The Operation Coffee Podcast

Every conversation starts with a cup of coffee

The Operation Coffee Podcast is hosted by Sam Floyd, a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Operation Coffee, a veteran-owned coffee roaster in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Every episode is a conversation over coffee — with veterans, caregivers, first responders, and people who have had to find a new mission after service.

The show is recorded at the Operation Coffee roastery and covers the things that don't get said enough: the transition out of uniform, PTSD, faith, recovery, caregiving, and what it actually takes to let people back in. New episodes are released as conversations happen.

Where to listen

Episodes

Season 1, Episode 1 — Leaving the Corps, Finding the New Mission: David Tellefson

Released July 22, 2026 · 34 minutes

David Tellefson spent his career in the Marine Corps and retired as a First Sergeant. He is now the Veteran Service Officer for Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. This conversation is about the road between those two things.

Sam and David talk about the part nobody warns you about — what happens when you take off the uniform. Losing the mission. The struggle of transitioning out, and finding new purpose in helping other veterans.

They also get honest about something a lot of veterans carry: in the Corps, you learn not to get too attached, because getting attached means getting hurt. So you leave, and you keep people at arm's length. David and Sam talk about how hard it is to let people back in, and why it matters that you do.

If you're a veteran: reach out to your County Veteran Service Officer. That is what they are there for. You don't have to figure this out alone.

Watch this episode · Listen on Spotify

Episode 0 — Every Conversation Starts with Coffee

Released June 16, 2026 · 3 minutes

The short introduction to the show. Sam explains why he started Operation Coffee, why he started the podcast, and what listeners can expect from the conversations ahead.

Watch this episode

About the host

Sam Floyd served in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006 and deployed to Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004. He founded Operation Coffee in 2017 after eleven years of struggling with his mental health and the transition to civilian life. A portion of every sale is donated to Semper Fi & America's Fund and other veteran-focused causes. Sam and Operation Coffee have been featured on NBC's TODAY Show, VA News, and Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin.

Read Sam's story · Press and recognition

Common questions

Who hosts The Operation Coffee Podcast?
Sam Floyd, a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Operation Coffee, a veteran-owned roaster in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

What is the podcast about?
Conversations over coffee with veterans, caregivers, and others about transition out of the military, mental health, PTSD, faith, and finding a new mission.

Where can I listen to The Operation Coffee Podcast?
On Spotify and YouTube. Episodes are filmed as well as recorded.

Is it related to the coffee company?
Yes. The podcast is produced by Operation Coffee and recorded at the roastery in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

Drink the coffee behind the conversations

Operation Coffee is small-batch roasted to order in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Shop our coffee or subscribe and save 15%.