Eagle Nation Podcast

Jimmie Lucas, a twenty-year military veteran, overcame challenges around mental health and depression by running and becoming vulnerable while asking for help. Today, he serves as Team RWB's Community Engagement Manager and the host of the Eagle Nation Podcast.   In Eagle Nation Podcast Season 2 Episode 1, he covers a lot of ground, including: Jimmie's military and Team RWB background Remembering September 11, 21 years later The ways in which running supports health and wellness How cracking an egg is crucial to mental health challenges And much, much more

About the Episode: Kent and Ryan met in college while competing with the Japanese Olympic Judo team and training with the U.S. Paralympic team and embarked on a mission to fuel their bodies and minds in a healthy, effective way. Today, the friends own and operate Neuro, the health and wellness company behind Neuro Gum and Neuro Mints. In Eagle Nation Podcast Episode 162, we cover a lot of ground, including: The history of Neuro from fulfilling orders in their apartments to appearing on Shark Tank How physical activity has been part of their journey All things caffeine - both benefits and challenges And much, much more!

J.M. Thompson overcame challenges around depression and addiction through ultra running. Today, he serves as a staff psychologist with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Oakland, California, and is the author of "Running is a Kind of Dreaming."  In Eagle Nation Podcast Episode 161, we cover a lot of ground, including:  J.M. Thompson's background in clinical psychology  The ways in which aerobic exercise supports mental and physical health How a 200-mile race around Lake Taho was a life-changing experience  And much, much more! 

Col. (Ret.) Nate Prussian, former commander of 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) wanted to make a difference through his work after the military. Today, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of The Guardian Group, combating human trafficking in the United States. In Eagle Nation Podcast episode 160, we cover a lot of ground, including: Nate's transition from the military to Guardian Group The issue of human trafficking in the United States How the veteran and military community has a role to play in combating human trafficking And much, much more!

ABOUT THE EPISODE: A.E. Lyne Babin is a transplanted Canadian and a military spouse. She has served as a Manager of AAFMAA Member and Survivor Benefits since 2010.  In Eagle Nation Podcast episode 159, we cover a lot of ground, including: Lyne's journey as a military spouse  The connection between financial health and overall veteran wellness  How veterans can prepare for their financial future And much, much more! RESOURCES: Looking for some of the resources mentioned in episode 159? The list below should have everything you need. Partnership between Team RWB and AAFMAA

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Nick is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bare Performance Nutrition, a dietary supplement company. Nick served 4 years in the U.S. Army and after transitioning out of the military, Nick insisted on building the same values he learned in the Army through his business and team. The company's mission is driven behind the pillars of Transparency, Service and Integrity with the motto of, "Go One More". In Eagle Nation Podcast episode 158, we cover a lot of ground, including: Nick's military experience and how it shaped his company's values His philosophy on exercise and fitness  The Go One More mindset And much, much more! RESOURCES: Looking for some of the resources mentioned in episode 158? The list below should have everything you need. BPN - Bare Performance Nutrition Nick's book Eagle Expedition   Ad: Partnership between Team RWB and AAFMAA

ABOUT THE EPISODE: After serving in the Air Force, and working an executive job as a financial advisor, Mike Johnson got a call that he had been selected to join season 15 of ABC's reality dating series, "The Bachelorette." Today, Mike is a powerful storyteller encouraging others to focus on life, love, and learning to overcome by discovering the power within. In Eagle Nation Podcast episode 157, we cover a lot of ground, including:  - Mike's military experience with a healthy dose of branch banter - Similarities between "the Bachelorette Mansion" and Air Force barracks - How exercise and self-love are part of his journey - And much, much more! RESOURCES: Looking for some of the resources mentioned in episode 157? The list below should have everything you need. - Mike's Website - Mike's Book - More information on Team RWB's Old Glory Relay coming soon to teamrwb.org. 

