Reflecting on the Podcast Episodes from 2022 with Civilian Podcast Assistant Lina

Welcome to 2023! 🥳

It's been an incredible year for The Morning Formation Podcast. We've seen tremendous growth and success thanks to the amazing team of content creators from Act Now Education.

In particular, we want to give a big shoutout to Lina Gomez for her incredible contributions! Her enthusiasm and creativity have been instrumental in driving the podcast forward.

Here's to the future of the podcast - we can't wait to bring you more thought-provoking conversations, inspiring stories, and amazing guests! 🤩

#podcasting #contentcreation #themorningformationpodcast #actnoweducation #2023 #growth #success #enthusiasm #creativity #conversations #inspiringstories

Connect with Lina on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/hellolinalarue/

Vist her main website:
www.linalarue.xyz

Lina's YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@linalarue

Connect on Lina's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-la-rue/

Link to Lina's wellness journals:
https://www.linalarue.xyz/wellness-journals

Transcript

KP: 0:33

In the military, you're given a uniform and instructed on how to do things and when to do them. But what happens when the cadence fades, and you're no longer wearing that uniform? I'm Kp and I started this podcast to fill that silence with direction, and to provide overall support for my beloved military family. Welcome to the Morning formation. This episode is powered by act now education, go to www.actnow education.com for free comprehensive educational resources and opportunities for active duty, veterans, military spouses, and children.

Lina Gomez: 1:19

That will to never give up on yourself or those you care about. So these people served, they've gone through so many different situations in their time in the service, and they never gave up. And a lot of them, they never gave up on those they served with.

KP: 1:46

Warriors fall in, it's time for formation. By the time this episode publishes, it'll be just past the New Year entering into 2023. So right off the bat, I want to say that I hope you had a great New Year, I hope that you got your resolutions in. And I hope you stick to your guns. And I'm going to wish you a very, very, very happy new year, even though it's late now. And today, I have a special episode with someone who kind of works in the background on the morning formation. Her name is Lina Gomez. And I was very fortunate last summer to have met Lina, out of all places, it was in a very crowded space, a very virtual crowded space, a little place called Fiverr. Right. And so anyone out there that's actually used Fiverr before knows that it can be very hit and miss when it comes to finding someone who is of value to not just what you want done. But the actual product or project that you have. And I was very fortunate to find Lina because A she's reliable, B she's authentic. And C, she genuinely cares about the morning formation podcast and she's shown me so much over the last year. So thank you for joining me on the morning information. Lina, I really appreciate it. I hope you and by the time this publishes, I hope you have a great new year.

Lina Gomez: 3:20

Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you. It's been it's really cool to be on the podcast that I listen to every single week. So thank you, I think this is a great idea.

KP: 3:31

Yeah. So this last summer, I just kind of took a shot in the dark. And I've used Fiverr before for different projects. And I connected with with Lina. And then we had a zoom conversation and then from there really got to know who she was as a person, because it's kind of difficult when you're just messaging back and forth on Fiverr, scratched off a lotto ticket. And I found Lina and so here we are today. And you know, make sure you stay tuned to the end of the podcast because Lina is going to hit me with some lightning round questions. I have no idea what she's going to ask me. But Lina has listened to...Lina do you know off the bat about how many episodes you've listened to so far?

Lina Gomez: 4:10

Oh, you know what? That's a good question. I wish I had thought about that before. I don't know. I mean, I've been working with you for almost half a year now. Yeah, since the summertime.

KP: 4:25

And for a while we were kicked out for a while we're kicking them out every week, right? So you had you listened to. You've listened to dozens and dozens and literally, probably over 100 hours of of different conversations that I've had with folks in the military community. What's fascinating about that is, you know, the community language and the culture that we have in the military is so much different than the civilian world. But you've managed so far to keep up with it. Keep up with the conversation, a lot of people will get lost in the first five minutes. So what are your thoughts on that? Just overall, like just having listened to all these different episodes of the morning formation, all these different stories? I mean, can you share with us? I guess some of the things that you've learned so far?

Lina Gomez: 5:14

Sure. So as far as like, like terms terminology, right? There was so many things I didn't understand. And when I listened to the episodes, I read along with the transcript, but sometimes memes, these auto generated transcripts don't to catch with the guest is saying perfectly. So there were times that I was scratching my head wondering like, what did this person just say? And many times I have to go on Google. And I kind of guess what I think they're saying I use the context of, of the conversation. And like I'm looking up terms, acronyms. Also, like, bases, right military bases all over the world. Sometimes I'm having to look up like certain weapon rule weaponry. And I've learned a lot. So now when I listen to the episodes, I don't have to look up as much, right? Because I've already learned so much. But something that's kind of funny is, especially like, in my first month or two of working with you and me searching these things, random military things on Google, like I said, weaponry and bases and things about war. And sometimes Google will consider me suspicious. They think my search activity is very suspicious. They probably think I'm like, planning some something bad. Like, no, I just work for a military podcast here. I don't have any, you know, ulterior evil motives here. Yeah, I've learned a lot.

