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Let’s continue our talk on Energy Work with Candice Van Dertholen In Part 1 of 2 of our conversation, we discussed: * What is energy work? * Why are we in the right time and generation to embrace energy work? * Who can benefit from energy work? * At what age do we become disconnected from our internal language, and how is military transition an opportunity to reconnect with it? * How to identify patterns that may be holding us back from feeling whole, safe, and supported today. * How integrating energy work into your life and being more inquisitive can be of great benefit to you. Now in Part 2 of 2 of our conversation, we discuss: * How does one begin energy work? * The benefits of stillness and slowing down long enough to hear yourself. * Tips on how to build your nervous system relief over time. * Why building and taking the time to learn who you are is so important. * How energy work can serve you through military retirement. * When Candice knew she wanted to be a root cause practitioner and her full-circle moment. This concludes our conversation with Candice Van Dertholen! Thanks for listening! 🎙 Connect with Candice Van Dertholen (Candice Elizabeth) * https://heal.me/candice * https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicevandertholen * https://instagram.com/candice_elizabeth.co * https://substack.com/@candicevandertholen Resources Mentioned * On Assimilation: A Transition from War book by Leo Jenkins * Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us book by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross * Improving Military Mental Health: Spiritune teams up with Blue Star Families - https://www.spiritune.com/blog/improving-military-mental-health-spiritune-blue-star-families Past Episodes Mentioned This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Have you ever been curious about energy work (a.k.a. energy medicine)? We’re excited to welcome Candice Van Dertholen back to the show to answer your questions! But first… Updates! * If this is your first time here, please subscribe at INSIDETHEFORT.COM to get weekly updates on the show, regardless of whether or not I publish a public podcast episode. 🎙 * Reason being, I’m expanding my content from podcasting to blog posts, YouTube videos, exclusive content, and simple newsletter updates! 📰 * I finished the latest draft of my book! I cut down the last draft by 10 chapters, lol. More updates soon! Now, let’s talk Energy Work with Candice Van Dertholen In Part 1 of 2 of our conversation, we discuss: * What is energy work? * Why are we in the right time and generation to embrace energy work? * Who can benefit from energy work? * At what age do we become disconnected from our internal language, and how is military transition an opportunity to reconnect with it * How to identify patterns that may be holding us back from feeling whole, safe, and supported today. * How integrating energy work into your life and being more inquisitive can be of great benefit to you * How does one begin energy work? Part 2 of our conversation, the final part, releases next Thursday! Stay tuned! 🎙 Connect with Candice Van Dertholen (Candice Elizabeth) * https://heal.me/candice * https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicevandertholen * https://instagram.com/candice_elizabeth.co * https://substack.com/@candicevandertholen Past Episodes Mentioned This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Special thanks to Robyn J. Grable, host of the ASCENDing Beyond Barriers podcast, for the opportunity to re-share Jen’s interview on our show! Robyn’s podcast represents her 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The ASCEND Collective (TAC), which is dedicated to creating career pathways for veterans, military spouses, and underserved talent through a skills-first approach. At the ASCEND Collective, they believe talent is defined by potential — and that everyone deserves opportunities that value them as a person, recognize their skills, and provide a path to success. Learn more at https://theascendcollective.org/ It’s been a minute since Jen has had the fortune of being interviewed on someone else’s show! Together, Robyn and Jen discuss the following: * How everything changed when Jen became a Gold Star daughter at 10 years old * How Susan Cain’s book Bittersweet helped Jen channel loss and grief into her work and artistry * How Jen’s family worked with The Price of Freedom Foundation to publish a book about her late father * How it’s like working with her husband at US VetWealth * How retirees find US VetWealth when they are exploring an alternative to the Survivor Benefit Plan * A different perspective for military spouses to make a confident and informed decision on the Survivor Benefit Plan * How Jen’s curiosity about military spouses and the SBP decision led to starting Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth podcast * Jen’s reasoning behind releasing her upcoming book a couple of chapters at a time Jen’s interview is also available on YouTube, thanks to the ASCENDing Beyond Barriers podcast! Also available on Spotify! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

