Podcasts about Fort Hood

Send a textThis one moves fast.West Point dismisses a cadet for using generative AI to create fake explicit images. Zero tolerance for abusing emerging tech. Meanwhile, the Army drops a $186 million order for Switchblade loitering munitions and tank-killer variants. Drone warfare isn't theoretical anymore—it's procurement reality.The Navy rotates leadership in Submarine Force Atlantic and rehearses anti-ship strikes with a B-2 off California. Maritime targeting is a different animal, and joint integration matters.The Air Force arrests a former pilot accused of training Chinese military personnel after gaining exposure to F-35 simulator operations. If proven, it's a brutal breach of trust.Space Force openly discusses offensive posture against China's expanding spy satellite network while also pausing Vulcan launches over an anomaly.VA formally rescinds the medication-based disability ratings rule. Barracks standards get mandatory upgrades across the services. And Russia launches a massive drone and missile barrage ahead of talks.No fluff. Just movement.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 West Point AI misconduct dismissal 04:00 Fort Hood murder arrests 06:00 $186M Switchblade drone order 08:00 Submarine Force Atlantic leadership shift 10:00 B-2 anti-ship strike rehearsal 12:00 Marine body composition changes 14:00 Former Air Force pilot charged in China case 17:00 Space Force offensive posture remarks 19:00 Vulcan rocket launch pause 21:00 VA rule rescinded 23:00 Barracks standards issued 25:00 Russia drone and missile barrage

Stuart Young, Program Manager, Tactical Technology Office, DARPA joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss DARPA's RACER (Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency) Program and the development of high-speed autonomous vehicles capable of navigating unstructured off-road terrain without maps or GPS.The operational backbone of this program is a departure from the breadcrumb approach of the Grand Challenge, challenging robots to navigate complex, unstructured environments at speeds faster than manned formations. By removing the dependency on pre-existing maps and GPS, DARPA is forcing the autonomous systems to generalize across environments.In the field, RACER has rigorously tested platforms ranging from modified Polaris RZRs to Textron M5 tracked vehicles across diverse landscapes, including the Mojave Desert, Camp Roberts, and Fort Hood. This ecosystem has not only spurred the creation of companies such as Overland AI and Field AI but also demonstrated tactical relevance, as seen when the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment utilized RACER technology as an opposition force at the National Training Center.Looking ahead, Stuart envisions a future where autonomy shifts from simple movement to strategic maneuver, enabling a single operator to command platoons of vehicles. This evolution aims to fundamentally change the risk calculus for soldiers while opening new opportunities for dual-use applications in mining, agriculture and search and rescue.Episode Chapters0:00 The History of Autonomy at DARPA: From the Grand Challenge to Today6:54 How RACER Differs from The Grand Challenge11:59 Operating Without Maps or GPS14:00 Managing Heat, Acoustic, and Visual Signatures in Autonomy19:43 Testing in the Mojave, Central California, and Texas25:11 Building the RACER Brain and Spawning New Companies (Overland AI, Field AI)27:12 The Rules of RACER: Speed Metrics and “No Maps” Constraints33:36 The Hardware: Modifying Polaris RZRs and Textron M5 Tanks37:37 Requirements vs. Possibilities40:01 Field Testing with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at the National Training Center44:43 Deploying RACER in the Field46:12 The Legacy of RACER: Dual-Use Applications and Saving Lives--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy provides market intelligence and strategic advisory services to institutional investors and companies, delivering insights needed to stay ahead of emerging trends in the autonomy economy™. To learn more, say hello (at) roadtoautonomy.com.Sign up for This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter: https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/ae/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On 7th August 1994, at 3 a.m., something strange fell from the sky over Oakville, Washington. It wasn't rain. It wasn't hail. It was gelatinous blobs—translucent, jelly-like masses the size of rice grains that covered twenty square miles.Within hours, people across town were violently ill. Animals died. Officer David Lacey could barely breathe. Dotty Hearn collapsed and was hospitalised for three days.Scientists tested the blobs and found human white blood cells and bacteria from the digestive tract. Microbiologist Mike McDowell concluded they were man-made "carrier systems."Then all the samples vanished.Over three weeks, the blobs fell six times. Witnesses reported military helicopters. Men from Fort Hood questioned residents. Anonymous letters claimed government experiments.Then, in April 2025—31 years later—it happened again in nearby Rochester.Tonight on Mysteries at Bedtime, we examine one of America's most baffling unsolved phenomena.Become a Patreon or Apple + subscriber now for ealry and ad free access from as little as $1.69 a week. All the details hereSubscribe to Crime at Bedtimes Youtube channel HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send a textPeaches runs a fast Daily Drop Ops Brief with no fluff and no patience for nonsense. This episode hits Army quality-of-life updates at Fort Hood, joint U.S.–Italian training for the German Badge, and why the Navy is openly talking about shifting toward smaller, more agile platforms instead of relying solely on massive carriers. From missile defense recognition aboard USS Arleigh Burke to expanded Headspace access for sailors and families, Peaches walks through what matters and why. The Air Force side covers Super Bowl flyovers, F-22s getting pulled for real-world taskings, smart glasses being banned in uniform, William Tell getting postponed, and a blunt take on the OA-1K Skyraider 2 and Red Wolf missile integration. The episode closes with Space Force housing fixes and a reminder that real ops always outrank optics.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and OTS registration push 01:20 Army dining facility pilot at Fort Hood 02:10 Joint U.S.–Italian training for German Badge 02:55 Navy leadership on smaller, agile platforms 03:45 USS Arleigh Burke Armed Forces Service Medal 04:30 Navy expands Headspace mental health access 05:10 New Navy fixed-wing pilot helmets 05:35 Navy Digital Warfighting Symposium overview 06:20 Marine receives Navy & Marine Corps Medal 06:55 Marine Corps drone and AI fellowship program 07:25 Super Bowl flyovers and deployed aircraft 08:30 F-22s pulled due to operational requirements 09:15 Ban on smart glasses in Air Force uniforms 09:50 William Tell Weapons Meet postponed 10:25 Red Wolf missile proposed for OA-1K Skyraider 11:40 Peaches' Skyraider reality check 12:40 Space Force housing and barracks task force 13:10 Subscribe reminder and wrap-up

For most of us, water is rarely something we think about. It's as close as the kitchen sink, the refrigerator door, or the bottle beside us at work. But for millions of people around the world, clean water remains out of reach—and the consequences stretch far beyond thirst.Jesus once said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones… that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42). On today's episode of Faith & Finance, Aaron Griggs of Cross International shows us just how literal—and transformative—that cup of water can be.Globally, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. In places like Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda, the crisis is especially severe. Women and children often walk long distances every day to gather water from open pits shared with animals. The water is contaminated, illness is common, and the time lost reinforces generational poverty. Girls miss school, mothers miss work, and entire communities struggle to flourish.This quarter, FaithFi is partnering with Cross International, a Christ-centered humanitarian ministry working alongside local churches and Christian leaders to meet urgent needs and create sustainable change. Their work in Sub-Saharan Africa is showing what can happen when clean water meets the living water of the gospel.After a well is installed in a village, physical health improves quickly—but the long-term effects are even more remarkable. Hours once spent fetching water are freed for school, work, farming, and small business. Women gain economic opportunity. Children gain education. And through Cross International's ministry partners, families are introduced to Jesus, often receiving their first Bibles in their own language.One woman in Zambia described this transformation with simple gratitude:“I never knew that I would be where I am now. My family is healthier, and my children are in school. God has blessed us.”Another woman, Grace, shared how access to water restored not only her family but also her church. For years, her congregation met under a tree because there wasn't enough water for construction. After a new well was installed, the church was rebuilt, children joined their parents in worship, and an entire community experienced renewed dignity and hope. Her favorite Scripture says it best:“Whoever believes in me… rivers of living water will flow from within them.” — John 7:38Cross International's work meets physical needs, but always in the name of Christ. Water is a doorway—opening opportunities for flourishing today and pointing to eternal life in Him. That's why FaithFi is partnering with Cross International this quarter to serve 250 children across Malawi, Zambia, and Uganda, providing not only clean water but also food, education, and the hope of the gospel.For just $62, one child receives these essential resources for a year. Every gift supports not just a child, but often an entire family and community, moving them toward long-term stability and lasting hope.Clean water changes everything—it restores dignity, strengthens families, and reflects the life-giving love of Christ.To learn more or to join us in this effort, visit: FaithFi.com/Cross.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a question about the ‘Trump Accounts' for newborns. What dates are they eligible for, and are there any pros or cons?I just turned 65, and I'm still working with employer health coverage. Do I need to enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B now, or can I wait?While stationed at Fort Polk and Fort Hood, I bought insurance policies that would pay off my houses if something happened to me. I can't find the paperwork anymore. How do I track down which insurers those policies were with?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Cross InternationalNational Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)TrumpAccounts.govOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

These are 6 of the top headlines in military news. NOTE: All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  John Mwangi out of Fort Hood plead guilty to murdering his wife, Sgt Esther Gitau Veteran Tyler Linn charged with target parking lot murder of Matthew Traywick PO3 Taylor Lomax is charged with double homicide of sailors Noely Makenda and Jordyn Forrestier out of NAS Jacksonville Army Retiree Andrew Dykes was charged with 30-year cold case previously tied to Gilgo Beach Serial Killer (victim: Tanya Jackson) Suspected serial killer, Fernando Cota, to be disinterred from Veteran's Cemetery  Veteran and former leader of Idaho American Legion, Charles Abrahamson, is charged with fraud for allegedly diverting over $1.45 million in funds ⸻

Good morning, afternoon, and good evening, everybody! Scott Carson here, and boy, are you in for a treat! As we roll into the New Year, many of you are resolving to dive deeper into real estate investing, but that old excuse "I don't have any money" always seems to pop up. Well, prepare to have your mind blown (and your excuses obliterated!) by today's special guest!We've got Lisa Ferris from Georgetown, Texas – a real estate investment legend who's been crushing it for years. She's a master of creative financing, fix & flips, short-term rentals, and leveraging private money. And the best part? She's written a book revealing all her secrets: "How to Find and Fund Any Real Estate Deal: How to Buy Real Estate Without Using Your Own Cash or Credit." Forget the banks; Lisa proves you don't need 'em!Here's what you'll learn from Lisa Ferris (and why you need her book!):The "Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired" Origin Story: Lisa, a 20-year realtor, shares how being "broke" and presented with a "POS house" forced her to embrace creative financing. Her first deal? Wholesaling a property in three hours for $17,000 profit – and she's never looked back!Ron LeGrand's Legacy & Realtor Superpowers: Lisa credits a Ron LeGrand course for igniting her creative financing journey. As a seasoned realtor, she leverages deep market knowledge (knowing which two blocks to avoid and where to buy!) to quickly run numbers and make offers, giving her a serious edge in Central Texas (Belton, Temple, Taylor, Fort Hood) – everywhere but Austin!Win-Win Negotiations for Distressed Sellers: Learn Lisa's approach to seller financing: always offer a higher purchase price and sell the payment amount (never the interest rate!). She focuses on creating win-win scenarios where sellers feel heard and get flexible solutions, even for those with no equity or facing tough situations.Private Money Magic: Just Ask! Lisa's secret to raising capital? Simply ask! Her first private lender was a good friend at McDonald's (true story!). She views it as offering an opportunity for investors to make their money work for them, not begging. Her deals average $200K-$300K and offer 12%+ returns, because as she says, "if you have a good deal, the money is the easiest part."Why Diligence & Community Matter: Lisa uses tools like RehabValuator and creates professional reports (Canva, anyone?) to make her deals attractive. She emphasizes proactive communication with lenders (even using platforms like SiteWire for draws). Plus, she champions local networking with her Centex Dealmakers Group, bringing integrity, training, and real-world deals to Austin's real estate community.Lisa Ferris is living proof that you don't need deep pockets to build a thriving real estate business. Her humor, humility, and rock-solid strategies make her an inspiration. Stop making excuses and start making deals happen!Grab a copy of her game-changing book, "How to Find and Fund Any Real Estate Deal: How to Buy Real Estate Without Using Your Own Cash or Credit," available soon on Amazon. Connect with her on Facebook (Lisa J Ferris) or via email: lisa@ljepropertysolutions.com. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a five-star review, and go out and become a Dealmaker!Watch the Original VIDEO HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join Note Night in America community today:WeCloseNotes.comScott Carson FacebookScott Carson TwitterScott Carson LinkedInNote Night in America YouTubeNote Night in America VimeoScott Carson InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest

In May 2020, 27-year-old Fort Hood soldier Brandon Scott Rosecrans was found shot to death on the side of a quiet road in Harker Heights, Texas. A few miles away, his bright orange Jeep Renegade was discovered engulfed in flames.  What looked like a random ambush quickly unraveled into a story of betrayal, greed, and a gun deal gone horribly wrong.  In this episode, Margot walks through the investigation that traced Brandon's final hours, and how they ultimately nagged the killers. In the end, you'll be left wondering - did someone actually get away with murder in this case?  ⸻

Plus only 12 shopping days left until Christmas, an Army gynecologist at Fort Hood is under arrest after allegations he secretly videotaped patients during exams, human rights groups claim they've found inhumane conditions at the ICE detention center at Fort Bliss in El Paso, and more!

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, COL Rob Thelan discusses the US Army's Information Warfare (IWAR) Branch. IWAR aims to integrate the IO (Information Operations) and PSYOP (Psychological Operations) communities into a unified, conventional force branch. Other topics include: U.S. lagging behind adversaries like China and Russia in IO funding and the need to break down "stovepiping" within the U.S. information operations community; the State Department's Global Engagement Center and filling the void with respect to mis/dis-information; and military public affairs evolution. Recording Date: 19 Nov 2025 Research Question: Rob Thelan suggests an interested student or researcher examine: Where else are we falling behind our adversaries and how do we make up ground – especially with respect to operations in the information environment? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #106 Mike Taylor on the Global Engagement Center Art of War by Sun Tzu  The Fire of the Dragon: China's New Cold War by Ian Williams Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio:  Colonel Robert M. Thelen is currently the chief of staff of the Department of the Army Strategic Operations Directorate (DAMO SO). Previously, he was the Department of State Senior Military Advisor to the Bureau of Public Diplomacy and Global Public Affairs office of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R/FIMI). Colonel Thelen completed a War College Fellowship at the Near East South Asia Strategic Studies Center at National Defense University. Prior to War College he was assigned to the Joint Staff J39 (Deputy Director for Global Operations DDGO) as Chief Special Activities Division (SAD). He was also assigned to the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) J39 Information Operations (IO) Division as the Chief of Special Activities.  He also served at the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) J39 Information Operations (IO) Division after earning a Master Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He previously served as the G7 Information Operations Officer for the Second Infantry Division, stationed at Camp Red Cloud, Republic of Korea. He was also assigned to Fort Hood's III Armored Corps as a G35 Future Operations IO Planner and deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 where he lead an international team of IO planners for the Future Operations G35 of the ISAF Joint Command (IJC).  Before joining III Armored Corps, COL Thelen served with the U.S. Army Forces Command's Operations Division Watch team where he was instrumental in establishing the IO section within the G-3/5/7. Colonel Thelen has had a long and diverse military career, bringing a plethora of military experience to the Department of State.  While still a junior in high school, he enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard as a photo journalist. Four years later, he attended Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. He then relocated to Washington, D.C., where he pursued a career with the federal government while continuing to serve in the Virginia Army National Guard's 29th Infantry Division as the Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, as well as an aide-de-camp to the Commanding General. COL Thelen was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia where he joined the Georgia Army National Guard and the 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. In 1997 he was mobilized, deployed and attached to the 1st Infantry Division 2-2 Infantry in Bosnia-Herzegovina, serving as the Task Force 2-2 Public Affairs Officer. He remained on active duty through the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program where he served in Stuttgart, Germany with the European Command J37 NATO Exercise Branch and performed Operations Center duties during the Kosovo Campaign. Following this assignment, he returned to Atlanta and served in the G-3/5/7 Training Division at the U.S. Army Forces Command and the Executive Officer to the 2-star senior Army National Guard Advisor. He was then selected to serve as the Battalion S3, Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS) at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) ROTC program, and then as the Coordinator for the Georgia National Guard's State Partnership Program with the Former Soviet Republic of Georgia.  During this time he also commanded the 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.  After command, he attended Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and was then assigned as the Brigade S3 Plans officer at the 48th Infantry Brigade.  COL Thelen was then assessed to active duty as an Information Operations officer and continues to serve. COL Thelen is married to Alexis (Layton-Moore) and has three children, Jake, Rachel and Robert, Jr. He has owned and operated a real estate investment firm and is an active member of the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post

Send us a textPower reveals character, and nowhere is that more visible than inside military sexual assault response. We sit down with Jeff Goris—career aviator, senior SHARP advocate at Fort Hood, and later a Department of the Army civilian—to unpack how a program meant to protect survivors gets kneecapped by backlogs, weak command emphasis, and investigations run by the very people with skin in the game. From the McQueen scandal to the wake-up after Vanessa Guillén, Jeff traces the specific mechanisms that fail victims and also crush the falsely accused: preliminary inquiries used to pre-shape outcomes, administrative actions that sidestep due process, and clearance removals that quietly end careers.Across an unflinching conversation, Jeff explains the ethics of real advocacy: know the policies cold, focus on the victim's needs, and document every step. He shares hard-won tactics for anyone at risk of retaliation—professional liability insurance, early legal counsel, and meticulous records—while making the case that true reform depends on independent investigations outside command influence. We talk about culture honestly: why achievement often trumps character at senior levels, how retaliation silences truth-tellers, and why the “court of public opinion” sometimes becomes the only path to accountability when internal systems stall.This episode offers a practical roadmap and a challenge. If leaders want safer formations, they must separate adjudication from command interests, empower IGs to investigate retaliation, and give both accusers and accused the right to present evidence and witnesses. Until then, advocates and allies can still win small, meaningful battles—supporting survivors, protecting whistleblowers, and telling verified stories that make indifference costly. Listen, share, and help push for due process, independent investigations, and culture that rewards courage over convenience. If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what reform would you mandate first?The stories and opinions shared on Stories of Service are told in each guest's own words. They reflect personal experiences, memories, and perspectives. While every effort is made to present these stories respectfully and authentically, Stories of Service does not verify the accuracy oSupport the showVisit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTERRead my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.comWatch episodes of my podcast:https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

Good morning, afternoon, and good evening, everybody! Scott Carson here, and boy, are you in for a treat! As we roll into the New Year, many of you are resolving to dive deeper into real estate investing, but that old excuse "I don't have any money" always seems to pop up. Well, prepare to have your mind blown (and your excuses obliterated!) by today's special guest!We've got Lisa Ferris from Georgetown, Texas – a real estate investment legend who's been crushing it for years. She's a master of creative financing, fix & flips, short-term rentals, and leveraging private money. And the best part? She's written a book revealing all her secrets: "How to Find and Fund Any Real Estate Deal: How to Buy Real Estate Without Using Your Own Cash or Credit." Forget the banks; Lisa proves you don't need 'em!Here's what you'll learn from Lisa Ferris (and why you need her book!):The "Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired" Origin Story: Lisa, a 20-year realtor, shares how being "broke" and presented with a "POS house" forced her to embrace creative financing. Her first deal? Wholesaling a property in three hours for $17,000 profit – and she's never looked back!Ron LeGrand's Legacy & Realtor Superpowers: Lisa credits a Ron LeGrand course for igniting her creative financing journey. As a seasoned realtor, she leverages deep market knowledge (knowing which two blocks to avoid and where to buy!) to quickly run numbers and make offers, giving her a serious edge in Central Texas (Belton, Temple, Taylor, Fort Hood) – everywhere but Austin!Win-Win Negotiations for Distressed Sellers: Learn Lisa's approach to seller financing: always offer a higher purchase price and sell the payment amount (never the interest rate!). She focuses on creating win-win scenarios where sellers feel heard and get flexible solutions, even for those with no equity or facing tough situations.Private Money Magic: Just Ask! Lisa's secret to raising capital? Simply ask! Her first private lender was a good friend at McDonald's (true story!). She views it as offering an opportunity for investors to make their money work for them, not begging. Her deals average $200K-$300K and offer 12%+ returns, because as she says, "if you have a good deal, the money is the easiest part."Why Diligence & Community Matter: Lisa uses tools like RehabValuator and creates professional reports (Canva, anyone?) to make her deals attractive. She emphasizes proactive communication with lenders (even using platforms like SiteWire for draws). Plus, she champions local networking with her Centex Dealmakers Group, bringing integrity, training, and real-world deals to Austin's real estate community.Lisa Farris is living proof that you don't need deep pockets to build a thriving real estate business. Her humor, humility, and rock-solid strategies make her an inspiration. Stop making excuses and start making deals happen!Grab a copy of her game-changing book, "How to Find and Fund Any Real Estate Deal: How to Buy Real Estate Without Using Your Own Cash or Credit," available soon on Amazon. Connect with her on Facebook (Lisa J Ferris) or via email: lisa@ljepropertysolutions.com. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a five-star review, and go out and become a Dealmaker!Watch the Original VIDEO HERE!Book a Call With Scott HERE!Sign up for the next FREE One-Day Note Class HERE!Sign up for the WCN Membership HERE!Sign up for the next Note Buying For Dummies Workshop HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the Note Closers Show community today:WeCloseNotes.comThe Note Closers Show FacebookThe Note Closers Show TwitterScott Carson LinkedInThe Note Closers Show YouTubeThe Note Closers Show VimeoThe Note Closers Show InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest

On today's Land Warfare Series program, sponsored American Rheinmetall, Maj. Gen. Tom Feltey, the commander of the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, along with Col. Nick Dvonch, the division's artillery commander, and Col. Jose Reyes, the commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade “Blackjack,” join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the 26-02 brigade certification rotation last month at the National Training Center where the 1st Cav's novel waves-based approach to create advantage in highly contested future battlefields, whether in Europe, Asia or elsewhere, was tested under operational conditions.

In today's wide-ranging episode, we unpack four jaw-dropping stories you won't want to miss: —Shenzhou‑22 — Tiangong rescue mission: After a damaged capsule left three Chinese astronauts stranded, China launched an unmanned lifeboat to bring them home (04:45). —A disturbing criminal investigation at U.S. Army's Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (formerly at ­Fort Hood) where around 3,000 patients have been notified amid allegations a suspended OB-GYN secretly recorded exams and is now under federal investigation (15:44).  —A twisted coup plot: A young airman and his co-conspirator allegedly planned to take over Île de Gonâve off Haiti — kill all the men and enslave the women and children — recruiting homeless individuals as mercenaries (31:09).  —The forgotten battle: We revisit the little-known Battle of Attu in May 1943 — the only WWII land battle fought on U.S. soil, high in Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Harsh terrain, brutal combat, huge costs (55:25).  From space-station rescue to military medical breaches, from a surreal invasion plot to buried WWII history, this video ties it all together with the high-energy style you expect from Late For Changeover. Buckle up.

A woman told USA TODAY that nearly a year ago she walked into the OBGYN's office in Fort Hood, an Army base in Texas, because she wasn't sure what to take for her sinus infection during her pregnancy. She said that the doctor, Major Blaine McGraw, then sexually abused her. She said that when she told him to stop, he laughed. The woman is one of more than 1,400 patients of Major McGraw's who the Army says it has contacted in a snowballing investigation alleging sexual exploitation. USA TODAY National Security Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt for more on this disturbing story. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After leaders in four member cities scheduled elections to consider leaving the Dallas Area Rapid Transit agency next May, a fifth North Texas town may join the ranks. Addison's City Council could join Irving, Plano, Highland Park and Farmers Branch if town leaders vote at a special meeting Tuesday, Dec. 2, to put its membership in DART on the ballot. In other news, Dallas police are investigating a disturbance call in downtown that turned into an officer-involved shooting early Monday; Informercial star Offer Vince Shlomi, best known as the “ShamWow guy” who hawked super absorbent towels on late-night television, is running for Congress in Texas. The 61-year old  Shlomi is vying for the Republican primary nod against 84-year old incumbent Rep. John Carter to represent a swath of Central Texas, which includes the northern suburbs of Austin, Temple and Fort Hood; and a beefy chain restaurant called Fatburger opened in Dallas' Preston Hollow Village over the weekend.  It's the first Fatburger in Dallas and the eighth in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

These are 7 of the top headlines in military news. NOTE: All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  Today I cover these 7 headline cases:  -Death of Officer Lauren Craven (Sailor Antonio Alcantar charged) -OB/GYN Maj Blaine McGraw accused of secretly recording patients -Double Murder/Suicide out of Wright-Patterson AFB -4 Deaths in One Unit at FE Warren AFB -Whiteman AFB airman kills Good Samaritan during DV incident -Triple Murder in Harnett County, NC -Convicted Killer Ellis Handy denied parole for the 25th time ⸻

Larry "Scott" Teakell, a native Texan, joined the U.S. Army in 1995. He served as a medic and had three tours in Iraq, one in Bosnia and Macedonia. In July 2007 in Iraq, SSgt Teakell put out a fuel fire that covered Spc. Heredia and was awarded theSoldier's Medal, the highest medal you can earn for heroism in non-combat. Teakell talks about being a medic and the Strong Star Training Initiative program at Fort Hood. He retired as an SFC in 2015 and began forging knives, and became the founder ofJunkyard Tactical.