KP: 6:53

I definitely, I definitely love how you kind of leave, lean forward in the foxhole is what we like to say in the military. What that means is basically you are leaning forward, you're taking the initiative to take the extra step to understand and learn a whole different culture, which is the military culture and the language in itself. So I really appreciate that. But taking it back to the beginning, when you first met me, you know, what were your first impressions of me, and assumptions that you have about the morning formation when you first started working

Lina Gomez: 7:30

Okay, so my first impression of you KP, we're, I with me? consider us friends now. So I want to just tell you, I thought you were kind of intimidating, like, kinda about your super serious and kind of scary. I'm sorry. Now I don't think that, I don't think you're scary anymore. No, you were just very serious. And just like, hey, you know, like, I got stuff that needs to be taken care of, you know. I just, I was I was kind of intimidated. But over the time, I've realized that you and I, we joke around all the time. And we've, we've got to know each other. And then, as far as what was my assumption about starting what what did I think about the morning formation podcast, what it was going to be? I guess, I, I went into it thinking like it was, if I'm being honest, I went into thinking it was probably going to be boring, because, you know, I'm a civilian. I'm not part of the military community. I've never if I'm being completely just transparent. I've never really put much focus or attention to the military in general. And I wanted a job and I was like, Well, hey, this guy's giving me a chance. I love podcasts. And I can work for myself. So that let's figure it out. Let's see how it goes. But yeah, I thought it was gonna be boring. I thought it was gonna be a bunch of I don't know, maybe just a bunch of like, tough guys talking about? I don't know, tough guys and gals talking about? I don't know, just boring,

KP: 9:05

Right. Blowing stuff up.

Lina Gomez: 9:06

I don't know. I'm not trying to Yeah, I'm not trying to disrespect of course. Yeah, but yeah, those were my assumptions at first. And I now know that I'm very wrong.

KP: 9:17

You wouldn't be far off the mark. Because even when I first told, like, my local friends and family that I was going to be doing a podcast, they thought that I was going to be sitting here talking about guns and blowing stuff up and, you know, kicking down doors and all this cool stuff, right? But no, I mean, that's like, that's like Hollywood stuff. I mean, that stuff is important. Don't get me wrong, but everybody, and their mom is out there talking about, you know, kick ass stuff for, you know, kill this or, in reality. I'm more of a nerd. I really liked the whole idea of career planning, career transition type stuff. Leadership is a big thing for me, you know, and understanding leadership trying to be a better leader trying to be a better manager. So yeah, you wouldn't be far off the mark. A lot of people were the same way. Well, when they thought that when I told them I was going to be doing a military community podcast so But you told me before that listening to interviews, specifically for you know, the morning formation podcast has had an impact on your own life. You know, what, what lessons have you taken away from the interviews Um, that I've had for the show so far.

Lina Gomez: 10:33

Sure. So the main lessons that I have taken from the morning formation podcast, are just general life lessons. So, for example, listening to these to these guests, and even to yourself when you when you're talking to them, what I've learned is life skills such as tenacity, and drive, never giving up no matter what challenge is in front of you. And that comes from when these people speak about their time in the service, and a lot of them their time out of the service. Right. And something else that I really appreciate from these episodes is basically that will to never give up on yourself, or those you care about. So these people served, they've gone through so many different situations in their time in the service, and they never gave up. And a lot of them, they never gave up on those they served with, right, so you hear some stories, for example, like Esteban Encarnacion or the Medal of Honor. Earl Earl Plumlee. So, you know, they didn't just go and take care of themselves when they took care of their other soldiers that needed them, right. And then you hear stories of a lot of these people who have, you know, retired from the military and their journey after the service, the challenges they've gone through, and the fact that they're not willing to give up on themselves, and to continue to succeed forward. And it has helped me in my personal life hearing these stories, even though I am a civilian, it has helped me to keep pushing forward to not settling to not putting myself down, and to keep pushing forward for myself and the people that I care about.

