Garret Biss

Rediscovering Joy After the Uniform: Lessons from The Tactical Leader Podcast

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and profound self-discovery. In a recent episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sat down with Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps pilot, addiction recovery coach, and motivational speaker, to explore what it truly means to find joy and purpose beyond the uniform. Their conversation sheds light on the struggles many veterans face—and the steps they can take to build a fulfilling life.

From Marine Corps Missions to a Mission of Service

Garret’s story is one of resilience and transformation. He began his military journey in 1999, driven by the Marine Corps motto, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” Rising through the ranks to become a C-130 Hercules pilot, Garret served on missions around the globe, from Europe to impoverished regions of Africa. These experiences expanded his worldview, instilling a commitment to service and a deep understanding of humanity’s shared struggles.

Even before his military career, Garret’s life was marked by a pivotal event: a severe bicycle accident at age 10 that required neurosurgery. Surviving against the odds gave him what he calls a “second lease on life,” a belief that his life had a deeper purpose—a guiding principle that would shape his journey, even in the face of adversity.

The Challenge of Transition

For Garret, leaving the military meant confronting significant challenges, including anxiety, depression, and a sense of displacement. Despite his decorated career, he found himself grappling with the loss of mission and community that military life had provided.

“When I transitioned out, I had all these passions I’d set aside during my military career—writing, nonprofit work, even real estate investing,” Garret shared during the episode. “But I also went through a very dark period. Helping others through charity and service became one of the most effective ways to navigate that darkness.”

Garret’s insights culminated in his book, Charity: The Gifts of Giving, which explores how acts of service can heal both the giver and the receiver. This philosophy became central to his mission of supporting veterans in overcoming the “unspoken trauma” of military transition.

The Power of Connection, Authenticity, and Meaning

During the conversation, Garret emphasized three fundamental human needs that, when unmet, disrupt emotional and mental well-being:

1. Connection – Feeling deeply connected to oneself, a community, or a mission.
2. Authenticity – The freedom to be one’s true self without fear of judgment.
3. Meaning – Engaging in activities that align with personal values and passions.

For veterans, the transition often comes with a loss of connection and authenticity. Civilian life can feel isolating, and the lack of understanding from those who haven’t served compounds the struggle. Yet, Garrett reminded listeners that healing begins with embracing one’s story, fostering community, and seeking out new paths of purpose.

The Transformative Role of Storytelling

A shared theme in Zack and Garret’s discussion was the power of storytelling. For veterans, sharing their experiences can be both cathartic and empowering. Public speaking, community engagement, or one-on-one conversations provide opportunities to reclaim their narratives, turning challenges into strengths.

Zack noted how his own healing journey has been shaped by storytelling: “By sharing vulnerabilities and lessons learned, we not only find relief but also inspire others who may feel isolated.”

Lessons for Veterans—and Civilians

The journey to rediscover joy isn’t limited to veterans. Garret highlighted how similar principles apply to anyone facing major life transitions, such as divorce, job loss, or personal reinvention. His advice is universal:

• Lean into what brings you joy.
• Rebuild connections through friends, family, or professional networks.
• Find or create meaning in personal and professional pursuits.

For civilians, understanding these universal needs fosters empathy for veterans and bridges the gap between communities, creating a more supportive society for those reintegrating after service.

A Call to Action: Joy Through Purpose

As the episode concluded, Garret left listeners with an important takeaway: “It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to stay silent.” Reaching out for help, staying connected, and embracing growth are the first steps toward healing.

Zack summed up the episode’s message perfectly: “Garret’s life is an example of how we can turn our experiences—good and bad—into opportunities to lead and inspire. It’s about stepping up and being a tactical leader in our own lives.”

For veterans and civilians alike, this episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast serves as a powerful reminder that life’s challenges often hold the seeds of transformation. By reconnecting with values, building authentic relationships, and pursuing passions, anyone can rediscover purpose and thrive in their next chapter.

To hear more inspiring stories, tune into The Tactical Leader Podcast, where leadership meets life’s toughest challenges.

Connect With Garret:
https://unspokentrauma.vet
https://www.garretbiss.com
https://valiantpath.vet
https://linkedin.com/in/gbbiss
https://youtube.com/@thrivingrecovery
https://fb.com/garretBissFan