Episode 11

full
Published on:

26th Dec 2025

From Sheriff’s Deputy to Navy Chief to Thailand: Ryan Smith on Identity, Transition & Building a New Life

In this episode of Liberty Call, I sit down with Ryan Smith — a former Sheriff’s Deputy, proud U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer, and newly retired law enforcement professional who is about to take on his boldest mission yet: building a brand-new life in Thailand.

Ryan opens up about decades of service in uniform, balancing military and law enforcement careers, the emotional weight of transition, identity beyond the badge and anchors, mental health, resilience, family, and why he’s choosing to start a new chapter overseas.

This is straight talk. No fluff. Just real perspective from a man who served his community, served his country, and is now redefining what “the next chapter” looks like.

💬 Conversation Highlights

• Growing up, joining law enforcement, and rising through the ranks

• Serving as a Navy Reserve Chief — leadership, pride, and brotherhood

• What retirement really feels like when the uniform comes off

• Identity, purpose, and mental health after service

• Why Thailand? Lifestyle, peace, and a reset on life

• Advice for military and law enforcement preparing to transition

• What he wishes people truly understood about veterans and cops

🎯 Why This Matters

A lot of people talk about transition like it’s paperwork, checklists, and timelines. It’s not. It’s emotional. It’s psychological. It changes your identity. Ryan breaks it down honestly and powerfully — and if you’re military, law enforcement, a veteran, or family, this conversation hits home.

🎧 Listen. Reflect. Move Forward.

If you’re retiring soon, already transitioned, or thinking about your next chapter — this episode gives you perspective, hope, and the confidence to build the life you actually want.


🔗 Resources

• Follow Liberty Call

• Veteran Crisis Line — Dial 988 then Press 1

• Military & Veteran Resources


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About the Podcast

Liberty Call Podcast
Retirement, Reinvention & Adventure Without Borders
Liberty Call is where service ends and freedom begins. Hosted a Navy Commander Juan Lucero, this podcast dives deep into the real stories of veterans navigating life after the military. From the discipline of the uniform to the uncertainty of transition, Liberty Call explores what it means to reinvent yourself, find purpose, and embrace freedom in retirement and beyond.

Every week, we sit down with service members, retirees, and global adventurers who share their journeys of transformation. You’ll hear from veterans who traded boots for backpacks, found new missions in entrepreneurship, built second careers, or chose the path of world travel and cultural discovery. These conversations highlight the resilience, struggles, humor, and victories that come with carving out a new life after service.

⚓ What you’ll get from Liberty Call:
• Honest, unfiltered stories from Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard veterans.
• Insights on the transition process: retirement, VA claims, financial planning, and civilian careers.
• Global travel inspiration — living abroad, cultural exploration, and adventure travel.
• Hard-earned lessons on family, freedom, resilience, and leadership.
• Motivation to create your own roadmap after military service.

This podcast isn’t just for veterans — it’s for anyone curious about reinvention, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. Whether you’re active duty planning for retirement, a veteran building your next chapter, or a civilian seeking stories of courage and adventure, Liberty Call gives you a front-row seat to life’s biggest transitions.

Juan brings not only decades of Navy experience but also the perspective of someone preparing for his own retirement and global travels with his wife. Together, they aim to show that life after the military isn’t an ending — it’s the beginning of a new mission.

🎧 Join the crew. Subscribe to Liberty Call and discover how veterans are redefining life, freedom, and adventure around the world.

#MilitaryRetirement #VeteranStories #LifeAfterService #LibertyCallPodcast #TravelFreedom
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About your host

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Juan Lucero

🎙️ Host Bio – Juan Lucero

Commander Juan A. Lucero, U.S. Navy, is the host of the Liberty Call Podcast. With more than 31 years of dedicated naval service, Juan’s career took him from his early days as an Aviation Support Equipment Technician to earning his commission as a Naval Officer, and ultimately serving as a Commander leading aviation maintenance teams around the world.

Born in Rota, Spain and raised in a Navy family, Juan’s journey has been defined by service, leadership, and resilience. His military career included multiple deployments aboard aircraft carriers and overseas assignments supporting U.S. operations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. Along the way, he earned recognition for his leadership and dedication to the Sailors and Marines he served beside.

Soon to be retired from active duty, Juan has set sail on a new mission: traveling the globe, experiencing new cultures, and sharing stories that inspire. Through Liberty Call, he brings together veterans, adventurers, and global travelers to explore life after service, the pursuit of freedom, and the lessons learned from both the military and the open road.

When he’s not recording episodes or planning his next journey, Juan enjoys exploring with his wife Nan, documenting their adventures on YouTube, and building a community for fellow veterans who are charting their own course after the military.

⚓ “Liberty Call isn’t just about leaving the ship — it’s about what you do with your freedom once you’re ashore.”