PICK UP THE SIX® Productions

Eric Vevang has a wild story to share. It's just your run of the mill mom was being sex trafficked, dad goes to prison, end up arrested for the first time at age 12. Set back after set back after set back, before ending up out of the military and in prison by the age of 20. And that's just scratching the surface. Like any good comeback story, Eric's has critical moments, including finally letting go and letting God, on his road to redemption. Let's meet Eric Vevang on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX. -- Find Eric here --> https://www.instagram.com/ericvevang/ and here --> https://www.clikdone.com

Jerry Quickel is a big helmet guy. I came across Jerry on Twitter/X and was instantly drawn to his epic football helmet collection, now 572 helmets and counting. He's a great guy, with a passion for sports, football, and representing the smaller schools, because in addition to helmets from the Blue Bloods, he has some schools you've never heard of. We nerd out over football gear and helmets, including a few of my own, on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

Every day, men and women in law enforcement across this country leave their homes and families to answer the call of service to a greater mission. Tragically, this call to service can require a heavy sacrifice. This sacrifice is not only made up by the dangers that come with violent situations, but the cumulative stress from the burden of the badge. Caleb Cook and the End of Watch Foundation want to make sure that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed and that they have the support they need. Cook and the EOWF are gearing up for their annual memorial ruck event. During 2023, there were 138 Law Enforcement Officers all over the country who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their lives. With the mission to honor those Officers, they will carry one pound of weight for every officer over a continuous 42-hour period representing the officer's final 10-42 call. Today, we meet Caleb, hear his story and learn more about their work to honor their fallen brothers and sisters and support their families through: Honor: They honor the fallen with meaningful actions in the event and messaging. Support: They support the families of the fallen, officers injured in the line of duty, and assist where they can when struggling with mental health. Educate: Spread awareness to the public about other unknown aspects of law enforcement that may be misunderstood. They also lean in on strong core values to build better officers, units, friends and family members. Learn more about EOWF at https://www.eowf.org.

We are back with an archived episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast, as we take time to remember the events of September the 11th, 2001. You don't need a reminder of what happened to our nation on that fateful day. As we have done in years past, we set aside some intentional time to honor those who lost their lives on that day. Our national and our world changed forever. As did the life of today's guest, Peter Blaich. We interviewed Peter a few years ago (Episode 63), and decided to play that episode for you again. Peter was a New York City firefighter on 9/11. He was there for every minute of it, and the days and months to follow. Please hit pause here, take a minute or so and send a prayer for Peter, his friends who went into those builds and came out with health issues, and his friends who went into those buildings and did not emerge, and for the lives lost in New York City, Shanksville, and at the Pentagon. We love you and we honor you. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

In 2015m Paul and Linda Johnson lost their son, Joseph, to suicide. It sent them into a fog, but when that fog began to clear one thing was certain for them, they would not let that moment define the memory of their son. From that tragedy comes their mission to educate, save and improve the lives of those suffering from mental health challenges and prior suicidal tendencies by providing highly trained service dogs as a vital lifeline. We introduce you to Paul and Linda Johnson of Service Dogs Saving Lives on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

Chief Chuck has become a friend, yet we've not met in person. Our paths first crossed on Twitter/X talking about F3 and how he was drawn to our organization of men worldwide. Today, he joins the show to talk about his 24-year career in the Navy, we we focus on two undeniable qualities that he looks for in a real leader, honor and integrity.

We met Eric Hohman a few years ago on PICK UP THE SIX, a former Air Force Combat Controller, Eric was on a journey that included running for Congress and leading a non-profit called the 1st There Foundation, an organization dedicated to his fallen brothers and their families. Today, Eric is back with Lumi and they're sharing how 1st There is now working through an effort called Operation Soul Rescue, a program that offers a sacred plant medicine that research suggests it may have antidepressants and anxiolytic properties, indicating its potential success in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse disorders. That plant medicine is called Ayahuasca, and we learn all about it on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

Mike, a Navy Veteran, and his wife Stacy have launched a new program through their therapeutic facility called OPTI VETS. Their goal is to augment Post Traumatic Syndrome efforts through a comprehensive integrative approach. They are putting in the work and serving those who have served. This is a couple that knows about picking up the six, their family of 11 includes six adopted children. We are pumped to introduce you to Mike and Stacy on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

At his lowest moments in life, Chris Fontana was a 300-pound alcoholic. But, life told him that was enough and he faced his challenges head on, with a primal mindset. Chris is the owner of Go Primal an the host of The Primal Mindset show, and he's become a friend and brother over the last year. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did, on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

Craig Hannum is a retired Army soldier and Military Police who continues his service through The Toughest Topic, a program that offers tangible tools to combat the one preventable death, suicide. He's become a friend and a brother in this battle, and we are honored to introduce you to him on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX. Show sponsors are Mudgear.com code PUT6 and LiveMomentous.com code BRIANJ.

