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2025
Speakers

Check out our 2025 speakers! These industry trailblazers and change-makers provide a glimpse into the talent you’ll see at Military Creator Con.

Become a speaker

To apply to speak, please fill out the speaker submission form with your contact information, Presentation/Topic title and description (200 words or less) and Type of session (individual or panel discussion).

Registration

Registration provides access to Military Creator Con 2025 and Podfest tickets at our best rates. Attendees who wish to secure their spot early for next year’s event may use the contact us link or emailing us directly at MilitaryCreatorCon@gmail.com.

Registration

Registration provides access to Military Creator Con 2025 and Podfest tickets at our best rates. Attendees who wish to secure their spot early for next year’s event may use the contact us link or emailing us directly at MilitaryCreatorCon@gmail.com.

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Adam Bird

Veteran, Army
CEO

Adam Bird, CEO of Heroes Media Group, is a trusted expert renowned for his leadership and vast knowledge across multiple industries. As a military veteran, Adam has built a powerful platform that amplifies the voices of Veterans, First Responders, and Community Heroes. With a deep passion for podcasting, he’s become the go-to authority, offering top-tier services in hosting, production, and marketing—helping creators expand their reach and achieve success. Beyond media, Adam is the visionary behind HMG Beverage and co-founder of JB Audio Clothiers, blending innovation with purpose. His energy and expertise continue to inspire and empower communities everywhere.

Alex Wadsworth

Veteran, Air Force
Content Creator, Pickleball Player

Alex Wadsworth is a seasoned content creator and media producer with over a decade of experience in podcasting and video production. In 2011, Alex Wadsworth founded a podcast recording studio that would eventually evolve into Talk Wad Studios, a hub for creating audio and video content. This venture quickly laid the groundwork for exploring new forms of media distribution, and in 2013, Alex Wadsworth and his wife Kim launched The Wads, a YouTube channel that has since grown into a major success.
With a focus on engaging, long-form content, The Wads has produced over 1,300 videos, averaging three 40-60 minute episodes each week. The channel has garnered more than 150 million views and amassed over 400,000 subscribers, solidifying its reputation as a go-to destination for entertainment, insight, and community engagement.
Through innovative content creation, Alex Wadsworth has successfully navigated the evolving media landscape, harnessing the power of both podcasting and YouTube to reach a global audience. Today, Alex Wadsworth continues to push creative boundaries, always looking for new ways to connect with fans and produce content that resonates.

Charlynda Scales

Major, Air Force
Founder, CEO, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author

Charlynda Scales is a serial entrepreneur: She serves as founder and CEO of Mutt’s Sauce LLC and OH Taste LLC. She is the Executive Director of the OH Taste Foundation (501c3). She is the author of the business empowerment book, Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline.

Charlynda is a sought-after speaker and mentor for women’s empowerment and small businesses. She is a TEDx speaker. Her talent is cultivating influential people by meeting them where they are in life and business. Her military career spans over 15 years; she’s currently an Air Force Reservist stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Charlynda and Mutt’s Sauce have been featured in Yahoo! Finance, NPR, Forbes.com, QVC, Men’s Journal, CBS News, NBCUniversal, Black Enterprise Magazine, and Military.com, among others.

Charlynda was also featured in FUBU Founder and Shark Tank investor Daymond John’s bestselling book, POWERSHIFT.

She is a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Aerospace Science and Business Management. She also holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership. She started the company Mutt’s Sauce, LLC while still serving on active duty in the military. She is a graduate of the following distinguished courses:
NonProfit Leadership, Harvard Executive Certification
Tuck School of Executive Leadership at Dartmouth
The Empower Program, by Dayton Chamber of Commerce
The Course for Presidents, by Aileron

Charlynda currently sits on the Board of Directors/Trustees for: Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Dayton Chamber of Commerce, and Dayton Convention and Visitors Bureau. Charlynda is a Gold Award Winner and has a Lifetime Membership to Girl Scouts of the USA.

Her son, David, is, in her opinion, her finest achievement.

David Pere

Veteran, Marines
Entrepreneur, Real Estate Expert, Author, Speaker

David Pere joined the Marine Corps in August 2008. Since that time, he has lived in or traveled to many unique places worldwide, including a combat tour in Afghanistan. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and a Combat Action Ribbon.
David got started in real estate investing in 2015 after reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. He house-hacked a duplex with the FHA loan and lived in it for a little while until he received orders to Hawaii. David has two children, Cody (14) and Jackson (6).
While stationed in Hawaii, David bought a 10-unit apartment in Missouri and was able to use bank-financing, seller financing, and a home equity line of credit to purchase this property with less than 6% down (and great terms)!
Through these experiences, From Military to Millionaire was born, with the goal of teaching service members and veterans how to build wealth through real estate investing, entrepreneurship, and personal finance! As a result, he has helped many of his readers increase their savings gap, purchase real estate, and increase their chances of achieving financial freedom!
With over 100 units in his personal portfolio and an investor in several other deals, David achieved financial freedom in 2021 and transitioned from active duty into the Marine Corps Reserve in order to devote his full time to helping service members and veterans achieve financial freedom.
David is also the author of The No B.S. Guide to Military Life: How to Build Wealth, Get Promoted, and Achieve Greatness

Dr. Carrie Rose

Military Spouse, Marines
Author, Educator, Entrepreneur, & Speaker

Dr. Carrie Rose is a #1 Bestselling Author, Educator, Entrepreneur, and Keynote Speaker who has helped over 30,000 entrepreneurs succeed through online course creation. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership, she combines The Science of Learning with innovative course design to improve course completion rates. Her data-driven approach turns passive learners into loyal students, generating more testimonials and repeat business. Through her agency, OfCourse, she helps entrepreneurs create profitable digital products. If you are ready to transform your expertise into a high-conversion course, Dr. Rose is the partner you need.

Dr. Russ Barnes

Colonel (Ret.), Air Force
CEO

Colonel (retired) Dr Russ Barnes, PhD is the CEO of Systro Solutions, a strategy development firm that focuses on helping small business owners achieve profitability. His strategy development expertise is drawn from nearly 30 years of military service as a senior officer, 10+ years of small business experience and doctorate level academic research. His Purposefully Profitable Program has helped hundreds. Russ is a best-selling author, speaker, strategist and life-long learner. He earned his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Manhattan College (NY), his Masters in Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, his Master of Science in Strategic Studies from Air University and his PhD in Organization Development from Benedictine University. The title of his dissertation is Organization Design for Small Business: A Discovery of Business Fundamentals for Executing a Purposeful Path to Profitability. His Purposefully Profitable™ Program guides small business owners in creating and implementing a customized progression toward their prosperity. In support of the Purposefully Profitable™ Program, Russ produced the Purposefully Profitable™ Podcast and the Mission Mapping™ Workshop. Russ speaks publicly on Organizing Your Business for Profitable Growth and CEO Skills for Small Business. He is the author of #1 best seller Small Business for Servicemembers: 15 Things You Need to Know to be Purposefully Profitable and a co-author in three #1 best-sellers: Becoming a GovCon Expert, Gamechangers for Government Contractors, and Mission Unstoppable: Extraordinary Stories of Failures Blessings. His lifetime target is to help 600,000 microbusiness owners become purposefully profitable and to sell 300,000 books that improve the financial lives of business owners through strategy development and organization design. For more details, visit his profile on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rcbarnes and his website at www.systrosolutions.com.

Heather Hargrove

Veteran, Army
CEO

Based in Orlando, Heather Hargrove is the CEO of “By Grove LLC (Creator of the Freedom Formula)” and a recognized expert in tech, automations, and unlocking freedom through simplified online coaching systems. With her successful agency and a track record of helping her clients boost efficiency by at least 30% and increase revenue by up to 300% , Heather stands as a testament to the power of online education. As a scaling strategist, she has guided numerous entrepreneurs in their journey to scale from six-figure businesses to seven-figures. Join her as she shares invaluable insights from her rich experience.

James Van Prooyen

Master Sergeant (Ret.), Air Force
Entrepreneur

James Van Prooyen is a 20-year retired US Air Force combat veteran, who since leaving the Military in 2015 has translated these extensive skills to create and cultivate a vast network with the goal of connecting people. He believes fervently in “relational networking” and cross promotes his entire network, all while maintaining a successful podcast career and enhancing the causes he is intimately tied to, including the Military Veterans Community and the Ragnar Relay running community.

Jeffrey Lodick

First Sergeant (Ret.), Army
Director, Strategic Partnerships

Experienced leader with only one thing in mind, you! From serving at senior levels of the Army to opening “Change Your Forecast, LLC” we give the tools needed to create a road map to success and the follow through needed in order to accomplish the goals set.

Through organized sports, we teach young men and women life lessons that will etch leadership characteristics within them that will last a lifetime. Dreams happen quickly, only while you are sleeping. In life, dreams are possible with work, dedication, and time. We assist in breaking down the walls that stop you from unlocking your full potential.

The best leaders empower those who follow them in order for personal growth to occur and hold them accountable for the things they do and fail to do in order to gain experience on their road to success. We empower our clients to be just that; great leaders!

Jen Hardy

Military Spouse, Army
Media Professional, Author, Speaker

Jen Hardy is the proud wife of Retired a U.S. Army Sergeant and served as the Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader during her husband’s unit’s deployment to FOB Sykes, Iraq and mom of 7. Her dedication to supporting military families has shaped her passion for building community and creating impactful content. Jen is the award-winning host of The Fabulous Over 50 podcast, named Podcast of the Year, and The Jen Hardy Show on YouTube, which won Broadcast of the Year.

She is also a best-selling author of Uncensored YouTube Hacks, a guide to setting you YouTube channel to for success. In just nine months, Jen grew her channel from 127 to over 2 million views and 38 to 50,000 subscribers, inspiring others to achieve their goals regardless of age or background. Through her work, Jen continues to uplift, educate, and entertain, while staying rooted in her military family values.

Johnny Lynum

Lieutenant Colonel, Air Force
Founder, Author

Johnny Lynum is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force who has served for over 19 years as a developmental engineer and intelligence officer. He is also an Author, Philanthropist, Seasoned Real Estate Investor, and Coach. Johnny has actively invested in real estate since 2006 and has purchased and sold single and multifamily properties across the SouthEast. Johnny has over 115 doors in his real estate portfolio valued at over $13M primarily located in Panama City, FL, and Montgomery, AL real estate markets. Through his military service, Johnny has gained tremendous experience by leading diverse teams in deployed environments and managing a $1.3 billion dollar development contract. These skills have been instrumental in his ability to scale his real estate investing business while still actively serving our country full-time. Johnny’s primary specialties include project management, marketing, operations, fix and flipping,and creative financing for real estate deals.
Today, he is the Founder of Lynum Enterprises, the company launched in 2015 with a dedication to buying and selling real estate across the SouthEast in the real estate markets where Johnny has lived and across his home state of Alabama.

In 2021, Johnny wrote his first book “Millionaire Real Estate Success Strategies: What They Forgot To Teach You In School”. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from his readers, Johnny founded REI-Genius- more than just a community dedicated to changing lives through real estate. Johnny equips new and veteran real estate investors with the foundation and expertise they need to build generational wealth.

Lacey Langford

Veteran, Airforce
Accredited Financial Counselor & Entrepreneur

Lacey Langford is an Air Force veteran, military spouse, speaker, and financial coach who helps people transform their fear of money into control and confidence. She’s an Accredited Financial Counselor® with over 15 years of experience in financial planning, counseling, and coaching.

Lacey’s the founder of MILMO®, a community dedicated to helping the U.S. military with personal finance. She’s also the host of the MILMO® Show, a podcast that helps the military community make, save, and invest money wisely. Lacey is also the founder and CEO of MilMoneyCon™️, a national conference for financial professionals united by military service.

Lechon Kirb

Veteran, Marines
Founder, Strategic Advisor, Speaker

Lechon Kirb Wilson, professionally known as Lechon Kirb, is a strategic advisor, marketing strategist, speaker, and former US Marine who partners with the world’s most influential experts and innovators. His expertise lies in empowering top industry leaders to amplify their impact by converting their knowledge into scalable digital products and building strategic alliances that unlock sustainable growth.

