Shows
Blue Yonder#10 Rich PelletierIn this episode of Blue Yonder, Jacob reconnects with retired Chief Rich Pelletier to explore how purpose, service, and leadership shaped his military career and post-service success. From their time launching leadership initiatives at Shaw AFB to Rich's transition into Amazon, the conversation dives deep into discovering your next mission, the power of mentorship, and why role modeling matters more than ever after hanging up the uniform.
🎙️ Show Notes
Episode Title: The Power of Purpose: Rich Pelletier’s Journey from Weapons Chief to Amazon Leader
Guest: Rich Pelletier
Host: Jake Peeterse
Podcast: Blue Yonder2025-08-031h 02Blue Yonder#9 Jeff TuckerIn this episode of Blue Yonder, Jacob reconnects with his first Air Force roommate, Jeff Tucker, to reflect on nearly three decades of friendship, service, and transition.
Jeff shares his unexpected path to the Air Force at age 23, his experiences as a recruiter, and the highs and lows of military life — including leadership challenges, post-9/11 deployments, and tough career decisions.
They talk openly about transition struggles, the loss of identity after service, divorce, depression, and how Jeff ultimately rebuilt his life through real estate and community in East Tennessee.
This episode is a ca...2025-07-261h 13Blue Yonder#8 Charles HolmanIn this powerful episode of Blue Yonder, Jake reconnects with longtime friend and retired Air Force veteran Charles Holman for the first time in nearly two decades. What unfolds is a deeply candid conversation about trauma, transformation, and the often unseen weight of military service. From his chaotic early years and near-death experiences to becoming a respected leader in both military and tech startup spaces, Charles reflects on the cost of service, the struggle of transition, and what it means to truly reinvent yourself after the uniform comes off.
2025-07-211h 18Blue Yonder#7 Michael RainerIn this candid conversation, Jake sits down with retired Air Force Master Sergeant Michael Rainer to explore the highs, lows, and unexpected realities of life after the military. Michael opens up about the decision to join the Air Force, the challenges of staying in, and the pivotal moment when he chose retirement—not because he was ready to stop serving, but because his family needed stability.
He talks through the emotional complexity of letting go of the uniform, struggling through five different jobs post-retirement, and how the cultural shock of civilian life caught him off guard. Michael’s st...2025-07-1452 minBlue Yonder#6 Willie PayneIn this episode, Jake sits down with Willie Payne, a man who has built a life around hard work, humility, and staying true to his values. From the early days of working under pressure to navigating career changes and building family life, Willie shares reflections on what it means to keep showing up—no matter what life throws your way. It’s a story of quiet strength, resilience, and real-world wisdom that listeners from all walks of life can relate to.
2025-06-2458 minBlue Yonder#5 Jeremy McFallIn this candid and deeply personal episode, Jacob sits down with longtime friend and retired Air Force firefighter Jeremy McFall. From skipping high school to leading firefighting teams in Iraq, Jeremy's story is one of transformation, resilience, and humility. The two veterans reflect on deployments, discipline, leadership lessons, and what it really feels like to transition out of 24 years of military service. Whether you're in uniform, recently retired, or just someone trying to navigate life's next chapter — this episode will resonate.
2025-06-221h 10Blue Yonder#4 J AcreToday I got to spend some time with an old friend and discuss his journey through the military and into civilian life. Huge take away...taking that sense of service and putting it in a box and off to the side. If you have been there then you know that feeling.
2025-06-171h 14Blue Yonder#3 Kent and RobbieThis podcast-style transcript features a candid conversation hosted by Jacob Peeterse with long-time friends and fellow Air Force retirees Kent and Robbie Greenwood. The episode delves into their shared military past, their simultaneous retirement from the Air Force on April 1, 2024, and the personal transformations they’ve experienced since transitioning into civilian life.
2025-04-151h 17Blue Yonder#2 Ryan SchnydersSat down with a long time friend Ryan and discussed his journey from retiring from the Air Force to being a real estate agent for professional athletes. There are quiet a few twist and turns but very much worth the ride. One huge thing sticks out to me from this discussion, when asked what he wishes he knew prior to retiring that he knows his answer was, there is nothing to fear!
2025-04-031h 29Blue Yonder#1 Josh BToday I sat down with long time friend Josh and discussed his leaving the Air Force at a young age as well as his return to service as a commissioned officer. We covered a lot of ground in between, hope you enjoy.
Â
2025-03-201h 44