KP: 12:36

Yeah, that's, I find it pretty incredible sometimes how much our stories align with each other. I mean, you see the person that you see today, but you don't see the road that was traveled behind them, and how hard they work to get to where they are and all the trials and tribulations, the obstacles that they had to overcome. Just to be the person that they are today, whether it's monetarily, or whether they're just a strong person. And their worth is their character and their value system. So like even talking to you, and just personally talking to you about some of the things that you've endured, you know, from the time when you were a kid to today, I mean, a lot of the things that you mentioned, like I can relate to as well. And I think that's, you know, I think the difference between somebody that goes through that stuff. And someone that comes out the other side, being a better person is that you've looked at all your situations that you've been through, and you figured out like what was the lesson learned here? And how can I do better. And because I can tell you that I have family members that have been through the same thing that I've been through, and they're not doing, as well as me, you know, whether it be mentally, physically, or even career wise. And I think at the end of the day, that's what I find quite amazing about a lot of the guests that I talked to is that we've all been through major obstacles come from different backgrounds. And yeah, and it makes me think and makes me actually have to go back into, like my own life and and think about like, wow, like, you know, we're not that far apart from each other. But we decided to do our best to make the best decisions that we can and just learned from them. So having listened to all the shows, specifically within the military community, Lina has your perspective of the military and the military community changed since you started working with the morning formation podcast.

Lina Gomez: 14:40

Absolutely, yes. So my perspective has changed because I see. Well, I guess I don't see right, I hear these. All these guests talk about where they've come from. Every single person that you've had on the show has a different story. Like you said, they all have a different background. They've all gone through different things. And it's so great to see such a mixture of people in the military community from all backgrounds, all ways of life. I realized that they're all they all have great skills in their respective areas. I also realized that the military community is just full of people who they're just regular people, right like myself who wanted something better for their life. They, they joined the military to accomplish whatever that goal was, and during that time, they became stronger versions of themselves. And you can tell by the way these people speak. And so I have a really I have a real respect for the individuals in the military community. And my, my perspective has forever been changed by my listening to the morning formation.

KP: 15:53

Yeah, and it's, I really appreciate it. Because a lot of times people can't even get over the first, that first berm that first like five or 10 minutes, you lose people. When you start throwing in acronyms, and you start throwing in military jargon. People can't even get past that. Because I know, from just personal in person conversations with people, I can see the lights in their eyes turn off, like as soon as I started talking about 240 Bravo. And I started saying like the talking about weapons systems, or sure acronyms, you know, so it's a

Lina Gomez: 16:27

TDY, NCO.

KP: 16:29

Exactly, it can be a very, very difficult thing for anyone out there. You know, and I want to mention this too, like, what makes you such a great content creator, is that you're you have a connection. You're not just listening, and just thumbing through audio, and going Check, check, check, check, check, like you're, you're listening, and you're processing, like the message overall. And sometimes I think you get it more than me. And, and I'm just like, wow, how did she pull that out of there? And I think that's what makes you such a great content creator, is that you have that that skill set. And by the way, earlier, you said you were 30 years old,

Lina Gomez: 17:05

I will be 30 in two months.

KP: 17:07

You are not too old to join the military, young lady. I think it's like 37, or 38 is the cut off. So you have some time. You have some time.

Lina Gomez: 17:17

I mean, I already got the hair cut going. So

KP: 17:20

yeah, G.I. Jane going on there. Yeah. So you're ready to go? I think honestly, I think maybe it wouldn't be a bad option. I mean, join the Air Force or the Navy, the Navy. I don't know about the army man. I don't know, I just, I don't know, I don't know, I join, if you can join those other two like that, I would try to hit those first. But at any rate, like I mentioned in an introduction, you know, you create a lot of the promotional content for the episodes. Your specialty is in the soundbite videos you make, you know, for the the morning formation podcasts and for all my social media platforms as well. So, how in the world? Do you decide what parts of the episode actually make it to become content creation, like in the reels and even the blogs and things like that, you know, like, where do you come up? Like, how do you decide like, What, is it just the most impactful message? Or is it what you think people will like?

Lina Gomez: 18:21

Sure. So how I go about it is, when I'm listening to the episode, before it's published before it goes live, I go through the whole thing, I take notes, and I copy down great, like snippets, right. And what I use for the soundbite videos that you post on the social platforms is typically anything that's, let's say very entertaining. So for episodes that go deep into like combat war story type of deal. Those are like really interesting, intriguing and entertaining. So I will usually use something like that, right? Because who doesn't want to, you know, learn and see something interesting like that. Other pieces of content that I'll create are more, let's say informative. So for example, you had an episode with Michelle Parlette, who is a professor in California who runs an ROTC program. So I would probably use for episodes like that more informative, right? Because, hey, people need to learn about, you know, whether they're going into the military or learn things about when they're retiring. And then there's other times that I just simply choose something that I find is very inspiring, that touches your heart. So those are like the three main pillars that I tried to stick to when I'm creating the sound bites for the morning formation. Entertaining, informative or inspiring.

