In this episode of the Liberty Call Podcast, I sit down with Joel “Rod” Rodriguez, a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief who served 31 years and finished his career as the Command Master Chief aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.

Rod and I go back to our time at COMHSCWINGPAC, when I was a Lieutenant and he was a Senior Chief. That shared experience sets the tone for a grounded, honest conversation about leadership, legacy, and life after the uniform.

We talk candidly about:

1. What truly matters in the final years before retirement
2. Common mistakes Sailors make when transitioning out
3. Leadership lessons from the deckplates to the flag level
4. How to mentally prepare for life after the Navy
5. Advice for those already retired and searching for purpose

This episode is packed with real-world wisdom, hard-earned lessons, and straight talk from a Master Chief who’s lived it all—and isn’t sugarcoating a thing.

Whether you’re still serving, nearing retirement, or already retired, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🎙️ Episode: Liberty Call Podcast

🎖️ Guest: LCDR Aaron Kastrup, USN (Ret.)

Today we sit down with retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Aaron Kastrup, a proven leader and veteran who dedicated his career to service, sacrifice, and building warriors. Aaron pulls back the curtain on the realities of Navy life — the wins, the struggles, family challenges, leadership lessons, and the emotional transition into civilian life.

This episode delivers straight talk about:

1. Life in the Navy and key milestones in Aaron’s career
2. Leadership under stress and what makes great Sailors succeed
3. Family life, resilience, and the impact of military service at home
4. The emotional and mental side of leaving the service
5. What life after the Navy really looks like
6. Aaron’s advice for active duty, reservists, retirees, and families

If you wear the uniform, once wore it, or love someone who does — this conversation will resonate.

If you’re enjoying the Liberty Call Podcast, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another veteran or military family.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyCallPodcast

🌎 Follow the journey & travel life after service: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyCalls

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In this episode of Liberty Call, I sit down with Ryan Smith — a former Sheriff’s Deputy, proud U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer, and newly retired law enforcement professional who is about to take on his boldest mission yet: building a brand-new life in Thailand.

Ryan opens up about decades of service in uniform, balancing military and law enforcement careers, the emotional weight of transition, identity beyond the badge and anchors, mental health, resilience, family, and why he’s choosing to start a new chapter overseas.

This is straight talk. No fluff. Just real perspective from a man who served his community, served his country, and is now redefining what “the next chapter” looks like.

• Growing up, joining law enforcement, and rising through the ranks

• Serving as a Navy Reserve Chief — leadership, pride, and brotherhood

• What retirement really feels like when the uniform comes off

• Identity, purpose, and mental health after service

• Why Thailand? Lifestyle, peace, and a reset on life

• Advice for military and law enforcement preparing to transition

• What he wishes people truly understood about veterans and cops

A lot of people talk about transition like it’s paperwork, checklists, and timelines. It’s not. It’s emotional. It’s psychological. It changes your identity. Ryan breaks it down honestly and powerfully — and if you’re military, law enforcement, a veteran, or family, this conversation hits home.

If you’re retiring soon, already transitioned, or thinking about your next chapter — this episode gives you perspective, hope, and the confidence to build the life you actually want.

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