Greg Archbold was headed in the wrong direction, until a mentor stepped in and spoke some quick truth into him. He turned a life of trouble around, joined the Army, lead security and prison operations, and now is on a mission to produce positivity everywhere he goes. We crank up the passion and energy on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX.

Mike Sullivan, aka Sully, is a 30+ year Army Veteran and a Green Beret. He has six combat tours in Afghanistan, all stemming from a rich military family history. He's staying active and on-mission through an expanded role with Team RWB and he joined the show to share his story and their important work to connect the Veteran community through physical and mental fitness. Show sponsors: Mudgear.com code PUT6 and LiveMomentous.com code BRIANJ

It is Holy Week and for my christian brothers and sisters this week marks the culmination of our faith, the days in which Jesus Christ died and rose again. One year ago we released a pair of PICK UP THE SIX episodes, one with Catholic Priest (and Air Force chaplain) James Hamel, and the other with my friends Rob Renzi and Dom Raso, a former Navy SEAL. Our conversations centered around a man thrust into the story as Christ took his final steps. That man's name was Simon, and he in that moment had to pick up the six and help Jesus carry the weight of that cross. Here are both of those conversations. God bless, happy Holy Week, and happy Easter.

#179: Sutton Howard, the Pickleball Phoenix by PICK UP THE SIX

Late last year, PICK UP THE SIX Productions hit the road for Northwest Arkansas with our friends from Mudgear to meet Mark Jones and create a commercial for the new Mudgear Speed Ruck shoe. Through that, we got to learn more about Mudgear's purpose, founded by Alex Thrasher, and their connection to one of their Mudgear athletes, Mark Jones, a hard charger if there ever was one. Today, we introduce you to Alex and Mark, and talk to them about their missions in life, and how that has intersected with a one-of-a-kind shoe built to equip the outdoor athlete to crush the next step, mile, or even world record attempt. Mudgear.com to shop for the Speed Ruck and other great great, use code PUT6 to save 15% Also, LiveMomentous.com with code BRIANJ to save 15% on great supplements like creatine, whey protein, and more!

Our guest today is Dr. Karla Steingraber, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a certified Mental Game Coach. As a certified Mental Game Coach (IMGCA), Dr. Steingraber teaches clients to identify mental barriers. She provides a proven mental skills system to improve performance in competition and to help build confidence and maximize performance. She is going incredible work, across the board, with organizations like the Generation Next Project, and she's the author of What's Your Everest? How to win in Sports, Career and Life.

Today's guest is Chris Cathers of Brother's Keeper Veteran Foundation. Chris is a Green Beret and was one of the first 10 agency contractors into Iraq in the first days of the Global War on Terror. After his service Chris was feeling it, in the form of PTSD and he contemplated suicide. He battled through it and was later diagnosed with Stage-4 bone cancer. But that is not slowing him down at all, so let's meet my friend Chris Cathers.

Evan Slaughter left the Army, after receiving a Purple Heart, and felt directionless. He ended up in rehab fighting to kick an opioid addiction, and in the meantime found himself drastically falling out of both physical and mental shape. Today, he's battling back, while creating comedy and motivational content as Fit2Serve. We have an incredible conversation, including the first content Brian saw of Evan's, and where his journey to stronger physical and mental health is taking him.

We first met Dan Skidmore back on Episode 93 of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast and we've been overdue to sit down with him again. 
Dan was a special operator in the Air Force and he has a passion for doing hard things while living life to the fullest. He recently teamed up with three other buddies for the Morocco Monkey Run, an adventure that he shares with us, plus his views on training, fitness, and building a bulletproof version of yourself. I'm Brian Jodice and this is PICK UP THE SIX.

On this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast we meet Julia Watson-Carlson who was a champion marksman in the United States Marines and who on deployment was heavily involved in women's engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is truly a peaceful warrior. Show sponsors: NGBN: www.ngbn.tv Mudgear: www.mudgear.com code PUT6 to save 15% Amino-Vita: www.amino-vital.com code PUT6 to save 20%

On September 11, 2001, our world changed forever and a generation of warriors step to the line to take the fight to the enemy. 22-years later, and after a 20-year war, those warriors now face a new enemy, mental health and suicide. To raise awareness, a team of elite operators traversed nearly 200-miles across South Carolina ending in Augusta, Georgia on Veterans Day 2023. The team has raised nearly $25,000 to support Veteran Service Organizations. Help the cause here: https://gofund.me/6d1d8401 The ENOUGH Operators are battled tested, having represented the United States when life and liberty were on the line. Our team is Army Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marines, and a pair of Generals, all united on a journey to help save their battle buddies' lives. The time is now. ENOUGH Veterans suffering. ENOUGH waiting. ENOUGH broken promises to our warriors. ENOUGH. Green Beret Lowell Koppert, who organized and sponsored the ENOUGH event, and Lt. General Ralph Jodice (US Air Force, Ret.) join the show to talk about the experience. Additional links: Watch Chris and Rob's "brother" video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzbxDA8OTwG/

The mission of the Generation Next Project is to make a positive and direct impact on youth mental health within the golf community, providing players, families, and coaches with mental fitness tools and communication skills to thrive in today's world, through the game of golf. The mental battle hit close to home for Generation Next Founder Robert Jones Black, after a family friend lost their son to suicide. Robert, who is the great-grandson of golf legend Bobby Jones, is back on the show today with his teammates from the organization who I recently met on a trip during their Change Your Course event.

About 10-years ago, Joe Baker found himself in a rut. Not long after that he found a group of men that helped him unlock his purpose, and since then he's not only transformed his body, but his mind as well. He's now a staple in the GORUCK event community, taking what he's learned along the way to form his own tribes while training others for greatness through Joe Baker Fitness. I'm excited to introduce you to my friend, Joe Baker, on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

October 3-4, 1993. The Battle of Mogadishu. You might know it as Black Hawk Down. Yesterday, we replayed an archived Episode of PICK UP THE SIX podcast with Jeff Struecker, who was there for the battle. Today, we meet Jim Rooney, who 30-years ago, today, was a 20-year old soldier smack dab in the middle of a 2-day fight. I'm Brian Jodice, and this is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

This episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast is dedicated to the 19 American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Mogadishu. You may know that battle as Black Hawk Down. Our guest is Major Jeff Struecker, who as a 24-year old Sergeant, was there during that fateful battle. We reflect on those moments, his role, and his faith.

What. A. Show. Adam Davis stops by to share how he Lives Unconquered, and it doesn't come without having been through some stuff. Serious stuff. But, his message is one of redemption, grace, perseverance, and never quitting, even when quitting feels like the only option. THIS IS PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

We are back with a special edition of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast, as we take time to remember the events of September the 11th, 2001. You don't need a reminder of what happened to our nation on that fateful day. As we have done in years past, we set aside some intentional time to honor those who lost their lives on that day. Our national and our world changed forever. As did the life of today's guest, Peter Blaich. We interviewed Peter two years ago (Episode 63), and decided to play that episode for you again. Peter was a New York City firefighter on 9/11. He was there for every minute of it, and the days and months to follow. Before we listen to Peter's incredible story, we need your help. Pete's been battling some long-term health issues, as a result for 9/11. Please hit pause here, take a minute or so and send a prayer for Peter, his friends who went into those builds and came out with health issues, and his friends who went into those buildings and did not emerge. We love you and we honor you. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

Six months after welcoming their second son to their now growing family, Lisa and Glenn Moore just felt like something was off. Glenn, an Army helicopter pilot, was facing multiple deployments and they knew they had to take action quickly to help their baby, Hunter. That's where their journey with cerebral palsy started, but it sure doesn't end there. Now 15, Hunter is an absolute inspiration. He's an award winning body building and starting long snapper on his JV football team. I can't wait for you to meet the Moore family on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

