Follow Me Podcast

Today Staff Sergeant Troy Schwanke and I discuss ways to find purpose during these strange times that we're living in. No one saw Corona Virus coming, but there are other life changing events that are inevitable such as exiting the military or sitting at a unit or job that you just don't enjoy. In this episode we talk about little things you can do to make those times better, and how you can be a better person because of it. 

A Frozen Chosin veteran, Captain Hal Barber takes us back to what it was like growing up during World War 2, where he finds the need to answer the call of duty. Shortly after, he finds himself bleeding out deep in the Chosin Reservoir. Surviving 8 days and nights in the back of a Medievac vehicle, Barber's fellow Marines and a heroic Corpsman called "Doc Red" blast through Chinese and North Koreans to get the wounded to safety. Towards the end, Captain Barber talks about what has changed in the Corps since then, and what advice he has for Marines today.

If you're looking for tissues and a hug, scroll away to something else. Today we talk about an issue plaguing the country, including the military. For those that get offended, your feelings are a testament to the relevance of the topic. How do you overcome the want to feel sorry for yourself? I say the results you get when you don't should be enough to fuel that drive.

Today we sit down with a Marine with over 15 years in the infantry. Fighting in both Afghanistan and Iraq, Blake Campbell talks about boot camp mayhem, near death experiences and heroes he served with. General Mattis and Chesty Puller were great, but where are the enlisted icons? And what would each of us change about the infantry if we could?

As you find yourself walking out to formation this week, with that good old post-leave depression, know that you're not alone. We all feel the same. In this brief episode, we talk about how to come back from leave, take advantage of the coming opportunities that you see everyday, and discuss who it is that's waiting for you. At the end, we talk about coming episodes and the direction of the Podcast.

WELCOME BACK! We are back from deployment, and getting back to producing episodes. For this brief episode, we say thanks for your continued support, and a sneak peek into what you can expect next!

Suicide Charley. The night where the legend of John Basilone was born, and where the Japanese felt the wrath of a grieving nation.  Legends walk among us everyday. Learn their stories.

How great would it be if we knew it all? What if we had all the answers? It's easy to get caught up in our rank and billet, in our accomplishments, and feel like we are the ones that will bring greatness to the team. However, it often doesn't work that way. Lieutenant Martinez, a Naval Academy graduate and infantry officer, discusses why "getting out of the way" and empowering those below you will often propel your team to new levels of success. And why allowing subordinates to fail is a great tool in developing them to reach their true potential. 

Did you know that everyone has 4 years of eligibility in the NCAA, even if you served in the military? We mix things up a bit in this episode and talk about how you can set yourself up for success if you dream of playing sports after serving your country.  Julian talks about the differences between high school and college sports, and why he believes someone coming out of the military could have an edge over kids fresh out of high school.  Julian also shares his own philosophy on parts of leadership, and goes into how exploiting opportunities that presents themselves can lead you to new acquaintances, new cities, and a new life.

Is your lack of accomplishments due to others? Or is it due to you? The answer is simple, but we go in depth on how victimizing yourself will never help, but always hurt your progress.  Listen to Troy discuss how committing to your goals with a sickening work ethic and indescribable will power will propel you over any obstacle. And how nothing will be able to stop you. Not even the suicide of someone closest to you.

Today we dive into why in order to develop yourself, you have to get to the bottom of what is holding you back. Josh Hunter, a Corpsman with several combat deployments goes into why the little things matter and why in order to achieve, you have to visualize yourself achieving.  John Stilwell talks about maximizing results by being honest with yourself and taking responsibility in order to crush obstacles in front of you.  We ponder a range of questions including: Why are heroes often so humble? How do you squeeze the most out of military education opportunities? Why is eating healthy more important than just maintaining a fit body?

Today we talk with the epitome of a leader, Nick Rippey. A squad leader with 3 deployments, Nick dives deep into: -Holding a standard and setting the example in everything that you do. -Are we as disciplined as we should be today?  -How to address your peers that are having a negative impact on the team.    

A quick welcome to the "Follow Me" Podcast, what you can expect and why this is even happening.