The Jedburgh Podcast

Hostage diplomacy is an ugly game. For decades America’s adversaries have imprisoned US citizens in an effort to leverage diplomatic, economic or military advantage. These cases range from exaggerated charges, to disproportionate penalties, to outright lies. Each case is different. And each case affects both the lives of the incarcerated, their families and ultimately American power. Jose Pereira was held prisoner by the Venezuelan government for five years. He was the CEO of Citgo and after a Thanksgiving Day meeting in Caracas, he and five other Citgo executives were arrested and charged with bribery, corruption and other false charges. They became known as the Citgo 6.   Jose joined Fran Racioppi to share the story of his captivity, his year long solitary detention in the Submarine, starvation, sickness, sham trials, and his time in a coma. Jose talks about his mental battles with depression and suicidal ideation.Like all great leaders, Jose sought solutions using the buckets his food was delivered in as a clandestine courier service to exchange letters with his wife. These letters kept him alive, gave him hope and now serve as the foundation to his new book “From Hero To Villain: My True Story of the Citgo 6.” Special thanks to Hostage US for supporting the families of American hostages and those wrongfully detained, as well hostages and detainees when they return home.HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Welcome Home3:39 Summoned to Venezuela7:51 Surviving the first 48 hours16:05 Bargaining chips for oil20:09 Smuggling letters in food23:58 The toll on the family28:07 Captive with Green Berets30:24 Prisoner Swap38:47 Hostage Diplomacy41:34 The challenges of coming home45:51 The role of Hostage US49:19 The healing process51:01 Daily Foundations to SuccessQUOTESFor us, Thanksgiving became kind of a nightmare.” “Nobody was prepared because this was a sham situation.”“They target high profile people because they need to leverage you.”“I stayed 10 months in total confinement.”“In those containers I found that you could put a double bottom.”“Your family is a hostage even worse than you. They are a spiritual and mental hostage.” “Bring the American back no matter the tool that you need to use.” “You are literally caught in a time machine. You are literally in a cage for five years.”The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Watch, listen or read our conversation from Epigen Technology in Arlington, VA. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of the guests and the host. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy.

Nobody’s coming to save you. It’s a simple phrase, but one that can mean the difference between success and failure. Elite performers know that when it’s time to take action, they need to be ready to execute with precision and without excuse. Scott Mann is a retired Special Forces Officer, the architect of Operation Pineapple Express, and a leader who knows how to get results against the odds. Scott first joined Fran Racioppi after the withdrawal from Afghanistan to share how he took a stand when few would. Now he’s showing us just how to apply an action first mindset to anything we set out to do. Our rainy Sunday morning conversation from the banks of New York City’s East River was the perfect backdrop to break down his new book; Nobody’s coming to save you: a Green Beret’s guide to getting big shit done. Scott defines the churn; the divisiveness, fear-laden complexity of the world that is in our face 24/7 across our devices. He shows us how that has put us all in a trance of distraction, disengagement, disconnection and distrust where transactional relationships focus on performing for each other instead of connecting. As a leader of action, Scott gives us the cure; which rightfully so will be MESSY. Jump In with Scott and Fran as they wake up New York City, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage of the 2024 election cycle and our national security series with today’s most prominent Special Forces leaders. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Welcome to New York City2:07 Why is Nobody Is Coming To Save You?4:05 The Four D’s6:40 The loss of social connection17:20 Get MESSY to get s**t done18:35 Storytelling mattersQUOTES“We are in our own form of that unprecedented churn.” “The average attention span of a human in the west is eight seconds.” “We’ve atrophied the ability to tap into what’s below the waterline of our human nature.” “Now it’s a verb. ‘I’m going to unfriend you.’” “We’ve lost the ability to make human connection in a meaningful way..” “We ignore storytelling at our peril. Everything has become bullet points.” “It wasn’t the stories they told; it was the stories they asked to hear.” “All of us are capable of strategic outcomes if we set our mind to it.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.

Everyone has a top button item this election cycle. For some it’s the economy. For others its national defense or healthcare. For Congressman Tony Gonzales it’s the US southern border and immigration. Representative Gonzales is responsible for Texas’s 23rd district, a district that contains over 800 miles of the US-Mexico border, and by many accounts, ground zero for the immigration policy battle. Representative Gonzales is also a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer where he served over 20 years as a cryptologist. The Congressman and Host Fran Racioppi broke down the border debate from his Texas perspective, including the effects of current policy on both domestic and international security. With the election coming, we discussed the importance of battleground states and why Texas is important from the top of the ticket to the bottom.Finally we covered leadership, how Veterans are making an impact through the halls of Congress, and why action is critical in a job in which you can do as much or as little as you want.  Check out our conversation then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage of the 2024 election cycle. HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Welcome to Capitol Hill3:06 People are mad?5:14 Solutions over problems9:04 From the Navy to Congress12:04 Is America ready for the next war?15:00 America in 2023QUOTES“I’m doing all the things I’m supposed to do, but somehow I’m in the back of this line.”“If Republicans are going to be successful we have to be talking about solutions, not just problems.” “If you’re weak, or perceived as weak at home, that’s when your adversaries are going to take advantage.” “If somebody comes over illegally, they immediately get their day in court.”“It isn’t my job to be the cheerleader of the organization. It’s my job to check the organization.” “The best thing about being a member of Congress is that you can do as much or as little as you want.”“We will adapt. We will overcome. We will find a way to get to victory.”“Whatever your thing is, get involved.”Special thanks to the For Country Caucus for coordinating this interview. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy; nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.

The United States Army Special Forces command teams are composed of a commissioned officer, a warrant officer and senior non-commissioned officer. A model has evolved over time and is tributed with being a key component to success on the battlefield of yesterday and today.To break down just Army Special Forces balances strategy, experience and teamwork, Creator and Host Fran Racioppi sat down with Command Sergeant Major Dave Waldo and Command Chief Warrant Officer Felix Mosqueda; two of the three senior-most leaders of First Special Forces Command. From atop the Normandy Resistance Monument in Saint Marie Dumont, we broke down what it means to be a Green Beret and how the mission has evolved from the Jedburgh Teams of D-Day to today’s Operational Detachments. CSM Waldo and Chief Mosqueda shared their priorities and vision for Army Special Forces, how the regiment is adapting in the post Global War on Terror environment, the misconception of the Special Forces mission and how they are tackling the recruiting and manning challenges needed for the next battlefield; whether that be against a peer, near peer or terrorist adversary.  Check out our conversation from the birthplace of modern Special Forces; then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. And don’t miss our first documentary, Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh available now only on YouTube.Highlights0:00 Introduction3:18 Welcome to the Normandy Resistance Monument7:19 Commissioned Officers, NCOs and Warrant Officers11:23 Preparing the Regiment 13:57 Solving the recruiting challenge16:56 Are changes coming to the structure of Special Forces?18:56 Lessons from GWOT24:14 Defining the next fight26:02 Current SF culture30:23 Vision for the Regiment34:29 The New Uniforms35:32 Foundations to success40:13 Football predictions Quotes“They knew they had no choice. There was no can. There was no try. Hope was not a course action. It was only must.” If it’s important to my boss, it’s important to me. If it’s cool to my boss, it’s fascinating to me.” “Make no mistake about it. And to our adversaries who are listening to this. We are absolutely the top of the mountain.”  “Are we meeting the numbers? No.” “Always do more with less. We’re able to do that because of our training pipeline.” “We have to focus on all the missions because every part of the world is set up differently.” “First contact should not be human contact. It should be some sort of tech or robotic.” “Our adversaries are brilliant. They’re also lethal. But do they love each other the way that our folks do?”“If you build good command teams it never gets lonely at the top.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.

Supporting our veterans is a commitment that transcends politics—it’s a matter of national honor. In this episode, host Fran Racioppi sits down with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a 24-year Army Reserve veteran and representative for Iowa's First Congressional District. Together, they explore critical issues facing veterans today, including the readiness of the VA to handle the influx of post-9/11 service members, mental health challenges, and the impact of the PACT Act. Congresswoman Miller-Meeks shares her unique perspective on veteran care, the importance of accountability within the VA, and the role Congress plays in ensuring our veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Check out our conversation then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the halls of Congress.  Highlights0:00 Welcome to Congress1:40 Veterans top issues in Congress3:03 Increasing oversight of the VA4:23 GWOT Veterans influx into the VA5:50 Expectations of the 2024 election cycle Quotes“13 new Gold Star Families that did not have to lose their children.”“Do we want the VA to do voter registration or do we want them to focus on caring for Veterans?” “We also added the PACT Act. Any disorder is presumed to be related to your service.” “Irrespective of who’s at the top of the ticket, you have to make the case for yourself.” The opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of our guests and creator and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy; nor does Green Beret Foundation endorse any political candidate or any political party.

Army Special Operations Forces are led by LTG John Braga, Commander of United States Army Special Operations Command. General Braga and Creator and Host Fran Racioppi stormed the Utah Beach Communication Bunker responsible for the coordination of German defenses and later the facilitation of the largest amphibious assault in history. From this iconic setting, we unpacked the significance of World War II on international norms still in play today and challenged at a level not seen since the pre-war era. General Braga shared his vision for Army Special Operations, his focus on threat-informed decision-making, and how Special Operations has evolved; but more importantly where it needs to go and why it’s not there yet. He also explains how Special Operations are preparing for conflict with nation-states like China and Iran, while also ensuring terrorist organizations have no sanctuary across the globe. Finally, we talk about integration, and why Special Operations is a critical node in the cyber and space fight deep behind enemy lines. Check out our conversation from underneath Utah Beach. Head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all our coverage from the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. And don’t miss our first documentary, Unknown Heroes: Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh available now only on YouTube.  Highlights0:00 Introduction3:25 Welcome to the Le Roosevelt Cafe Bunker on Utah Beach8:14 Significance of Operation Jedburgh10:15 Rangers on Omaha Beach13:35 US Army Special Operations mission19:10 Role of Psychological Operations24:10 Winning Cognitive Warfare?29:43 A change to the Special Forces teams?32:10 Top priority on the next battlefield?41:10 Combatting an enemy that doesn’t value life?44:32 The USASOC culture49:43 Destroying the enemy55:28 USASOC’s future1:00:05 Foundations to Success  Quotes“Here we have the Jedburghs, with small teams having complete outsized impacts.”“We challenge the force…to be strategically driven in everything you do.” “We weren’t created for counter-terrorism.”  “You need to be an information officer.”  “People are the weapon system of USASOC. That’s our greatest investment.”“Every STEM robotics club in high school in America needs to know we have a home for them in Army Special Operations. “We have to modernize. We have to change. Or we'll be behind the adversary.”“The only way to win is a whole of nation and whole of society approach.” “I want to be surrounded by people who want to push themself.” “Everyone should be challenging the training calendar. What are you training for?”“We can’t be afraid of changing because we might get something wrong.”The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.

There’s a difference between the elite and everyone else. Elite by definition means superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society. Elite is not good. It is not great. It certainly is not above average. To be elite means you’re among the best.The Stars and Stripes Classic pitted America’s two most elite Special Operations Forces against each other on the lacrosse field. To talk about what it means to be elite, not just in sports but in anything you do, Fran Racioppi sat down with Paul Rabil. Paul is the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League and undoubtedly one of the most elite lacrosse players to ever play the game. Paul is multiple time NCAA champion, a four year All American, he holds NCAA records for the most goals, assists and points. He is a multiple time Player of the Year and two time champion. He holds the most points in professional lacrosse. He is what every young lacrosse player ascribes to be. Paul is also an elite visionary and businessman. He developed the PLL out of the gaps he saw as a player. Now he’s changing professional sports and how athletes are treated by owners. Check out our conversation from the endzone of Gillette Stadium to learn how anyone can be elite if you're ready to put in the work and relentlessly execute. Head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to  join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters took on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:33 Stars and Stripes Classic4:18 The level of play5:57 Toughness & extra work8:31 Earn it every day12:49 Building an elite sports league18:15 How does it feel?22:08 How to process the hard times Quotes“Lacrosse is sloppy. That’s also the beauty of it.” “Those that choose to be elite, it’s a lifestyle.” “Earn the right to stay here and be here.” “You just don’t really fake integrity. Someone will suss it out.” “If you don’t go all in, you’ll never reach your potential.” “Attempting to become a subject matter expert is so important in entrepreneurship.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League and Kraft Sports and Entertainment for hosting the Stars and Stripes Classic.