First time here? Welcome! Please listen to the previous episode 228: Supporting Special Operation Forces (SOF) Spouses During Military Transition with Teresa Shick — Part 1 of 2 Some quick announcements before diving back into our interview: * Thank you to everyone who attended US VetWealth’s first Post-Military Career Strategy Circle yesterday on January 14th, 2026, 1 PM (ET)! * More Chapter Releases of Jen’s upcoming book — You’ll get emailed directly if you’ve already subscribed. Otherwise, subscribe now to get your free copy! * And just for subscribing, you’ll also receive: * Podcasting mentorship info for seasoned spouses * Free discovery call with Keyani from Ep. 225 and Ep 226. * Bonus freebies from future guest collaborations * And a free subscription upgrade to become an “Insider” — gain access to Inside the Fort Private Podcast, where Keyani’s Part 3 interview is available! Already subscribed? Scroll to the bottom of our latest newsletter to become an Insider now! We’re excited to continue our conversation with Teresa Shick from the SOF Pillar Foundation to discuss the following: * When Teresa realized that she could explore options outside of the 30-minute radius of her husband’s duty station, and the time it took before their family felt like civilians. * What you can expect at the Pillar Foundation retreats, including scholarships for SOF Spouses returning to school. * Teresa and her family’s ever-evolving journey, even in post-military life. * Pre-retreat surveys SOF Spouses take so that they have a tailored retreat experience. * Teresa’s preference to say “It’s our time as a family” rather than a spouse saying, “It’s my time on retirement.” * Reactions when a spouse is asked, “What do you want?” * Who Teresa is outside of being a military spouse and the Founder of The Pillar Foundation, and what she proclaimed to her family once her husband retired. * The number one thing divorced spouses say they needed in hindsight. * How Teresa is managing life at a relatively slower pace as a civilian. Learn how your donations go toward directly supporting our SOF Spouses at https://www.sofpillarfoundation.org/donate Check out Teresa’s previous episodes 94 & 228: First-time listener? Get up to speed by checking out episode 227 for a recap of the last season! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Happy New Year! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! Some quick announcements before introducing our guest: * US VetWealth’s Post-Military Career Strategy Circle takes place on January 14th, 2026, 1 PM (ET) — RSVP Now by clicking HERE. * More Chapter Releases of Jen’s upcoming book — You’ll get emailed directly if you’ve already subscribed. Otherwise, subscribe now to get your free copy! * And just for subscribing, you’ll also receive: * Podcasting mentorship info for seasoned spouses * Free discovery call with Keyani from Ep. 225 and Ep 226. * Bonus freebies from future guest collaborations * And a free subscription upgrade to become an “Insider” — gain access to Inside the Fort Private Podcast, where Keyani’s Part 3 interview is available! We’re excited to welcome back Teresa Shick from the SOF Pillar Foundation to discuss the following: * How The Pillar Foundation began as an idea in 2017, when her husband was retiring from the Navy SEALs after 24 years. * When she gained non-profit status in 2020 for her in-person (keyword: in-person) retreat. * When she was finally able to execute her mission statement in 2021, she has been steadfast since. * How The Pillar Foundation supports special operation forces (SOF) spouses, two years before through two years after their husband’s transition. * When she and her husband went through military transition together, including how they navigated the Survivor Benefit Plan decision. * And more to come in part 2! Stay tuned next Thursday! Learn more about The Pillar Foundation: https://www.sofpillarfoundation.org/ For more info on TRICARE for former spouses and The 20/20/20 Rule (referencing timestamp 34:10): https://www.military.com/paycheck-chronicles/2015/09/14/understanding-the-202020-rule Check out Teresa’s previous episode no. 94: Start the year right by networking with us at US VetWealth’s Post-Military Career Strategy Circle on January 14th, 2026, 1 PM (ET) A professional roundtable for senior military leaders, recent retirees, and veteran leaders who want a more straightforward path forward — and a stronger network to walk it with. This session brings together peers who understand the reality of transitioning from command-level leadership into corporate roles, consulting, entrepreneurship, or federal service. It’s a space to exchange perspectives, compare notes on the job market, and build relationships with people navigating similar challenges. Check out episode 227 for a recap of last season! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