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Mike Hayes has lived a lifetime of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The former Commander of SEAL Team TWO has made countless split-second life-and-death decisions, run meetings in the White House Situation Room, and developed high-impact corporate strategies. In today's episode, we cover a lot of ground, including:   - Real moments that have defined purpose in his life - Transitioning from the military to government and corporate life - The goal and meaning of his new book Never Enough - And much, much more! Show notes: https://www.teamrwb.org/ep-156-hayes/ 

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Liz Corwin is a 15-year U.S. Navy Officer, former F-18 Jet Pilot, world-traveling yoga teacher, and creator of Walkabout Yoga LLC. In today's episode, we cover a lot of ground, including: -Her journey from the Navy to yoga - How she earned her call sign - Staying true to herself - Ways the perception of yoga in the military is changing - And much, much more! Show notes: https://www.teamrwb.org/ep-155-corwin/ 

Paul Fukuma is a fourth-generation veteran, full-time Police Officer, Fire Fighter, EMT, father, husband, and the Executive Director and Chairman of TAJI 100. In today's episode, we cover a lot of ground, including:  Overview of the challenge and the very first TAJI 100 hosted in Taji, Iraq in 2010 What it means to serve after leaving the military The massive volunteer effort required to host TAJI 100 year after year Incredible and life-changing stories of people who have tacked the TAJI 100 in the past and come out better than they started And much, much more!  The TAJI 100 is a 28-day challenge to run, walk, jog, ruck, hike, or elliptical 100 miles in the month of February. The challenge supports our nation's veterans and benefits Team RWB.

Denver Broncos legend, NFL Hall of Famer, and entrepreneur, Terrell Davis (TD) cofounded DEFY in in 2017. Through his work, Terrell is helping athletes of all abilities DEFY the every day.    In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: Terrell's transition from the NFL to entrepreneurship  Why Terrell and DEFY are passionate about supporting our nation's veterans  How physical activity supports Terrell's overall health and wellness and much, much more!

Retired Master Sgt. Leroy Petry received the Medal of Honor for acts of gallantry at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the vicinity of Pafktya Province, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008. Today, he continues to serve by advocating and supporting other veterans and wounded warriors. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: Retired Master Sgt. Leroy Petry's involvement in Warrior Call His 2021 goals and aspirations - how he is "Taking Flight" The impact of service and transition on veterans and their families and much, much more!

Patrick J. Adams stars as an original Mercury 7 astronaut, John Glenn, in National Geographic’s first scripted series for Disney+, The Right Stuff. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: Training and physical fitness for the part What Patrick learned about military culture in this role Patrick’s acting background and much, much more!

After losing a close friend in Afghanistan, Marine Corps Veteran Travis McVey realized the American dream of owning a business and continuing to serve by founding Heroes Vodka. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: The journey from the Marines to entrepreneurship Honoring the fallen and continuing to serve How physical activity supports veterans in their transition out of the military and much, much more!

Army veteran Dawn Halfaker founded Halfaker and Associates after being wounded in Iraq and returning to civilian life. In this lightning episode, we cover a lot of ground including: How physical activity was a critical component in Dawn's recovery after injury The significance of the Purple Heart Award How veterans can make their health and wellness a priority Team RWB and Halfaker's recent Purple Heart Challenge  

Lisa Hallett found running to be a healthy outlet for her grief and a path to move forward after her husband, CPT John Hallett, was lost in Afghanistan. Today, Lisa leads a national effort to honor the fallen and support their families. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: Lisa's running journey How Wear Blue is building meaningful communities How you can join Team RWB and +WearBlue this #MemorialDay to learn their stories, speak their names, and honor their legacies. Learn more: bit.ly/3bQ7HT7

Elite running power couple Zach and Nicole Bitter joined Team RWB's Executive Director Mike Erwin for an exclusive Quarantine Crusher conversation. In this conversation, we cover a lot of ground including How Zach and Nicole stay motivated, even while at home.  Why they continue to run  Overcoming challenges and obstacles  and much, much more! For more inspiration, visit our Quarantine Crusher page!