KP: 19:58

Yeah, you have to find that main purpose in there because every episode has a reason. You know, who you just mentioned right now Lieutenant Colonel Parlett. I mean, the position she holds right now she's running this army ROTC battalion down in San Diego State University. So would it make sense for me to go on the podcast and talk to her about her kickass deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq or you know, I think what's most important for that is that right now she's at a position where She can influence and impact the lives of so many young adults out there who are looking to go into the military. So finding that, and realizing that this is the purpose, and this is the point and this is the value is, you know, and that's, that's another thing. You know, that's what again, that's what makes you such a great content creator is that you're not just checking the check in the block, going through your processing, you're listening, you're finding that value in there. And I think that's why I enjoy working with you so much is that you? You're not just here, like a robot, but you're actually a human that's listening to it and saying, What am I getting out of this? And what would everyone else get out of this. So I really appreciate everything that you've done. So far, you've done a tremendous job, on the reels, on the blogs, on the transcripts. And not only that, but just providing so much advice for me. I mean, you're constantly throwing out tips and advice, and it really gets my gears moving in my head sometimes. Because life can be very, very noisy for me. I mean, I've got a full time job, Father, I've got, you know, act now education as well, that I'm involved with. So I've got a lot of things going on same time. And I really appreciate you jumping in there sometimes and just throwing some ideas at me because even this, I mean, this was a great idea as well, I really appreciate you coming on the coming on the podcast and introducing yourself. So I like for folks to see behind the curtain and see where things really happen to see how the gears really turned how the machine works. It's not just, you know, me sitting here talking and and that's it. No, I've got Lina back here, making reels, doing blogs, like doing all these great things. And I can't tell you how much I really appreciate, you know. 2022 one of the best things was getting you on board for the morning formation podcast. And I really appreciate that.

Lina Gomez: 22:19

Thank you so much KP, that was really a real honor. And you know what I think you because you helped me. I was I was in a place where I was hating the jobs that I had. A lot of personal stuff going on this year. And you gave me that chance by hiring me on Fiverr. And after I started working with you, I was then able to have opportunities to work with other podcasters. So now I'm working with podcasters of, you know, doing podcast work from all different industries and different themes, different topics. And so I want to thank you for, for giving me that chance, because now I'm able to do something I love, which is helped podcasters to promote their message to get more listeners and to help more people. So thank you,

KP: 23:06

Hey, listen to the honors all mine as I always say, because I'm very fortunate because if not, I would still have my stagnant picture on there with the little soundbite waves going around. And nothing is nice or as pretty as good as what it is right now. And as meaningful and impactful as well. I've got so many great comments about about everything. So Lina, I've asked you a series of questions, I want to give you an opportunity to hit me back with some questions as well, just for folks out there to kind of get some answers to maybe some of the questions they're wanting to know. Because I know you being an outsider, of the military community probably have some questions for me as well.

Lina Gomez: 23:47

Yes, yes. So okay, so my first question for you Kp is what's the main purpose of this podcast? What's the purpose of the morning formation podcast? Why did you start it? What what are you hoping to, to do with this podcast?

KP: 24:03

So the main purpose, the main purpose of the morning formation podcast, I guess it kind of serves two purposes. It kind of serves my own mental health. Because even though I live in a city of like 30 million people, a lot of times I felt, I felt alone. Unless I was with certain crowds, or certain people, I felt like I was really misunderstood. And when you join the military, and you go to war, you go to go on a deployment. And you you have that life event. I mean, you change as a person, your perspectives change, your values change, you change as a person, whether you want to or not, you can deny it all you want, like I did for so many years, or you can just accept it. And I started this podcast because I missed being in front of the formation. I missed having the conversations with the young adults out there, trying to convince them to value education over the here and now what's going on today. What's going on tomorrow, but let's talk about what's going on five years from now. What are your goals? What Where are you going Why did you join here? What Why did you come here? A lot of with this? times what I would witness when I was a platoon leader in Hawaii, I would witness these young adults and they would they would come, they would get assigned to Our company, they would come to the formation, day one out, ask him Hey, so where are you from? Why did you in the military? What are your goals? And a lot of times, they would tell me all well, you know, Sir, I want to do this, I want to do that I want to, you know, get my college paid for. And what was most disheartening to me was, you know, when you're young like that, it's, it's, there's a lot of distractions. So this is, you know, when they're 18,19 years old, 20 years old, it's their first time away from home, they're getting a paycheck, they put them in barracks with other, you know, young adults as well. That's like a recipe for not getting anything accomplished. And I felt like as the leader, it's not just your job to worry about what's happening this week, what's happening next week. But to think about the person. to think about the long term goals of this person, it's not about what we're doing while we're serving in the uniform and in boots. But it's about where are they going to go in the next 20 years? Is this person going to stay on course? Or are they going to go off course while they're here, and hit the hit the bars and the pubs on Friday night instead of hitting the Education Center and stay focused. So that was one thing I miss the most about being in the military. And that's the main reason I started the morning formation podcast. The other reason was, is I was sick and tired of hearing about veterans and all the negative stuff. I know. So I knew personally, so many veterans that had utilized their time in the military to catapult themselves to the next level. But we don't talk about that, like the folks out there that are selling real estate, killing it as entrepreneurs, doing well as executives, isn't they're never highlighted. It's always about the drunk down at the bar, or, you know, my uncle who lives at the end of a lake somewhere. It's never about, like, how the military service helped out, you know, any individual. So I wanted to highlight those people, man. And you know, over the years, like you mentioned, some of the folks that we talked about, I mean, those are people that are out here, just killing it in life. Those are the two main reasons why I started the morning permission podcast. But that's a great question, though. And I'm glad that you, because I get that a lot. I get that question a lot.

