Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Blayne Smith - West Point graduate and former Army Special Forces officer who has transitioned into a highly effective business and social impact leader. He is a cofounder and principal at Applied Leadership Partners and the director for health and well-being at the George W. Bush Institute. Blayne also serves on the board of the Armed Services Arts Partnership and as an advisory board member of GORUCK. Previously, Blayne was the first executive director of Team Red, White, and Blue, a veterans’ nonprofit that has grown into one of the most trusted and effective organizations in the space. During his time in the military, Blayne led combat units in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Draper Leadership Award recipient, the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Army’s Ranger School, and was awarded three Bronze Stars, including one for valor. Blayne holds an MBA from the University of Florida and currently lives in Maine with his wife and three children.
🔻Watch more of The Mountain Side Podcast Episodes here 🔻
youtube.com/watch?v=lGmBo32rR9c&list=PLUVu632r4xm5lsI8x7BVdmpTQdQn7FHy0
Show Links:
ddfinder.com
themountainsidepodcast.com
Sponsor Links:
SABObroadheads.com
Mountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!
ONNIT.com
Mountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS to receive 10% off ONNIT products!
BulletProof.com
Mountain Side listeners, Use Discount code: MOUNTAINSIDE to receive 20% off all Bulletproof products!
Other Affiliate Links available at:
themountainsidepodcast.com
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:31 Casual Conversation and Catching Up
01:12 Discussing Colorado and Business Ventures
02:06 The Importance of Staying Sharp
02:55 Reflections on Military and Business Partnerships
05:29 Personal Stories and Life Lessons
10:27 Balancing Family and Career
22:28 Maintaining Mental and Physical Health
27:39 Building a Supportive Community
33:09 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
34:29 Book Recommendation and Introduction
35:01 Childhood and Family Background
37:31 High School and College Decisions
38:19 Golf and West Point
54:00 Music Memories and Influences
01:02:54 West Point Graduation and Military Career
01:05:54 Starting Tank School
01:06:03 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan
01:06:41 Life as a Tank Platoon Leader
01:07:18 Inside the Tank: Roles and Responsibilities
01:09:08 Military Power and Personal Experiences
01:13:49 Transitioning to Special Forces
01:15:48 Deployment to Iraq
01:17:41 The Insurgency and Working with Special Forces
01:20:09 Selection and Training for Special Forces
01:32:28 Post-Military Life and Career Transition
01:41:08 Reconnecting with Family and Friends
01:41:25 Struggles and Shame Post-Military
01:42:31 Career Transition Challenges
01:42:52 West Point Teaching Opportunity
01:45:18 Realizations About Military Life
01:46:00 Transitioning to Civilian Life
01:53:14 Importance of Family Communication
01:55:57 Finding Purpose and Community
02:05:37 Being Present and Slowing Down
02:13:42 Embracing Vulnerability and Growth
02:16:40 Reflecting on Personal Faults
02:16:53 Distractions in Public Spaces
02:17:18 The Impact of Technology on Social Interactions
02:19:29 Parenting Challenges and Reflections
02:22:16 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
02:24:06 Starting Over and Finding New Beginnings
02:28:01 Building a New Community
02:33:28 The Importance of Saying Yes and No
02:42:06 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
Blayne Smith - West Point graduate and former Army Special Forces officer who has transitioned into a highly effective business and social impact leader. He is a cofounder and principal at Applied Leadership Partners and the director for health and well-being at the George W. Bush Institute. Blayne also serves on the board of the Armed Services Arts Partnership and as an advisory board member of GORUCK. Previously, Blayne was the first executive director of Team Red, White, and Blue, a veterans’ nonprofit that has grown into one of the most trusted and effective organizations in the space. During his time in the military, Blayne led combat units in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Draper Leadership Award recipient, the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Army’s Ranger School, and was awarded three Bronze Stars, including one for valor. Blayne holds an MBA from the University of Florida and currently lives in Maine with his wife and three children.
🔻Watch more of The Mountain Side Podcast Episodes here 🔻
youtube.com/watch?v=lGmBo32rR9c&list=PLUVu632r4xm5lsI8x7BVdmpTQdQn7FHy0
Show Links:
ddfinder.com
themountainsidepodcast.com
Sponsor Links:
SABObroadheads.com
Mountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!
ONNIT.com
Mountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS to receive 10% off ONNIT products!
BulletProof.com
Mountain Side listeners, Use Discount code: MOUNTAINSIDE to receive 20% off all Bulletproof products!
Other Affiliate Links available at:
themountainsidepodcast.com
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:31 Casual Conversation and Catching Up
01:12 Discussing Colorado and Business Ventures
02:06 The Importance of Staying Sharp
02:55 Reflections on Military and Business Partnerships
05:29 Personal Stories and Life Lessons
10:27 Balancing Family and Career
22:28 Maintaining Mental and Physical Health
27:39 Building a Supportive Community
33:09 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
34:29 Book Recommendation and Introduction
35:01 Childhood and Family Background
37:31 High School and College Decisions
38:19 Golf and West Point
54:00 Music Memories and Influences
01:02:54 West Point Graduation and Military Career
01:05:54 Starting Tank School
01:06:03 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan
01:06:41 Life as a Tank Platoon Leader
01:07:18 Inside the Tank: Roles and Responsibilities
01:09:08 Military Power and Personal Experiences
01:13:49 Transitioning to Special Forces
01:15:48 Deployment to Iraq
01:17:41 The Insurgency and Working with Special Forces
01:20:09 Selection and Training for Special Forces
01:32:28 Post-Military Life and Career Transition
01:41:08 Reconnecting with Family and Friends
01:41:25 Struggles and Shame Post-Military
01:42:31 Career Transition Challenges
01:42:52 West Point Teaching Opportunity
01:45:18 Realizations About Military Life
01:46:00 Transitioning to Civilian Life
01:53:14 Importance of Family Communication
01:55:57 Finding Purpose and Community
02:05:37 Being Present and Slowing Down
02:13:42 Embracing Vulnerability and Growth
02:16:40 Reflecting on Personal Faults
02:16:53 Distractions in Public Spaces
02:17:18 The Impact of Technology on Social Interactions
02:19:29 Parenting Challenges and Reflections
02:22:16 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
02:24:06 Starting Over and Finding New Beginnings
02:28:01 Building a New Community
02:33:28 The Importance of Saying Yes and No
02:42:06 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