To wrap up our fall season, Jen recaps the following: * Why she returned to podcasting after her one-year break * Updates on more chapter releases for her upcoming book: The Military Spouse Benefit Plan * Shoutouts to this season’s guests: * Ep. 220 — Stephanie Brown and her SBP Testimonial * Ep. 222 & 223 — Kris & Larry with PatriotCare * Ep. 225 & 226 — Keyani with Mrs. P Framework (plus bonus episode) * Free mentorship for seasoned spouses seeking accountability to start a podcast for 2026. To learn more: click here. * How to become a guest on HDTF: click here. The show will resume on Thursday, January 8th! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄🎉 P.S. Join us for US VetWealth’s Post-Military Career Strategy Circle on January 14th, 2026, 1 PM (ET) A professional roundtable for senior military leaders, recent retirees, and veteran leaders who want a more straightforward path forward — and a stronger network to walk it with. This session brings together peers who understand the reality of transitioning from command-level leadership into corporate roles, consulting, entrepreneurship, or federal service. It’s a space to exchange perspectives, compare notes on the job market, and build relationships with people navigating similar challenges. Or RSVP now by clicking HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

First time listener? Please listen to the previous episode 225 for part one of Keyani’s interview! We’re excited to welcome Keyani Washington back to the show to catch up on the following for Part 2 of 3 of her interview: * A continuation of how ChatGPT can clarify original thoughts and suggest content ideas. * A final emphasis on Mindset as the first step in the MRSP Framework * The next two steps in Keyani’s framework: Responsibility and Standard * Clarification on setting an “inner standard” * Keyani’s “You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal” * And more to come! Part 3 of 3 is now available exclusively to our podcast subscribers! In the final part of our conversation: * We stress the significance of following Keyani’s MRSP Framework in the order mentioned * How the MRSP Framework applies to your professional and personal life * Simple steps to get started with Keyani’s “You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal.” How can I listen to Part 3? * Subscribe to INSIDETHEFORT.COM. * In your welcome email, you’ll see instructions on how to upgrade your subscription for free. * Note: Please save [email protected] as a trusted contact. If you don’t receive a welcome email, please check your SPAM folder. Issues? Contact Jen at [email protected] * Listen to Part 3 on our private podcast: Inside the Fort by US VetWealth. Check out Keyani’s previous episodes: Ep. 153, Ep. 213, & 225 — First time here? Subscribe to INSIDETHEFORT.COM to receive your FREE upgrade to listen to Part 3 of Keyani’s interview! Resources Mentioned * The Rosie Network — https://www.therosienetwork.org/ * You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal — https://keyanisiobhan.com/you-set-the-meaning-7-day-journal This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

We’re excited to welcome Keyani Washington back to the show to catch up on the following: * Keyani’s latest involvement with The Rosie Network * Keyani’s MRSP Framework (a.k.a. “Mrs. P”) for leveling up in your personal or professional life, starting with “Mindset” and how it leads to “Responsibility.” * How ChatGPT helped clarify Keyani’s “original thought” and condensed the brainstorming process to create her framework. This is Part 1 of 3 of Keyani’s interview! Here’s what to look forward to in Part 2: * A continuation of how ChatGPT can clarify original thoughts and suggest content ideas. * A final emphasis on Mindset as the first step in the MRSP Framework * The next two steps in Keyani’s framework: Responsibility and Standard * Clarification on setting an “inner standard” * Keyani’s “You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal” * And more to come! Subscribe to the podcast to be the first to hear about Keyani’s upcoming giveaway — plus additional freebies just for subscribing! Check out Keyani’s previous episodes: Ep. 153 & Ep. 213 — Resources Mentioned * The Rosie Network — https://www.therosienetwork.org/ * You Set the Meaning: 7-Day Journal — https://keyanisiobhan.com/you-set-the-meaning-7-day-journal This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Happy end of Military Family Appreciation Month and Happy Thanksgiving! Jen shares a mix of updates, including: * The updated objective for the show and the value of seeking a second opinion for military retirement, especially