to Combat Special Missions

07:33 The Duality of Combat and Identity Loss

10:31 The Second Battle: Personal Struggles After Service

13:15 Vulnerability and Healing Through Writing

16:18 Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform

18:11 Reflections on Satisfying and Challenging Days in Service

19:19 The Impact of Close Air Support

21:00 Facing the Reality of Rescue Missions

21:42 The Importance of Vulnerability and Recognition

23:13 Building a Supportive Circle

24:44 Advice to My Younger Self

25:29 The Emotional Journey of Recovery

26:21 The Role of Faith in Healing

28:56 Transitioning to Civilian Life

33:21 Finding Purpose After Service

In this conversation, Evan Poling shares his journey as an entrepreneur and veteran, discussing the importance of resilience, mindset, and the challenges faced in business. He emphasizes the need for clarity and vision in entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from failure, and the role of personal values and faith in overcoming obstacles. Evan also offers advice for veterans transitioning to civilian life, highlighting the importance of community and understanding different perspectives. The discussion concludes with encouragement to embrace struggles as part of the growth process.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

08:53 Facing Challenges in Business

15:13 Understanding the Business Landscape

19:09 Mindset and Resilience in Entrepreneurship

22:04 Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success

24:24 The Gray Areas of Life and Business

26:09 Military Discipline vs. Entrepreneurial Uncertainty

28:46 Advice for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

36:43 Finding Clarity Through Vision and Mission

39:41 The Role of Faith in Personal and Professional Growth

Evan Poling is an entrepreneur, veteran, and lifelong learner driven by curiosity, optimization, and deep understanding. He is the founder of BizRetire.com, where he’s challenging a 300-year-old industry by rethinking how business owners transition and exit. Drawing from military service and hands-on experience building, owning, and struggling through business, Evan brings a grounded, honest perspective on growth, failure, and resilience.

https://www.youtube.com/@BizRetire

https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanpoling/

https://www.bizretire.com/

Host Lee Jones and Dr. Melissa Robinson explore the critical role of empathy in leadership on Hindsight the Podcast. Dr. Robinson shares her journey from a professional musician to an advocate for emotionally intelligent leadership, discussing the challenges she faced in academia and the importance of fostering empathetic cultures in organizations. The discussion emphasizes that empathy is not just a soft skill but a vital component for enhancing communication, productivity, and overall workplace culture.

In this episode:

00:00 The Journey to Empathy in Leadership

05:58 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose

14:29 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

17:46 Recognizing the Signs of Missing Empathy

23:46 Debunking Myths About Empathy

27:09 Defining Empathy in Practical Terms

27:39 Understanding Empathy vs. People Pleasing

30:32 The Importance of Kindness in Leadership

32:08 Self-Empathy: The Key to Effective Leadership

35:03 Measuring Empathy's ROI in Leadership

38:49 The Role of Self-Reflection in Leadership

40:53 Empathy's Impact on Society

43:31 The Empathic Leader: Insights from Dr. Melissa

47:39 The Future of Empathy in Leadership

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@hindsightthepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

👉 Watch the full playlist on Career Transitions:

About my special guest:

Melissa shares her powerful journey from a decades-long career as a professional musician to becoming an advocate for emotionally intelligent leadership after facing the challenges of toxic environments in academia. Together, Lee and Melissa explore how empathy connects to personal growth, communication, and professional development — and why self-empathy is the starting point for understanding and leading others.

They dive into the science of emotional intelligence, the different types of empathy, and the real-world impact of leading with compassion. From improving mental health and reducing workplace conflict to boosting employee retention and satisfaction, this conversation proves that empathy is not a weakness — it’s a measurable strength that drives performance and culture.

If you’re ready to rethink leadership and create a workplace culture built on emotional intelligence, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Dr. Winemiller at:

👉 https://eqviaempathy.com/

👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@UCGqJzMD6gNwB5nZoI6Mu0MA

#HindsightThePodcast #Mindset #CareerChange #Resilience #SelfDiscovery