🎙️ Rise to Run Podcast – Episode 11: “Career Chaos, Dogs, and Dutch Last Names” Guest: Leora Opstelten

In Episode 11 of Rise to Run, Alan is back with his trademark unfiltered energy, joined by the fierce and funny Leora Opstelten—a career counselor who’s made it her mission to help veterans navigate the often brutal transition out of military life. If you’re a vet who’s ever felt like civilian life is harder to crack than a secret mission, this one’s for you.

Leora brings both heart and humor to the conversation, as she and Alan dive into her journey from growing up in the shadow of Stanford University to finding her stride in Los Angeles. From escaping the chaos of high-stress law firms to falling into the world of recruiting, her path hasn’t been linear—but it’s been deeply impactful. Along the way, we hear about her stubborn and lovable pittie-shepherd-husky mix, who doubles as a service dog and emotional support queen, and why her Dutch last name might literally mean “on stilts.”

The episode goes off the rails in the best way possible—touching on everything from ancient Jewish pyramid labor conspiracies to what it’s like dating a Jewish Marine she met on JDate (yes, seriously). Alan and Leora’s banter is hilarious, real, and at times, surprisingly deep.

This episode is a rollercoaster of stories, laughs, and real talk that hits home for anyone who's ever had to start over, love a stubborn dog, or figure out what the hell to do after life throws you a curveball. Buckle up—it’s a good one.