Lina Gomez: 27:44

So next question. What is in store for the morning formation in 2023? What type of topics or ideas do you plan on expanding on?

KP: 27:54

So this is the thing, Lena, I want to bridge that communication gap, I want to bridge that message gap between the military and the civilian side of our society. I really think that there's a lot of life lessons to be learned, I think that there's a lot of leadership lessons to be learned. I want to focus more on leadership. And the reason I say that is because I have found more civilians who have never served before, have a misconception on what leadership really is. I really think that just because you're in the military doesn't mean that you're a good leader. And just because you have screwed up in the past, or you've messed up in the past, doesn't make you a bad person. It doesn't make you a bad leader. What's important is is that you take that lesson that you learned, and you apply it to your future, I guess your future concepts, your future decisions. So that's what I want to focus on in 2023, is I want to focus on some impactful leadership, qualities and some values, because I really think that our world, our society, specifically is missing leadership, and we're missing mentorship. We don't have mentorship here. That's a lost art. People think it's weird. Whenever I tried to intervene, and try to offer advice for a young adult people were like, What do you care? I'm like, why don't you care? Like, I don't understand that. Like, why aren't you sharing the knowledge, at least if they don't listen, they don't listen. But at the end of the day, someone needs to be talking to these young folks and helping them with the simple things, how to be professional, how to look professional, how to sound professional, no one's doing that. But at any rate, yeah. So in 2023, that's what I want to focus on. I think that's what we need the most. Still gonna, you know, be geared around the military. But I want us to focus more on how how the military can offer great leadership lessons, and how it can apply to your life and make you elevate to the next level.

Lina Gomez: 30:08

That's cool. That sounds awesome. I'm really excited for that. That'll be cool to listen to. Let's see another one. Real quick. So you put a lot of attention and time into the morning formation. You are so dedicated, you know, you care about offering these insightful interviews. You want to have good quality, good production quality for your listeners, and you just want to give back overall. So how can listeners give back to you in the show? Like, what ways can they support you? So you can continue to make these awesome episodes for the future?

KP: 30:44

You know, and that's, that's a great question. And it's one that I hate to answer because I've never I don't make any money off of the more information podcast. I just started selling T shirts on the More Information podcast, but out of that, because I use Printful. And because once you people don't know, but once you sign up for like the online store, and you sign up for the payment service, all those things cost money, so I'm losing money actually, like selling the shirts.

Lina Gomez: 31:12

There's like barely any profit.

KP: 31:13

Yeah, right. I think I'm getting I mean, when it's all said and done. I mean, I get charged like $30 a month just even have the store Printful takes about 70% of the entire profit. And then I've got now the payment. Thank you so much. Really, I'm just making a couple bucks out of every Yeah, but it's more about the support. Okay, and, and wearing the brand, I think is more important than anything else right now. I mean, buying it. Yeah, so buying it.

Lina Gomez: 31:40

Okay.

KP: 31:41

Yeah, buying a shirt is a is a great way to, but also to I have I've signed up for buy me a coffee. So that's that link is on all of my episodes as well. But what does that mean? Let's buy me a coffee. So buy me a coffee is it's a, it's a way that you can donate to the podcast directly. It's not like Patreon where you're getting anything offered to it. But I hope in the future that I can maybe create, like a community

Lina Gomez: 32:09

A donation place where they can donate to you. or a club.

KP: 32:14

Yes, yes, yes, exactly. It's a donation place where you can donate to the more information podcast. And what that does is it helps with all these fees that I have. So everything from the platform we're using right now to record to the hardware that I use, things like that, because a lot of this stuff can be a true Money Pit, even the transcriptions all that stuff that I do is you know, I pay for it on my own and, and in reality, you know, it would be nice to be able to have to kind of breakeven on all this, just to keep things going. But yeah, so and then I'm also affiliate for soldier socks, so you can find that information on my it'll be actually on the bottom of this description as well. But you can find it anywhere on my website. On the first page there you can also find it at the bottom of the description on any of my episodes as well, but anything is appreciated.

