SOFREP Radio

On this week’s podcast, Rad welcomes Mark Nutsch and Jim DeFelice. Mark served as a Green Beret and led one of the first Special Forces teams into Afghanistan after 9/11. Mark was trained in unconventional warfare, from using foreign weapons to adapting to riding on horseback. He recalls an amazing scene of their local allies on horseback charging against columns of Taliban tanks and leading his team through the harshest conditions just to survive. Jim is the author or co-author of sixteen New York Times bestselling books, including American Sniper, Everyman a Hero, and Swords of Lightning which he co-wrote with Mark. He shares some of the tales he learned from Mark, notably the fascinating mix of civil war-era and high-tech warfare that transpired during Mark's mission. He is a winner of the Army Historical Foundation Award for his writing and lives in the Hudson Valley. The story of Mark and the 12 horsemen of ODA 595 is dramatized in the Hollywood movie 12 Strong. Get your copy of Swords of Lightning: https://amzn.to/3bJpxMv Check out Horse Soldier Bourbon in the links below: Book website: http://swordsoflightning.com/ Horse Soldier Bourbon website: https://horsesoldierbourbon.com/ Horse Soldier Bourbon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HorseSoldierBourbon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad welcomes back Brad Thor, former member of the Department of Homeland Security's Analytic Red Cell Unit and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 21 books, including his latest thriller called Rising Tiger. Brad discusses how in-depth he went to get every detail right, from getting the military ranks of the Indian armed forces accurately to depicting the horrific medieval skirmish between the Indians and Chinese in 2020 which served as the opening to the book. Brad explores the geopolitical tension between the two nations and also shares interesting tidbits on cross-referencing characters from other authors' books, learning how to fashion an IED out of garbage, and why a 9mm is the preferred gun in an actual gunfight. Get a copy of Rising Tiger: https://amzn.to/3OD6WzJ Reach out to Brad Thor: Website: https://bradthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BradThorOfficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/BradThor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realbradthor/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special episode, SOFREP's Editor-in-Chief Sean Spoonts features Brad Thor, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, former member of the Department of Homeland Security's Analytic Red Cell Unit, and sought-after keynote speaker on future terrorist threats. They are joined by Brandon Webb, SOFREP's publisher, former Navy SEAL sniper, and himself an author of a dozen books, as well as John David Mann, co-author of over 30 books including Brandon's memoirs.  Brad shares his creative process, from experiencing as many of his settings as he can to never using an outline to keep the magic of storytelling alive. John then updates on Finn's saga that started in Steel Fear and how the mystery around him will take readers to Iceland next. They comment on the geopolitics of the US, China, Russia, and India and share funny anecdotes on Cold Fear's cover photo. Finally, they give tips to aspiring writers about reading what you love and writing as an intentional decision.  Visit Brad Thor's website: https://bradthor.com/ Get a copy of Rising Tiger: https://amzn.to/3xFoKDL Get copies of books by Brandon Webb and John David Mann: Cold Fear: https://amzn.to/3mZh0aw Steel Fear: https://amzn.to/3N4dOFk  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this podcast, Rad features Cameron Hanes, endurance athlete, backcountry bowhunter, owner of Keep Hammering, and author of the bestselling book Endure: How to Work Hard, Outlast, and Keep Hammering. Cameron shares his passion for bowhunting and the hard work and intentionality needed to become the ultimate predator. He discusses the deep respect he has for the animals and reminds us that the food we eat comes at the sacrifice of another living being. He comments on the food wastage issue that in the U.S. and how this goes against the values of true hunters who live aligned with nature. Cameron also gives his insights on the almost beautiful death by a perfect arrow shot versus the violence of a gunshot.   Get a copy of Endure: https://amzn.to/3aXMoDt Cameron's Website: https://www.cameronhanes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronrhanes/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Connor "The Controller" Matthews, former Air Force combat controller and current MMA featherweight holding a 5-0 professional record. He shares the high-risk job of combat controllers, including performing HALO and HAHO jumps, and the need to be a strong runner and swimmer to survive this role.  Connor talks about the highly technical role of air traffic controllers and how to secure airfields. Being a lifelong athlete, Connor made a natural transition into MMA after life in the military. He shares his background in martial arts and his confidence in making it big in the UFC.      Reach out to Connor through the following links:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-matthews-b3440b152/ Website: https://www.controllermma.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontrollermma/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Mike Lamonica, Chief Master Sergeant who retired as Chief Enlisted Manager for the 720th Special Tactics Group at the Air Force and current Vice President of Architecture and Engineering for Optiv.    Mike recalls his missions as a combat controller and the extreme danger of his job and talks about the significance of the rock in building character and teamwork during the pipeline. Mike and Rad go through the jargon of combat controllers as they have a unique language.   Mike shares some advice for aspiring combat controllers. He also tells the story of his Bronze Medal and how the Combat Control Association takes care of their specific needs as veterans.    Reach out to Mike and the Combat Control Association through the following links:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lamonica-27273315/ Combat Control Association: https://combatcontrol.team/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Jesse Gould, founder of the Heroic Hearts Project, Army Ranger veteran, and psychedelic therapy advocate. Jesse talks about the modalities of psychedelic treatment, its benefits for neurogenesis, and how it can bring controlled chaos to your mind to reset it.    Jesse talks about his deployments to Afghanistan and his realization that he was drinking way too much. And, more than that, he started observing his mental state take a turn for the worse.   He shares his discovery of ayahuasca as an alternative treatment. Seeing how none of his efforts as of yet were worth preserving, he decided to go down to Peru to seek a shaman. Jesse details the ceremony, how entering into a psychedelic state brings forth repressed traumas, and the unique way ayahuasca reframes trauma to break the cycle of PTSD.   However, not anyone should just jump in and try ayahuasca. There is preparation needed, both mentally and emotionally, as ayahuasca heightens your senses but your brain interprets the stimuli differently. Therefore, Jesse stresses that being in a safe space is paramount for psychedelic treatment.   Reach out to Jesse and the Heroic Hearts Project through the following links:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-gould/ Website: https://www.heroicheartsproject.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews The Mission Within Founder Dr. Martin Polanco and Director of Operations Michael Higgs, who was also Command Master Chief of a SEAL team and a 30-year veteran. Cognitive damage is the reality for many veterans and psychedelic treatment is a stigmatized solution to regaining what had been lost in battle.    Dr. Polanco discusses how psychedelic treatment heals post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and mild traumatic brain injury, while Michael talks about life before and after a single treatment session. They share how ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT are used alongside music and the guidance of a coach and other medical professionals.   