Cleared Hot - Powered By BRCC

If you have children, specifically daughters, this podcast is for you. Actually, this podcast is for anyone who wants to learn more about what it takes to be a high achiever. At the age of 18, Stella Davison is an Olympic hopeful in the sport of Judo. She is a purple belt in BJJ, coaches children in BJJ, and has structured her educational load to graduate high school early to focus on her international competition. Driven, Disciplined, Goal-oriented, and organized, things we can all benefit from, regardless of where you are in the story arc of your life.

This episode is a repost of a podcast that was recorded for SBGI (Straight Blast Gym International) while we were in Niagra Falls for the fall camp. In this episode, I am on the receiving end of the questions, instead of asking them. We discussed fake martial arts/military tactics, the war in Afghanistan, Jiu-Jitsu (obviously), and life in general. Enjoy, and see you in 2020.

Finishing off 2019 with Q and A part 2... Personal preference and advice across 3 weapons platforms (pistol, AR, long rifle), my thoughts on what we can do to heal as a nation, Macro vs. Micro mindset when it comes to approaching your goals, and making big moves with young families. Enjoy

I'm doing my best to play catch up on Q and A, it has been a few months. This is part 1 of 2. Part 2 will come out next Monday. Advice for reducing anxiety, EDC (every day carry) and additional tools to make yourself "bulletproof," How civilians can make real, positive, personal, and impactful efforts to help transitioning veterans, Essentials and packing tips for any trip. Enjoy

Evy Poumpouras packs an incredible punch in a small package...She is a former Secret Service Special Agent who worked the protective details for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush, William Clinton, and George H. Bush. Evy worked complex criminal investigations and undercover operations, executed search and arrest warrants, and investigated both violent and financial crimes. Additionally, Evy was an interrogator for the agency's elite polygraph unit and trained by the Department of Defense in the art and science of lie detection, human behavior, and cognitive influence. Evy Poumpouras is a multi-platform journalist and host who frequently appears on NBC, MSNBC, CNN, and ABC. She covers a wide range of topics, such as national security, law enforcement, personal protection, behavioral analysis, situational awareness, and how to live life fearlessly. Outside of her role as a journalist, Evy is a TEDx speaker and international advisor whose expertise is sought worldwide. She has been a keynote speaker for NASDAQ, SOCOM, Yankee Stadium Series, United Technologies, Corcoran Group, Tyco, Skanska, Red Door Spa, amongst many others. She is an Adjunct Professor for The City University of New York where she teaches criminal justice and criminology. Evy was also cast on CBS's TV series "The Hunted." Evy holds a Master of Science from Columbia University in Journalism, a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs from Hofstra University. She is also a former New York City Police Academy recruit, and a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Secret Service Academy, and the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute.

Lessons in teambuilding, leadership, personal responsibility, integrity, and life in general from hunting camp with the CEO and founder of Black Rifle Coffee, Evan Hafer...World-class archer and bow-hunter, John Dudley...and gravity enthusiast and former Navy SEAL Trevor Thompson.

Andrew Fontes is the Brand Manager for Gatorz Eyewear, an American designed and American made sunglass manufacturer. With roots in the "high velocity" sports realm, specifically the world of motorcycles, the brand has evolved and now has deep ties into the skydiving world, as well as the Special Operations Community. This episode is an inside look at a continuously evolving brand that takes great pride in its American manufacturing process, as well as the people that make the brand tick. I have been wearing Gatorz for 15 years, if you are interested in trying them for yourself (the Magnums are the heat) code: ANDY15 will save you 15% on everything. Enjoy

Three high-level BJJ practitioners and coaches on one podcast. John Frankl is a full-time professor in Korea, and part-time badass on the mats. Actually, he is a full-time badass on the mats. Travis Davison is the VP of Straight Blast Gym International as well as my Jiu Jitsu coach in the Flathead Valley. Michael Heinz is also a professor, but just made the leap into becoming the owner of SBG Texas (the balls on the man to claim the entire state as his own!) Enjoy

Brian Bishop is a former Marine with multiple combat deployments to Iraq prior to continuing his service in Afghanistan as a contractor with Blackwater. He is the founder of Orion Design Group, a solutions-oriented company that seeks to fill the gaps present in business as well as the Special Operations community.