Lina Gomez: 33:10

Perfect. Okay, so they can buy shirts, they can donate to you on buy me a coffee they can purchase through affiliate links and, like free ways, what are what's a free way for someone to want to support the morning formation? Like what can they do that they don't have to maybe spend?

KP: 33:26

Yeah, if you don't want to spend any money at all, I mean, that's great, too. All I want is for you to share. Just share the the episodes. I mean, it's that simple. I mean, that doesn't cost anything at all, if you could share it. You know, with people on LinkedIn, tick tock Instagrams, a big one, I'm looking to grow my community on there even more.

Lina Gomez: 33:48

Okay, so just Okay, so support in general. Okay, so people you heard that go support this guy and all the work that he's done, and because you're kind of supporting me too, since I work for him. Okay, so, alright, KP. So my last question for you is, I know that you've probably made really good connections and friendships through the morning formation. How has that impacted you in your life?

KP: 34:17

It's impacted me more than I realized. I did not think that I would be so overwhelmed with people who find my content. Interesting. I didn't I guess I didn't know what to expect. I was just contacted last week with from Lita Citroen, and she's the TEDx speaker, who helps out with the helps with the military community as far as building brand reputation, and, and career transition. And she contacted me last week and asked if I'd be interested in doing an interview for military.com to do an article, and I'm like, Well, yeah, yeah. So I mean, it's just like, the fact that she would pick me to do that is quite honorable, and just over the last year, so even when I went to the military influencer conference, I was really overwhelmed with the amount of people that I met there who I had previously interviewed and people that I've connected with as well. Just online and there's just, you know, I don't I guess I'm very fortunate. I hear some podcasters out there like, why don't have anyone to interview and I'm like, Well, how do you not have anyone to interview like there's so many interesting people out here who have awesome stories and I can't find time, enough time to interview people. So, overall, I would say between the morning information podcast and being involved with act now education, meeting folks like you, Lina, you know, because in reality, I did meet you through the podcast, we wouldn't be talking if we, if we didn't do work together on the podcast, it's been. It's been life changing. And it's been refreshing at the same time. And I take a deep breath when I say that, because as I told you, before, I live in a city of almost like, what 30 million people, but I at times feel alone, I at times feel misunderstood. Even when I started doing this podcast, people were like, what's it for? I don't understand it. And then I tried to explain it to them. They're like, that sounds like a lot of work for a lot of nothing. And, like, Well, it's because you don't care. Like I care, you know. And so, yeah, I've been very blessed. I, I think overall, it's, it's kept me. It's kept me focused. And it's kept me purposeful, as well. You know, and I think that's, you can't, you can't you know, you can't really, you can't buy that. You can't buy that, you know, when you're replenishing your own soul.

Lina Gomez: 36:45

Absolutely. Yeah. It's, it fulfills your soul. And that's, in my opinion, the most important thing. I think that's awesome. KP Cool. Well, thanks for answering all those questions.

KP: 36:55

So thank you so much for, for putting me on man and actually having, you know, turn turning it around on me. Like, I ask people a lot of questions, but I don't get much of an opportunity to answer questions myself.

Lina Gomez: 37:08

Yeah. And I wanted to hear you because you always have like, I always find the KP snippets of wisdom every episode I listened to. And I'm like, somebody needs to talk and ask this guy some more questions.

KP: 37:20

We'll go ahead and jump into the lightning round. Now, I know that you were inspired by a talk show host right. Chris Fallon on this one, right? So or is it Fallon? Jimmy Fallon? Whatever, I don't watch. I don't watch TV. Hardly. But um, so Lina was inspired by Jimmy Fallon, who's a talk show host on conducting a lightning round. So let's have a little bit of fun. I have no idea what questions you're going to ask me. so fire away Lina.

Lina Gomez: 37:46

Okay, yeah. So, basically, so people have a little background, I'm going to say like a few words or a phrase. And KP has to say the first thing that comes to his mind. And you know, you have to be quick. And it has to be just like a few words yourself. And there's no right or wrong answers. Okay. This is just meant to be fun and light hearted. Okay.

KP: 38:07

I'm worried because you have a very creative mind.

Lina Gomez: 38:12

Some of this stuff is military. related. Some of it is not. So are you ready keeping? Yeah. All right. The morning formation, the Monday morning formation.

KP: 38:25

The Monday morning formation. Oh,

Lina Gomez: 38:27

so basically Okay, here, we can get this you can cut that part out. So basically, like I'm gonna just say like a few words and you can like finish the sentence. You can be like the Monday morning formation, you could be like communication or something like that. So sometimes I'm just gonna give you a word or sometimes I'll give you a phrase that you finish. Okay. So, all right. Are you ready? KP?

