Prepare to Compete Podcast

Prepare to Compete Podcast

Hosted by: Prepare to Compete Podcast

Prepare to Compete Podcast: Guiding veterans and active-duty service members on pivotal topics: VA Disability Benefits, Real Estate strategies, and Entrepreneurship insights tailored for the military mindset. Beyond...

Episodes

VA COLA Increase 2026: What This Year’s 2.8% Raise Really Means for Veterans S6 E5

Season #6

The 2026 VA COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) is official — and that means a 2.8% increase in monthly compensation for veterans receiving VA disability, DIC, or pension benefits. In this video, the Prepare to Compete...
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Not All Battles End Overseas: A Vietnam Marine’s Truth

Season #5

🎖️ Charles Cook was 18 when he joined the Marine Corps, served during the Vietnam War, and came home thinking he’d be welcomed. Instead, he found himself caught between two Americas — one that sent him to war, and...
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Government Shutdown 2025: VA Backlog, Furloughs & Skeleton Crews — What to Do? S6 E4

Season #6

In this video, we break down what the 2025 government shutdown really means for veterans: how VA furloughs and skeleton crews slow service, why the backlog grows, and—most importantly—what you can do right now to...
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VA Appeals Made Easy: Supplemental vs. Higher-Level Review vs. BVA (Pick the Right Path)

Season #6

Are you confused or frustrated after a VA claim denial? You’re not alone — and in this video, we make the VA appeals process simple and clear. We break down the three main paths available to veterans: the Supplemental...
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Retiring from the Navy After 20 Years – Here’s What He Learned

Season #5

After 20 years of service, countless deployments, and a brotherhood forged at sea — Senior Chief Hicks is finally retiring from the U.S. Navy. In this exclusive conversation, we reflect on his journey from bootcamp to...
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Stop Waiting for Interest Rates to Drop—Do THIS Instead! | PTC S6 E2

Season #6

Are rising interest rates holding you back from buying a home with your VA loan? You’re not alone. In this episode of Prepare to Compete, we break down smart, actionable strategies for veterans and active-duty service...
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New VA Rules Could Cost Veterans Their Homes, Care, and Compensation: S6 E1

Season #6

Big changes are hitting the VA system in 2025—and they could have serious consequences for veterans across the country. In this episode of Prepare to Compete, we break down new federal policies that could affect...
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Women in the National Guard: The Real Story

What’s it really like serving as a woman in the Army National Guard? In this episode of Veteran Voices, Yemima Bernard shares her powerful journey — from growing up in a big family in San Diego to facing the...
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2026 COLA Increase: How Much More Will Veterans Get? S5 E8

Season #5

🎖️ Veterans, you just got a raise — but how much will it actually change your life? In this episode of Prepare to Compete, we break down the projected 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for VA disability and...
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Opportunity Unlocked: VA Benefits, Real Estate, and Veteran Entrepreneurship S5 E7

Season #5

This episode is a masterclass for veterans ready to claim what’s theirs. From missed benefits and misunderstood VA loan advantages to building generational wealth through real estate and entrepreneurship — this...
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They Served America… Then Got Deported

Season #5

What happens to U.S. veterans after they're deported? In this powerful conversation, host Kavon Jones sits down with veterans advocate Kenneth Davis to explore the legal, emotional, and political realities facing...
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VA Benefits 2025 Updates: What Every Veteran Must Know

Season #5

🎖️ Veterans — Major VA Benefits Changes Are Coming in 2025. Are You Ready? In this powerful episode of Prepare to Compete, we break down critical updates to VA disability claims — including major changes to sleep...
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