The Smoke Pit

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Crazy stories, roasting, and witty banter are the hallmarks of the camaraderie that defines the military experience. Come join us in the Smoke Pit where we keep this tradition alive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Sharp


    • Apr 14, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 152 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Smoke Pit podcast is a must-listen for anyone who has served in the military or wants to gain insight into the experiences and humor of service members. From the very beginning, this show captivates listeners with its real and relatable discussions about the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, mental health, and life after service. The hosts do an excellent job of verbalizing the thoughts and feelings that veterans often have but struggle to express. They bring on great guests who add depth and variety to the conversations. Overall, this podcast provides a much-needed platform for veterans to laugh, cry, and connect with others who understand their unique experiences.

    One of the best aspects of The Smoke Pit podcast is its focus on real issues that affect veterans. The topics are well-researched and presented in a thoughtful and engaging way. The hosts have matured since season one, delivering content that is both informative and entertaining. They strike a perfect balance between addressing heavy topics and maintaining their signature dark humor, which initially drew listeners in. Additionally, the show's commitment to giving back to the community and representing it in an admirable way is commendable.

    While there are many positive aspects of The Smoke Pit podcast, one potential downside is the number of sponsors they have. Some listeners may feel that there are too many advertisements within episodes, which can detract from the overall listening experience. However, it's important to remember that sponsorships are necessary for podcasts like this to continue producing quality content.

    In conclusion, The Smoke Pit podcast is an amazing show that provides invaluable insights into military life and offers support to those transitioning out of service. It combines humor with serious discussions about mental health and other relevant issues faced by veterans. While there may be some minor drawbacks like excessive sponsorship mentions, these do not overshadow the overall excellence of the show. Whether you're a current or former service member or simply interested in gaining a deeper understanding of military experiences, this podcast is well worth your time.



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    Latest episodes from The Smoke Pit

    SHOT Show: Double Tap Interviews

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2024 15:36


    Enjoy this bonus episode to hold you over until the next season drops.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Diamonds & Guns

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 47:23


    Yehuda Remer (aka The Pew Pew Jew), Orthodox Jew and 2nd Amendment advocate talks about arming his community for the betterment of the world and for the sake of creating spectacular children's literature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Muay Thai & Masculinity

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 40:33


    Gareth Hoernel: MMA fighter, international rugby player, executive protection specialist, philanthropist and humanitarian, shares his perspectives on being a man on an increasingly emasculated world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Cheap Liquor & Cheaper Laughs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 59:10


    Jenna Carlton (@TheMillennialVeteran) explains how consuming a Strawberita underage lead her meet her life-long "boat boo" and why he's more than happy to take a chin-check in defense of her honor. We should all be so lucky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Comedy Beats Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 45:02


    Marine Corps Officer and comedian Stephanie Klein talks screen writing, divorce, and sweet potatoes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Go Explore, the World is Waiting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 48:16


    Veteran Outdoor Alliance was created to empower Veterans by providing the veteran community with the education, resources, and logistics to facilitate various outdoor programs. These include extended expeditions, weekend adventures, wilderness and outdoor skills training, and nature therapy programs both on the national and local levels. Joining us today are the founders of VOA, telling their stories about traveling the globe. It is our mission to entertain, advocate for, and bring together Military, Veterans and like minded people all over the world, using comedy and camaraderie. Welcome to the Smoke Pit.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Activate your glutes: with Austen Alexander

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2023 30:32


    YouTube star and founder of Battle Bunker, Austen Alexander joins us in the Smoke Pit to talk about what inspires him. Austen is a California-based digital media producer, host, entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, and Navy Veteran who challenges himself and others to become better through physical fitness and a positive mindset.It is our mission to entertain, advocate for, and bring together Military, Veterans and like minded people all over the world, using comedy and camaraderie. Welcome to the Smoke Pit.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sputnik and October Skies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 49:59


    Best selling author and Vietnam veteran, Homer Hickam is the inspiration of the critically acclaimed movie "October Sky." He joins us in the Smoke Pit to talk about his time at NASA, drinking with Russian scientists, and his new book "Don't Blow Yourself Up."It is our mission to entertain, advocate for, and bring together Military, Veterans and like minded people all over the world, using comedy and camaraderie. Welcome to the Smoke Pit.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, NASA, any affiliates, or separate entities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Recruiting Hotties and Stacking Bodies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 45:27


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Choke Slam Your Co-workers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 53:35


    Now the Impact World Champion, Steve Kupryk joins us again to talk about mental health, achieving your goals and choke slamming your co-workers. Catch his last episode: Machine Guns and Powerbombs.It is our mission to entertain, advocate for, and bring together Military, Veterans and like minded people all over the world, using comedy and camaraderie. Welcome to the Smoke Pit.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Hankering for some Tankering

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 62:59


    Army Tanker and Intel Officer (a tanker who can weaponize data?) and debut author, TR Hendricks almost out eye-contacts Jamie while swapping some dope war stories. And mental health because Smoke Pit.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Better Late Than Never, Right?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 49:56


