Fragout Podcast

Jesse Frewerd served in the Army, and he's an OG Iraq war veteran he served in Iraq in 2003. Jesse is a singer/songwriter. He shared the highs and lows about his service, transition, and his new life purpose of singing and writing songs. This was a very fun podcast. He even sang on the podcast, it was awesome!

Excellent podcast with my friends, business partners, and primary podcast sponsors Mike Cox and Brian Hofmann owners of MortgageNerds.com. We did a deep dive into the VA Home Loan, VA Construction Loan, VA Renovation Loan, Why Brokers Are Better, Asking the Right Questions, and so much more. Mike and Brian travel the state and educate veterans and service members on the VA Home Loan daily! They are at Fort McCoy monthly and we have built a healthy relationship with the CVSOs of Wisconsin. The VA Home Loan is super confusing and robust, the family at Mortgage Nerds is here to help you. This was a very fun and educational podcast.

Jesse Cuff joined me for his 4th podcast here at the studio. Jesse is an Army/Afghanistan veteran and currently the CVSO of Waupaca County Veterans Service Office. We talked about current events, politics, veteran community, and his conspiracy theories. I don't usually talk about some of these topics but I save it for Jesse because we have fun with it, and he's also very level headed. It was fun to catch up and share some healthy laughs. Jesse still holds the record for the longest podcast which is 3 hours 10 mins and now he's the only guest with 4 separate episodes

Keegan served in the Marine Corps and deployed to South American and Iraq. He's an Appleton Firefighter/Paramedic. Keegan has also fought and beat stage 4 Lung cancer. Keegan's story is hard to quantify in words. He changed his diet, workout, and lifestyle to beat cancer. There's many people who look up to him and respect him. One of the strongest and bravest men I know. I want to thank him for spending 2.5 hours with me just sharing stories and his journey. Happy 248th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps

Exciting podcast with Steve Kofron. Steve is one of the 12 Horse Soldiers from Special Forces ODA 595 that fought the Taliban on horseback just 40 days after 9/11. His 12 man team lived in some very brutal conditions and fought alongside the Northern Alliance with General Dostum. Currently Steve works for Horse Soldier Bourbon. It was a pleasure to have him and Kody on to talk about the company, his military service, and giving back to our Veteran community. The Movie 12 Strong depicts their mission.

Powerful podcast today with Shannon Hough. Shannon is a proud Navy Veteran and Founder of Shield of Sisters nonprofit that helps Women veterans that were Raped/ and or Sexually assaulted while in service. 1 in 3 women that served have either been raped or assaulted. Shannon shared her service and story. This topic is very sensitive but the MIL/Vet community isn't really talking about it. We have to use our voices.

Dave Tellefsen the new county Veteran service officer of Fond du Lac County. Dave served 22 years in the Marine Corps with 8+ trips around the world and a deployment to Iraq. Dave shared his service, deployment stories, transition, and the importance of seeing your CVSO.

Powerful podcast today with Chris Gromowski. Chris is a proud Marine Corps veteran and co-founder of Vyper Energy. Chris came on the show to talk about his incredible journey just getting into the military. Chris grew up in the Foster Care System with different families until he was adapted by an amazing family. Chris's journey is inspiring and they type of stories we should be sharing and promoting. We both grew up in southeastern, WI. This podcast will be live next week!

Major General (Ret) Don Dunbar. Don served 37 years in the Air Force. He was the TAG (The Adjutant General) of the Wisconsin National Guard for 13 years, served under 3 Governors. He served on various councils and committees. Don came on the podcast to talk about path into the military, the legacy his father and uncles establish during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. I've known Don since I was a senior in High School so it was an honor to have Don on the podcast as equals. We covered a lot of ground and topics. He's been retired now for just over 3 years now.

My first Live Podcast with Bad Batch CrossFit this morning. Raising money for Lift for the 22. Incredible show of support in Kaukauna, WI. Dan Newberry has been on twice previously. We did a quick Live on Site podcast while other worked out. We spoke about the importance of working out and getting veterans back in the gym and becoming healthy.