Toughness defines Special Operations and the sport of lacrosse. Toughness requires a person to deal with hardship, overcome difficult situations, persevere through mental and physical challenges. Toughness is one part natural, one part learned, and one part the result of consistency. To excel as a Green Beret, Navy SEAL or a lacrosse athlete, you better be tough. Joe Alberici and Ben Harrow are two tough men. Joe is the head coach of Men’s lacrosse at West Point, and Ben is a West Point lacrosse alumni, Green Beret and double leg amputee.Coach and Ben joined Fran Racioppi to recap the Stars and Stripes Classic, what it meant for our Green Berets and Navy SEALs to face off on the lacrosse field, how to build teams based on being tough, and what it takes to win no matter the challenge; whether that’s on the playing field, the battlefield or the boardroom. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to  join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters took on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:05 Stars and Stripes is in the books3:17 Break down the game for us4:57 Ben Harrow is toughness6:46 Why is toughness important?10:39 West Point lax is a player15:01 Put in the extra work16:22 What did you tell the team after the game?Quotes“Clock got a little short on us. Time ran out.”“Toughness is when you're 100%, 100% of the time.” “Grateful for everything. Entitled to nothing.” “If you can be an elite human being…you’ll probably be a pretty darn good Army lacrosse player.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League and the Kraft Group for hosting us the Stars and Stripes Classic.

The greatest entrepreneurial adventures take a lot of sleepless nights, a bias for action and a commitment to people. Starting a professional sports league is no different.  As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi is joined by Mike Rabil, the co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League. Mike and his brother Paul, started the league with a vision to put the players at the center of the business model.From better pay, to open marketing, to benefits and equity in the league, they’re redefining how professional sports embraces their athletes.Mike shared the market opportunity he and Paul saw in lacrosse and how they relentlessly pursued investment and support. He explained how giving players equity, access to marketing content and a seat at the table have created a more inclusive league. And he showed us where the sport is headed with regional affiliation. They also previewed the Stars and Stripes Classic coming September 2 to Gillette Stadium where the bonds between lacrosse and Special Operations will face off for the very first time. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with the business mind behind the PLL, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to  join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Welcome to Fairfield University4:15 What was the vision for the PLL?6:21 How do you start a pro sports league?8:10 How does the open marketing concept help promote the game?10:20 Why introduce regional affiliation?12:07 Why keep the 2-point shot?12:48 How do you recruit the best athletes to lacrosse?15:46 The Stars and Stripes Classic?Quotes“I slept on a lot of hotel floors. Cried, bled a lot.” “People ask us who our competitors are. I say ‘all the other sports.’” “We know we need to continue to pay the players more.” “Each time these guys stop on the field they get five stock options.” “The lacrosse community is really tied into Special Forces.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic.

Performing at an elite level isn’t about doing special things. It’s about focusing on the basics and the fundamentals; then executing them with precision. A coach’s job is to harness the energy of the players and direct it towards a common goal. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with the Head Coach of the California Redwoods and Army Reservist Nat St. Laurent. Nat’s primary mission is to take a group of elite alpha lacrosse athletes all capable of big things and get them to focus on the little details; a skill he learned teaching soldiers to throw hand grenades as an instructor. He shares his Army lessons learned and how they made him a better coach.Nat also provided his perspective on the growth of the Premier Lacrosse League, how regional affiliation has enhanced the fan base, and how everything the PLL does is all out; including the 2-point shot. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of the PLL’s inaugural coaches, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Don’t forget to go to Green Beret Foundation to  join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen. Highlights0:00 Introduction2:27 Welcome to Fairfield University3:14 PLL regional affiliation5:06 Growing the PLL fan base6:47 What Army lessons do you use as a coach?9:28 PLL player development11:32 The 2-point shot13:12 Staying focused in down times14:54 Stars and Stripes ClassicQuotes“Whatever the PLL does it’s all out.” “Being part of something bigger than yourself…it becomes an honor.” “It is extremely important to do those little things right and to do it with a purpose that’s bigger than yourself. “Our mindset every game is 1-0. We can’t do anything about the results from previous games.” “They’re not going to be able to turn over their compete level.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic.

The United States doesn’t play for second place. Not on the battlefield and certainly not on the lacrosse field. As we gear up for the first ever Stars and Stripes Classic, Fran Racioppi sat down with Head Coach of Team USA Seth Teirney. Seth is also the Director of Competition at the Premier Lacrosse League and the Head Coach of Hofstra University. He’s involved in every aspect and level of lacrosse from the pros down to youth. He’s a national champion as a coach and played in the National Lacrosse League as a player. Seth’s attitude about lacrosse is gold medal or bust. Fran and Seth covered why it takes “feeling the sport” to compete at the highest level as both an athlete and a coach. Seth shared the launch story of the PLL from a broken down bus in Israel and how the PLL honors the Indigenous legacy of lacrosse. Seth also gives his tips to parents raising athletes and explains what it means to coach the US National Team. Plus he makes his prediction for the battle of the year, as the Green Berets take on the Navy SEALs September 2 at Gillette Stadium.Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of lacrosse’s greatest players and coaches, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch all the action from the Stars and Stripes Classic. Head over to Green Beret Foundation and join our 18 Series Match Challenge to support our team as the Snakeeaters take on the Frogmen.  Highlights0:00 Introduction1:27 Welcome to Fairfield University3:30 Setting the lacrosse example5:16 Growing the PLL7:12 The origins of lacrosse8:58 Lacrosse is about feeling10:49 How have the players evolved?12:48 Gold medal or bust14:08 How coaches have changed16:01 Is junior level competition healthy?18:00 A tribute to Andy Towers19:53 The PLL’s next phase21:48 Recruiting the top athletes22:46 Stars and Stripes ClassicQuotes“This whole thing started when a bus broke down in 2018 in Israel.”“This sport. Where it came from. It was not just playing. It was understanding.”“It’s not written down in a handbook. You’ve got to be able to feel the game.” “It’s an all-in sport that is on fire right now.” “There is no second place. We’re not playing for second place. It’s gold medal or bust.” “When we get the Stars and Stripes Game going…that’s a forever day.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to the Premier Lacrosse League for hosting us at Fairfield University and for sponsoring the Stars and Stripes Classic. 

For decades the Middle East has been America’s top national security challenge.From terrorism, to war, to regional instability, it takes more than a military effort to find solutions.As America navigates one of the most volatile times in history, Fran Racioppi sat down with retired General Joseph Votel, one of America’s most influential leaders and scholars in Middle East policy. General Votel served as Commander of United States Special Operations Command, US Central Command, Joint Special Operations Command and 75th Ranger Regiment; organizations critically responsible for America’s Middle East operations. General Votel unpacked the reasons why Hamas chose to attack Israel, Iran’s malign influence, and the responsibility of the other Gulf states in preventing regional instability. He also broke down the opportunities the United States has across the diplomatic, information, military and economic spectrum; including America’s ability to mobilize for a peer-to-peer fight. Plus he talked all things Ranger Regiment, the officer-NCO relationship, and keys to effective leadership. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one the Army’s most respected leaders then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch up on our entire national security series from Washington, DC and Fort Liberty, NC. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to Odgers Berndtson3:07 The rise of China and Russia13:47 Why is Iran on the offensive?21:14 Using the elements of National Power24:34 The impacts of the Israel-Gaza War32:55 General Votel’s call to serve42:35 Advice to new leaders47:42 How the NCO corps separates the US military 56:46 The role of Special Forces in the peer-to-peer fight1:05:09 Solving the recruiting challenge1:13:28 General Votel's Three Daily FoundationsQuotes: “In a word, they’ve had it and they're trying to reassert themselves.” “Putin has pretty much told us what he wants to do. He wants to eclipse the United States.” “The Gulf partners, the other Arab states, aren’t that keen on having a new Palestinian state in the region.”“We have over-militarized a lot of our foreign policy in these areas. We need to be leading with diplomacy.”“If you open these humanitarian corridors, are you arming your adversary?” “When I showed up to West Point…instant buyer’s remorse.” “To me, leadership has really become about the basics.” “I had a Sergeant Major. Bill Thetford. We were together for eight plus years; longer than the average American marriage.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to Odgers Berndtson for hosting this conversation.

The responsibility for recruiting, training and retaining US Army soldiers sits on the shoulders of the Sergeant Major of the Army; a job in which there is no training course and where experience is the defining factor. To break down what the Sergeant Major of the Army does, the current state of the Army, and where the Army is headed, Fran Racioppi traveled deep into the center of the Pentagon for a conversation with Sergeant Major Mike Weimer, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army and the first Green Beret selected for the role. The SMA defined professional warfighting and the importance of an all volunteer force. He broke down the art and science relationship between commissioned and non-commissioned officers. He shared how his experience in the Special Forces shadows prepared him for the limelight of the SMA role. And they talked about the future, including his vision for solving the recruiting challenge, how warfare is evolving from the kill chain to the kill web, how he’s planning to retain the right people, and how the integration of Special Operations and the regular Army is more important now than ever. Highlights:0:00 Introduction2:53 The Army is busy 3:52 The Professional Warfighter11:40 People are the Army’s weapons system 15:53 The relationship between Commanders and NCOs22:24 SMA Weimer’s transition from the shadows25:55 The Army’s recruiting challenges34:51 CTCs and the Kill Web40:12 Retaining the best and brightest43:50 Integrating Special Forces and the regular Army50:36 The Army’s biggest opportunity52:17 Daily Foundations to SuccessQuotes: “Those that are committed, I remind them; the audio and video has got to match.” “All of the services are platform centric. The Army’s platform is its people.” “The non-commissioned officer is the asymmetric advantage.” “The things that are usually the hardest in life are the things that are usually the most rewarding.”  “Whatever you’ve done prior to coming into this seat is how you’ve prepared.” “We’re on track to make our numbers this year….We need those numbers to be higher in upcoming years.” “I have a fair amount of combat…I’ve never been to war.” “You don’t necessarily get do-overs in the fight that we’re preparing for now.”“It’s not just about retaining people; it’s about retaining the right people.”“Standards and discipline can’t just be some whimsical thing we throw around.”Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with the Army’s most senior non-commissioned officer, then head over to our YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform to catch up on our entire national security series from Washington, DC and Fort Liberty, NC. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media.

Lethality, audacity and creativity. That’s the culture of the Special Forces Regiment and the values each Special Operator is expected to live by. They’re also the foundation of what it takes to be the premier partnered irregular warfare force in the arsenal of the United States Military. Our nation’s Green Berets, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations soldiers are led by Major General Gil Ferguson; the Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command. For the final interview of our Fort Liberty series, Fran Racioppi sat down with General Ferguson for a conversation on what it takes to man, train and equip our Special Forces units. They dug into his goal to enhance the culture of the Regiment, how the Special Forces Groups are preparing for regional conflicts with unknown enemies, at unknown times; and just how Green Berets are solidifying themselves as the go-to option in the deep sensor fight against our peer adversaries.General Ferguson also explains the SOF-Space-Cyber Triad, where he sees Special Forces in a decade, and as our units evolve, what needs to stay the same.  Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with America’s top Green Beret, then head over to our YouTube channel to watch General Ferguson share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.    Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the JFK Special Warfare Museum4:04 The premier partnered irregular warfare force7:18 Man, train, equip for any theater9:40 The culture of 1st SFC13:52 The misperceptions of Special Forces18:50 SOF in the Peer-to-Peer Fight27:16 How is SOF keeping people first?34:07 SOF, Space Cyber Triad39:43 Where are Special Forces in 5-10 years?42:14 How are Civil Affairs and PsyOps integrating into the SOF battlefield?50:47 What has to stay the same in SOF?54:32 Daily Foundations For SuccessQuotes: “The United States fights coalition warfare. We don’t ever want to fight by ourselves.” “We don’t know where the next fight’s going to be, we don’t know who it’s gonna be with, and we don’t know when it’s gonna start.”“The guys we are running the Columbian military were all folks that were captains with me when I was a 7th Group Commander.”“Technology is not going to win the next fight. The side that most effectively and audaciously employs technology is going to win.”“18x make up more than 50% of our force now; and that is a good thing.”“I don’t want to spend time in my office. That is not where I’m effective.” The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.

