The Velvet Hammer Podcast

With so much pressure on so many people, I am struck by the comparison of the deep black water environments where there is intense pressure and little to no light, to our lives.  In this podcast David talks about how we can overcome that darkness and find light, even in the midst of constant pressure from all around us.

Are you looking to improve your companies growth, retention, trust with employees and overall well being?  Listen to this podcast and get some insights into RESPECT as one of the key principles that can take you, your team and company to the next level.  In this podcast David was interviewed by Maikel Bailey and Rich Baron from Mainline Executive Coaching on the dynamics of respect and leadership. This is a great team of experienced coaches that help accelerate business growth and personal development.  More from them at executiveleadersactilec.com

The ability to let our will go and depend upon the wisdom of a loving God and the intervention of the heavens yields true peace and joy on this earth.  This does not mean we do not try or we give up, it means we trust in the outcomes that we cannot force or control.  We connect to heaven and let his will be done knowing the results will be what is ultimately best for us.

For the FIRST TIME EVER I share the true story of my mission to find an abducted 3 year old Haitian American boy who was abducted from primary at church in Haiti and ransomed for $20,000 USD. PLEASE Share this. I hope you find a message inside this story that gives you hope and lifts you.Gangs, rescue, medical aid, bodyguards, abduction, evil, heartwarming children, angles and demons.  This is a true story that is about two special operations veterans that went to Haiti after the brutal earthquake in 2010 to protect doctors and nurses in what was then the largest natural disaster in recorded history.  On top of protecting the doctors and nurses, they were asked to find an abducted Haitian three year old American boy who had been ransomed after being taken from a church meeting on a Sunday.  This is the gritty real world story of that mission in a first hand account from David Burnell who was the Chief of Security for the largest volunteer Task Force to go to the beleaguered island and help. www.davidburnell.com

Freedom isn't just an American thing, it is an everyone thing.  Sometimes it feels like we in America feel that we are the inventors of freedom and we lay claim to its inherent natural rights as its founder.  Right now in March of 2022 we are witnessing like few times before an entire nation fight to be free from the oppression of another nation that desires to bind them into captivity. They are rejecting this outright and desire to be free and self governing.

This is an excerpt from one of David online course found at www.davidburnell.comTHE COLOR CODE OF MENTAL AWARENESS IS THE KEY TO LIVING IN SAFETY OR TO BE READY FOR A THREAT!CONDITION WHITE - unawareWhite is the lowest level on the escalator. In Condition White one is unaware, not alert, oblivious. This state can be characterized as "daydreaming" or "preoccupied". People in White tend to walk around with their heads down, as if watching their own feet. They do not notice the impending danger until it literally has them by the throat.CONDITION YELLOW - aware, alert and relaxedThis is a relaxed state of general alertness, with no specific focal point. You are not looking for anything or anyone in particular; you simply have your head up and your eyes open. You are alert and aware of your surroundings. You are difficult to surprise, therefore, you are difficult to harm. You do not expect to be attacked today. You simply recognize the possibility.CONDITION ORANGE - potential threat - create a planThis is a heightened state of alertness, with a specific focal point. The entire difference between Yellow and Orange is this specific target for your attention. Your focal point is the person who is doing whatever drew your attention to them. It might be the fact that they are wearing a field jacket in August. It might be that they are standing by a column in the parking garage, instead of going into the building, or getting in a car and leaving. It might be that you have been in five stores at the mall, and saw this same person in every one of them. Their actions have caused you to take note, so you must assess them as a potential threat, just as the fighter pilot assessed the blip earlier.CONDITION RED - Threat verified - implement planIn Red, you are ready to fight! You may not actually be fighting, but you are MENTALLY PREPARED to fight. In many, or perhaps even most, circumstances where you have gone fully to Red, you will not actually physically do anything at all. The entire process of escalating from Yellow, to Orange, to Red, then de-escalating right back down the scale as the situation is resolved, occurs without any actual physical activity on your part. The key is that you were mentally prepared for a conflict, and thus could physically act if the situation demanded.CONDITION BLACK - in the fight and fight to get awayThe fight is on. Your outcome will depend upon your preparation. Muscle & mental memory from training is recalled. You will fight how you trained.

The "Long Walk" is part of the Elite Delta Force selection process.  David compares life's journey and the common principles of this Long Walk.  These principles if followed will help us to have joy during the journey as well as enrichment other people along the way!  

Change is hard, in fact the brain has a real physiological response to change .  Part of the brain—the amygdala—interprets change as a threat and releases the hormones for fear, fight, or flight. Your body is actually protecting you from change. That is why so many people when presented with a new idea—even a good one, with tons of benefits—will resist it.  This podcast identifies three keys to overcoming this response and illustrates how we can learn to win!

All of us fit in the puzzle of life's great picture, even when we don't feel like it.  In a conversation with a very wise person one day, the comment was made that we are not suppose to be like everyone else. We are unique and just like no puzzle has two pieces that are the same, we are also an important piece of the great picture with our size, shape, colors and designs.

Life is a series of turns, twists, ups and as we all know downs.  The opportunity exists while on our individual paths to lift, love, learn, laugh and listen to others.  This is a critical "joy" set of skills to acquire and makes all of life's experiences so very rich and worth while!

This important principle is the foundation of our nations Declaration of Independence from England and the formation of the Bill of Rights. It is why millions have come to America to prosper and become all that they desire.  In this podcast David talks about this principle as well as individual rights compared to collectivism. 

This podcast is a short story of a chance meeting in a swimming pool early one morning where a young man who was burdened with such a heavy weight was lifted a few inches through simple acts of kindness.  We move through life with one of the greatest opportunities all around us!  Looking for the one who needs a simple smile, affirmation or understanding can create such joy and gratitude is one of our main purposes on this earth. 

Necessity - this important principle dictates your next activity and focus. When thought out clearly and while limiting external influences it can be a liberating and calming exercise and will lead to success, good mental health and well being.

Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are many reasons she may do this. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor animal away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with its neck. Their spirit is broken.These lambs are called “bummer lambs.” Unless the shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, do you know what the shepherd does?He takes that rejected little one into his home, hand-feeds it and keep it warm by the fire. He will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to his chest so the bummer can hear his heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.But that sheep never forgets how the shepherd cared for him when his mother rejected him. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess who runs to him first?That is right, the bummer sheep. He knows his voice intimately.It is not that the bummer lamb is loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it.It's not that it is loved more, it just believes it because it has experienced that love one on one.So many of us are bummer lambs, rejected and broken. But He is the good Shepherd. He cares for our every need and holds us close to His heart so we can hear His heart beat.We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.~ Psalm 23"Author Unknown "

This is one of my very favorite Podcasts here at the Velvet Hammer. I interviewed my very good friend and former South African Special Forces soldier David Fabricius on the topic of wolves, sheep and sheepdogs.  There are "good wolves" according to David and it is a very powerful concept.  He is also an American citizen by choice and he speaks of America and the threats to her. I endorse his message and share his perspectives. Thank you David Fabricius!

David shares an intense experience while becoming a Dive Rescue International Public Safety SCUBA Instructor that illustrates failure and how it can crush us, or become the catalyst for growth and becoming.

I give thanks to America the beautiful this day.  I love this Republic with my whole soul and have and will continue to defend her against all enemies foreign and domestic. She was founded as a Republic by intention and divine foresight. A Republic is ruled by law (constitution) where a democracy is ruled by a majority. The powerful difference is in the western analogy of a Lynch mob deciding someone is guilty and taking immediate action upon that person with no law to govern, nor protect the person accused. This is a significant reason that this “Nation Shall Endure” as President Ezra Taft Benson stated in that title of his talk given on December 4, 1973 as the presiding member of the quorum of the twelve apostles. I might add that we must also be a righteous and worthy people to retain this land that is choice above all other lands. It must however be protected and endure in order to fulfill its divine destiny to bring about its important purposes.When I got my DNA test done it said I was 48% Scottish and the rest was British and Northwestern European. There was no “American” DNA to be found. Even the Native American Indians when they get their DNA done they are labeled from the tribe they descend from. When we come to America like millions have for generations, we become trusted with this sacred Republic for which it stands regardless of our previous rank or nationality. We are ALL Americans under the umbrella and protection of our constitution and bill of rights. Red, white and blue runs through my veins only because I understand this Republic for what it is and what she stands for. So much blood has been spilled on this and other lands to protect this Republic and other places that also desire the same fairness and life under the rule of law and not a potentially evil majority.God Bless America and God bless all people who are pointed towards heavens light to embrace freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

Have you ever had an experience or challenge in life that you cannot fix? Are there unresolved issues that cannot at this time be mended? In this short podcast David talks about two specific experiences in Haiti and Burma where what he and others serving  saw was unfixable. David discusses the quote from the Apostle Boyd K. Packer "Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ." (Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Nov. 1995, pp. 19-20.)   