In a special conversation with our Executive Director Mike Erwin virtually sat down with a history-making adventurer who served as Team Captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, Alison Levine. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: Alison's toughest expeditions Using fear as strength How to stay motivated during uncertain times and much, much more!

In a special conversation with our Executive Director Mike Erwin, Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday about how #EagleNation can come out of quarantine better than we went in. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: Alive time vs dead time Ryan’s philosophy on physical activity Reflection and solitude and much, much more!   For more inspiration, visit our Quarantine Crusher page!

In a special conversation with Team RWB Executive Director Mike Erwin, retired Army Officer and NASA Astronaut R. Shane Kimbrough shares lessons from space that can help you stay motivated and crush your quarantine! For more inspiration, visit our Quarantine Crusher page!

In a special conversation with our Executive Director Mike Erwin, retired Master Sergeant Cedric King shares his perspective on how to stay moving and motivated during quarantine. We cover a lot of ground, including: How he has triumphed and pursued through even the most difficult times, Adjusting and adapting mindset to overcome,   How achievement and success looks different for everyone, And much, much more! 

In a special conversation with our Executive Director Mike Erwin, retired General David Petraeus, one of the most prominent U.S. military figures of the post-9/11 era and former Director of the CIA, shares his perspective on how Eagle Nation can lead from the front during the coronavirus pandemic. We cover a lot of ground, including:  General Petraeus’ involvement with Team RWB  How veterans are poised to lead from the front during the pandemic  Why exercise is important during trying times And much, much more! 

Episode 141 – Olivia Nunn, Soldier for Life In honor of Women’s History Month, Soldier for Life Communication Director LTC Olivia Nunn shares her experience and expertise in the latest episode of the Eagle Nation Podcast. We cover a lot of ground, including:  Olivia’s military experience  How communities and organizations including Team RWB can support transitioning service members  The challenges Soldiers from different backgrounds face during transition Finding your tribe  And much, much more! 

Marine Corps veteran-turned-podcast host Tanner Iskra talks new media and the changing veterans and military space in the latest episode of the Eagle Nation Podcast. We cover a lot of ground, including:  Tim’s transition out of the military  The Borne the Battle podcast  Powerful stories of veterans  The changing ways veterans are getting information  And much, much more! 

Navy veteran, clinical psychologist and yoga instructor, Tim Avery, shares the benefits of yoga - both body and mind - in Eagle Nation Podcast Episode 139. We cover a lot of ground including: How Tim went first tried out yoga and got involved in the Veterans Yoga Project The relationship, recovery, physical and mental health benefits yoga can offer veterans The connection between yoga and psychology Why veterans should give Eagle NamasDay a shot And much, much more!

Former U.S. Marine Corps infantryman and volunteer firefighter turned entrepreneur Zachary Green, shares his journey from the military to developing life-saving technology in this Eagle Nation Podcast episode. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: A life-changing firefighting experience that prompted the idea for his business The comparison between entrepreneurship and military service   The concepts of purpose, luck and grit  And much, much more!

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Steven Weintraub is working toward a new mission - helping other veterans stay engaged with their communities and families while building lifelong memories. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including: His time and deployments in the Marine Corps  Why staying engaged is critical in veterans’ transition to civilian life The differences between generations of veterans  How Team RWB members can get tickets And much, much more!

Evie King is a former Army Brat who said she would never marry into the military. Now, she’s going into her eighth year of being a military spouse and advocating for the health and wellness of our military and veteran communities.  In this podcast, we cover a variety of topics, including: Her experience as a military spouse The role military families play in overall veteran and service member wellness Her favorite self-care techniques and resources And much, much more! 

Benjamin Bun is an Army veteran, Crossfit Gym owner, competitive athlete, and social media influencer. In this episode we cover a lot of ground, to include: Why he spends so much time with social media, and what it’s like to be completely honest. Dealing with old injuries and why it’s important to keep moving. Why social connection is so important for physical fitness And why you should participate in WOD for Warriors! And much, much, more!

