Militarily Speaking Ep 1 Introducing Military Speaking





In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi introduce the show, and themselves, as they discuss what they hope their listeners will be able to take away from the show. They also ask the very first ‘Military Minute’ for listeners to answer on their social media.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

We — with guests like you — will help the military community not only navigate their finances but also military life. We chat about both good and bad financial practices and provide some insight along the way. We’ll share strategies to help people get ahead, discuss military benefits that members should take advantage of, and more – all working towards the goal of helping people become more financially independent.

On the show, we’ll also preview and talk about how to take advantage of military specific services, such as loans and mortgages, and help members prepare for important milestones such as PCS moves and the transition to civilian life. Finally, at the end of every episode, we have a bit of fun with our Military Minute. That guessing-game segment features military history, hobbies, a bit of pop culture. Correct guesses by listeners could result in a donation to charity of individual’s choice.

Show Notes

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi introduce the show, and themselves, as they discuss what they hope their listeners will be able to take away from the show. They also ask the very first ‘Military Minute’ for listeners to answer on their social media.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

Episode 1: Introducing Militarily Speaking

What is Militarily Speaking?

  • Tom McLean opens the first episode of Militarily Speaking, brought to you by Armed Forces Bank, by welcoming everyone and introducing his co-host Jodi Vickery.
  • Tom begins by stating how there is no better time to launch this new podcast than right now, with two great months ahead.
  • April begins Month of the Military Child, and Tom points out specific key dates.
  • He speaks to how resilient children of military members are.
  • April is also Military Saves month, with more information coming about how to establish great savings habits.
  • May begins Military Appreciation Month, and Tom points out a few key dates once again.
  • Tom notes how it is nice to see military bases opening up around the country again, as COVID lessens its grip on society.
  • Tom brings up how Spring is in the air, and there are so many sports either wrapping up their season or just getting kicked off soon, along with graduations and family vacations happening very soon.

Jodi answers the question as to why they are starting this podcast.


  • She says it’s to help you, the listener, and them as the hosts, navigate both finances and military life.
  • It’s also to discuss and navigate the road where the two worlds intersect.

Host Introductions and Backgrounds

Jodi then leads into introductions of the hosts, beginning with herself.

  • Proud spouse of career retired soldier, whose service lasted over 20 years.
  • During his service, she was able to engage with various unit FRGs and serve in various capacities at several duty stations.
  • Her family then made the difficult decision to plant roots while her husband was still serving in other locations.
  • She has two amazing teenagers, who are involved in sports, among other hobbies.
  • Jodi says she is excited to get to know you, the audience, over the course of the next episodes.

Tom begins his introductions with a lighthearted joke, quoting “to know you is to love you” but that he isn’t sure how true that will be after he introduces himself.


  • Tom states he has been in the banking business for over 34 years, with 6 of those working for Walmart Financial Services.
  • He states that most of his banking experience was in Florida.
  • Tom then acknowledges that the last fifteen years of his career working for Armed Forces Bank has been the most rewarding for him.
  • Tom says that while he has not served in the military himself, he serves those who are in the military everyday he puts on his Armed Forces Bank badge.
  • He gives a shoutout to his two daughters, and then talks about how grateful he is for his wife.
  • Tom then describes his hobbies that includes all of the Wordle and all of the other variations, and then discusses favorite movies with Jodi.

Jodi breaks into discussing what topics the show will cover.


  • She gives an example of navigating a VA Loan and a home purchase, which usually come at the heels of a PCS move.
  • She notes they will also discuss strategies on how to get ahead when it comes to military benefits, organizations that are great to know, and military lifestyle milestones and how to make the best of them.

Military Minute

Tom says that they want to interact with their audience in some way and then introduces the ‘Military Minute’.

  • The ‘Military Minute’ he says, is where they will throw out a military item of interest, such as pop culture, trivia, military jargon, bank jargon, or current events.
  • The answers to the trivia questions will not be revealed until the next episode of the show.
  • He says if you know the answer to the question, and comment the answer on the social media post accompanying this episode, you plus a charity of your choice, can each win $50.

Jodi asks the very first Military Minute question: Who was the radio DJ that inspired Robin Williams character in the movie “Good Morning Vietnam”?

  • Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode
  • Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each with $50.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.