Breaking into the triple digits with a podcast from SBG (Straight Blast Gym) Fall Camp in Niagra Falls. Adam Singer is a scientist by day and high-level Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, MMA and striking coach, and gym owner by night. He is essentially a mix between Elon Musk, and Clark Kent, but he can't fly or stop bullets with his chest. Rory Singer is an MMA fighter and Jiu-Jitsu Balck Belt. He has fought in King of the Cage, Pride, Spike Tv's the Ultimate Fighter, and the UFC. Together with his brother, they own SBG Athens in Georgia. SBG Athens Travis Davison is the VP of Straight Blast Gym International, the owner of SBG Kalispell and Whitefish, and my Jiu-Jitsu coach. He currently is competing for the most appearances on the podcast with John Dudley, and is losing.

Evan Hafer is the founder and CEO of Black Rifle Coffee. Prior to his love affair with coffee, he served as a contractor with the Central Intelligence Agency as well as serving in the United States Army as a Special Forces Soldier (Green Beret). Trevor Thompson is an ex-Navy SEAL, skydiver, BASE jumper, photographer, bowhunter, exercise aficionado and all-around renaissance man. Secret Black Rifle Coffee code for 20 percent off a one time order: AndyCEO

It took some time, but we were finally able to assemble the most amazing group of podcast guests in the known universe. Joe Rogan is likely the most successful podcaster on the face of the planet, a stand-up comedian, and commentator for the UFC. Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL, author of multiple NY Times best-selling books, and the host of the Jocko Podcast. John Dudley is a world-class archer and bowhunter, owner of Nock On, and an incredible resource for anyone interested in archery and bowhunting. Cam Hanes is not only a world-class bowhunter, he is also an amazing endurance athlete, oftentimes completing a marathon per day during his training an preparation.

John Nores is a recently retired game warden with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While serving he helped develop the Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) and Delta Team, the first comprehensive special operations tactical team and sniper unit, with a mission to combat the marijuana cartel's destruction and decimation of California's wildlife resources. If you would like to learn more about John, his new book Hidden War, and the thin green line, please visit his website: www.johnnores.com

Sometimes you have them, sometimes you don't. There is no magic wand and no magic formula, but there are some practical steps you can take that will increase the odds of achieving your goals. These tactics work regardless of occupation and profession. Simple, not easy.

For the past three years I have been fortunate to hunt with John Dudley in Northern Alberta with Red Willow Outfitters. This year we were joined by Brock White and Dusty Fillion. Alberta was the location for my first bowhunting experience 3 years ago, and it is a trip I look forward to all year long. Each year has brought different experiences and challenges, and this year certainly did not disappoint. We talked about the "great sickness of 2019," which attempted to kill all of us in hunting camp, our hunting successes and failures on the trip, life, and of course, ridiculous antics from the field. Enjoy

Caleb Copeland is an outdoorsman turned videographer, photographer, producer, and editor. He is the founder of Copeland Creative, a full-service media production company, and the host of the redneck tech podcast, which can be found on Itunes. We discussed the outdoor/hunting industry successes and failures, lessons learned from a lifetime in the outdoors, and advice for those looking to pursue his career field.

Jack Carr is a retired Navy SEAL with 20 years of service as both an enlisted SEAL, and commissioned officer. Over his 20 year career he held positions as a SEAL sniper, Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander, and Task Unit Commander. He served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Jack is now pursuing his second life long dream, becoming an author. His second book, True Believer is out now. For more information about Jack, check out officialjackcarr.com

Adversity is everywhere in life. You can choose to isolate yourself in an attempt to avoid it, or you can face it and learn to overcome. This is a simple/unavoidable choice for most adults, but our children require the example and environment that their parents create. I believe that physical challenges create the most powerful teaching tools in this area for kids, and one great mechanism is BJJ. Kisa and Travis Davison are the owners of SBG (Straight Blast Gym) Montana, which has a thriving program designed specifically for children. Check out Growing Gorillas for more information, then do the right thing and get your kids/young adults involved!