My friend Alex DV came on the podcast today. Alex is a Marine Corps Veteran and is Pro Staff with The Fallen Outdoors. Alex shared his amazing story a lot was very personal and some he's never shared before. Alex is an avid fisherman and loves to get veterans either on the water or the ice catching fish. Alex is a great veteran advocate and his work ethic to encourage veterans to be outdoors is top notch!

Insightful and powerful podcast with Andy Brigham Assistant State Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders - Wisconsin. Andy has spent decades assisting, supporting, fundraising for service members, veterans, and families throughout Wisconsin. Andy shared his personal story about a freak electrocution accident that prevented him from fulfilling his dream of serving in the US Navy. Andy has been a massive supporter of the podcast since day 1. It was an honor to have him on and share so much his family, himself, and the PGR!

Victor Bohm (Left) Air Force Veteran former Senior Director of Communications for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Graduated from Columbia- Ivy League. Eric Jansen (Right) Marine Corps Veteran/ 2 Tours Afghanistan. Merchandise Coordinator and volunteer for Balanced Veterans Network which is a national nonprofit focused on getting veterans into various type of therapy. They have different pillars. To include psychedelics. Eric and Victor both shared their personal experiences using psychedelics to treat their PTS, anxiety, depression, etc. Eric shared his story and trip to Mexico to be apart of an Ayahuasca ceromony. Very powerful podcast!

Cory Asimus Marine Corps/ Afghanistan Veteran and current Appleton Firefighter. Cory is the unofficial Guinness World Record Holder for the fastest Half Marathon with a 100 lb Ruck with a time of 2:10:38. Cory came on the podcast today to talk about his humble beginnings growing up in Colorado, playing hockey, Enlisting in the Marines, his transition, etc. Cory is also training currently for the Fox Cities Marathon where he will attempt to set a new world record for a Full Marathon with a 100 lb Ruck. He's raising money for Vaspire316! Cory has a great story and support surrounding him.

Part 2 Jake Dekeyser- Air Force Veteran. Jake and I met 2 years ago at an archery event. He was only 6 days out of the Air Force and already having a rough transition for the last 2 years I've been mentoring him. He shared his journey and story today. We did a 2.5 hour podcast and covered a lot of important topics surrounding our MIL/Vet community. Jake's growth has been incredible but the knowledge and wisdom he's gained is even more valuable.

Jake Dekesyer- Air Force Veteran. Jake and I met 2 years ago at an archery event. He was only 6 days out of the Air Force and already having a rough transition for the last 2 years I've been mentoring him. He shared his journey and story today. We did a 2.5 hour podcast and covered a lot of important topics surrounding our MIL/Vet community. Jake's growth has been incredible but the knowledge and wisdom he's gained is even more valuable. He now works for Synergy Sports Performance.

Bill Leahy- West Point Grad- Infantryman. Bill is the owner/Founder of Renaissance Reliability, LLC. Manufacturing consultancy and Skillbridge program partner transitioning service members into manufacturing and helping manufactures. American manufacturing is making a comeback and they are filming a documentary about the entire journey. Bills brother Shawn is the genesis behind all this. Shawn had a rough transition and took his life in December of 2022. We will post the link for the upcoming documentary in the notes in the near future!

Jason Flores owner of Moonbeem Brands and he's a proud Marine Corps/Afghanistan veteran. Jason and dove into his humble beginnings and his obsession with outer space. Jason did want anything to do with the veteran community for years cause he felt he didn't do enough. But he is slowly coming back and wants to help other vets.

Brent Eisberner came up for a phenomenal podcast today. Served in Kuwait, Haiti, and Afghanistan.Brent was an Artillery officer. He is also a great attorney. Brent shared his journey through the Marines, around the world and law school. He is a great veteran, community leader, and story teller.