Special Forces Warrant Officers are subject matter experts in unconventional warfare, operations and intelligence fusion, and planning and execution. They also advise commanders on all aspects of special operations and are responsible for the integration of emerging technologies. To explore the unique role of the Special Forces Warrant Officer, Fran Racioppi asked the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Ostrander to join him from the Special Warfare Museum at Fort Liberty, NC. With over 30 years in the Army, Gary advises the commander and sergeant major of SWCS on best practices for training and developing our US Army Special Operations soldiers. After they defined what it takes to succeed as a Special Forces Warrant, they explained SWCS 2030, the importance of duration in assessment and selection, how technology is being integrated into training, how to create a training program that prepares people for anything and innovation in recruiting initiatives. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation with one of Special Forces most experienced leaders then head over to our YouTube channel to watch CW5 Ostrander share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.   Highlights:0:00 Introduction3:01 What’s the role of the Special Forces Warrant Officer?11:51 What is SWCS 2030?17:11 What technology is paramount on the next battlefield?19:04 The evolution of the peer-to-peer fight23:56 What are the innovative ways ARSOF is recruiting?29:30 What are you most excited about in the next generation?  31:18 Daily Foundations to SuccessQuotes: “The warrant specifically focuses on those long term planning operations and actions.” “We focus on that end product. How do we produce the best product?”“More than likely you will be seen by an unmanned system.” “We’re the melting pot for the operational force’s #1 select cadre to come back and train and mentor the next generation.” “How do they look at a problem set and become the world’s most adaptive problem solvers?” “If you show up for the minimums there’s a very slim chance that you are going to be one of the ones selected.”The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Special thanks to Roxanne Merritt and the entire team at the Special Warfare Museum for graciously hosting this series.

The 80th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion included many reenactment jumps, but none as visually captivating as the one in Mont St. Michel. A jump that featured multiple sorties of C-47s and some of America’s most important leaders donning the battle uniform of our airborne predecessors. Included in this stick was Florida Congressman and fellow Green Beret Mike Waltz. After a quick exit and soft landing, Congressman Waltz spent some time with Fran Racioppi on the drop zone to talk D-Day, World Order and the current state of Congress. With Mont-Saint Michel in the background, and jumpers still falling, they dug into our national security challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine and China; and how immigration policy is rapidly becoming the decisive issue. They also unpacked the need for professionalism in Congress, how polarization is affecting getting things done and what we can expect from our political leaders as we gear up for an election cycle that looks more like a night combat jump with high winds and a small drop zone. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation from one of the most surreal spots on the globe then head over to our YouTube channel to as we share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.   Highlights:0:00 Introduction02:10 Jumping into Mont St. Michel5:20 What is NATO’s role in global conflict?9:35 Can America mobilize a whole of society approach?12:34 Why is DOD calling for a reduction in Special Forces?14:14 Why can’t we just close the border? 17:01 What can we expect during the upcoming election cycle?Quotes:  “Vintage birds. Vintage uniforms. But the parachutes are new Mr. Speaker.” (2:53) “We can’t keep asking the American taxpayer to dig deeper and deeper into their pocket while the European taxpayer isn’t being asked to do the same thing.” (7:09) “We should be flooding the world with cleaner, cheaper American oil and gas.” (8:00) “What I want is that every time Chairman Xi gets out of bed and looks across the Taiwan Strait he says ‘ah…they're still too tough, we’re not ready.’" (10:56)“The more the Chinese Communist Party are looking over their shoulder, the less they’re looking across the Pacific.” (12:25) “Those support men and women for the Special Operations community keep us out of wars. Those are the left of bang.” (13:55) “The cartels are behind all of this…We know from Plan Colombia how to take down cartels.” (16:04) "The world is a calm place when America is strong.” (18:35)

Stress is the great equalizer in leadership. When you're cold, you're wet, you're tired, your company’s losing money, you have no revenue, you’re pinned down by enemy fire, or you're down by five with two minutes left, great organizations need leaders who stand up, take charge, make decisions and act.  America’s Green Berets are the best in the world at leading under stress.To unpack just how we’re selecting the next generation of Special Forces Operators, Fran Racioppi sat down with the team responsible for training them; LTC Dave Lucas and Medal of Honor Recipient Command Sergeant Major Matt Williams; the command team for 4th battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group, otherwise known as the MOS phase of the Qualification Course.  From the JFK Special Warfare Museum at Fort Liberty’s John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School they cover the Q-course; what it takes to be a successful Alpha, Bravo, Charlie or Echo; how they’re upholding the standard and preparing the force for the peer-to-peer battlefield and the difference between motivation and leadership. Plus CSM Williams shares his account of the Battle of Shok Valley and why sometimes the greatest displays of leadership have nothing to do with rank, position, or tenure. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation then head over to our YouTube channel to watch this episode and watch CSM Williams & LTC Lucas share the lineage of America’s first Special Forces in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.   Highlights:0:00 Introduction5:35 Succeeding in the Special Forces Qualification Course10:10 Scenario-based training to a standard15:30 Preparing Special Forces for the next battlefield22:15 Motivation isn't leadership28:57 CSM Williams Medal of Honor battle in Afghanistan 413:40 Daily Keys to SuccessQuotes: “Our job is to teach them the fundamental skills that they will utilize, that they will bring to their operational detachments.” (6:43) “When it’s cold, it’s wet and it sucks, we want guys that understand why they're here.” (7:56) “What we really try to do is eek out your capabilities under stress.” (11:48)“The standard is the standard, is the standard, is the standard.” (13:46) “We’re sending guys out to the force to do some of the hardest things in the world, and they can’t just be because you're a good dude.” (15:13) “Motivation and leadership are not the same thing.” (23:42)“It’s two junior bravos on the side of a cliff figuring out what we’re going to do.” (36:55)Special thanks to Roxanne Merritt and the entire team at the Special Warfare Museum for graciously hosting this series.

One hundred men will test today. But only three win the Green Beret. Developing America’s Green Berets takes a vision for the future, knowledge of the past, and an understanding of the present. The John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School is the home of both training Green Berets and developing the policy and doctrine our Special Forces operate by. To share the mission of SWCS, Fran Racioppi sat down with Commanding General Brigadier General Will Beaurpere and Command Sergeant Major Lee Strong from the JFK Special Warfare Museum at Fort Liberty, NC. BG Beaurpere and CSM Strong explained how SWCS 2030 will develop a more prepared Special Forces Regiment through the establishment of three Branch Schools for Green Berets, Civil Affairs and Psyops, each under their own O-6 level command. They also break down irregular warfare, why it’s important, and how it’s complemented by psychological operations; another school being developed through SWCS 2030. Finally they talk recruiting as the GWOT generation of soldiers is retiring and SOF was directed to cut personnel, while enforcing the standard, continuously improving professionalism, and integrating technology and automation into the force.  Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation about the past, present and future of SWCS. Then head over to our YouTube channel to watch BG Beaurpere and CSM Strong share the importance of the Jedburghs in the Jedburgh Media Channel’s first documentary, Unknown Heroes, Behind Enemy Lines at D-Day, the story of Operation Jedburgh.   The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the Special Warfare Museum 2:27 The SWCS mission8:42 SWCS 203012:03 Commandants, Irregular Warfare & the Psywar School22:00 SOF’s role in Strategic Disruption30:33 How do you maintain the Special Forces Standard?36:08 Integrating technology but building leaders first49:08 The 3 Keys to Daily SuccessQuotes: “We watch the battlefield of the modern era and we draw that into our doctrine.” (5:02)“The cadre is where you really achieve mastery.” (8:04)“Psychological Warfare is something we’ve conducted for the preponderance of our history as a military.” 17:01“That’s what SOF does…conduct operations and activities forward, before conflict.” (20:06)“The one place we will not assume risk, and cannot assume is risk, is in the production of world class special forces, civil affairs and psyops soldiers.” (28:37)“What is the one or two percent we can do to improve to ultimately make this better, myself better, the team better.” (34:45)“You're only as hard as your last hard thing.” (53:04)Special thanks to Roxanne Merritt and the JFK Special Warfare Museum for graciously hosting this series.

Social Media doesn’t tell the real story. It might look like we’re crushing it online, but the reality is that it’s held together by toothpicks and dental floss. For the final episode of the 2023 Army Navy Game Tailgate Series, Fran Racioppi welcomed back Travis Wilson; fellow Green Beret, entrepreneur, and Green Beret Foundation’s Director of Mission & Program Delivery. Travis and Fran debunk the myth behind Green Beret to Green Beret support; and why supporting each other’s businesses, families and initiatives is an important part of post-military success. As Green Berets we would have given our lives for the guy next to us; but when we get out, we forget that our brothers need the same level of support in the next chapter. In a Jedburgh Podcast first, Travis flips the script and asks Fran how he’s doing. Plus they catch up on the newest products from Alpha Elite Performance and how the AEP Outdoors is taking Veterans fishing in Mexico and heli-hunting across the world.Veterans know better than anyone the challenges other Veterans face in service and beyond; yet they’re often the last to volunteer support physically or financially to Veteran Service Organizations. We need Veterans to match civilian levels of support. Take a listen, watch, or read our conversation. Then grab a pre-workout, some GBNT Sleep and Rally and Recover. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the Army Navy Game Tailgate4:47 The most support comes from those who didn’t serve7:24 Green Berets need to support other Green Berets10:46 Extreme outdoors with AEP Outdoors11:50 Alpha Elite Performance drops Rally & Recovery13:45 Army by 715:18 How’s Fran doing?Quotes: “Our biggest support has come from people who didn’t serve.” (5:52) “The true impact for guys like you and I is it creates an environment for us to get together.” (6:37) “It’s very healing to get back together with other Green Berets and their families.” (7:47)“These guys are hurting and struggling because they’re not getting the support of the brotherhood.” (9:50) “The only person that ever failed is the one that quit. So don’t quit.” (17:29) “I don’t look at anything and say I can’t do it. I look at everything and I say how do I make it happen.” (17:53) 

America’s military must return our service members back to society ready to lead. Special operators are given the best tools in the military to do their jobs. They’re also completely immersed into the special forces lifestyle with almost no distractions. Yet when they leave service, they’re often left to themselves to find the right tools and to figure out what training they need to be successful in the next chapter. Two of America’s most important organizations have partnered to bring our Veterans the best tools and training all wrapped up into an immersive, life changing program. For the third episode of our 2023 Army Navy Game tailgate series Fran Racioppi sat down with retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, CEO of Home Base. Home Base is founded and supported by the Boston Red Sox and Mass General Hospital; a formidable team dedicated to winning and solving the most complex challenges in medicine and athletic performance.Home Base provides leading edge clinical care to the medical challenges faced by our veterans; including the effects of prolonged blast exposure, mental trauma, diabetes and even cancer. Veterans train directly with the best medical and athletic performance professionals in the industry with one goal in mind; return our military personnel back to society ready to perform at the highest level and continue to lead others. Take a listen, watch or read our conversation…and whether you’re from Beantown or not, this is a Red Sox game you want to be a part of. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the Army Navy Game Tailgate3:50 Home Base is built by the Boston Red Sox & Mass General7:06 Two months of therapy in two weeks11:18 How Home Base is treating Operator Syndrome16:38 How to support Home Base17:50 Proven results of the programQuotes: “When you look at the opportunity with those two powerhouse organizations and what the potential is to actually bend the curve and make a difference; they had me at hello.” (5:30) “We have access to the best clinical resources in the world. Bar none.” (6:12) “We created this 14-day intensive clinical program…that compresses two years of therapy into two weeks.” (8:55)“We’re gonna be able to figure out what are the downstream chronic illnesses associated with concussive injury.” (13:49) “If you don’t have the tools to do a job, it’s like a monkey trying to change a tire with a screwdriver.” (19:50)