Psychedelic treatment is holistic and emphasizes the therapeutic effects of exercise, meditation, eating healthily, and proper sleep. They also talk about the benefits of microdosing and the need to change the narrative on the true healing potential of psychedelics.   Reach out to Dr. Polanco, Michael, The Mission Within through the following links:   The Mission Within website: https://www.missionwithin.org/ LinkedIn (Martin Polanco): https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin7polanco/ LinkedIn (Michael Higgs) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmhiggs/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Ricardo Perez, former US Army sniper, author of Born To Fail: Embrace Hardship To Forge Your Warrior Spirit, and current research scientist at the University of Washington Department of Virology. He shares his deployment in Kandahar, from carrying around a 50-cal sniper rifle to documenting everything he could through writing.   This became the basis for his book as well as his story of growing up and his journey to become a scientist after life in the army. Ricardo shares that he struggled with depression after his deployment. He recalls the difficulty of finding jobs even as a college graduate and how a strong mindset overcame it.    For Ricardo, his family remains his primary motivation to achieve his dreams. The proceeds of his book go into the production of his audiobook which features controversial conversations during the Afghanistan war.   Visit Ricardo's Website: https://ricardopperez.com/ Get a copy of Born to Fail: https://amzn.to/3kKAEpwSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Kevin Maurer and Lucky Luckadoo. Kevin is an award-winning journalist and author of critically-acclaimed books, including No Easy Day, the inside story of the Bin Laden raid. John "Lucky" Luckadoo also joins today's show to share his experiences during WW2 and how he collaborated with Kevin to tell his story. He shares how he was stationed in England and the virtually unheard-of feat of surviving 25 bombing runs in broad daylight without fighter escort. Lucky shares that they didn’t talk about the war, they just lived it.  He comments on the nature of war and how there is nothing to be learned in it. There are no victors, only victims. He says that finding the will to get in the cockpit again and again was a horrific responsibility, but he did it as it was his duty.    Get a copy of Damn Lucky: https://amzn.to/3vplVqb Follow Kevin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScribblerSix Visit Kevin's Website: https://kevinmaurer.net/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida's 6th congressional district. He is a current Green Beret who also serves as a Colonel in the National Guard. He is the author of a couple of books including Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret's Battles from Washington to Afghanistan. Rep. Waltz shares that one time he jumped out of a plane only to realize his reserve chutes were undone. He also talks about his upcoming children's book Dawn of the Brave. He comments on the waning sense of duty of Americans and taking the fight to the terrorists in Afghanistan. On immigration, Rep. Waltz also stresses the need for a managed system. There is a humanitarian crisis at the southern border and cartels make hundreds of millions per week due to smuggling and human trafficking. Lastly, Rep. Waltz also warns against the CCP and how they are undermining the US.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-waltz-0557964/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelgwaltz Brave Books website: https://bravebooks.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Lee Stuckey, a former major in the Marines, and Founder and President of AHERO and Operation Phoenix. Lee tells the story of his three combat deployments to Iraq, the trauma that he kept under wraps, and his brush with death.   Now focused on healing, Lee shares how his farm has grown and the evolving programs AHERO has for its veteran community. He talks about AHERO's events which connect veterans to the experts who can help them heal, whether it's for anger management or addiction. Music for a Hero has been particularly healing and Kevin Adair also comes on the show to perform and bring awareness to their advocacy. Lee further shares the work they do with Operation Phoenix and advises veterans that healing is possible and it’s best done with a community.   Lee's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-stuckey-8216697b/ Lee's email: [email protected] AHERO website: https://aherousa.org/ Kevin Adair's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kevinadairmusic  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this podcast, Rad interviews Zachary Armstrong, a Navy officer turned motivational speaker and advocate for military members suffering from substance abuse disorder, and Michael Peyton, a former Navy SEAL who is now a leader of top-performing teams, developer, and trainer of elite human performance, and change agent solving complex challenges. Both guests had a long battle with addiction and today share how they overcame this challenge with the help of the community and healthy alternatives. Zach is a coach for The Phoenix—a community focused on providing support to those recovering from substance abuse through sober activities and events. He gets vulnerable with his struggle with alcohol and, as a high-functioning alcoholic, was able to hide his substance abuse struggle for years. Based on his experiences in both military and civilian rehab communities, he is driven to ensure the military re-thinks how their substance abuse programs are run.  Zach and Mike hope to create an effective rehab program catered to the needs of the military community that focuses on providing alternative methods to recovery. Check out the National Sober Active Community | The Phoenix: https://thephoenix.org/ Zach's email: [email protected] Mike's email: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Dan Benamor and Lila Holley. Dan is the Head of Podcasts at Voyage Media, and has shepherded 7 podcast series to release, including the hit true crime podcast Borderline and the military podcast True War Stories: Mission Report. Lila is an Army veteran, author of 9 books, and founder of Camouflaged Sisters. Dan shares stories of people he featured in his podcast, from survival after getting shot down in Vietnam to blocking war memories. Lila also talks about the amazing work of healing through storytelling that she does with Camouflaged Sisters, as well as her work as an intelligence officer in the Army. Finally, they discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, Putin's aggression and ambition, and the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians and soldiers on both sides.    Dan's links:   Voyage Media website: https://www.voyagemedia.fm/ True War Stories: Mission Report Podcast: https://www.voyagemedia.fm/show/true-war-stories-mission-report-1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-benamor-59547930/   Lila's links:   Website: https://camouflagedsisters.org/ Get a copy of Lila's book: https://amzn.to/3LuzVnW Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamouflagedSistersLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camouflagedsisters/ Lila's Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Lila-Holley/e/B014Q6YCY8 LinkedIn (personal) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/lila-holley-20574071 LinkedIn (Camouflaged Sisters): https://www.linkedin.com/company/camouflaged-sisters/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Dino Garner, former Army Ranger, biophysicist, and self-taught military aviation photographer who learned how to shoot on film while riding an F-4, F-14, A-4, F-15, F-16, and FA-18. His 500-page coffee-table book, TOPGUN: The Otherworldly Dreams of a Lifelong Ten Year Old, is due to be published in September 2022, with Kickstarter, IndieGoGo and GoFundMe campaigns beginning in May 2022.   In the episode, Dino shares how he was invited to shoot while riding Air Force planes and how the Pentagon learned of it, leading to many many more opportunities to shoot in the air. He talks about one time when he almost ejected himself out of an F-16!   