Jason Vest- Iraq War veteran. 22 years in the National Guard. He now does amazing humor content and standup comedy. He uses a lot of his service for his comedy. He also is very invested in mental health for our fellow veterans. Very nice guy.. please check his Instagram out https://instagram.com/poopyturdsmcgee?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg== We wanted to have a light hearted conversation and inject some humor and super funny stories.

Larry Jackson President of Ben Jackson Foundation. Larry is a proud Navy Veteran oversees this incredible Wisconsin based organization. Larry's Son Ben was just 20 years old serving in the United States Air Force when he was killed in a freak accident on the Misawa Air Base in Japan. Just weeks before his death, he had the unique opportunity to surprise his family and friends in New Glarus, Wisconsin, with his first visit home in 14 months. Then the Ben Jackson Foundation was established with the sole purpose to recognize the sacrifice newly enlisted members of the military have chosen to make and to provide financial support to help them visit home from their first permanent duty station.

Jon Pethke- Air Force Veteran and Entrepreneur. Jon created CoyAmore Dating App for Introverts. Jon has a great personal story about service, traveling, dating, etc. Awesome guy and veteran. His app is now live!!

Shaun Stoeger is a proud Lakota Tribal member of the Oglala and Sihasapa clan and the Sioux Nation. He is a Desert Storm Veteran served 14.5 years in the Army. He was Airborne Infantry. Shaun shared so much about his service, deployment, Native American culture, transitioning, etc. Powerful podcast with a great message.

Eric Salzwedel founder of Do Good Wisconsin. Eric and I have been friends for 12 years and we both share a great passion for helping others. Eric shared his experience helping people around the world and here in the US. Eric has done over 40 Venmo Challenge and given around $40,000 to servers during COVID. He did another one to help buy a lawnmower for a local veteran in Northeastern, WI. In less than 24 hours he raised $1,410. Great day with a powerful and selfless friend!

My friend Curt Lemke and Shelby Lemke came on the podcast and provided a great perspective. Curt served in the marines as mechanic, did 2 tours in Afghanistan. Shelby provided context of what a spouse goes through during a deployment. Curt is actively involved with veteran advocacy and policy work.

Kimberly Stoeger owner of Nutritional Healing, LLCand was at the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013. This was a very emotional and educational podcast. 10 years of survivors guilt and trauma. This was the first time publicly she has shared her story. It should be noted she finished the marathon in 3 hours 33 mins and 33 secs. She shared her journey into nutrition and helping people and the community. Fascinating conversation and story. I am super proud of Kimberly and how far she's come.

My friend Alex Grave came on. He served with 1st Special Force Group as a mechanic. Deployed to Iraq and the Philippines. He's an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Had a very relaxed and humbling conversation. Married and He's a proud father of 2 daughters.

VA HOME LOAN Knowledge Transfer Podcast with the owners of Mortgage Nerds. We all sat down and talked about why the VA HOME LOAN is the best benefit for Veterans and should not be disregarded. We talked about the current market and the federal interest rate hikes. The various types of Refinancing Home Equity Line Of Credit etc. We really dove deep on this. Do not let realtors tell you the VA Home Loan isn't good, that's BS. No down payment or PMI? Saving thousands of dollars. Contact mortgage nerds if you have any questions. https://mortgagenerds.com/

Justin McDougle- Army/ Afghanistan Veteran, Co-Owner of Battle Brothers Tactical, LLC. Justin came on the podcast today we talked about his service, his company, transition, gun rights and training, current events, etc. Very casual and organic. Justin also was an over the road trucker that drive 1.8-2 million miles all over the United States. Super proud of Justin. #disruptiveimpact #WisconsinVeteran #podcast

My new friend Tom Farley and I had a great 2+ hour conversation about substance abuse, veterans, Chris Farley, his book, etc. Tom is the older brother of Chris Farley. Tom shared a lot about his own struggles, sobriety, and recovery. He's a proud Substance Abuse advocate and works for a great org helping veterans.Please check out Rosecrance Which is a mission act provider! This is what my podcast is all about! It was a good day!

