M.M.R.E.S – Mortgages, Military, Real Estate and Stuff
M.M.R.E.S – Mortgages, Military, Real Estate and Stuff
Podcast Description
M.M.R.E.S. (Mortgages, Military, Real Estate & Stuff) is the no-fluff, boots-on-the-ground podcast where military life meets the real world. Hosted by Army veteran and Realtor® Joshua Mayer, and his wife Beattriz Villalobos, a loan officer and former full-time military spouse, this show dives deep into the realities of transitioning out of service, navigating VA loans, and buying or selling a home — all while juggling kids, community, and career.Each episode features raw, real conversations with veterans, military spouses, and local experts. We unpack everything from PCS moves and deployment struggles to post-military careers, mental health, and building a life after the uniform.Whether you're active duty, a veteran, a spouse, or just want to understand the people who’ve served — you’re in the right place. Come for the stories. Stay for the stuff.🎙️ Warfighter tested. Warfighter recommended. Warfighter approved.👉 Got questions for the show? Want to share your story or plug your organization? Message us — we just might feature you
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on a variety of topics related to military life and real estate, including navigating VA loans, PCS moves, deployment challenges, mental health issues, and post-military career transitions. Episodes often feature real-life stories and experiences, highlighted by discussions like the grassroots mission of the Warrior Healing Center that supports veterans in crisis.
M.M.R.E.S. (Mortgages, Military, Real Estate & Stuff) is the no-fluff, boots-on-the-ground podcast where military life meets the real world. Hosted by Army veteran and Realtor® Joshua Mayer, and his wife Beattriz Villalobos, a loan officer and former full-time military spouse, this show dives deep into the realities of transitioning out of service, navigating VA loans, and buying or selling a home — all while juggling kids, community, and career.
Each episode features raw, real conversations with veterans, military spouses, and local experts. We unpack everything from PCS moves and deployment struggles to post-military careers, mental health, and building a life after the uniform.
Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, a spouse, or just want to understand the people who’ve served — you’re in the right place. Come for the stories. Stay for the stuff.
🎙️ Warfighter tested. Warfighter recommended. Warfighter approved.
👉 Got questions for the show? Want to share your story or plug your organization? Message us — we just might feature you
In this episode of M.M.R.E.S. (Mortgages, Military, Real Estate & Stuff), hosts Joshua Mayer and Beatriz Villalobos sit down with Michael Zehr — a U.S. Army Veteran, DAV-certified service officer, and one of the most dedicated volunteers at the Warrior Healing Center. Michael has made it his mission to guide fellow veterans through the often-confusing world of VA disability claims, benefits, and resources.
From filing your very first claim to appealing a denial, Michael breaks down the process in plain language, sharing insider tips on how to prepare a fully developed claim that gets processed faster, what documents you’ll need (and why a DD214 is just the start), and how to avoid common pitfalls that can slow down or even reduce your rating.
We dig into:
- How Michael went from front desk volunteer to full-time benefits advocate.
- The importance of documenting everything during service — and what to do if you didn’t.
- Understanding service-connected vs. non-service-connected disabilities.
- Why tinnitus claims might be changing soon.
- How to file for an increase years after your initial rating.
- What to expect from the appeals process.
- The truth about PTSD claims, employment concerns, and security clearances.
- Benefits for surviving spouses and dependents, including DIC.
- What resources are available for homeless or at-risk veterans — and why local help often beats the federal system for speed and results.
Michael also shares powerful real-world stories from veterans he’s helped — moments that keep him motivated even on the toughest days. From Vietnam vets finally receiving long-overdue benefits, to younger service members who thought they didn’t qualify, to survivors of military sexual trauma finding the courage to file — his passion for helping shines through in every conversation.
Whether you’re a veteran wondering where to start, a spouse trying to understand what’s available, or someone looking to support veterans in your community, this episode is packed with practical, actionable information.
About Michael Zehr:
Michael served in the U.S. Army from 1977–1980 and has been a tireless advocate for veterans in Cochise County, Arizona. As a DAV-certified chapter service officer, he helps veterans file claims, navigate the VA system, and access benefits they’ve earned. He’s also deeply involved in multiple community organizations, including the Warrior Healing Center, the DAV, the Knights of Columbus, and the Elks.
Resources Mentioned:
- Warrior Healing Center – Sierra Vista, AZ
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Chapter 14
- VA.gov – Benefits & Claims Portal
💙 Join the Mission — $22 a Month for 22 a Day
Every day, an average of 22 veterans take their own lives. At the Warrior Healing Center, we believe that number is unacceptable — and preventable. For just $22 a month, you can help us connect veterans to the community, services, and support they need to rebuild their lives. 100% of donations go directly to our mission, and as a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO code 22467), Arizona residents can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.
📲 Learn more and make your impact today: 22toE
🎧 Stay Connected
📍 Recorded at the Warrior Healing Center in Sierra Vista, AZ
🌐 Learn more or get involved: www.warriorhealingcenter.org
💥 Support the mission: www.22toend22.com
📬 Questions or stories to share? Email us at [email protected]
📱 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @mmrespodcast
Warfighter Tested. Warfighter Approved. Warfighter Recommended.
Disclaimer
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