PTSD is widely misunderstood and many people have it or are in relationships with friends or family who suffer from its effects. Listen to these powerful personal insights into how you can identify symptoms and have the courage to step up and get some help from the right people. If you know or work with someone who has experience TRAUMA PLEASE listen to this podcast, it could save a life.  Too many have given up and checkout out from the negative effects of serving others and paying the price. There can be JOY in the journey and the screwed vision of hard experiences can be forged into strengths and resilience! 

What does it take to be a mighty man or woman of valor? Gideon shows us in this short but powerful story from the Bible told by David. The principles of doubt, faith, action and results are highlighted in this podcast. David also gives some personal insights into this story from his life experiences which helps you connect to relevant things happening in your life now. Enjoy this podcast and make sure to share it.

www.davidburnell.com - This is a speaking engagement to over 200 youth in Utah. In order to not only survive, but thrive in hard times the keys are to see the needs in others, and seek the inspiration from God. Then hear his words, act upon them and finally share the story with others to inspire, uplift and make a difference in this world!

www.davidburnell.com - Life changing in every way. This is a story of the deep lessons learned from a gunshot wound and a trip afterwards to climb the Middle Teton Mountain. #overcoming #gunshot #woundedbutnotdone #motivated #neverquit

www.davidburnell.com - While serving and a contractor in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake I was on a food drop with the 82nd Airborne Division and we were overrun. This is the story of that day on the complexities of an event that happens quickly without warning and the dynamics of being prepared for something that is already happening.

From Blackhawk Down to recent missions in the War On Terror and for over 40 years Dan Laguna has been on the Tip of the Spear. He has overcome racial prejudice and bias without blame or finger pointing to become one of our nations most decorated, celebrated and successful warriors. He is my friend and he knows what personal loss on the battlefield looks like. He is a Chiricahua Apache American who has spent his decades of service in Special Operations. He has operated around the globe as a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, contractor and Elite Little Bird pilot with the 160th SOAR. Dan was the program director for Blackwater Aviation and has rescued U.S. Diplomats and performed covert missions throughout his career. Hear the personal stories of danger, triumph and loss from his own voice during this interview. As I said Dan is a personal friend and one of my iconic heroes. Thank you Dan Laguna for being the kind of person to rise above racial discrimination to become one of our nations best!

How does a knuckling dragging bodyguard blend in and succeed as a bodyguard in one of the worst natural disasters in recorded history? David shares a few stories and some keen insights in the dynamics of protecting doctors and nurses in one of the most grueling and demanding environments. 

David shares personal stories of his closest friends who have been wounded in combat. The walking wounded are among us and they deserve more that a once of year remembrance. Say hello to a Veteran, Police Officer or Emergency Medical Services person today! It makes a difference at that moment to them!

David talks openly about some of the aspects of the Haiti Mission in 2010.  He was the Chief of Security for the Utah Hospital Task Force in post earthquake Haiti. This was at the time the largest recorded natural disaster in history. In David's own words it was "medieval".  Listen as David explains the dynamics of working to protect doctors and nurses as well as his search in the mountains of Haiti for a 3 year old American boy who was kidnapped. This is one of the most challenging environments on earth!

This is a very short segment taken from one of David's Live Seminars on the "why" he has gone to some dangerous and far away places and done many things including rescue and recovery work to anti-human trafficking, humanitarian missions and more. Why? This is a complex question and the answer is very simple yet deep.

In 2012 David went to Myanmar (Ancient Burma) with a former Special Forces soldier and Physicians Assistant (PA) named John with a call sign of BACSI (Thai for Medic). This journey would take them through the forbidden rivers and jungles into the heart of the Karen nation. The Karen have been at war since the end of World War II and have a small army of about 5000. They are fighting an army of over 500,000 and have been exterminated by the government for decades. In World War II on a specific mission the Japanese sent over 1000 soldiers into this jungle and because of the danger... NONE returned.David and BACSI worked with the General of the Karen Army and he will share his personal experiences about this, the people, and what it was like to work with a legend in the Special Forces community. NOTE: The Live Seminar is now an edited Podcast. It is best to the link below while listening and view the photos posted there. You can get these podcasts on Spotify or iTunes if you prefer. Search for the Velvet Hammer by David Burnell. Cheers.https://davidburnell.com/pages/myanmar-burma-mission-2012

This is an incredible look into the simple tools that can be used to help the very complex emotions we all can feel. David begins this live seminar converted into a podcast with a very intense live changing mission to rescue two teen age boys under the ice. The insights gained here are timeless and a must listen!

Learn timeless and proven principles to avoid danger! This was a LIVE seminar that focuses on how to Avoid Danger using the same timeless and proven principles that has helped David protect others as well as himself on missions around the world.

David shares his vast experience with Go Bags and 72 Hour Kits.  His has been around the world in major disaster areas and military operations.  This very detailed podcast talks openly about what you should consider having in your Go Bag or 72 Hour Kit.  More info as well as the complete checklist of items can be found at www.davidburnell.com - Enjoy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ TOP RATED by the participants. This was an online Velvet Hammer video and audio seminar converted into a podcast. The discussion was hosted by David Burnell and included several firearm experts including a Police Chief, SWAT Veterans, Federal Air Marshal, Counter Terrorism Specialists, Private Contractors and Military Veterans. Subject matter participants are Jeff Denning, Chief Paul Childs, David Hoffman, Mark Burnell and Jimmy Massey.

Shared from my global experiences around the world in major disaster areas. This Podcast is where I share a VERY positive approach to national and worldwide disasters, pandemics and events. The ability for us to reach out to others in need during times that squeeze our very souls is the measure of who we truly are. www.davidburnell.com

This podcast is CRITICAL for you to hear! Learn how to AVOID conflict and learn how to ESCAPE if you are pushed into a confrontation. David has real world experience as a military veteran, counter terrorism specialist, bodyguard for high risk areas and a defensive tactics instructor for military and law enforcement. www.davidburnell.com

This is a VERY important podcast that breaks down the lessons learned as the founder and lead instructor of the Urban Warfare Center® where thousands of Police, Military and Federal Agents were trained to understand and leverage the effects of stress on the brain and body. If you are interested in self defense, military or law enforcement this podcast is a must listen.  www.urbanwarfarecenter.com

David is a successful businessman and has created successful multi-million dollar enterprises from the ground up. After the 9/11 attacks he founded the Urban Warfare Center and the Combat Stress Program. Thousands of soldiers, federal agents and police were trained to win the fight through his stress inoculation training. According to senior military and law enforcement leadership these programs saved lives and reduced casualty rates. David is the creator of the Defensive Tactics self-defense system which has been featured internationally and can be found commercially on DVD.Some of David's recent missions include Burma with the Karen Army, Thailand, Nicaragua with the RAMA Indians, Costa Rica, Japan Tsunami Recovery Operations, and Alabama Tornado Relief Operations.  In 2010 David was selected as the chief of security for the Utah Hospital Task Force for post Earthquake Haiti. His duties included protection of the Task Force Commander, a former advisor to President Reagan, as well as ensuring the protection of 120 doctors, nurses and translators. This event was the largest natural disaster in modern recorded history.He is a published author and continues to serve and express his experiences in a series of short stories with the preamble “Danger Calls”. www.davidburnell.com

Do we hold on to dead weight or should we let go and be released? This is a complex question and our circumstances are all different. Are we going to the bottom of our own abyss by not letting something heavy go? If we release this thing will we fail in our mission? This story is a real event where I did not let go and it nearly cost my my life. However holding on gave closure to a a family. Your thoughts are what matter, I share my experience to help you consider both options. There are some deep personal spiritual tones to this story today. www.davidburnell.com

This is a true short story of what I did when a 357 Magnum was pushed up into my nose and I could see the rounds in the cylinder as he cocked the hammer back. I was 21 years old and while intervening in a street fight. www.davidburnell.com

This is a four (4) hour program on an indoor range. This program helps people handle their handgun safely and get great hits. We do a drill called 10x4 which is 10 rounds at 10 feet in ten seconds on a 10 inch target. This is accomplished by using the correct principles of sight alignment, sight picture and trigger control. Schedule your training with David today! www.davidburnell.com

A powerful short message from Native American Chief Tecumseh who lived in the early 1800's. I have adopted this philosophy in my life and share it with you this day. Enjoy!

This is a short story of an awesome experience in finding an older lady from Chicago on a mountain side in the Needles of South Dakota. The faith of one of my Search and Rescue friends was key to this success and may have saved this wonderful ladies life. The other element that was critical was action, doing, moving and not quitting.

This podcast gives insights into David's personal experience with PTSD. He connects the dots in a way that helps you understand the dilemma faced by most veterans. This article David shares has been widely published. Many veterans have responded to this with positive affirmations. PLEASE spread this podcast as it can help those struggling to know others understand!National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255

This mission was an epic one that was not what I thought it would be... You must listen to this to understand. It's about finding two emotionally lost American boys and using a velvet hammer to inspire them to greater heights when I thought my primary reason for being there was recovery operations. Enjoy and switch on and do some good!