Joe Scott- Owner of Alpha Dog Nutrition and waterfowl enthusiast. Joe came on the show and we talked about his humble beginnings, college, business, and hunting. Joe is also my neighbor! We had a lot of fun and share some great stories. #disruptiveimpact #WisconsinVeteran

James Long- Former Captain, Afghanistan/ Army Veteran. West Point Graduate and 1 of 10 siblings, 9 of 10 joined the military. James and his wife Destiny own both Bad Batch CrossFit and Fox Valley Meal Prep. 2.5 hour podcast we talked about James's childhood, Process into West Point, his 2 deployments to Afghanistan, business ownership, etc. phenomenal podcast. #WisconsinVeteran #disruptiveimpact #veteranownedbusiness

Entertaining podcast with Mark and Paul from Pure Konopie. They farm, make, and produce high quality CBD products right here in Wisconsin. Fascinating conversation with them about the science, regulations, laws, and so much more relating to Hemp based products! Please check them out and use FRAGOUT20 for 20% off at check out! The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These products should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. No statements on this episode #176 are offering medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before use of any product mentioned on this episode. Wisconsin Veteran, LLC and The Fragout Podcast is not responsible for any legal charges that may come as a result of local or State laws. It is the buyer's responsibility to determine if any transaction with Pure Konopie and its affiliates is in violation of local regulations or laws. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

Are you tired of the drive thru runs? The fad diets that don't help you sustain your health? Just running out of time in the day to make a fresh meal? Local Army Veteran and his family are bringing a simple yet healthy option to the Fox Valley. This small team makes everything fresh, in small batches from a locally owned kitchen in downtown Kaukauna, WI. Fresh, never frozen meals - either picked up Sunday or delivered to your door every Sunday & Wednesday. Head to https://foxvalleymealprep.com/ to learn more and remember – When you eat better, you feel better! Use code FRAGOUT at checkout to save $5 off your first order

Patrick Dunn came back on the podcast.. he was the second podcast I ever did at my kitchen table. He saw the studio for the first time and got a sweet bag of swag! Damn good to see you and catch up!

Carter Lindley- 173rd Airborne/Afghanistan Veteran. Carter is also Summer Camp Director of Camp Manitowish . We shared our love of Camp Manito Wish when we were campers. Carter and talked in depth about camp, military, his deployment to Afghanistan and his transition.

Jacole Hall- Founder of Vaspire316 and wife of Dominic Hall. Jacole came on the podcast to talk about Dominic, Veteran Zero, Hunter 7, and the journey she experienced with fighting cancer and loosing her husband to cancer related to his military service. Dominic Hall was a former Force Recon Marine & Green Beret. He also served on the Appleton Police Dept with SWAT & Special Investigations Unit. This podcast was filled with a lot of raw emotion.

Jordan Leitsch Marine Corps/ Afghanistan veteran came back after 3 years for his second podcast. Jordan is now working Velocity Outdoors and incharge of Valhalla by Ravin- Ravin Crossbows. They help all type orgs with donations, financial assistance, marketing, etc. Jordan gave us a life update and talked about his Service dog Tyr he received from Rescue 22 Foundation. This was a great podcast and lots of great information shared related to how to properly verify nonprofits.

Are you a Veteran who owns a small business? Are you a Veteran with an idea for a business? Yes? Then apply to be part of the Innovation Accelerator for Veterans Program at Fox Valley Technical College. This entrepreneur and small business training immerses you in the process of business model design and small business management. Phase One includes a three-day workshop and Phase Two includes the business planning E-seed Training Series and during Phase Three you choose: Financial Management for Entrepreneurs OR Website Design and Promotion series. Upon successful completion in the Innovation Accelerator for Veterans Program, each Veteran receives $1,000.00 towards the launch and/or growth of their small business! This program kicks off on March 17/April 21 with limited availability for 30 Veterans. Apply NOW. Log on to www.FVTC.edu/VentureCenter or call Amy at 920-735-2594 to apply!