As the founder of Market Theory and creator of the transformative Impact Scaling framework, Lechon challenges conventional growth models by focusing on purpose-driven, human-centered results. His approach has influenced the success of over 30,000 entrepreneurs worldwide and earned him collaborations with iconic brands like Digital Marketer, GetResponse, ClickBank, and Thinkific.

Through Impact Scaling, Lechon aligns every facet of an expert’s business—from messaging to methods and audience engagement—ensuring that their work drives meaningful, measurable outcomes that extend far beyond revenue.

Lechon’s work is rooted in optimizing human performance and fostering deep, impactful connections. He equips leaders with the mindset, strategies, and tactics to not only grow their enterprises but to leave a lasting legacy of positive change. His approach transforms expertise into scalable systems that empower clients to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters: making a difference.

He is also the author of the upcoming book, A Culture of Equity: Owning Your Purpose, Redefining Narratives, and Amplifying Presence, which serves as a guide for those seeking to lead with authenticity and reshape their industries. In it, Lechon offers actionable insights to help readers overcome challenges, embrace their uniqueness, and scale their influence. Through his advisory work and thought leadership, Lechon continues to inspire global changemakers to pursue growth that not only enriches their own lives but also strengthens the communities and industries they serve.

Mama Margot

Lieutenant Colonel, Air Force
Podcaster

Meet Mama Margot, the passionate creator and host of the captivating true crime podcast, Military Murder. With over 10 million downloads, her show delves into the unsettling stories that shed light on crime within the military and veteran communities, while reminding listeners to stay vigilant in any environment.
Margot’s journey into the military realm began at Penn State University, where she earned a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Studies. Following her commissioning in the Air Force, she received an educational delay to attend law school, ultimately earning her J.D. from Indiana University-Bloomington. With bar admissions in New Jersey and New York, she proudly served as an Active Duty Judge Advocate for an impressive 11 years.
In late 2019, amid her active duty service and after obtaining the necessary approvals, Margot launched Military Murder. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a thriving, full-time business, driven by her commitment to uncovering the truth behind military-related crime.
Now a proud mother of three, Margot transitioned to the Reserves to spend more quality time with her children. Outside of podcasting, she enjoys family adventures with her kids and their two playful Goldendoodle puppies. A self-proclaimed beginner woodworker and DIY enthusiast, Margot embraces creativity in all aspects of her life.
Join Mama Margot on her mission to inform, educate, and keep us all vigilant in the face of crime.

Marah Lago

Military Spouse, Air Force
Business Strategist

Marah Lago is an accomplished entrepreneur and visionary in the luxury jewelry industry. As the co-founder and CEO of a globally recognized multimillion-dollar jewelry brand, Marah spearheaded the company’s growth from inception to an eight-figure valuation in just 11 years, unleveraged. Beyond her business acumen, Marah is celebrated as an award-winning jewelry designer and a trailblazing female entrepreneur. Her passion for mentoring reflects in her commitment to support other entrepreneurs, drawing on her personal arsenal of grit, intuition, smarts, and inherited courage.

Patti Katter

Military Advocate
CEO, Talkshow Host, Author

Patti Katter is the host of Wake Up with Patti Katter, a podcast that shares authentic stories of resilience and inspiration with a global audience. She began her podcasting journey in 2007 during her husband’s deployment to Iraq, transforming a small endeavor into a platform that connects with military veterans, first responders, business owners, and others who have overcome significant challenges, offering hope and encouragement to listeners worldwide.

As the CEO of the Black Feather Foundation, Patti is dedicated to supporting refugee children through sports, health and educational initiatives, as well as assisting those displaced by war and natural disasters. She also serves on the board of directors for Service Academy, a nonprofit organization committed to restoring lives and communities through clear thinking, productive behavior, and strong community ties, with initiatives spanning multiple countries.

Patti is passionate about peacekeeping efforts and enjoys engaging in discussions on global policy. In her free time, she loves hiking and sharing a good cup of coffee with friends—because, for Patti, the best connections often start with genuine conversation and a little adventure.

