How do Mission, Purpose, and Leadership evolve after the uniform comes off? In this week’s Your Next Mission ® video podcast episode, SMA Tilley sits down with SFC Johnny Vargas, also known as “Viva La Vargas” across Social Media, for a powerful conversation about impact, responsibility, and choosing to be a light in a dark world.

Johnny shares why real leadership isn’t about rank, platforms, or recognition. It's about showing up for people, leading with empathy, and using your influence to help others win. This episode speaks to Veterans, leaders, and anyone searching for meaning, connection, and direction in their next chapter.

The $1 Mission changing the Military is happening behind the scenes and most people never hear about it. In this week’s episode on Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Robert Irvine, Chef, Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist, Tireless Supporter of our Nation’s Veterans, Military, Families and First Responders and Founder of the Robert Irvine Foundation.

Together, they explore how modernizing the military food service, improving nutrition, and focusing on human performance directly impact readiness across the Joint Forces. From major installations to daily life for Servicemembers and their Families, this conversation highlights why fuel, recovery, and leadership matter.

In this week’s Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley explores with SFC (R) William A. “Stevo” Stephens Jr., Founder of 1821 Productions Voice of the Voiceless, the Three Pillars outlined in his books: The Mirror, The Broken Mirror, and No Filter.

Through his Three Pillars—therapeutic poetry, coping mechanisms for military transition and self-development, and advocacy—Stevo shares how creative expression, personal growth, and continued service play a critical role in Veterans Wellness, helping them rediscover their identity and sense of purpose after leaving military service.

🎙️ On this Your Next Mission® video podcast episode, SMA Tilley explores with Steve Luppino, Founder and Executive Director of Hyperformance Foundation, how competing and reclaiming one’s purpose can transform lives. Steve discusses his commitment to supporting Servicemembers, Veterans, First Responders, their Families, and the Families of the fallen through Adaptive Sports.

He explains how purposeful competition creates community, rebuilds confidence, and shifts perceptions around disability. From personal breakthroughs to representing America globally, Steve highlights how the foundation helps people reignite their mission and discover a renewed sense of purpose.

🎙️ In this week’s Your Next Mission® video podcast episode, SMA Tilley welcomes 1SG (R) Shirley V. Baéz, Founder of LeadHership Academy and Board Member of the BLK OPS™ Foundation.

Shirley shares how she confronted imposter syndrome, leaned into uncomfortable challenges, and learned that true leadership is about building genuine connections with your people, beyond rank or title.

Evolving to meet the fight for the future of our Force: In this week’s Your Next Mission® video podcast episode, SMA Tilley sits down with CSM Chad B. Harness from the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force-Africa (SETAF-AF) to discuss how the Army is evolving to adapt to tomorrow’s future operational landscape 🌍💪.

From integrating unmanned systems 🤖✈️ and next-generation data platforms 💾📡 to transforming the 173rd Airborne Brigade ⚡🎒 into a faster, more agile force, SETAF-AF is reshaping readiness across Europe and Africa. SMA Tilley and CSM Harness also break down the HQ’s journey toward full Joint Task Force validation 🏢 and its impact on global mission readiness 🌐🛡️.

Inside the VA: Straight Talk brings you a direct, honest conversation as SMA Tilley sits down with The Honorable Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of the VA, for a powerful episode focused on the future of Veteran care.

Together, they break down the VA’s next-generation electronic health record system and why seamless DoD-to-VA connectivity is essential for faster access, safer care, and a better experience for every Veteran.

🎙️ In this week’s special episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast recognizing Veterans Day, SMA Tilley sits down with LTG (R) Walter E. Piatt, Chief Executive Officer of the Wounded Warrior Project, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about what it truly means to bring every warrior home — mind, body, and soul.

Together, they discuss the challenges many Veterans face after service, the mission of the Wounded Warrior Project to support their healing and transition, and the importance of community and purpose in helping warriors rediscover life beyond the uniform.