Mike Heidtman- Served in the US Army and Iraq in 2004. Mike works full for the VA as a therapist and runs his own private practice. Mike came on today because he was recently diagnosed with Carcinoma Cancer in his face/jaw. He wanted to share his story and experiences for his family, kids, and friends. Mike is an incredible friend of mine and we are very close. His brother in law was also in the studio, we had him laughing pretty hard. This was a very deep and critical thinking podcast. Love you Mike! #disruptiveimpact #WisconsinVeteran #FuckCancer

Tracy Urban my friend, mentor, and my recruiter came on the podcast tonight. I've known her for 16/17ish years. She is an OG Iraq Veteran, Air assault, Airborne, master repeller, etc. She is also one of the founding members of Shield of Sisters focused on helping survivors of military sexual assault. Tracy is like the big sister I never had. We both shared a lot on this podcast which emotional and filled with passion!

Tyler Heupel- Afghanistan War veteran and actively serving law enforcement officer. Tyler served in Afghanistan on a PSD detail for a 3 star General. He also served at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Tyler served 9 years total and accomplished a lot before 27 years old. His family owns The Dough Shoppe in Green Bay. This was a great podcast with a successful young veteran doing big things!

Dan Zimmerman Former Secretary of the Wisconsin Dept of Veterans Affairs. Dan is a Army veteran and deployed to Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq for Desert Storm and OIF. Dan came on the show today to share his humble beginnings and his path into the military and being the leader of one of the biggest Depts in state government. Dan was my boss in 2017 and he is an incredible leader and person. This was a phenomenal podcast

Brian Hofmann of Mortgage Nerds, LLC came on to update and educate everyone on the mortgage industry and the VA Home Loan. We really focused on the importance of vetting your lender, relator, and the Veterans who will use their VA home loan. The education on this benefit is super important and life changing. If you have any questions reach out to Brian.

Chase Ford- Marine Corps/ Iraq war veteran. Chase's story is wild and his experiences are vast and super fascinating. He opens up about his intense struggles with PTSD and micro dosing with ketamine. He's also a Situational Awareness Expert and we deep dive into that background. He's the proud owner of CrossFit One Shot in Green Bay. He has a powerful documentary called "The Unknown War" about his path/treatment using Ketamine.

Mark Cassity is a proud dog trainer and works with police depts, veterans orgs, and much more. Mark spent 2 years Afghanistan as a civilian contractor with his own Explosive Detection dog. He spent his time at ECPs looking for bombs and he saw a lot of stuff. He owns Aktiv Dog training in the Lake Geneva area.

Matt Solberg- Marine Corps/ Iraq War veteran. Marine Corps Birthday episode. Matt was in Iraq in 2004-2005. He was in and around Fallujah and was injured by an IED before the 2nd fight for Fallujah. Matt lost 6 friends/fellow Marines. Matt shared his story, emotions, hobbies, etc. this was a powerful and epic conversation.

Bradley Ellis owner of Brand Of Brothers Coffee and 2 time Afghanistan War veteran. Bradley served with the 951st Sapper Unit From Wisconsin, which became one of the most decorated units after their deployment. Over 100 CABs, 4 CMB, 21 Bronze Stars, etc. given out. Bradley now lives in Colombia and makes amazing coffee and chocolate. This was a phenomenal podcast.

My friend Dan Newberry came back on the podcast after a 2 year hiatus. Dan shared a lot of what's been going on with him professionally, personally, mentally, and spiritually. Dan runs Lift For The 22, great nonprofit that encourages veterans to workout and use fitness as a therapy.

My friend Roy Cambronero came on the podcast today. Army veteran that was an Intelligence analyst and severed in South America doing work to take down drug cartels. Grew up in Milwaukee. Roy's story is insane and very fascinating.