Roman Rozell is a family man, motivational speaker, professional teacher, former Green Beret, combat hero, and 34-year-old Arizona State University (ASU) wrestling walk-on. In this podcast, we cover a variety of topics, including: His childhood growing up on the rough streets of Apache Junction, AZ. His struggles with drugs and breaking the cycle.  His Army career, and dealing with his injuries. What it’s like to be a high-level collegiate athlete, and be twice as old as your teammates! And much, much, more!

Matthew "Griff" Griffin co-founded Combat Flip Flops, which is a leading military lifestyle brand, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Griff served in the 75th Ranger Regiment as a Rifle Company Fire Support Officer with three tours to Afghanistan and one tour to Iraq. Post military, Griff moved to the private sector where he specialized in developing solutions for companies growing business in "difficult" locations before co-founding Combat Flip Flops. In this podcast, we cover a variety of topics, including: The story of how he wrote and published a book with his friend in 90 days. What it’s like to do business in dangerous countries outside of the military. His D-Day anniversary jump. The history and founding of Combat Flip Flops. And much, much, more!  

Matt Collier is an Army veteran, business executive, entrepreneur, speaker, and politician. At 29, he was elected the youngest big-city mayor in the U.S., serving in his hometown of Flint, Michigan. He was also hand chosen by Bob McDonald to serve in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Senior Advisor to the Secretary. Among his many accomplishments, there was the development and launch of the VA Center for Strategic Partnerships with the purpose of developing sustainable partnerships to improve the lives of veterans and their families. He’s currently a senior executive and sits on the board of the Concussion Legacy Foundation.  In this podcast, we cover a variety of topics, including: His Army experience Stories and lessons from his time as mayor of Flint, Michigan His work with the Concussion Legacy Foundation What it was like to try and transform the VA And much, much, more!

Courtney Billington is a senior executive at Johnson and Johnson (JnJ) where he’s the president of Janssen Neuroscience. He’s a long time veterans advocate and has a truly meaningful perspective on the importance of the military community in our country.  In this podcast, we cover a variety of topics, including: Army basketball and the importance of athletics J&J’s long history of supporting the military and veterans Why diversity and inclusion is so important How J&J is able to support veterans through their position as a global health care company, not only through hiring efforts. And much, much, more!

Join us as we spend time with a DELTA commando. Patrick McNamara spent 22 years in the United States Army in multiple special operations units. He retired from the Army's premier hostage rescue unit as a Sergeant Major and has become a well-known expert on tactical training and fitness, along with a social media influencer.     In this podcast, we cover a variety of topics, including: His military career His podcast with Joe Rogan How he balances social media in his life, despite being a social media influencer Why fitness is critical to veterans and the transition process   We promise that you’ll leave this podcast motivated!

Brett McKay founded the Art of Manliness in 2008 and has grown it into the largest independent men’s interest magazine on the web. Brett grew up in Edmond, OK, and attended the University of Oklahoma. He took a break in college to live in Tijuana, Mexico for two years doing service. After graduating, he then went on to pursue his lifelong goal of going to law school. While attending the University of Tulsa College of Law, Brett started the Art of Manliness as something fun to do in his spare time. In this podcast, we cover a variety of topics, to include: The beginnings of the Art of Manliness Brett’s definition of “manliness” and why it’s probably not what you think The military connection to the Art of Manliness His new effort - “The Strenuous Life” How Brett runs a successful website, yet stays disconnected from the internet And much more! In addition, Team RWB’s Executive Director was a guest on the Art of Manliness Podcast a few years ago - check it out here.  

