Richard Kaufman's journey from being labeled as the "worst soldier" to achieving "Soldier of the Year" epitomizes resilience. His 23-year military tenure, marked by significant challenges, including a severe injury leading to an 80% vision loss, ended in 2012. Post-military life brought its struggles, notably a suicide attempt, but also a pivotal moment of self-discovery and a thirst for knowledge, influenced by figures like Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins.   Meeting Gary Vaynerchuk steered Richard towards podcasting, creating the Vertical Momentum podcast to aid veterans and first responders. His podcast fosters a space for sharing transformative stories, offering insights into transitioning from service to civilian life. Richard emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement, continuous improvement, and the strategic aspects of podcasting, such as sound quality and audience understanding.   His podcasting journey, marked by initial setbacks and learning curves, showcases his dedication and the profound connections formed through this medium. Richard advises new podcasters to start with available resources and evolve, underscoring the effectiveness of authentic content and strategic promotion.  The Vertical Momentum podcast aims to support veterans and individuals facing mental health challenges, with Richard's broader vision of making a significant impact through his work. He generously offers resources to aid aspiring podcasters and emphasizes community support within the podcasting realm.  Our discussion concluded with an open invitation to collaborate, symbolizing the supportive nature of the podcasting community. Richard's narrative is not just about overcoming adversity but also about leveraging personal growth and professional platforms to assist others, particularly those transitioning from military to civilian life. Go to https://verticalmomentumpodcast.com/ and learn about how resiliency can change your life. Thank you Richard for talking with me!