regarding military benefits such as SBP, TSP, and VGLI. * An update on Jen’s upcoming book, The Military Spouse Benefit Plan. * How small businesses and entrepreneurs can support military families by hiring military spouse virtual assistants who provide tailored administrative solutions. * And what’s next for the show! Resources Mentioned * Military Family Appreciation Month — https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month * An alternative way to protect your pension — https://usvetwealth.com/military-retirement-income-toolkit-help-center/ * Freedom Makers — https://www.freedom-makers.com/ Happy Military Family Appreciation Month & Happy Thanksgiving, we are thankful for our military and for everyone who supports them! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

First-Time Listener? Be sure to listen to Part One of this interview by clicking HERE. At US VetWealth, we often talk about exploring alternative solutions to the Survivor Benefit Plan. Today, we’re taking that same mindset and applying it to healthcare. Meet Kris and Larry, the partners behind PatriotCare — an organization offering an alternative to TRICARE and traditional health insurance. While PatriotCare’s website highlights “Healthcare Benefits for Small Businesses & Independent Contractors,” this conversation reveals so much more: the heart and mission behind their work for the military community. In this second and final part of our interview, you’ll hear: * More real-life scenarios on how available, affordable, and accessible PatriotCare is * The term “medical cost sharing company” and how it’s different from a traditional health insurance company * What Kris’ late father impressed upon him, working in life insurance for 65 years * …and more! If you’re ready to explore new opportunities and ideas beyond the military and make more confident choices for your next chapter, this episode is for you. This concludes our conversation with Kris & Larry from PatriotCare — thanks for listening! Resources Mentioned * PatriotCare - https://www.patriotcarehealth.us/ * The Rosie Network - https://therosienetwork.org/ * Stephanie Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniebrown/ * Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce - https://milspousechamber.org * Military Family Appreciation Month - https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month * Josh Hager’s Hero WOD with CrossFit - https://www.crossfit.com/workout/2007/02/26#/comments This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

At US VetWealth, we often talk about exploring alternative solutions to the Survivor Benefit Plan. Today, we’re taking that same mindset and applying it to healthcare. Meet Kris and Larry, the partners behind PatriotCare — an organization offering an alternative to TRICARE and traditional health insurance. While PatriotCare’s website highlights “Healthcare Benefits for Small Businesses & Independent Contractors,” this conversation reveals so much more: the heart and mission behind their work for the military community. In this first part of our interview, you’ll hear: * How Larry met Stephanie Brown and became involved with The Rosie Network * Kris’ journey as a Gold Star Dad to Army Ranger Josh Hager, who was killed in Iraq in 2007 * The story of how PatriotCare came to be * How PatriotCare provides healthcare that’s available, affordable, and accessible — with real-life examples * A discussion on the lost art of “asking for the sale” and the power of face-to-face connection If you’re ready to explore new opportunities and ideas beyond the military and make more confident choices for your next chapter, this episode is for you. Stay tuned for Part 2! Resources Mentioned * PatriotCare - https://www.patriotcarehealth.us/ * The Rosie Network - https://therosienetwork.org/ * Stephanie Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniebrown/ * Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce - https://milspousechamber.org * Military Family Appreciation Month - https://www.military.com/military-family-appreciation-month * Josh Hager’s Hero WOD with CrossFit - https://www.crossfit.com/workout/2007/02/26#/comments This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of The Military Spouse Benefit Plan are now available! Jen introduces the main character of our story: Susan the Seasoned Spouse. Let me introduce you to the main character of our story. Her name is Susan. She’s not new to military life, nor is she bitter about it. If anything, she’s mastered it—three kids, a system for everything, from packing boxes to organizing the family’s important documents. She’s the woman who knows where the birth certificates are at a moment’s notice and has the emergency contact forms pre-filled before anyone asks. Tonight, Susan is sitting at the kitchen table in her twelfth home. The refrigerator is lined with magnets from past duty stations. Her