Dino also talks about his time in the African savannah protecting wildlife against poachers and then joining the Army Rangers afterward. He also discusses the process of creating his coffee table book, the out-of-this-world shots he took, and the many amazing contributors who helped put it all together.   Visit Dino's website in progress: http://topgun.photography/ Follow Dino on Twitter @RealDinoGarner  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Jason Van Camp, a West Point graduate who later on became a coveted Green Beret. He has earned Bronze Stars and, after his service, became the author of Deliberate Discomfort and founded Mission Six Zero and Warrior Rising.Today he shares a crazy story during his time with the Airborne when his chute got tangled and he almost plunged to certain death. Jason also looks back during his time in West Point and gives aspiring seniors some tips on how to mentally prepare for the difficult road ahead.Jason also tells the story of how he got into Ranger School, supposedly with his buddy, and how he made it in while his friend just slept in. He has a similar story of becoming a Green Beret where he ended up qualifying alone instead of with his classmate.He shares how it felt to finally get his Green Beret and the overwhelming sense of purpose that came with it. Jason also talks about Mission Six Zero, his for-profit leadership development company for corporate clients, and Warrior Rising, a nonprofit veteran service organization.Check out Jason's book, Deliberate DiscomfortCheck out Mission Six Zero: https://missionsixzero.com/Visit Warrior Rising: https://www.warriorrising.org/ Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Steve Balestrieri interviews Toby Harnden who served in the Royal Navy and retired as a Lieutenant. Though he served in the Navy for almost a decade, Steve is famously known as a journalist and author of 3 books including Bandit Country: The IRA & South Armagh and Dead Men Risen: The Welsh Guards and the Defining Story of Britain's War in Afghanistan.Toby talks about how he entered into journalism which seemed like a natural progression from his time in the Navy. While serving, he got to witness the action in Ireland with the IRA. These events led up to his first book which unraveled the murders of senior RUC officers with Garda (Irish police) collusion in 1989.His next book Dead Men Risen reached number 4 on The Sunday Times bestseller list and earned him the Orwell Prize for books in 2012. Toby details in today's show the background of this book that started with the events of 9/11 and the heroic men he interviewed to create the story.In Toby's latest book First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA's Secret Mission to Avenge 9/11, he looks back on the 8 men of Team Alpha who led the charge behind enemy lines on October 17, 2001, especially the heroism of David Tyson and martyrdom of Mike Spann.Toby discusses gritty details that set the stage for the tragedy in the Fort of War and the great cooperation between CIA, Green Berets, SPS, Navy SEALs which, during the early stages of the war, were unheard of. Toby also shares radical details about the operation taken from firsthand sources, including a hilarious account of psychological warfare where a lady Navy pilot's singing was used to intimidate the notoriously misogynistic Taliban, an on-the-fly idea of their bloodthirsty warlord companion. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad interviews Dr. Bob Adams who served fourteen years in the Navy and eighteen years in the Army. He is the author of 3 books, including Six Days of Impossible which details his experiences during SEAL training class and the 11 of 70 men who achieved the impossible.After his time as a Commander in the Navy, he changed services to attend medical school where he applied his analytical skills to look back at the men that he shivered and struggled with through Hell Week together. As a Colonel in the US Army Medical Corps, Bob managed 5 large full-service family practice clinics, was a command surgeon with the US Army Delta Force, was a department chief for the Department of Deployment Health, and was a recipient of the Lifetime Medical Achievement Award (Order of Military Medical Merit).Today, Dr. Bob gives his very timely opinion on the recent deaths during Hell Week and how it is very unlikely that Hell Week itself is to blame for it. He zeroes in on one common denominator between the two deaths and that is the mandatory COVID shots that these men got.He also shares some of the most memorable moments during his time with the Airborne, including the three occasions that his main chute failed and he had to pull his reserve parachute during freefall and a particularly heroic middle-of-the-night ambulance transfer in enemy territory.Dr. Bob answers some viewer questions, including his tips on combat shooting, running more because endurance is everything on the field, improvising tools to save people's lives, and flyfishing to keep his mental health on point. You can get your copy of Six Days of Impossible: Navy SEAL Hell Week - A Doctor Looks Back on Amazon by clicking this link. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, Rad welcomes back Jake Zweig on the show. Jake is a former US Navy SEAL, football coach, host of reality survival show Dude, You're Screwed, and currently, a leadership development coach working with C-suite executives. Jake is a life-long athlete and team leader. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 as a commissioned officer and served as a surface warfare officer for two years onboard the U.S.S. Merrimack. He then entered Navy SEAL training at Basic Underwater Demolition School where he excelled. In addition to that, Jake mentored his fellow trainees and was named SEAL class leader. After his training, Jake served with SEAL Team 8 in Little Creek, VA where he attained the rank of Lieutenant.Jake shares how he got on TV, how rigged everything really is, and interesting stories of calling out others for their BS while filming. He also talks about leadership in business and recognizing talent for what it is without bias to race, gender, and appearance.Rad then asks Jake questions from the audience which he answers with wild anecdotes. Jake shares stories of never losing a fight since 7th grade, choking out opponents in Fight Club, and never being truly prepared for some situations where your leadership is called forth. Jake also talks about Troops Direct, a nonprofit which helps source out top-of-the-line gear for soldiers that the military won't provide them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast, SOFREP editor-in-chief Sean Spoonts interviews Ryan Zinke at SHOT Show 2022 in Las Vegas.Ryan Zinke served as a Navy SEAL in command positions in SEAL Team One and SEAL Team Six. He served with Naval Special Warfare Unit Two and the Naval Special Warfare Center, and at one time was the acting command of the Special Operations Forces in Iraq. Ryan served as a senator in Montana from 2009 to 2013 then won a seat in the House in 2014. He served as Secretary of the Interior from 2017 to 2019. He is running again for Montana's 1st congressional district in November.They talk about the energy use and production in Montana and Ryan's stance that the US must never be held hostage for its energy. Ryan explores the different environmental impacts of various methods of energy production and how important it is to implement sustainable practices. Ryan comments on the distrust with the government in Washington and the need to protect free speech. On the issue of Ukraine, Ryan is hopeful that war can be avoided but stresses the need for the US to have a united front with its allies, an important element because if Russia enters Ukraine, it will likely not go in alone. Russia is likely looking at how far China will go with Taiwan and, if China moves, Russia may move in concert too. Finally, Ryan also shares his thoughts on vaccines, the objections of Navy SEALS in taking the vaccine, and fighting for what is right in the House. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's podcast episode, SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with Dr. David Eagleman a neuroscientist and serial entrepreneur who tries to help people suffering from tinnitus.It is estimated that one billion people around the world suffer from tinnitus. The condition is especially widespread in the military and veteran community. As Steve says, be it from a gunshot or an artillery barrage tinnitus is a reality in the military. The condition can be excruciating for some and even lead to suicide.Dr. Eagleman wants to combat this, so he created Neosensory with technology that he spun out of his lab.Neosensory addresses tinnitus and hearing loss with the help of a bracelet. The bracelet stimulates your sound and touch in order to retrain your brain to listen to the damaged and lost sound frequencies. You wear the bracelet for a period of two months. The results it provides are long-lasting and it reduces tinnitus by 30 percent.Dr. Eagleman says that what made him undertake his research was the question of whether information can be fed into our brains via unusual channels, i.e. sensory substitution. After all, as Dr. Eagleman explains tinnitus is ultimately a condition of the brain, not the ear.You can find more about the technology at Neosensory.com.Neosensory has kindly provided a one-week-long discount for veterans on its Neosensory Duo for Tinnitus. You can claim it just by applying the coupon code "HONOR."Join us for another SOFREP Radio episode in which we discuss a very important issue for the military community. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri interviews Mike Durant.Mike was famously in Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu. During the operation, his Black Hawk helicopter was shot down by Somali militias. The event was featured in the Black Hawk Down book and movie.Mike spent 22 years in the military, the majority of them as a Night Stalker of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He is now running for the U.S. Senate in Alabama.Mike Durant talks about what led him to join the military, and his first experience flying in a helicopter. After going to flight school, Mike managed to get the only Black Hawk slot. At first, flying the new and iconic bird with all its gadgets and gizmos was as if flying a space shuttle.Mike also talks about Somalia and recounts the events of that fateful day and the heroic actions of Delta Force members Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart. Yet, he highlights that Operation Gothic Serpent was a tactical success but a political failure.Steve and Mike then switch to politics. Mike tells us why he decided to run for office: and from Afghanistan to vaccine mandates and career politicians who have no real-life experience there are plenty of reasons to do so.As Mike says, the only way to know if you can make a difference is by getting in the fight.You can find out more about Mike Duran's candidacy at https://mikedurant.com/.Join us for another episode of SOFREP Radio with Steve Balestrieri! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's podcast SOFREP Editor-in-Chief Sean Spoonts talks with Taylor Grieten a former Navy Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmer and creator of Hell or High Seas. Hell or High Seas is a documentary that depicts the journey of Taylor Grieten and writer Stephen O'Shea as they sail around Cape Horn, which, as Sean points out, is the most perilous sea route in the world. But at the same time, Hell or High Seas is also a journey of recovery and healing from PTSD.Sean was also a Navy SAR swimmer, so he and Taylor recount stories from SAR selection and the hardships candidates have to endure to graduate.The SAR community is a very small one. Whenever a SAR swimmer is lost his loss affects the whole community. This isn't easy as Sean and Taylor highlight.PTSD is a plague. Taylor, through Hell or High Seas, shows that PTSD can be beaten.But the journey, literally and figuratively, was a hard one. Taylor and Stephen endured a multitude of dangers from pirates to storms. Yet, their perseverance and courage allowed them to overcome. Now, Taylor wants to inspire other veterans and military members to do so.Taylor also serves the veteran community through his American Odysseus Sailing Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization that provides relief to veterans through sailing training and expeditions.You can find out more about the documentary as well as rent or buy it at https://www.hellorhighseas.com/.Tune in for another memorable and touching SOFREP Radio episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with John Pomfret and Fred Hart about how Polish spies saved Operation Desert Storm.John is an award-winning journalist and author. Among other publications, he has worked for the Associated Press and Washington Post eventually becoming the editor of the Post's weekend opinion section. He has written and worked extensively on China. His latest book is the upcoming From Warsaw with Love: Polish Spies, the CIA, and the Forging of an Unlikely Alliance. The book tells the unlikely story of how Poland saved Operation Desert Storm and the first Gulf War. As the U.S. was planning Operation Desert Storm, six American officers became trapped in Iraq. If the intelligence they carried were captured by the Iraqis the upcoming operation could be doomed. To rescue the officers the CIA turned to Poland, famous for its excellent spies.Fred Hart was one of the six trapped U.S. officers and he recounts to Steve the exciting events that led to their escape. Join us for a gripping episode of SOFREP Radio with John Pomfret and Fred Hart and discover the unknown story that determined Operation Desert Storm. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast episode SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri along with SOFREP Editor-in-Chief Sean Spoonts talk with Jay Collins. Jay is a Special Forces combat medic veteran and Republican candidate for Congress with Florida's 14th Congressional District.Jay Collins spent two decades as a Green Beret and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. In the fight, he lost his leg. Nevertheless, he recovered, returned to active duty, and tremendously served in the Green Berets for nearly six more years.Jay's Special Forces Selection was unique. He was part of the infamous Ice Storm Class of November 2002, one of the very rare occasions when SERE school had to be shut down.The experience of Selection imparted Jay with the valuable lesson of leaving things better than how you found them.In sharing tales of Special Forces classes with Jay, Steve recounts a hilarious story of Green Berets pretending to be NASA candidates. After all, everything can happen in Selection.Jay also shares the awesome story of how he performed surgery on his own arm during deployment.Since Jay is running for Congress, the conversation also turns to politics. Jay usefully reminds the audience that what unites us is less than what separates us. America will only be strong and healthy through unity. That is, after all, the American way.As Jay says, it's not about the red nor the blue; it's about the red, white, and blue.You can find more about Jay Collins's campaign at https://www.jaycollinsforcongress.com/. Join us for another exciting episode of SOFREP Radio with Steve Balestrieri and Sean Spoonts! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's special podcast SOFREP Senior Editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with George Hand IV, better known as "Geo" among his many readers and fans.Geo was a member of 1st and 7th Special Forces Groups before joining the tip of the American military's spear, the Delta Force. Geo stayed in the Unit until his retirement from the Army.His civilian career has taken him to many places from working for the Department of Energy in the Nevada Desert to tracking down human traffickers to writing for such sites as SOFREP, WE ARE THE MIGHTY, Sandboxx, and contributing expert commentary to Business Insider.From traversing Morocco on camelback to visiting Auschwitz to training SEALs on breaching techniques the interview is filled with exciting details of Geo's military and civilian life.Steve and Geo also talk about Geo's book Brothers of the Cloth. The book is a collection of short stories from Geo's days in the Unit. The stories focus on and memorialize Geo's brothers in Delta Force making Brothers of the Cloth perhaps the definitive account of life in Delta Force. The book is elevated by Geo's inimitable writing style, which accentuates both the lighthearted and the more poignant moments of the stories.You can visit Geo's website at https://georgehand.org/.Join us for a very special episode with a dear friend. Thank you, Geo! Editor's Note: We would like to apologize to our listeners as, due to a production issue, small sections of the interview have an echo. But don't worry! You'll be able to hear Geo loud and clear throughout! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast episode SOFREP Senior Editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with Chris Wallace the host of Fox News Sunday and the author of the recently released book Countdown Bin Laden, the Untold Story of the 247-day Hunt to Bring the Mastermind of 9/11 to Justice.Chris Wallace's book details the 247-day hunt for the head of al-Qaeda after the CIA located the courier that he was using to communicate with his operatives around the world. Talking to Steve, Chris Wallace highlights the contrast between the bungled handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and the events at Kabul Airport with the series of successes that led to tracking down, positively identifying, and eliminating Osama bin Laden. In recounting these, Chris's book is a celebration of American capabilities. As Steve says, the hunt for bin Laden is a case study of everything going right.Chris relates how Rob O'Neill, the veteran SEAL Team Six who took out bin Laden, told him that it was a "one-way mission;" the uncertainties were just that many.As Steve points out, the book can be considered a historical thriller. Although we know the ending, this doesn't detract from the tension that the participants in the events felt. And through Chris Wallace's expert writing the reader feels the same tension.Chris also emphasizes how tracking down bin Laden became a top priority for President Obama, despite common perception.Nevertheless, the book isn't only about the operational aspects of the mission. It also portrays the emotional impact it had on the families of 9/11 victims. This is done by telling the story of New York police officer Jessica Ferenczy, whose fiancee was a NY City police officer killed during 9/11. Join us for another episode of SOFREP Radio with Steve Balestrieri and Chris Wallace and find out the process that led to this highly recommended book. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast episode SOFREP Senior Editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with author and helicopter pilot veteran Colin P. Cahoon.Before becoming an author, Colin was an Army officer and pilot of UH-1 and OH-58 helicopters in which he accumulated more than 1,000 flight hours.Steve talks with Colin Cahoon about his latest book Mended Wings: The Vietnam War Experience Through the Eyes of Ten American Purple Heart Helicopter Pilots. Colin talks about his inspiration behind Mended Wings and his wish to honor the Vietnam War era helicopter pilots and all that they gave to the next generation of helicopter pilots.This was Colin's first non-fiction book, nevertheless, the jump from fiction to non-fiction was made easier through the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots' Association (VHPA). Through VHPA, Colin was able to locate Vietnam-era Purple Heart pilots and tell their stories for posterity.Colin also talks about the strong cohesion of the aviation units and the particular experience of Vietnam veterans that set them apart from others.Mended Wings is an incredible page-turner about a group of heroic aviators and their accomplishments. You can order the book here.Join us for another episode of SOFREP Radio! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP Senior Editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri speaks with his former Green Beret commander in Panama and Special Forces Colonel (Ret.) Kevin Higgins.Colonel Higgins is a subject-matter expert on Latin America, so the two talk about Special Forces operations and involvement in Latin American from 1962 to the present day.Colonel Kevin Higgins recounts his professional history and deployments in Latin America while interconnecting his narrative with the development of American foreign policy in the region.Join us for another enthralling and informative SOFREP Radio episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's special podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with Tom Spooner former Delta Force member and Co-founder of Warriors Heart.Warriors Heart is an organization, which provides healing from a variety of issues, including PTSD and drug problems, for veterans, law enforcement agents, and first responders. Yet, its approach is unique. At Warriors Heart healing is achieved communally and holistically; and not in a clinic, but at an idyllic ranch in Hill Country, Texas.In 2006 Tom suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) which went undiagnosed. His condition deteriorated eventually forcing him to retire from the military.He talks with Steve about his journey to overcome his TBI and how his commitment to the welfare of the troops led him to eventually create Warriors Heart in 2016. Since the organization's creation Warriors Heart has treated 2,000 men and women.Tune in to another informative episode of SOFREP Radio. You can find more about Warriors Heart, including how to attend or donate at their website at https://www.warriorsheart.com/about-us/. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri speaks with Pete Blaber, Former Delta Force officer, author, and leadership expert.During his career as an officer in special mission units, Pete Blaber would keep notes and write in order to learn and improve. Nevertheless, as he explains, during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. did not appear to be learning anything on a foundational level. So, after retiring from the Army in 2006, Pete decided to use his writing skills and try to fill the gap.The results were his two books: The Mission, The Men, and Me, and the latest, The Common Sense Way.In The Common Sense Way, Pete talks about what common sense really is and how it is linked to good leadership. As Steve says, we all recognize what common sense is but each of us would give a different definition of it.After all, good leadership transcends field and sector. From engaging our neo-cortex to the contagiousness of survival instincts and the benefits of speaking calmly, the lessons found in The Common Sense Way are not only applicable to leaders in both the military and corporate world but to everyone.Finally, Pete underlines how former Delta Force member George Hand (better known to his fans as Geo) with whom Pete served, epitomizes common sense. And he also shares some valuable and entertaining stories to illustrate that.If you are interested you can purchase Pete Blaber's The Common Sense Way here and you can connect with Pete through his website. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri speaks with General (Ret.) Don Bolduc.General Bolduc served as Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force commander and in 2012-2013 as Commander of the Combined Joint Special Operations Component in Afghanistan where he logged 10 deployments and started the Village Stability Operations program. He was then the commander of Special Operations Command Africa.Steve and General Bolduc discuss the state of affairs in Afghanistan and how we've come to this point. They also talk about PTSD and the silent toil it has enacted on our troops.Further, General Bolduc bewails the current politicization of the military, and especially its top leaders, and the deeply divisive political environment plaguing the United States.The general also talks about his decision to become a police officer in light of the shortage of officers in New Hampshire.General Don Bolduc is now running for New Hampshire State Senate. To learn more about his campaign you can visit the general's website here.Join us for another episode of SOFREP Radio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast episode SOFREP Managing Editor Sean Spoonts sits down and talks with best-selling writer and Steel Fear co-author John David Mann.John Mann is a very prolific writer having penned 28 books on business and leadership. He is also a close collaborator of SOFREP founder Brandon Webb. Starting in 2012 with Red Circle, John and Brandon have worked together on six books.John talks about their latest book, Steel Fear. The book was inspired by a series of molestation incidents, which took place on board the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, during the early days of female sailors being allowed to serve on board U.S. Navy ships. The serial molester was never caught. This gave the idea to Brandon of creating a book about a serial killer on board an aircraft carrier.To accurately represent and convey the image and feel of a U.S. aircraft carrier to the average reader, John, with the help of Sean, had to extensively research aircraft carriers for a number of years. And thanks to Sean's help he also got to visit the USS Lincoln where he received a great welcome.Further, John talks about the creative challenge of giving enough information to the reader while not giving away too much. Fans of mysteries and thrillers will know that this is a difficult balance to strike.Join us for another entertaining episode of SOFREP Radio as we delve into the backstage of a military thriller's creation.If you are interested you can purchase Steel Fear here. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri catches up with Marine Corps veteran and founder of American Veterans Homefront Initiative Ramon Castro in his journey along the southern U.S. border.Ramon is walking the length of the U.S.-Mexico border to raise attention to the very important issue of foreign-born American military veterans being deported after their service comes to an end.Many of these veterans suffer from PTSD or combat-related injuries. Nevertheless, they have no access to Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare services. As a result, their suffering intensifies.American Veterans Homefront Initiative calculates that thousands of foreign-born veterans have been deported since 1996 when legislation changed. The issue hasn't been addressed by any of the administrations since.As Ramon specifies, this isn't a political issue but an American one.By some estimates, the number of green card holders in the U.S. military could be as high as 90,000-100,000. These men and women face the prospect of deportation after their green card expires.President Biden has said that the issue is a priority for him. His administration has issued a statement saying that they will look into the problem, yet, so far, nothing has happened and the deportations continue.You can find more about the cause and ways to contribute by visiting American Veterans Homefront Initiative's website at https://www.americanveteranshomefrontinitiative.com/. SOFREP will continue to be in touch with Ramon as he brings awareness to this very important issue. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's special podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with Mindy Kotler Smith of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society.Steve and Mindy talk about the Prisoner of War (POW) experience and the ordeals POWs underwent in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.Perhaps the most well-known is the Bataan Death March. The Death March has gone down infamously in history for the cruelty of the Japanese captors and the resilience of the American and Filipino captives. Nevertheless, there were many other lesser-known similar events such as Corregidor and Palawan Massacre.As Mindy Kotler Smith says, death marches and cruelty by the Japanese in the Pacific were systemic, and contrary to later Japanese claims, they were not isolated incidents. The American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society was founded in 1946 by Sam Moody.Moody was a POW who had survived the Bataan Death March and then had to endure slave labor in mainland Japan. Moody understood that the only ones who could really connect to other POWs were POWs themselves as they had undergone the same hardships. Tune in to a somber and revelatory SOFREP episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's special podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with Marine Corps veteran and founder of American Veterans Homefront Initiative Ramon Castro.Ramon is walking the length of the U.S.-Mexico border to raise attention to the very important issue of foreign-born American military veterans being deported after their service comes to an end.American Veterans Homefront Initiative calculates that thousands of foreign-born veterans have been deported since 1996 when legislation changed. The issue hasn't been addressed by any of the administrations since.Ramon Castro also discusses his motivation for tackling this problem, which, for too long, has not received the attention it should have. Fortunately, Ramon's walk has drawn the attention of politicians at the local level.President Biden has said that the issue is a priority for him. His administration has issued a statement saying that they will look into the problem, yet, so far, nothing has happened.Join us for another episode of SOFREP Radio and help bring to light an issue that casts shame on America. The veterans who have served the United States should be naturalized and not brushed under the carpet.You can find more about the cause and ways to contribute by visiting American Veterans Homefront Initiative's website at https://www.americanveteranshomefrontinitiative.com/. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's special podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri is joined by SOFREP Managing Editor Sean Spoonts and they bring you a plethora of goodies.July 4 is upon us. Steve and Sean recount memorable July 4 celebrations they've had around the world and how their British friends treat the day. But we want to make this July 4 especially memorable for our veteran and active-duty friends. So, in celebration of July 4, SOFREP has partnered with Fox Nation bringing you one year of Fox Nation for free! Fox Nation has a very strong patriotic programming that will appeal to anyone from the history buff to the wilderness enthusiast. Scroll to the end to find more information and sign up.But there is more. Join SOFREP between July 1 and September 30 and get the chance to win fantastic prizes including an iPhone 12 Pro, a Galaxy S21 Ultra, and two must-have everyday carry items, the Emerson Commander knife, and Surefire's E2D Defender Ultra flashlight. You can find more information here and here. Tune in to a celebratory episode of SOFREP Radio. This July 4, SOFREP has partnered with Fox Nation. From July 1 to July 4, if you are a veteran or on active duty, you can get an entire year of Fox Nation for free! Yes, you heard that right. One year. For free. Just click on the link below to sign up.Sign Up Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with Spencer Coursen author of the Safety Trap and professional security expert.The two discuss personal security and safety and how we can achieve them in our everyday lives. After all, an informed society is a safe society.Spencer highlights the important difference between safety and security and how a wrong perception of the former may lead to a compromise of the latter. He points out that probably the most dangerous time during a security event is not at its beginning but at its end. This is because as an event unfolds the window of opportunity to escape gets smaller while the confidence of the attacker increases.Further, Spencer explains how regardless of circumstances, the number-one factor of target selection by a perpetrator is the likelihood of success. Perpetrators will go after the weakest. Therefore, the more you're promoting your protective posture the least likely you'll be made a target.The pair talks about the five Ds of home security: Deter, Detect, Deny, Delay, DefendImportantly, Spencer explains why "sheltering in place" and "run-hide-fight" approaches in many cases don't make sense.Nevertheless, his message isn't that we should live in constant fear, but that we should be vigilant and aware.SOFREP recently reviewed The Safety Trap and highly recommends it to our audience. You can purchase the book here or at your favorite bookstore.Tune in to a very informative and eye-opening episode of SOFREP Radio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with Dan Schilling Air Force Combat Controller (CCT) veteran, author, and holder of the Guinness World Record for the most base jumps in 24 hours with 201 jumps.Dan talks about his unlikely path from an Infantry