Mark Carter is a 3rd generation rancher turned professional snowboarder. Mark was born and raised in the small town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, working side by side with his family on their ranch. He received his first snowboard as a gift from his mother at the age of ten, and the rest is, as they say, history. He has traveled the globe riding the best snow imaginable, creating major snowboarding films along the way. Here is the link to his family farm, and grass-fed beef delivery: Carter Country Meats

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL, the host of the Jocko Podcast, a NYT best selling author, Leadership speaker and consultant, and one of the founders of Echelon Front. John Dudley is a world-class archer, projectile enthusiast, and one of the best bow hunters to walk the face of the earth. He founded Nock on Archery, and combined with his YouTube channel and School of Nock his platform is the one-stop shop for anyone in the archery world, or looking to enter the sport of archery.

Mat Best is a former Army Ranger and CIA contractor. After years spent overseas, he has devoted himself to business and the pursuit of being an entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Black Rifle Coffee, the founder of Article 15 Clothing, Leadslinger Spirits, and one of the hosts of the Drinking Bro's Podcast. He also starred in the movie Range 15 and recently published a book about his time in uniform titled: Thank you for my service. In addition to all of the things previously mentioned, he creates some of the funniest content on the internet. Check out his Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/MBest11x

Jason Gardner is a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief with 30 years of service, all inside of Naval Special Warfare. His career spans Desert Storm, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is the recipient of the Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and many other awards. We discussed raising our children, a lifetime spent in Special Operations, the pros and cons of a life in military service, life after service, war crimes, and leadership. Enjoy

Leaving a career that has defined you for years can be difficult. I struggled with it immensely post-military after a 17-year career, I still stumble occasionally. There is incredible value to be gained by putting down the past and redefining yourself. I am at the six year point and I have learned a few lessons along the way, hopefully they help. The 4th of July is upon us....hopefully 1776 and Independence can take on a deeper meaning for you this holiday weekend.

Ryan Michler is the founder/creator of the Order of Man, a community and resource designed to help men improve every aspect of their lives from family, money, parenting, responsibility, etc. He is a Veteran, a white belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and as of last week, a resident of the great state of Maine. We discussed our experiences on the mat, the dangers and allure of "connectivity" and connection with our children and their peers on social media, and of course, why his family decided to make the move from Utah to Maine. Order of Man

Pete and Brian are the mad scientists behind Origin USA, a manufacturing company dedicated to products sourced and made in the USA. Their factory is tucked away in the wilderness of Maine, and is dedicated to reinvigorating American production. Origin USA originally started in the BJJ "space," crafting high-quality Gi's for Jiu Jitsu practitioners. Recently they introduced denim jeans that are "Grown and Sewn" in the USA, and are about to launch a series of hand crafted boots. Pete Roberts founded Origin USA after a high-level competitive career in BJJ himself. As the company grew, he met Brian Littlefield, also a high-level BJJ practitioner, and now the CEO of Origin Labs, the nutrition and supplementation wing of Origin USA. www.originmaine.com

Advice for future military officers (or officers of any kind I suppose), Tips for giving kick-ass briefs/presentations, Balancing the dichotomy of being patriotic and accepting of the shortcomings of our nation, Acts that establish an individual as evil, and a brief update on my BJJ journey. Enjoy

For this memorial day, I chose to select questions directly related to military service. I open with my own thoughts on Memorial Day, the individuals that I see as often forgotten, and how to best remember and truly memorialize the service of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. War crimes, and whether or not the President should pardon soldiers convicted of executing them. Differences and similarities between JSOC commands, operators, and the opinions they sometimes hold of each other. My closest moment to "meeting my maker," and how I found humor in others at that same moment. In closing, the audio of Jocko Willink reading my blog post, "A Debt That Cannot be Repaid."

After a week in the wilderness of British Columbia, I convened the round table of hunters (John Dudley and Trevor Thompson) and one of our guides (Dusty Fillion) to talk about the experiences, lessons learned, comical failures, animal encounters, and most importantly the life lessons that one can find in the great outdoors.

Dan Crenshaw is the freshman Republican Congressman from the 2nd District of Texas. Prior to his political career, he served as a United States Navy SEAL for 10 years. On his 3rd combat deployment, he was injured by an IED (improvised explosive device) which cost him his right eye and left him with substantial damage to his left. He was medically retired due to his injuries, and shortly thereafter began his career in politics. https://crenshawforcongress.com/

The internet demanded it, the world has waited for it, and it is finally here. Volume 1 of the Cleared Hot Tactical Asshole series reviews and critiques the worlds greatest military documentary - Navy SEALs starring Charlie Sheen. In this episode, we watch and review various tactical scenes and discuss their accuracy, or most often, the lack thereof. Hostage rescue, free-fall insertions, and gunfights in the streets of Lebanon. Truly there is something for everyone. Enjoy

Erik Prince is a former Navy SEAL and the founder of Blackwater, a training and private military contractor company that worked extensively with the US government in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He recently published an op-ed detailing a plan to "privatize" the war in Afghanistan. Many people will associate the name Blackwater with PMC's (Private Military Contractors) and the controversy surrounding the Nisour square shooting in 2007, and the subsequent loss of their license to operate in that country. Often, contractors are referred to as "mercenaries," a term used pejoratively, and largely inaccurately. Civilians have served on the front lines and in war zones with active duty soldiers since the inception of warfare, and I believe the discussion should be about defining their operational parameters, not their presence there.

In this episode I was joined by three SBG (Straight Blast Gym) black belts, Travis Davison, Rick Davison, and Michael Ransom, aka the Knights. I am obviously the Jester. In previous episodes surrounding BJJ we have discussed the methodology, philosophy, origin, and training styles. This is not that type of episode. Accidentally going to the bathroom, who would win in a fight, religion, cancer, guns, responsibility and accountability, and much more. Enjoy!

I meant for this episode to be a stand-alone Q and A, but recent "events" on social media need to be addressed first. We live in a world where you can use the internet and portray yourself to be something that you are not, especially in the tactical world. Separating the wheat from the chaff can be difficult, and it creates an environment where fraud is pervasive. Be wary where you devote your time, effort, and money, all are valuable resources. Hopefully, the insight helps people make educated decisions. After my rant, a discussion on issues I struggle with and how I manage and cope, the most common leadership principle I see missing in individuals and organizations, the value of soliciting for outside advice, and the key components that your subordinates need to take away from any FRAGO. Enjoy

Power hour with two BJJ bad asses. I just returned from the SBGI (Straight Blast Gym International) spring camp, an experience that can only be described as a shotgun blast of information to the face. Matt Thornton is the founder of SBG, a lifelong martial arts participant, coach, and author. Travis Davison is the VP of SBGI, a 20 year BJJ practitioner, and the owner of SBG Montana. I could not pass up the opportunity to sit down with these two to discuss the origins of SBG, the progression of BJJ, their thoughts on the past and future of the sport/activity, and the impact and importance it can have outside of the gym environment.

Mark Twight is a world-class alpinist, author, photographer, the founder of Gym Jones, an accomplished cyclist, and technical consultant and trainer to the big screen. His newest photographic project Refuge is a mix of photography across multiple genres: https://www.marktwight.com/REFUGE/1 https://www.marktwight.com/ Trevor Thompson is a former Navy SEAL, with multiple combat deployments and broad experience that ranges from SDV (SEAL Delivery Vehicles) to the Navy Parachute Team, also known as the leapfrogs. He is now a professional canopy sports athlete, photographer, and content creator.