Since his column started in Runner’s World magazine, he’s become one of the running community’s most popular personalities. The New York Times identified John as the creator of the slow running movement which brought the joy of activity to a new generation of runners and walkers. Known by his fans as “the Penguin” for his back-of-the-pack speed, John Bingham is the unlikely hero of the modern running boom. Overweight, uninspired, and saddled with a pack-and-a-half-a-day smoking habit Bingham found himself firmly wedged in a middle-age slump. Then, he discovered running and changed his life forever. In this week’s show, we cover a ton of ground, to include: His Army experience, and how it has affected his life.   His history and beginnings as a runner. Why his non-traditional approach to running has found such appeal And much more!  

Claire Gibson is a Nashville-based author whose work has been featured in The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, and Entrepreneur Magazine, among many other publications. Her debut novel, Beyond the Point, tells the story of a group of female veterans in an incredibly powerful way. In this week’s show, we cover a ton of ground, to include: Her childhood in a military family and growing up at West Point The blessings and curses of writing recent historical fiction How this story came to be What it’s like to publish your first book, and her future plans! And much more!

COL (R) Shane Kimbrough is a former Army Officer and current NASA astronaut.  He was selected by NASA in 2004, and completed his first spaceflight in 2008. Shane launched on October 19, 2016, as part of Expedition 49/50, where he became the Commander of the International Space Station, and remained so until he departed almost 6 months later. In this week’s show, we cover a ton of ground, to include: His Army career and how it led to NASA His leadership style, and how it’s changed over time Fitness in space How his perspective on life and the planet has changed since he became an astronaut And much more!

Dr. Chad Kahl is the Chief Medical Officer to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Jim Karol is a world renowned mentalist and entertainer, known for his ability to harness the power of the human mind.  They’re an unlikely duo, but both deeply understand the link between mental wellness and physical healing, and want to be change agents for the way health care is perceived and delivered to military members and veterans.   In this week’s show, we cover a ton of ground, to include: Dr. Kahl’s article in the Military Times about Blue Zones The connection between mental wellness and physical healing Cognitive dissonance with drone warfare "the ender wiggins effect" The power of nootropics on mood and memory Eastern integrative medicine for sleep and memory and neuropathic pain Side effects of the pharmacopeia, drug dependence, how RWB can be a bigger part of the solution   And much more!

Ryan Miller is currently the COO of OMG Farms, a California-based business (owned by Canibrands) that uses technologically advanced methods to produce high quality cannabis oils and delivery methods.  Ryan graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and served as an infantry officer. In 2007, he was severely wounded by a roadside bomb while conducting combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq, and ultimately lost a leg due to his wounds. Upon retirement from the Army, Ryan completed both an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Master's degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Ryan resides in Oakland, California.   In this week’s show, we discuss: Ryan’s story of injury, recovery, and resilience Cannabis 101 - a overview How veterans are using cannabis What you need to know about VA healthcare and cannabis   Some important links: www.warriorrising.org – the nonprofit Ryan helps run www.opevac.org – a veterans cannabis organization recommended by Ryan www.wfwproject.org – a grassroots and rapidly spreading organization that bring veterans together through cannabis, cannabis education, and community service

Charlie Brenneman walked away from his job as a Spanish teacher, with a dream to fight in the UFC - a dream he ultimately accomplished in a big way.  A naturally curious person, he has turned his lifelong love of learning and helping people into a career, and is now a recognized podcaster and speaker.  He’s just a really good human being, and we have really fun conversation in this podcast. In this week’s show, we discuss: His path from the classroom into the UFC octagon His connections to the military The learning process he uses to absorb and retain new information His podcast and speaking career And much more!

Dan Nevins is an Army veteran and wounded warrior who, for over a decade, has shared an inspirational message of leadership, perseverance, resilience, and overcoming adversity with audiences around the globe. His work with professional and business communities enables his passion for sharing and teaching yoga to the world. In this week’s show, we discuss: His injuries and recovery journey How he found Yoga, and how it’s not confined to Eagle NamasDay The ways that he shares his inspirational story Dan is a lot of fun, and we know you’ll enjoy this podcast!