On Wednesday (August 23rd), I reported to prison. I was with an organization called Defy Ventures and our mission on that day was to mentor men on the inside. On Wednesday, my friend Victor went back to prison, the same prison he had served 10-years in between the age of 21 and 31. Today, Victor and I unpack our shared experience with the men of Monroe Correctional Complex and the Entrepreneur in Training program. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. Watch Leo's video that we talked about: https://youtu.be/khgmjJgP3k0?si=gLnvtkCpIJU3eNW5

Nathan Hicks joins me on this week's show, thanks to an intro from Mid-State Mile Race Director (and friend of the show) Jon Cox. Nathan and I have a really cool conversation about; coffee, the internet being set on fire by Oliver Anthony aka A'int Got a Dollar and his song Rich Men North of Richmond, and Nathan's pursuits through Higher Ground Adventures and his new podcast Everyday Grit. We just met, but I felt like I've known him for years. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. Other links: I mentioned a video from an event in Alabama, watch that here: https://youtu.be/snZ10vM1Sc4

Kelvin Jenkins had to make a decision in life. His health was a liability. So, he started running and working out and unlocked a never quit mentality that our friend Adam Cooper knows about as well. They both join the show to talk about Kelvin's upcoming physical challenge, the 4x4x48. Kelvin is running on August 11th to raise money and donate the proceeds to The Georgia Cancer Center. He will run 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours, to not only challenge himself, but hopefully inspire others like he was inspired to do something more. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

The headline in the associated press on July 7th read, "An Afghan man who spent years helping US forces in Afghanistan is shot and killed in Washington." But, there's so much more to that story, including a bond and brotherhood between the Afghan man killed, his name was Nasrat, and our guest today. Matt Butler is Army Special Forces. Nasrat was his interpreter on deployments to Afghanistan. We cover a lot in our conversation, including their service together, the movie script that was Nasrat and his family's exit from Afghanistan, and we get into plant based medicine for PTSD. All on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. Support for Nasrat's family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-family-of-murdered-afghan-interpreter

Edgar Mills joined me for Episode 125 and he's back today talking about a pair of events he's putting on this fall, all in the name of helping passionate people become safer, more competent, more confident shooters. His training events are coming up in October, we talk about that, and we shoot the shit about other stuff, including a guest appearance from a howling beagle that gins up a story. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

If you're like me, you've seen a groundswell of support for a new film called Sound of Freedom, starring Passion of the Christ actor Jim Caviezel. Sound of Freedom is a true story film that exposes the darkness of child trafficking. A federal agent saves a boy from traffickers, but his sister is still captive. He embarks on a dangerous mission, risking his life to free her from a fate worse than death. I just finished this film last night, and I'm honored to invite Jordan Harmon on to the show today. Jordan is the President of Angel Studios, the production company that has helped bring this film to life. This isn't the first time PICK UP THE SIX listeners have heard of Angel Studios, and it won't be the last. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. -- For more visit www.angel.com/freedom

Resolute Ready is an open global community founded by the families of Veterans to give support through mental and physical trauma. A global community, spearheaded by a pair of friends, and high impact women out of Australia. I'm honored to introduce you to Lidia and Susan and Resolute Ready on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX PODCAST.

Jerry Adams has spent over 30-years in the steel industry. He started on the mill floor and has worked his way up to leadership, and along the way he has continued to work on himself through his mind, body and soul. Jerry has a new book called Men of Grit - Strong as Steel: How to Build a Legacy of Unbreakable Strength. Jerry's book, and our conversation today, is a bold call to confront the crisis of modern masculinity. Check out Jerry and his book at: https://menofgrit.com

Damon Friedman has one simple goal: Change the world. I mean, simple enough, right? Listen for the first 30-seconds of our interview and you can tell he's serious. It will come as no surprise, he has an incredible story, from the streets of Los Angeles born to an abusive father, to a career as a Combat Controller, Damon flat-out is purpose driven. That has carried into his work to empower warriors to find purpose and be resilient through SOF Missions, and his book Igniting Movements. The energy level is getting cranked up and I loved this conversation with Damon Friedman.

