Q&R (Question & Response) Podcast
Question & Response (Q&R) is a podcast for veterans who know there’s more life after the uniform—but aren’t interested in following a one-size-fits-all transition plan.
Hosted by Quincy and Ryan, Q&R dives into the real conversations around transitioning out of the military, especially for those choosing unconventional paths. From entrepreneurship and self-employment to mindset shifts, identity, and purpose beyond service, this show tackles what most transition briefings never cover.
Each episode blends honest dialogue with practical insight, highlighting military-owned small businesses and veteran entrepreneurs who are building something meaningful in their communities. These aren’t highlight reels—they’re real stories, real struggles, and real wins from people who’ve been in the fight and chose to bet on themselves.
Whether you’re preparing to transition, recently separated, already building a business, or simply redefining success after service, Question & Response offers perspective, clarity, and the confidence to build what’s next—on your own terms.
Because your identity was never the uniform.
And your next mission is yours to define.
Q&R (Question & Response) Podcast
Mike Hayes aka DJ Magic: From the farm to Entrepreneur
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What happens when a small-town kid from rural Georgia leaves the farm, serves over 20 years in the United States Air Force… and accidentally discovers his calling in an empty NCO club?
In this episode of Question & Response, Ryan and Quincy sit down with Mike Hays — better known as DJ Magic — to unpack a journey that proves purpose doesn’t always arrive with a perfect plan.
Mike’s DJ career didn’t start with a business strategy or a dream board. It started when his mentor asked him to “cover the booth for a few minutes”… and didn’t come back for an hour and a half.
Alone. No roadmap. No backup. Just pressure.
What could have been a disaster became a spark.
From that moment, Mike fell in love with the craft — reading crowds, controlling energy, creating experiences. But passion is one thing. Building a business is another. And like many veterans transitioning from service, he had to learn the hard way that talent doesn’t automatically equal entrepreneurship.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Growing up on a farm and how it shaped his work ethic
- Serving 20+ years in the Air Force while discovering a creative outlet
- The uncomfortable transition from hobbyist to business owner
- Lessons learned about pricing, branding, and building a reputation
- What veterans often miss about the business side of entrepreneurship
- Reinventing identity beyond rank and title
This conversation isn’t just about music. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself when you’re thrown into the deep end.
If you’re a veteran navigating transition, an aspiring entrepreneur learning as you go, or someone who discovered your passion by accident — this episode is for you.
Because sometimes your next chapter doesn’t start with a plan.
It starts with being left alone in the booth.
🎙️ Listen now and discover how DJ Magic turned pressure into purpose.
email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com
http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209
Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/
Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr