SOFREP Radio

Kervin Aucoin is a 15-year Army veteran, owner of Aucoin Analytics, and host of the geopolitical podcast This Week Explained. He begins by talking about the most important conflict today, the Russia-Ukraine War, and how it really began in 2014 with the invasion of Crimea. He explores the relationship between former president Trump and Russia, as well as the danger of larger countries like Finland and Sweden getting invaded as Russia continues its expansionism. Kervin then discusses the role of drones in ISR today and the very real opportunities and weaknesses that AI has in intelligence-gathering. Rad and Kervin also talk about how people should be accepting and using AI moving forward, especially with the writers’ strike happening today in Hollywood, and why good and accurate information is the key to averting crises like WW3. Follow Kervin on social media: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-explained/id1584681500 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaucoin83/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dwain Worrell is a filmmaker, traveler, and novelist. His writing credits include Marvel’s Iron Fist, CBS’s Fire Country, the Disney+ series National Treasure, and his latest book Androne. The book explores a near future where bipedal androids are omnipresent, even on battlefields. The action-packed book explores life and death as soldiers now control the killing power of andrones from great distances. The book hinges on an empathetic decision made by a pilot, putting into question the strange and dangerous truths of this new invisible war. Rad and Dwain also discuss the Hollywood writers' strike, its causes and effects, and their insider takes on it as members of the ecosystem. They also talk about the invasion of Ukraine and the ideological importance of this fight being won against the Russians. Follow Dwain on social media: Website: https://www.dwainworrell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worrell_dwain/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DwainAWorrell Get your copy of Androne here: https://amzn.to/48nVzX7 Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Shockey is a Canadian wilderness outfitter, worldwide adventurer, television producer and host, and outdoor writer. He is the author of Call Me Hunter, a fast-paced thriller that also talks about fully experiencing the one life you have. Shockey then discusses the Hand of Man Museum and his aspiration for it to remain open and accessible to the public through donations. He also speaks about harboring a deep and spiritual respect for animals. This might seem ironic coming from a hunter, but he believes that finding a balance in nature is our duty as members of the natural world. Shockey talks about tolerance and how it is the number one thing the world needs today, as well as staying focused on the goals you want to achieve. Follow Jim and the Hand of Man Museum on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimshockeyofficial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JimShockey_ Hand of Man Museum: http://handofmanmuseum.com/ Get your copy of Call Me Hunter here: https://amzn.to/45aIopX Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Buckett is a 20-year Navy SEAL veteran and author of the book Leadership Is Overrated. He advises younger people not to lie to themselves about wanting to join the SEALs because if they are unwilling to do what it takes to succeed, they will simply become another statistic. He shares his experience as a trainer for Hell Week, the brutally difficult defining event of BUD/S training, and his realizations of changing team culture on his first deployment to Afghanistan. Kyle learned that leadership is about empowering others and trusting them to go out and crush their goals. Follow Kyle on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buckett/ Website: http://leadershipisoverrated.com/ Get your copy of Leadership Is Overrated here: https://amzn.to/44NgVua Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean Stott is a former special forces soldier with the Special Boat Service where he served for 16 years. He shares how he transitioned to private security after a parachuting accident ended his military career and tells the story of how he singlehandedly evacuated the Canadian embassy in Benghazi. Realizing that he was chasing the adrenaline of his SOF days, Dean decided to take care of himself while still keeping his mind and body engaged. He settled on breaking the world record for the fastest person to cycle the 14,000-mile Pan-American Highway, smashing the previous record by a whopping 17 days. Follow Dean on social media and get his book Relentless: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanstott/ Website: https://www.deanstott.com/ Get a copy of Relentless: https://amzn.to/45R7z1q Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian Porter is a former New Zealand SAS Commando in D Squadron. Also known as the How Not to Die Guy, he pulls from his vast knowledge and experience in the field and pays it forward to help others keep safe. He talks about upgrading and downgrading responses depending on the situation and how this boils down to proper training. Since bad guys don't play by the rules, Damian stresses the need to either walk away from a fight or protect yourself immediately and eliminate the threat. The key is situational awareness and it is this skill that he passes on to others. He shares more practical advice like how to lose weight through movement and how it all begins with a choice. Follow Damian on social media: Straight Talk - Mind and Muscle Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDI0IBtcYblCWpiIOalL7w Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hownottodieguy/ Website: https://www.hownottodieguy.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Spangle is a Marine-turned-fashion-photographer who joined the Corps at 17 years old and, after training, joined the 2nd Force Recon Co. He shares the importance of camouflage during his deployments and how observing local style opened him up to his future career as a photographer and bespoke tailor. He sees style as a cultural aspect of conflict. There is an emotional story behind uniforms like Robert's chance encounter with a gentleman who recognized his Rhodesian camo, reminding him of his time in the bush 40 years ago, and the Ukrainians fielding their DPM shorts today as they liberate their country. Follow Robert and get his book Afghan Style: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thousandyardstyle/ Book: https://www.observercollection.com/collection/afghan-style/ Website: https://www.thousandyardstyle.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Feaver is the former special advisor for strategic planning and institutional reform on the National Security Council and the author of Thanks for Your Service. He observes dropping public confidence in the military, resulting in a decline in recruitment. Peter sees significant challenges, especially how civilians drag down the military in partisan culture wars. He discusses the role of Hollywood in public perception and using the military for functions it is not designed for, further reducing public perception. He recommends that former generals depoliticize themselves and refrain from endorsing their candidates for president unless they are running themselves, and for military leaders to refuse to carry out immoral, unethical, and unwise orders to maintain their integrity. Get your copy of Thanks for Your Service: https://amzn.to/47r713R Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel Wright is a former Green Beret and Cameron Fath is a former US Army Ranger. They are the hosts of the Pop Culture Field Manual Podcast. Israel shares his bad jumps and close calls with death, while Cameron goes over his choice for the best Army Ranger unit—his very own 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Israel and Cameron then talk about pop culture and how this unites people regardless of their differing viewpoints on politics, religion, or anything else. They started the Pop Culture Field Manual Podcast to engage listeners based on this principle. Today, out of uniform, they continue to take the spirit of their experiences and celebrate them with their growing community. Check out the Pop Culture Field Manual Podcast: Website: https://pcfm.buzzsprout.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PopCultureFieldManual Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcfmpodcast/?hl=en Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Thor's latest book Dead Fall follows Rising Tiger, the next in the Scot Harvath series, as it covers a Russian unit in Ukraine gone rogue. Brad talks about how history echoes itself with how the now-infamous Wagner group's recruitment of prisoners reminds him of some of the worst Nazi SS battalions in WW2. Brad also comments on the larger war happening today in Ukraine and how Ukraine is likely a central part of Putin's legacy plan, both in a symbolic and practical sense. He talks about how action-packed Dead Fall is, the exhaustive writing process for each new book he writes, and the prospects of a TV show soon. Get your copy of Dead Fall: https://amzn.to/43DD9OH Website: https://bradthor.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Peyton is a former Navy SEAL and he talks about what it means to be a lead breacher, the authority on all mechanical and explosive entry issues. However, Michael was battling addiction, PTSD, and injuries, ultimately leading him down the road to recovery. Joshua Reddoch is a 23-year veteran of the US Army, with roots as a medic up until he got his commission to command a medical unit, before switching to civil affairs. He talks about how he and Michael met through SOFREP Radio to form Tribe, Task, & Purpose (TTP), a Christ-centered and holistic lifeline for commandos and first responders to climb out of the pits of addiction. The programs of Tribe, Task, & Purpose are tailored for individuals based on scientifically-proven technology in conjunction with nature’s healing properties. Their mission is to serve those who have served us, striving to significantly reduce relapse rates within these communities. Find out more about Tribe, Task, & Purpose: Website: https://tribetaskpurpose.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribetaskpurpose/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribe-task-purpose-inc/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robin Bartlett chose ROTC as the Vietnam War escalated and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He volunteered for Infantry, Airborne, and Ranger training and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division as a Combat Platoon Leader. He got everything he asked for, and much much more. During the height of the war, from 1968 to 1969, he led 28 soldiers on helicopter combat assaults and search and destroy missions with the famed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Robin recalls his experiences there, from mastering artillery with reconnaissance by fire to processing the fallen for repatriation, all of which he tells in his book Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History. Robin is the President of the NY/NJ Chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and lives with his wife in Norwood, New Jersey. They have three sons, none of whom have pursued military careers. Get your copy of Vietnam Combat: https://amzn.to/3pF2Znn Website: https://robinbartlettauthor.com/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Barber is the author of In the Blood, the story of how Bart Gullong and his partner Frank Hursey discovered how a crushed rock called zeolite had blood‑clotting properties. It took years to overcome the legal hurdles initially brought forth by the Army but the product won in the end, giving rise to QuikClot, now a basic lifesaving miracle for every military first aid kit. At age 50, Bart Gullong met his future business partner Frank Hursey. Frank actually experimented with kitty litter to discover QuikClot but eventually lost the patent to it. Bart's role was helping in the business side of things and the small company that Gullong and Hursey created in 2002 out of a workshop recently sold for more than half a billion dollars. Get your copy of In the Blood: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3plIBYh Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Hale is an EOD veteran, a real estate investor, business owner, and a podcaster. He shares how he started as a Navy cook and then transitioned into Army EOD tech. It was during his third deployment and his first time as a team leader when a tragic injury took his eyesight and hearing. He hit rock bottom, but he did not allow his circumstances to dictate his path in life. Since the injury, he has made it his mission to inspire others. He wants people who hear his story to make positive habit shifts that help them realize that success is closer than they ever imagined. Learn more about Aaron and support his advocacy: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/point-of-impact-with-aaron-hale/id1681213789 Building Homes for Heroes: https://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/ Join the SOFREP Book Club: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Michael R. Carmichael, CW4 Special Forces (Retired), is the President, CEO, and Founder of Check A Vet. He recalls his service as a warrant officer which is judge, jury, and executioner on targets, as well as his team's medic. After 11 combat tours, Michael retired in 2016 and he shares his struggle to provide, take care of himself, and have a purpose. He started Check A Vet with a mission to raise awareness on the realities of veteran suicide and to change antiquated ways of thinking on the issue. With the COVID pandemic, he expects the suicide numbers to go even higher. Their model is about veterans helping veterans and leveraging the love and support of friends and family and mobilizing the energy of an engaged community. Learn more about Michael and Check A Vet: Website: https://www.checkavet.org/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fran Racioppi is a former Green Beret and currently the Host and Creator of The Jedburgh Podcast and the Founder of FRsix. He was deployed to Iraq 3 times and spent several years operating across Africa. He is a lifelong sailor and volunteers as the Race Director of Sailahead, an organization dedicated to reducing suicide among vets. As a leader inside the military and out, Fran shares how leaders and team members must be aligned on their roles in their organizations. He talks about teamwork and accountability and how soldiers and individual contributors must not be simply taught how to follow and instead be developed as future leaders themselves. Fran and Rad talk about the emerging AI technology, its dangers, and the need for people to not get reliant on it and develop their own critical thinking with real education. Learn more about Fran: Website: https://frsix.com/ Podcast: https://talentwargroup.com/the-jedburgh-podcast/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cole Lyle is a former Marine who is now the Executive Director of Mission Roll Call, an advocacy group with the goal of changing policy using the direct voice of veterans. He shares his service as a diesel mechanic and his time in Southern Afghanistan where he learned to be a wrecker operator. Upon his return, PTSD caused Cole's life to spiral out of control, leading to a close call with suicide. Surviving this ordeal, Cole leaned into his therapy through a service dog. He shares how transformative this experience was and today, with Mission Roll Call, he talks about the debt ceiling and how this catches veterans in the middle. Rad and Cole discuss the VA and what can be done to improve their service to veterans. Learn more about Cole and Mission Roll Call: Website: https://www.missionrollcall.org/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Lorraine is the President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership. He served for 22 years as an Air Force Officer and Flight Nurse. As a staff officer, he served as a Fellow to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and lastly as the Deputy Command Surgeon for USSOCOM. Jim is also the founding Director of the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition, a wounded warrior advocacy organization. Jim shares about his wife's medical retirement which cut short her otherwise promising career in the military. Their experience finding care and the layers of challenges to this sparked Jim's advocacy for all wounded, ill, or injured SOF warriors. He talks about the continuity of care and how care should be available to all vets without all the unnecessary restrictions and red tape. Learn more about Jim and America’s Warrior Partnership: Website: https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/ Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Richard Stone is a retired Army Major General who served as the Deputy Surgeon General of the Army. He had also previously served as the Executive in Charge of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with authority to perform the duties of the Under Secretary for Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this role, Dr. Stone became the first official in this position in 30 years to have actual combat experience. He tells us how he needed to become a “calm pillar” during the chaos of COVID and how 70% of veterans have had combat experience, making them a unique group that must be advocated for. There are a number of challenges in the VHA, including aging facilities that need to be redesigned for modern healthcare. Dr. Stone emphasizes the benefits of recreational therapy as an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment and he shares how much it alleviates the pain of vets when he helps them learn how to surf. Get your copy of Save Every Life You Can: https://amzn.to/3Bnnnfe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alden Mills is a three-time Navy SEAL platoon commander, author of Unstoppable Teams and Be Unstoppable, and was the CEO of Perfect Fitness, one of the fastest-growing companies in America. He learned that even in an elite team like the SEALs, leadership is not a given and respect must be earned. Alden shares about his transition to civilian life. It involved him adapting to a new set of values and culture, but his training in the military helped him set new goals and a mission plan to achieve them. He talks about having 2 oars: passion and purpose. Without one, he would go around in circles, but with both, he has his north star. To be unstoppable, use your progress forward as the fuel that keeps you going with the next action, and then the next, and so on, until you reach your goals. Learn more about Alden and the GoalBud App: Website: https://www.alden-mills.com/about GoalBud App: https://goalbud.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brigadier General Anthony Tata (US Army, Retired) performed the duties of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy under the Trump administration and is the author of Total Empire. He gives a fascinating insider's account of the possible motivations of President Putin on Ukraine in the wake of the disastrous US pullout in Afghanistan. He talks about the great political divide in the US today, as well as his book Total Empire. The book is a Garrett Sinclair novel that tells the story of answering an unanswerable threat from China, but it also speaks to the human cost of combat and the stakes at hand when one pays the ultimate price. Learn more about Tony and get Total Empire: https://amzn.to/3oVK4nu See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dale Buckner is a 24-year Army yeteran who retired as a colonel, a former Green Beret and is now the CEO of international security firm Global Guardian. Recently, his team evacuated thousands of people during the COVID border crisis and the violent conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and Afghanistan. In this episode, Dale talks about the highly specialized yet dysfunctional nature of special forces teams. However, the training always pays off as there is a high degree of success whenever these teams are deployed. Dale also talks about reinventing yourself after life in the military, and his route was to create and become an entrepreneur. The skills taught in the military cannot be replicated by corporate America, so Dale finds that veterans are highly suited for a range of careers once they retire. Dale also talks about the inevitability of politics when you are a general officer and how heartening it is to see his cohort, who are warriors first before politicians, get promoted to these ranks. Work with Dale and Global Guardian: https://globalguardian.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Williams is a former Surface Warfare Officer who is now the COO of Exyn Technologies, an autonomous drone technology stack leading the industry in unstructured environment and GPS-denied navigation. He shares his first tour which was aboard the cruiser Bunker Hill and running with small boat teams for visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) missions. Ben talks about the exciting tech they are developing today which aims to remove people from the most dangerous parts of their jobs to obtain the data they need. Aside from humanitarian applications, Ben's tech can help the military obtain quick and reliable data on environments to make decisions that minimize risk for soldiers. Mentorship is another focus of Ben as he helps veterans utilize their unique skills for civilian life. Even riflemen, their skills are not limited to just carrying and shooting rifles. They do everything from maintenance to leadership and it is these skills that are valuable in civilian jobs. Ben is an award-winning entrepreneur and technologist who led the commercialization of Exyn’s core technologies. In 2017, he was selected for Wharton’s 40 under 40. Find out more about Ben and the open positions at Exyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentropy/ https://www.exyn.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Taylor is a former US Air Force Major who flew 11 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm as a B-52 navigator. He developed PTSD and has since written From Service to Success, a book that encourages vets to seek community, forgive themselves, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. In this episode, Bob shares the stresses of combat, from hostile AAA to a close friendly fire incident to the sheer exhaustion of flying extended missions. Even away from the horrors on the ground, Bob endured hellish nightmares that affected all aspects of his life. Bob then turned to alcohol as self-help for 16 long years. When he finally went to the VA to get professional help, he was then prescribed SSRIs for 13 years. Recently, Bob discovered experimental treatments that utilize MDMA and psilocybin for the treatment of PTSD. Bob shares how the ritual cleansing washed away the anxiety that had gripped him on a spiritual, emotional, and psychological level for decades. Of the 22 million veterans, approximately 11 million are struggling, and a great majority feel that their struggle is theirs and theirs alone. Bob's message is that the tools of gratitude and compassion are what vets need to see the good in the world again and live fulfilled lives. Find out more about Patriot Promise Foundation and get Bob's book: https://patriotpromise.org/ https://www.facebook.com/servicetosuccess See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Paquin served as a US Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot and attended the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun). After 21 years of service, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from the reserves. Throughout his military career, Tom participated in several combat operations around the world and received numerous awards and honors, including the Air Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal. Justin Allen served for 10 years in the US Army and achieved the rank of Captain, serving both as an Infantry Officer and a Green Beret. He held various command positions, including serving as a Detachment Commander through two combat deployments to Afghanistan. He was a highly accomplished Green Beret, successfully graduating from Ranger School, Military Freefall School, and Combat Diver School. Today, Tom and Justin work together at VictoryBase Corporation as CEO and Vice President of Development respectively. They share their business model of collective investing in a network of quality homes where investors live in high-quality new homes and gain equity each month without the hassle of traditional home ownership. Tom also looks back on his close calls as a rookie pilot on a carrier and the good times he had with his backseater, while Justin shares the privilege he had in participating in the counter-ISIS operations in 2018. Find out more about Tom, Justin, and VictoryBase: Tom - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-paquin-a8172a10 Justin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jga1215 Website - https://www.victorybase.