“The mission. The men. Me.” The “3 M’s” of leadership taught to officers in Vietnam and still applicable to building great leaders in any industry. As leaders we put people first, but sometimes the mission must happen regardless of the people.For the second episode of our 2023 Army Navy Game tailgate party, we warmed up with a little Cold Zero Whiskey and a conversation with two former Green Berets of very different generations who left service for federal law enforcement. Casey Maxted and Bill “Hawk” Albracht joined Fran Racioppi to share why grit and teamwork were critical to their careers in Special Forces, in the FBI and Secret Service, and now as they build a spirits company. Grab a glass of Cold Zero then take a listen, watch or read our conversation as Casey breaks down the opportunities and challenges that come with starting a spirits brand, and Bill shares what it was like to go back to Vietnam and walk the battlefield he once fought on. The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the Army Navy tailgate3:48 Hawk volunteers for Vietnam4:32 Casey volunteers after 9/115:27 Hawk protected four Presidents in the Secret Service7:56 Casey joins the FBI8:48 The character traits needed to build elite teams after Special Forces12:21 Founding Cold Zero14:09 Biggest challenge of starting a spirits company16:27 How Warrior Rising is supporting Veteran entrepreneurs17:46 The Greatest Generations Foundation takes Veterans back to their battlefieldsQuotes: “I want to join the Army. I want to be a paratrooper. I want to go Infantry. And I want to go to Vietnam.” (4:09)“Air Force One flew right over me and I don’t know what happened, but that moment is when I was like ‘I’m gonna serve’.” (5:04) “The protection of Jimmy Carter, or Ronald Reagan, or George Bush, it never varied…time seems to by quicker when you’re with somebody that you admire.” (7:40)“You look for grit in almost everything that you do. People that are gonna stick with it when the cards are stacked against you.” (9:06) “There’s the three M’s of leadership: the mission, the men and me.” (10:18) “If we truly understand our mission….in those moments when we’re under pressure, when there’s chaos, when there’s confusion, we can come back to that guiding fabric.” (11:40) “It’s not about the individual. It is about the team. The team going forward. The team accomplishing the mission.” (12:15)

There’s a dangerous difference between a Quiet Professional and Silent Professional. We’re conditioned as Green Berets to put the mission first and get the job done. That’s why Army Special Forces are the tip of the spear in both wartime and peace. For our first tailgate interview, and to kick off The Jedburgh Podcast’s new home as an official program of the Green Beret Foundation, Fran Racioppi sat down with CEO Charlie Iacono and America’s largest Green Beret Nick Lavery. Charlie shares his vision to enhance educational opportunities, make benefits the easiest part of transition and how he’s preparing the organization for America’s next battlefield. Nick explains how he’s committed to keeping Green Berets first in the fight and why telling our stories is critical to both retention and recruiting the next generation. Americans in combat may be out of the spotlight, but Green Berets continue their mission in every corner of the world and supporting them and their families will always be the core mission of the Green Beret Foundation. You decide if we’re in a 1939 moment and never forget… the Boston Tea Party was an Army operation…Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Tailgating from Gillette Stadium3:27 The Boston Tea Party was an Army operation; NOT Navy!5:37 Charlie’s vision as CEO of Green Beret Foundation9:25 Why demand for Green Beret support is greater now than during the War on Terror12:13 GBF advocates are in every active duty Special Forces Group17:45 The dangerous difference between Quiet Professional & Silent Professional27:17 Are we living in a 1939 moment?30:44 A cameo from US Army Special Operations Command Commanding General LTG Jonathan BragaQuotes: “This is where it all started. A couple of guys in a bar with some ideas…and look where we are today.” (4:17) “We are one of the few organizations that service and support the Veteran community of the Regiment and also the active duty space.” (7:12) “It’s a commitment I made since day one. When that phone rings we’re gonna pick it up.” (8:55)“The Special Forces ODA has been the most requested SOF unit of action since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism.” (9:48) “Just because it’s not as obvious, do not mistake that for the need to no longer exist.” (11:20) “Why does it seem like the hardest mission a Green Beret has to deal with is when he gets out he’s trying to get his benefits.” (13:529) “My biggest challenge that I ever faced was not becoming a Green Beret…it was actually not being a Green Beret anymore.” (15:13) “There’s a massive difference between being a quiet professional and being a silent professional.” (18:45) The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.

Could you make the decision to remove your own leg. What if you’d already lost the other and taking the second meant starting over? For the final episode of the 2023 NYC Veterans Day Parade, Fran Racioppi and Psychotherapist Drew Newkirk were joined by Dan Nevins and Lana Duffy; two Army soldiers who were faced with one of life’s toughest decisions. Dan nearly lost his life in an IED explosion in Iraq, now after losing his legs, he shares how Yoga and Wounded Warrior Project saved him from depression, substance abuse and suicide. Lana suffered for years with an undiagnosed brain injury that prevented her physical recovery; today she’s the parades honorary Grand Marshal explaining how to navigate NYC’s culture of beauty and perfection with a body that doesn’t look like everyone else. Life is full of difficult decisions and most often the toughest decisions are thrust upon us. Are you ready to take action and do something when most are unwilling?   Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to “Alive Day”6:53 Dan gets pinned in his vehicle after an IED explosion21:49 Battling depression, substance abuse and motivation28:15 How yoga without his legs saved Dan32:40 The effect of body shame and limiting disabilities after Lana’s IED blast42:26 Dating in NYC with one leg57:54 Dan and Lana tell their stories to help others Quotes: “The greatest casualty is being forgotten.” (2:35) “When the explosion happened I could feel and hear the truck basically disintegrate around my body.” (12:48) “I knew I was going to die. I was making my peace with God. I was just giving up.” (15:19) “They met me with a backpack and a promise that whatever I needed, whatever my family needed, they’d be there.” (20:54) “I self-medicated with accomplishment, achievement, doing something.” (23:54) “Yoga teacher training was the best leadership school I’ve ever been to in my life.” (31:33) “I was doing limb salvage not just because I wanted to keep my leg, it was ‘I can’t be seen as weak.’” (34:32) “Keep doing good things because that’s how you’ll be remembered.” (53:43) Brought to you in partnership with Just Ice Tea, Longtab Brewing & Talent War Group.

Great leaders exist in every industry. When we think about great leaders we often remember the things they did. But what’s more important is the impact they had on individuals, teams, organizations and society.For the second episode of our 2023 NYC Veterans Day Parade Series, Fran Racioppi and Psychotherapist Drew Newkirk welcomed two Green Berets from very different wars creating impact across generations. CSM Richard Rice served as a Green Beret in MACV-SOG in Vietnam and later became one of the founding members of Delta Force. Jason McCarthy served in 10th Special Forces during the Iraq war and went on to found GORUCK. Today they’re swapping roles as mentor and mentee as they apply their lessons from Special Forces to entrepreneurism, fitness, mental health and building community. We show you how to build organizations on character, why we must embrace challenge, how to live a life of bias for action, and how society is shaped by America’s Veterans after their military service. Drew also explores the difficulty elite performers have as they age and become friendless men; something scary to many of us. America became the greatest country in the history of the world because of a national call to service since the Boston Massacre. Today, the world is more dangerous than ever. It’s time we bring America’s people back together, rebuild our community and keep America atop the world order. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcoming a legend of the Special Forces Regiment8:34 Why need to do hard things; especially at GORUCK10:59 Preventing “friendless men”15:03 The character traits needed to succeed in elite organizations16:38 The films that shaped Rich’s perspective on the military 18:00 Why America must maintain our national will in the face of our adversaries24:14 Veteran service transcends their time in the military and carries into society25:10 How mentorship builds great organizations28:18 Making the case for military serviceQuotes: “Throughout my entire life I’ve always looked for the challenge. Something to test me.” (5:02)“It isn’t so much the military service…it’s what those Veterans bring back and what they put into our society after they’ve served.” (5:30)“There’s no other way to really know what someone else is made of unless you do something hard with them.” (10:17) “Have a bias for action in the real world and go get after it.” (13:56)“If you’re not honest with yourself, you can’t be honest with others.” (15:48) “We are in a peer-to-peer battle with not one nation, but a number of nation states.” (20:46) “America needs to come back together. You do that through communities.” (23:04)Brought to you in partnership with Just Ice Tea, Longtab Brewing & Talent War Group.

Veterans Day is about more than honoring service; it’s about preparing leaders to serve in the military and beyond. For the 104th running of the New York City Veterans Day parade from atop the red carpet Host Fran Racioppi is joined by special guest co-host Drew Newkirk to navigate conversations through the motorcycles, the sirens, the marching bands and the floats. They kick off the parade with two of New York City's most prominent veterans turned public servants; Commissioner James Hendon's a Reserve Army officer and leads New York City's Department of Veteran Services.Commissioner Zach Iscol served as a Marine, went on to found the Headstrong Project and now serves all New Yorkers leading Emergency Management. The Commissioners show us how to continue our impact post military service while leading our communities. We're also joined by Nick Angione and LTG(R) Mike Linnington. Nick's the chairman of United War Veterans Council, the organization charged with producing the parade and bringing 25,000 people to the heart of Manhattan.General Linnington is the CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project and was honored as the 2023 parade Grand Marshal. Nick breaks down the details of planning and hosting the largest veterans event in the country. LTG Linnington talks about the value that veterans bring to any organization and how hiring veterans isn't a charity move, it's a business decision.Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the 104th New York City Veterans Day Parade5:32 Why America needs Veterans in public service after the military7:27 There’s no panacea for Veterans mental health11:00 The excitement of the parade12:32 Honoring first responders at the parade  16:18 How United War Veterans Council produces the parade23:50 Developing leaders in the military from the first dayQuotes: “We look at all we have and how it’s borne on the backs of so few, it’s so critical for us to give these people their roses on days like today.” (4:01) “The military…is an incredibly effective way to learn the basic tenets of leadership.” (6:47) “There’s no panacea for mental health…you really have to use what works for the individual.” (7:53)“There’s 16+ million Veterans across the country. I’m representing them.” (24:18) “You can’t wait to be told what to do. You’ve got to understand your commander’s intent; your boss's intent. And then you’ve got to be able to act.” (26:03)“Hiring a Veteran isn’t a charity endeavor, it’s a business endeavor. You want to improve your business; hire Veterans.” (28:23)   Brought to you in partnership with Just Ice Tea, Longtab Brewing & Talent War Group.