KP: 38:51

I'm ready.

Lina Gomez: 38:52

Okay. The Monday morning formation.

KP: 38:55

I'm hung over

Lina Gomez: 38:58

nine weeks of basic training.

KP: 39:01

Oh, boy.

Lina Gomez: 39:05

Buzz cuts

KP: 39:10

I have a bad head.

Lina Gomez: 39:15

Group A in basic training.

KP: 39:18

Oh, man. A roller coaster that I did not want to be on.

Lina Gomez: 39:23

Okay, there you go. Okay. The army.

KP: 39:27

Oh, you must not have done very good on the ASVAB

Lina Gomez: 39:32

the Marines.

KP: 39:33

You really didn't do good on the ASVAB.

Lina Gomez: 39:38

The Navy.

KP: 39:40

You did okay. On the ASVAB. But enjoy staying on a ship for like a year.

Lina Gomez: 39:47

Okay, the Air Force?

KP: 39:49

Nerds. bunch of nerds.

Lina Gomez: 39:53

Okay. I mean that lightheartedly. I know I know you love Air Force people. Okay, um, deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

KP: 40:03

Oh, walking into a dark room. Walking into a dark room. Yeah.

Lina Gomez: 40:09

Hawaiian food is.

KP: 40:11

So Ono.

Lina Gomez: 40:14

I have no idea what that means

KP: 40:15

good. It means good in Hawaii

Lina Gomez: 40:17

Okay. The number one skill for podcasting. You have to pick one real quick.

KP: 40:22

Number one skill for podcasting is preparedness.

Lina Gomez: 40:26

Okay? Jiu Jitsu gyms.

KP: 40:30

are not created equal.

Lina Gomez: 40:33

Podcast guests should

KP: 40:39

podcast guests should go to a quiet room. Okay.

Lina Gomez: 40:45

The Monday through Friday work week.

KP: 40:50

Sleepwalking

Lina Gomez: 40:52

audiobooks are physical books,

KP: 40:56

audio books,

Lina Gomez: 40:58

the best vet, the best veteran mentorship program, you have to pick one.

KP: 41:06

Act Now education.

Lina Gomez: 41:08

You're right if you said if you didn't say you'd get in trouble. okay. The best online learning for elevating your career and knowledge

KP: 41:21

I would say DOL coach,

Lina Gomez: 41:24

okay. Best College football team.

KP: 41:29

Hmm.

Lina Gomez: 41:30

Pick one

KP: 41:31

Ohio State.

Lina Gomez: 41:33

Football or jujitsu?

KP: 41:35

jujitsu all day.

Lina Gomez: 41:37

Okay. deadlifts or squats.

KP: 41:41

Squats.

Lina Gomez: 41:42

Ah, I like deadlifts anyway. What's your favorite military themed movie?

KP: 41:49

Saving Private Ryan.

Lina Gomez: 41:51

I know you have little kids. What's your favorite children's movie?

KP: 41:55

Oh, Goonies.

Lina Gomez: 41:59

Okay.

KP: 42:00

That's kind of mine. I guess. It's gonna, It's okay. That's cool. That works. Okay, finally, what does Aloha mean? Aloha, it means hello. And it means goodbye. So yesterday we had the Army Navy game so yeah you probably got that off my post right?

Lina Gomez: 42:16

I did. I saw your Instagram posts.

KP: 42:18

Aloha means hello and goodbye. Goodbye Navy. I love college football, by the way. So

Lina Gomez: 42:22

I know you do. That's why I mentioned it.

KP: 42:24

But it's very competitive. Very quick. It actually got just real quick. I got a something in my DM box today, where I mentioned the Coast Guard and it's just making fun of the Coast Guard because you know, they're always DoD or DHS. They don't know what they want to be but somebody DM me and they said, Well, did you know that? Did you know that the Coast Guard? Oh, I'm tired of people here. I'll just read it to you. "I'm tired of people marginalizing the Coast Guard and promoting misconception that Coast Guard veterans aren't entitled?" It was a joke, man. I guess the Coast Guard can't handle a joke.

Lina Gomez: 42:56

Oh, burn.

KP: 43:00

I don't care. Like it's YOU the day it's like, rote learn how to take a joke. Alright, it's just kidding.

Lina Gomez: 43:05

Yeah. And then you know, what, if he actually listened to your podcast, he would know that you have the respect for everyone who's who's helped in the service of any form. You know?

KP: 43:14

That's how I know you're, that's how I know are a question whether or not you really are melting. Because in the military, we give each other a lot of crap. I mean, one of my first guest was Frank Frank, Matt Tao, who is the he's the co founder for crans ready to eat. And, you know, Marines are known as cran. eaters. And we poke fun at each other, you know, and we bicker back and forth. So it's like, Come on, man. Like it. It's all part of the it's all part of the humor, the military humor, so

Lina Gomez: 43:47

yeah, and at the end of the day, like, you know, y'all are y'all have like the similar goal. You're all a team. You know why focus on the little things.

KP: 43:56

We all got each other's backs.

Lina Gomez: 43:57

Yeah. Well, thank you so much for agreeing to do that lightning round. I know. It was kind of random, and I got you on the spot. But that was fun. Thank you.

KP: 44:07

It was fun. It was definitely fun. Like I was like, it made me think like, yeah, what what's the first thing that comes to mind for these things? I really appreciate that. And I really appreciate you joining me on the podcast today. And, you know, given everyone out there an opportunity to learn a little bit more about you. And if anyone out there is interested in leveling up your own social media platform. Lina, where can they get to get in touch with you?

Lina Gomez: 44:34

Sure. So I would say the easiest is probably my website. It's www.LinaLaRue.xyz. I'm also on Instagram. And we can make sure that we put my contact information in the show notes. I believe that dedicated podcasters deserve to have engaging content to promote to their episodes because y'all put so much time and energy into this. You deserve to have more listeners that you are helping out. So please contact me if you need any engaging promotional content.

KP: 45:10

Most definitely. And so Lina. Real quick. What are the different types of content that you specialize in?

Lina Gomez: 45:16

Sure. So for KP, I do a lot of different things. I help him with, you know, some transcript work, simple blog summary of the episodes, but I actually specialize mostly in creating engaging video sound bites. So a lot of podcasters still have, you know those static images with a moving waveform to promote their episodes. And I'm just going to be honest. And if I hurt your feelings, sorry, that's boring and it's not engaging, you're not going to get enough people to go download your episode. So I make engaging video sound bites that get people hyped and excited to go download your episode.

KP: 45:53

That's what I'm talking about. So get in touch with Lina, if you're looking at creating engaging, not just fillers, but you're looking at creating some engaging content for your own platforms. And really quickly, Lina, just to end the show, was there anything that we didn't cover today that you'd like to like to mention?

Lina Gomez: 46:15

Yes, I would like to thank all of the previous guests, and future guests that are to come on the morning formation. You have, you all have changed my life. You inspire me, every single time I listened to an episode. I have, I've improved my own career, I have taken on certain opportunities just by being inspired by the whole military community that I listen to. And I want to thank the listeners because you listeners are supporting the morning formation and you're supporting be the guests. Every time you listen, every time you give a shout out to kp on on social media and tell him how much you appreciate listening. So I think the guests and the listeners,

KP: 47:06

most definitely, and by the time this publishes, like I said, it'll be at the beginning of 2023. So just a few weeks from now, this is that's why I wanted to make this a special episode to have you on board because we've got a lot in store for 2023. And, you know, it's like I always say, right, we walk off in a direction without an Azmuth, right, walk off in a direction. And that's what we're doing, we're gonna walk off into Azmuth and 2023. And we're gonna go in this direction. But as we walk in that direction, there's going to be different opportunities that are going to present themselves to us. And so I'm looking forward to continuing doing work with with you Lina. And and I honestly hope that everyone out there had a great New Year, I hope that if you make a resolution to go to the gym more, I hope you follow through with it. They say that's when they say that's when the gyms make the most money is at the beginning of the year. But with that being said, have a safe and happy new year. And Lina, I wish you the same as well. And thank you for giving me this opportunity today.

Lina Gomez: 48:06

Thank you KP.

KP: 48:08

All right, folks, and for everyone else out there, thank you for tuning in, I really appreciate it go down to the description, you're gonna find all Llinas of contacts down there on her platforms as well where you can take a look at some of her content. She's definitely a content creator that sets herself apart from everyone else, mainly because of her connection to the material, but then also her authenticity, which you can't find that anywhere else. So thank you so much, Lina, and thank you everyone out there for listening. As for now, as always, I want you to stay tuned, stay focused, and stay motivated. Warriors fall out. You've been listening to the morning formation podcast. I hope you found today's materials helpful and of value to your current situation. You can connect with me on Instagram at the underscore morning underscore formation underscore podcast. Or you can connect with me via email at the formation podcaster@gmail.com. Also, I would like to thank my partners at act no education for their support, authenticity, community and trusted is what you can expect from all members of the Act now education team. You can link up with them today and learn about some new free educational resources on their Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or at their website act now education.com whether today's show took you back to an historic time or helped you think about tomorrow. Thank you for tuning in. And I look forward to seeing you again. Stay safe and stay motivated. Warriors Fallout