Air Force Veteran Tamsen Butler was fit and healthy, when she experienced a sudden stroke at age 41, which was later found to be related to a birth defect in her heart.  She’s become an advocate for heart health, and has used her experience to change the lives of many people in the process. In this week’s podcast, we discuss: Why being healthy and fit is so important, especially before you have a health condition The importance of community in healing How her military experience helped shape her What led her to advocate and educate about heart health

Dan Savage is the Head of Military and Veterans Programs at LinkedIn.  He’s also an Army veteran and a West Point/Harvard Grad. He’s dedicated his post-military life to achieving real social change for veterans, and is an expert on what effective veteran support looks like.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss: His military experience, and coming to grips with some tough experiences Effective support for veterans His favorite poem: If by Rudyard Kipling and why it’s so meaningful to him.

Eric Engelhardt is a former Green Beret who was wounded in combat, and found his way to being one of Team RWB’s original employees.  He’s as interesting a guy as they come, and is one of the reasons for Team RWB’s success. He’s an incredible person, and is a great spokesman for using community and physical fitness for recovery.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss: His injury and recovery His experiences working at Team RWB His pending international move

Tom Voss is a Army veteran who’s post-military service struggles resulted in a 2700 mile hike across the country, featured in the Emmy nominated documentary Almost Sunrise.   He’s an incredible person, and is a great spokesman for using community and physical fitness for recovery.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss:   His post-military service struggles and how they came to a head. What is was like to hike across the country with another veteran Almost Sunrise, and the decision to film his journey

Jeff Eggers is a retired Navy Seal, and current Executive Director of the McChrystal Group Leadership Institute.  He was formerly a Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and has had a long career working in national defense at various jobs. He recently co-authored a book with General Stanley McChrystal called Leaders: Myth and Reality, and it’s currently a national bestseller In this week’s podcast, we discuss: The writing process Dynamics of working with three authors Why the world needs another book on leadership Lessons learned from some atypical leadership examples

Sal Giunta is the first living Medal of Honor Recipient since the Vietnam war. This episode is less interview and more conversation between two combat veterans over good beer. Southeast Regional Director and Sal talk about a myriad of topics that all veterans can relate to. Sal’s experience, passion and wisdom will inspire and fire up all those called to serve and lead…..actually, you’ll learn from Sal that they are the same thing. In this week’s podcast, we discuss: How winning the Medal has changed Sal. What is service and how do we find purpose outside of the military? How we met at the White House. His greatest leadership mentors and lessons. We DON’t talk about the day and actions that he earned the Medal of Honor for. We delve deeper into what it means to him to be a Recipient and what it means to him.

Jen and Debbie are 2 of the 4 Yuengling sisters that are part of the 6th generation of a family that is running the longest continuously family-owned and operated brewery in America - the Yuengling Brewing Company, which has been open since 1829. Team RWB has recently kicked off a partnership with Yuengling, and several members of the team joined them there to kick it off - afterwards, JJ Pinter sat down with two of the Yuengling sisters and recorded a fantastic podcast.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss:   Lagers for Heroes (Team RWB & Yuengling partnership) Jen’s participation in Old Glory Relay Dynamics of working in family business What it’s like to be females in the brewing industry The balance between growth and culture in a business Their 1st new beer in 17 years - Golden Pilsner!  

Adam Smith is a Green Beret, CrossFit Gym Owner, tactical training specialist.  He’s also a personal friend of the podcast host, JJ Pinter. In this episode, they sit down in person for a caffeine-fueled conversation that is sure to make you smile.   In this week’s podcast, we discuss: How JJ putting cream in his coffee is adding “weakness” to it, in Adam’s perspective Adam’s transition from the military and his struggles What it’s like to come home again and lead in your community Leadership and his plans to influence large groups of people

Outside Magazine recently published an in-depth feature by Brian Mockenhaupt (Army Veteran) about a former Marine who struggled with PTSD and depression, and, despite finding a community in the outdoors, died by suicide in 2016. In this week’s podcast, we discuss this story with the author.   We would invite everyone to read the original story here.