America's Vietnam Veterans didn't come home to parades. They didn't come home to standing ovations. They didn't come home to a welcoming public that embraced what they did overseas. When many of our Vietnam veterans came home, they got spit on. They were told that their uniform was a disgrace, they weren't integrated into society, and many people shunned them.58,281 of our Vietnam veterans never came home at all. Queens, NY bore more than its share of service and of loss. In September, Fran Racioppi had the chance to welcome home our Vietnam Veterans and all those who served from New York when the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund brought the Wall That Heals to New York City.A 3/4 replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the wall comes to those who can’t make it to DC. After the police escort, building the wall and the opening ceremony, Fran sat down under the lights with the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans Services James Hendon, Chairman of the New York City Council Veterans Committee Bob Holden, Vietnam Veterans Association National President John Rowan, and Tony Nunciato, one of New York City's bravest veteran families, having lost his brother and Aniello in Vietnam.They talked about the struggles our Vietnam Veterans faced when they returned, how America's institutions weren't ready for so many who had seen so much, how many of them answered the call to lead in politics and set the foundation for small business and our economy, and what NYC is doing to support Veterans of every generation. Freedom's never free. It wasn't in the past, it isn't now, and it won't be in the future. To all our Vietnam veterans, thank you and welcome home. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 The Wall That Heals comes to Flushing Meadows, Queens5:55 Vietnam War by the numbers8:18 Why Vietnam was a different war than the rest13:16 The family cost of Vietnam19:52 How New York supports Veterans26:29 The biggest improvements in Veteran support since Vietnam30:14 Continuing to serve for the next generationQuotes: “The median age of our Vietnam Veterans right now is 78. We wanted to bring this to folks before it was too late.” (2:18) “We owe it to the men and women who gave their lives. To have this come to Queens is just a tremendous accomplishment.” (4:37) “246 is the number of the most casualties in one single day in the Vietnam War.” (8:10) “We were the flower children. We were the pot kids. Our fathers were the crew cut guys who drank.” (11:08) “He gave his life, he gave everything, to serve our country. To see his name, to see it memorialized…gives me great homage.” (19:04) “Many of our Veterans don’t self identify. You see me, there’s three other folks who served who you don't see.” (21:24)

The security challenges we face today are more complex, less predictable and faster evolving than at any point in recent history. When Fran Racioppi isn’t hosting the Jedburgh Podcast he runs FRsix, his security company. From this year’s industry trade show, Global Security Exchange, Fran sat down with International SOS, the global leader in health and security services, to dig deep on today's biggest threats. International SOS cares for over 9000 organizations in 1000 locations across 90 countries. They field over 11,000 calls for assistance each day. Sally Llewellyn is the global security Director of information and Analysis. Kelly Johnstone served as the Chief Security Officer at Coca Cola. Dr. Mark Fischer is the Regional Medical Director for the Americas. They explain why intelligence is so important in the decision making process for executives of any organization.They define Duty of Care and how it's evolved as we've transitioned from workplace to remote work. They also explain the importance of developing networks of influence, whether that be for intelligence to understand what's happening, or medical support to help people in their time of need. Finally, they break down the roles of the Chief Security officer and analysts and how the information they provide to decision makers is critical for the resiliency of an organization.The world is evolving faster than ever seems to change on a minute-by-minute basis. Our job as leaders is to understand what's happening out there, how it affects our people and our business, and then make decisions and bring in the resources that keep us successful, no matter the challenge. Protection of our people starts with us as leaders. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.  Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the International SOS Booth as GSX3:37 Kelly’s lessons from NCIS, to Customs to leading Coca-Cola4:03 Sally explains why intelligence is the first step to decision-making10:22 The evolution of “Duty of Care”17:18 How preparation transitions organizations from react to response21:25 Mark shares how to respond to medical crisis in the most austere parts of the world26:52 The influence of the chief security in executive risk management32:10 The biggest threats to the world todayQuotes: “The threats we’re looking at today…are just so much more difficult to predict.” (5:34)  “What’s going on in the world? What might happen next? To try and inform really good decision-making.” (7:41)“Mitigating risk doesn’t eliminate risk. Where there’s a medical case there’s often security.  (9:13)“If you’re on a conference call in your car now, do I have a duty of care if you get in a car wreck?” (12:00)“Intelligence doesn’t just serve you from a security perspective…it’s a business enabler.” (28:30) “Our job there is to ensure that the environment is conducive for the business to meet business objectives.” (29:00) “You are the problem solver, so you get the call on everything.” (30:13)

The biggest challenge America’s Special Operations Veterans face is not becoming a Special Operator. Their biggest challenge is no longer being a Special Operator. This transition, despite its challenges, is also a Veteran’s biggest opportunity. Data says that 48% of Veterans believe transition was more difficult than they expected, 62% say transition took more time than expected, and 76% say it was stressful. So, how do we create opportunity from challenge? For this episode Fran Racioppi sat down with 51 Vets,  a non-profit committed to connecting veterans from elite military units with leading business professionals in the finance industry. From the American Legion in the iconic New York City Athletic Club, Fran is joined by Executive Director Lindsey Schiro, Board Member Chris Robinson, and Member Victor Reyna to break down 51 Vets pillars of support, how 51 Vet’s is using their City Summits to create opportunities for SOF Veterans to work at financial institutions, and explain why companies who live by the mantra “hire for character, train for skill” are scaling their businesses on the backs of our Special Operators. Transition is hard, but the first step is defining the difference between what you want to do vs what you can do. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.  Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the American Legion and the 51 Vets City Summit2:30 The biggest challenge of military transition 5:35 Top events that negatively affect Veteran transition7:44 Chris, Victor and Lindsey transition for business and family12:22 Implementing the DOD Skillbridge Program14:00 Why character is the most important component of building a great organization20:18 Hire for character, train for skill; but don’t overestimate!35:22 Why doing what you want to do is the sometimes the hardest thing you can do38:32 Lack of job satisfaction contributes to the Veteran suicide rate 44:46 51 Vets Three Daily Foundations to Success Quotes: “The biggest challenge facing military Veterans is correlating their military service to civilian service.” (3:12) “America's great because of the military that we have and we have a great military because of capitalism.” (6:32) “We can have all the resources in the world. If our people suck, our organization’s gonna suck.” (14:17) “In the Special Operations world the best thing you can be called is a good dude.” (16:35) “Make sure you can learn, earn and collect a merit badge along the way.” (24:51)“Get surgical on what you want to do.” “Proximity to the problem. Proximity to the decision-makers. That’s how we make influence. That’s how we get things done.” (38:19) “We’re saving lives here. We are creating a sense of community. A sense of purpose.” (41:00)

A lot can happen in one CrossFit season. Hosts Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff went from CrossFit rookies to Level 1 Trainer Certificate holders and CrossFit Games media. Jenn Ryan went from withdrawing at Wodapalooza to the CrossFit Games podium standing tall as the Women’s Masters Bronze Medalist. For the final episode of the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games and the 2023 CrossFit season Fran, Jessie and Jenn take it full circle as they close out the games from the back of the US Army Fitness Truck.Jenn explains how she battled through early season shoulder injury which found her on the sidelines during our Episode 97 Wodapalooza discussion. Jenn shares exactly how she listened to her body, how she chose her physical therapists and how the burning desire to compete kept her coming back each day to train. She also talks longevity, adapting to change, recovery and the off season preparation required to get back to the competition floor in January. Jenn’s bronze medal finish shows us just how important our attitude and focus are in remaining resilient over time. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.  Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games Masters Podium2:21 Starting the season by withdrawing from Wodapalooza5:10 How to listen to your body and search for right physical therapist9:35 The competitiveness of CrossFit equals all other professional sports13:41 How the masters division is changing lives17:39 The best parts of competing at the games21:40 Preparing for 2024Quotes: “I’m a strong believer that movement is still medicine.” (5:30)“It’s definitely a little extra work to find someone exceptional but the difference in results that you get is so huge.” (9:22) “Elite level sport you may see some wear and tear but the fact that these athletes are still coming back and taking the podium is crazy.” (13:12)“You’re not starting too late in the game because there’s no timeline.” (14:55)“There’s nothing like bars at a competition.” (19:12)“If you don’t try to put too much into planning you can adapt and adjust to change a little more easily or readily.” (23:10)This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions

Default Aggressive: a leader’s mindset to take deliberate and decisive action. As leaders we face challenges both known and unknown, with real consequences from our action or our inaction. We won’t always get it perfectly right, but doing nothing is almost always wrong. It’s the final day from the US Army Fitness Truck at the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games where Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff are joined by Jocko Willink, Founder of  Jocko Fuel, bestselling author, leadership coach, podcast host and retired Navy SEAL. In this conversation, Jocko shows us the power of taking action aggressively and intentionally, and how the greatest leaders have a bias for action while balancing humility with confidence and a little bit of cockiness when they step into the arena of execution. He also shares the vision behind Jocko Fuel, the hole he saw in the energy drink market and how combining the same caffeine as a cup of coffee with fermented sugar cane is providing the right amount of energy without the crash; and it tastes great. In our drive to be all we can be, doing hard things individually and as teams, combined with a decision-making attitude, humility and some Jocko Fuel is the recipe to make an impact. Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.  Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games 1:36 Jocko starts a CrossFit affiliate3:13 What’s missing in the energy drink market4:45 We need leaders who are willing to do hard things7:15 How Jocko assesses his team9:22 Default Aggressive vs bias for action12:48 Jocko’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessQuotes: “People that do CrossFit want to get stronger, smarter, faster and better. That’s what Jocko Fuel is for.” (3:10)“I liked the immediate feeling I would get from energy drinks before, but I would crash and feel like crap afterwards. (4:36)“If you want to be a better human being…you want to be mentally and physically stronger…you’ve got to put yourself under stressful situations.” (6:05)“When you want to unify a team, or build a team, it’s very helpful if you as a team get to do hard things together.” (6:15)“When you step into the arena…you got to get a little cocky.” (8:08)“You’ve got to make your default mode aggressive. You’re gonna go take action and solve these problems.” (11:12)Jocko’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessKnow what you’re going to do tomorrowAggressively do itAssess what you didThis episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions

No one cares about achieving your goals more than you; and no one can do the work for you to get there. You have to own that. It doesn’t matter what industry or what dream you wake up with every morning, you better be the first one in and the last to leave if you want to earn victory. Power Monkey Fitness Co-Owner and Former USA Gymnastics Team Member Dave Durante believes the key the podium starts with work ethic and saying yes to challenge. Dave joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff from the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games for a conversation on his rise through the gymnastics world, battling to make the US Olympic Team and transitioning from elite athlete to coach and business owner. Dave's philosophy on progress is grounded in progressions; the ability to push forward but take it back to the basics to reinforce our foundations then get back after it. Dave takes us behind the scenes of US Gymnastics, sharing his personal journey of wins, losses and becoming the ultimate teammate on his bid to compete in the 2008 Olympics. Dave also shares the impact of Power Monkey Fitness, where he touches on the struggles of athletes figuring out the next step in their career and how CrossFit opened an opportunity for him to bring gymnastics to everyone. From elite athlete to elite entrepreneur, Dave’s perspective on what it takes to win inside and outside the gym will transform your Monday mindset!  Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games 2:27 Walking into a gymnastics gym 4:43 Valuing the team over individual performance8:40 The podium is earned outside of the coach’s workout13:00 Making the US Olympic Team20:18 Pushing the idea of failure and saying yes to the challenges26:03 Using progressions to overcome the twisties, fears and mental blocks30:58 Transitioning from elite athlete to coaching44:00 Working together at Power Monkey Fitness Camps52:43 Moving from camps to equipment and an app57:02 Three Daily FoundationsQuotes: “My work ethic was something I leaned into.” (8:00)“Whatever the minimum standard was was not going to allow me to reach my maximum human potential.” (9:22)“I’m someone who says ‘yes’ to those challenges. I can still achieve even though things are not optimal.” (24:09)“Who am I without being an athlete.” (32:55)“Mondays are my favorite day. I despise the idea of retiring.” (39:47)“When I go to bed right now, nobody cares about it more than I do…and I have to own that.” (42:06)Dave’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessSpend time with my kidsWork out to clear the mindCheck in with my teamThis episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

