SPEAKING & MEDIA
On the Record
Talks, podcasts, and recognition: a growing record of ideas shared beyond the page.
Speaking Engagements
VETERAN SOCIAL 2026 – SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 – VIRTUAL
The Parallel Build: How to Construct Your Post-Service Identity Before You Take Off the Uniform
Why transitioning service members should build their civilian identity alongside their service rather than after it ends.
Podcast
CO-HOST
Rally Point Actual
A monthly podcast and newsletter on military transition. Episodes alternate between service members who have recently made the jump and the employers who hire them, talking candidly about what actually works on the other side of the uniform. Co-hosted with Tommy Hendler; an independent venture with Tommy Hendler and Loren Rovere, produced with CloudCast Media.
EPISODES
VETERANS DAY SPECIAL – COMING NOVEMBER 11
MGySgt Scott Stalker, USMC (Ret.)
Thirty-one years in the Marine Corps, seven combat deployments, and the first Marine to serve as Command Senior Enlisted Leader for DIA, NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, and U.S. Space Command. Now the founder of S2 Stalker Solutions, on planning your transition in the right order and reaching back to help the next Marine.
EPISODE 1 – NOW STREAMING
Lead and Be Led
with Dr. Abby Kinch, Vice President of Research, Student Veterans of America
An Air Force veteran turned research leader on what she looks for in veteran hires: adaptability when the information is incomplete, the ability to work toward a shared mission, and accountability that carries over from the uniform.
Podcast Appearances
Guest appearances, plus guest co-hosting Spotlight on the Community with Drew Schlosberg, profiling the San Diego organizations doing the work.
GUEST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – JULY 2026
“Affordable and Accessible”: Student Veterans of America
On the other side of the mic: how military-focused education and Student Veterans of America leadership strengthen career pathways for the veteran workforce.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – JULY 2026
SDSU Adapted Athletics Leads the Way in Building Elite Student Athletes
How donor support and inclusive coaching create transformative opportunities for para-athletes at San Diego State.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – JULY 2026
Not Just a Show, It’s a Life Changer: Arms Wide Open
Chris Rubio on building inclusion through performing arts for adults and children with special needs.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – JULY 2026
Bringing Urgency, Perspective and Heart to Legacy Planning
Dan Engel of JAG Legacy and Insurance Solutions on legacy, philanthropy, and leading with love.
GUEST – THE VIBE WITH KELLY CARDENAS – JUNE 2026
The VIBE #814: Nick Rinell
A conversation with Kelly Cardenas on twenty-two years in the Marine Corps and a lifelong commitment to service in and out of uniform.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – MARCH 2026
Idea to Impact: Making Nutritious Food Affordable
How one organization is closing the gap between nutritious food and low- to middle-income communities.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – MARCH 2026
Building a Home for Music
How access to quality music education transforms communities, and what it takes to build institutions that last.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – JANUARY 2026
AVID: 45 Years of Closing the Opportunity Gap
AVID’s four-decade track record of closing achievement gaps for students across the country.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – JANUARY 2026
ProduceGood’s Army of Volunteers
How a volunteer-driven organization turns surplus produce into food security for thousands of San Diego County residents.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – JANUARY 2026
San Diego Blood Bank: A Resilient Blood Supply
The operational and community challenge of keeping a diverse, resilient blood supply in one of the country’s largest metro regions.
CO-HOST – SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY – JANUARY 2026
Scripps Ranch Theatre
How community theatre creates space for ideas that challenge and entertain in equal measure.
Awards & Recognition
American Public University System – 2025
Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award
Presented at the Student & Alumni Awards Luncheon in Washington DC. Awarded in recognition of exceptional leadership and service to the American Public University System community.
American Public University System – 2025
Alumni Service Award
Recognized for sustained and meaningful service to the American Military University alumni community.
Veterans Association of North County – 2025
Iraq War Campaign Honoree
Honored at the Veterans Association of North County Military Campaign Appreciation Dinner.
American Public University System – 2024
Outstanding Campus Leader of the Year
Consecutively awarded in recognition of outstanding leadership and contribution to the AMU campus community.
American Public University System – 2024
Chapter of the Year Award
Awarded to the SVA chapter under my leadership at American Public University System, recognized as the top student veterans organization chapter for 2024.
American Public University System – 2023
Outstanding Campus Leader of the Year
Awarded in recognition of outstanding leadership and contribution to the AMU campus community.
“Hold the Standard”
THE KEEP – NICHOLAS “RHINO” RINELL