Sean Douglas

Tech Sergeant (Ret.), Air Force
Founder, Business Positioning Strategist, Author, Speaker

Sean Douglas is retired U.S. Air Force, a 3x TEDx Speaker, Keynote Speaker on Resilience, Leadership, Team Building & Team Performance, and Business & Podcast Positioning, as well a 2x Bestselling Author. He’s the International Podcast Host of the Create Launch Monetize Podcast and From No Worth To Self-Worth Show. Sean’s “why” is that he overcame his own battle with stress, anxiety, and a suicide attempt, and is dedicated to empowering others to do the same. As the founder of The Success Corps, and Business Positioning Strategist, he works with Entrepreneurs, Speakers, and Podcasters to improve market positioning and find their category, to increase profitability, and reduce anxiety, ensuring their businesses thrive and reach their highest potential.

Sha Sparks

Veteran Family Member
Podcaster, Coach, Author and Speaker

Shā Sparks is a fearless communicator who guides leaders to spark their voice through coaching and podcasts so they can go from fear to fired up about their life and business.
She is a Certified Fearless Living Coach and Trainer, a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, host of The Shā Sparks Show podcast and co-host of UnderWired podcast.

Stephen K. Hudson

Veteran, Navy
Founder / CEO

Stephen leverages his expertise in artificial intelligence and extensive business leadership to empower veterans. With over four decades of experience in technology, beginning with a 20-year military career as a Navy Data Analyst, he transitioned into senior roles within the private sector and founded several companies. He holds advanced degrees in Aeronautics and Digital Marketing from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Full Sail University, respectively. He currently teaches Aeronautical Science and Unmanned Aircraft Systems as an Adjunct Professor at Embry-Riddle and co-authored “AI Tsunami: Riding the AI Wave in Business,” available on Amazon.
Stephen’s leadership excellence has been widely acknowledged. He was honored as the 2020 Small Business Leader of the Year by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce (Mandarin Council) and received the 2023 President’s Award from the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. His unwavering commitment to the military community inspired him to develop AI-driven tools that not only facilitate a smoother transition for military personnel into civilian life but also enhance their career prospects and personal growth. Additionally, his initiatives address the cultural challenges faced by active-duty military members and their families during this significant change.

Travis Johnson

Lieutenant (Ret.), Navy
Speaker, Emcee, Author

Travis began life with 36 moves, 12 schools, 6 states, 5 different foster homes, surviving 2 murder attempts, and being homeless. Now he’s a retired Naval Officer and Top Rated Podcast host speaking on his journey from trauma to triumph.

He joined the Navy as an aircraft mechanic on F/A-18s and the E-6B Mercury, attended the University of Oklahoma, and was commissioned as a Naval Flight Officer. He received his wings, accumulated nearly 1,500 flight hours on the E-6B Mercury, and served as the Fleet Command Center Director in Bahrain for the 5th Fleet Commander. He retired after 22 years in 2022.

As a postcast host Travis’ Titan Evolution Podcast is in the Top 5% globally.

Currently, Travis is the only professional podcaster with an accredited college course on podcasting. His courses are available at the Forbes School of Business and Technology, the University of San Diego, Bellhaven University, and online for those not enrolled at these universities. Check out his Podcast Titan book series and course at https://podcasttitan.com/.

Travis Partington

Veteran, Marines
Media Professional

Travis joined the Marine Corps and served as a radar operator for the HAWK Missile System, he gained valuable experience that shaped his dedication to service.

After his time in the military, Travis moved to the Boston area and now works in the financial services industry. However, his passion lies in amplifying the voices of the military and veteran community. He is the creator and host of the widely acclaimed podcast Oscar Mike Radio, as well as the television show Abington Veterans Muster.

Oscar Mike Radio, now in its eighth year of production, has released over 425 episodes and has been featured on C-SPAN and the Veterans Administration multiple times. Through this platform, Travis shares compelling stories and insights, championing the needs of veterans and service members.

Connect with Travis by visiting www.oscarmikeradio.com.

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