# #123 Finding Purpose After Military Retirement | Annette Whittenberger (Veteran Lifestyle Magazine)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/military-retirement-podcast-5828412/123-finding-purpose-after-military-retirement-annette-whittenberger-veteran-lifestyle-magazine
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/military-retirement-podcast-5828412/123-finding-purpose-after-military-retirement-annette-whittenberger-veteran-lifestyle-magazine.md
Podcast: [Military Retirement Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/military-retirement-podcast-5828412)
Published: 2026-02-13T12:11:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/militaryretirementpodcast/episodes/123-Finding-Purpose-After-Military-Retirement--Annette-Whittenberger-Veteran-Lifestyle-Magazine-e3eorvf
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/c45efb18/podcast/play/115158447/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-1-7%2F417640567-44100-2-069fa6242ed97.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/military-retirement-podcast-5828412/episodes/123-finding-purpose-after-military-retirement-annette-whittenberger-veteran-lifestyle-magazine
Duration seconds: 4717

## Resource

What happens when you hang up the uniform…and realize your next mission isn’t about a title?In this Military Retirement Podcast episode, we sit down with Annette Whittenberger — Editor-in-Chief of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine — to talk purpose after retirement, imposter syndrome, mental health, routines that keep you grounded, and why veterans need platforms where they can be seen and heard.We also dig into the power of “just doing the thing,” how music and fitness support mental health, and why building community matters so much after service.🎯 If you’re navigating transition, retirement, or the “what now?” phase — this episode will hit home.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro + Easter reset / family time03:10 Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) update + what’s next06:20 Guest intro: Annette Whittenberger09:10 “A Wild Ride Called Life” — healing journey + finding your voice14:30 Veteran Lifestyle Magazine — mission + bridging military/civilian communities20:40 Imposter syndrome, titles, and why “doing it” makes you the thing27:10 Music as healing + pursuing dreams later in life33:20 Ikigai (purpose) + choosing your next mission after the uniform39:30 Military culture changes (beards/standards) + readiness discussion45:00 Post-service routines: fitness, music, staying steady mentally50:30 Giving veterans a platform + stories that need to be told55:10 Where to find Annette + Veteran Lifestyle Magazine57:30 Closing + how to connect with the show🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES (discussed / relevant)• Veteran Lifestyle Magazine: https://veteranlifestylemagazine.com/• Annette’s site (“A Wild Ride Called Life”): https://awildridecalledlife.com/• Annette on Instagram: @awildridecalledlife• Veteran Lifestyle Magazine IG: @veteranlifestylemagazine• VA VR&E (Veteran Readiness & Employment): htt…

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