Mark, Melynda and Ed discuss Greg Abbott launching his re-election campaign, Epstein emails related to Donald Trump being leaked, and an OGBYN in Fort Hood being sued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day:  From sob stories and stories trying to convince us that illegality means little, to stories showing that Texas is still making it easy for people to live and work in the state illegally, generally there is a failure to point out the fraudulent reality of living in this country illegally: It is theft from citizens. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins Says SNAP Will Be Drastically Reformed After Thousands Of Illegals Removed from Program 85,000 immigrants at risk of deportation in Travis County: report – don't you think that might help that terrible housing shortage for working people? Houston police called ICE on a missing teen. They blamed his mom. They broke into the country to steal services; a ridiculous sob story from the Houston Chronicle editorial board. New data shows 1 in 4 ICE arrests happened in Texas under Trump's immigration crackdown – I was hoping for a larger share Texas still allowing illegal aliens to register vehicles in Texas Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Houston traffic officer making $170,000 in overtime reassigned – why is he still on the force given he has been “disciplined for fraudulent overtime practices” not once, but twice!?Fort Hood: Texas law firms say they're representing victims of Army OB-GYN doctor accused of recording patients.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Ryan Schmelz reports on the ongoing government shutdown and recalls the longest shutdown in U.S. history where military families waited in food lines at bases like Fort Hood and TSA workers took second jobs while air travel risked disruption. He outlines how SNAP recipients could face strain if the standoff continues. He explains Democrats' negotiation stance, disputes over rescinding approved funds and debates over ACA premium tax credits. The segment also covers talks of a compromise, discussion of congressional pay during shutdowns, and the broader financial stakes of the budget impasse including potential $500 billion healthcare premium implications.

In this new episode, Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with ABC News correspondent John Quiñones about the disappearance and murder of 20 year old soldier Vanessa Guillén from Fort Hood, Texas in April of 2020. This episode was published on Missing on October 13th, 2025. John is hosting a great new podcast series called Vanished: What Happened To Vanessa. Check it out at the links below. Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/77zJZHzsBKldgne6wgIpMf⁠. Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vanished-what-happened-to-vanessa/id1836475595⁠. News on podcast: ⁠https://abc.com/news/0d06790b-c79c-4be1-bd99-6292955b4002/category/1138628⁠. Check out John's site: ⁠https://www.johnquinones.com/⁠. Follow John on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/johnquinones⁠. Follow John on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/JohnQuinones/⁠. Main podcast theme by Kevin Macleod. Check out his work at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://incompetech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Additional music by David Williams. See his work at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://williamsflutes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Missing: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/MissingCSM/⁠⁠⁠⁠. TT:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@missingcsm⁠⁠⁠⁠. FB:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/MissingCSM⁠⁠⁠⁠. X:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/MissingCSM⁠⁠⁠⁠. Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/0yRXkJrZC85otfT7oXMcri⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/missingcsm⁠⁠⁠⁠. Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missing/id1006974447⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Crawlspace: IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/Crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠. TT:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠. FB:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠. X:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/crawlspacepod.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/7iSnqnCf27NODdz0pJ1GvJ⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/crawlspace⁠⁠⁠⁠. Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crawlspace-true-crime-mysteries/id1187326340⁠⁠⁠⁠. Check out our entire network at⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://crawlspace-media.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder why Bob Hope still lands with new audiences today? I sit down with Bill Johnson, a gifted Bob Hope tribute artist who grew up in Wichita and found his way from dinner theater to USO stages around the world. We talk about radio roots, World War II entertainment, and how “history with humor” keeps veterans' stories alive. You'll hear how Bill built a respectful tribute, the line between tribute and impersonation, and why audience connection—timing, tone, and true care—matters more than perfect mimicry. I believe you'll enjoy this one; it's funny, warm, and full of the kind of details that make memories stick.   Highlights: 00:10 - Hear how a Bob Hope tribute artist frames humor to build instant rapport. 01:41 - Learn how Wichita roots, a theater scholarship, and early TV/radio love shaped a performer. 10:37 - See why acting in Los Angeles led to dinner theater, directing, and meeting his future wife. 15:39 - Discover the Vegas break that sparked a Bob Hope character and a first World War II reunion show. 18:27 - Catch how a custom character (the Stradivarius) evolved into a Hope-style stage persona. 21:16 - Understand the “retirement home test” and how honest rooms sharpen a tribute act. 25:42 - Learn how younger audiences still laugh at classic material when context is set well. 30:18 - Hear the “history with humor” method and why dates, places, and accuracy earn trust. 31:59 - Explore Hope's USO tradition and how Bill carries it forward for veterans and families. 36:27 - Get the difference between a tribute and an impersonation and what makes audiences accept it. 41:40 - Pick up joke-craft insights on setup, economy of words, and fast recoveries when lines miss. 46:53 - Hear travel stories from Tokyo to Fort Hood and why small moments backstage matter. 50:01 - Learn the basics of using Hope's material within IP and public domain boundaries. 51:28 - See the ethical close: making sure a “reasonable person” knows they saw a tribute.   About the Guest:   With a career spanning over thirty years, Bill has forged his niche on stage, screen, and television as a dependable character actor.   Bill's tribute to the late, great Bob Hope was showcased in New Orleans, LA at Experience the Victory, the grand opening of the National WWII Museum's first expansion project. In the ceremony, Bill introduced broadcaster Tom Brokaw, and performed a brief moment of comedy with Academy Award winning actor, Tom Hanks. Bill continues to appear regularly at the WWII Museum, most recently in On the Road with Bob Hope and Friends, which was under-written by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation.   Highlights from over the years has included the 70th Anniversary of the End of WWII Celebration aboard the USS Midway in San Diego, and the Welcome Home Vietnam Parade in Tennessee. Additionally, Bill has been honored to appear around the world as Mr. Hope for the USO in locations such as the Bob Hope USO centers in Southern California, the USO Cincinnati Tribute to Veterans (appearing with Miss America 2016-Betty Cantrell),  USO Ft. Hood (appearing with the legendary Wayne Newton), USO of Central and Southern Ohio, USO Puget Sound Area in Seattle, USO Guam, USO Tokyo, USO Holiday Shows in Virginia Beach for US Tours, and a Tribute to the USO on the island of  Maui with country music superstar Lee Greenwood.   Other notable appearances include Tribute Shows for Honor Flight chapters in Alabama, South Carolina, and Ohio, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, the US Army Ball, the annual 1940's Ball in Boulder, CO, “USO Cuties Show” at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, the Les Brown Jazz Festival in Tower City, PA, and Hosting “So Many Laughs: A Night of Comedy” at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, OH.   Through the years, Bill has been “murdered” on CSI, portrayed Michael Imperioli's banker in High Roller: The Stu Unger Story, as well as, roles in films such as Ocean's 11, Three Days to Vegas, TV's Scare Tactics, Trick Shot, an award winning short film for Canon cameras, and the series finale of Dice, where Bill appeared as John Quincy Adams opposite Andrew Dice Clay.     Bill is currently based out of Las Vegas, NV where he lives with his wife, author Rosemary Willhide, and rescue dog, Brownie.   Ways to connect with Bill:   http://www.billjohnsonentertainment.com http://www.GigSalad.com/williampatrickjohnson     About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:23 This is your host, Mike hingson, and you are listening to unstoppable mindset. You know, we have a saying here, unstoppable mindset, where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet, and we're going to definitely have unexpected today. This is also going to be a very fun episode. By the time you hear this, you will have heard a couple of conversations that I had with Walden Hughes, who is the president of the radio enthusiast of Puget Sound. And he's also on the on other boards dealing with old radio show. And he introduced me to Bill Johnson, who is a person that is well known for taking on the role of Bob Hope, and I'm sure that we're going to hear a bunch about that as we go forward here. But Bill is our guest today, and I just played a little segment of something for Bill with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, two characters by any standard. Well, anyway, we'll get to all that. Bill, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset, and I'm really honored that you're here with us today.   Bill Johnson ** 02:31 Oh, thanks a million. Michael, it's such a pleasure to be here. Well, this is going to be a fun discussion.   Michael Hingson ** 02:38 Oh, I think so. I think absolutely by any standard, it'll be fun. Well, why don't we start before it gets too fun with some of the early stories about Bill growing up and all that. Tell us about the early bill.   Bill Johnson ** 02:52 Okay, well, I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, of all places. And I used to say, I used to Marvel watching Hope's Christmas specials with my family that sort of spurred my interest. But grew up in Midwest, went to Wichita State University, and then after graduation, I had a job with an independent film company and a move to Los Angeles seeking my fortune. Well, the film company pulled it in three months, as those things do, and so I was left with my, I guess, my pursuit of the entertainment career from there.   Michael Hingson ** 03:42 So did you what you went to school and high school and all that stuff?   Bill Johnson ** 03:46 Yes, oh yes, I went to Wichita East High I didn't graduate with honors, but I graduated with a B,   Michael Hingson ** 03:56 that's fair B for Bob Hope, right? Yeah.   Bill Johnson ** 04:01 And then I actually went to college under a theater scholarship, wow. And so that, in those days, that would pay for everything, books, class, which delighted my parents, because we were a family of simple means. So that was the only way I was going to go to college was having a scholarship and but as it turns out, it was for the best years of my humble life, because I got a lot of hands on experience in a Wichita State medium sized College, yeah, but back then it was Much smaller, so I had a lot of opportunity.   Michael Hingson ** 04:43 I've actually been to Wichita State. I've been to Wichita and, oh, great, did some speaking back there. And we're probably going to be doing more in the future. But it's an it's a nice town. It's a great town to to be a part of. I think,   Bill Johnson ** 04:56 yes, people are so nice there. And what I. I've noticed living in other places and then going home to visit Wichitas are cleaned. Just something you noticed, the streets are usually pretty clean and foliage is well manicured. So hats off to the city for keeping the place up to date or keeping it clean   Michael Hingson ** 05:22 anyway. Well, yeah, you got to do what you got to do, and that's amazing. And in the winter, everything gets covered up by the snow.   Bill Johnson ** 05:30 Yes, you do get all four seasons in Wichita, whether you like it or not. See there, yeah, it's one of those places where they have that saying, If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes and it'll change.   Michael Hingson ** 05:43 Yeah. So, so, so there. So you majored in theater in college?   Bill Johnson ** 05:49 Yes, I did. Actually, the official designation at Wichita State was speech communication, ah, so that's what I got my Bachelor of Arts   Michael Hingson ** 06:02 degree in so what years? What years were you there?   Bill Johnson ** 06:05 I was there in the fall of 75 and graduated a semester late. So I graduated in December of 79 Okay,   Michael Hingson ** 06:17 yeah, but that was after basically the traditional golden days and golden age of radio, wasn't   Bill Johnson ** 06:24 it? Yes, it was still in the days of black and white television.   Michael Hingson ** 06:29 But yeah, there was a lot of black and white television, and there were some resurgence of radio, radio mystery theater CBS was on, and I think that was before, well, no, maybe later in 7879 I don't know when it was, but NPR did Star Wars. And so there were some radio, radio things, which was pretty good.   Bill Johnson ** 06:53 And I think our friends in Lake will be gone began.   Michael Hingson ** 06:56 Oh yeah, they were in, I think 71 garrison. Keillor, okay, it'll be quiet week in Lake will be gone my hometown. I know I listened every week. Oh, I   Bill Johnson ** 07:06 did too. So my interest in radio was, I think, started back then.   Michael Hingson ** 07:12 Yeah, I enjoyed him every week. As I love to describe him, he clearly was the modern Mark Twain of the United States and radio for that matter. Is that right?   Bill Johnson ** 07:26 Oh, gosh, well, I, I'm, I'm, I'm glad to agree with you. And a lot of that wasn't it improvised to his weekly monolog. He'd have, oh, sure, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 07:39 he, had ideas. He may have had a couple notes, but primarily it was improvised. He just did it. He just did it.   Bill Johnson ** 07:47 I let some of the episodes you take a lot of find a lot of humor in the fact he's kind of pleased with himself. And he goes, Well, look what we just said, or something. He'll do.   Michael Hingson ** 07:57 Yeah, it was, it was fun. So what did you do after college? Well,   Bill Johnson ** 08:03 after college, when I had moved to Los Angeles, after that, did not work out. I pursued my living as a as an actor, which didn't last long. So I of course, had to get a secondary job, I guess. Let me back up. It did last long, although I didn't have enough to pay my bills. Oh, well, there you go. I had a secondary job as whatever I could find, bartending. Usually, I did a lot of work as a bartender and but you get at least doing something like that. You get the people watch, yeah, oh.   Michael Hingson ** 08:47 And, that's always entertaining, isn't   Bill Johnson ** 08:49 it? Well, it can be, yeah, that's true. Back in my that's where I kind of develop your little stick you do for customers to get them to laugh and maybe tip you. My big thing was that you'd always see a couple, say, making out at the bar because it was kind of dark in there. And I would always say, Hey fellas, you want to meet my wife, Carol? Oh, that's her boss. Don't worry about it. They're having a good time or something like that, just to try to get a few laughs.   Michael Hingson ** 09:23 I've done similar things at airports. I know that the TSA agents have a such a thankless job. And one of the things I decided fairly early on, after September 11, and you know, we got out, and most people, and most of the TSA people don't know it. But anyway, whenever I go through the airport, I love to try to make them laugh. So, you know, they'll say things like, oh, I need to see your ID, please. And, and I'll say things like, Well, why did you lose yours? Or, you know, or you why? I didn't want to see it. It's just a piece of paper, right? You know? But, and I get them to laugh. Mostly, there are few that don't, but mostly they they do. And then the other thing is, of course, going through with my guide dog. And we go through the portal. They have to search the dog because he's got the metal harness on that always sets off the detector. Oh my, yeah. And, and so they say, Well, we're going to have to pet your dog. I said, Well, just wait a minute. There's something you need to know. And I really sound very serious when I do this. You got to understand this before you do that. They go, oh yeah. And they back up, and I go, he only likes long searches. If you don't take a half hour, he's not happy because his tail is going 500 miles a second, you know? Oh, great coming. But it is fun, and we get him to laugh, which is, I think, important to do. We don't laugh at enough in life anyway.   Bill Johnson ** 10:57 Amen to that. It's That's my philosophy as well, my friend. And there's not a lot to laugh about these days. And hopefully we can find the humor, even if we create it ourselves.   Michael Hingson ** 11:11 Yeah, I think there's a lot to laugh at if we find it. You know, there are a lot of things that are not going very well right now, and there are way too many things that make it hard to laugh, but we can find things if we work at it. I wish more people would do that than than some of the things that they do. But what do you do?   Bill Johnson ** 11:31 Yes, yeah, from from your mouth to God's ears, that's a great plan for the future.   Michael Hingson ** 11:39 Well, we try so you you did some acting, and you had all sorts of other jobs. And then what happened?   Bill Johnson ** 11:47 Well, I finally got fed up with the whole bartending thing and the rat race of trying to make it in Los Angeles. I did some commercials. I had a couple of small roles in some independent movies, as they say. But on my first love being theater, I hit the road again doing some regional theater shows to where I finally ended up back in Kansas, once again, that the there was a dinner theater in my hometown of Wichita, and I got hired to do shows there. Oh, so eventually becoming a resident director so and my my family was going through some challenges at the time, so it was good to be home, so I hadn't really abandoned the dream. I just refocused it, and I got a lot of great experience in directing plays, appearing in plays, and I met my white wife there. So so that was a win win on all counts.   Michael Hingson ** 13:00 I first got exposed to dinner theater after college. I was in Iowa, in Des Moines, and the person who was reading the national magazine for the National Federation of the Blind, the magazine called the Braille monitor guy was Larry McKeever was, I think, owner of and very involved in a dinner theater called Charlie's show place, and I don't remember the history, but I went to several of the performances. And then he actually tried to create a serial to go on radio. And it didn't get very far, but it would have been fun if he had been able to do more with it, but he, he did do and there were people there who did the dinner theater, and that was a lot of fun.   Bill Johnson ** 13:45 Oh, gosh, yeah, although I must say that I was sort of the black sheep of the family being in the arts. My My mom and dad came from rural communities, and so they didn't really understand this entertainment business, so that was always a challenge. But there's one footnote that I'm kind of proud of. My grandfather, who was a farmer all his life. He lived on a farm. He was raised on a farm. Every year at the Fourth of July Co Op picnic. The Co Op was a place where they would take the crops and get paid and get supplies and so forth. They would have a picnic for all the people that were their customers every year he would supposedly play the unscrupulous egg buyer or the egg salesman. And so he'd go to the routine, was an old vaudeville routine. He'd go to this poor farmer and say, Here, let me pay you for those eggs. That's here. There's one two. Say, how many kids do you guys have now? For the No, five. 678, say, How long have you and your wife been married? What is it? Seven years, eight, they get the guy go, no, 1011, 12, so that was the bit, and he would do it every year, because I guess he did it   Michael Hingson ** 15:15 really well. Drove the farmers crazy.   Bill Johnson ** 15:18 Yeah, so, so humble beginnings in the lineage,   Michael Hingson ** 15:23 but on the other hand, once you started doing that, at least being in the theater was enough to pay the bills. Yes.   Bill Johnson ** 15:30 So my parents really couldn't complain about that.   Michael Hingson ** 15:34 Well, see, it worked   Bill Johnson ** 15:36 out, yes indeed. And I met my wife, so I'm not complaining   Michael Hingson ** 15:41 about any of it. Now, was she in the theater? Yes, she was a performer.   Bill Johnson ** 15:46 We met in a show called lend me a tenor, and she was the lead, and I was at this point doing my stage management duties. But suffice to say we have gone on and done many shows together since then, and even had been able to play opposite each other a couple of times. So that cool, yeah, that's, that's a you can't ask for better memories than   Michael Hingson ** 16:13 that. No, and you guys certainly knew each other and know each other well. So that works out really well.   Bill Johnson ** 16:20 Yeah, that works out pretty good, except, you know, you sometimes you have to have a conversation and say, Okay, we're just going to leave the theater on the stage and at home. We're at home. Yeah?   Michael Hingson ** 16:32 Well, yeah, there is that, but it's okay. So how did you get into the whole process of of portraying Bob Hope, for example, and did you do anything before Bob of the same sort of thing?   Bill Johnson ** 16:51 Well, interestingly enough, to complete the whole circle of my experience, when I was performing in Wichita, I got a job opportunity here in Lacher. I'm living in Las Vegas now, to move out here and audition, or come out and audition for a new dinner show that was opening at Caesar's Palace. It was called Caesar's magical Empire, and it was, it was in 1996 and during that time, there was this big magic craze in Las Vegas. Everybody was doing magic   Michael Hingson ** 17:27 shows. You had Siegfried and Roy and yeah.   Bill Johnson ** 17:30 So I came out, I auditioned and got hired. And so then it was like, Well, now you got to move. So we moved on a just on hope and a prayer. And luckily, they eventually hired my wife, and so we got to work together there, and I eventually went on to become the, what they called the show director. I didn't do the original show direction, but it was my job to maintain the integrity of the attraction. So during those years it was that was kind of difficult, because you have to listen to being on the administrative team. You've got to listen to all the conflict that's going on, as well as and try to keep the waters calm, keep peace. Yes. So anyway, doing my show and being interactive, you talk back and forth to the audience, and after it was over, you take them out to a next the next experience in their night, when they would go see magic in a big showroom. And a lady came up to me and and she said, say, I've got this world war two reunion coming up next month. I'd like you to come and be, pretend to be Bob Hope. Do you know who that is? And I was like, yes, he's one of my heroes. And so that was the first opportunity, suffice to say, I guess I did. Should have prefaced it by saying, when the magical Empire first opened, we were all playing these mystical wizards and dark characters. Well, that didn't fly. That wasn't any fun. So then the directors, the producers said, well, everybody, come up with your own character, and we'll go from there. And so I created this character named the Stradivarius, because I like to fiddle the room. I get it and   Michael Hingson ** 19:37 but I played it like Bobby and you like to stream people along. But anyway, hey, I wish I would have   Bill Johnson ** 19:42 thought of that. My approach was like Bob Hope in one of the road pictures. So the show would be sort of a fish out of water type thing. Come on, folks. You know, I laughed when you came in that type of thing. Yeah. So when this lady saw the show that. How she got that inspiration?   Michael Hingson ** 20:04 Well, your voice is close enough to his that I could, I could see that anyway.   Bill Johnson ** 20:09 Oh, well, thank you. Sometimes I'd say it drives my wife nuts, because I'll come across an old archival material and say, Hey, honey, how about this one? So she's got to be the first audience, yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 20:23 Well, I'm prejudiced, so you could tell her, I said, so okay,   Bill Johnson ** 20:27 that you would, you'd love to hear it, right? Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 20:31 Well, absolutely. Well, so you went off and you did the the World War Two event.   Bill Johnson ** 20:38 Did the World War Two event shortly after that, the met this, well, I should tell you another story, that shortly after that, a young man came to my show, and during the show, he stopped me and said, say, You remind me of someone very dear to me. Have you ever heard of Bob Hope? And I said, yeah, he's again. I said, one of my heroes. The guy said, Well, you kind of remind me of him. Went on his merry way, and I didn't think much of it. Well, it just so happens. The next day, I was watching the biography documentary of Bob Hope, and all of a sudden this talking head comes up, and it's the same guy I was just talking to in my show the day, the day before, it turns out that was, that was Bob's adopted son, Tony Tony hope. So I took that as a positive sign that maybe I was doing something similar to Mr. Hope, anyway. But then, as I said, The show closed very soon after that, sadly, Mr. Hope passed away. And 2003 right, and so there was, there was no real demand for anything like that. But I didn't let the idea go. I wanted something to do creatively. I continued to work for the same company, but I went over and ran the 3d movie at Eminem's world in Las Vegas 20 years. So I had plenty of time to think about doing   Michael Hingson ** 22:26 something creative, and you got some Eminem's along the way.   Bill Johnson ** 22:30 They keep them in the break room for the employees. So it's like, here's all the different brand I mean, here's all the different flavors and styles. So to have a way and you can tell guests, oh yeah, that's delicious. It tastes like, just like almonds or   22:45 something. Yeah.   Bill Johnson ** 22:47 So based on that, I decided to pursue this, this tribute, and it, I'll tell you, it's difficult getting started at first, you got to practically pay people to let you come and do a show. I'd go to retirement homes and say, Hey, you want to show today. Sometimes they'd let me, sometimes they wouldn't. But the thing about doing a show at a retirement community is they will be very honest with you. If you ain't any good, they'll say, man, no, thanks. Oh, nice try. So know where my trouble spots were,   Michael Hingson ** 23:29 but, but audiences don't treat you as the enemy, and I know that one of the things I hear regularly is, well, how do you speak so much and so well. You know the one of the greatest fears that we all have as a public speaking, and one of the things that I constantly tell people is, think about the audiences. They want you to succeed. They came because they want to hear you succeed, and you need to learn how to relate to them. But they're not out to get you. They want you to be successful and and they love it when you are and I learned that very early on and speaking has never been something that I've been afraid of. And I think it's so important that people recognize that the audiences want you to succeed anyway.   Bill Johnson ** 24:17 That's so true. And you kind of touched on a quote I remember one of the books from Bob hopes. He said how he approaches it. He said, I consider the audience as my best friends, and who doesn't want to spend time with your best friend, right?   Michael Hingson ** 24:34 And I and I believe that when I speak, I don't talk to an audience. I talk with the audience, and I will try to do some things to get them to react, and a lot of it is when I'm telling a story. I've learned to know how well I'm connecting by how the audience reacts, whether there's intakes of breath or or they're just very silent or whatever. And I think that's so important, but he's. Absolutely right. Who wouldn't want to spend time with your best friend? Yes, amen. Did you ever get to meet Bob? Hope   Bill Johnson ** 25:07 you know I never did, although I at one point in my when I was living in Los Angeles, a friend of mine and I, we were in the over the San Fernando Valley, and they said, Hey, I think there's some stars homes near here. Let's see if we can find them. And we said, I think Bob Hope lives on this street. So we went down Moor Park Avenue in Toluca Lake, and we finally saw this home with a giant H on the gate. And it's like, Oh, I wonder. This has got to be it. Well, all of a sudden these gates began to open. And we, kind of, my friend and I were like, and here, here, Hope came driving home. He was, he arrived home in a very nicely appointed Chrysler Cordoba, remember those? And he had one, he just was just scowling at us, like, what are you doing in my life? You know, and they drove it. So that's as close as I got to the real guy. But I wish I could have had the pleasure of seeing him in person, but never, never was fortunate enough.   Michael Hingson ** 26:18 Well, one of the things that's interesting is like with the World Trade Center, and I've realized over the past few years, we're in a world with a whole generation that has absolutely no direct Memory of the World Trade Center because they weren't born or they were too young to remember. And that goes even further back for Bob Hope. How does that work? Do you find that you're able to connect with younger audiences? Do they talk with you know? Do they do they react? Do they love it? How   Bill Johnson ** 26:52 does that go? Well, interestingly enough, a lot of times, if there are younger people at shows, they're usually dragged there by their parents and I have found that they will start chuckling and giggling and laughing in spite of themselves, because that old humor of hopes that, granted, it is corny, but there's some great material there, if presented in the proper context. Yeah. I was funny story. I was doing a show at the National World War Two Museum in New Orleans. They were dedicating a new theater or something, and the color guard was a group of local leaf Marines that were serving in a local base, and they were standing there right before they went on, and this young man kept looking at me, and finally he said, very respectfully, says, I'm sorry, sir, but who are you? So I said, luckily, there was a picture of Bob Hope on the wall. And I said, Well, I'm trying to be that guy. And I said, Hang around a little bit. You'll hear some of the material so, but that's the thing I that you did bring up. An interesting point is how to keep your audience, I guess, interested, even though the humor is 4056, 70 years old, I call it like all my approach history with humor. The first time I did the Bob Hope, as in the national natural progression of things, I went to an open call, eventually here in Vegas to do they were looking for impersonators for an afternoon show at the Riviera in a place called Penny town. It was just a place for Penny slots. And they had, and they hired me. They said you can do your Bob Hope impression there. And so they had a stage that was on a one foot riser. You had a microphone and a speaker and a sound man, and you had to do a 10 Minute monolog six times a day every Yeah, do 10 minutes. You'd have about a 40 minute break. Do 10 more. And I didn't do it every day, but you would be scheduled. Maybe they'd have, you know, have a Reba McEntire one day. They'd have an Elvis one day. Well, so I would it was a great place to try your ad, because, and that's what turned me on to the whole idea of history with humor. Because when I started, I was just doing some of his material I'd found in a hope joke book that I thought were funny. Well, once in a while, people would be playing the slots. Granted, they were looking at the machines. Nobody was looking at me. And once, when I'd have somebody who. Ah, you know, crank the arm, one arm banded against and then, or I make the sound man laugh. And that was my goal. Well, there was a snack bar right in front of us with a rail that people. They weren't tables, but you could go, lean against the rail and eat your I think it was called Moon doggies hot dog stand so you could eat your hot dog and watch Bob. Hope so if I could make the moon doggy people hot dog folks choke on their hot dog while they were laughing. That was like a home run. Yeah. But to keep them interested, tell them something that they will know. For instance, Hope's first show for the troops was May 6, 1941 down in March field in Riverside California. And you start giving dates and specifics that i i can see the people in the audience go, oh yeah, in their mind's eye, they if they were around, then they will go back to that day. What was I doing then? Okay, and so you kind of make the world relevant for them. So that's how I approach World War Two, Korea and Vietnam. Is give dates and places, which you got to be accurate, because the veterans   Michael Hingson ** 31:27 will set you straight. Oh yeah, because they do remember. Oh yes, they were there.   Bill Johnson ** 31:33 So some of them and but it's, it's amazing, as you say, you can tell if the audience is engaged by if they inhale or if they make some complimentary noises during the show. Sometimes I'll get fellas who will sit there and ponder just looking at me, and then they'll come up afterwards and say, Man, I hadn't thought about that in years.   Michael Hingson ** 32:04 Yeah, thank you. And you know you're connecting, yeah, yeah.   Bill Johnson ** 32:09 And because hope represented, I think, a good memory in a kind of a rough time for a   Michael Hingson ** 32:16 lot of folks. Well, he did. He did so much for the troops with the military. And as you said, May 6, 1941, and it went from there. And of course, during the whole war, he was all over and entertaining people and and he was also very active in radio as part of all that.   Bill Johnson ** 32:38 Oh my goodness, I don't know how the man found time to sleep, because if he were alive today, he would love social media and podcasts and things, because he was always trying to get his name in the paper or get some publicity, but he never forgot about his audience. He would want to do a show for the troops, no matter where they were stationed or he said I couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I didn't try.   Michael Hingson ** 33:10 Yeah, well, you do a lot with veterans and so on. So you've kind of kept up that tradition, haven't you?   Bill Johnson ** 33:19 Yes, I have been fortunate enough to play a lot of reunions and some, maybe some uso themed shows, because that first show he did, hope did, in May of 1941 was they just was a radio show that his, one of his writers had a brother stationed it in Riverside, California, and the war hadn't started, so they had nothing to do, right? These guys were bored, and so he said, Let's take our show down there and hope. So hope didn't want to leave the comfort of his NBC studio. It's like, you know, what's the idea? And they said, how big is the crowd? And they said, Well, I don't know, maybe 1000 and of course, you know 1000 people. And you know, in Hope's mind, he says, I'd give my arm and a leg to hear 10 people laugh. 100 people is like a symphony, but 1000 people, yeah, sheer fantasy. So he said, Oh, wait a minute, are you 1000 people? Are you sure? And this guy, Al capstaff, said, Well, maybe two. So that was it. And they went down. And when the audience, of course, they were just hungry for anything, the response was just so great that hope said, well, where has this been? And he said, shortly after that, we teamed up with the USO and been going steady. Ever since, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 35:02 and that's so cool. And again, you've, you've kept a lot of that going to now, we've talked on this show with Walden about reps and the showcase and so on. Are you going to be up at the recreation in Washington in September?   Bill Johnson ** 35:18 Yes, I am. I'll be there, and we're, I believe we're doing a one of the cavalcade of America shows that sort of incorporates a lot of his initial, well, one of his initial tours over in World War Two. But it's because a cavalcade is a recreation. A lot of it's drama, dramatized, but it's, it's and it's encapsulated you go bang, bang, bang across a big section of World War Two and Hope's experience in Europe. But it's, to me, as a fan of that genre, it's fascinating, so I just looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a lot of fun.   Michael Hingson ** 36:04 Well, we ought to, one of these days, we need to just do a Bob Hope radio show or something like that, and get you to come on and get an audience and and, and just do a show.   Bill Johnson ** 36:15 Oh, that would be great. I would love. That would be fun. That would be great, you know. And if there's any naysayers, you just say they said, Why do you want to do radio? Say, well, as hope would say, radio is just TV without the eye strain,   Michael Hingson ** 36:30 yeah, and the reality, you know, I'm one of my favorite characters, and one of my favorite shows is Richard diamond private detective, and I was originally going to actually be at the showcase doing Richard diamond, but I've got a speaking engagement, so I won't be able to be there this time, so we'll do it another time. But I remember, you know, at the beginning of every show, the first thing that would happen is that the phone would ring and he would answer it and say something cute, and it was usually his girlfriend, Helen Asher, who is played by Virginia, or who is, yeah, played by Virginia. Greg and one of his shows started. The phone rang. He picked it up. Diamond detective agency, we can solve any crime except television. That's great. I love that one. I love to use that.   Bill Johnson ** 37:20 I gotta remember that that's a great line, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 37:24 but it's really fun. Well, so you classify yourself as a tribute artist. How do you really get started in doing that, and how do you keep that going?   Bill Johnson ** 37:38 Well, that's, that's a, that's the million dollar question. Basically, I I found all the archival material I could find, and there's a ton of information on Bob Hope on YouTube nowadays, and you need to decide, are you a tribute, or are you an impersonator? Because there is a slight difference.   Michael Hingson ** 38:04 What difference a tribute?   Bill Johnson ** 38:08 Well, first off, an impersonator is someone who resembles someone famous and dresses up in a manner as to portray them, and that can include a tribute artist who may not look identical to the person, but can capture a mannerism or a vocal vocal rhythm to suggest enough that the audience will accept it. I I do it. I am, I feel like I can capture a little bit of his face with some, you know, some of the expressions people have told me my eyes resemble his, as well as wear a hat or something from try to copy a costume from a picture that is very you feel like is iconic of this character. So if you can come out and present that, that's the battle hope would always he began his radio shows, as you recall, by saying where he was and like, how do you do ladies and gentlemen, this is Bob live from Santa Ana Air Base, hope and and then do a two, two line rhyme about his sponsor, usually Pepsodent, just to get on to start the show with a laugh like Pepsodent on your brush and use plenty of traction and none of Your teeth. They'll be missing in action.   39:39 Yeah.   Bill Johnson ** 39:42 Huge, but, but you to to pursue it. As I said, you've just got to, you've got to kind of forage out in the real world and see if see somebody's looking for a show, and hopefully get someone to take a chance. Okay? Give you an opportunity. That's why I went to that open call to do that show at the Riviera. It is difficult to tell jokes at people that are chewing at you, but it's a good learning ground, plus doing the shows at the retirement homes made you prepared for anything because, but I found that I got the strongest response from veteran mentioned some of those history moments, historical moments. And so I thought maybe I'll just focus on this, not to put together the other comedy. And the other experiences are very important too. But the things I have found people remember the most were those shows for the troops. Yeah, and basically, in a nutshell, and they don't remember what did he What did he say? Do you remember a joke? Sometimes they'll tell me a joke, but most, most times, they don't remember what he said, but they remember how he made them feel,   Michael Hingson ** 41:06 yeah, and the fact that he said it, yes, yeah,   Bill Johnson ** 41:10 there's a there's a common joke I'd heard for years, and a friend of mine told me he was a 10 year old kid at Fort Levin fort, Leonard Wood, Missouri. And hope came out and told the joke. The guy goes into a bar. Oh, no, excuse me. Let me back up. A grasshopper goes into a bar. The bartender says, Hey, we got a drink named after you. The grasshopper says, you got a drink named Irving cute. And I'd heard that. Yeah, I guess hope told it and so you never know what what inspires your comedy, but there's a lot of common things I heard growing up that I will find hope said. Hope said it at one point or another in his either his radio show or on one of his specials. So   Michael Hingson ** 41:58 do you think that a lot of what he did was ad lib, or do you think that it was mostly all written, and he just went from a script?   Bill Johnson ** 42:07 That's a good point. He was one of the first performers to use cue cards, okay? And a lot of it was was written, but from what I've read is that he was also very fast on his feet. That's what I thought. Because if something happened, he would come in with a bang, with with another line to top it, yeah. Well, you know, like we were talking about that command performance, where with Lana Turner that he said, she said, Well, they've been looking at ham all night, and you're still here. Ah, big laugh. Haha, yeah. And he said, Now I'm bacon with the double entendre, you know, like, yeah, you burn me, whatever. But that was, I thought that was   Michael Hingson ** 42:51 cute, yeah, and he, and he is, clearly there had to be a whole lot more to him than than writing. And so I absolutely am convinced that there was a lot of bad living. And there was just, he was fast, he was good at it and them, and the more he got comfortable, because of those big crowds that they got him started, the better he became   Bill Johnson ** 43:16 absolutely you can there's a great book by, I know, do you know Bob mills? He was one, was one of Bob Hope's writers wrote a right and he explains the formula behind a lot of their jokes situation, and then it would have a payoff, you know, like, I don't know what happened, but now that you know this is set up in a setup and then the joke. Hope supposedly liked an economy of dialog. He didn't like a lot of language going from point A to point B to tell his joke. That's why the rapid fire delivery. And he had a lot of jokes in his shows. The radio shows had, at least, was it something like 10 jokes a minute?   Michael Hingson ** 44:08 Well, they were, they were very fast. And there were, we've got a few rehearsals of Bob Hope shows. And clearly some of the things that he did, because at first he wasn't getting the reaction that he thought he was going to get, but he pulled it out. And again, it's all because he was fast. He was good.   Bill Johnson ** 44:29 Yeah, I've got some blooper reels from some of the Christmas specials, and he'll try and try and try. And then finally, he'll say, take that card and tear it up, throw it away. And that's funnier than the joke itself.   Michael Hingson ** 44:44 Yeah, than the joke itself. It's really cute. So you obviously like performing. Does that run in your family?   Bill Johnson ** 44:55 Well, not necessarily, as I said, I'm kind of the black sheep of the. Family, because I was in the arts, they would rather have a more what do I want to say? A more safe career, a career choice as a you know, because entertaining, you're always wondering, well, where's my next job? Yeah, as opposed to something else, where you might have a better idea of what are your next paychecks coming? But I do have always had a day job, and this is sort of like my way to flex those creative muscles.   Michael Hingson ** 45:33 So what's your day job today? My   Bill Johnson ** 45:35 day job is I still do technical support for the good folks at Eminem's world on the script. Only they after covid happened, they closed the 3d movie that I was overseeing. And another fellow, when I do tech support, we just basically make sure the lights come on. And as well as I have a job at the College of Southern Nevada, on the support staff, trying to help folks who have English as a Second Language get a job. So I find those are both rewarding challenges.   Michael Hingson ** 46:15 It's a good thing I don't go to Eminem's world because I don't really care if the lights are on or not.   Bill Johnson ** 46:20 Oh, well, there you go. We need somebody here doing rim shots.   Michael Hingson ** 46:26 Yeah, you like dependent people are all alike. You know, you got to have all those lights. Yes, I don't know that I've been to Eminem's world. I've been to the Eminem store in New York City, but I don't think I've been to the one in Las Vegas.   Bill Johnson ** 46:40 I was actually at the opening of that Eminem store in New York City. Funny story, they know they have people that put on the character suits, right? And when I was there to help them kind of get their get acclimated to wearing those suits and then peering in front of people. Well, the kids were doing around, say, two in the afternoon. Well, the New York Times showed up at noon, one pick they wanted a picture of and so I had to put on the I was yellow, the peanut, and this other person that was there put on the red suit, and we walked down on 46th Street and started walking on the street, wave and and carrying on. I thought, Here I am. I finally made it to Broadway. Yeah, and I'm and I'm dressed as a nut so,   Michael Hingson ** 47:30 and you had Hershey right across the street,   Bill Johnson ** 47:32 right across the street, so I don't know. I imagine her, she's still there, probably still going head to head, to this   Michael Hingson ** 47:40 day, the last time I heard they were so well, I don't know, I don't know whether anything really changed with covid, but the last I heard they were   Bill Johnson ** 47:49 well, more powerful, Yeah, funny story.   Michael Hingson ** 47:56 Well, so you will, you travel basically anywhere to do a show? Are there any limits?   Bill Johnson ** 48:03 Or no, I'll go anywhere. My this tribute has taken me as far as Tokyo, Japan for the USO there. I've done shows in the Pacific and Guam I'm not too sure I want to travel internationally these days, but if somebody has an opportunity, I'll think about it. Funny thing happened at that, that show I did in Tokyo, I was, it was, it was a gala for the local uso honor the the troops who were serving in that area. So they had that representative from each branch that was serving our Navy, Marines and the Japan, nation of Japan now has what they call, this, the Civil Defense Group. I believe that's what they call because after World War Two, they signed that document saying they would not have an organized military. But right, they have their civil defense, and so we were honoring them, that there was a group, an Andrew sisters trio, performing, singing and dancing and and I was standing off off stage, just waiting to go on and finish the show. And this, this has been 20 years ago. Let me preface that this older Japanese gentleman came up to me, and he said, I would like to make a toast. And there was a lady in charge who, you know this was. There was some, some admirals there, and leaders of the Seventh Fleet were, were there. So everything had to be approved. Everything went according to schedule. The military events are just boom, boom, boom. And so I said, Well, okay, I need to ask Judy, when this Judy was in charge, when we can do this? And he just said, I want to make a tow. Toast. And I said, okay, but I have to clear it with Judy. Well, I finally got Judy and said that older Japanese man would like to make a toast. And she said, Yes, let him do whatever he wants. Turns out, he was an admiral in the Japanese Navy during during World War Two, and he was attending the event here, although these many years later, just as you know, everyone else was sure. So to bail myself out of it, I went back on said stage and said, And now, ladies and gentlemen, our honored guest would like to make a toast. And he, of course, I can't remember the toast, but as I at the time, I thought that was very sweet and very eloquent. So it's just these incredible little snippets of life you you go through. It's like, how could I ever know, when I was a five year old kid in Kansas, that Monday I'd be chatting with a world war two Admiral from the Japanese Navy, right? Just, it's just mind boggling.   Michael Hingson ** 51:06 So I'm curious. Bob Hope copyrighted a lot of his jokes. Are you able to still use them? Well, that's a   Bill Johnson ** 51:13 good question. Yes, he did. He copyrighted his jokes and everything, however, and I have spoken to the lawyer for the hope estate. There are the, what do you call that? It just flew out of my head that the the laws surrounding   Michael Hingson ** 51:32 intellectual property, copyright laws and intellectual property and public domain, yeah, yeah.   Bill Johnson ** 51:38 The song, thanks for the memory is in public domain, and hope would always change the lyrics to where he went because he hated the song. Supposedly he had, how did I get hung with that old dog of a song?   Michael Hingson ** 51:52 Yeah, well, he kept using it every week, so I can't believe it was too anti song. Yeah,   Bill Johnson ** 51:57 that's true, but the hope is they did copyright his jokes, but as long as I don't write a book and try to sell them as my jokes, I should be fine as well as I am. Allow you the those laws allow you to present impersonate someone, no matter who it is. You could impersonate your next door neighbor, even though he's not famous, as long as you do not do something to harm them, yeah, or represent it in an unflattering way   Michael Hingson ** 52:28 well, and clearly, what you're doing is pretty obvious to anyone who knows at all that it's Bob Hope and that you're trying to do a tribute to him. So I would think it would make sense that that would work   Bill Johnson ** 52:39 well it should and but the final caveat is that a reasonable person must come away from the show knowing full well they did not see the original. You must tell them. And Bob Hope's been gone for   Michael Hingson ** 52:55 many years. Yeah, 22 years now.   Bill Johnson ** 52:59 So that's usually not a problem, but that's how I finished my tribute as vice is, I usually wear a hat to complete the illusion, with the bill flecked up. I'll take the hat off and say, now if I could break character and tell about how hope was named an honorary veteran, and at the age of 94 it was an amendment passed by Congress designated him as an honorary veteran, and it was received unanimous bipartisan support   Michael Hingson ** 53:30 as it should yes and   Bill Johnson ** 53:33 Hope went on to say, sort of all the awards I've received in my lifetime being now being listed among the men and women I admire the most. This is my greatest honor, so that's a good way for me to wrap up my tributes whenever possible.   Michael Hingson ** 53:54 Do you have, oh, go ahead, no,   Bill Johnson ** 53:56 I was gonna say there's another funny story. You know, hope lived to be 100 Yeah, and George Burns.   Michael Hingson ** 54:03 George Burns, lived to be 100   Bill Johnson ** 54:05 lived to be 100 Supposedly, the two of them had a bet as to who would live the longest. Now, the thing is, what were the stakes and how do you collect? Yeah, because some guy, you're not going to be there. But in any event, George Burns was born in the 1890s and so he was older than hope. Hope was born in 1903 George Burns lived to be 100 years and 10 days old. Bob Hope lived to be 100 years and 59 days   54:41 Oh,   Bill Johnson ** 54:42 so hope. Well, the story goes that in his final, final months, he was just he was pretty much bedridden and slept and slept a lot. His wife, Dolores went to his bedside. He had that 100 years 10 day mark, and she said. Well, Bob, you won the bet. You have now lived longer than George Burns. And supposedly, even though he was fat, he was like they thought he was asleep, this huge smile just curled up his lips so he heard, that's great.   Michael Hingson ** 55:18 That's great. Well, if, if you have, do you have something that you could do for us, or do you have something that you could play or something that would give us just a little flavor?   Bill Johnson ** 55:28 Um, yeah, I Well, if you, I would tell your listeners that they want to catch a little bit more. They can go to my website, Bill Johnson entertainment.com, and there's some video clips there, but I like to do is that hope would always, he would always joke about traveling to the event, and that's how I like to begin my shows with him arriving. Since I just flew in on a wing of prayer. I was on the wing because as a soldier, I wouldn't have a prayer nicely. My flight was very nice, but the plane was rather old. In fact, the pilot sat behind me wearing goggles and a scarf. This plane was so old that Lindbergh's lunch was still on the seat. The fasten seat belt sign was in Latin. To get to the washroom, you had to crawl out on the wing. But I come on, folks, I said, to get to the washroom, you had to crawl out of the wing. But hey, I don't know about you, but I have a fear of flying that dates back to my childhood. See, when I was a baby being delivered by the stork, that blasted bird dropped me from 400 feet. Yeah, he did that to stay out of the range my father's shotgun. See, Dad already had my brothers, Eenie, Meenie and Miney. When I came along, he didn't want   56:55 no moat. I get it just   Bill Johnson ** 57:00 it goes along in those words. Well, we are,   Michael Hingson ** 57:05 we are definitely going to have to just work out doing a radio show and getting you to to do a whole show, and we'll have to get some other people to go along with it. We'll figure it out. Oh, that sounds great. I would buy a lot of fun to do. Count me in. Well, I want to thank you for being here. This has been absolutely wonderful to be able to talk about Bob Hope and to talk about you. Even more important, I'm sure that Bob Hope is monitoring from somewhere, but by the same token, you're here and we're here, so we do get to talk about you, which is important to do as   Bill Johnson ** 57:41 well. Well, that's very kind, Michael. I was hopeful that you would be at the rips.   Michael Hingson ** 57:47 I was planning on it because I wanted to, I want to really do the Richard diamond show. I'll, I told you I'd send you the command performance that we talked about Dick Tracy and B flat, or, for goodness sakes, is he ever going to marry Tess true heart? Oh yes. And I'll also send you the Richard diamond that we're going to do the next time I'm able to be at the rep show. It's, it's   Bill Johnson ** 58:06 really hilarious. Oh, that sounds great.   Michael Hingson ** 58:09 But I want to thank you for being here once again. Tell us your website.   Bill Johnson ** 58:14 My website is, it's my name and followed by entertain Bill Johnson, entertainment.com there's there's some video clips there, and some great pictures of some of the folks I've had the pleasure of meeting and performing with. I don't want to name drop, but just to give the the act a little more credence, pictures with Les Brown Jr. Rest his soul. I did it floored. I was able to do a show with Lee Greenwood on the island of Maui Wow, as well as perform with Wayne Newton at Fort Hood, Texas. Wayne Newton actually took over for Bob Hope with the USO when Bob just got too old to travel. Yeah, so, so that's just for a humble, humble guy. It's some incredible stories   Michael Hingson ** 59:19 well, and you're keeping some wonderful memories alive, and we'll definitely have to do something with that. But I want to thank you for for being here and again. Bill Johnson, entertainment.com, so go check it out, folks and and there's a lot of old radio out there online. We've talked about yesterday usa.com or yesterday usa.net they're the same. You can listen. You can go to reps online, R, E, P, S online, and listen to a lot of radio programs there. There are a number of people we've had Carl Amari on who several years ago, did come. Complete redos of all of the Twilight zones, and he made them scripts for radio, which was a lot of fun. Have you ever heard any of those?   Bill Johnson ** 1:00:07 I've never heard. I was a big fan of the show when it was on TV, but I never heard any of the   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:12 radio. Stacy Keach Jr is is the Rod Serling character, but, oh yeah, Twilight radio,   Bill Johnson ** 1:00:19 that's great. I will check it out,   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:22 or we'll send you some that's even better. But I want to thank you for being here, and thank you all for being here with us. I hope you had fun today. It's a little bit different than some of the things that we've done on the podcast, but I think it makes it all the more fun. So thanks for being here. Please let us know what you think. Email me. I'd love to hear from you. Michael, H, I m, I C, H, A, E, L, H, I at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, i, b, e.com, love to get your thoughts wherever you're listening. Please give us a five star review. We appreciate those a lot. Tell other people about the podcast. We really would like to get as many people listening as we can, and we want to be sure to do the kinds of things you want on the podcast. So if you know anyone else who ought to be on the podcast, Bill, that goes for you as well, please introduce us. We're always looking for more people to come on unstoppable mindset that we get a chance to chat with. So hope that you'll all do that and again. Bill, I want to thank you one more time for being here. This has been fun.   Bill Johnson ** 1:01:21 This has been a blast. Michael, thank you so much for having me. I really enjoyed it.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:32 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comThe episode is about Vanessa Guillén, a US soldier who was murdered at Fort Hood in 2020. She also experienced sexual harassment while in the military. I spoke with ABC Special Correspondent John Quiñones about his new podcast, Vanished. It's a good podcast that covers Guillén's case in-depth and highlights the reforms the Pentagon instituted after.We recorded the show on September 30, Guillén's birthday. That morning, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a long speech about his own military reforms. Many of the changes Hegseth has pushed through conflict with the changes that Guillén's death ushered in.As such, I thought it was important to get John's reaction to Hegseth's speech. Before we began recording,I told him I planned to ask him about this and he agreed to talk about it.When I asked the question during recording, a public relations person from ABC jumped on the line and asked me to stop talking about Hegseth. I pushed back, but not hard enough.The next day, ABC PR reached out via email to ask if I would cut this moment from the show.I will not. It's included here in full. Further, I want to take a moment at the top to highlight the reasons why I brought up Hegseth's speech. There's a lot to it and, honestly, it demands its own episode. Here are Hegseth's thoughts on toxic leaders.“Today, at my direction, we're undertaking a full review of the Department's Definitions of so-called toxic leadership, bullying and hazing, to empower leaders to enforce standards without fear of retribution or second guessing. Of course, you can't do, like nasty bullying and hazing. We're talking about words like bullying and hazing and toxic. They've been weaponized and bastardized inside our formations, undercutting commanders and NCOs. No more. Setting, achieving, and maintaining high standards is what you all do. And if that makes me toxic, then so be it.”Guillén's case also changed the way the Army investigates sexual harassment. Here are the secretary's thoughts on the current state of official internal military investigations:“We are overhauling an inspector-general process, the IG that has been weaponized, putting complainers, ideologues and poor performers in the driver's seat. We're doing the same with the Equal Opportunity and Military Equal Opportunity policies, the EO and MEO, at our department. No more frivolous complaints, no more anonymous complaints, no more repeat complaints, no more smearing reputations, no more endless waiting, no more legal limbo, no more side-tracking careers, no more walking on eggshells. “Of course, being a racist has been illegal in our formation since 1948. The same goes for sexual harassment. Both are wrong and illegal. Those kinds of infractions will be ruthlessly enforced.”After the speech, Hegseth signed 11 memos that detailed these changes. I'll link them in the show notes. The memos say that the military's definition of “harassment” is overly broad, calls for the end of “anonymous complaints”—something Hegesth also said in his speech, and asks that investigations be completed quickly with the assistance of artificial intelligence.I believe that is all important context for this episode. I also believe that Hegseth's speech and the policy directives represent a regression in the American armed services. I will not pretend otherwise.Listen to the All-New ‘Vanished: What Happened to Vanessa' PodcastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new episode, Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with ABC News correspondent John Quiñones about the disappearance and murder of 20 year old soldier Vanessa Guillén from Fort Hood, Texas in April of 2020. John is hosting a great new podcast series called Vanished: What Happened To Vanessa. Check it out at the links below. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/77zJZHzsBKldgne6wgIpMf. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vanished-what-happened-to-vanessa/id1836475595. News on podcast: https://abc.com/news/0d06790b-c79c-4be1-bd99-6292955b4002/category/1138628. Check out John's site: https://www.johnquinones.com/. Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnquinones. Follow John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnQuinones/. Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MISSING for a great deal: ⁠⁠⁠https://happymammoth.com⁠⁠⁠. Check out Mood and use my code MISSING for a great deal: ⁠⁠⁠https://mood.com⁠⁠⁠. Check out Bioma Health and use my code MISSING for a great deal: ⁠⁠gobioma.com/missing⁠⁠. Main podcast theme by Kevin Macleod. Check out his work at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://incompetech.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Additional music by David Williams. See his work at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://williamsflutes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Missing: IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/MissingCSM/⁠⁠⁠. TT:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@missingcsm⁠⁠⁠. FB:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/MissingCSM⁠⁠⁠. X:⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/MissingCSM⁠⁠⁠. Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/0yRXkJrZC85otfT7oXMcri⁠⁠⁠. Youtube:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/missingcsm⁠⁠⁠. Apple:⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missing/id1006974447⁠⁠⁠. Follow Crawlspace: IG:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/Crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠. TT:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠. FB:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠. X:⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/crawlspacepod.⁠⁠⁠ Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/7iSnqnCf27NODdz0pJ1GvJ⁠⁠⁠. Youtube:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/crawlspace⁠⁠⁠. Apple:⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crawlspace-true-crime-mysteries/id1187326340⁠⁠⁠. Check out our entire network at⁠⁠⁠ http://crawlspace-media.com/⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investigators find remains scattered across three burial sites 20 miles away from Fort Hood. The discovery causes investigators to revisit a key witness, who suddenly changes her story. To catch new episodes early, follow "Vanished: What Happened to Vanessa" for free on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Human remains are found in a field near Fort Hood. Are they Vanessa's? Plus: late-night phone calls lead investigators to question another soldier's alibi. To catch new episodes early, follow "Vanished: What Happened to Vanessa" for free on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's Land Warfare Series program, sponsored American Rheinmetall, Maj. Gen. Tom Feltey, the commander of the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss Ukraine war lessons that are helping shape the future of ground combat and his force; how to fight on an increasingly transparent and highly contested battlefield; the transition from a brigade- to a division-centric force; capabilities needed to fight in Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific; the importance of modernized version of existing platforms like the M1 tank to a new generation of capabilities like the MV-75 tilt rotor and MX30 combat vehicle; role of small, medium and large unmanned vehicles in the air and on the ground; the importance of better coordinating firepower of greater precision, mass and layered range; and the logistical approach needed to sustain US and allied forces under fire.

In this episode, the hosts analyze a $9.5M revenue RV technician school with $2.8M profit, high regulatory barriers, and a tricky $6M real estate kicker.Business Listing – https://quietlight.com/listings/12510300/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

In this episode, the hosts analyze a $9.5M revenue RV technician school with $2.8M profit, high regulatory barriers, and a tricky $6M real estate kicker.Business Listing – https://quietlight.com/listings/12510300/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

Fort Hood hosted its annual Technology Expo, where over two dozen vendors presented advancements in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cybersecurity to soldiers and civilians. Attendees engaged with interactive exhibits, including the BILT mobile app's 3D features compatible with Apple Vision Pro, and provided feedback to technology developers such as Gemstar Manufacturing. Army representatives highlighted the event's role in supporting modernization efforts and practical technology implementation. Organizers collaborated with military and vendor contacts to ensure the expo addressed current defense technology needs, featuring solutions like AI applications, unmanned vehicles, cybersecurity platforms, augmented reality tools, and protective packaging.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 In this episode, Vince speaks with investigative journalist Seth Harp, author of Fort Bragg Cartel. Harp shares his reporting on the murder of two soldiers at Fort Bragg, the involvement of Delta Force, and the broader history of drug trafficking within the U.S. military. Their conversation explores how cartel ties have affected bases from Fort Bragg to Fort Hood, the toll of drug-related deaths and suicides, and the systemic challenges these cases reveal.  Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original. Sponsors:  visit: https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland Free shipping through this link on any orders over $100 Free 30 days in the app for new customers (offer comes via email after the purchase) 110% money back guarantee on all of our products. We believe fully in our products. If you don't love the product or you aren't getting the results you hoped for, let us know and we'll give you your money back … plus 10%! AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com  and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk about so much in this episode.  Arthur takes us to his corner to discuss his new school and a new OC he's literally creating while he talks.  Plus we talk Gavin Newsom's hilarious tweets, and the Garfield commercial about fat cats.  Then we settle in to discuss this week's topic, the US Ghost Army.  Officially they were the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops trained in what was then called Camp Pines but these days is called Fort Hood.  We discuss their triumphs and a few of their failures, we discuss their legacy, their place in pop culture and how finally the unit was honored in 2022.  We also discuss how their tactics and deceptions have been updated for the modern world and Arthur's strong dislike and distrust of AI in this, wait, how did that become a thing episode of the Family Plot Podcast!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/family-plot--4670465/support.

From Gen. Burt's farewell reflections on the Space Force's future to an Airman celebrating his separation with a surf session in dress blues, this week's military headlines don't disappoint. We cover an Air Force veteran's bizarre felony sandwich assault case, the demotion of a 2-star general, and Congress pushing for more service dogs to support disabled veterans. Plus, Air Force Football reveals a sharp new F-16 alternate uniform, Fort Hood soldiers test out a new ID-based dining program, and we revisit the historic HMS Guerriere battle of 1812. https://lateforchangeover.com/

Tune in here to this Wednesday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! Brett kicks off the program by talking about the developing situation at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where five soldiers were shot. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but details remain scarce as authorities prepare for a briefing. Brett draws comparisons to the Fort Hood shooting, criticizing past attempts to downplay such events as mere “workplace violence. Later, Brett delivers a passionate monologue defending the foundational principles of America—freedom, opportunity, and resilience. He emphasizes that the nation’s greatness is not a myth but a measurable reality, citing economic strength, innovation, and cultural influence. Brett acknowledges America’s flaws but highlights its ability to evolve, reform, and lead through adversity. He warns against the dangers of socialism, anarchism, and nihilism, while also urging empathy and support for those facing mental health challenges. To preserve and renew the nation’s promise, he outlines a seven-point plan including civics education, economic access, community building, and open dialogue. With a challenge to listeners to pick up the mantle of American stewardship, Brett calls for renewed commitment to liberty, unity, and meaningful progress. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House in the Woods is a nonprofit organization offering outdoor programs to bring together small groups of active military, veterans, and their family members to relax, share, bond, and deal with the stress, loss, grief, and other emotions which can haunt the grieving soul.  We offer canoeing, kayaking, hiking, hunting, fishing, nature tours, campfires, swimming, wildlife identification and spotting, and other natural Eastern Maine resource “treasures” God has given our beautiful state to enjoy. As participants face the outdoor challenges presented by Mother Nature herself, they will have the opportunity to share laughter, memories, sorrow, service, and pride, among many other common. Paul and Dee House founded House in the Woods after their son, Sgt. Joel A. House, was killed by a roadside bomb while serving in the Army in Iraq.  Their vision for House in the Woods began shortly after attending the military memorial service at Fort Hood, TX for Joel and 19 other soldiers from his army base who died the same month as their son.  It was both emotionally overwhelming and comforting to be around so many families who were experiencing the same grief and loss.  They dreamed of creating a program using Maine's outdoor resources that would help military families support one another. Paul is a life-long Maine woodsman and Maine Master Guide. Dee is a former Navy "brat" who grew up in military housing and schools during the Vietnam War era.     www.taurususa.com www.cva.com www.himtnjerky.com www.murrelloptics.com www.jumpmedic.com www.christianoutdoors.org www.citrusafe.com www.elimishieldhunt.com www.mossyoak.com

President Trump explains how tariffs work and how they're already working. Update on the continuing deportation of illegal aliens. Why work visas are a problem and what Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) is doing about it in his state. European nations lining up to recognize a Palestinian state. Who is responsible for the starving happening in Gaza? GDP grows by 3%, but Democrats aren't pleased. Federal Reserve refuses to lower interest rates. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) doesn't like questions about her stock market triumphs while the Congress looks to ban what made her rich. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is upset with President Trump. Dunkin' Donuts ad joins American Eagle. Fort Hood is back to being Fort Hood. Genetic testing for female athletes in women's sports. Kathy Hochul blames guns, while Zohran Mamdani doubles down on his disgust for police. Why won't Curtis Sliwa join "Pat Gray Unleashed"? 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 01:01 Trump Explains Why He's Using Tariffs 02:21 Trump Explains Deal with EU 02:56 Trump Makes Deal with South Korea 04:22 Trump on Deportation of Illegals 05:31 New DHS Ad 08:34 Another Sob Story of a Criminal Illegal 18:24 Ron DeSantis on Work Visas 24:37 Keir Starmer on Recognizing a Palestinian State 31:33 Why is Gaza Starving? 35:22 Cincinnati Beatdown Update 36:47 GDP is 3% 37:39 Chuck Schumer on the 'Mirage' GDP Growth 42:57 Jerome Powell on Interest Rate Cut 49:14 Trump Wants Nancy Pelosi Investigated 51:30 Jake Tapper Confronts Nancy Pelosi's Insider Trading 58:14 Chuck Grassley is Sad 1:09:27 "Controversial" Dunkin' Donuts Ad 1:12:09 Fort Hood Gets its Name Back 1:15:49 Major Win for Biologically Female Athletes 1:26:10 Kathy Hochul Blames Assault Weapons for NYC Shooting 1:30:39 Zohran Mamdani Wants to Ban Assault Rifles 1:32:12 Zohran Mamdani on Defunding the Police Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of America's largest military installations lies a chilling pattern of violence, silence, and systemic failure. In this gripping episode, The Boys unearth the dark legacy of Fort Hood—now Fort Cavazos—a place known less for its military prowess and more for the trail of tragedy left in its wake.From unexplained deaths and brutal murders to mass shootings and vanishing soldiers, Fort Hood's history reads more like a crime dossier than a training ground. The story begins in World War II with a rushed construction on displaced grave sites and a namesake rooted in the Confederacy, but the real descent into darkness unfolds over the next 80 years. Listeners are taken inside the base's most infamous events, including the 2009 shooting rampage by Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan and the 2014 mass shooting by a fellow soldier battling mental illness.At the center of this episode is the haunting case of Vanessa Guillén, a 20-year-old soldier whose 2020 disappearance and horrific murder exposed widespread corruption, a toxic culture of silence, and systemic abuse. Her story sparked national outrage and led to major military reform—but her death was far from an isolated tragedy. The episode also dives into the forgotten: soldiers like Gregory Wedel-Morales, labeled AWOL before his body was found months later; Elder Fernandes, who reported sexual abuse before being discovered hanging from a tree; and Anthony Lovell, found with injuries inconsistent with the “motorcycle accident” story the Army provided.The episode explores the base's shocking 2020 death toll, where more soldiers died stateside than in active combat zones, and delves into the theories that haunt Fort Hood's reputation—claims of serial killers, trafficking networks, and internal cover-ups that, while unproven, are fueled by disturbing patterns and unanswered questions.With little-known anecdotes, firsthand accounts, and a narrative style that blends true crime with investigative storytelling, Fort Hood: Deadly Secrets peels back the layers of an American institution cloaked in honor but plagued by horror. This isn't just a story about a base—it's a reckoning with the cost of silence, the failures of command, and the lives lost in the shadows of power.www.patreon.com/theconspiracypodcast

Mini-podcast about an event on this day in working class history.Our work is only possible because of support from you, our listeners on patreon. If you appreciate our work, please join us and access exclusive content and benefits at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.See all of our anniversaries each day, alongside sources and maps on the On This Day section of our Stories app: stories.workingclasshistory.com/date/todayBrowse all Stories by Date here on the Date index: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/dateCheck out our Map of historical Stories: https://map.workingclasshistory.comCheck out books, posters, clothing and more in our online store, here: https://shop.workingclasshistory.comIf you enjoy this podcast, make sure to check out our flagship longform podcast, Working Class History.  AcknowledgementsWritten and edited by Working Class History.Theme music by Ricardo Araya. Check out his YouTube channel at youtube.com/@peptoattackBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/on-this-day-in-working-class-history--6070772/support.

I have known LTG (Ret) Stuart Risch since we were both first lieutenants in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. We met as students in the 116th JAG Basic Course at the Army's law school in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is an understatement to say that Stu has had a spectacular career with his 40 years of uniformed service with the U.S. Army -- 36 of which were on active duty, while another 4 were spent in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Field Artillery officer -- rising to the pinnacle of the Army's military law leadership as The Judge Advocate General.  I always recall Stu as being an affable, smart and well-liked guy and my initial assessment of him was obviously spot-on correct!  Out of the JAG Basic Course, Stu went to Fort Hood, Texas where he spent a good part of his career and it put him on the path to the success that he has had.  In this episode of the podcast, we cover Stu's long career as noted in his Wikipedia page here , and it was as if no time at all has passed since we last talked in Charlottesville.  Following his Army career, Stu became a business litigation and government investigations and white-collar law partner with Shook, Hardy and Bacon, LLP,  in their Washington, D.C. office.   I really enjoyed catching up with him and I think you will like hearing his story and about his service to our country.  On a funny side note that he talks about on the podcast, Stu spent a lot of time and energy initially trying to get out of his active-duty Army commitment to continue serving in the US Army Reserve at the beginning of his career.  Our country is lucky that he didn't succeed in that endeavor!     

After speaking to Rose Thayer (from Stars & Stripes) who covered the court-martial of former Sgt Greville Clarke, I am issuing an updated timeline.  The charge sheet was over 10 pages long and included various additional charges that made the case somewhat confusing.  Here is a link to the original episode released on 12 May 2025:  https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/743517/traffic.megaphone.fm/MMP7879433258.mp3?updated=1747057603 ⸻

TALK TO ME, TEXT ITHeadlines can tell us a lot about our society's values, and today's news stories paint a disturbing picture. From a shocking criminal case that challenges our sense of humanity to questions about how we honor military history, this episode explores the stories making waves this week.Our lead story covers a truly disturbing crime – a Department of Justice employee now facing capital murder charges in Texas after allegedly spiking his pregnant girlfriend's coffee with abortion-inducing medication against her will. The horrifying details reveal how the woman, who had just seen her baby's strong heartbeat on a sonogram earlier that day, lost her pregnancy after meeting the suspect at a coffee shop. This case not only highlights issues of reproductive rights but also raises profound questions about bodily autonomy and the extreme measures some will take to control others.We also dive into President Trump's decision to restore Confederate-linked names to seven Army installations with a significant twist – while the original base names are returning, they'll now honor different military heroes with similar surnames who served America honorably. For instance, Fort Hood will commemorate a WWI Distinguished Service Cross recipient rather than its Confederate namesake. This nuanced approach attempts to balance military tradition with acknowledgment of our complex national history.The episode concludes with a candid discussion about aging celebrities and their puzzling choices to post revealing photos well into their sixties. When Elizabeth Hurley celebrates turning 60 with nearly-naked Instagram posts while announcing her relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus, we have to ask: what drives this behavior? Is there a way to age with grace and wisdom rather than desperately clinging to youth culture standards? Share your thoughts and your answer to our question of the day: What's the funniest insult you've ever used or heard?Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Thanks for listening! Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to anamericanistblog@gmail.com and you'll be featured on the podcast. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREESupport the showTip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Music by Alehandro Vodnik from Pixabay Blog - AnAmericanist.comX - @americanistblog

   COL(R) Steven Braverman, MD takes you through his extraordinary journey from military medicine to becoming the COO of the Veterans Health Administration. Driven by a desire to fund his education through the Army's HPSP scholarship independently, Dr. Braverman chose the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), inspired by his family's medical background and his passion for sports medicine. He shares his experiences at Walter Reed, his leadership roles, and the impact PM&R has on maintaining soldier readiness and addressing musculoskeletal issues. Learn how his deployments and crisis management experiences, including the Ebola vaccine trials and the Fort Hood shooting, have shaped his career.    Explore Dr. Braverman's insightful reflections on leadership, particularly in crisis situations. The episode delves into the complexities of leadership during the first human Ebola vaccine trial and a mass casualty event at a non-trauma center in Central Texas. He discusses the critical importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and the emotional readiness of staff in navigating such crises. Dr. Braverman's experiences underscore the necessity of effective resource allocation, decision-making, and the evolution of vaccine development within the military context, while highlighting broader behavioral health challenges and advancements in medical fields like prosthetics.      Discover the dynamic collaboration between the VA, DOD, and the private sector, particularly during national emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Braverman discusses initiatives to improve the transition process for soldiers moving from active duty to veteran care and emphasizes the importance of research efforts that focus on veterans' needs. The episode paints a vivid picture of career opportunities in military medicine, showcasing the diverse roles available for young providers and the financial benefits of medical school scholarships. Dr. Braverman reflects on his legacy, expressing pride in serving a noble mission and sharing his vision for a future prioritizing nimble, high-quality care for veterans. Chapters: (00:03) Military Medicine and PM&R Exploration (09:54) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Situations (23:11) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Response (34:43) Collaboration Between VA, DOD, and Community (42:52) National Defense and Veteran Care Collaboration (49:37) Research and Operations in Veterans Healthcare (01:00:27) Career Opportunities in Military Medicine   Chapter Summaries: (00:03) Military Medicine and PM&R Exploration  COL(R) Steven Braverman, MD, shares his journey into military medicine, specializing in PM&R and discussing his leadership roles and deployments.   (09:54) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Situations Military medical professional's career journey, crisis management, Ebola vaccine trial, repurposing resources, and advancements in military medicine.   (23:11) Leadership Challenges in Crisis Response Leadership challenges during a mass casualty event at a non-trauma center, including trust, resource allocation, and mental health needs.   (34:43) Collaboration Between VA, DOD, and Community Transition from military to civilian leadership in VA, collaboration with military and private sector, and VA's four missions.   (42:52) National Defense and Veteran Care Collaboration VA plays vital role in national emergencies, partners with DOD, improves transition process, and provides quality care.   (49:37) Research and Operations in Veterans Healthcare Collaboration between VA and DOD can improve healthcare for veterans by prioritizing research based on their needs.   (01:00:27) Career Opportunities in Military Medicine Dr. Braverman shares his experiences in Army medicine, highlighting leadership opportunities and financial benefits.   Take Home Messages: The Impact of Military Medicine: The episode highlights the critical role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) in military medicine, particularly in maintaining soldier readiness and addressing musculoskeletal issues. This specialty supports the broader mission of military healthcare by ensuring soldiers are physically prepared for their duties. Leadership in Crisis Management: The podcast underscores the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and emotional readiness in crisis management. The discussion includes insights into managing high-stakes situations, such as the Ebola vaccine trials and mass casualty events, emphasizing the need for effective resource allocation and decision-making. Collaboration Across Sectors: A key theme is the dynamic collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DOD), and the private sector, especially during national emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. This partnership is vital for improving healthcare accessibility and quality for veterans. Advancements in Veteran Care: The episode explores initiatives aimed at improving the transition process for soldiers moving from active duty to veteran care. It stresses the importance of research focused on veterans' needs and highlights the benefits of seamless care transitions to enhance veterans' healthcare experiences. Opportunities in Military Medicine: The podcast provides an insightful look into career opportunities in military and federal medicine. It encourages young medical professionals to consider these paths, highlighting diverse roles and the financial benefits of scholarships that allow for a debt-free medical education.   Episode Keywords: Military medicine, leadership in crisis, Dr. Steven Braverman, Veterans Health Administration, physical medicine and rehabilitation, PM&R, Walter Reed, soldier readiness, musculoskeletal issues, Ebola vaccine trial, Fort Hood shooting, crisis management, adaptability, strategic thinking, VA and DOD collaboration, veteran care, COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare innovation, prosthetics, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military to civilian transition, career opportunities in military medicine   Hashtags: #MilitaryMedicine #LeadershipInCrisis #VeteranCare #DrBraverman #CrisisManagement #VAandDODCollaboration #EbolaVaccineTrial #HealthcareInnovation #VeteransHealth #MilitaryToVA   Dr. Braverman Biography: https://docs.house.gov/meetings/VR/VR03/20250212/117866/HHRG-119-VR03-Bio-BravermanS-20250212.pdf   Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.   Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

In this shocking episode, we expose the terrifying case of Sgt. Greville Clarke—a soldier stationed at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos)—who preyed on his fellow service members in a brutal 18-month crime spree. From 2021 to 2022, Clarke broke into Army barracks, raped and tortured female soldiers, and even attempted to murder one. Despite multiple reports and escalating violence, the predator evaded capture for over a year. This is the chilling true story of how one of the Army's own turned into a serial predator—inside a place that should've been safe. Discussion Includes: -Fort Hood's Dark History -The First Barracks Assault (2021) -The Second Barracks Assault (2022) -The Third Barracks Assault (Attempted Murder) in July (2022) -The Final Attack & The Take-Down -Court-Martial & Sentencing (2025) -How This Was Allowed to Happen -Fort Hood Reforms & Survivor Impact ⸻

Welcome back to Tinfol Tales! On this episode I am joined by Matt, the host of Drunken Cryptids, and he's here to share an experience he had while stationed at Fort Hood of what he believes could have been a cryptid.Tinfoil Tales Podcast - Show Notes 

Retired FBI Special Agent Colton Seale reveals his behind-the-scenes experiences from some of America's most high-profile investigations, including the Fort Hood shooting and the Boston Marathon bombing. Colton shares his journey transitioning to the elite High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG), where he mastered advanced interrogation techniques to extract critical intelligence. Discover how Colton's passion for truth led him to found Pyxis Academy, where he now trains professionals in investigative interviewing — skills that are vital not just for law enforcement, but also for corporate success.

In today's episode, we examine a disturbing massacre that erupted on the Fort Hood military base outside of Killeen, Texas, during which 13 people were killed and more than 30 people were injured. The story of this mass shooting is dark, and highlights a number of key failures from within the American Intelligence community, and the United States Army itself. You're listening, to MURDER IN AMERICA. - Listen to our new show, "THE CONSPIRACY FILES"!: -Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5IY9nWD2MYDzlSYP48nRPl -Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conspiracy-files/id1752719844 -Amazon/Audible - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ab1ade99-740c-46ae-8028-b2cf41eabf58/the-conspiracy-files -Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-conspiracy-files/PC:1001089101 -iHeart - https://iheart.com/podcast/186907423/ -PocketCast - https://pca.st/dpdyrcca -CastBox - https://castbox.fm/channel/id6193084?country=us - Stay Connected: Join the Murder in America fam in our free Facebook Community for a behind-the-scenes look, more insights and current events in the true crime world: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4365229996855701 If you want even more Murder in America bonus content, including ad-free episodes, come join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/murderinamerica Instagram: http://instagram.com/murderinamerica/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Murder-in-America-Podcast/100086268848682/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MurderInAmerica TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theparanormalfiles and https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneybrowen Feeling spooky? Follow Colin as he travels state to state (and even country to country!) investigating claims of extreme paranormal activity and visiting famous haunted locations on The Paranormal Files Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheParanormalFilesOfficialChannel - (c) BLOOD IN THE SINK PRODUCTIONS 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Didn't we spend 20 years on a war to eliminate terrorism in the world? A homegrown ISIS supporter, an American Johnny Jihad, murdered 14 and injured 34 on New Year's Day in New Orleans. Are you prepared to deal with the reality of terrorism in the USA? During our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc. we have reason to celebrate. Our friends at EOTech are celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year. We have an SOTG Homeroom for you from SOTGU.com, Professor Paul will address a Mindset issue. Is there more to being an armed citizen than carrying a gun? During a recent article, Paul considered the importance of using a shopping cart when you are out at the store. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Hi-Point Firearms | Spike's Tactical "The Sights are Fine" Patch [PRE-ORDER] ShopSOTG.com [0:11:11] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: Congratulations to EOTech! - 30th Anniversary www.eotechinc.com [0:36:04] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University TOPIC: Living Armed is more that just “having a gun” www.shootingnewsweekly.com [0:59:02] Terrorism in New Orleans 14 victims dead, 35 hurt as FBI continues to investigate New Orleans terror attack www.wdsu.com US Army and Jihadis en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Fort_Hood_shooting Magdeburg Christmas market attack deaths rise to six www.bbc.com Preparing to Deal with Terrorism shoot-on.com FEATURING: Shooting News Weekly, BBC.com, Shoot-On.com, WDSU.com, Madison Rising, Jarrad Markel, Paul Markel, SOTG University PARTNERS: EOTech, FrogLube, Hi-Point Firearms, Spikes Tactical FIND US ON: iTunes, Stitcher, AppleTV, Roku, Amazon, GooglePlay, YouTube, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, X SOURCES From www.eotechinc.com: Throughout these 30 years EOTECH has designed, developed and manufactured some of the world's finest optics that have been trusted to defend home, country, and community. Follow us throughout the year for new products, promotions and contests. What makes an HWS EOTECH® Different Brilliant Accuracy The aiming dot does not expand when viewed with typical magnification. In tandem with a 3X or 5X magnifier, the dot size does not increase noticeably, while the target is magnified, offering much greater precision. (Click Here for Full Article)   From www.wdsu.com: A total of 14 people are dead and 35 people were injured after a man drove a truck into a crowd at Bourbon and Canal streets in New Orleans on New Year's Day in a terrorist attack, according to the FBI. It happened around 3:15 a.m. toward the end of New Year's celebrations in New Orleans and hours before the expected kickoff of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, a college football quarterfinal held in the city's Caesars Superdome. The FBI confirmed the identity of the suspected driver of the truck as [REDACTED], 42, of Texas. A new photo of [REDACTED] was released early Thursday morning. The FBI confirmed that, despite previous reports, investigators believe [REDACTED] acted alone in the attack. (Click Here for Full Article)

In this chapter of Building the Brand, I cover my time from landing in Fort Benning, Georgia in October 2013, to arriving at Fort Hood, Texas in October 2014. I share how my severe eating disorder led me to fall in love with fitness and start Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN). I recount my Army ROTC experiences, graduating college, and the challenges faced during Ranger School. This chapter reflects on the importance of solitude, resilience, and the life lessons learned, paving the way for BPN's growth and my leadership approach. Chapters 00:00 Overcoming Personal Struggles 00:10 The Spark of Fitness and Nutrition 00:25 Military Journey Begins 00:50 Starting BPN: The Early Challenges 02:05 Reflecting on Chapter One 05:00 Arriving at Fort Benning 07:56 Lessons from Military Training 18:33 The Importance of Solitude 24:56 Preparing for Ranger School 32:55 Mastering Time Management 34:47 The Ranger School Challenge 39:48 Facing Setbacks and Resilience 50:45 Lessons in Leadership and Character 53:50 New Beginnings at Fort Hood 59:46 Going All In on BPN Strength, endurance, and wellness supplements to fuel your performance. SAVE 10% at BPN Supps: https://bit.ly/nickbare10audio FOLLOW: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thenickbarepodcast YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

When soldier Vanessa Guillen vanishes from Fort Hood, her family works to bring attention to her disappearance. Andrea Canning reports on the case on the case that inspired a movement across the country.