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Douglas Lute is a former Army Lieutenant General and US ambassador to NATO. He is also featured in Hand-Off: The Foreign Policy George W. Bush Passed to Barack Obama on February 15th. As a young soldier, Douglas never imagined that he would be involved with international affairs. He would eventually work under Gen. Hugh Shelton, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and experience firsthand the duties of flag-rank officers during 9/11. Douglas comments on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and emphasizes that beating Russia's blatant imperialist ambitions is simply the right thing to do. Douglas recounts his time as an officer in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment and gives an overview of his book. The transition between Presidents Bush and Obama was critical in setting the foundation for the incoming administration, tackling all sorts of societal issues like foreign policy, AIDS, and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Douglas currently serves as the CEO of Cambridge Global Advisors, LLC, a certified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Get a copy of Hand-Off: https://amzn.to/3FPDdS9 Website: https://www.cambridgeglobal.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek Leebaert is the author of Unlikely Heroes, an account of Pres. Roosevelt and his 4 closest associates: Harry Hopkins, Harold Ickes, Frances Perkins, and Henry Wallace, and how they would forever change the world. In many ways, history tends to repeat itself, and recognizing patterns of the past gives us the opportunity to shape a better future. FDR was a titan. He was elected president for 4 terms and to this day remains the longest-serving president of the US. He was known for his fairness and desire for equality for all, an essential factor that got him the Republicans' vote every single time. A look into his 4 lieutenants reveals much more about the myths that have plagued FDR’s presidencies since then. Derek talks about FDR's New Deal, the secret military build-up that happened in the 1930s, and how each lieutenant played a critical role in getting America through the mayhem of the time. Derek Leebaert won the biennial 2020 Truman Book Award for Grand Improvisation. His previous books include Magic and Mayhem and To Dare and to Conquer, both Washington Post Best Books of the Year. He was a founding editor of the Harvard/MIT journal International Security and is a co-founder of the National Museum of the United States Army. He holds a D.Phil from Oxford. Get a copy of Unlikely Heroes: https://amzn.to/3J6NlXz Find out more about the National Museum of the US Army: https://www.thenmusa.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Lahiff is a former Seal Team 4 operator and the Co-Founder and CEO of ZeroEyes, the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform with US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation. He shares how he was not the best student as he dropped out to enlist, but that becoming a SEAL was the realization of his childhood dream. Mike talks about his deployments to Afghanistan and how his FoB was the most attacked FoB in country. He also recounts one time when the NATO forces he was working with ignored intel and ended up getting ambushed. Post-SEALs, Mike started ZeroEyes to monitor guns in the open rather than recognize faces and make the best use of cameras that are already in place to get people to safety. Find out more about Mike and ZeroEyes in the link below: Website: https://zeroeyes.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Hunter is the film critic of the Washington Post, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and the author behind Shooter. He talks about his latest book The Bullet Garden which features Earl Swagger undertaking a top-secret secret mission in the deadly German sniper-controlled hills of Normandy. From creating a symphony of action, mystery, and intrigue, Stephen takes us through the creative process of his book and how Carlos Hathcock, an American sniper credited with 93 kills in WW2, is the inspiration behind Earl's character. He gives an inside look into working with publishers and newsrooms and how getting historical details accurately is a constant effort in effective storytelling. Rad and Stephen also talk about their shared passion for airsoft and how these guns provide an accessible experience with otherwise exotic and expensive weapons. Get a copy of Bullet Garden here: https://amzn.to/3DHBBJf See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff is a former Green Beret who served for 28 years and is the co-author of theBlack Autumn series of books. He talks about his books as a way to get peopleemergency preparedness-minded and how reality and fiction collide in the recentcartel violence seen in Mexico. Jeff shares how specialized nurse practitioners can be and the effectiveness oftourniquets in saving lives. He discusses one of his registered patents, the RATStourniquet, and how being in emergency services is all about helping your fellowman or woman in need. Also, with the crackdown on firearms-related content especially on YouTube, Jeffshares one of his projects called Juxxi, a video platform that he launched thatfocuses on guns and shooting clips. He also talks about the latest in Black Autumnand what avid fans can expect next. Get a copy of Jeff’s book: https://amzn.to/3GZqyMs Check out Juxxi: https://juxxi.