The mortar landed at his feet, shredding his leg and torso. Despite immediate medical care, he died twice on the helicopter during medical evacuation. He spent a week in a coma. He was told he would never walk again.  This was 12 years ago in Basra, Iraq. In August, he competed in his second CrossFit Games finals. Meet Spencer Whiteley, the British Army Veteran who walked into a CrossFit gym on cane over a decade ago with no plan except to find a way to walk . Spencer joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff from the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games just after his competition ended to share his story of combat, loss, resilience, perseverance and grit. Performing at our best often requires perspective and the ability to stack small wins day in and day out towards our goal. Spencer shows us how our approach to training and life is based on seizing opportunities, overcoming physical and mental limitations, and balancing our training mindset with ripping our shirt off and competing to win in some small way each day. Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.  Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games Masters Competition3:23 Spencer dies twice in Iraq after a mortar attack7:26 Don’t waste the opportunity to live9:42 Walking into a CrossFit gym with a cane and accepting the layer principle15:38 The difference between training and competition21:28 Balancing loading vs deloading period through a season25:55 Chasing wins every day32:00 Spencer’s three daily foundations to successQuotes: “We came under attack and a mortar landed at my feet. Literally at my feet.” (4:45)“I felt really determined to do something with my life.” (9:12)“I didn’t have this plan ’I’ll try and go to the CrossFit Games.’ I didn’t even know what it was.” (9:42) “It’s all a layer principle. It just happens over a long period of time of just persistence.” (12:23)“If you start racing or lifting too much beyond your ability, you're on a quick ride to injury.” (19:07)“Once a week, oh I’m feeling tasty on a Friday, rip your shirt off and go for it.” (20:51)“You’re always chasing something.” (25:55)“I believe you should never leave the gym without a win.” (26:49)“The psychological aspect of it is the difference between winners and losers.” (28:07)Spencer’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessPlan meals for proper fuelingHave a defined routinePlan your dayThis episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Six days. Hundreds of events. Thousands of volunteers. One mission. Crown the Fittest on Earth. CrossFit Games is a production like none other in fitness, requiring a coordinated effort down to the minute and leadership with an unwavering commitment to winning. CrossFit’s Sport Operations team is charged with making the games happen. They’re also responsible for programming the individual workouts we see in the games, across boxes and on the daily website. Heather Lawrence, CrossFit’s Sr. Director of Sport Operations, joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff from the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games just after the community 5k to break down just how the games are planned, produced, and executed; and how programming workouts is the key to success in CrossFit as an athlete and a coach.Heather began her athletic career as an Olympic-level diver building an elite career in sport business post competition. She is the author of 20 Secrets for NCAA Student-Athletes & the Event Management Blueprint, as well as a professor of sports administration at Ohio University. As three former collegiate athletes, Heather, Jessie and Fran go deep on what we learn about life from college sports, setting the example for others to follow, and how character is built in micro moments of discipline. Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.  Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games and the global 5k4:03 How CrossFit develops coaches with feedback7:05 Breaking down the definition of CrossFit10:20 How CrossFit is programmed each day14:42 Producing the CrossFit Games?21:15 Heather’s transition from student athlete to sport business25:54 What we learn from being a student athlete29:50 Setting the example through micro-moments35:50 The future of CrossFitQuotes: “They are constantly receiving that feedback and giving feedback. It’s not personal.” (5:28)“It is training those core movement patterns that you replicate out in real life.” (8:10)“The majority of your days in the gym are going to be a little bit uncomfortable.” (9:43)“There are other things that you’re learning through sport that are so much more important than an eventual paycheck or an eventual gold medal.” (23:46)“One thing I do see with student athletes is a much better ability when the going gets hard.” (27:40)“Everything that you are doing, you’re a leader in the gym.” (32:56)Heather’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessAppreciating the people around meTaking responsibility when things don’t wellConsistently ask for inputThis episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

How much do you really know about the supplements you put in your body? Where do they come from? What do they actually do? What are they supposed to do? How much time have you spent understanding what will really enhance your performance?  Jeff Byers spent a career in the NFL with access to the best performance coaching and products in the world; but something was missing from the market. A company that blended science with education and embraced the consumer’s perspective on their own needs. Born was Momentous; the anti-supplement, supplement company.  Jeff joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff from the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games to share his vision for democratizing high performance by developing great products and treating consumers as partners in their own development. Jessie and Jeff show us the benefits of creatine, omega-3s, protein, BCAAs, carbs, fats and collagen in our daily routines while standing firm in the opinion that we should never take anything we can’t fully explain. Momentous has won 10 research grants from the Department of Defense and supplies over 200 professional and collegiate athletics teams. Fran and Jeff explain why human performance is the core of our national defense and why humans are our most important weapon system on the battlefield. Plus Jeff shares his keys to elite performance; attitude, effort and bone crushing consistency. Learn more about Momentous and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.  Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games and Momentous3:50 Democratizing high performance with access to the best products9:33 If you don’t know why you take it, don’t take it12:30 Balancing Creatine, Omega-3, BCAA’s, Whey Protein, EAA’s23:45 The result of protein, fat, carbs and collagen on the body30:15 Humans as a weapon system, longevity and lobbying Congress38:44 Attitude and Effort: from elite athlete to business owner44:04 Partnering with CrossFit Games and the GORUCK TrainersQuotes: “Our vision is to democratize high performance.” (6:56)“What we hope to become is the anti-supplement supplement company.” (8:26)“If you don’t know why you take it you shouldn’t be taking it.” (10:03)“The consumer doesn’t need it simple, they just need people to tell them what it is in a thoughtful way.” (11:09)“Bone-crushing consistency creates results.” (28:29)“Longevity doesn’t happen at the point of injury. Longevity happens at the point of entry into service.” (32:18)“There’s always someone throwing garbage, trying to blow you up. You just have to keep fighting.” (39:57)This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Are you ready to take it to the limit to win? Do you even truly know where the limit is? Have you been there, tested it,  and fought through the pain, only to make sure you could go there again. But the next time you’ll have the confidence to go there and even further? Our limit isn’t a sustainable pace, but it is a place we need to be comfortable working in. Endurance Coach Chris Hinshaw joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff on the back of the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games for a discussion on the lifetime of work it takes to build capacity and create the adaptations in your body needed to perform with the best. Chris is the founder of Aerobic Capacity, a 10x Ironman Competitor, and one of the world’s top endurance coaches having coached 35 CrossFit Games Champions, the US Military, and professional and olympic athletes to the podium. Chis and Fran nerd out on pushing the boundaries of your lactic threshold and how getting comfortable in that "death zone” must be embraced if you expect to win against the world’s best. Jessie pushes Chris on mastering the art of establishing a breathing cadence, pacing yourself effectively, and understanding how rest between intervals is just as important as the work put in during the sets. Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.  Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games and Aerobic Capacity5:04 The definition of Aerobic Capacity7:40 Training to lactic threshold death zone13:22 The proper way to actively rest in training21:07 Breathing cadence for maximum performance28:08 The psychological impacts of unknown time, unknown distance33:52 Tips to proper pacingQuotes: “Aerobic Capacity by definition is your VO2 max; your maximum oxygen uptake.” (5:08) “Aerobic Capacity is not a sustainable pace. It’s your peak.” (7:11) “That’s what fitness does. It changes you.” (8:38)“Think of lactic threshold as your death zone. You can go above it. But you can’t stay there.” (11:32)“If your stimulus is nothing, then your adaptation is nothing.” (16:44) “I won’t coach an athlete that thinks they have it all figured out.” (32:20) “If I have 15% of my available capacity passive because I didn’t train it, that was a mistake.” (43:02)Chris Hinshaw’s Tips to Proper Interval RestGain control of breathActively move aroundGet your head back in the gameThis episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Joining a gym is often the most important decision and commitment we make on our fitness journey. Which gym we choose can make or break our attitude and our results. But what makes a great gym? What keeps us there and brings us back day after day? What are the keys to retention for both the gym goer and the gym owner? Wodify is the leading customer retention platform in the fitness industry. NCFIT was an early adopter and continues to put technology at the forefront of the gym experience. For this episode, Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff invited Wodify’s newly promoted CEO Brendan Rice and NCFIT’s Founder & the 2008 CrossFit Games Champion Jason Khalipa for an early morning coffee on the back of the US Army Fitness Truck at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games.Transforming the gym business has been at the center of the Wodify and NCFIT missions. Brendan and Jason share their keys to creating a customer experience and generating results through training the best coaches, never shying from doing hard things and focusing on the athlete over everything else. Brendan also shares his vision for Wodify as he takes the helm leading with curiosity, investing in the team and maintaining Wodify’s position at the leading edge of innovation and fitness technology; a set of values that has allowed the company to expand into the Jiu-jit-su community. Jason is one of the best coaches in fitness and explains his keys to becoming a great coach; plus he got the call to announce the games on ESPN! Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Then hop into the cold plunge and do hard things!Transform your gym experience today at www.wodify.com. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games and ESPN7:30 Transitioning from athlete to gym owner10:50 Brendan starts his career selling mattresses12:28 Aiming to solve the retention problem in gyms with Wodify15:23 Why coaches are keys to retention30:00 Brendan’s vision as the Wodify CEO36:05 The real value of the cold plunge and doing hard thingsQuotes: “Anybody who’s an expert in their craft who doesn’t go out and try to learn new skills  I think is missing out.” (10:44) “The problem we were actually solving was retention.” (13:17) “If gyms provide a better product on the floor by having better coaches their business is going to be healthier.” (20:31) “No one cares what you have to say until they see how much you actually care about them as a human.” (22:35) “One of the biggest statistics of lifespan is the ability to get on and off the floor.” (29:06) “Intentionally choosing to do hard things makes real life things less hard.” (35:53)This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Elite performance knows no boundaries. Whether conquering CrossFit or the battlefield, success requires the relentless pursuit of excellence. Often that relentless pursuit requires the willingness to put our bodies through pain in order for our minds to become stronger and more adaptable.  It also requires us to do the dishes!From the US Army Fitness Truck at the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games, Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff are joined by Ellia Miller and CPT Joe Pervall, two leaders quickly rising in the CrossFit community and the military. Ellia spent years struggling with the perception of her body as she studied to become a doctor. She started CrossFit to lift weights and quickly lost almost 50 lbs, giving her a new take on life and putting fitness at the top of her priority list. She was one of the first women to serve in a US Army Infantry unit, where she physically dominated her male peers. She now follows her passion to compete in the CrossFit Games. Joe is an athlete on the US Army Warrior Fitness Team and currently commands a US Army Special Forces Team where he leads our nation’s most elite soldiers in the defense of America. He also competes as an elite male in CrossFit using the mental, physical and emotional discipline he learned in Special Forces Selection and Assessment to drive him to earn results on the fitness stage.Success in anything requires resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Tune in now to push your boundaries and reach new heights.Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the CrossFit Games sauna3:30 Ellia and Joe’s journey to CrossFit7:17 Ellia becomes the only woman in an Infantry unit14:08 Joe chooses shared suffering and training for Special Forces16:03 Overcoming body perception to competing in Semifinals28:28 Never fear making changes if it isn’t working31:37 Balancing work, life and competing in CrossFit37:59 Launching RISE Athletes41:49 Ellia and Joe’s Daily Foundations to SuccessQuotes: “The adrenaline spike came more from going into an Infantry unit as a female and feeling like I needed to prove myself.” (11:10) “I don’t want to be the female that sets the bad example.” (12:22) “You can also build a tolerance and comfortability in that place of pain.” (13:39) “In training you just have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations all the time.” (15:33)“I learned to be confident in my body for what it’s capable of instead of what it looks like.” (21:52) “I think it’s important to learn what you don’t like just as much as learning what you do like.” (37:36)This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Mastering the double under isn’t just about jumping rope…or is it jump rope? It’s about harnessing a skill that’s often more mental than physical and requires us to just go for it!  Jump rope is also more than just a part of a cardio routine or a CrossFit workout; it’s also an opportunity to bring together teams and build a common connection.  Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff are joined by two Jump Rope experts, German National Champion, Mira Wate and US Army Warrior Fitness Team Member SPC Ava Georg from the US Army Fitness Truck at the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games. Together, they share their journeys of competing in jump rope. Mira has leveraged her success in the sport to build corporate development and team building programs around teaching groups how a team that can jump rope together can achieve anything together. Ava’s career in athletics began with jump rope, leading her to competing in CrossFit, joining the Infantry and becoming a member of the US Army Warrior Fitness Team; an Army job that combines service to our nation with competing as an elite athlete.  Take a listen or watch on YouTube as Fran and Jessie master the double under. Learn more and read the transcript on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Is it jump rope or jumping rope?2:35 How do you even get into jump rope?4:05 The different types of jump rope?7:00 Jump rope at CrossFit Games9:49 Mira’s corporate jump rope team building events11:27 International jump rope competition12:13 Joining the Army Warrior Fitness Team21:42 The best part of CrossFit GamesQuotes: “No matter if you want to get physically strong or mentally strong, it helps you either way.” (5:44) “The double under crossovers from last year…this is insane.” (7:14) “There’s a lot of options…to motivate people. The rope is the connection.” (11:20) “I would have never seen myself being able to combine the both of them. It’s a dream.” (15:02) “You don’t actually know if you're good or bad unless you pin yourself up against some competition.” (16:04) “There’s many opportunities in the military. You just need to find them.” (20:19) This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Constantly varied, functional movements executed at high intensity. That’s the definition of CrossFit. What started 20 years ago as a challenge to traditional workout routines, has become an institution in fitness revolutionizing the way we think about performance and what the human body is capable of. CrossFit CEO Don Faul is a year into the job and joins Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff live from the US Army Fitness Truck at NOBULL CrossFit Games 2023 to explain why doing hard things is the staple of CrossFit and critical to achieving our goals; and why the Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course sets the foundation for a long and healthy CrossFit journey.Don also shares his vision to expand CrossFit’s reach, empower affiliate owners, and appeal the brand to not only the elite athletes but everyone who seeks to be all they can be, regardless of age, fitness level or ability. Central to this expansion is bringing the CrossFit Games back to ESPN and leaving Madison, WI for Fort Worth, TX. If you’re an OG member of the CrossFit community, or just getting started, take a listen or watch our discussion to chart your CrossFit path and ensure fitness for life. We never know what the CrossFit Games competition will bring, but we can be sure there will be some magic moments we will remember forever. Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Jessie and Fran join the CrossFit Community 3:19 Preparing for the Level 1 Certificate Course7:04 Be All You Can Be & fitness for life12:02 Scaling, Thresholds and doing hard things16:26 CrossFit Games are back on ESPN19:20 The end of an era in Madison…on to Texas!21:05 The magic will happenQuotes: “We’re united in people’s passion for CrossFit.” (3:13)“It’s not off the cuff. What we do is empirically driven.” (4:00)“It is constantly varied by design.” (6:54)“At CrossFit we want to help you realize your full potential. It’s fitness for life.” (9:13)“This methodology by design meets you where you are.” (12:02)“Success for most workouts is feeling like you gave what you could that day.” (14:12)“We’ve been around now for over 20 years; and we’ve been around because we have real impact.” (18:19)“The magic will happen…and when it does, it’s going to be amazing.” 22:07)This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Would you cough up blood for your team? Would you die on the competition floor for them so you never let them down. Do you have the courage to train just as hard as you compete when you're doing it for others, not just yourself? That’s the difference between individual and team competition at CrossFit Games.  Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff sit down with CrossFit Francos Misfits to prove that love, teamwork, and unwavering dedication can create an unstoppable team. Shaylin Laure, Alexis Johnson, Brandon Luckett, and Logan Collins share their remarkable journeys from individual competitors to an unstoppable team, revealing their formula for training and communication. They also discuss the art of selflessness, knowing when to step back for the greater good of the team and when it’s their own turn to step up and take more of the load.  Don’t miss it live from the US Army Fitness Truck at NOBULL CrossFit Games 2023.  Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to CrossFit Games 2023 2:04 How Alexis built the team4:32 Why Brandon chose the team over individual competition6:11 The difference between competing on a team vs as an individual7:18 Training to cough up blood for each other11:50 Competing as an integrated team  13:55 Who’s the best at….?15:08 The best parts of CrossFit Games17:12 The test questions!Quotes: “I wanted a team…that was willing to lay it all out there.” (3:51) “Alexis has pulled me out of retirement twice now.” (6:04) “You don’t get to just think about yourself. If I need to take more of the load for the team…you have to step up.” (6:15) “The first couple of times we met, the worm as a team just beat me into the dirt.” (8:09) “I’m willing to cough up blood on the competition floor for the other three.” (10:32) “We actually each want to take more load. We desire to do more.” (10:57) “We all have a different role. If everyone had the same role it wouldn’t work.” (13:26) “I don’t think the beauty’s in the finish line. The beauty’s kind of in the journey.” (15:17) This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Sometimes it doesn’t go according to the plan. Roman Khrennikov came to CrossFit Games 2023 with one goal in mind…to win at all costs. He led the field in nearly every event for three days opening a commanding lead. Until he scaled a log on the first event of the final day…In this precursor episode from day two of the games, Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff sit down with Roman from the US Army Fitness Truck in Madison, WI to dive deep into his journey of drive, dedication, determination, resilience and pursuit of excellence. Roman shares how he overcame visa challenges to even compete in the games, forcing him to leave his wife and unborn son in Russia. He shares his decision to change coaches in the lead up to the games, his training mindset, his focus on competing in the moment instead of comparing himself to the past, and how dancing helped him become a better athlete. Roman also explains his thoughts on injury and how to deal with the adversity of not achieving your goals.  Roman earned the bronze medal and is the recipient of the coveted Spirit of the Games award after a historic performance demonstrating his mindset to compete to win no matter the challenge; which for Roman in these games included competing in the final two events with a broken foot and torn ligament. He’s a true champion on and off the competition floor inspiring others through his incredible story of triumph and perseverance in the world of elite fitness. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to CrossFit Games 2023 Opening Ceremonies1:48 Roman’s mindset coming into the games as a favorite3:26 From dancing to CrossFit6:52 Roman can’t get his visa to come to America9:51 Why Roman left Russia and his family to train in the US13:14 Roman’s training mindset to prepare for the games16:27 Managing training to avoid injury18:10 Roman’s plan to win the gamesQuotes: “Be kind. Help Others.It really, really makes my soul happy.” (9:34) “Don’t cheat yourself. Work really hard. Put 100% in.” (15:54) “Sometimes you can win. Sometimes you can lose. Sometimes you can get injured. It’s a part of the sport.” (16:13) “When I go to competitions I’m going to win.” (19:36) “I think about the competition as of today. I don’t compare myself to the past.” (20:03)This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK, Yeti &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

