In crisis? Veterans Crisis Line:call or text 988, then press 1

Skip to content
Back to all episodes
Artwork for From Ranger to Editor: Randall Surles on Military Service, Writing, and Life After Transition

Published July 15, 2025 · 54:30

From Ranger to Editor: Randall Surles on Military Service, Writing, and Life After Transition

Guest: Randall Surles

Watch on YouTube
  • Transition to civilian life
  • Business and career
  • Service stories
  • Community and nonprofits

Show notes

In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with Randall Surles—a retired Army Green Beret, former Ranger, and now a professional editor and writing mentor. Randall shares his remarkable 30-year journey in the military, from his early aspirations of adventure to facing the challenges of Ranger school, Green Beret training, and beyond. He dives deep into the realities of military service, the transition to civilian life, and how he found a new calling in writing, editing, and helping other veterans tell their stories.

The conversation takes listeners on a unique detour as Ed and Randall explore the transformative experience of walking the Camino de Santiago, an adventure that played a pivotal role in Randall's post-military life. Together, they reflect on the power of community, personal growth, and the importance of finding purpose after service.

Randall also shares valuable insights on ghostwriting, editing, and launching a new career in publishing. If you're a veteran thinking about your next chapter—or anyone inspired by stories of resilience and reinvention—this episode is for you.

Links:

**Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

Tune in for inspiring stories, practical career advice, and a heartfelt look at life's transitions—only on Helping the Brave!

#HelpingTheBrave #VeteranStories #EdParcaut #RandallSurles #ArmyRanger #GreenBeret #MilitaryTransition #CaminoDeSantiago #MilitaryMemoir #StoryNinja #Skillbridge #VeteranSupport #WritingCommunity #MilitaryWriters #Ghostwriting #VeteranEditor #PodcastInterview #MilitaryLife #TransitionStories #VeteransHelpingVeterans

Related episodes

July 28, 2026 · 50:06

Army Recruit To Gulf War Near-Miss: A Soldier's Story

Guest: Eric Goebelbecker

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Eric Goebelbecker for a wide-ranging conversation about Army service, military transition, technology, writing, and the challenge of reinventing yourself after service. Eric shares why he joined the Army, how family history shaped that decision, and what life looked like serving in Germany as a Hawk continuous wave radar repai

Episode pageTransition to civilian lifeBusiness and career

May 12, 2026 · 33:54

Veteran's Military Journey: Army Medic To Navy Diver

Guest: Scott English

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut talks with Scott English, a former Canadian Army medic and Navy diver who now leads Combat Fitness, a performance-focused training business for military, law enforcement, and tactical athletes. Scott shares his journey through service, his transition out, and how burnout, operational demands, and changing priorities pushed him toward entrepr

Episode pageTransition to civilian lifeBusiness and career

April 28, 2026 · 1:11:29

Lee Ettinger on Veteran Community Life And Finding Purpose Again

Guest: Chris Miles

In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with guests Chris Miles and Lee Ettinger for an engaging conversation about military service, transition to civilian life, and entrepreneurship. Chris Miles shares candid stories from his time in the Marine Corps, including challenging boot camp experiences and lessons learned from amphibious assault training. He and Ed Parcaut dive

Episode pageTransition to civilian lifeMental health and healing