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff is an Army special operations veteran, business leader, jiu-jitsu black belter, and author of All the War They Want. He is a highly decorated soldier having received two Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, among many others. He shares a war story during his first deployment about surviving an IED ambush and how sometimes breaking the rules is the only way to make it out alive. He also gives his point of view about eliminating anything unnecessary in an operation, a key lesson that he has carried over even to entrepreneurship, following your passion to really experience living, and being safe with your cyber and social media health. Get a copy of All the War They Want: https://amzn.to/3QDMbpM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy was a former USMC officer whose platoon served as the tip of the spear during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He recalls the intense training they had leading up to the invasion and the hurdles he had to get past like fighting at night instead of day. Jeremy also shares how his life after 10 years in the Marines was a total wreck. He decided to dedicate his life to working in ministry full-time. A decade after leaving the Marines, he reconnected with some of the guys he served with. Jeremy saw how lost they were and realized that his time serving with them did not end when he hung up his uniform for the last time. He felt it his duty to equip his fellow soldiers with the tools to move forward. This became the catalyst for The Mighty Oaks Foundation, a faith-based nonprofit that works with veterans, active duty service members, and first responders to help them find their true north, deal with PTSD, and adjust to civilian life. Find out more about Jeremy and the Mighty Oaks Foundation in the links below: https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Rad features JJ Wilson and James Boyd, both former Green Berets who have now transitioned to civilian life as entrepreneurs. After 911, both felt compelled to serve and decided to enlist. JJ Wilson joined the Army because everyone in his hometown ended up in jail or dead. He met James Boyd, who gave up his British citizenship to join the Special Forces, at basic training in 2005. Fast forward, they co-founded Adyton, a startup bringing mobile technology to the Department of Defense. Every branch in the military uses their product Mustr which allows service members to use their phones as we all do in our everyday lives. Mustr enables all service members or every rank to save countless hours of administrative work to identify service members in distress and make real-time, data-driven decisions to enhance operational readiness. Their app also helps thousands of trainees get coordinated during their Holiday Block Leave. Connect with JJ and James and find out how veterans can contribute to their amazing technology in the links below: https://www.adyton.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-alexander-boyd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-wilson/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode, Rad features John Winn Miller, award-winning investigative reporter, editor, publisher, screenwriter, indie movie producer, and novelist who wrote The Hunt for the Peggy C. He shares how a dream served as the inspiration for the book and the in-depth research he needed to do to get even the smallest details of U-boat operation correctly. The book follows the story of Captain Jake Rogers of the tramp steamer Peggy C as he makes his way through U-boat infested waters to transport vital supplies and contraband to the highest bidder. When he witnesses the Jewish oppression in Amsterdam, he decides to take on his most dangerous cargo yet: a Jewish family fleeing Nazi persecution. Get a copy of The Hunt for the Peggy C: https://amzn.to/3hQQi4E Find out more at: https://www.johnwinnmiller.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s special feature for Veteran's Day, Rad features David Bellavia, the sole Medal of Honor recipient for the Iraq war. He is recognized for his legendary heroism in Fallujah. Now living the war for the rest of his life, he felt it his duty to tell the story of brotherhood between him and his comrades in his book Remember the Ramrods. He speaks about supporting veterans and the community's responsibility to exercise empathy. He is passionate about giving the rest of the Ramrods credit for their service and uses his award to raise veteran support awareness. He advocates for the mental health of veterans, including reigniting a sense of purpose in them. Get your copy of Remember the Ramrods here: https://amzn.to/3UxOhsq See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, a former Army Ranger who served 3 combat deployments with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Now in Hollywood, Rocco is known for Range 15, Mayans M.C., the MBest11x YouTube channel, and the Vinny Roc podcast. He digs into the parallels between the military and acting and shares how he navigates his acting, writing, and producing career today. Rocco gets vulnerable and shares how he overcame his own personal obstacles with the determination to win. Rocco also talks about the projects he's working on today like Beteran HQ and the nonprofit Heroes Sports which gives veterans another channel to find community and camaraderie. Reach out to Rocco and support his initiatives for veterans in the links below: Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/vincent.rocco.vargas/ Instagram (Heroes Sports): https://www.instagram.com/heroes_sports/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Darril Fannin, a former US Army medic who left after 9 years to pursue a career in film. He recalls his hyper-conservative roots in the United Pentecostal Church which taught him about love for neighbor, a lesson that he has brought with him throughout the years. Darril digs into writing, producing, and acting in the Netflix series Green Beret's Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse and working with Matt Damon. He also comments on society's lack of support for veterans and introduces how blockchain technology can be used to protect artists' rights in perpetuity. Find out more about Darril and work with him here https://www.kinoapp.xyz/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Jack Goodwin, a 25-year veteran of the British Army where he served as a physical trainer and is now a highly sought-after boxing referee. He shares his journey which started when he joined the Army at 16 years old and his growth in the Army Physical Training Corps. His passion for training carried over well after his time in the Army. Jack worked with the police for 8 years as a civilian trainer before zeroing in on his current career as a boxing referee. Jack shares some of the exciting if bizarre projects he's refereeing today, such as influencer matches, which really fill up major stadiums. While the nature of boxing events is certainly changing, Jack remains committed to keeping matches professional and safe for the fighters in the ring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Peter Shinkle, author of Uniting America. The years preceding the attack on Pearl Harbor saw the unification of Democrats and Republicans under the administration of FDR. This potentially catastrophic political move was embraced by the general public who felt that now was the time to prepare for inevitable war. The success of this unification was based on the mutual respect for constitutional democracy that both sides shared. Rad and Peter then dig into the fundamental differences between WW2 and the Vietnam War to understand why people support or resist conscription. They also comment on the possible lack of democratic values in America today. Get your copy of Uniting America: https://amzn.to/3VcRbnbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Jeff Depatie, a former sniper/assaulter with Joint Task Force 2, the tier 1 solution of the Canadian Armed Forces comparable to SEAL Team 6 and Delta Force. JTF2 famously holds the record for the longest confirmed kill at 3,540 meters. Jeff is the founder of The Special Forces Experience (SFE), a collective committed to building communities that facilitate post-traumatic growth (PTG). He shares how they induce stress to jumpstart growth and the physiological and psychological foundations of their therapy that ultimately heal veterans. Rad and Jeff dig into the psychedelic renaissance happening today and the need to set guidelines on plant-based therapy. Their own experiences with the healing properties of cannabis help inform the kind of groundbreaking work that Jeff and his community are doing. Find out more on The Special Forces Experience in the links below: Website: https://thespecialforcesexperience.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesexperience/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Ethan Chorin, a former diplomat posted to Libya during the 2012 Benghazi attack. This single catastrophe continues to have far-reaching effects on the domestic and foreign policy of the US and Ethan shares his account of the events prior to the attack and its aftermath. He gives an insider's perspective on Ambassador Chris Stevens' thoughts leading up to this fateful day and the tremendous amount of risk he volunteered to take on entering Benghazi. Ethan also comments on the rather unfair portrayal of Ambassador Stevens in the Hollywood dramatization. He points to the fact that what people want is a scapegoat for why this tragic event even took place and not an understanding of its implications to policy-making, risk aversion, and partisanship. Grab a copy of Ethan's book Benghazi! : https://amzn.to/3RPSZRhSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features James Rife and Craig Reed, both military historians and published authors. James discusses the tense geopolitical history between Ukraine and Russia going back a thousand years that laid the foundations for the invasion happening today. Meanwhile, Craig analyzes the backbreaking mistakes that Russia has made thus far which has dragged on what was supposed to be a 3-day invasion into a protracted war now on its 6th month. They look at the sweeping changes Ukraine enforced after the ease with which Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. After getting a taste of Western democracy and freedom, Ukraine’s now battle-hardened veterans, armed with cutting-edge weapons and tactics, have put up stiff resistance against their country's greatest existential crisis. Grab a copy of James and Craig's book The Russia Ukraine War Factbook in the link below: https://militaryminiaturepress.com/product/the-russia-ukraine-war-factbook/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Anthony Stephen Malone, a former Paratrooper in the British Army and former CIA operator in Afghanistan. He is the host of The Patriot Show, as well as the author of 4 books, including the Honour Bound series and his latest release called Hostage/Evacuation which details his capture by the Taliban. He shares the critical and apolitical role of the veteran community in helping move up to 400 families out of Afghanistan during the chaotic evacuation in 2021. He also sheds light on the brain drain happening there right now where educated young people simply do not want to be in a country governed by extremist Taliban. There are many elements within Afghanistan that actually want the country to progress. More of the world needs to realize that leaving Afghanistan to devolve back into civil war and getting Western boots on the ground again is simply not in anyone’s interest. Connect with Anthony, learn about his advocacy to help fellow veterans by visiting his website: http://www.anthonymalone.me.uk/ Get a copy of Honour Bound Part 1: https://amzn.to/3CVEsi6 Get a copy of Honour Bound Part 2: https://amzn.to/3cHRZiKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast, Rad features Master Sergeant John "Mad Dog" B. Melson, who served 3 years in the USMC and almost 17 years in the Army National Guard. After his service in the Marines and in the wake of 9/11, John tried to enlist again but found out that he had a tumor in his neck which was cutting off his blood flow. He was in extreme danger and was faced with a difficult