Donna sits down with Noah Smith—Marine Corps veteran, mailman, and military science fiction author—to talk about rediscovering creativity after military service. Noah shares his journey from serving in Afghanistan to transitioning into civilian life, the loss of creative identity many veterans face, and how writing became a powerful outlet for healing, calm, and purpose.

This conversation explores the challenges of transition, the importance of support systems, and why finding a creative outlet can be life-changing.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Noah’s background: joining the Marines at 24 and serving in Afghanistan
• The struggle of losing and rediscovering creativity after military service
• The role of family support, especially Noah’s wife
• How writing military science fiction became a therapeutic creative outlet
• Creating and publishing his debut novel After the Change
• A look ahead at his upcoming sequel Nightfall
• Advice for veterans and creatives: Adapt and overcome

Guest Links & Resources

📘 After the Change — Available on Amazon (paperback, hardcover, Kindle, audiobook)

🌐 www.milsyfy.com — Sign up for Noah’s newsletter

Listener Takeaways

• Creativity is essential for mental health and personal growth
• Support systems matter—especially during life transitions
• It’s never too late to try something new

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