    This lost episode bubbled its way back to the surface in another hilarious installment of the Smoke Pit Podcast. Dan shows scientific evidence that AJ dated an evil spirit, and apparently Jamie speaks Spanish??Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Go Down Swinging: MOH Recipient MSG Earl Plumlee

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 65:01


    Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee joins us in the Smoke Pit to talk about changing times, training the next generation of warfighters, and his reflections on a career that spanned over 23 years.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the DOD, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    TeleMYND, Body & Soul

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 54:15


    Navy vet and friend of the Smoke Pit, Grant Khan, introduces us to the easiest way for us Tri-Care & VA folks to obtain QUICK mental health appointments without getting waitlisted for the better part of a year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Rabbit Holes & Sidebars

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 46:33


    The boys are back in town! Dan, AJ and Jamie go down rabbit holes and eventually get to their point. Make sure to check out our website for more news, stories, and updates.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Postcards Through Hell

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2023 103:07


    Stu the Grey Beard Veteran talks with two former military, civilian contractors who risked their lives in war-torn Afghanistan to deliver mail to the troops fighting on the front lines.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Power slaps and Big T Energy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 28:39


    Tiffany and Angie, the hosts of the Big T Energy podcast, join Dan at SHOT Show to talk about mental health and dating in the military community. Also, former Marine Duane “The Iron Giant” Crespo stops by to talk about how MMA helped him overcome his life's biggest challenges. Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Forged in fire, bit by dogs - Autumn Schlimmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 34:55


    She forges knives, wields a dog like a weapon, and can take OC like an OG. Listen to Navy Veteran Autumn Schlimmer discuss what makes her tick on this week's episode!Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Queen of Guns: Orin Julie

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 44:51


    Badass, baller, and bombshell, Orin Julie of the Israeli Defense Force sits down in the Smoke Pit to talk firearms and forgiveness. Don't miss the SHOT Show 2023 exclusive interview!Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Negotiating like your life depends on it: with Chris Voss

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 42:54


    Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, literally wrote the MasterClass on "The Art of Negotiation." He joins Jamie in the Smoke Pit to shed some light about the experiences that inspired his hit book, "Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Who Wants A Mustache Ride?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 48:43


    Super Trooper Writer, Director and Star, Jay Chandrasekhar, talks vengeance on Rotten Tomatoes, his newest upcoming film, Quasi, and of course... mustache rides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    You should trust Andy, Steve Jobs did

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2022 56:50


    Meet Andy Cunningham, the marketing strategist who helped Steve Jobs launch the original Apple Macintosh. She also worked with Pixar, Blackberry NeXT and many more companies. Now, she's here to discuss everything from branding, positioning, and how Veterans can succeed in business. Find more of Andy at the Cunningham Collective.Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Revenue Streaming & Battling Demons pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 75:51


    Welcome back! Finally we get to enjoy part two of the interview with Nick K. He's a former Marine Corps Raider. Nick sits down with Stu to talk about translating leadership on the battlefield to leadership in the workplace. Stay tuned for part 2!Disclaimer:Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Revenue Streaming & Battling Demons pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2022 56:12


    Welcome back! Today we have Nick K., a former Marine Corps Raider. He sits down with Stu to talk about translating leadership on the battlefield to leadership in the workplace. Stay tuned for part 2!Disclaimer:Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hollywood writting with Geraint Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 63:33


    Best selling author, and British combat vet, Geraint Jones stops by the smoke pit again to talk about his new movie, MVP.Disclaimer:Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Getting Pete-T.S.D with Pete Stegemeyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2022 60:45


    Comedian, and Author, Pete Stegemeyer, joins us to talk about his new hit album: Pete-T.S.D. Pete is an Army combat Veteran and the author of Author of HEIST. He is also the host of the "I Can Steal That" true crime podcast.Disclaimer:Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers, and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of, Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Being a CIA Secret Squirrel in a Nutshell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 76:46


    Former CIA Operative Andy Bustamante discusses bulletproofing the mind, geopolitics, and world narratives in complex but digestible context. See how your spy craft compares to Andy's by taking the Every Day Spy QuizDisclaimer:Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed by all guests are theirs and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the host(s), Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    John Douglas on chasing serial killers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 90:47


    Mindhunters' John Douglas, a legendary FBI agent, opens up about the personal toll a career of interviewing the most notorious serial killers had on his mental, and physical health. Don't miss this candid interview with a man who gave the literal MasterClass on how to think like a criminal profiler.Warning:This episode features disturbing topics covering violent crimes. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Haunted Hills of Halloween

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2022 51:28


    Author, publicist, & television personality Kelly Cutrone stops by the Smoke Pit to talk about Halloween & Hollywood with Jamie "Goldy" Goldstein. Make sure to follow our social media, and check out Pop Smoke Media for news, humor and updates.Disclaimer:Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed by all guests are theirs and theirs alone. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the host(s), Pop Smoke Media, or any affiliates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What's Your Tactical IQ?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 46:50


