Finding Freedom
Finding Freedom
John Odermatt
Leadership Under Fire with Jeremy Stalnecker
56 minutes Posted Feb 16, 2026 at 6:15 pm.
Introduction: Real Leadership in Crisis
Welcome & Episode Preview
Sponsor: Fox and Sons Coffee
Introducing Jeremy Stalnecker
Jeremy's Path to the Marine Corps
Commissioning & First Battalion Fifth Marines
9/11 and Deployment to Iraq
Battle of Baghdad Experience
Transition Struggles After Leaving the Marines
Identity Crisis and Anger Issues
Finding Help Through Community
Universal Struggle with Identity Loss
Mighty Oaks Foundation's Approach
Identity, Purpose, and Hope Connection
Suicide Prevention and Root Causes
Military vs. Civilian Identity
Faith-Based Identity vs. Job-Based Identity
Offensive Faith and Leadership by Design
Redefining Leadership
Leadership Definition: Serving Others
Creating Environments for Growth
The Challenge of Comfort Culture
Opportunity for Young People
When to Let People Go vs. Perseverance
Mighty Oaks Five-Day Program Overview
Stories of Transformation
The Foundation of Faith
Funding and Government Support
How to Support Mighty Oaks Foundation
Final Thoughts & Closing
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Show notes
In this episode of Finding Freedom, host John Odermatt sits down with Jeremy Stalnecker, former US Marine Corps infantry officer, combat veteran, and executive director of Mighty Oaks Foundation. Jeremy shares his journey from leading Marines during the 2003 invasion of Iraq to struggling with identity loss after leaving the military, and ultimately finding purpose through faith-based veteran support work.
The conversation explores how military service creates a deeply ingrained identity that can leave veterans lost when they transition to civilian life, often leading to anger, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts. Jeremy explains how Mighty Oaks Foundation addresses the root cause—identity crisis—rather than just treating symptoms, helping over 7,000 veterans, first responders, and their spouses rebuild their lives on a foundation of faith and purpose. The discussion covers leadership principles from Jeremy's book "Leadership by Design," emphasizing that true leadership is about serving others and helping them reach their potential, not about rank or authority. Jeremy advocates for a holistic approach to veteran care that combines clinical therapies with spiritual foundation, arguing that without clarity on identity and purpose, other interventions fall short. The episode concludes with information on how Mighty Oaks provides free five-day programs and ongoing aftercare to help those struggling with post-traumatic stress and transition challenges.
CHAPTERS:
LINKS:
Jeremy Stalnecker & Mighty Oaks Foundation: https://mightyoaksprograms.org
March or Die Podcast: https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/
John Odermatt on Twitter: https://x.com/JohnOdermatt
John Odermatt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnodermatt/
Email: [email protected]
Newsletter: https://john-odermatt-finding-freedom.kit.com/105b53c794
SPONSOR:
This episode is brought to you by Fox and Sons Coffee – fresh, high-quality coffee shipped directly to your door, available as whole bean or ground to your preference. Get 15% off orders of $40 or more with promo code JOHN at checkout. Visit: FoxNSons.com
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