What happens when a small-town kid from rural Georgia leaves the farm, serves over 20 years in the United States Air Force… and accidentally discovers his calling in an empty NCO club?

In this episode of Question & Response, Ryan and Quincy sit down with Mike Hays — better known as DJ Magic — to unpack a journey that proves purpose doesn’t always arrive with a perfect plan.

Mike’s DJ career didn’t start with a business strategy or a dream board. It started when his mentor asked him to “cover the booth for a few minutes”… and didn’t come back for an hour and a half.

Alone. No roadmap. No backup. Just pressure.

What could have been a disaster became a spark.

From that moment, Mike fell in love with the craft — reading crowds, controlling energy, creating experiences. But passion is one thing. Building a business is another. And like many veterans transitioning from service, he had to learn the hard way that talent doesn’t automatically equal entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Growing up on a farm and how it shaped his work ethic
• Serving 20+ years in the Air Force while discovering a creative outlet
• The uncomfortable transition from hobbyist to business owner
• Lessons learned about pricing, branding, and building a reputation
• What veterans often miss about the business side of entrepreneurship
• Reinventing identity beyond rank and title

This conversation isn’t just about music. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself when you’re thrown into the deep end.

If you’re a veteran navigating transition, an aspiring entrepreneur learning as you go, or someone who discovered your passion by accident — this episode is for you.

Because sometimes your next chapter doesn’t start with a plan.

It starts with being left alone in the booth.

🎙️ Listen now and discover how DJ Magic turned pressure into purpose.

email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com

http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209

Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/

Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

What happens when 22 years of military leadership meets the global travel economy?

In this episode, we sit down with Marygail Harmon — a 22-year U.S. Air Force veteran who didn’t just transition out of the military… she redefined what transition could look like.

Marygail shares how her background in leadership, operations, and strategic execution became the foundation for her next mission: entrepreneurship. Instead of chasing another traditional 9–5, she stepped into the travel and tourism industry, building a business centered on freedom, flexibility, and legacy.

We talk about:

• The identity shift from uniform to entrepreneur
• Leveraging military skill sets in the civilian world
• Creating income beyond a paycheck
• Building a life designed around flexibility and impact
• Mentoring others who are ready to take ownership of their future

If you’re a veteran wondering what’s next…
If you’re exploring unconventional ways to transition…
Or if you’re ready to stop tying your identity to a title…

This conversation will challenge how you think about opportunity.

Because transition isn’t the end of service — it’s the beginning of your next mission.

email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com

http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209

Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/

Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

What does leadership look like after the uniform comes off?

In this episode, we sit down with Sherry Pratt — a 21-year United States Air Force veteran who served as both a PME Instructor and First Sergeant. For decades, she mentored Airmen through high-stakes decisions, complex challenges, and pivotal life moments.

Now? She’s guiding families through one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make — homeownership.

After retiring from the military, Sherry transitioned into the mortgage industry as a Mortgage Loan Officer with Your Veteran Lenders, powered by Movement Mortgage. But she didn’t leave her leadership behind — she brought it with her.

We talk about:
• The identity shift from First Sergeant to financial advocate
• How military leadership translates into the mortgage world
• Why education and clarity matter more than rates
• Helping veterans fully understand and leverage their VA benefits
• Treating every loan like a mission — with preparation, precision, and purpose

Sherry’s calm, educational approach removes fear from the financing process and replaces it with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned homeowner, or transitioning service member, this episode delivers insight you won’t want to miss.

Because service doesn’t stop at retirement — it just takes on a new mission.

email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com

http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209

Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/

Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

On this episode, DeeJay Casper Victoria shares his journey of coming up in the military and how that experience taught him to take what he loved to do and turn it into a business. With 20+ years of service as a respected Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, DeeJay reflects on the leadership lessons, discipline, and mindset that shaped both his career and his entrepreneurial path. He also opens up about life beyond the uniform as a devoted husband to his wife, Joy, and a proud father of two boys—bringing an honest, grounded perspective on balancing service, family, and purpose.

email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com

http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209

Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/

Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

Today's guest is the definition of leadership, resilience, and innovation. From serving 21 years in the U.S. Army- Recruiting, Master Resiliency Trainer, and Talent Acquisition, to founding the Military Influencer Conference, this
trailblazer has continued to break barriers. As President of We Are The Mighty, Co-Founder of Triple Nickel Apparel, and now VP of Strategy & Engagement, their impact on the veteran and entrepreneurial community is undeniable. With multiple ventures to include a nano degree in front-end development, this powerhouse proves that learning and pivoting never stops. From the streets of Flint, Michigan to the forefront of military and business influence.

email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com

http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209

Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/

Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr