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Rob O'Neill is a retired Navy SEAL with more than 400 combat missions, deployments with SEAL Team Two and SEAL Team Six, and participation in some of the most high-profile special operations of the last two decades. He served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and has spent years navigating the complicated transition from service to public life. In this conversation, Rob joins me for an unfiltered, long-form discussion about his career, the brotherhood of the teams, and the personal cost that comes with telling parts of his story publicly. We talk at length about Operation Neptune Spear, the mission to kill Osama bin Laden, and Rob's perspective on how the official debrief differs from his lived experience. Rob explains why he believes portions of the record are incomplete, discusses actions taken by members of the assault force after bin Laden was already dead, and why those details matter to him years later. These are Rob's firsthand accounts and interpretations, shared in full context and without editing for sound bites. We also dig into Rob's ongoing $25 million defamation lawsuit, how it came about, and what it's like to defend your name after a lifetime spent operating in silence. This isn't a hit piece or a hero narrative—it's a three-hour conversation about memory, loyalty, accountability, and what happens when the story doesn't match the mission. Today's Sponsors: Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com David: Buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to https://davidprotein.com/CLEAREDHOT
In Episode 623: Sacrificing To Kandahar Giants, we are joined by Ray who discusses his grandmother's involvement in witchcraft in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and her interactions with the giants and Jinn. He recounts his father's experiences and stories about his grandmother, who practiced witchcraft and was known to make offerings to giants in caves with livestock. Additionally, Ray shares accounts of Jinn encounters within his family, illustrating a deep-rooted generational connection with these supernatural entities. Tony and Ray explore the intersection of his family history, cultural legends, and personal experiences with the unexplained.Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference!If you're able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890Become a member for ad-free listening, extra shows, and exclusive access to our social media app: theconfessionalspodcast.com/joinThe Confessionals Social Network App:Apple Store: https://apple.co/3UxhPrhGoogle Play: https://bit.ly/43mk8kZThe Counter Series Available NOW:The Counter (YouTube): WATCH HEREThe Counter (Full Episode): WATCH HERETony's Recommended Reads: slingshotlibrary.comIf you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: Click HereBigfoot: The Journey To Belief: Stream HereThe Meadow Project: Stream HereMerkel Media Apparel: merkmerch.comMy New YouTube ChannelMerkel IRL: @merkelIRLMy First Sermon: Unseen BattlesSPONSORSSIMPLISAFE TODAY: simplisafe.com/confessionalsGHOSTBED: GhostBed.com/tonyCONNECT WITH USWebsite: www.theconfessionalspodcast.comEmail: contact@theconfessionalspodcast.comMAILING ADDRESS:Merkel Media257 N. Calderwood St., #301Alcoa, TN 37701SOCIAL MEDIASubscribe to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/2TlREaIReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7hShow Instagram: theconfessionalspodcastTony's Instagram: tonymerkelofficialFacebook: www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcasTwitter: @TConfessionalsTony's Twitter: @tony_merkelProduced by: @jack_theproducerOUTRO MUSICJoel Thomas - PulpYouTube | Apple Music | Spotify
This week, Madigan brings you the first four of her Top 8 (so MySpace coded) Feminist Faves over the last eight years. This week includes Nellie Bly, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Meena (The Heroine of Afghanistan), and Nellie Griswold Francis. Original Episodes: Nellie Bly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-angry-neighborhood-feminist/id1339226131?i=1000591949946 Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-angry-neighborhood-feminist/id1339226131?i=1000614912178 Kumu Hina Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zeond28-UA Meena: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-angry-neighborhood-feminist/id1339226131?i=1000670444505 Nellie Griswold Francis: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-angry-neighborhood-feminist/id1339226131?i=1000722416930 Do you have a topic that you want the show to take on? Email: neighborhoodfeminist@gmail.com Social media: Instagram: @angryneighborhoodfeminist Get YANF Merch! https://yanfpodcast.threadless.com/ JOIN ME ON PATREON!! https://www.patreon.com/angryneighborhoodfeminist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jerry and Tracy discuss the satanic killings of Italian metal band Beasts of Satan and talk to Exorcist Father Gary Thomas. The book and movie The Rite was written about Father Thomas's experiences in Italy
MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on world leaders discussing publicly how Trump's attack on NATO soldiers in Afghanistan was the final straw in trying to keep any type of productive relationship with the United States and Meiselas interviews former United States Ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford about what he's hearing in Denmark about Trump's final betrayal. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Anger is mounting over President Trump's comments about NATO troops' role in the Afghanistan war. Non-American veterans have demanded an apology, saying they fought alongside US soldiers on the front line. Also: the United States, Russia and Ukraine hold their first trilateral peace talks; the UN Human Rights Council approves an inquiry into Iran's protest crackdown; Alex Honnold postpones his controversial free solo skyscraper climb; and are you a grumbletonian -- consult the old dictionary of London slang.
In the face of widespread protests, the Iranian government ‘switched off' the country's access to the internet on 8th January. In Uganda, prior to recent elections, the government of president Yoweri Museveni prevented its citizens from accessing the internet. Worldwide, Afghanistan, Myanmar, India and Bangladesh – to name only a few - have all taken the decision to severely restrict internet access at times of perceived political crisis or challenge. Yet it was only fifteen years ago, during the Arab Spring, that internet access and digital media were seen as game-changing communications tools for democratisation. Now, how vulnerable is protest and political opposition to being taken offline? This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world. Presented by Faranak Amidi. Produced by Laura Thomas, Caroline Ferguson and Hannah Dean. (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)
Scott brings Daniel Davis back to run through some of the latest developments related to American foreign policy. They discuss how close the war in Ukraine is to ending, whether US-EU cooperation is starting to fracture, whether Russia has been effectively weakened by NATO since it invaded Ukraine in 2022 and more. Discussed on the show: Daniel Davis / Deep Dive Daniel Davis did multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan during his time in the army. He is a Senior Fellow at Defense Priorities and is the author of the reports “Dereliction of Duty II: Senior Military Leaders' Loss of Integrity Wounds Afghan War Effort” and “Go Big or Go Deep: An Analysis of Strategy Options on Afghanistan.” Find him on Twitter @DanielLDavis1and subscribe to his YouTube Channel. Audio cleaned up with the Podsworth app: https://podsworth.com Use code HORTON50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings, sound like a pro, and also support the Scott Horton Show! For more on Scott's work: Check out The Libertarian Institute: https://www.libertarianinstitute.org Check out Scott's other show, Provoked, with Darryl Cooper https://youtube.com/@Provoked_Show Read Scott's books: Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine https://amzn.to/47jMtg7 (The audiobook of Provoked is being published in sections at https://scotthortonshow.com) Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism: https://amzn.to/3tgMCdw Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan https://amzn.to/3HRufs0 Follow Scott on X @scotthortonshow And check out Scott's full interview archives: https://scotthorton.org/all-interviews This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Incorporated https://rrbi.co Moon Does Artisan Coffee https://scotthorton.org/coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom https://www.libertyclassroom.com/dap/a/?a=1616 and Dissident Media https://dissidentmedia.comYou can also support Scott's work by making a one-time or recurring donation at https://scotthorton.org/donate/https://scotthortonshow.com or https://patreon.com/scotthortonshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trump Insults Allied Troops, Rod Stewart, Prince Harry and Combat Veterans and Gold Star Families Across Europe, UK, NATO. Bonus Clip: Rieckhoff on CNN with Erin Burnett OutFront Independent Americans host and Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff jumps on the mic from a school stairwell in New York City to react to breaking news: another deadly ICE shooting of a 37-year-old American in Minneapolis. He explains why this tragedy was both preventable and predictable, why ICE's culture has become “rotten to the core,” and how Trump's toxic leadership is pouring gasoline on an already explosive situation in cities across America. Paul breaks down the looming threat of the Insurrection Act, the possibility of deploying the 11th Airborne Corps into American streets, and why this is a “circuit breaker” moment that demands calm, peaceful, vigilant engagement from independent Americans everywhere. From there, Paul widens the lens to the global stage, speaking directly as a combat veteran to NATO vets and allies after Trump's latest insult to foreign troops who fought and died alongside Americans from World War II through Afghanistan. He reads raw, emotional messages from veterans in places like the Netherlands and Australia, highlighting the outrage and hurt felt by those who bled on the front lines only to be dismissed by a president who never served. Paul makes clear that Trump does not speak for most Americans—or most American veterans—and that many in the United States still stand shoulder to shoulder with their allies: never above, never below, always side by side. As a bonus, the episode features a powerful clip from Paul's appearance on CNN's Out Front with Erin Burnett and S.E. Cupp, where he calls Trump “President Mayhem” and lays out how his chaos, tariff threats and fixation on Greenland are shredding America's reputation as “the good guys” and giving Putin another great week. It's a fast, urgent, independent analysis designed to keep you ahead of the curve and grounded in values: country over party, people over politics, light over heat. If you're looking for a clear-eyed perspective, a way to channel your anger into lawful action, and a reminder that you're not alone, this special bonus pod will help you stay calm, stay engaged and stay vigilant. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year. -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. And now part of the BLEAV network! Ways to listen: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram Social channels: X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff is back with a special bonus pod featuring Paul's full appearance on MSNBC's Nightcap with Stephanie Ruhle's 11th Hour, bringing an independent, patriotic, candid, action-focused perspective into the cable news crossfire. Drawing on his experience as founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and host of this show, Paul explains why “we are no longer the good guys” in the eyes of many around the world and how Trump's behavior is shredding decades of trust with allies who fought and bled alongside us in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, including furious NATO partners such as Denmark and Norway. He breaks down how the scheme to “take” Greenland could have triggered NATO's Article 5 against the United States and why veterans across the globe are speaking out. Paul warns that Trump is “all gas, no brakes,” charting a plan to dominate America in 2025 and the Western Hemisphere in 2026 while Congress and traditional guardrails fail to stop him. He details the real risk of abusing the Insurrection Act, deploying federal forces against Americans at home, and turning law enforcement into a political weapon against citizens, veterans, cops, and kids—arguing that if it can happen to them, it can happen to you. He also dives into Trump's war on the media and the truth itself, drawing a direct line from attacks on NPR, the Washington Post, CNN, and Stars and Stripes to efforts to twist TikTok and X into the most powerful propaganda machines on the planet, with TikTok's ownership split between Trump allies and Chinese interests creating both a national security crisis and an information warfare nightmare. Amid looming snowstorms at home, Paul contrasts Trump's dishonorable conduct with the courage of President Zelensky and the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who endure a daily storm of drones, missiles, and freezing conditions in the name of freedom. He argues that Zelensky is showing the kind of leadership America once modeled—and that we can and must learn from that example right now. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year. -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. And now part of the BLEAV network! Ways to listen: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram Social channels: X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We hear from an investigative journalist who's been covering the story for more than a decade. A Canadian who served in Afghanistan tells us there's no place for the kind of insulting rhetoric the U.S. president is spreading about his country's NATO allies. As Valentino Garavani is laid to rest in Rome, director Matt Tyrnauer tells us about the fashion insight, friction, and friendship...that came with capturing the beloved designer's life and work in the documentary, The Last Emperor. It's a simple enough concept -- but knitters will tell you that it's a game changer. And it exists because of the late Barbara G Walker, who revolutionized the craft. Canada Post honours pioneering Canadian hiphop artists with their own stamps -- including the groundbreaking Michie Mee. She tells us it's a big deal to be on a small rectangle. Science thought a prehistoric kangaroo was just too gigantic to jump -- but now, new science has changed the old science's mind. As It Happens, the Friday Edition. Radio that finds this whole discussion pretty roo-dimentary.
Download Audio. Scott brings Daniel Davis back to run through some of the latest developments related to American foreign policy. They discuss how close the war in Ukraine is to ending, whether US-EU cooperation is starting to fracture, whether Russia has been effectively weakened by NATO since it invaded Ukraine in 2022 and more. Discussed on the show: Daniel Davis / Deep Dive Daniel Davis did multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan during his time in the army. He is a Senior Fellow at Defense Priorities and is the author of the reports “Dereliction of Duty II: Senior Military Leaders' Loss of Integrity Wounds Afghan War Effort” and “Go Big or Go Deep: An Analysis of Strategy Options on Afghanistan.” Find him on Twitter @DanielLDavis1and subscribe to his YouTube Channel. Audio cleaned up with the Podsworth app: https://podsworth.com Use code HORTON50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings, sound like a pro, and also support the Scott Horton Show! For more on Scott’s work: Check out The Libertarian Institute: https://www.libertarianinstitute.org Check out Scott’s other show, Provoked, with Darryl Cooper https://youtube.com/@Provoked_Show Read Scott’s books: Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine https://amzn.to/47jMtg7 (The audiobook of Provoked is being published in sections at https://scotthortonshow.com) Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism: https://amzn.to/3tgMCdw Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan https://amzn.to/3HRufs0 Follow Scott on X @scotthortonshow And check out Scott's full interview archives: https://scotthorton.org/all-interviews This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Incorporated https://rrbi.co Moon Does Artisan Coffee https://scotthorton.org/coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom https://www.libertyclassroom.com/dap/a/?a=1616 and Dissident Media https://dissidentmedia.com You can also support Scott's work by making a one-time or recurring donation at https://scotthorton.org/donate/https://scotthortonshow.com or https://patreon.com/scotthortonshow
In the news: The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has announced that he is seeking permission to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election; President Trump has appeared to try to make amends for his remarks about NATO troops in Afghanistan -- which provoked outrage among the families of soldiers who died there; and a man has died in the US city of Minneapolis after being shot by federal agents -- known as ICE -- who've been deployed by the Trump administration to detain and deport illegal immigrants in Minnesota.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Capita run civil service pension scheme leaves retirees in limbo Trump sparks anger with claim Nato troops avoided Afghanistan front line Young people say they felt pressured by emerging church to donate Andy Burnham faces decision on bid to return as MP Trump withdraws Canadas invite to join Board of Peace Supersized illegal waste dumps hidden across English countryside Queen Elizabeth II statue will be standing and not on horseback Heathrow scraps 100ml liquid container limit Why menopause masking can have consequences as I discovered BBC apologises to sacked ex presenter over homophobic abuse
The feds defend the detention of a preschooler while introducing a new catchphrase for the outrage. Plus, Donald Trump's assertion that NATO troops avoided the front lines in Afghanistan draws rebukes from Prince Harry to America's greatest ally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why is the SAVE Act stalled on the House floor—and why is Anna Paulina Luna threatening to shut everything down to force a vote? Joe Pags breaks it down, then calls out the backwards logic behind Zohran Mamdani backing taxpayer-funded childcare for illegal parents. Plus, highlights from today's March for Life, including must-hear remarks from Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. Then the main event: Wesley Hunt joins Pags in studio to address the hot controversy trending today—questions about missed votes as he eyes a Texas Senate run. A former Apache pilot who served in Afghanistan, Hunt answers critics head-on, talks national security and the Department of War, and makes his case directly to voters. Two patriots, zero fluff—this one brings the fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A spokesman for Britain's prime minister, Keir Starmer, has said President Trump was wrong to diminish the role of NATO troops during the war in Afghanistan. There's been an angry backlash to the US president's claims that NATO allies avoided the frontline during the conflict. The Polish defence minister said the sacrifice of their troops should not be forgotten. The Dutch foreign minister described Mr Trump's comments as false. Roughly a third of coalition soldiers killed in Afghanistan were non- American. Also: the BBC is granted rare access to one of Ukraine's few operating nuclear power plants; South Africa says Nelson Mandela memorabilia can be auctioned; women's health is on the agenda at the World Economic Forum; limit on liquids is scrapped at London's Heathrow airport; and can ageing novelists retire?The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Day 1,429.Today, as President Trump prompts further outrage with his claim NATO troops “avoided the frontline” in Afghanistan, we consider whether President Zelensky was right to call out Europe in his speech at Davos ahead of the first trilateral talks of the war. Then we ponder whether the Greenland saga can be put to bed, or if it's truly indicative of a historic shift, before returning to the topic of resilience with the second half of our interview with former British army officer Ash Alexander-Cooper.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE (former British army officer and author). @ashalexcooper on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Zelensky attacks ‘weak and indecisive' European leaders (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/22/zelensky-attack-weak-indecisive-european-leaders/ Britain helps seize Russian oil tanker in Mediterranean (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/22/britain-helps-seize-russian-oil-tanker-mediterranean/ This was the moment EU leaders agreed Europe must go it alone (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-leaders-agree-independent-europe-summit-emmanuel-macron-friedrich-merz/ Exclusive: Trump's new Board of Peace could tackle Russia-Ukraine war, source says (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/trump-launches-his-board-of-peace-ahead-of-meeting-with-zelensky LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
World leaders and army veterans have rejected President Trump's claim that Nato service personnel did not fight on the front lines or play a key part during the US-led war in Afghanistan. We speak to a former secretary general of Nato, whose alliance sent thousands of international troops to fight during the invasion.Also in the programme: grim reports continue to emerge from Iran; why Nelson Mandela's family is fighting to keep his belongings from an auction; and does celebrated political scientist Francis Fukuyama believe this is the end of the "rules-based" international order?(Photo: US President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC, US, October 22, 2025. Credit: Reuters)
In our news wrap Friday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called President Trump's comments about NATO troops serving in Afghanistan "insulting" and "appalling," the FBI arrested a former Olympic snowboarder and alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding and the city of Philadelphia is suing the Trump administration over the removal of a slavery exhibit at the Independence National Historical Park. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Send us a textLieutenant General Tony Hale, the Army G-2, joins Joe for a conversation on military intelligence, judgment, and decision-making in modern war. Drawing on nearly four decades of service, Hale reflects on the evolution of the intelligence profession—from red pens and acetate maps to AI-enabled platforms—and why human judgment still matters most.Hale shares his path into military intelligence, challenges common misconceptions about the field, and explains why intelligence is foundational to maneuver, lethality, and command. From battalion S2 shops to JSOC, Afghanistan, and the Army's highest intelligence roles, he offers a clear view of how intelligence professionals shape outcomes across every echelon.They discuss the responsibility of “putting your rank on the table,” developing junior analysts, and creating environments where ideas matter more than hierarchy. The conversation also explores self-development, operating amid disinformation, balancing OSINT with historical context, and how AI can enhance—but never replace— disciplined thinking.In this episode, LTG Hale and Joe explore:Why “lethality starts with intelligence”The role of intelligence in enabling decision dominanceMaking analytical calls under uncertaintyDeveloping confident, capable intelligence professionalsThe limits of AI and the enduring value of human judgmentPreparing for future conflict while mastering the fundamentalsWhether you're an intelligence professional, commander, or leader navigating uncertainty, this conversation is a reminder that seeing clearly—and thinking well—remains the decisive advantage.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. Logistics Systems Incorporated (LSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting DoD and federal civilian agencies with enterprise IT operations, global logistics support, cybersecurity, data, and mission support services. Founded by a veteran Army leader, LSI is known for operating inside complex, high-consequence environments where leadership, discipline, and execution matter. Their teams support large user communities and mission-critical systems across defense and civilian agencies.