Win the fight on the front lines of our inner cities. That’s the mission of the Green Beret Project. In every corner of the world America’s Green Berets win the fight on the front lines of battle, but what if we deployed that same power that builds and empowers foreign armies to empower, mentor, transform and grow leaders in our inner city youth. Fran Racioppi kicks off The Jedburgh Podcast coverage of the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games from the US Army Fitness Truck in Madison, WI with Adam Kramer, Jaylen Powell and Kaseem Cotton of the Green Beret Project. Adam serves as the executive director responsible for turning boys like Jaylen and Kaseem into responsible adults who understand the value of community, hard work and responsibility. Adam shares how his journey from a federal penitentiary has provided the credibility and experience needed to identify with underserved youth. Jaylen and Kaseem discuss how the program has kept them off the streets and provided an alternative option to crime, drugs and gangs as they prepare for college this fall. Learn more about Green Beret Project and empower the next generation of leaders.  Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome toCrossFit Games 2023 and Be All You Be3:45 Green Beret Project’s Programs5:09 Getting kids off the streets10:29 Growing up and learning from the streets, selling drugs and prison15:29 Bringing inner city kids together with law enforcement 17:30 Learning life skills and growing through CrossFit22:50 College football and carpentry31:04 How to support the Green Beret Project 34:21 Adam, Jalyen and Kaseem’s three daily foundations to success Quotes: “The mission: identifying young males that need strong men in their life.” (2:48)“I don’t want to be that. I have a job now…this is gonna get me off the streets.” (6:25) “It made me become a man. It made me have a bigger mentality than what I had before.” (8:21)“Working with the local [police department] is helping break down barriers in the community.” (16:21) “What drives me to be better is knowing that you’re better than me.”  (23:24) “I want to be on his level or stronger. I don’t want him to keep saying he’s stronger than me.” (28:17) “A lot of kids in my school, their main goal is to be a pro athlete or a gang banger.”(29:31)This episode is brought to you by US Army, Wodify, Hero Coffee, GORUCK, Yeti &  Compass Workforce Solutions.

What happens to the children of our service members when they make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and American way of life? Who makes sure they’re taken care of, have a bright future and are afforded every opportunity to be successful in life? In this episode, Fran Racioppi dives into the incredible work of Children of Fallen Patriots, an organization dedicated to providing educational support to the children of fallen service members. Fran is joined by Fallen Patriots’ Development Officer, Colonel Jeanette McMahon from Pepisco Headquarters to celebrate the 2023 culmination of Rolling Remembrance, Pepsico’s cross-country journey to honor the American Flag, the heroes who defend it, and the children who are left behind.  Jeanette and her children are themselves the Gold Star Family of LTC Michael McMahon. She shares with Fran their “growth of grief” as the emotional toll of loss changes as children grow up.  Jeanette was a West Point graduate and one of the first women in US Army Aviation. Today, she works to ensure every child of our fallen has access to an education. Learn more about Fallen Patriots and get involved in the education of our next generation of leaders.  Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to Rolling Remembrance and Pepsi Headquarters 1:31 Losing a parent in the line of duty4:10 America’s future relies on the education of our youth 9:21 COL Jeanette McMahon leads women in Army Aviation12:12 Remembering LTC Michael McMahon14:43 How children grieve at every milestone of life19:04 Rolling Remembrance results in over $2M in Pepsico support23:05 Get involved to support the children of our fallen Quotes: “Children of Fallen Patriots provides that debt free college education for those students who have lost a parent in the line of duty.” (2:20)“Our future of our country relies on our youth.” (7:15)“I think you just kind of go into automatic survival mode; especially a mom with kids. You have to get them through it.” (14:13)“It’s a growth of grief…children go through those stages but their brain actually develops and is now able to understand it at a different level. “ (14:55)“It stops at 60 places across the country. It just literally drives from state to state.” (21:05)“All the folks that we hire as scholarship administrators are Gold Star Kids themselves and have received scholarships.” (22:27)“We have 12,000 kids in our system. We know there’s 25,000 out there.” (23:45This episode is brought to you by Compass Workforce Solutions.

Nobody cares what you can do fresh. The GORUCK Games takes grit, endurance and a willingness to run with a mouthful of water.  Anything Special Forces are on the table. To close out the 2nd Annual Sandlot Jax and GORUCK Games, Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff dive into this two-part episode explaining all things GORUCK Games with the GORUCK founders that created them and the 2023 Champions who tackled the event head on. GORUCK Founders Jason and Emily McCarthy, as well as Sandlot Technology Founder B.J. Naedele share the theory behind the games, the savage thought-process they took to design the events and why camaraderie is fostered through military-inspired training and a few fist bumps. In the second part, 2023 Champions Carly Wopat and Matt Kempson shut down the games as they recap their personal journeys that included a 100 lb ruck run, false finishes, knot tying, hand-to-hand combat, and moving 3000 lbs of sandbags.  Carly shares her career as a professional beach volleyball player and a firefighter, while Matt explains how building the foundation to his house was the key to winning the final event. Learn more about Carly Wopat, Matt Kempson and the GORUCK Games. Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to the 2023 GORUCK Games Finals2:01 All Special Forces training is fair game5:38 Making the GORUCK Games grittier while welcoming the masses8:46 The Sandlot App and the dehumanization of social media 15:33 Defining the “Fist Bump”21:42 The hidden gem of the FitTalks 29:34 What to expect at the GORUCK Games Finals34:15 Who is Carly Wopat? Volleyball player, firefighter, athlete40:21 Matt Kempson leaves a legacy with knots45:38 GORUCK Games events explained56:57 Can you run with a mouthful of water, fight and hold sandbags?1:12:04 Coming back next year? Quotes: “Anything that they would train us to do in Special Forces is fair game.” (2:24) “What’s a fist bump worth? That’s what you do with your friends.“ (11:09) “Everyone was probably like ok this volleyball girl is gonna tap out on the first endurance race.” (35:36) “There’s a big difference between 3rd and 1st…I was on a mission.” (42:17) “I can’t not do my best.” (49:44) “I can't control how he’s gonna do. I can only control how I’m gonna do.  I’m just gonna go until I die.” (1:00:00)This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, Compass Workforce Solutions and GORUCK.