Brian Eddy joins the show today. He's a retired Colonel in the United States Air Force and the Founder and President of BondFire Ranch, a non-profit with the mission of warming the hearts of families, especially military and first responders. Brian served for 28-years in the Air Force, including a pair of assignments at Dover Air Force Base, his last assignment as the Commander of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. He's been a part of ensuring our fallen heroes received the dignified transfer they deserve, a heavy job, to be sure. Through that he realized he needed to address mental health in his life, and with that the BondFire Ranch was born. Let's meet Brian on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

On Memorial Day thousands of men and women will complete the annual Memorial Day Murph. It's a WOD (work out of the day) in honor of fallen Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, killed in action in 2005 during Operation Red Wings. On this special archived episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast we talk to Josh Appel, an Air Force Pararescuemen (aka PJ) who was part of the team during Red Wings, and who later helped start the Murph Challenge. -- On May 11, 2005, Josh Appel graduated from medical school. One month later, he was in Afghanistan and by June 28th he was part of the now infamous rescue of the Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell. We revisit Operation Red Wings, from Josh's perspective, Including incredible acts of service before self along the way. And, he talks about his connection to the Memorial Day Murph, a tradition that unites thousands in an effort to honor fallen heroes. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

This is a special, archived episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast with Dan Murphy. With Memorial Day approaching, thousands of people will Honor the Fallen with a special WOD on Monday the 29th call The Murph. Today, we revisit our conversation on Episode 25 with Lt. Michael Murphy's father, Dan. I hope you enjoy it. -- "Thank you." Those were the last words of Lieutenant Michael Murphy before he laid down his life for his nation. He was a Navy SEAL, a friend, brother, and to our guest, a son. Dan Murphy joins the show to talk about his hero Michael, and how his legacy lives on today, one Murph at a time. -- See more at: https://murphfoundation.org https://murphsealmuseum.org https://themurphchallenge.com

Do you ever strike up a conversation with someone and less than 5-minutes in your like, thank you God for intervening and bringing us together? That's exactly how I felt after about 2-minutes of recording this podcast with today's guest. Colonel Nick Nichols is an Air Force veteran and F-16 pilot who continues his service with Folds of Honor. Let's meet Col. Nichols and hear more about the mission of Folds of Honor to support military and first responder families. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. -- Important links: https://foldsofhonor.org Show sponsors: Every Man Jack: Use promo code PUT6 at everymanjack.com on orders of $50 or more to save 25%. Amino-Vital: Use promo code PUT6 to save 20% off at amino-vital.com today to save on BCAAs.

Our friends at WarriorWOD prioritize exercise and nutrition as prescriptions for veterans' recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress and other invisible wounds. Phil Palmer is a friend, and he joined me on episode 99 of the podcast to introduce us to his incredible organization (https://www.warriorwod.org). I love what they're doing because they live with the credo of, "I've got your six." Phil's back today talking about an annual event that WarriorWOD hosts that you can be a part or, the I GOT YOUR SIX team event. Let's catch up with Phil Palmer of WarriorWOD on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. -- Every Man Jack: Use promo code PUT6 at everymanjack.com on orders of $50 or more to save 25%. Amino-Vital: Use promo code PUT6 to save 20% off at amino-vital.com today to save on BCAAs.

Eric Springer joins the podcast today and he's a self described “Human Swiss Army knife.” An Air Force Veteran having spent time as a commander and then heavily involved in Special Operations Command, you might see where that Swiss Army knife reference comes from. What's a multi-tooled asset to do when transitioning from military to civilian life? It was a real challenge for Eric at first then he had a breakthrough, and he shares a secret to success and fulfillment with you on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. Show sponsors: Every Man Jack: Use promo code PUT6 at everymanjack.com on orders of $50 or more to save 25%. Amino-Vital: Use promo code PUT6 to save 20% off at amino-vital.com today to save on BCAAs.

Wounded a third time and unable to walk he steadfastly remained in the dangerously exposed area, deploying his men to more tenable positions and supervising the evacuation of casualties. Only when assured the safety of his men did he allow himself to be evacuated. On May 2nd, 1968, Captain James Livingston and his Marine company moved through an open rice paddy, while taking heavy fire from the enemy in an effort to help another stranded group of marines. His action on that day in Vietnam earned, now retired, Major General Livingston our nation's highest honor for military service, the Medal of Honor. Today, we meet General Livingston and hear his story on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX podcast. -- Show sponsors: Every Man Jack: Use promo code PUT6 at everymanjack.com on orders of $50 or more to save 25%. Amino-Vital: Use promo code PUT6 to save 20% off at amino-vital.com today to save on BCAAs.

