Operation Next Chapter
Operation Next Chapter is a leadership and life podcast for people navigating transition, pressure, and purpose.
Hosted by Marc and Cole — two former U.S. Air Force First Sergeants — the show is built on real stories from the diamond: moments of crisis, accountability, compassion, and growth that shaped how they led people when it mattered most.
Each episode breaks down lessons learned in high-stress environments and translates them into practical guidance for everyday life — at work, at home, in relationships, and in personal growth.
At the heart of the show is a simple mission: RECLAIM — your leadership, your finances, your health, and your next chapter of life.
Whether you’re a veteran transitioning out of service, a leader feeling the weight of responsibility, or someone looking to live with more intention and resilience, Operation Next Chapter is here to help you move forward with clarity and purpose.
Because leadership doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — it evolves.
Email us at OperationNextChapter@gmail.com
Episodes
35 episodes
Memorial Day: For the Ones Who Never Came Home
This Memorial Day episode is a personal one.With Cole out of town, Marc sits down solo to talk about the real meaning behind Memorial Day, the purpose behind the Murph workout, and remembering a close friend lost in Afghanistan.Th...
Purpose Without a Mission Statement
A lot of people are waiting for clarity before they move forward.A perfect plan. A big moment. A clearly defined mission statement.But purpose usually doesn’t show up that way.In this episode, Marc and Col...
Who Defines Success Now?
At some point, the scorecard changes.The rank is gone. The titles fade. And the external validation that once defined success… isn’t there anymore.So the question becomes:Who defines success now?<...
Money Reveals Your Leadership
Here’s a strong, on-brand Buzzsprout description for Episode 5:Money doesn’t just reflect your situation…It reveals your leadership.In this episode, Marc and Cole break down the connection between financial habits an...
Life After the Badge
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, we sit down with a retired law enforcement officer to talk about the reality of life after a career built on structure, responsibility, and accountability.This isn’t about war stories or nostalg...
Leadership at Home
You can lead teams, run operations, and carry responsibility all day—but if you’re not leading well at home, it eventually catches up.In this episode, we take a hard look at what leadership really means inside your own walls.Becau...
Small Things, Done Daily
Most people don’t struggle because they don’t know what to do…They struggle because they don’t do the small things — consistently.In this episode, Marc and Cole break down what discipline actually looks like in real life.No...
No Rank. No Title. Now What?
What happens when the rank comes off… and no one is telling you what to do anymore?In this episode, Marc and Cole — retired Air Force First Sergeants — kick off Season 3 by redefining what leadership really looks like outside the uniform...
Season 3 Trailer
Season 3 of Operation Next Chapter is here. This season is about leadership without the uniform. Because at some point, the rank and the uniform comes off…In this season, Marc and Cole — reti...
What The Diamond Taught Us About Life After the Uniform
The uniform may come off, but the lessons stay.In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole reflect on what the First Sergeant “diamond” taught them — not just about leadership in the military, but about life after service.
The Ripple Effect of Leadership
Leadership is rarely confined to a single moment. The way we lead today shapes people, decisions, and outcomes long after the moment has passed.In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole explore the ripple effect leadership...
Leading Without All the Answers
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, we tackle one of the biggest myths in leadership — that leaders are supposed to have everything figured out.The truth? Real leadership isn’t about always having the right answers. It’s about hav...
Consistency Builds Credibility
Episode 9: Consistency Builds CredibilityIn this episode of Operation Next Chapter, we break down a simple truth that separates good leaders from great ones: consistency builds credibility.Anyone can show up strong once. An...
Authority vs. Influence
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, we explore the powerful difference between authority and influence — and why one will always outlast the other.Authority can be given by a title. Influence is earned through character.Mar...
Families, Sacrifice, and Second Chances
Behind every uniform, every long shift, and every leadership role is a family making sacrifices most people never see.In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole talk openly about the impact service and leadership h...
We Carry Each Other
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole talk about the strength that comes from standing together, supporting one another, and choosing to lead with loyalty and care. Through personal stories and real conversations, they explor...
When Leaders Fall Apart
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole address a reality many leaders face but few talk about — what happens when the leader is the one struggling. From burnout and personal crises to moments of doubt and emotional ex...
Tough Conversations, Real Leadership
Sometimes the hardest part of leadership isn’t making decisions — it’s having the conversations no one else wants to have. In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole share real stories of accountability, honesty, and grow...
The Human Behind the Rank
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole explore an often-overlooked truth about leadership: behind every rank, title, or position is a human being. One with struggles, fears, responsibilities, and life happening outsid...
Leading Thru Chaos
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole dive into what leadership really looks like when everything feels out of control. From high-stress situations in the military to unexpected challenges in everyday life, chaos has...
Lessons from the Diamond
Season 2 of Operation Next Chapter takes you inside real leadership moments from our time as United States Air Force First Sergeants — but this season isn’t just for those who served.Every story we share is about people: navigat...
Leading Your Legacy
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole explore a powerful truth: legacy isn’t something you leave behind someday — it’s something you live out every single day. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, they discuss ho...
Emotional Armor: Managing Stress and Anger
In this episode of Operation Next Chapter, Marc and Cole tackle a topic many people struggle with but rarely talk about openly — managing stress and anger before they manage you. From high-pressure environments to everyday life after s...