Strike the Pain Pleasure Balance: Episode 7 w/ Margarita Valenzuela

Written By Nate Palin

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Overview

Margarita Valenzuela, a former Marine, shares her journey from military service to civilian life. She discusses her diverse background, her experiences in the Marine Corps, and the challenges she faced transitioning to civilian life. Maggie shares her educational pursuits in psychology, her insights on the importance of physical training, and her understanding of the pain-pleasure balance in life. The conversation concludes with Maggie offering words of wisdom for veterans, emphasizing the importance of faith and community in overcoming life's challenges.

About Margarita Valenzuela

Follower of Jesus Christ/ Wife/ Daughter/ Sister/ Step-Mom/ Athlete 

Maggie was born in Salinas, CA. Growing up she always had an interest in human performance and spirituality. Maggie joined the United States Marine Corps after high school and served for 11.5 years. Her first duty assignment took place in New Orleans, LA at Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) between 2011-2014. She served as an 0111 Administrative Specialist. During her second enlistment, between October 2014 - July 2015. She volunteered in the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force (GCEITF). She served as a 0311 Infantry after graduating from the School of Infantry (SOI) East. The GCEITF took place in multiple training locations such as: Camp Lejeune, NC, TwentyNine Palms, CA, and BridgePort California Mountain Warfare Training Center. Maggie met other Marines who were also comfortable being uncomfortable throughout various training iterations. In 2016, the Commandant of the Marine Corps authorized Women Marines being granted the opportunity to take part in combat MOS's. 

In August 2015, Maggie was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, NC and returned to her 0111 Administrative MOS. During her duty assignment, she took interest in becoming a bodybuilder, and human performance coach. In 2016-2017 she competed in two National Physique Committee (NPC) Bodybuilding competitions. Which inspired her to learn more about Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, and earned 3 certifications from the International Sports Science Association in Personal Training. In January 2018, she then attended the Marine Corps Force Fitness Instructor Course in Quantico, VA. She was then appointed as the unit Force Fitness Instructor (FFI), responsible for the Marine Corps Body Composition Program (BCP), Marine Corps Remedial Program (RP). In July 2019, Maggie was assigned to United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany. In November 2020, Maggie was promoted to Staff Sergeant and was re-assigned to Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa Command (MARFOREUR/AF) at Panzer Kaserne, Germany. In June 2021, Maggie began volunteering as an Assistant S&C at Special Operation Command Europe (SOCEUR). Where she supported military service members training at the Preservation of Force and Family Program (POTFF). In September 2022, Maggie went into the skillbridge program post-military service and became a full-time intern at POTFF.

In 2024, Maggie and her husband moved to Vienna, Austria. She is currently a student in Psychology at Webster Vienna Private University (WVPU). In November 2025, Maggie embarked on a journey into becoming a Christian and was baptized along with her husband Jimmy. Today, Maggie is interested in learning about Christian Counseling and combining both psychology and biblical scripture to serve as a Biblical Counselor for her community. 

Episode Takeaways

  • Maggie has a diverse background in sports and physical activities.

  • Her journey into the Marine Corps was influenced by her family and a desire for structure.

  • She transitioned from an administrative role to a combat role in the Marines.

  • Maggie emphasizes the importance of physical training and mental health.

  • She is currently pursuing education in psychology and personal growth.

  • Maggie discusses the pain-pleasure balance and its relevance in modern life.

  • She highlights the importance of community and faith in overcoming challenges.

  • Maggie encourages veterans to find purpose and surrender to faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:51 Journey into the Marine Corps

10:32 Experiences in the Marine Corps

18:20 Transitioning to Civilian Life

21:51 Educational Pursuits and Personal Growth

29:05 The Pain-Pleasure Balance

40:39 Words of Wisdom for Veterans

Nate Palin
Next

Get Rid of the Ego: Episode 6 w/ Paul Nguyen