Our guest today is a Catholic priest, an Air Force chaplain, and a black belt in martial arts. His name is Father Daniel Duplantis, and he's the author of a new book, "Jesus in the Dojo: A christian pedagogy of martial arts" We're breaking boards and Satan's grip on our sins on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. -- Show sponsors: Every Man Jack: Use promo code PUT6 at everymanjack.com on orders of $50 or more to save 25%. Amino-Vital: Use promo code PUT6 to save 20% off at amino-vital.com today to save on BCAAs.

The mission of Q30 is to reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injury on the sports field and on the battlefield. Maybe you've seen their product in action, like I did watching football last season and seeing players like Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys or Boston Scott of the Philadelphia Eagles with this thin strip of plastic on their neck. I thought, what is that? It's the latest technology from Q30, and today, while he is quite literally driving to the Best Ranger Competition, Bryan Ouffutt joins the show to tells us more about their work to protect the brain from the damage caused by repetitive head impacts that can alter brain tissue. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. -- This episode is sponsored by Every Man Jack. If you haven't heard of them, they're a men's grooming company that creates some of the highest performing, best-smelling products on the market. They believe it's not just about what you put in your body that matters, but what you put on your body. From their body wash, to deodorant, to beard oil and more, they are made with naturally derived ingredients and incredible outdoorsy scents that bring the best of nature into their bottles and bars. Here's what you do. Head to everymanjack.com today and use our special promo code PUT6 for 25% off on orders of 50 dollars or more. Making small changes to your routine, even in the shower, can have a significant impact, and Every Man Jack makes that easy.  Every Man Jack. Naturally Derived. Outdoor Inspired.

"And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyre′ne, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross." - Mark 15:21 This is episode two of our two-part special, the story of picking up the six through the lens of Simon, a man thrust into an incredible moment in time. Yesterday, we heard from Father James Hamel, and we talked about Simon, who he was, the little that we know about it, and how his act years ago should inspire us still today. 
Today, we hear from a pair of high impact men who now share an incredible bond after bringing that scene to life for an upcoming film. Rob Renzi and Dom Raso join the show to talk about acting, side-by-side as Jesus and Simon, on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX PODCAST.

"As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyre′ne, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross." - Matthew 27:32 I'm Brian Jodice and this is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast, and today we bring you the first in a two-part special series as we unpack the story of Simon of Cyrene, a man who in a moment's notice was thrust into helping another man who had been beaten and was on the path to his eventual death. 
It is Holy Thursday in the Christian faith and we are leaning in with Father James Hamel, a family friend, Catholic priest, and Colonel in the United States Air Force. It's an powerful story about picking up the six, and I hope you enjoy it.

“After these things God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Mori′ah, and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” It is one of the most controversial moments in all Scripture, when the Lord tested Abraham by commanding him to take his son, his only son, and sacrifice him on the mountain of Moriah. Imagine that request. Now, you have the opportunity to see the story on the silver screen in the upcoming film, His Only Son. David Helling is the writer and director and he joins the show to talk about making the movie, the importance of the story, and how we stood in the sands of Iraq while a war raged in front of him, and at the same time one was raging in his heart as well, and how that bring us to today. -- His Only Son: www.angel.com/son Sponsor link: www.amino-vital.com code PUT6 at checkout to save 20%

This is Brian Jodice with PICK UP THE SIX Podcast. I have a special teaser episode for you this week. We'll hear about 5-minutes from a pair of conversations, and in two-weeks you'll hear the full episodes. Those two episodes will air back-to-back on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and on those shows we'll dig into the story of a man named Simon of Cyrene, who in a moment's notice was thrust into an incredible act of picking up the six. It's the story of Simon and Jesus and carrying the cross. So, today, enjoy a few minutes with three incredible friends of the show. Father Hamel joins me to talk about the story of Simon, and then Rob Renzi and Dom Raso join me to talk about the bond they now share having brought those two men to the screen while filming for an upcoming movie. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.

He might not be called Maverick, or Iceman, or Goose but he's been in the real-life scenarios that those men were in the films Top Gun and Top Gun Maverick. Tim Gamache joins the show today to talk about his experience as a US Navy Top Gun aviator, and how later in life he was lead to a relationship with God that he has put on the back burner for far too long. Tim talks about that and more in his book, Top Gun for God, and we discuss it all on this episode of PICK UP THE SIX podcast. It's a great conversation, heavy on the faith side of things, and one I'm pumped to bring you along for. This is PICK UP THE SIX Podcast.