The Harden Up Podcast
"The Harden Up Podcast" brings you into the world of high-performance training and adventure through the expert lens of Matt Harden—a former USMC Infantry Squad Leader, veteran SWAT Team Leader, and founder of OpTempo Training Group. Each episode delivers compelling conversations with leading specialists across tactical operations, athletic development, overlanding expeditions, and extreme sports.
Matt's military and law enforcement background provides the perfect foundation for extracting practical wisdom from his guests, offering listeners actionable strategies they can implement immediately. Whether you're a tactical professional, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone looking to elevate your performance and push beyond comfort zones, this podcast delivers the insights and motivation you need.
The Harden Up Podcast
Ep 55: Jennifer Vollbrecht- USMC Crew Chief and Entrepreneur
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vollbrecht, a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crew chief and door gunner who has transformed her experience in the military into a thriving career in project leadership and consulting. As the President and CEO of J. Vollbrecht Consulting, she leads teams delivering high-impact projects for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, with a strong presence at national laboratory facilities.
Jennifer shares insights from her 15+ years managing complex capital asset projects, her approach to leadership, and how her military mindset shaped her success in the civilian world. We also talk about her passion for giving back—especially through her work with Women Veterans Giving, where she supports fellow veteran entrepreneurs.
Whether you're interested in leadership, project management, or veteran advocacy, this episode is packed with value from someone who's lived it at every level.
Topics Covered:
- Transitioning from military service to civilian leadership
- Project management in high-stakes environments
- Supporting women veteran entrepreneurs
- Lessons in resilience, respect, and team execution
Book- My Mom is a Veteran: https://a.co/d/13KQbC6
Book- Girls Guide To Military Service: https://a.co/d/fG3wLrK
Vet100: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/2025-vet100/
CEO Circle: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/bunker-labs/ceocircle/
Vibe Network: https://www.vibnetwork.org/
Insitute for Veterans and Military Families: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/