In this special episode of The Long Strange Trip Podcast, host Josh Patrick sits down with his son, Sam Patrick, a recently retired Special Operations veteran and campus coordinator at The Honor Foundation. Together, they explore the emotional and practical challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life from losing a sense of identity and purpose to rebuilding community and direction.

Sam shares his powerful journey after 20+ years of service, offering honest insights into the realities of retirement, mental health, and reinvention. He also explains how The Honor Foundation helps special operations members prepare for life beyond service — focusing on self-discovery, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode of the Long Strange Trip podcast, host Josh Patrick engages in a deep conversation with Matthew Kimberly, exploring the concept of wisdom and how it is developed over time. Matthew reflects on his journey from youthful arrogance to a more nuanced understanding of life, shaped by personal experiences such as parenting and the loss of his father. He shares poignant anecdotes that illustrate how wisdom often comes from self-awareness and the recognition of one's limitations. The discussion also touches on the importance of curiosity and the dangers of speaking in absolutes, emphasizing that true wisdom involves acknowledging the complexity of life and the need for continuous learning.

As the conversation unfolds, both Josh and Matthew delve into the challenges of parenting, the generational impact of upbringing, and the balance between being present for one's children while also allowing them the space to grow independently. They reflect on the societal pressures surrounding parenting and the importance of fostering open communication with children. The episode concludes with Matthew sharing insights on his work with Book Yourself Solid and his unique approach to marketing and self-employment, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and wisdom.

In this episode, Josh Patrick speaks with Paul Bond, a cancer survivor and CEO of Bond Safety. They discuss their experiences with cancer treatment while managing their businesses, the importance of family support, and the positive impact of sharing their journeys publicly. Paul shares valuable advice for those facing similar challenges, emphasizing the significance of embracing the experience and the support that comes from being open about one's struggles. The conversation highlights the resilience and personal growth that can emerge from such life-altering events.

So, what happens after you finally hand over the keys?

In this episode of the Long Strange Trip, Paul Cronin and I dive into the messy, often uncomfortable reality of transitions—specifically that nagging sense of seller’s remorse so many of us feel but rarely talk about. Paul gets real about his own walk through the corporate world and the emotional gut-punch that comes when you leave a career that’s defined you for decades.

We’re not just talking about money here; we’re looking at the hard work of finding purpose and meaning when your old identity is gone. It’s a challenge, right? You lose the built-in social life of the office and suddenly realize you need to reinvent who you are from the ground up. We explore why building a new social network and a fresh identity isn't just a "nice to have"—it’s a late-life necessity if you want to actually enjoy the trip.

In this episode of the Long Strange Trip podcast, Josh Patrick interviews Rick Kahler, a seasoned wealth manager turned financial therapist. They explore the concept of financial therapy, which merges the emotional aspects of money with financial planning. Rick discusses the importance of understanding the emotional drivers behind financial decisions and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can help individuals navigate their financial behaviors. The conversation also delves into the challenges of business succession, the need for resilience during transitions, and the role of coaches in supporting individuals through these processes. Rick shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing that money problems are often rooted in deeper emotional issues.

In this episode of the Long Strange Trip podcast, host Josh Patrick speaks with Jenny Bellinger, a marketer and transitions expert. They discuss Jenny's unique upbringing as an Air Force child, the challenges of moving frequently, and how these experiences shaped her resilience. Jenny shares her journey from being a middle school teacher to entering the world of multi-level marketing and eventually becoming a coach. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, emotional processing, and the interconnectedness of personal and professional lives.

In this episode of the Long Strange Trip podcast, Josh Patrick interviews Troy E. Jones, founder of Access Financial Resources. They discuss Troy's unique approach to financial planning, focusing on building meaningful relationships with clients and prioritizing employee welfare. Troy shares insights on transitioning clients into retirement, addressing the emotional challenges they face, and the importance of lifelong learning and curiosity in achieving wisdom. The conversation also touches on creative problem-solving techniques in financial planning and the significance of asking the right questions.

In this engaging conversation, Josh Patrick interviews Bruce Peters, who shares his unique approach to balancing family and work through the creation of a family business plan. Bruce discusses the genesis of this plan, its implementation, and how it has shaped his relationships with his family and grandchildren. He reflects on the importance of intentionality in both personal and professional life, the wisdom gained from his experiences, and the strategies he employed to foster meaningful connections with his loved ones. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in the legal profession and the insights gained from his time with Vistage.