President Donald Trump & Vice President JD Vance speak to the annual anti-abortion March for Life in Washington, DC; Hundreds of businesses in Minnesota close their doors to protest U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations; FBI Director Kash Patel announces the arrest in Mexico of Ryan Wedding, accused major drug trafficker and former Canadian Olympic snowboarder; British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemns comments by President Trump that NATO troops had stayed “a little off the front lines” during the war in Afghanistan; California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) announces a lawsuit over whether the state or the federal government has the power regulate off shore oil pipelines. He says it is the 55th lawsuit California has filed against the Trump Administration; DC's Mayor and the governors of Maryland and Virginia declare states of emergency ahead of the big winter storm heading east. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sir Keir Starmer says President Trump's comments that NATO troops stayed 'a little off' the front lines in Afghanistan are 'insulting, and frankly appalling'. The US President told Fox News last night that he wasn't sure if NATO would be there for his country if required, and that America had 'never needed' its help. Also: Russia, Ukraine and the United States are holding their first tri-lateral talks, since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago. And, the pop star Robbie Williams has surpassed The Beatles to become the artist with the most number one albums in UK chart history.
Simon's Friday morning update for James O'Brien's programme on the UK's LBC.#Trump #Starmer #NATO #Davos #WEF #WEF2026 #simonmarks #LBC #news #uspolitics #ukpolitics #carney #jacksmith
Donald Trump has falsley claimed that Nato soldiers, including those from the UK, stayed "a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan. And, who will win in an electoral test of strength between Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In our news wrap Friday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called President Trump's comments about NATO troops serving in Afghanistan "insulting" and "appalling," the FBI arrested a former Olympic snowboarder and alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding and the city of Philadelphia is suing the Trump administration over the removal of a slavery exhibit at the Independence National Historical Park. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Wedding Crashers. After a decade on the run, former Canadian Olympian and alleged narco kingpin Ryan Wedding is now in U.S. custody. The 44-year-old is accused of running an international empire built on drug smuggling and murder. Wedding was arrested in Mexico yesterday, and faces multiple charges.Also: U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn more Canadian ire: this time from veterans of the war in Afghanistan. They're outraged over Trump's suggestion NATO allies avoided the frontlines during the conflict. More than 40,000 CAF members served from 2001 to 2014, and 158 were killed. Thousands more were injured.And: Loss of appetite. What's behind the recent decline in popularity of meal prep kits.Plus: B.C.'s extortion crisis, stress over public sector cuts, Liberals prep for Parliament's return, and more.
AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's response to President Trump downplaying NATO actions in Afghanistan.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Oscars Eight surprise takeaways from the nominations US unveils plans for development of New Gaza with skyscrapers Number of police forces in England and Wales to be cut in major shake up US optimistic on end to war as Zelensky says Ukraine to talk to US and Russia France seizes suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean Trump sparks anger with claim Nato troops avoided Afghanistan front line Barron Trump called UK police after seeing woman beat up, court hears Defence Minister Luke Pollard angry over Ajax vehicles troubles Three people die at same Brecon Beacons beauty spot as warning issued Andy Burnham faces tricky run to win Labour crown
Đã hơn bốn năm kể từ khi Taliban nắm quyền kiểm soát Afghanistan – và theo các tổ chức nhân quyền, tình hình đối với phụ nữ và trẻ em gái ngày càng trở nên tồi tệ hơn – với việc gần như bị loại hoàn toàn khỏi hầu hết các lĩnh vực việc làm công cộng và giáo dục. Liên Hiệp Quốc cảnh báo rằng trong năm tới, Afghanistan được dự báo sẽ vẫn là một trong những cuộc khủng hoảng nhân đạo lớn nhất thế giới.
A groggy but fired-up Dom corrects the media narrative on a controversial ICE arrest, roasts "Mayor Manny" for his useless blizzard advice, and confesses to getting pulled over doing 80 mph. The episode concludes with an explosive, name-calling showdown between callers Teddy and Sherman over January 6th and the Afghanistan withdrawal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's been more than four years since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan - and according to human rights organisations, the situation for women and girls is only getting progressively worse - with a near-total exclusion from most public employment and education. The United Nations has warned the country is expected to remain one of the world's largest humanitarian crises for the year ahead.
Andrew Fox is a former British Army Major who served from 2005 to 2021, including three tours in Afghanistan (one attached to U.S. Army Special Forces). He served in the Parachute Regiment and the Special Forces Support Group, with additional deployments to Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and the Middle East.Following his military career, he lectures in War Studies and Behavioural Science at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Today, he is a Senior Associate Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, specializing in defense, the Middle East, and the psychology of disinformation. He is also affiliated with the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and other think tanks, and serves on advisory boards for NGO Monitor and the International Legal Forum.A recognized expert, Andrew provides sharp commentary on global security and counters misinformation through articles in outlets like the New York Post, The Telegraph, and Spiked, as well as his popular Substack and X (@Mr_Andrew_Fox). His firsthand insights and rigorous analysis make him a vital voice on modern conflicts, urban warfare, and the battle for truth.Support The Doron Keidar Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cryforzionnFollow Andrew Fox here:https://henryjacksonsociety.org/staff/andrew-fox/https://www.andrewfox.online/abouthttps://x.com/Mr_Andrew_Foxmrandrewfox.substack.com#Podcast #Israel #BreakingIsraelNews #DoronKeidar #TheDoronKeidarPodcast #AndrewFox #Geopolitics #UrbanWarfare Articles discussed on the podcast:Hamas's Human Shield Strategy: https://henryjacksonsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HJS-Hamass-Human-Shield-Strategy-in-Gaza-Report-WEB.pdfInformation Manoeuvre: https://henryjacksonsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HJS-Information-Manoeuvre-Report.pdfTactical Lessons from Gaza: https://henryjacksonsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HJS-Tactical-Lessons-from-Gaza-Report-web.pdfCash to Terror: https://henryjacksonsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HJS-Cash-to-Terror-Report.pdf
Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Blue Moon Spirits Fridays, is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, Officer Fanone had some choice words for the MAGA “Retribution Czar” who threatened to rape his daughters, and a few pointed gestures at the lying MAGA stooges on the Committee, at the Jack Smith Hearing.Then, on the rest of the menu, Kash Patel purged more FBI agents connected to investigating Trump hours after the volatile Jack Smith hearing; the Trump administration is doubling down and laughing after it was caught red-handed deep-faking a photograph of a Minnesota anti-ICE protester; and, a US District Judge questioned the federal government's claim that Trump had the authority to demolish the East Wing and construct a $400-million ballroom without obtaining congressional approval.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where Trump's brazen lie about NATO's Afghanistan involvement provoked outrage and distress in the UK; and, Trump scrapped all the multimillion-dollar solar projects in Puerto Rico as the island struggles with chronic power outages and a crumbling electric grid.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live PlayerKeep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Structural linguistics is a bitterly divided and unhappy profession, and a large number of its practitioners spend many nights drowning their sorrows in Ouisghian Zodahs.” ― Douglas Adams "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.
Keir Starmer has hit back at Donald Trump's claim that NATO forces stayed away from the front line in Afghanistan, calling it “insulting and frankly appalling”. We hear from an American who served alongside British troops and later became a senior Pentagon official under Trump. Also on the programme: decision time for Andy Burnham, who has less than 24 hours to decide whether to plot a return to Parliament.And Minneapolis grinds to a halt as opponents of immigration enforcement raids hold a general strike in the city.
Rob Jones is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, Paralympic medalist, endurance athlete, and motivational speaker from Lovettsville, Virginia. After joining the Marines in 2006, he deployed twice to Afghanistan, where in 2010 he was critically injured by an IED, resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee. Following an intensive recovery, Rob retired from the Marine Corps in 2011 and found new purpose through adaptive sports, earning a bronze medal in rowing at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. He has since completed extraordinary endurance challenges, including cycling more than 5,100 miles across the United States and running 31 marathons in 31 consecutive days across 31 cities, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for veteran-focused charities while inspiring others through his message of resilience, service, and perseverance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jason Gardner is a retired Navy SEAL who now works as a top-level leadership instructor with Echelon Front. Over his thirty-year career in the SEAL teams, he served in combat operations in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, later becoming Command Master Chief of SEAL Team Five and Training Detachment. Since retiring from the Navy, Jason has worked with hundreds of organizations as a leadership instructor and strategic advisor, helping teams apply high-stakes leadership principles to business and life. He now lives in a remote corner of northeastern Washington with his wife, Iris, and their two children, where he spends his time working on their homestead and staying closely connected to the land. This is Jason's second time on the podcast, and I'd strongly recommend going back and listening to our first conversation from 2021, along with the episode I recorded with Iris. Those earlier interviews dig deeper into Jason's career, his transition out of the military, and the longer arc of their family's journey—context that adds real depth to what we talk about here. This conversation unfolds in two parts. The first half hour or so is a firsthand account of the Hope Fire, a fast-moving wildfire that came dangerously close to destroying Jason and Iris's property and home last summer. Jason walks through the experience in detail—what it's like to prepare for evacuation, to work through exhaustion and uncertainty, and to rely on firefighters, neighbors, and community when the stakes are painfully real. In the second part, we widen the lens. Jason reflects on the lessons that emerged from the fire—about leadership, humility, and responsibility—and connects them to his own personal evolution over the last several years. We talk about PTSD, quitting drinking, the role psychedelic-assisted therapy played in his healing, and how practices like mindfulness, curiosity, kindness, and gratitude have reshaped how he approaches both life and leadership. It's an honest, grounded conversation about resilience, growth, and what it actually means to lead… starting with yourself. As always, be sure to check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed, with timestamps for everything. There are also links to all of the books and resources that Jason mentions. --- Jason Gardner Jason on Instagram Echelon Front Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/jason-gardner-2/ --- THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Mountain & Prairie is listener-supported via Patreon, and brought to you with support from the Central Grasslands Roadmap, The Nature Conservancy, North Bridger Bison, and the Old Salt Co-op for their generous sponsorship. --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: WILDFIRE 7:01 – Intro, Jason's brush with a wildfire 11:45 – Fire jumping ridgelines 14:05 – Enter USAA 16:36 – Community power 20:34 – Enter the brush hog 25:26 – Day three mental state 31:53 – A big damn deal 35:09 – A sense of deep pride LESSONS 40:59 – Applying on-the-line lessons to the business world 45:20 – The most important leadership trait 50:47 – Challenge coins 55:05 – A changed perspective 1:01:24 – Dealing with cockiness 1:05:30 – Jason's mental health journey 1:11:43 – Quitting drinking 1:19:52 – Self-reflection 1:21:34 – Echelon Front Muster 1:27:06 – Book recs and wrapping up --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
The Vermont National Guard usually takes orders from the state. But at the end of 2025, President Trump deployed the Vermont guard to the Caribbean — and Gov. Scott said he had no control over the president's orders.It gave this question from a listener newfound relevance: “Who controls the deployment of the Vermont National Guard if orders from the federal government and the state are in conflict?”You can find the web version of this story here. For more about the Vermont guard, check out this 2010 VPR series, which covered some of the 1,500 Vermonters who were deployed to Afghanistan.This episode was reported and produced by Sabine Poux and Josh Crane. Editing and additional production from Burgess Brown. Our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Michael Bosworth, Jill Lepore, Mikaela Lefrak, Jon Ehrens, Alicia Freese, April McCullum, Peter Hirschfeld, Peter Teachout, Steve Zind and Zoe McDonald.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.
What happens when unimaginable loss becomes a calling to help others heal? In this moving episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Steve and Carol Riggs, the parents of U.S. Army Sgt. Andrew Riggs, who tragically took his life after returning from Afghanistan. Devastated by grief, Steve and Carol experienced a life-changing spiritual awakening that transformed their pain into purpose. Their journey led them to write the powerful book “The Journey from Pain to Purpose,” a guide for families navigating grief, trauma, and suicide loss. Together, they now help others find light in the darkest moments, offering hope, healing, and a roadmap through despair. This conversation is about faith, love, loss, and how even tragedy can lead to a mission that saves lives.
In this episode, Dominic Bowen and Emily Winterbotham discuss how Afghanistan has evolved since the Taliban's return to power, challenging simplified narratives around security, terrorism, and international disengagement. Drawing on extensive field experience and long-term research, they examine why Afghanistan remains a critical test case for counterterrorism, regional geopolitics, and global risk management.Find out more about how the Taliban have reshaped the country's security landscape since 2021, including the shifting threat posed by ISKP, the limits of Afghanistan as a terrorist hub, and why some regional actors now view engagement with the Taliban as a pragmatic risk-containment strategy rather than an endorsement of their rule.The conversation also addresses the devastating human consequences of Taliban governance, with a particular focus on what the United Nations has described as gender apartheid. Emily explains how the systematic exclusion of women and girls from education, healthcare, and public life undermines long-term stability, peacebuilding, and state legitimacy -and why inclusive governance remains essential for durable security.Finally, they explore the role of the international community in Afghanistan's future, unpacking Western withdrawal, moral trade-offs around humanitarian aid, Russia's decision to recognise the Taliban, and the lessons policymakers must learn from past hypocrisy, warlord politics, and missed opportunities for inclusive peace.Emily Winterbotham is the Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies at RUSI, where she leads work across London, Brussels, and Nairobi on terrorism, counterterrorism, peacebuilding, and fragile states, with a particular focus on Asia, especially Afghanistan and Pakistan. For over 15 years, she has combined desk research and field postings in international policy environments, including a decade working on conflict in Afghanistan. Between 2009 and 2015, she operated in Afghanistan and Pakistan and conducted community-based qualitative work for the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, studying conflict resolution, reconciliation, and pathways for demobilising and reintegrating former Taliban fighters. She also serves as a Deployable Civilian Expert for the UK Government's Stabilisation Unit. Emily is co-author of Countering Violent Extremism: Making Gender Matter (2020) and Conflict, Violent Extremism and Development: New Challenges, New Responses (2018), and her CVE research addresses the concept of gendered radicalisation and how counter-extremism programs can better integrate gender perspectives.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit Conducttr to learn more.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner Tell us what you liked!
Trump zet in Davos de toon met zijn claim op Groenland en harde woorden over Europa, terwijl Mark Rutte achter de schermen een uitweg organiseert via het oude veiligheidsverdrag uit 1951. Bernard Hammelburg en Jan Postma laten zien hoe de vermeende ‘koop’ van Groenland vooral neerkomt op slimme herinterpretatie van bestaande afspraken, en wat dat zegt over de positie van Denemarken, de NAVO en de wankelende naoorlogse wereldorde. Daarna verbreden ze de lens naar het diepere wantrouwen richting Europa binnen de Republikeinse partij, van J.D. Vance tot de MAGA-achterban. Ze laten zien hoe immigratie, veiligheid en populisme aan beide kanten van de oceaan in elkaar grijpen, en hoe Trump Europa gebruikt als decor voor zijn binnenlandse campagne. Ondertussen komen ook de schaduw van het Trumpisme, de rol van ‘Trump-fluisteraars’ als Mark Rutte en Giorgia Meloni en de geopolitieke strijd rond het Arctisch gebied voorbij. Dit allemaal in een aflevering die laat zien hoe dun het ijs onder de westerse alliantie inmiddels is. Over de Amerika Podcast In de Amerika podcast nemen Bernard Hammelburg en Jan Postma het meeste opmerkelijke nieuws uit Amerika door. Het land van hamburgers, sneakers, Donald Trump en Taylor Swift. Van daklozen, miljardairs en de iPhone. Van tegenstellingen. Bernard en Jan nemen wekelijks een kijkje in de Amerikaanse ziel. Elke donderdag in je podcastfeed! Heb je een vraag, opmerking, kritiek of een compliment. Mail dan naar dewereld@bnr.nl of spreek je vraag in op de Amerika Podcast Whatsapp: 06-28135020. En wie weet win je de Amerika Podcast koffiebeker. Over de makers Bernard Hammelburg is buitenlandcommentator en columnist voor BNR Nieuwsradio en het FD, en presentator van BNR De Wereld. Als oorlogsverslaggever was hij o.a. ooggetuige van de Culturele Revolutie in China, de revolutie in Iran en de oorlogen in Vietnam, het Midden-Oosten en Afghanistan. Hij was twintig jaar correspondent in de VS. Het verdeelt zijn tijd tussen zijn woonplaatsen Amsterdam en New York. Jan Postma is Amerikanist en werkt sinds 2009 waar hij meerdere programma's gepresenteerde waaronder BNR Bouwmeesters, Boekenstijn en De Wijk en Zakendoen. Sinds 2018 is hij correspondent in de Verenigde Staten, woonachtig in Washington D.C. Naast de Amerika Podcast maakt hij onder meer Postma in Amerika en is hij regelmatig te horen in de Ochtend‑ en Avondspits. Hij is tevens auteur van het boek De Trump Fluisteraars. Redactie Luc de Klerk Montage Jeanne Heeremans See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dive into gripping real-life stories from the front lines of law enforcement in this powerful episode of Things Police See Podcast with host Steve Gould (Ole Gingerface). Guest Cameron Pavlicek, an active Montana narcotics investigator, Afghanistan war veteran, former president of the Montana Narcotics Officers Association, and founder of Yellowstone Narcotics training company, shares intense, bizarre, and eye-opening experiences. Hear about a chilling first homicide call in freezing Montana conditions, using a baby as collateral in a meth deal gone wild, a 36-hour armed standoff ending in tragedy, creative undercover social media operations catfishing drug dealers online (posing as women to bust perps), bizarre encounters with a schizophrenic man carrying a stolen 100-pound welded California sculpture, and much more. Perfect for fans of true police stories, narcotics investigations, undercover ops, body cam breakdowns, and rural policing in the American West. Don't miss these raw, unfiltered cop tales from the Big Sky State! Yellowstone Narcotics https://yellowstonenarcotics.com/ Contact Steve - steve@thingspolicesee.com Support the TPS show by joining the Patreon community today! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=27353055 Sergeant Steve - Bodycam Breakdowns https://www.youtube.com/@UCuobtuGxJny9V5lX5a1ieuw
This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett interviews Major General Bob Walters, exploring his extraordinary career in the U.S. Army, the challenges of military leadership, and the profound impact on his family. Walters shares captivating stories from deployments around the globe, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the notable Abu Ghraib experience. The episode also touches on the parallels between military discipline and the trucking industry, promoting Walters' new book about leadership in tough times. Key takeaways include the sacrifices made by military families, the value of steadfast leadership under pressure, the strong ties between veterans and the world of trucking, and so much more. Key topics in today's conversation include:Introduction to the Oakley Podcast and Guest Major General Walters (0:42)Military Life, Deployments, and Family Sacrifices (3:15)Bob's Military Journey and Early Family Life (6:50)Experiences in Ranger School and Early Deployments (10:15)Jumping, Injuries, and Lessons Learned at Ranger School (14:55)Command Opportunities and Desert Storm Experience (18:50)Special Operations, Colombia, and Capturing Drug Lords (22:15)Chasing War Criminals in Bosnia and Leadership Challenges (25:45)The Abu Ghraib Prison Assignment and Security Issues (29:59)The Challenges and Investigation at Abu Ghraib (34:40)Returning from Iraq and Sharing Classified Information Stories (39:00)The Impact on Military Families Living Abroad (43:15)Reflections on Leadership, the Book, and Family (47:00)Connections to Trucking, Maintenance, and Family Stories (51:00)Transitioning Veterans to Trucking and Parting Thoughts (54:40)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episode 163: of the American Grown Podcast in the Colortech Creative Solutions studios with Patrick Connaghan Founder & CEO of 717 Armory. PART 2 of 3In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Connaghan, Marine Corps combat veteran and Founder & CEO of 717 Armory, for a raw conversation about leadership, responsibility, and decision-making under pressure.Patrick shares his experience defending the Yellow Schoolhouse in Marjah, Afghanistan, and how making life-altering decisions in combat shaped the way he leads today. We also dive into the power of the “four-inch black box” in everyone's pocket, discussing how technology impacts mindset, discipline, and self-image..This episode goes beyond business and firearms. It's about mental toughness, leadership, and learning to put the phone down.717 ArmorySHOW SPONSORS:College Knowledge Foundation. Your path to higher education.Cleona Coffee Roasters. A small batch coffee roastery & coffee shop, veteran & first responder owned located inside 911 Rapid Response in Annville PA.Angelo's Pizza. Enjoy mouthwatering Italian dinners.Triggered 22. Support a local veteran and help spread awareness for PTSD & #22aday.Hossler Engraving. Looking for unique handcrafted gifts for all occasions Zach has you covered.Modern Gent Customs. We don't make basics...We make statements.Hains Auto Detailing. Have your car smiling from wheel to wheel.Sip or Snack break.SIP: Garage Beer.SNACK: Jurgy.OFFICIAL STUDIO SPONSOR: Colortech Creative Solutions takes your creative projects from visualization to realization. We've been doing so since 1980 all while keeping your budget in mind.To see photos of today's guest follow on social media:IG: AmericanGrownPodcastFB: American Grown Podcast or visits us at American Grown Podcast
After October 7, stories about Israeli humanitarian aid can sound like hasbara—a Hebrew term for public diplomacy or advocacy meant to improve Israel's image. So in Part 1 of this two-part series, Noam Weissman asks a harder question: why does Israel keep rushing into disaster zones, often at real risk and with little strategic payoff? The episode traces Israel's early “soft diplomacy” under Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir, then turns to IsraAid, Israel's leading humanitarian NGO, through its work in drought-stricken Kenya and a daring evacuation during Afghanistan's 2021 collapse. Next week, the story continues when Noam explores what happens when Israeli aid enters Gaza—and the moral and societal tensions that follow. Here are sources used for this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zx3FMR5-i_LU68qikZXnhU-8lOkV2jAspDU5Fyix2PE/edit?tab=t.byua9hckht This episode was generously sponsored by Friedkin Philanthropies and the Koret Foundation, and is inspired by ISRAEL 21c. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media. Check out this episode on Youtube. This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand .------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Wondering Jews
On the first anniversary of the dismantling of USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, Thomas and Aimen trace the history of the organisation and ask whether USAID's collapse represents a failure of liberal internationalism itself, or simply the end of one particular way of organizing American power in the world. They discuss: Trump's 2025 executive order and the effective end of USAID USAID, anti-communism, and the CIA The Clinton-era debate over whether USAID should survive at all USAID in the War on Terror: Iraq, Afghanistan, and counterinsurgency The Arab Spring and the shift toward NGO-mediated governance Corruption in USAID What the end of USAID tells us about the end of the unipolar era Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/ Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConflictedYoutube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. Produced by Thomas Small and edited by Lizzy Andrews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Send us a textTED SHIRLEY is an author and former British Army sniper. He served two tours in Afghanistan, where he achieved remarkable feats, including shots from over a mile away. Despite these accomplishments, Ted faced a challenging battle with post-traumatic stress disorder upon his return home. The juxtaposition of life on the battlefield as a soldier to a small-town civilian brought new challenges as Ted watched many of his brothers taken by PTSD. Determined to heal and retake control of his life, Ted embarked on a global journey. He explored alternative healing methods and therapies, integrating these approaches with his military experiences and clinical therapies to aid in his recovery.Ted's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Afghanistan-Sniper-Trauma-Front-Beyond/dp/1036147614Ted's social media: @tedshirleyauthorTo get tickets to Geraint's Voices of Victory event at Aces High: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/102112Geraint's Substack: https://substack.com/@grjbooks?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageVoices of Victory audiobook on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/11UtHCAoD8F0HLxJFe6KT7?si=5d30ecad357e4fa8D-Day: The Unheard Tapes audiobook on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3bHuWcPkCJUfYvNvqx16Ng?si=115aaa0a44d4418fAudible links:https://www.audible.co.uk/author/Geraint-Jones/B06XTKLWBMIf you are interested in being a guest on the podcast please contact us at info@veteranstateofmind.com , or drop us a DM on instagram @veteranstateofmindPlease help us spread the word by telling your mates about the podcast, or by leaving a review/ rating.Support the show
It's a brand-new series launch! Marvel Mondays are officially here, and we're kicking things off with the movie that started it all.ABOUT IRON MANAfter being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR IRON MANMay 2, 2008 | TheatersCAST & CREW OF IRON MANRobert Downey Jr. as Tony StarkGwyneth Paltrow as Pepper PottsTerrence Howard as RhodeyJeff Bridges as Obadiah StaneBRAN'S IRON MAN SYNOPSISWe meet playboy Tony Stark. He's in the back of a military Humvee, answering all their questions about how cool he is, when they're suddenly attacked by Stark Industries explosives. He passes out—and when he comes to, he realizes he's being held captive.Cut back 36 hours earlier. Tony is supposed to be receiving an award… except he doesn't show up. He's too busy “working.” After the event, a journalist confronts him about selling weapons to terrorists. He denies it—and then they hook up. So that's Tony.We meet Pepper Potts, Tony's hyper-competent personal assistant; “Happy” Hogan, his bodyguard and chauffeur; and most importantly, J.A.R.V.I.S., his personal AI system.Tony heads to Afghanistan to show off his flashy new “Jericho” missile. It's a big deal. It's also very bad.Now we're back at the beginning. Tony was critically wounded in the ambush, but fellow captive Yinsen built an electromagnet to keep shrapnel from reaching Tony's heart and killing him. Problem… temporarily solved.Tony's captors are the Ten Rings terrorist organization, and they demand he build a Jericho missile. If he doesn't, he won't be set free. Instead of building the missile, Tony secretly builds a weaponized suit to help them escape. The Ten Rings discover his plan, and Yinsen sacrifices himself to distract them while the suit powers up. Tony fights his way out of the cave, finds Yinsen dying, and—furious—destroys the terrorists' munitions before flying away. He eventually crashes in the desert, destroying the suit.After being rescued by Rhodey, Tony returns home and announces that Stark Industries will no longer manufacture weapons. Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges), his father's old partner and the company's acting manager, warns him this could destroy the company and its legacy. Tony reveals he has built a new miniaturized arc reactor—one capable of providing clean energy to the entire planet.In his workshop, Tony builds an improved Iron Man suit and a more powerful arc reactor for his chest. Pepper places the original reactor in a glass display case. When Stane presses for details, a now-suspicious Tony keeps his work to himself.At Tony's first public appearance after his return, reporter Christine Everhart reveals that Stark Industries weapons—including the Jericho—have been delivered to the Ten Rings and used to attack Yinsen's home village. Tony also learns Stane is attempting to remove him as head of the company. Enraged, Tony suits up and flies to Afghanistan, saving the village and dealing a devastating blow to the Ten Rings. On his way home, he's targeted by two F-22 fighter jets and calls Rhodey, revealing his identity to stop the attack.Meanwhile, the Ten Rings recover pieces of Tony's original suit and meet with Stane. Stane eliminates the terrorists and has his own suit reverse-engineered from the wreckage. To track the weapons supply, Tony sends Pepper to hack into company files from Stane's office. She discovers that Stane has been supplying terrorists and hired the Ten Rings to kill Tony—only for them to fail. Pepper then contacts Agent Phil Coulson of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division (S.H.I.E.L.D.).Stane's scientists can't replicate Tony's arc reactor, so Stane ambushes Tony at home using a sonic device, paralyzes him, and steals his reactor. Left for dead, Tony crawls to his workshop and installs the original reactor. As Pepper and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents try to arrest Stane, he attacks in his Iron Monger suit. Tony fights him but is outmatched without his upgraded reactor. He lures Stane to the top of Stark Industries and instructs Pepper to overload the massive arc reactor. The resulting surge knocks Stane into the reactor, killing him.The press dubs the armored hero “Iron Man.” Agent Coulson provides Tony with a cover story, but at a press conference, Tony abandons it entirely and admits: “I am Iron Man.”In the post-credits scene, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury visits Tony and reveals that Iron Man isn't the only superhero in the world—introducing the Avengers Initiative. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episode 459 of Hidden Forces is the twelfth episode in the Hundred Year Pivot podcast series. In it, Demetri Kofinas and Grant Williams speak with Kamran Bokhari, a strategic forecaster and geopolitical analyst who specializes on the Middle Eastern and Eurasia, about Iran's nationwide protests, what they reveal about the power and stability of the Iranian regime, and what the state of Iranian affairs portends for Iran's future, the region's geopolitics, and the strategic considerations and objectives of the United States. The conversation's opening hour traces Iran's modern formation—beginning in the early 1900s with the Constitutional Revolution, moving through the 1953 coup and the Shah's rule, and culminating in the 1979 Islamic Revolution and its aftermath. Kamran walks the audience through the evolution of Iran's dual military structure, explaining the critical distinction between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular armed forces (Artesh), and how the IRGC grew from an ideological militia into an oversized parallel state controlling everything from telecommunications to Iran's nuclear program, while becoming increasingly corrupt and internally divided. The second hour is devoted to analyzing the current protests engulfing Iran, how they differ from previous uprisings, and the implications for a severely weakened IRGC following Israel's dismantling of its proxy network, the relentless targeting of its commanders, and its failure to secure the safety of its own citizens from Israeli reprisals. They explore the regime's internal factionalization, the role of the merchant class in these protests, the potential pathways forward—from managed regime decay to military intervention to outright chaos—and the cascading effects that Iran's instability could have on its neighbors, from Turkey and Azerbaijan to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Joining our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 01/15/2026
Scott brought Daniel McAdams back on the show to talk about the prospects of Trump taking over Greenland, the capture of Maduro, protests in Iran and the status of America's antiwar movement more broadly. Discussed on the show: “US Surging Military Assets To the Middle East To Prepare for War With Iran After Trump Postpones Attack” (Antiwar.com) The Panama Deception Daniel McAdams is the executive director of the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity and the co-host of the Ron Paul Liberty Report. Follow him on Twitter @DanielLMcAdams and read all of his work over at Antiwar.com. Audio cleaned up with the Podsworth app: https://podsworth.com Use code HORTON50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings, sound like a pro, and also support the Scott Horton Show! For more on Scott's work: Check out The Libertarian Institute: https://www.libertarianinstitute.org Check out Scott's other show, Provoked, with Darryl Cooper https://youtube.com/@Provoked_Show Read Scott's books: Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine https://amzn.to/47jMtg7 (The audiobook of Provoked is being published in sections at https://scotthortonshow.com) Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism: https://amzn.to/3tgMCdw Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan https://amzn.to/3HRufs0 Follow Scott on X @scotthortonshow And check out Scott's full interview archives: https://scotthorton.org/all-interviews This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Incorporated https://rrbi.co Moon Does Artisan Coffee https://scotthorton.org/coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom https://www.libertyclassroom.com/dap/a/?a=1616 and Dissident Media https://dissidentmedia.com You can also support Scott's work by making a one-time or recurring donation at https://scotthorton.org/donate/https://scotthortonshow.com or https://patreon.com/scotthortonshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices