Fragout Podcast

Had the honor of sitting down with my friend, Iraq War Veteran and former POW Jessica Lynch, to talk about the importance of National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. We dove into the history, what this day truly means, and how it's impacted her and other POWs. Perspective like that changes you. We also mixed in some good conversation on turkey and elk hunting because that's how real conversations go. Jessica is a wealth of knowledge, and every time we talk, I walk away better.

Sharp and Witty Podcast with my friend Tyler Hackbarth. Tyler is an Iraq War Veteran and owner of Wolf River Forge. He was on Season 6 of Forged In Fire Battle of the Branches and was the overall winner of that season. He makes incredible knives here in Wisconsin. He's a Journey Knife Smith and working on his master knife smithing certification. Lots of laughs and serious moments. Please follow Fragout Podcast for all updates.

Exciting episode of the podcast with my friend Sam Parker, owner of My Credit Guy Credit Restoration widely regarded as #1 in the mortgage industry. Sam was in town, so we laid a track and broke down the fundamentals: • Credit scores • Credit repair vs. reality • VA Home Loans • Mortgages • Bankruptcy • How lenders actually look at your file This was an entry-level, no-BS conversation designed to educate and empower. Sam is an absolute nerd when it comes to credit and I mean that as the highest compliment. If you've ever wondered how your credit actually impacts your buying power, this one's for you.

Great Podcast with my friends from House In The Woods Jeff Shock and Jason Seavey. Jason, an Air Force Veteran originally from Maine and now planted in the Fox Valley with his wife, and Jeff proud volunteer and guide are gearing up for Sturgeon Spearing opener this weekend. They've got 13 veterans from across Wisconsin coming in to try their luck on the ice. That's what it's about camaraderie, purpose, and the outdoors. In 2023, I traveled to Maine and had a successful bear hunt with them. Firsthand experience: this organization is the real deal. Phenomenal mission. Real impact.

Spiritual and exciting podcast with my friend Franki Moscato. Franki was on American Idol and she founded the Franki Moscato Foundation that focuses on young adults to preventing suicide and promote mental wellness through inspiration, education, and kindness. We talked about both our experiences with bullying and how we used it to better our lives. We talked about music and her strong faith. This was a super fun podcast and I learned a lot.

Great podcast with my new friend Rick Crosson. Rick is a retired LT. Colonel running for congress for the 8th Congressional district in Wisconsin. Rick and I talked about his 20 years of service in the Army and how he decided to run for congress. This was fun and light hearted. Politics are not our usual type of content but this was just about his vision and mission.

My Senior Drill Sergeant from Infantry School Michael Fletcher, drove all the way up from South Carolina for a podcast and to chase some geese with me. Exactly 19 years ago, I graduated Infantry School on Sand Hill, Fort Benning, GA. Sitting down with him again after all these years was surreal—fun, emotional, and a full-circle moment. We talked about my time at Sand Hill, deployments, and even had surprise messages from guys who graduated with me. This podcast means alot to me to share with the world. I've had alot of great mentors but Mike really established a great foudation for my military career but also how achieved my goals. He taught me to never quit. Thank you to all my fellow Platoon members that sent videos in for Mike!

Surprised a very deserving veteran with a free elite OnX Membership and I shared my thoughts and feeling about veterans day. Have a great Veterans Day be safe and have fun.

We caught up on all his travels for work and talked about his ongoing recovery journey. The conversation went in all directions—from sandhill crane hunts to hog hunting and everything in between. Got an update on the biopic about his brother Chris. After recording, we grabbed lunch at The Mad Apple Burger & Billiard and shot a few games of pool… which confirmed that neither of us will be joining a pro league anytime soon. Thanks for the great day, brother!

Part 3 - Dan is an Iraq War veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and one of the most selfless people I've ever met. After serving his country, he dedicated his life to helping veterans — opening two gyms, creating jobs, and giving others a place to belong. But in the process, he lost everything: his house, his car, his relationship, and his sense of self. Dan hit rock bottom and spent 30 days at the Milwaukee VA Domiciliary. That time changed everything. Today, he's rebuilding his life — working as a personal security guard, back in the gym, and rediscovering who he is beyond the uniform. His story is raw, emotional, and full of redemption.

Dropped some knowledge bombs with my friend Matt Burkhead — Marine Veteran, Iraq War Tanker (twice), and Loan Officer with MortgageNerds.com. We dug into his humble beginnings, including the time he lived in Japan during 7th and 8th grade, and then got into the VA Home Loan — busting myths, misconceptions, and highlighting why it's the best benefit for veterans to build long-term wealth. Matt's passion for educating veterans and service members is second to none, and this conversation was both fun and insightful.

Tracey Served 10 years in the US Navy as a Corpsman and traveled the world on various deployments and ports. She was stationed in Bethesda, Maryland working at the National Naval Medical Center on 9/11. She is now the Public Affairs Officer for Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association WI 45-3. This group is doing amazing things for veterans around Wisconsin and Northeastern, WI! September 6th they have an awareness ride.

Called all my Wisconsin Congressman and Women, and Senators to express my overwhelming disappointment and disapproval for the Public Land Sell Off Bill that was introduced by Senator Mike Lee of Utah. Call your reps!

I sat down with some of my favorite duck hunters and guides from the Horicon Marsh Veterans Hunt — Mike Vandervest, Michael Koerber, and Dan Riese. We went two hours non-stop talking duck and waterfowl hunting, swapping stories, roasting each other, and sipping whiskey in honor of The Duck Commander himself, Phil Robertson. These three guys helped me fall in love with duck hunting — grateful for the laughs, the lessons, and the good times.

Great podcast with Josh Schoemann for Governor Josh was previously on the podcast. He is an Iraq war veteran was apart of the invasion and is Washington County Executive. Josh is campaigning for Governor of Wisconsin. We have so much love and appreciation for this state. We love small diners for breakfast, hunting, and our veterans. I don't do much about politics but this was more about getting to know him as a potential governor. Lots of fun and laughs

I called some fellow veterans to ask them how they celebrate and what Memorial Day means to them. Memorial Day 2025 Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for this nation. Their sacrifice is the foundation of our freedom. To all veterans, families, and supporters of the Fragout Podcast—thank you for standing with us as we remember the fallen and carry forward their legacy with purpose, unity, and respect. Never forgotten. Always honored.

Incredible Podcast with my friend Brett Schaal. Brett served 8 years in the Marines. He did 2 tours in Iraq and was in the first fight for Fallujah and was there for the Flour Factory incident. He served with 2/7 Marines. He share his upbrining and path into the Marines and transition. Brett and I went to UW- Whitewater together and sat next to each other in English class. Brett is one of the most humble and hard working friends I know. He's not one to boast about his service so I am doing it for him. He also recently bought a Traeger! On December 1, 2005, in Fallujah, Iraq, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines lost ten Marines in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack. The fallen Marines were: Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Clay, Lance Cpl. David A. Huhn, Lance Cpl. Adam W. Kaiser, Lance Cpl. Robert A. Martinez, Cpl.Anthony T. McElveen, Lance Cpl. Scott T. Modeen, Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten, Sgt. Andy A. Stevens, and Lance Cpl. Craig N. Watson

Incredible podcast with My British Family My sister Tanya her kids Ryan and Alexa. We did a nice podcast about the story of finding each other through DNA testing. I've grown up knowning nothing about my father and I've only had 1 picture of him. Tanya has provided 50+ more pictures and tons of stories ans facts about my dad. It's been something I've always wondered about my whole life. We both knew each other exist but didn't have full names or updated information. I've spent the last 11 days with them taking them all over Wisconsin.