Evan Hafer is the founder and CEO of Black Rifle Coffee. Prior to founding BRCC he spent twenty years serving this country, first as a Special Forces soldier (Green Beret), then as a contractor for the Central Intelligence Agency, completing multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Not all military experience is applicable to the business world, and not all veterans are well suited to create, build, and continue to grow a business. There are, however, many skills that have impact and applicability to business. We spent this hour discussing lessons learned, best practices, successful decisions, and mistakes made in the journey of growing BRCC. The last twenty minutes we discussed the long term impact of war on the individual, war crimes, and the ability to detach from an occupation before it is all that defines you. https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/

Paul Sharp recently retired from a twenty year career in law enforcement from the city of Elgin, located on the NW outskirts of Chicago. He served his community in a variety of capacities, from patrol, undercover, narcotics, SWAT, and the resident officer program. He is a firearms, defensive weapons and tactics, and bladed edge instructor, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, and the owner of SBG Illinois. Travis Davison is a vice president of Straight Blast Gym International, the owner of multiple SBG facilities, and a 20 + year BJJ practitioner and coach.

Bryan Callen is a stand up comedian, actor, writer, and co-host of The Fighter and the Kid podcast. His newest comedy special "Complicated Apes" will be premiering March 12th on the Comedy Dynamics Network. His shows the Goldbergs and Schooled are currently airing on ABC. Murderbookpodcast.com Biowave.com

I asked for difficult questions, you delivered. My biggest mistake as a parent, and how I dealt/deal with it, and my biggest mistake as a SEAL, and the impact it had on my career. Why I feel like I was put on this earth to "fight," how one reconciles a calm demeanor with a "savage/kill" mindset. Advice for keeping your ego in check. How to push through or keep going when you are at your lowest points. Enjoy. Audience Survey: http://suhttp://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=4zGlq6bTDFvj&ver=short

This podcast comes to you from Texas, and an incredible hunting outfitter, CS Outfitters. Brian and John are both repeat guests, but this is the first time we have shared a hunting camp, and hunting experiences. Many people think that hunting is solely comprised of killing, and they could not be further from the truth. In 2.5 days we busted our ass, walked, crawled, laughed, drank, and learned. I think it has to be experienced to truly be understood. Brian Chontosh is a retired Marine Corps officer, endurance athlete, and aspiring bow hunter. You will get a glimpse into his character by reading his Navy Cross Citation. John Dudley is the creator and founder of Nock On Archery which in my opinion is the one stop shop for archery knowledge and equipment. John has mentored me into bowhunting for the past 18 months, and now it is Brian's turn to learn from the master.

Jeff Provenzano is a professional skydiver, wing suit pilot, and BASE jumper with over 20,000 jumps. He is a current member of the Red Bull Air Force, traveling the world representing the sport of skydiving while shooting content for movies, sponsors, and executing demonstration jumps. Links to videos from the conversation: Fall Swoopers Chain Reaction NYC Wingsuit Flight Thor No parachute jump

Not only does everyone seem to be talking about "Toxic Masculinity," I seem to be receiving multiple emails about it every day. Full disclosure, I have not being paying much attention to the discussion, for the reasons I go in to detail during the episode. I'm not a fan of the term, or any term that is overused and under defined. If I had to pick one leadership style that is the most impactful, I would choose mentorship. It is how I was shepherded from being a young punk in the Teams to an individual capable of operating with little to no oversight in high risk, high consequence environments. I have been asked to create episodes on mentorship for young men and women, and the more thought I have put in to it, to the more convinced I am that they are not the target audience, the parents are. I close with my EDC and some food for thought when it comes to choosing to carry a concealed weapon. Here is the link to the full audio and video from the radio call in the podcast opening (it is not me in the call): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WIsmvTtMNc

Sean Evangelista is the founder and owner of 30 Seconds Out, a commando inspired apparel brand. In addition to running his apparel brand, he is a member of the Sun Valley Ski Patrol, and also happens to be a retired Navy SEAL with 20 years of service, including multiple combat deployments throughout the world. Sean and I served together, the night I was shot we were standing shoulder to shoulder. As often happens, careers diverge and you lose touch with those you were once close to. Although that night was nearly 15 years ago, this was the first conversation we have had discussing the events from each of our perspectives. We covered a good bit of ground in this conversation, from pre military to post, reflections on the highs and lows of a career, the impact of a kinetic career on family thoughts on limiting time in combat, and the importance of team and purpose. If you are interested in supporting Sean and his brand, check out: 30 Seconds Out Use code: "clearedhot" for 20 percent off your order

This episode closes out my 2018, and launches me in to my 2019. The lessons I learned about humanity, the human psyche, psychology, and the human condition during my time as a BUD/s (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) Instructor, and how I implement them in my daily life. 2018 In review, goals and aspirations for 2019. My thoughts on the departure of General Mattis, and an update on my BJJ journey. Enjoy

Evan Hafer is the founder and CEO of Black Rifle Coffee. Prior to his current role he spent twenty years serving this country, first as a Special Forces soldier (Green Beret), then as a contractor for the Central Intelligence Agency, completing multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. John Dudley is a world class archer and coach. He is the founder of Nock on Archery, the one stop shop for information, equipment, and instruction for archers and bow hunters of all levels. For the past year and a half I have been fortunate to conduct multiple hunts with him, and I am doing everything possible to draft off of his knowledge and experience.

Ryan Michler is the founder/creator of Order of Man, a community and resource designed to help men improve every aspect of their lives from family, money, parenting, responsibility, etc. I hear the term "toxic masculinity" frequently, and if I am being completely honest, I stop paying attention shortly after I do. From my view in the cheap seats, it seems to be a blanket statement designed to shut down conversations, and it is extremely poorly defined. In this episode Ryan and I discuss why he chose to change the course of his life while working in the financial sector and devote his time and effort to creating Order of Man, and what he hopes it will become in the future. Order of Man

In this episode I answer your questions from a diverse set of questions... My thoughts on military personnel charged with war crimes, leadership styles and their positive and negative impact on small teams, finding inspiration, situational awareness (preparation vs. paranoia), handling fear and doubt, and of course an update on the BJJ journey. Thanks to everyone who reached out with questions, sorry if I didn't get the chance to answer yours, there will always be another Q and A.

I am never able to answer all of the questions received, but I do my best to get to most of them. This week was going to be an interview, but sometimes life gets in the way, so I called an audible and dove back in to some unanswered questions. Advice for your members of the military, or young men and women in general when it comes to "Paying your dues," Forgiveness vs. Revenge, How to find your purpose post military, struggling with how to deal with those who "thank you" for your military service, accepting big changes in life without becoming overwhelmed.

Aaron Cross is an Army veteran with tours of duty in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He started his career as a "grunt," (his words, not mine) and then became an airborne soldier and served with multiple units, to include the famed 101st Airborne Division. On his last tour in Afghanistan his vehicle was targeted by an IED, an incident for which he received the Purple Heart, and ultimately lead to the end of his military career. Aaron has been very vocal and open about his struggles with PTS (Post Traumatic Stress), which is far less common than it should be from those in military circles. Since his separation, 11 of the men he served with have chosen to end their own lives, a statistic that is far too common, and speaks to the challenges of military service in active war zones. War changes you, in my opinion, for both better and worse. You will come home a different person. You will see the world differently. You will struggle to find common ground. The journey is not the same for any two people. Hopefully someone listening to this is reassured on their own journey, and maintains the resolve to see their way through it.

I am consistently blown away by the questions that are submitted by listeners. I appreciate the time and effort taken to submit them, and I'll do my best to launch another episode to clean up those that I missed. In this episode I cover everything from fighting a sense of entitlement in your kids, what you should do if you encounter someone lying about their service (specifically SpecOps service), advice for those stuck in a job that they hate, raising teenage sons, and my thoughts on team sports. Like I said, we covered quite a bit. Enjoy