Water is the great equalizer. For most, it’s where our true limits are found, tested and overcome. Where failure becomes the stepping stone to greatness. In this episode, PJ Nestler, the Director of Performance at XPT: Extreme Performance Training, joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff on the final day of the 2023 Sandlot Jax and GORUCK Games to share how the highest achievers embrace discomfort to win no matter the challenge. PJ coaches athletes in the NFL, NHL, MLB and UFC and reveals the secrets behind XPT's unique training philosophy including their Performance Model of Breath, Move, Recover, Fuel & Connect. Founded by elite athletes Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reese, XPT puts water at the center of their training model, forcing athletes to face their fears early and often to build a foundation of hard work and resilience aimed at dealing with everyday life.PJ also illustrates how making gains requires a deliberate process, variation in our training and a focus on building connections with ourselves, others and purpose beyond our own goals. We can be great at one thing, but versatility across many things is the key to longevity and overall health. Learn more about XPT and  PJ Nestler on the web or follow them on social media.  Learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version of our conversation on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Jedburgh Podcast and the ice bath2:42 Laird Hamilton & Gabby Reese found XPT Fitness6:15 Why breathwork is the foundation of performance 11:47 How variable fitness improves health 15:00 Doing fitness vs having a plan20:02 The benefits of the ice bath23:09 How connection increases performance28:46 How to translate training discomfort to life  Quotes: “How can we be better parents? How can we be better business people?” (3:05)“Your breathing can either be a weakness or a weapon.” (6:54) “Movement should be variable. Let’s look at the things you’re not developing.” (12:37)“Just doing a bunch of fitness is like driving randomly and hoping you’re going to get to a destination.” (15:05)“All these people are probably the weirdos in their neighborhood.” (25:10)“We will find your failure limit very quickly.” (29:47)PJ’s Three Pillars of ConnectionConnection to self Connection to othersConnecting to something outside themselfThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, Compass Workforce Solutions and GORUCK.

Getting fit doesn’t require tons of time and equipment. It takes consistency and the commitment to just do something. Fitness knows no boundaries. Miranda Alcaraz, the Founder and CEO of Street Parking, joined Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff on the final day of 2023 Sandlot Jax and GORUCK Games to explain how to find a workout out in any location or circumstance. Miranda shared the philosophy behind Street Parking and her vision after years of competing in CrossFit. She emphasized the need to embrace real-life challenges and adapt workouts to fit our changing lifestyles; which often includes our children in our fitness routines and challenges the notion that interruptions should hinder progress. With Street Parking, there are no excuses, no limitations, and no compromises on their drive to create a supportive and inclusive community that values every member's unique journey. Learn more about Miranda Alcaraz and Street Parking on the web or follow them on social media.  Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Jedburgh Podcast 4:21 Getting great results with minimal time and equipment7:31 Stop putting workouts on the pedestal12:18 Tailoring workouts and removing the leaderboard 14:44 Redefining virtual training and the Street Parking App19:38 The explosive growth of Street Parking25:18 Street Parking In The Wild Tour27:18 Three Daily Foundations to Success Quotes: “I knew that with very simple workouts, you get really great results with minimal time and equipment.” (4:28)“What I truly believe is missing for most people is just consistency.” (6:21)“Don’t mistake duration for effort.” (9:43)“We got rid of our leaderboard completely.” (13:33)“On the app today there’s three versions of the daily workout…based on the equipment that you have.” (17:48)“When the pandemic happened we didn’t have to change anything.” (22:07)Miranda Alcaraz’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessMoveSpend focused, quality time with familyWrite down something positive This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, Compass Workforce Solutions and GORUCK.

What  happened to the “over the hill” parties of the 80’s and 90’s? Who says we can’t be an athlete at any age regardless of when we start our fitness journey? Fitness Coach for the over 40, Steph Gaudreau, joined  Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff on the final day of the 2023 Sandlot Jax and GORUCK Games to explain how to get fit at any age.Steph breaks down why 40 is a milestone we shouldn’t fear, exactly what happens to our bodies post 40 and how we can break the stigma that it’s too late to start. Steph’s process is simple…embrace the dumbbells, add plyometrics, and beware of the “toilet trust fall!”Learn more about Steph Gaudreau on the web or follow him on social media.  Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Jedburgh Podcast and fitness over 402:38 You can start getting fit over 40!5:37 The dangers of the “toilet trust fall”7:56 What actually happens to our body at 40?11:02 Becoming an athlete at any age and skill level18:24 Why dumbbells are underrated 22:00 Steph’s new app-based strength program and the de-load25:55 How to continue plyometrics as you age28:42 Steph’s Foundations to Success  Quotes: "Sometimes that barrier to entry can feel so high. (3:34)“When you’re 40 or older, there’s a lot of misinformation.There’s a lot of fear tactics.” (3:57)“When I was growing up we were having ‘over the hill’ parties.” (8:11)“If we can figure out who is the person we are trying to become then that helps to shape the habits we put into place.” (12:55)“Dumbbells are really accessible for people and are very versatile.” (18:53)“Plyometrics are the chef’s kiss for building bone.” (22:43)Steph Gaudreau’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessMoveConnect with othersHave a morning ritual (with coffee!) This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, Compass Workforce Solutions and GORUCK.

Do what you say you’re going to do. It’s a simple concept that’s too often lost when the times get tough and we’re under pressure. To close out day two of the 2023 Sandlot Jax and GORUCK Games entrepreneur, restaurateur and athlete Michael Chernow joins Fran Racioppi and Jessie Graff for a post-apocalyptic rain storm conversation about building businesses, forging relationships and committing to success. Michael is the founder of Seamores and Kreatures of Habit, and the co-founder of The Meatball Shop. As a New York City native he candidly shares how he entered the restaurant industry to escape a difficult childhood homelife; a decision that began a career of hospitality service, but also led to severe drug and alcohol addiction. Faced with a decision point about his life at just 23, Michael explains how we overcome adversity by focusing on our choices, setting a killer morning routine, and building meaningful relationships with people who push us to succeed.  An exceptional entrepreneur distinguishes themselves by consistently taking decisive action and by doing what they say they’re going to do; and for Michael that plan includes making the CrossFit Games by 45!Learn more about Michael Chernow on the web or follow him on social media.  Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Jedburgh Podcast & keeping your word3:00 Founding Seamores and CrossFit competition goals8:30 Michael begins working in restaurants to escape life at home11:15 Overcoming drug abuse in the restaurant industry13:55 Opening The Meatball Shop with a great story19:06 Making healthy food taste good25:15 Waking up and making the choice to perform with a killer morning routine35:18 You get out what you put in38:30 Get back up…it’s the only thing you have to do49:24 The business of business is relationships59:26 Three Daily Foundations to Success Quotes: “I’ve made it my mission to have people around me that I’m chasing.” (3:35)“Connect with and engage with and create environments for people to strive in.” (10:25)We were opening up a New York City meatball place that had never been done before.” (17:41)“I like to start my day everyday by pouring a rock solid foundation.” (27:45)“I’ve made it my mission to learn to love the hard and the hurt.” (41:11)“If you want to be elite, you’re gonna get hurt.” (41:40)“People have to like you...The business of business is relationships.” (51:33)Michael’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessLove Be LovedMove Your Ass This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, Compass Workforce Solutions and GORUCK.

Have humans become too soft? Has our constant innovation and ingenuity created a society that chooses comfort over the hard work needed to grow to become our best selves?  In this episode, Michael Easter joins Fran Racioppi live from the 2023 Sandlot Jax and GORUCK Games to discuss the perils of the The Comfort Crisis, Michael's groundbreaking book that confronts one of society's most pressing challenges head-on. Wearing his 2% hat, Michael shares how we can enhance our mental and physical strength 2% at a time to make small incremental changes that will compound over time without requiring a complex formula of restrictions and activities. Fran and Michael break down the importance of doing hard things, focusing on solving the root causes of our need for comfort and why we have to love the process of discomfort to grow. Fran also presses Michael on the state of journalism today, the negative impact of internet click bait and how Michael’s focus on normalcy and accuracy is bringing sanity back to journalism today. Learn more about Michael Easter on the web or follow him on social media.  Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Jedburgh Podcast 1:38 Have we become soft as a society and losing to cavemen?3:22 Why we need to do hard things6:40 You have to love the process for long term gains9:20 How to build effectiveness by focusing on solving the problem11:20 Adding 2% to our performance through fitness and not overcomplicating nutrition15:24 How internet click bait has negatively affected journalism 19:25 Michael’s Three Daily Foundations to Success Quotes: “For millions of years doing the next easiest, most comfortable thing; that served us.” (1:51) “Our ancestors, they exercised about 14x more than us.” (2:46)“The innovations that tend to take off, they tend to make our lives easier.” (4:21)“It’s almost like inactivity is poison.” (5:41)“You have to embrace short-term comfort to get a long-term gain.” (5:52)“100% of those people, they knew that taking the stairs would give them a long-term benefit.” (11:31)“We overcomplicate the shit out of nutrition.” (12:57)“Trying to restore some sanity, and normalcy, and accuracy to journalism is kind of my charge.” (19:06)Michael Easter’s Three Daily Foundations to SuccessWrite first thing in the morningBe activeLaugh with people This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, Compass Workforce Solutions and GORUCK.

Most emergencies last less than 72 hours. Luck favors those who think the most about their preparation before an emergency even occurs. For this episode, Fran Racioppi is joined by Christian Schauf, founder and CEO of Uncharted Supply Company, live from the 2023 Sandlot Jax and GORUCK Games. Christian launched Uncharted with an investment from Shark Tank after pitching the SEVENTY2 survival system; a kit designed specifically to keep you alive for the first 72 hours of a crisis. Fran and Christian unpack the secrets to securing an investment from the Sharks, the up’s and down’s of entrepreneurism, and just what is in the SEVENTY2. Christian also shares his three keys to successful product design and why there are no life hacks on the road to success. Learn more about Christian Schauf and Uncharted Supply Company and pick up your SEVENTY2 or follow him on social media.  Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube. Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Jedburgh Podcast 2:30 Christian leads USO music tours through the Middle East4:31 The SEVENTY2 sells triple expectations on Shark Tank7:23 What’s in the SEVENTY2?11:26 There are no life hacks13:25 Determining new product ideas15:36 How to get people to think about preparation22:44 Christian’s three daily foundations to successQuotes: “If you were away from home and your 10 year old son was home alone what could you give somebody like that would tangibly change the situation for the better. (4:12)“I’m a big believer in burning the ships…You go for it if you believe in it.” (5:31)“I want them talking positively about us because that’s going to drive sales.” (6:12)“It was about the most likely things that can happen to you…and making sure we had a wide range of products that can sustain life.” (8:35)“It’s a hack society. A life hack. It gets you nowhere.” (12:39)“The people that are the most prepared think about it the most.” (15:57)“Keep doing the right stuff in the right way. It’s gonna work out.” (21:17)Christian Schauff’s Three Daily Foundations To SuccessTake care of yourself through sleep and fitnessSurround yourself with the best peopleFocus on high qualityThis episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, Compass Workforce Solutions and GORUCK.