    Stu has an insightful talk with Mike Foreman, who has over 41 years of experience in the field of law enforcement working in: vice, narcotics, criminal investigations, K‐9, tactical patrol, drug interdiction and SWAT. Mike is currently the Executive Vice President of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Tactical Pause with Stu & AJ

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 66:45


    Stu fills in for Dan and peppers AJ with rants, hypotheticals and advise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Psych Meds & Cyborgs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 57:16


    Today's two-part episode features a pair of great guest. First off, Stu the gray beard is an old grumpy salt dog. Next up, Matt served alongside Dan in the Marine Corps, and the reminisce over old times. Get comfortable and put your head phones in because these topics are not PG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Comic Hurt My Feelings

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 53:17


    Joining us today is Josh Francis. He is a podcast host, stand-up comedian and former US Marine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Violins, Poems & Big Foot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 73:35


    Dan encourages the audience to express their voice with two great interviews featuring guests who are seeking submissions for projects highlighting Veteran stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Organ Failure and Attack Dogs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2022 25:10


    Recap of events since our last episode and an interview with the founder of K9 Social Summit, Xena Lamp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    dogs attack acast organ failure
    Travel Like Abbas

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 29:00


    Abbas Haider, CEO & founder of Aspetto, Inc. joins us to talk about travel, business and aiming for the stars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Don't Bite the Medic!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 58:43


    Two great interviews, one handsome host. Dan interviews Matt from Field Seats about his gun review and giveaway business. Then Sam from PrepMedic talks about the assaults that EMS deal with on a daily basis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Gold Star Widow's Search for Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 37:11


    Michelle Black was seeking answers about her husband, Green Beret Bryan Black, who was killed in an ambush in Africa. However, her investigation exposed a shocking series of coverups and blame games. Join us as she tells her side of the story, and the difficulties finding the truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ghosts and Bug-Out Bags

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 26:54


    Today we are joined by New York Times best-selling author, and founder of DASH Survival, Kelly Crigger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bears, Beets, Battlefield Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 43:45


    The boys roast each other, talk world events in the hilarious, and endearing episode. Visit PopSmokeMedia.com for news, and cool stories! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Body Bags & Beauty Pageants

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2022 31:35


    This two part episode includes interviews with Chu Taylor and Fleur Remington. Two great stories from opposite sides of the effort to help Veterans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Recruiting During a Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 22:59


    Two recruiters from the New Jersey Air National Guard join Dan to talk about the complexities of recruiting during a pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bliss point of a Grunt's Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 54:54


    Vet TV writer and director Jamie Goldstein stops by the smoke pit, and the lighthearted conversation turns to introspection while discussing Vet Tv's new series, A Grunt's Life 2. Don't miss this raw and honest conversation between two GWOT Vets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Redneck Kamehameha

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 52:58


    Back again Season Five! Dan and AJ interview Jeremy of Aspetto, Inc., about his crazy life. Then Dan interviews Congressman Rob Wittman about the Afghan congressional hearings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kris Paronto: Coffee Beans to Benghazi

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 30:02


    Today we are joined by Kris Paronto. The author and former Ranger discusses some of his extensive career, and what has changed since Benghazi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hunting Bombs in Afghanistan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2021 69:50


    Dan talks about the current situation in Afghanistan. Then the boys are joined by Caleb, an EOD technician, who blew things up for Dan on deployment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Good Guy With a Gun

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 46:40


    Today we are joined by veteran peace officer, Kevin Willis to talk about the mindset of a police officer responding to a shooting. As well as, the mindset a concealed weapon carrier should have to mitigate any potential conflict with responding uniformed officers, after the incident. With a focus on reducing the chances of an officer accidentally shooting a "good guy with a gun" who was just defending themself from a criminal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Vets Shaping the Future: with Anna Paulina Luna

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 53:05


    Joining us today is Anna Paulina Luna, USAF veteran and host of the Luna Talks with Anna Paulina podcast. Follow her at @realannapaulina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Shoot for Gold: Amber English

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 23:37


    Today we are joined by Olympic Gold Medalist, and World Record holder, Amber English. She talks us through her process, and how she overcomes her nerves in competition. We also talk to Dylan Lassiter, the new Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Pop Smoke Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Don't Start a War- Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2021 26:25


    Part 2 of the interview with Chief Grant Khanbalinov (Ret). Grant stops by the smoke pit with an amazing story. He ran all of the Navy's social media accounts, and was able to usher in a new era of mental health awareness for the nautical service. The conversation ran long, so enjoy part 2 of this insightful interview! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Don't Start a War- Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 66:34


    Chief Grant Khanbalinov (Ret) stops by the smoke pit with an amazing story. He ran all of the Navy's social media accounts, and was able to usher in a new era of mental health awareness for the nautical service. The conversation ran long, so enjoy part 1 of this insightful interview! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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