In this episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, I sit down with John Kerkhoff to explore his journey from the Air Force to the Army and into the business world and how his experiences shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in awareness, accountability, and action.
John reflects on navigating cha…
Acknowledge 2 Action
by Matthew Benko
Welcome to the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast. The philosophy behind Acknowledge 2 Action is to Embrace the Journey through Acknowledging, Accepting, Processing, Planning and taking Action. Acknowledge 2 Action shines a spotlight on the journeys of military service members (Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserves), along with their families and veterans. However, our discussions transcend military boundaries; they serve as a means of inspiration and empowerment for everyone. Together, let’s Embrace the Journey of the human experience and emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Latest Episodes
In this episode of Acknowledge 2 Action, host Matthew Benko sits down with Phil Needles: educator, leader, and lifelong advocate for learning, connection, and purpose to explore the transformative power of acknowledgment, resilience, and community.
Phil shares his remarkable journey from a challeng…
n this episode, host Matthew Benko reconnects with Ashon Calhoun, who has achieved academic and professional success all while actively serving in the Army National Guard. From starting at community college to now pursuing his graduate degree at Villanova University, Ashon’s journey highlights the p…
🎙 Episode 28 – Make Them Tell You No: From Fighter Pilot to Entrepreneur | Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast Guest: Alex Lisot | Host: Matthew Benko🚀 From flying F-15 fighter jets to building a life of freedom and purpose, Alex Lisot shares his inspiring journey from military service to entrepreneurshi…
In this powerful episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, host Matthew Benko welcomes fellow Air Force veteran Kijuan Amey for a powerful conversation on service, sacrifice, and second chances. From soaring at 30,000 feet as a KC-135 boom operator to surviving a devastating motorcycle accident t…
In this powerful episode, former Navy SEAL Dave Swarts shares his inspiring journey—from high school ambitions to the rigorous demands of BUD/S training, the impact of 9/11, and the highs and lows of a 20-year military career. As we near the one-year anniversary of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast, …
In this powerful episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, former Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet pilot Kegan Gill shares his gripping story of survival, resilience, and transformation. After experiencing the fastest survived ejection in naval aviation history, Kegan defied the odds—overcoming catastro…
In Episode 22 of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, Matthew Benko sits down with Jay Browning to explore his inspiring journey from Marine Corps service to law enforcement, and ultimately, to a rewarding career in fundraising and consulting. Jay shares insights on the importance of mentorship, networ…
Join host Matthew Benko in episode 21 of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast as he sits down with Mike Barnum to discuss his military journey and life after service. They explore the importance of personal branding, the distinction between kindness and niceness, and how to build unity in a politically …
In this powerful episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action podcast, host Matthew Benko sits down with Nick Lavery, a Green Beret and motivational speaker, to explore a journey defined by resilience, motivation, and the transformative power of humility and teamwork. Nick shares intimate details about his t…
In this special re-release, we take a look back at a pivotal episode that played a key role in inspiring the creation of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast. Originally recorded on February 11, 2022, during the Veteran Power Hour on Montco Radio, this conversation features host Matthew Benko and guest …
In this episode, Angel Munoz shares her inspiring journey of joining the Army and the deep military roots of her family. She opens up about the profound support they received from their community after the tragic loss of her brothers—Robert Arsiaga, US Army, KIA on April 4, 2004, and Jeremy Arsiaga,…
In Episode 17 of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, Brandon Guingrich shares his compelling journey into the military, highlighting his experiences as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in the Air Force. Sparked by the events of 9/11, Brandon chose a career path in EOD, where he faced in…
In this episode, Heriberto "Eddie" Arambula, PhD, recounts his military journey and the profound impact it had on his life. Enlisting in the US Army in 2002, Eddie was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and deployed to Iraq in 2004, where he experienced intense combat. He was part of the unit featured i…
Join Matthew Benko and Shane Smith as they share their experiences as C-130 Crew members in the Marine Corps and Air Force. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the unique aspects of their training, the diverse missions they undertake, and the camaraderie that defines their roles. The disc…
Join us in this episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast as Adam Peters shares his incredible military journey, starting with his decision to join the Army at 17. Adam recounts his experiences in basic training and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, his transition to civilian life after being m…
In this episode, Matthew and Chris continue their conversation on transition and readjustment from episode 7. They explore various topics, including leadership, their military experiences, and the decision to actively transition from active service to the civilian way of life. Emphasizing the import…
In this episode, Matthew interviews his brother Josh about his extensive military journey and experiences. Josh joined the Air Force after high school and initially planned to do four years with the intent to become a State Trooper following his military service. However, after deployments to Saudi …
Join us for Episode 10 of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, where we dive into Connie Whalen's incredible military journey and personal transformation. Starting her Navy career at the age of 17 as a yeoman, Connie transitioned into a Navy counselor, dedicating 20 years to recruiting duty. Through ch…
In this episode, titled "Strong Enough…Long Enough," we dive into an inspiring conversation with Jesse Iwuji, a U.S. Naval officer, NASCAR driver and Team Owner and entrepreneur. Jesse shares his remarkable journey—from graduating from the Naval Academy to embracing a multiple career in the Navy, Na…