husband, Dave, just returned from a transition briefing. He’s retiring O-6 with 26 years of service, still in uniform, scrolling through emails as Susan tries to make sense of a stack of papers and an open laptop. “It was… a lot,” Dave mutters. Susan looks up. “Yeah? What do I need to know?” “There’s this thing called the SBP. Survivor Benefit Plan,” he explains. “Basically, when I die, you’d still get some of my pension.” Susan raises an eyebrow. “Sounds… morbid. And vague.” He shrugs. “Comes out of retirement pay, my pension. I think we have to sign something.” The way he said “we” unsettles her. He doesn’t sound certain, but something tied directly to Dave’s pension, something that him and their family will be rewarded with after the decades of his service, seemed important to understand. No matter what happens in the early years of post-military, Dave’s pension is the steady income they’ll need to get settled. Later that night, with the dishwasher humming and the kids finally asleep, Susan decides to reopen her laptop. She visits the DoD site, scrolls, and stumbles on an unfamiliar truth: The decision to choose the SBP isn’t automatic. But how it’s chosen is hers to make. Her written consent is necessary. Susan can’t help but wonder: What if she didn’t discover this on her own? Who would’ve told her? Of course, she shrugs her shoulders and raises a brow, thinking that seeking out important information isn’t new to her. As she continues to stare at the screen, a new thought begins to form. “Wait… do I actually get to decide this?” To be continued… Listen to the episode now! If you’ve already downloaded the Introduction, you’ll be emailed the new chapters soon. If you haven’t downloaded the Introduction yet, then what are you waiting for? It’s free (and I won’t take it personally if you unsubscribe from future emails—yes, I do that, too, lol)! Download now by visiting: https://jenusvetwealth.gumroad.com/l/msbp/SUBSTACK This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

The Rosie Network’s Founder and CEO, Stephanie Brown, shares her experience with the Survivor Benefit Plan after the passing of her late husband, Tom, who served over 30 years of active duty in the Navy as an officer, retiring as a Rear Admiral. Check out Stephanie’s last interview, Ep. 200: About The Rosie Network: The Rosie Network is a non-profit organization founded by military spouse Stephanie Brown after spending hours searching online for a contractor to do repair work on her home. Preferring to hire a veteran, a vision was born to promote military family-owned businesses to the American public. Shortly after, Rosie’s List was launched, the first-of-its-kind search tool featuring verified veteran- and military-spouse-owned businesses. Understanding the complex needs of small businesses, the Service2CEO Program was developed to educate and empower the next generation of military-connected entrepreneurs! Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thestephaniebrown/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Jen shares candid updates and reflections since late summer about online networking events, what’s next for the podcast, progress on her upcoming book, and more! For military-connected online networking events, you can check out Episode 216. As of now, Jen’s objective for this podcast season is to offer education, resources, and perspectives from the private and nonprofit sectors to encourage our seasoned spouses and retirees to expand their choices and options beyond the military for their next chapter as civilians. If you’re interested in networking with Jen because this message resonates with you, please reach out! Connect with Jen on LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/jenamos or send an email. (It’s highly encouraged that you read the preview of my upcoming book before reaching out!) The first chapter of The Military Spouse Benefit Plan is available now! If you’ve already downloaded the Introduction, you’ll be emailed the first chapter soon. If you haven’t downloaded the Introduction yet, then what are you waiting for? It’s free (and I won’t take it personally if you unsubscribe from future emails—yes, I do that, too, lol)! Download now by visiting: https://jenusvetwealth.gumroad.com/l/msbp/SUBSTACK This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

Jen shares a snippet from Scott R. Tucker’s book, Don’t Forget Your War Chest, for military retirees seeking an alternative solution to the Survivor Benefit Plan. Jen’s upcoming book, The Military Spouse Benefit Plan, addresses the same topic for military spouses seeking a confident and informed decision about the Survivor Benefit Plan. The Introduction of The Military Spouse Benefit Plan and a free PDF of Don’t Forget Your Chest (for ranks E9, O5, and O6) is now available at: https://jenusvetwealth.gumroad.com/l/msbp/SUBSTACK This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe