Podcasts about global war on terror

The war in Afghanistan didn't end when the last C-17 lifted off from Kabul. That was just the beginning of the fallout. It was a trillion-dollar failure, and that failure didn't just disappear—it sent shockwaves across the Middle East. Now, with Israel and Iran staring each other down and the world edging closer to full-blown war, we're seeing the cost of the Global War on Terror in real time. On this episode of Mike Drop, I sit down with Navy SEAL and Afghanistan vet Larsen Jensen—someone who was there, who saw the writing on the wall years ago. Together, we pull no punches. We break down how the U.S. exit from Afghanistan wasn't just a tactical blunder—it was a green light for our enemies. This isn't about politics. It's about reality. Washington failed. The signs were there. Jensen saw them. And if you think the worst is behind us, think again. What's coming next could make Afghanistan look like a warm-up. ---------- #sponsored IDEO U Get 15% Off at www.ideou.com/mikedrop TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog's Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog's health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike's bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Summer is in full swing and our hosts have big plans. THE INTERVIEW Navy veteran David Vardeman talks about guiding nonprofits to their goals, what's led to his success, achieving financial literacy and more. A senior vice president for Capital Bank in Washington, D.C., Vardeman shares what led to his success, how he helps nonprofits and others meet their financial dreams and more. SCUTTLEBUTT An Oregon man who quit his job to set sail with his cat arrives to cheering fans in Hawaii ‘Cake Bandit' opossum hospitalized after indulging in an entire Costco cake Woman who faked being a man to get into Magic Circle finally allowed in Special Guest: David Vardeman.

Navigating Visual Sequela Progression due to TBI THE INTERVIEW Mike Corrado discovered the power of music while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Music offers the power to heal, honor the fallen and inspire. He has seen firsthand how teaching songwriting to amputees helps them heal and move forward. Corrado talks about his lifelong love of music, its power to heal, his singer/songwriter retreats for veterans and more. SCUTTLEBUTT The moment 250 years ago today, June 17, when General William Prescott uttered the famous line, “Don't one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” An update to the Veterans Legacy Memorial's online project A “not friendly” macaque that is terrorizing military bases Special Guest: Mike Corrado.

It's one thing to survive war, it's another to make sure it's remembered. In this powerful conversation, Special Forces veteran Michael "Rod" Rodríguez opens up about his journey through combat, traumatic injury, and personal loss, and how those experiences led him to a new mission: building the Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Washington, D.C. Rod isn't just talking about his story. He's fighting for all our stories - service members, Gold Star families, civilian contractors, and anyone touched by the Global War on Terrorism. As the president and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Rod walks us through what it takes to build a national memorial: the red tape, the victories, and the deep emotional stakes of making sure our generation isn't forgotten. From delivering hope in Somalia to eating charges on breaching missions, Rod's story is one of grit, growth, and leadership. But more than anything, it's about building something that lasts, not just for us, but for the next generation who needs to know what we lived through. Timestamps 00:06:42 – Early deployments and the reality of combat in Somalia 00:17:31 – TBI, PTSD, and the personal cost of continuing to serve 00:28:50 – Reaching rock bottom and finding healing through purpose 00:41:12 – Why the Global War on Terrorism Memorial matters now 01:01:46 – Honoring the invisible wounds and collective sacrifice of the GWOT generation Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/ Follow GWOTMF on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwotmf/ Follow GWOTMF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwotmf/ Follow GWOTMF on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GWOTMF/ Follow GWOTMF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-war-on-terror-memorial-foundation Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Navy combat veteran, cancer survivor and mental wellness expert Aletha Williams shares how meditation and mind-body wellness has helped her learn how to let go of things that no longer serve her. As the founder of Inner Starr Compass Healing, she now helps individuals heal through inner wisdom, creativity and intuition. Learn more about how she helps others overcome PTSD and other mental health issues through a mind-body connection. SCUTTLEBUTT 90 years of Alcoholics Anonymous - founded by World War I veteran Bill Wilson Woman charged after pet raccoon found with meth pipe Special Guest: Dr. Aletha Williams.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). The COG is joined by the Aviation Task Force's TF Senior, LTC Amoreena “Ammo” York. Today's guest is Deputy Commanding General for Support of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), BG Travis McIntosh (Eagle 09).   The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), known as the “Screaming Eagles” and bearing the callsign “Eagle,” is one of the most storied and combat-proven divisions in U.S. Army history. Activated in 1942, the division gained immortal fame during World War II with combat jumps into Normandy and Holland and its heroic defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Since then, it has served with distinction from Vietnam to the Global War on Terror, transforming from parachute infantry to the Army's only air assault division. With its motto “Rendezvous with Destiny,” the 101st continues to lead from the front—now as the Army's premier Transformation-in-Contact division. As part of the Army's mobility and modernization focus, the 101st is pioneering the integration of multi-domain capabilities, advanced sUAS platforms, electronic warfare, and the next-generation squad weapons within highly mobile infantry formations. Their next rendezvous with destiny will not just be defined by historic legacy—but by shaping how the Army fights and wins in large-scale combat operations on tomorrow's battlefield.   In this episode we discuss the re-emergence of large-scale, long-range air assaults as a possibly decisive form of maneuver in the 21st-century fight and the some of the capabilities required to achieve success. Our guest highlights that the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is reclaiming its mantle as America's premier vertical envelopment force. These operations extend deep into contested terrain, often beyond traditional fire support coverage, and demand precision planning, synchronized fires, and an adaptive joint team. The division's air assault capabilities, when executed at echelon, enable rapid massing of combat power across extended distances to seize key terrain, disrupt enemy formations, and establish lodgments for follow-on operations. However, these assaults cannot succeed without Joint Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (JSEAD). The ability to suppress, deceive, or destroy enemy integrated air defense systems is foundational to aviation survivability and mission success. Airspace must be contested—and then cleared—through layered fires and effects across domains. As BG McIntosh and Task Force Bastogne demonstrated during recent large-scale exercises, air assault isn't just a legacy tactic—it's a modern instrument of tempo and shock when paired with precision intelligence, hardened command posts, and rapid sustainment.   The 101st's renewed focus on scale, range, and survivability represents its next Rendezvous with Destiny. Gone are the days of low-intensity, air corridor-based insertions. Today's battlefield requires lift platforms operating in low-signature modes, digitally integrated with maneuver elements, and prepared to operate inside denied or degraded electromagnetic environments. With the introduction of the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) ecosystem on the horizon, and the ongoing proliferation of UAS and electronic warfare, Army aviation must evolve from just being “mobility” to becoming a key component of multi-domain convergence. Under McIntosh's vision, the division is shaping the doctrine and culture necessary to fight and win in LSCO: aggressively training mission command at distance, investing in distributed planning tools, and adapting air-ground integration to incorporate SOF, cyber, and space enablers. The air assault is no longer just an insertion method—it's a high-risk, high-reward maneuver enabled by fires, intelligence, and the ironclad trust between aviators and ground commanders.   Part of S08 “The Aviator's Corner” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast.   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.  

OTD - In 1965 astronaut Edward Higgins White II became the first American to walk in space THE INTERVIEW Providing guidance to veterans navigating their VA services and benefits has turned Army National Guard veteran Joshua Parish into an entrepreneur. He has created Battle Buddy, a mobile app built to streamline access to services, support mental health through its AI-powered Talk to Sam feature, and strengthen the overall transition experience for veterans and their families. SCUTTLEBUTT Trump signs executive order for more homeless veteran housing at West LA VA campus "Mysterious poop chucker" might be targeting Colorado woman for not picking up dog's waste Special Guest: Joshua Parish.

Originally from Hawaii, Patrick Naughton is a United States Army officer and a Military Historian. He is currently teaching at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2012, he received the Army’s General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. He has had unique opportunities to serve as an Interagency Fellow with the Department of Labor, a Legislative Liaison to the U.S. Senate, and a Congressional Partnership Program Fellow with the Partnership for a Secure America—all in Washington, D.C. He also served as a Senior Leadership Fellow with the Center for Junior Officers at West Point. Patrick holds a Master of Military Arts and Science degree in History from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, where he was recognized as an Art of War Scholar. He also holds a Master of Science in Crisis and Emergency Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was named an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Patrick Naughton’s first book, “Born from War: A Soldier’s Quest to Understand Vietnam, Iraq, and the Generational Impact of Conflict,” is now available in hardcover or eBook format through Amazon, directly from Casemate Publishers, and from a variety of other booksellers. The book compares his father’s time in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne and advising the South Vietnamese Army, to Patrick’s own experience during the Global War on Terror and in Iraq. Though decades of history and politics separate their service, the similarities between their experiences are undeniably striking. The result is an engaging and eye-opening narrative that weaves together the combat experiences of two generations of soldiers. From the failure of grand strategies to personal combat stories, the memories of those lost, and the evolving social challenges facing today’s military—America’s wars against communism and terror are laid bare through the lens of one family’s service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 148 features Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. We dive headlong into the tangled realities of the GWOT, refusing to shy away from its complexities or the ways participation in such a conflict can both expand and restrict one's worldview. He lays bare the war's multidimensional nature which spans continents, cultures, and generations and challenges listeners to confront the uncomfortable truth that even those who lived it can struggle to define or fully understand it. Rodriguez insists on telling the whole story, not just of soldiers in uniform, but also the intelligence officers, contractors, and families whose sacrifices are often overlooked. He makes it clear: the GWOT is not a series of isolated battles, but a single, ongoing, global campaign that demands a new kind of national reflection and commemoration. The episode is a masterclass in how one career can prepare you for another. Rod draws a direct line from his experience as a Green Beret, where learning to communicate across cultures and lead diverse teams prepared him for his current mission: navigating the labyrinth of congressional politics and federal bureaucracy to build a national memorial. He is blunt about the emotional toll and the necessity of vulnerability, arguing that only by embracing the full weight of these experiences can we hope to create something lasting and true. Listeners are pushed to reconsider their assumptions, to recognize that service comes in many forms, and to see that the skills honed in service are not just transferable, but essential for tackling the next great challenge. Episode Sponsors: VM Merch Go Pills -- use "VM15" at checkout for 15% off your order. BUBS Naturals -- use "veteranmade" at checkout for 20% off your order. True Made Foods -- use "VET" at checkout for 15% off your order. Ruck Sox -- use "VETERANMADE15" at checkout for 15% off your order. Bravo Actual -- use "Veteran Made" at checkout for 15% off your order. Intro Song composed and produced by Cleod9. SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/veteranmade.ck/ http://x.com/veteranmade.ck https://www.instagram.com/monsterzdad/ https://www.instagram.com/gwotmf/ https://x.com/gwotmf https://x.com/monsterzdad

Honoring those who served in the Global War on TerrorFollow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War leaves a lasting impact-not just on those who fight, but on the generations that follow. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Naughton grew up in the shadow of his father's Vietnam service, ultimately choosing to follow in his footsteps. With a career spanning the infantry, medical corps, and leadership roles in Washington, D.C., he brings a unique perspective on how war shapes identity, leadership, and transition. In this episode, we discuss the lessons military leaders should have learned from Vietnam and how those mistakes were repeated in Iraq and Afghanistan. Patrick shares insights from his book, Born From War, which parallels his father's time in Vietnam with his own service in Iraq, and how history continues to shape the military experience. We also dive into the challenges of reintegration, the importance of finding a new mission after service, and why military leadership isn't always about filling sandbags next to your troops. Whether you're navigating transition, struggling to find purpose, or just looking for real conversations about military life, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom from the front lines and beyond. Timestamps 00:02:45 - From Infantry to Medical Officer: A Unique Military Journey00:07:15 - Vietnam and Iraq: The Same Mistakes Repeated00:16:00 - The Truth About Military Leadership and Mission Creep00:29:30 - Why Metrics and Numbers Don't Tell the Whole Story00:37:00 - Finding Purpose and Passion After Service Links & ResourcesVeteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.patnaughton.com/ Born From War: https://www.casematepublishers.com/9781636245140/born-from-war/ Follow Patrick Naughton on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.naughton.37 Follow Patrick Naughton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricknaugh/ Follow Patrick Naughton on Twitter/X: https://x.com/PatrickMilHis Follow Patrick Naughton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-naughton-0a077b158/TranscriptView the transcript for this episode.

Retired Navy SEAL Matt Stevens helps The Honor Foundation guide members of the Special Forces community toward rewarding civilian careers. Stevens talks about how to discover your “why,” developing contacts and other tips for developing executives. THE SCUTTLEBUTT Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: The Meaning of Memorial Day The fallout of banned books at the U.S. Naval Academy Busch Gardens, Sea World offering free tickets for service members and veterans Special Guest: Matt Stevens.

Watch This Episode On YouTubeAs we move further away from the conventional wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, colloquially known as the Global War on Terror, the need for films like AMERICAN SONS (2025) is greater; it informs us, through powerful filmmaking, what we've lost.AMERICAN SONS follows a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment to Afghanistan, as they struggle to overcome the trauma of combat and the loss of their best friend, Corporal JV Villarreal.I am joined today by director Andrew James Gonzales and producer Laura Valera for an important -- essential -- discussion for the Memorial Day holiday.In this episode, we discuss:the world premiere at SXSW and how they were able to make such an authentic film about fallen Marines;why they were drawn to documentary filmmaking -- "I've always been drawn to documentary because I appreciate the realism. I like real stories. I don't like this. There's a lot of great narrative Hollywood stuff, but I just don't like this fake, happy ending in every movie, right? - Andrew James Gonzales;what should viewers expect when they watch AMERICAN SONS -- "They should expect to see a very real veteran story" - Andrew James Gonzaleshow the film was funded and producer Laura Valera brought together a variety of different resources to make it happen -- "If you don't get money from a certain organization and you really feel that they align, make sure you call, get feedback, apply again. The other thing that I tell young filmmakers is offer to be a grant reader" - Laura Valerathe crucial difference between a director and a filmmaker -- "So a director directs the film versus a filmmaker does anything that they need to do to finish the film, which means you're taking on a role that you've never even done before, but because you have the vision of how to complete it." - Andrew James Gonzales;why don't we see more of these authentic veteran films in narrative? And with the release of WARFARE (2025) by another Latino director, is there something specific to the Latino experience in the military, perhaps with the emphasis on community, that highlights these kinds of stories?;what was the response to the film at SXSW?what's next for this film and the filmmakers?Laura's Indie Filmmaker Highlight: Tejanas In FilmLinks:AMERICAN SONS WebsiteFollow Andrew On InstagramFollow AMERICAN SONS On InstagramFinally, here are links to five soldiers I served with who died either in action or because of its aftermath, and I think about them often. There is this whole "inside baseball" amongst veterans that you should never wish a veteran Happy Memorial Day because it's a solemn event to honor our fallen, like somehow our friends want all of us to be eternally miserable every last Monday of May in honor of their sacrifice. It's petty when the meaning of the statement is kind and it creates a division between civilian and veteran that shouldn't be there, not on this day.Sidestep all that noise. If you do encounter a veteran on Memorial Day, say something like this: "I'm sure this is hard for you. If you're able, I'd love to hear a story about someone you've lost, just so I can understand the magnitude of our country's sacrifice."For me, I could talk about these guys all day. Enjoy the holiday.Cody BakerGil MoralesMichael McGahanRyan SartorJustin SchmidtSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Thousand of Children are about to starve and when we say that Fascism is Imperialism turned inwards, this is what we mean. The CIA's twitter account just posted “The front gate at Headquarters is closed until further notice. Please use alternate routes for Thursday, May 22nd.” We are seeing the coordinated focus on the protest slogan “globalize the Intifada” from right-wing politicians and Israeli propagandists.This is just another evolution of the ill-fated Global War on Terror, which has never ended, and will now turn inward on not only muslims but anyone who opposes the War-State.

You get re-elected back to Congress when you bring some of that cheddar back home. the public wants hand outs but at the same time will complain about the debt. Mike Pence won't go away. He did an interview and was asked about Trump's trip overseas and said Trump did a disservice to the Americans who put on the uniform during the GWOT. Institutions are losing their credibility, surprising too, with the younger generation.Follow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE INTERVIEW Native Americans serve at a higher percentage than the general population. Still, there are misunderstandings about their culture and spiritual beliefs even among their brothers and sisters in the armed forces. In this week's episode, Army veteran Mitchelene BigMan talks about her military service as a Native American, importance of culture, creation of a Native American women veterans nonprofit and more. SCUTTLEBUTT Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: Native Americans and the U.S. Military Tribal flags removed from Phoenix VA hospital under new federal policy Memorial Honoring Native American U.S. Veterans proposed for Minnesota Capitol grounds Special Guest: Mitchelene BigMan.

Darrell Castle talks about Present Trump's trip to the Middle East and how it reflects Trump's vision of the world --- how it can be more peaceful and prosperous for everyone. Transcription / Notes WHY NEO-CONS HATE TRUMP Hello, this is Darrell Castle with today's Castle Report. This is Friday the 16th day of May in the year of our Lord 2025. I will be talking about President Trump's trip to the Middle East which should be finishing just about as I record this report. The trip reflects Trump's vision of the world and how it can be more peaceful, and prosperous for everyone, in other words the anti-neo-con view of the world. President Trump is currently on a Presidential trip to several Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia, his first stop, and then several of the Gulf Arab States including Qatar, the second stop. While he was in Riyadh, he spoke to the new leader of Syria which is interesting because until the fall of Assad that man was listed as a wanted international terrorist. Apparently Mr. Erdogan of Turkey joined in the conversation by phone and lobbied Trump to lift the sanctions on Syria which Trump agreed to do. His reception by the Middle East countries has been phenomenal and met with similar joy as his election was met with joy by his supporters. That joy is in reality hope for what could be and hopefully will be with the Trump Presidency. When Air Force One entered Saudi air space six Saudi jet fighters came out and flew escort for the descent into Riyadh. The Crown Prince, Bin Salman came out to personally greet his arrival something he publicly did not do when President Biden visited. A long purple carpet stretched from the airplane steps to the waiting limousines while American music played from loudspeakers. The Saudis even rigged up a mobile McDonalds restaurant on the trailer of a large truck in reference to the President's legendary fondness for McDonalds cheeseburgers. Trump seems to have an affinity for Middle East people and especially their leaders because he shares a few things in common with them. He doesn't drink and he does not condemn their culture and way of life. Let me pause here for a moment and give a little history to illustrate my point. First we have George H.W. Bush's war to oust Saddam Hussein from Kuwait with its “this aggression will not stand rhetoric.” Then we have 8 years of Bill Clinton's no fly zone over Iraq with its starvation of hundreds of thousands, allegedly. We then follow that with 8 years of George W. Bush's Global War on Terror with its invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. We follow that with 8 years of Barack Obama's Afghanistan the good war as opposed to Iraq the bad war. Donald Trump comes in and tries to extricate himself from Afghanistan but Joe Biden finally does it, albeit with an extreme cost. Joe Biden almost immediately becomes embroiled in a European war between Ukraine and Afghanistan so it's basically been a 25-year struggle of war which means killing, dying, and total destruction. The leaders of the Middle East apparently see this man Trump with his prosperity instead of war rhetoric and they like it and are hopeful. His statements before the trip reflected the new attitude and purpose of the trip. He said he wanted to make new deals for peace and profit and that went over especially well in the Saudi Kingdom. Quote from the President, “a land of peace, safety, harmony, opportunity, innovation, and achievement right here in the Middle East is within our grasp.” That was apparently music to the ears of Bin Salman and when you think about it's hard for me to find fault with that ambition. Perhaps Trump's joyous reception is because his approach to foreign policy in general and the Middle East in particular, in contrast to all those presidents I just mentioned, is not ideological. To illustrate here's a quote from the President that was apparently well received in Saudi ears, “too many American presidents have been afflicted wi...

Constitutional fun facts in honor of The American Legion National Oratorical Competition Finals THE INTERVIEW Army combat veteran Blake Hall created his company to protect veterans from identity theft. Veterans are more than 80% likely to have their identity stolen than other Americans. Learn how ID.me prevents fraud in this week's episode. SCUTTLEBUTT A salute Ronin – the hero rat who set a Guinness World Record for detecting landmines Legionnaires supporting manners, etiquette and Americanism in South Carolina Special Guest: Blake Hall.

Veterans, fourth-graders get special access to National Parks THE INTERVIEW Army combat veteran Chris Marvin has found his passion and purpose in America's national parks. In 2020, Marvin established the Park-to-Park Tour project to help share national parks with his children as a way to demonstrate the purpose and legacy of his own military service. He believes strongly that patriotism is exhibited through the enjoyment and protection of national parks and public lands. SCUTTLEBUTT Air Force warns airmen, veterans of foreign intelligence recruitment ploy Celebrating 140 years of Coca-Cola Special Guest: Chris Marvin.

In this Quick Hit, we welcome the Executive Director of the Hunter Seven Foundation, Mr. Tim Pachasa, into our virtual studio. We talk about the foundation's beginnings, it's namesake, their noble goal of early detection and treatment of cancer in GWOT veterans, and Tim's personal goal of having an all-in-one campus for all veteran needs.Support the showhttps://tracerburnout.com/

Operation Frequent Wind: Remembering the end of the Vietnam War THE INTERVIEW Air Force veteran Josh White hosts the award-winning podcast Hero Front, which focuses on mental health awareness and resiliency. Josh shares inspiring stories of veterans, authors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and other heroes. The storytelling podcast emerged from White's 20-year military career in the U.S. Air Force in maintenance, medical and military funeral honors. SCUTTLEBUTT If Hooters goes out of business, dining off base will never be the same Not just for Veterans: Medical breakthroughs that began at VA Special Guest: Josh White.

Sergeant First Class retired Josh Lindstrom is a former US Army Infantryman and Green Beret who served with distinction during the Global War on Terror, earning two bronze stars and a purple heart. After leaving the military, Josh became an adaptive sports athlete and coach, as well as an advocate for wounded veterans through his work with the Blast Foundation, focusing on traumatic brain injury recovery. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Josh Lindstrom, a retired US Army Infantryman and Green Beret, who shares his deep insights into the enduring impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on veterans. Josh recounts his military career, his struggles with TBI, and how it almost led him to take his own life. Despite the severe challenges, Josh found hope and significant improvement through innovative stem cell treatments. Now, as the founder of the Blast Foundation, he advocates for better TBI treatment and awareness, aiming to help veterans receive the care they need. The discussion also touches on leadership, resilience, and Josh's passionate mission to continue serving his fellow veterans. This episode is a heartfelt and informative journey through the invisible wounds of war, the complex path to recovery, and the spirit of relentless leadership. Learn about all of these and more nuggets of insight in this latest episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the Military: Josh Lindstrom highlights the severe impact of TBI among service members, often leading to unrecognized and untreated mental and physical health issues, contributing to high suicide rates. Stem Cell Treatment for TBI: Josh passionately advocates for stem cell treatment as an effective solution for TBI recovery, sharing his own success with the procedure. Challenges in Seeking Help: Josh shares his personal struggles in obtaining proper treatment through traditional military and VA channels, underscoring a systemic issue in recognizing and addressing non-visible injuries like TBI. Importance of Humility in Leadership: Josh emphasizes that true leadership involves humility, understanding that failures are part of the journey, and learning to accept and grow from them. Human Life Value: The initiative to provide stem cell treatment underscores the immense value of human life and the need to address medical needs beyond conventional approaches. QUOTES "Pain is the body asking for stem cells." "Leadership is getting people to know to do what you know must be done." "Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a prevalent yet often invisible injury in the military, leading to severe long-term consequences if untreated." "Prepare to have your ass kicked because it's going to happen." About Robert: Robert is a #1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, Award-Winning CEO, and above all, a Leadership Coach by heart. Join Robert and together you will lead with confidence, unify your team, and expand your comfort zone. Where to find Robert: Website - https://robertpizzini.com/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh is a former Navy SEAL and entrepreneur. After graduating from Wake Forest University, Josh passed on a scholarship to Yale University Divinity School to fight for our nation after the events of 9/11 and the commencement of the War in Iraq. He served as a SEAL officer for 12+ years and deployed overseas 11 times in support of the Global War on Terror. He is the recipient of three bronze stars and multiple medals. Josh left the service in 2018 and is today the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Angel Kids AI. In an internet environment where children are constantly exposed to inappropriate and addictive content, not to mention potential predators, daily, Angel Kids is a parent-created platform that provides guardrails for children to explore the online world safely. Angel Kids Ai: https://www.angelq.ai/ Today's Sponsors: Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/ LMNT: https://www.drinklmnt.com/clearedhot Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase. Also, don't forget to try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water.

Send us a textWelcome back to the Ones Ready Daily Drop, where we lovingly sift through Air Force public affairs briefings so you don't have to—and by “lovingly” we mean “roast everything that deserves it.” Jared rips through the military's latest fitness failures, missile launches, undersea cable nightmares, and why Boeing can't seem to build a plane that doesn't break straight out of the factory.We also talk about fat reservists gaming the system with "miracle shots," phantom missile tests named "Dark Eagle," politicians who aren't even worth the dog poop on your boot, and the grim reality of post-GWOT cancer risks. Meanwhile, Microsoft Flight Simulator is somehow making command news because... priorities, right?If you like your news unfiltered, slightly unhinged, and 100% funnier than the briefing you'll get from your crusty commander — welcome home.

“Combat's not all that fun sometimes.”In this episode, we speak with Army veteran and Green Beret, Mr. Chuck Ritter. We discuss how $70k in credit card fraud landed him in the infantry, why you should always inspect your equipment, the importance of planning, why you should be selfish sometimes, his non-negotiable principles, the meaning of an old Greek word and missing mop buckets?In the Free Fire Area, we determine the nicknames of two former US presidents. How the turntables have turned. We need your support: - Like, share, comment, and subscribe. Any interaction helps the show. - Go to our website and buy some swag or click on the “donate now” button at the bottom. - Support us and other patriotic companies by going to:Aerial Resupply Coffee: https://aerialresupplycoffee.com/?aff=34Hero Soap Company: https://hero-soap-company.myshopify.com?sca_ref=7189660.jazDlE2ZkbOrca Coolers: https://alnk.to/2FCCpj5Fox River: https://alnk.to/74vwLVJBear Creek Arsenal: https://alnk.to/2FCCpj5Theme song by The Mountain via Pixabay.Support the showhttps://tracerburnout.com/

Free preview cross-over with the Bang-Bang Podcast. Long before the Patriot Act, long before “See Something, Say Something,” long before 9/11—there was The Siege. Released in 1998, this Bruce Willis–Denzel Washington vehicle depicts a post–terror attack New York placed under martial law. The city is bombed, neighborhoods are surveilled, and Arab and Muslim men are rounded up en masse, held indefinitely in cages under the Brooklyn Bridge. And yet, in perhaps the most jarring twist of all, the whole thing was co-written by Lawrence Wright, the celebrated journalist behind the GWOT-era classic, The Looming Tower.In this episode, Van and Lyle are joined once again by screenwriter Kevin Fox to revisit The Siege, not just as an artifact of pre-9/11 paranoia, but as an uncanny rehearsal for everything that would come after. Together they break down the film's oscillation between prescience and myopia, from Bruce Willis as cartoonish generalissimo to Denzel Washington as constitutionalist good cop. The story's themes of blowback, anti-Muslim hysteria, and civil-military overreach may come off as heavy-handed or superficial, but there are so many moments that still hit disturbingly close to home.Van, Lyle, and Kevin ask: What can a work like The Siege tell us about liberal complicity in the War on Terror? What happens when a film simultaneously warns of repression while making its own contribution to the atmosphere of fear? And what's with the horny thermal cam surveillance scene?Subscribe to the Bang-Bang Podcast for more: https://www.bangbangpod.comSubscribe to the Un-Diplomatic Newsletter: https://www.un-diplomatic.comWatch the Un-Diplomatic Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@un-diplomaticpodcast

Every patriotic runner, walker and GWOT veteran needs to hear Pat Tillman's story. The NFL player left a multi-million dollar career to become an Army Ranger, days after the 9/11 terror attacks, only to die by friendly fire in Afghanistan. 21 years later, his legacy as an incredibly patriotic and couragous man ives on and you can be a part of it, this Saturday, April 26th, on Daniel Island. Secure your spot HERE!

Alex Plitsas is a counterterrorism expert and Army veteran who ran psychological operations in the Global War on Terror. He joined Rep. Crenshaw for a retrospective on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the decade of Russian escalation that led to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the evolving threat of the Mexican drug cartels. A clear-eyed look at some of America's greatest national security threats.   Alex Plitsas leads the Counterterrorism Project for the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative. He serves on the board of the Special Operations Association of America. Follow him on X at @alexplitsas.

American Legion Family Day THE INTERVIEW Navy veteran Vic Martin struggled after suffering a brain injury, receiving mental health diagnoses and being medically retired. After hitting bottom and attempting suicide, Martin now dedicates his life to helping others find their purpose and the mental health care they need. SCUTTLEBUTT World Autism Awareness month: Neurodivergent Veterans Florida American Legion Riders gearing up for massive Boots on the Ground Poker Run Military nicknames - usually born of our less-than-heroic moments Special Guest: Vic Martin.

Marine Corps veteran Hank Donigan has survived brain cancer and coped with severe PTSD. He has transformed personal adversity into extraordinary achievement. On Monday, April 21, Donigan will complete his 500th marathon at the 2025 Boston Marathon, a testament to his resilience and dedication. SCUTTLEBUTT How Comic Legend Mel Brooks Defused Land Mines During World War II The worst military smells for Sony to add to its video games Special Guest: Hank Donigan.

On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute's Dr. Annelle Sheline, a frequent guest on the program and a former Biden-era State Dept. official who resigned over the U.S. handling of Gaza, returns to discuss her briefing "Under Primacy, Weapons Sales Will Always Supersede Human Rights". But first we discuss the article she recently co-wrote for Responsible Statecraft entitled "Trump drops news bomblet: Direct US-Iran talks this Saturday". The conversation begins with a discussion of Netanyahu's meeting with Donald Trump earlier this week and some talk about the upcoming talks between the U.S. and Iran. We then get into the main event of this conversation: the ways in which weapons sales have trumped human rights rhetoric in U.S. foreign policy. For as much as the United States has often talked about human rights, it has often sold weapons to autocratic human rights abusers. We'll discuss a number of historical moments related to this including the assassination of Salvador Allende and the bloody Chile coup of 1973, Jimmy Carter vs. Ronald Reagan on human rights & U.S. foreign policy, the Iran-Contra affair, the legacies of the Cold War and the Global War on Terror, how wars abroad often lead to repression at home (and concerns about Trump's plans for pro-Palestinian voices in America), bridging the gap between human rights and realism/U.S. national interests, a brief look at the Leahy Laws, sanctions and weapons sales, the U.S.'s unconditional support of Israel's actions in Gaza as undermining claims to defending human rights, and much, much more.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the ninety-seventh episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by COL Ricky Taylor, the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today's guest is the Commanding General for XVIII Airborne Corps, LTG Gregory Anderson.    The XVIII Airborne Corps was founded in January of 1942 just five weeks after the US entered World War II at what was previously called Camp Polk (what would become Ft. Johnson). They saw extensive service during World War II, throughout much of the various conflicts of the Cold War, Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, and in support of the Global War on Terror. The corps is designed for rapid deployment anywhere in the world and is referred to as "America's Contingency Corps." They have the Hollywood call-sign of “Sky Dragons” or simply as “Dragon” and the motto of “All the Way.”   In this episode, we provide a comprehensive overview of warfighting in large-scale combat operations (LSCO), highlighting lessons learned from division and corps-level training, planning, and execution. A key focus is the importance of mastering the fundamentals—fieldcraft, tactical movement, and field maintenance—particularly at the platoon through battalion level. Leaders discuss the tension between prioritizing high-end, division-level collective training and maintaining basic soldier tasks. Another major theme is the underutilization of the military decision-making process (MDMP), especially the lack of commander involvement and the widespread tendency to skip or rush through key steps such as wargaming and time horizon management. The discussion emphasizes that MDMP is not just a staff exercise; it is a leadership-driven process that must be rehearsed and refined to achieve synchronization and shared understanding across formations.   Additional topics include sustainment operations at scale, the role of the corps in shaping the deep fight and enabling the division's close fight, and the enduring value of reconnaissance across all echelons. The episode critiques assumptions that technology can replace people, stressing instead that tools should enhance—not substitute—human decision-making. Best practices highlighted include commanders conducting and attending rehearsals using real planning products, emphasizing command-to-command dialogue, and enforcing the disciplined use of planning and training management tools such as the 8-step model. The episode concludes with a call for leaders to think creatively, embrace simplicity in execution, and invest in building resilient, cohesive teams. Ultimately, success in LSCO hinges not just on equipment or doctrine but on disciplined training, adaptive leadership, and a relentless focus on fundamentals.   Part of S01 “The Leader's Laboratory” series.   Don't forget to check-out XVIII Airborne Corps' social media pages, their handles are ‘XVIII Airborne Corps' on Facebook, ‘18airbornecorps' on X, and ‘18thairbornecorps' on Instagram as well as LTG Anderson's previous episode as the CG for 10th Mountain Division, episodes fifty-six of ‘The Crucible.'   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Remembering the anniversary of the fall of Baghdad THE INTERVIEW Kyle Hausmann-Stokes won the 2024 South by Southwest Audience Award for his directorial debut of the feature film "My Dead Friend Zoe," which he also co-wrote and produced. The film is a creative take on the post-war experience and a tribute to veterans of all generations. Hausmann-Stokes, who served as a paratrooper with the Army in Iraq, talks about the film, his military experience and how he helped co-found an organization for military veterans in the entertainment industry, Veterans in Media & Television, in the basement of American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood. SCUTTLEBUTT Veterans in Agritherapy - Celebrating Community Gardens week DOD commits $9.8 million to study psychedelics for active-duty troops Special Guest: Kyle Hausmann-Stokes.

Send us a textWelcome to your daily dose of unfiltered chaos, where Peaches breaks down the news like a sledgehammer breaks through PR-approved nonsense. This ain't your polished AFN brief—this is the real rundown, straight from the Ones Ready bunker. Spoiler: if you love taxpayer-funded crop dusters, British police overreach, or beard policies held together by ETP duct tape—you're in for a treat.From the Panama Canal to Star Wars-era missile defense, the DEI purge of Maya Angelou, and the ongoing saga of “Fat Tony” Bauerfein, Peaches' on one today. We're talking about $2B aircraft that couldn't win a dogfight with a Pelican, the kind of “malicious compliance” that gets classics deleted from Navy libraries, and how shadow banning is the new way to say “you're winning.”

Luis Manuel Tumialán is a Professor of Neurosurgery at the Barrow Neurological Institute specializing in minimally invasive spinal surgery. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine, completed his internship at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. Dr. Tumialán completed additional training in undersea medicine in Groton Connecticut and Navy Dive School in Panama City, Florida. Upon completion of his operational training, he served as the Diving Medical Officer assigned to Naval Special Warfare Unit One in Guam during the Global War on Terror in the aftermath of September 11th, 2001. He received a Naval and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Southeast Asia and a Navy Humanitarian Medal for the search and maritime rescue of a foreign national.Once he returned to the mainland, Dr. Tumialán completed his neurosurgery training at Emory University School of Medicine and returned to the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He joined Barrow Brain and Spine in 2010 where he serves as the director of minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Tumialán's main interests are in minimally invasive spinal surgery and motion preservation surgery as well as developing techniques for the next generation of spinal surgery.

Kaj Larsen did not follow the typical route to becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. He was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy but left after two years to focus on playing water polo at the collegiate level. A few years later he enlisted in the Navy and immediately tried to get a slot in Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/s) training in Coronado, California. Those billets are not usually given to men who left Annapolis but Larsen managed to snag one after his lifeguarding skills made headlines. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Larsen explains his path to becoming a SEAL officer in more detail, his thoughts upon arriving at Coronado, and how the incredible intensity of the training started during the first hour of the very first day. Larsen also details the agony of "Hell Week," his most difficult moments during BUD/s, and what the seemingly ruthless instructors are trying to achieve through their relentless demands. Larsen also tells us what it was like being in the middle of this training when the 9/11 terrorist attacks struck the U.S.Finally, Larsen reveals what his first combat experience was like and how SEAL gear and tactics have evolved since his time in combat as a result of new technologies and adapting to the tactics of our enemies. 

Send us a textThe wounds of war must never be forgotten—but for many, that pain becomes a driving force for something greater.This Tuesday, I welcome back returning guest Michael Meyers, II, who joins us to discuss an ambitious new filmmaking project with Nicole Amelio. We also welcome Robert Vincent O'Berg whose own story of hope and healing is part of the series. Their docuseries, Resilience, brings to life the raw and powerful stories of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) generation, told by those who lived it. This six-season endeavor—produced by Amelio Media in partnership with the Military Basketball Association, Humanity Pictures, and the Army Heritage Foundation—captures the triumphs born from trauma.The series begins with the Army Black Knights' historic 2007-2008 deployment to Iraq, where they made a bold, strategic decision: partnering with former Sunni insurgents as frontline allies in combat. This extraordinary story of brotherhood, sacrifice, and courage is just the beginning of a larger mission—to showcase the resilience of those who served and the lasting impact of their experiences.Each season will explore different stories of service members who turned adversity into strength, continuing to serve their communities long after leaving the battlefield. The message is clear: resilience is forged in service, and its impact is immeasurable.With Resilience, Amelio Media aims to reach 10 million Veterans and their families—and you can help.Join us this Tuesday as we amplify their voices and share their stories.

LC - Lima Charlie Loud and Clear Welcome to The Stew and The Nunn presents, Lima Charlie. For those not versed in military phonetic alphabet, Lima Charlie means Loud and Clear The purpose of this series is to spotlight the GWOT era with GWOT veterans telling their stories. Our guest this week is KJ.

April is American Legion Children & Youth Month THE INTERVIEW Retired Marine Corps veteran Robert Yarnall talks about leadership, preventing veteran suicide and more. Throughout his career, he has mentored veterans, athletes and others through leadership lessons he was taught in the military. As vice president of Development and Impact for the Robert Irvine Foundation, he focuses on preventing veteran suicide and encouraging safe storage of weapons. SCUTTLEBUTT Army veteran returns WWII ‘good luck' flag to Japanese soldier's family American Legion Baseball gearing up for Centennial celebration Special Guest: Robert Yarnall.

Readiness is the ability to close with and destroy any enemy, anywhere, anytime. The role of the Sergeant Major of the Army is to ensure readiness. Command Sergeant Major Dan Dailey was the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army and the youngest Soldier to ever hold the position. Today, he is the Vice President of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs at the Association of the United States Army.SMA Dailey joined Creator and Host Fran Racioppi to define what it really means for the United States Army to be “ready” to fight and win our nation's wars. To do so, they went deep on each of the components of readiness, including: Manning and the impacts of the recruiting crisis the Army has endured over the past several years. Training and the importance of the Combat Training Centers and our combined exercises across the components and with our allies.Equipping for the next fight and why the current procurement processes must change if America expects to remain ahead in the innovation race.Leader Development including why softening the messaging of warfighting hurts mission focus and how the Army is closing the experience gap as the Global War on Terror generation of Soldiers retire. They also cover the important mission of the Association of the United States Army and how as the largest organization supporting our Soldiers their work only continues to grow. Watch, listen or read our conversation from the AUSA headquarters and don't miss the rest of our AUSA series.The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs. Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are an official program of The Green Beret Foundation.QUOTES“Individual readiness is when a soldier themself feels capable to accomplish their mission.”“If you had one hour before your soldiers went to combat what would you train on.” “The high percentage of people who serve today come from families who have served in the past….that funnel is getting smaller and smaller.” “We have lost the value of service to our nation…is it actually a way to achieve the American dream?”"If we send everybody to college, who's going to do those jobs?” “I think there's a lot of young Americans out there who are fully capable to fight and win, they're just not inspired.” “If you create a standard that nobody in America can achieve, it's not a standard.” “This nation's going to have an Army. America, not the Army, is going to decide how we do that.” “The only more expensive thing than fighting a war is losing one.”“Our first mission as the United States Military is to deter. Then to defeat.” “Most people look at war as armed conflict between two entities. War is a conflict of wills.”HIGHLIGHTS0:00 Introduction4:44 Becoming SMA5:57 Readiness Defined9:55 How does the Army train at each echelon?11:49 Why become a Soldier?13:21 Can the Army bring the American Dream?19:53 Everyone can't go to college22:11 Is recruiting college athletes the answer?25:14 Is there a reduction in standards?30:22 Changing the Army's message34:13 Are we close to a draft?36:05 Technology & Force Modernization42:22 Is China ahead of America?48:17 Training for every threat52:48 Interoperability with Allies55:17 Loss of combat experience1:01:32 Next Generation Is Ready1:05:20 Leading AUSA1:11:01 Daily HabitsThe opinions presented on the The Jedburgh Podcast and the Jedburgh Media Channel are the opinions of guests and host Fran Racioppi. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation assumes no liability for their accuracy,

The episode features Professor Sherene Razack discuss how racialized Muslim bodies and gender are constructed by global white supremacy that produces and sustains networks, affinities and ideas in the so-called Global War on Terror. Sherene Razack is a Distinguished Professor and the Penny Kanner Endowed Chair in Women's Studies at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and author of the Nothing Has to Make Sense: Upholding White Supremacy through Anti-Muslim Racism (University of Minnesota 2022).Support the Center for Security, Race and Rights by following us on social media and making a donation: Donate: https://give.rutgersfoundation.org/csrr-support/20046.html Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rucsrr Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rutgerscsrr Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/rucsrr Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/rucsrr Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://csrr.rutgers.edu/newsroom/sign-up-for-newsletter/

National Medal of Honor Day THE INTERVIEW Access to food, childcare, transportation, mental health resources, social connection and more are key issues facing veterans in their first year transitioning out of the military. Air Force veteran Abby Kinch shares how Student Veterans of America is addressing these needs with its Basic Needs and Wellness Survey. SCUTTLEBUTT The first Americans to earn the Distinguished Service Cross were two Army nurses Remembering Marine Corps veteran and Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman Special Guest: Abby Kinch.

  Federal labour lawyer Carey Shockey joins Riley, Nova, and Hussein to talk about the rapid deterioration of the rule of law in the United States, its roots in Reagan and the bipartisan support for the Global War on Terror, and the relationship between law, violence, and the inherent contradictions of liberal capitalism. Get the whole episode on Patreon here! MILO ALERT Check out Milo's tour dates here: https://miloedwards.co.uk/live-shows

Hello and elcome to Colonial Outcasts, the anti-imperialist podcast that needs a vacation, but is unlikely to get one. Today we are going to be doing a round table of the conflicts arising in the West Asia which I am calling the Global War on Terror 2.0 - and we're doing 2.0 because 1.0 only lasted twenty years, killed millions from Afghanistan to Lybia, and accomplished pretty much nothing. AQ is still around, the Taliban are still around, there are open air slave markets in Lybia and the Islamic State ideaology has spread its way across Africa in the Sahel. And yes, all the while you got poorer, less educated, and we want more of that. Join us as we look at the violence of late-stage imperial power.

Two combat veterans sit down for a no-holds-barred conversation that takes listeners on an extraordinary journey through Marine Corps life during the Global War on Terror. This episode captures lightning in a bottle as these old friends reunite to share stories that balance on the edge between hilarious and harrowing.The conversation begins with Charles recounting his troubled childhood - from witnessing domestic violence and navigating juvenile detention to finding salvation through foster parents who showed him what real family support looks like. His transformation from delinquent teenager to dedicated Marine demonstrates how military service provided structure and purpose for a generation of young men seeking direction.What follows is an unvarnished look at Marine Corps culture during wartime deployments. The raw honesty with which they discuss boot camp experiences, combat missions, and the infamous "flight deck time" - where Marines would gather under the stars on naval vessels to process their experiences through conversation - offers listeners rare insight into the psychological reality of military service. Their descriptions of accidentally rupturing oil pipelines in Iraq, barely escaping mortar attacks, and navigating the complex dynamics of platoon life reveal aspects of war that official accounts often sanitize.Throughout their exchange, dark humor emerges as the essential coping mechanism that helped these Marines survive unimaginable stress. The constant pranks, inside jokes, and storytelling weren't just entertainment - they were psychological survival tools that forged unbreakable bonds between service members facing life-threatening situations daily.Beyond the war stories lies a powerful testament to friendship. Despite years apart, these veterans pick up their conversation as if no time has passed, demonstrating the lifelong connections created through shared hardship. Their discussion about how the Corps has changed, whether they'd want their children to serve, and plans for family vacations together shows how military brotherhood extends far beyond active duty.Join us for this remarkable conversation that serves as both historical record and therapeutic reflection - a window into a world few civilians understand but all should appreciate.Tell us what you think!Support the showFollow Wild Chaos on Social Media: Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331 ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospodTikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaosshowX (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/thewildchaosMeta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/wildchaospodcastLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/wildchaos

Investigative reporter Bob Woodward once noted that assassination was the Scarlett letter of American politics because targeted killings challenge the image of the United States as a liberal democracy and the driving force behind a rules-based international order. In his new book, Luca Trenta documents how assassination and assassination attempts have been a persistent feature in US foreign policy. The US government has relied on a variety of direct methods as well as more indirectly laying the groundwork for local assassins.  Using primary documents and interviews, The President's Kill List meticulously documents how policymakers decided on assassination and the level of Presidential control over these decisions. The book analyzes the evolution of assassination policies and reveals how successive administrations - through private justifications and public legitimations - ensured that assassination remained an available tool. The podcast includes insightful comments on assassination and the Trump administration. The paperback is coming out in May 2025. Dr. Luca Trenta is an Associate Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political and Cultural Studies at Swansea University. His previous publications include an earlier book, Risk and Presidential Decision-making: The Emergence of Foreign Policy Crises (Routledge, 2016) and he hosts Out of the Shadows, interviewing authors and experts in intelligence and covert operations. In his public-facing scholarship, Dr. Trenta has appeared in a History Channel documentary called Secret Wars Uncovered (2020) and he regularly contributes to and collaborates with media outlets such as the BBC. Mentioned: Joseph Burkholder Smith, Portrait of a Cold Warrior (1976) John Frankenheimer, The Manchurian Candidate (1962) The Ford-Colby-Kissinger meeting is at page 35 here and Luca's story about the meeting is here “Family Jewels” document of CIA employee responses to James Schlesinger asking to report activities outside CIA charter (1973) Rebecca Sanders, Plausible Legality: Legal Culture and Political Imperative in the Global War on Terror (2018) The Church Committee Report (Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities (1976) Hugh Wilford, The CIA: An Imperial History (2024) Tim Weiner, Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA (2008) Tim Weiner, The Mission: The CIA in the 21st Century (2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Send us a textIn this episode, Joe welcomes Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor, author, and expert on military culture, to explore the shifting landscape of service, leadership, and the personal challenges faced by military members and their families. Corie shares insights from her latest book, Military Culture Shift, offering her thoughts on the past 20 years of war and what it means for the future of the force.Together, they discuss the key moments and lessons that shape military service, leadership, and personal well-being, including:How the Global War on Terror shaped an entire generation of military leaders—and what comes next.The psychological toll of service, from combat stress to the unseen burdens of leadership.Generational shifts in the military—why Gen Z's approach to work, leadership, and life is different from previous generations.The evolution of military family dynamics and the changing role of spouse support networks.Why taking time to reflect, heal, and process experiences is critical for long-term well-being.The importance of mental wellness and how leaders can foster a culture that encourages self-care.Tune in to hear Corie's insights and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today's military leaders.Corie Weathers, licensed professional counselor (LPC), is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and award-winning author. Corie has focused her career for the last 20 years as a clinician specializing in marriage, special forces, the service culture, and its impact on families. She has traveled internationally to visit troops and report on deployment conditions and has taught service families across the globe. Corie consults on military culture, produces content through interviews and videos, and facilitates meaningful and productive sessions and retreats on how to live, lead multi-generational teams, find purpose, and build relationships using their natural talents.A special thanks to this week's sponsors!Exray a veteran-owned apparel brand elevating the custom gear experience. Exray provides free design services and creates dedicated web stores for units.My favorite coffee is veteran-owned Alpha Coffee and I've been drinking it every morning since 2020! They make 100% premium arabica coffee. Alpha has donated over 22k bags of coffee to deployed units and they offer a 10% discount for military veterans, first responders, nurses, and teachers! Try their coffee today. Once you taste the Alpha difference, you won't want to drink anything else!  Learn more here

Nic McKinley is an entrepreneur, former military special operator, and ex-CIA operative who founded and led two multimillion-dollar tech companies. A pioneer in building technical solutions to protect society from predators, Nic is passionate about solving society's most pressing issues through cost-effective technical solutions. Nic grew up in Montana but left to join US military special operations as a US Air Force Pararescueman. After more than a decade in Pararescue, Nic worked in private intelligence start-ups before being recruited into a specialized unit at the Central Intelligence Agency that provided unique capabilities and expertise in response to the critical operational needs of the Intelligence Community. With 30 combat deployments under his belt in both Special Operations and the CIA, Nic experienced the power of technology during the Global War on Terror and set out to use his skills and training with that experience to combat modern slavery. In 2014, Nic founded DeliverFund, the only donor-funded solution to human trafficking that delivers proprietary data and technology to law enforcement, allowing them to take down human traffickers effectively. Along with DeliverFund, Nic founded a venture capital-backed software company and has a technology leadership consulting practice. Despite being dubbed "The Real Jack Ryan" by VICE Media, Nic's most important role is as a husband and father leading his family in a life of service and adventure in Montana. When he is not in his office, Nic can be found on a lake, on the ski slopes, camping, climbing vertical rock or ice in the mountains, with his nose in a book learning something new, or spending downtime with his extraordinary wife. Nic holds multiple degrees, one of which is a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. The Noah Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KP8h2RchhM Safeguard App: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6448926293?pt=125436411&ct=ClearedHot&mt=8 Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/ LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/?