#7 Michael Rainer

In this candid conversation, Jake sits down with retired Air Force Master Sergeant Michael Rainer to explore the highs, lows, and unexpected realities of life after the military. Michael opens up about the decision to join the Air Force, the challenges of staying in, and the pivotal moment when he chose retirement—not because he was ready to stop serving, but because his family needed stability.

He talks through the emotional complexity of letting go of the uniform, struggling through five different jobs post-retirement, and how the cultural shock of civilian life caught him off guard. Michael’s story also touches on the importance of community, the quiet weight of losing daily purpose, and the emotional trigger behind a simple act like shaving his beard.

For anyone navigating the military-to-civilian transition—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers raw insight, practical reflections, and a powerful reminder: taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s survival.