decision: undergo surgery that could kill him or do nothing and have less than 5 years to live. He chose to have a fighting chance and went under the knife. Against the odds, he survived and was given the chance to serve again in the National Guard to fight in Afghanistan. He shares crazy stories of his 9 combat deployments, from popping smoke to signal the A-10 not to fire upon them in the middle of a firefight, to being left to fend for themselves during a Taliban assault. He is the recipient of 5 Bronze Star Medals, 2 Purple Hearts, and 4 Army Commendation Medals for Valor. Check out John’s podcast Guts and Grit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guts-grit-great-business/id1516815054 Get a copy of Jessica Ainsworth’s latest book titled At What Cost on Amazon which features John’s foreword and an entire chapter on his story and the personal cost of war: https://amzn.to/3T0FSNQ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this podcast, Rad features Gary Weaving, Founder and CEO of Forgotten Veterans United Kingdom (FVUK). A former Royal Engineer who served in Afghanistan, he started the charity in 2016 following his medical discharge from the British Army. Failure to get a correct diagnosis of his physical injuries led him to spiral down, abuse substances, and lose the will to live. He began posting details about his troubles on social media and was amazed by the response from fellow veterans going through similar difficulties. He started FVUK with his own personal funds to provide immediate and much-needed support for fellow veterans. To this day Gary does not take any payment or money from the charity for himself. The mantra of their organization is "selfless commitment to others" and their goal is to give back purpose and hope to veterans forgotten by the system. Connect with Gary and FVUK by checking out the links below: Website: https://www.forgottenveteransuk.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SelflessCommitmentToOthers Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alone_Soldiers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Paul R. Bruno who has spent twenty years studying and writing about the early history of Jeep. He discusses the genesis of this iconic vehicle and its legendary ability to perform in basically any environment. Paul tells the story of a little-known car manufacturer called Bantam and how, in their bid to avoid bankruptcy, aggressively developed the Jeep to the specified needs of the Army. With Bantam’s mechanical genius, they developed the first Jeep in just 49 days and it withstood the toughest tests the Army could throw at it. Paul is the author of three award-winning books called Project Management in History: The First Jeep, The Original Jeeps, and The Original Jeeps in Pictures. Grab a copy of THE ORIGINAL JEEPS here: https://amzn.to/3zZNj0j Visit Paul's Website: https://originaljeeps.com/ Dispatcher Magazine: https://www.dispatchermagazine.com/books See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rad welcomes Master Sergeant (MSG, Ret) Howard “Mad Max” Mullen Jr., a 2013 Ranger Hall of Fame inductee among a long list of other achievements in the Army. A 26-year veteran, he was one of the most dynamic Ranger instructors to serve during the 1980s and early 1990s. Max recalls his legendary mentors, how they set him up for success, and the physical and mental rigors of Ranger School. He shares his tours of duty overseas, especially in South Korea where he served in the DMZ, as well as the airborne invasion of Grenada when he dropped in to help secure the airport and save American students. Find out more about Max in the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-max-mullen-87023a10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/max_mullenn/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rad welcomes back Charles Cunningham, a former military policeman in the Air Force, a local police officer, PA State Trooper, and a retired FBI Agent. He continues to story of David James Lindsey's trial and how one warrant officer systematically discredits every single one of Lindsey's war medal claims. David was found guilty on 21 counts and was sentenced to 60 years in jail. He later died in prison and is buried with no honors in White Hall. Charles also shares stories of his career in the FBI where he became the special agent in charge of Richmond, Virginia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad welcomes Charles Cunningham who is a former military policeman in the Air Force, a local police officer, PA State Trooper, and a retired FBI Agent. He shares the amazing case of David James Lindsey, a bemedalled former Marine, Army NCO, and war hero, who ends up becoming a cocaine dealer in upstate New York. Charles got hold of a ledger for David's crimes and this led him down a rabbit hole of racketeering, murders, possession of firearms and silencers, and drug trafficking. They go to trial. David takes a PTSD defense and had one of the most qualified psychiatrists declare that David has one of the worst PTSD cases he has ever seen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this podcast, Rad welcomes Maj. Fred Galvin who served as commanding officer of the first unit that MARSOC deployed to combat in Afghanistan. He is the author of A Few Bad Men and he shares the chilling story of being ambushed by a car bomb and being framed for war crimes they did not commit. He recounts how they were unwanted guests to their command and the underlying selfish philosophies of his commanders. The media storm that followed the attack got them booted out of Afghanistan and even back home, despite being exonerated by the court of inquiry, they were publicly shamed for supposedly getting away with murder. Fred is fighting back and letting the people know how the military is abusing its power and letting others take the fall for their mistakes. Get a copy of A Few Bad Men: The True Story of U.S. Marines Ambushed in Afghanistan and Betrayed in America: https://amzn.to/3amnmOv Connect with Fred via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-galvin-27270116/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.