grunt to becoming an Air Force Combat Controller and about his unit's unique characteristics. In his words, Combat Controllers don't only kill bad guys but also save good ones. A prime example of this took place following the devastating Haiti earthquake of 2010 when Air Force Combat Controllers increased the capacity of Haiti International Airport by 1,400 percent thus allowing for a tremendous increase in incoming aid. Dan highlights the traits of social adaptability and malleability that characterize the unit.The two also talk about Steve's work with CTT in Latin America and the famous jumping incident involving a pair of cowboy boots and a gold motorcycle helmet.Dan also talks about his new book The Power of Awareness. The book aims at helping people with no military background avoid dangerous situations and protect themselves. It teaches what situational awareness is and how people can get back in touch with their intuition — which can save their life in a hairy situation. For the book, Dan interviewed CIA officers, police detectives, and operators and incorporated their knowledge.Click here to learn more about The Power of Awareness and download Dan's situational awareness exercises. You can purchase the book here or at your favorite bookstore.Don't miss another informative episode of SOFREP Radio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP senior editor and SOFREP Radio host Steve Balestrieri talks with Green Beret and Retired U.S. Army Colonel Mark Rosengard. Among other commanding roles, Colonel Rosengard served as the director of Task Force Dagger, the Special Forces unit and first American element in Afghanistan after 9/11. Colonel Rosengard was also the group deputy commander for 10th SFG and served in a number of countries. He finished his military career as chief of staff of SOCCENT. Colonel Rosengard talks about the first days in Afghanistan post-9/11 and how, despite a multitude of challenges, Task Force Dagger succeeded in its mission. He discusses the efforts to gain the trust of local warlords against the Taliban and how the American Special Forces had to negotiate and tread the differing and shifting allegiances of local and regional groups. All the while Task Force Dagger was hampered by a lack of intelligence and the technological limitations of the era, but received the support of a number of Afghans.Finally, Colonel Rosengard explains the difference between federal security and local autonomy and how the U.S. failed in understanding the importance of the latter for the Afghans. A better understanding of local autonomy could possibly have led to a stabler and safer Afghanistan both for the locals and the U.S.Tune in to another episode of SOFREP Radio and discover what America's finest faced to protect our way of life immediately after 9/11. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP Senior Editor and SOFREP Radio host, Steve Balestrieri is joined by Fox & Friends co-host, author, and veteran Pete Hegseth.In a wide-ranging discussion, Pete talks about his path to journalism and his subsequent interactions with his former teammates. They also discuss Pete's political plans, his books In the Arena and American Crusade, and his adventurous swim across the Hudson River with 30 Navy SEALs.The two also touch upon America's foreign policy and the need to counter an ever-assertive China.In discussing the current state of American society, education, and the divisive ideas permeating large sections of the country Pete offers his views on how America can move forward and overcome its current state.Steve is then joined by SOFREP Managing Editor Sean Spoonts. The duo discusses their favorite Fox Nation programs and offers recommendations to our listeners.Tune in to another episode of SOFREP Radio and remember from May 24 to May 31 Fox Nation, in partnership with SOFREP, offers a free one-year membership to active-duty servicemembers and military veterans. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP Senior Editor and SOFREP Radio host, Steve Balestrieri talks with Jonathan Hancock a Marine veteran from 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment – The Magnificent Bastards – who walked 5,800 miles across the United States to visit fellow Marines and Gold Star families in a journey of healing.Jon's trek across the country and his interactions with the veterans, Marines, and Gold Star families was filmed, at first by himself and then by filmmaker Brian Morrison who joined him on the road. The footage became the critically-acclaimed documentary Bastards' Road.Steve and Jon talk about Jon's career in the Marines, his service with the 2/4 during the bloody Battle of Ramadi in 2004, his amazing journey across the United States, and the positive impact it had on those around him.Tune in to a sincere and entertaining episode of SOFREP Radio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast SOFREP Senior Editor and SOFREP Radio host, Steve Balestrieri sits down with Michelle Black the author of Sacrifice, A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth.Michelle Black's husband, Bryan, was a Green Beret and one of four American soldiers killed in an ambush in Niger in October 2017 by ISIS terrorists.Steve and Michelle talk about her husband's life, the events leading up to the ambush, its aftermath, and the investigation surrounding it.Michelle and the families of the other team members were offered inaccurate and, in some cases, untrue accounts of the events that transpired on that day and leading up to the ambush. Her desire for truth led her to interview Bryan's team members and piece out the true story. And in the process, reveal the Army's ugly underbelly. Tune in to an intimate, honest, and revealing episode of SOFREP Radio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of SOFREP Radio, SOFREP Senior Editor Host Steve Balestrieri speaks with Clifford Chanin the Executive Vice President and Deputy Director for Museum Programs of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. They talk about the museum's collaboration with Discovery Channel on the upcoming documentary Revealed, The Hunt For Bin Laden.The show follows the 10-year effort to find Osama bin Laden. In cooperation with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s access to American intelligence and military personnel, the documentary reveals how President Barack Obama ordered the SEAL raid on Bin Laden's compound in Pakistan without being certain that was even there. The filmmakers interviewed President Obama, CIA Director Leon Panetta, mission commander Admiral William McRaven, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and, perhaps for the first time, the clandestine military planners, intelligence analysts, and members of the assault force, that pulled off one of the most stunning missions of the Global War on Terror.Revealed, The Hunt For Bin Laden debuts on the Discovery Channel Sunday, on May 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Central time. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of SOFREP Radio, Senior Editor Steve Balestrieri talks with Rick Lamb. The word "Legend" gets thrown around a lot but in Mr. Lamb's case, it is entirely apt. He joined the Army in 1978 under contract to become an Airborne Ranger directly and over the next 26 years, Rick served in both the 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions, the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th Special Forces Group, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major.He also seemed to be a part of every significant combat operation of the late 20th century the Army was involved in including: Operation Eagle Claw (Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission); Operation Just Cause (Invasion of Panama); Operation Gothic Serpent (Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu); Operations Restore, Uphold and Maintain Democracy (Invasion of Haiti); Operations Joint Forge and Joint Guardian (Bosnia and Kosovo); Operation Enduring Freedom (Horn of Africa); Operation Iraqi Freedom.After retirement spend another 12 years working for U.S. Special Operations Command as a civilian culminating in a position as Operations Officer in the Center for Special Operations.Rick is a Member of the SOCOM Commando Hall of Honor, the Ranger Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the SOCOM “Bull” Simmons Award.He is the present Director of Military Relations for the Global SOF Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit works to build and grow an international network of military, government, commercial, and educational partners to advance SOF capabilities in confronting global and networked threats.If that is not the definition of a "Legend" then no definition for it can exist.Don't miss this episode of SOFREP Radio with Steve Balestrieri. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Senior Editor Steve Balestrieri joins our resident expert on the Chinese Army, Mr. Dennis J. Blasko.Dennis served 23 years in military intelligence and as a Foreign Area Officer He served in infantry units in Germany, Italy, and Korea and in Washington at the Defense Intelligence Agency, From 1992 to 1996 he was an Army Attaché in Beijing and Hong Kong. Mr. Blasko is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School. He is the author of numerous articles and chapters on the Chinese military, along with the book "The Chinese Army Today: Tradition and Transformation for the 21st Century", second edition. Join us as we discuss emerging trends in the People's Liberation Army of the Chinese Communists on this episode of SOFREP Radio with Steve Balestrieri. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad was with the Ranger Battalion at the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993 and went on to spend 12 years with Delta Force. Now retired, he's killing it music with a band of veteran musicians made up of veterans, "Silence & Light." Brad is an accomplished guitar player and composer. These guys are putting out albums and donating the proceeds to veteran's charities too.Brad and his brother veterans are still serving and now SOFREP Radio has the pleasure of serving Brad and his story up to you.Don't miss this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on SOFREP Radio, we welcome Dr. Chloe Carmichael, author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety.All of us are familiar with the feeling of anxiety, but we typically see it as something bad, something to be avoided. But not Dr. Chloe. She believes that the first zing of anxiety is actually a biological gift passed to us from our early ancestors. The jolt of anxiety is actually energy, kind of like the kick from a turbo charger. By harnessing that energy, we can push past the stagnation of anxiety and perform beyond our limits.Don't miss Dr. Carmichael's ingenious take on anxiety, her methods for how to turn it into a part of your everyday arsenal, and a breakdown of her new book.About the Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your AnxietyMany people reach success by deliberately being their own worst critic and obsessively double-checking their work; or by pushing their feelings aside. This strategy is seductive because it does work, at least up to a certain point. The problems arise once you advance beyond school and early career stages. The higher you climb, the more complex projects and issues in your life become. Meanwhile, you may have become so good at putting your emotions aside in certain situations that it’s hard to reconnect with them. This is when the old tools no longer suffice.The "somewhat OCD" tendencies we pride ourselves on, or rather, the “Nervous Energy” we possess, can become mismanaged, and lead us down a rabbit hole of excessive self-criticism, anxiety, and pessimism. In Nervous Energy, Dr. Chloe Carmichael outlines nine tools with step-by-step instructions that can help you harness your Nervous Energy in order to live a more productive and fulfilling life. If managed correctly, the nervous energy that some people label as anxiety can actually be a source of stimulation, productivity, and fulfillment―and Dr. Chloe Carmichael has tried and tested methods for making this happen.If you've ever felt a sense of excess energy that you didn't quite know how to direct, or felt that your creativity and motivation was being drained by constant analysis paralysis, Nervous Energy is for you. “Anxiety and stress are the number one epidemic of modern civilization. Frequently, stressed people find themselves at the pinnacle of success at the cost of unhappy lives, fractured relationships, and unhealthy bodies. Their energy is wasted even though they may have an excess of it. If 'high energy' people learnt to harness their energy to go beyond reactive responses to modes of intuition, creativity, and emotional resilience, they would achieve even more by doing less and be happier and healthier. This book offers the tools they need." - Dr. Deepak Chopra, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of SuccessAbout Dr. Chloe CarmichaelDr. Chloe Carmichael graduated with honors from Columbia University and holds a doctorate from Long Island University. Her private practice focuses on stress management, relationship issues, self-esteem, and coaching. She is also a former adjunct college professor, yoga instructor, psychologist for the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and co-chair of a committee for the New York Junior League. She has been published in various academic journals, and has been featured on VH1, Inside Edition, ABC Nightline, and other media. She lives in New York City. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on SOFREP Radio we welcome former Air Force interrogator and prolific author James Rosone.Rosone served six years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard as a member of the 1/126th Field Artillery Battalion. He left the National Guard in 2002 to pursue a career in the Air Force. It was during his time in the Air Force that I deployed to Iraq for the first time. Rosone served nearly three and a half years in Iraq both as a military member and then as Department of Defense and Department of State armed contractor.During his ten years in the military and eight years as a Department of Defense and Department of State contractor, he fought and hunted down Islamic extremists throughout the Middle East, Eurasia, and Europe.James has served in the J2 and J3 commands for US Central Command, US European Command, and US Special Operations Command in Florida and Germany, advising commanders on a variety of identity intelligence and biometric issues. He holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Oxford as well as an MBA. He's written technical articles for European journals and advised numerous European leaders in the fields of identity intelligence and biometrics.But like so many veterans, Rosone came away from his service with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In this unique episode, we discuss Rosone's own battles with PTSD and hear about how writing has become a tool for healing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on SOFREP Radio, we are pleased to welcome Gary Powers Jr.Gary Powers is the son of Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 Spy Plane pilot who was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960 during a reconnaissance mission. Growing up, Gary never really knew the historical importance of the U-2 Incident or what his father really did. It wasn't until his death in 1977 that Gary started to untangle the myths from the truth and learn about his father's military history.In this scintillating episode, Gary Powers Jr. unpacks his father's legacy, the Cold War and his book Spy Pilot: Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 Incident, and a Controversial Cold War Legacy.More About Gary PowersBorn June 5, 1965, Gary holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, and a Master’s Degree in US History. Gary is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of The Cold War Museum located at Vint Hill, VA.He is the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Cold War Theme Study which assists the National Park Service to identify historic Cold War sites for preservation. In 2015, he consulted for a Steven Spielberg thriller, Bridge of Spies, about the 1962 spy exchange between KGB spy Rudolph Abel and CIA U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, Sr.Gary is the author of Letters from a Soviet Prison and Spy Pilot. He lectures internationally, appears regularly on news broadcasts, and is married with one son. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.