Podcasts about marine corps

Send a textWhat if bravery isn't something you're born with—but a skill you can train?In this powerful and deeply thoughtful conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with Jill Schulman, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, positive psychology expert, and author of The Bravery Effect. Together, they explore what bravery really is, why fear never goes away, and how choosing action—especially when it's uncomfortable—can radically improve performance, fulfillment, and well-being.Jill breaks down the science behind bravery, explaining how taking action rewires the brain, builds confidence, and strengthens self-belief over time. She shares powerful stories from her military background, her Ivy League education in positive psychology, and her recent TEDx experience—revealing why courage often comes before confidence, not after.The conversation also dives into leadership, personal growth, and why avoiding discomfort may actually fuel anxiety and dissatisfaction. From decision-making and self-agency to discipline, consistency, and building a “brave tribe,” this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights you can apply immediately.If you've ever felt stuck, hesitant, or unsure about taking the next step—this episode will challenge you to rethink fear and redefine what's possible. 

Send a textThis Daily Drop covers multiple days of movement across the force—and there's a lot to unpack.The Army is integrating AI into doctrine writing, launching drone competitions, and standing up a rapid soldier innovation office. The Navy is chasing new anti-radar missile capability while looking at sailor burnout and at-sea tour changes. The Marine Corps is digitizing the battlefield and pushing hard on mental health messaging.The Air Force? It's a mix of progress and pain. The A-10 depot mission at Hill is officially ending. The B-21 Raider just got a $4.5B acceleration deal targeting 2027. Collaborative combat aircraft are entering armed testing. AI is moving into air operations centers.Space Force is arguing for faster expansion after real-world operational demand in Iran and Venezuela highlighted capability gaps.Plus: VA disability rule backlash, Medal of Honor news, fraud indictments, pet PCS warnings, and why abandoning your dog makes you a terrible human.No hype. Just what's moving.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor 02:00 Army using AI in doctrine development 04:00 Drone warfighter competition 06:00 Delayed Purple Heart recognition 08:00 Rapid soldier innovation office 10:30 Pet PCS warning to Korea 12:30 Navy anti-radar missile requirement 14:30 Sailor burnout and at-sea tour review 16:30 Marine digital battlefield push 18:00 Mental health leadership appeal 20:30 A-10 depot mission ends 22:00 B-21 acceleration contract 24:00 Collaborative combat aircraft testing 26:00 Space Force expansion push 28:00 VA disability rule halted 30:00 Medal of Honor recognition

Cynthia Garcia's story is one of the most powerful Marine Corps stories you'll ever hear. As a single mom, she ran into a Marine recruiting office seeking protection — and that moment changed her life forever. Today, she's an active-duty United States Marine Staff Sergeant, but her journey through Marine boot camp, recruiting duty, deployment, and motherhood was anything but easy.In today's Urban Valor Episode, we look into what it really takes to become a female Marine, the mental battles of Marine Corps boot camp, the pressure of being a mother in uniform, and how the Marines gave her something she never had before — belonging.Cynthia enlisted in 2014 after struggling with identity, self-doubt, and adversity. She almost quit during the final hike at boot camp. She faced harsh leadership in the fleet. She served on deployment in Africa and the Middle East. She became a Marine recruiter and helped change the lives of dozens of young men and women — some of whom credit her for saving their lives.But this story goes deeper.From nearly stepping out of formation at the Crucible…To becoming the very leader others depend on…To raising a daughter diagnosed with a rare genetic condition while serving on active duty…Cynthia didn't join for glory.She joined because she needed protection.And she never left!

What if the person making your work life miserable isn't just difficult—but following a predictable pattern you were never taught to recognize? In this eye-opening episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Lena Sisco—former military interrogator at Guantanamo Bay and expert in dark psychology—whose unflinching take on toxic workplaces will make you see that impossible boss in a completely different light.  Lena shares how she went from aspiring archaeologist to interrogating terror suspects, why her narcissistic boss threw a laptop across a C-suite meeting then got her fired while the company protected him, and why her neighbor's daughter stayed trapped in an abusive marriage for 10 years over an incident involving crackers. With striking honesty, she explains why she lived with anger for a year over that firing, why taking up physical space literally drops your stress hormones, and why kindness became her secret weapon in the interrogation room.  Together, Cathleen and Lena explore what manipulation actually looks like in daily interactions, why you cannot change someone with a personality disorder no matter how reasonable you are, and the hard truth about when systems protect bad behavior. This conversation is for anyone dealing with a boss who never gets held accountable, stuck doubting yourself in a toxic relationship, or ready to stop giving manipulative people free rent in your head—because sometimes the most powerful move isn't proving you can handle it, it's recognizing the pattern and walking away.   Episode Timeline: 00:08:10 Why she wrote The 13 Power Moves of Dark Psychology  00:14:04 What dark psychology actually is  00:22:14 The abuse cycle: fear, love bombing, and guilt trips  00:28:01 Her narcissistic boss threw a laptop in a C-suite meeting  00:32:38 Why she got fired for holding him accountable  00:40:55 Teaching empathy to a Marine Corps colonel  00:57:24 The physical shift that drops cortisol instantly  01:05:53 The SBIR feedback tool for accountability  01:12:42 Her first day at Guantanamo Bay  01:23:15 Why kindness became her interrogation superpower  01:33:50 Three accurate tells that someone is lying to you    Key Takeaway: You Can't Change a Narcissist—You Can Only Change How You Show Up: Personality disorders are in someone's DNA and neural pathways. No amount of reasoning, fairness, or empathy will change them. The only thing you control is whether you stay in that dynamic or protect yourself by setting boundaries and walking away.  Kindness Isn't Weakness—It's the Most Powerful Tool You Have: Lena's interrogation breakthrough came from taking off a detainee's handcuffs and offering tea, not from yelling or intimidation. Being kind to someone who's lying or manipulating you takes the strongest willpower—and it actually works because it disarms them while keeping you in control of the conversation.  Taking Up Physical Space Literally Drops Your Stress Hormones: When you uncross your arms, plant your feet, lift your chin, and open your palms, your cortisol drops and your confidence rises. Before any difficult conversation, reset your body first—because when you feel small physically, your whole demeanor gets smaller. Move your body, move your mind.  If Someone Can't Answer a Simple Yes or No Question, They're Probably Lying: Truthful people have no problem with direct answers. Liars dodge, embellish, and avoid committing because they can't take accountability. Watch for shoulder shrugs on definitive statements, head shakes that don't match their words, and rambling non-answers—these are the most accurate tells that someone isn't being honest with you.   About Lena Sisco: Lena Sisco is a communication and human behavior expert working with leaders and organizations navigating high-stakes conversations and complex decision-making. A former Department of Defense–certified military interrogator and Naval Human Intelligence Officer, Lena served during the Global War on Terror, conducting hundreds of interrogations that shaped her expertise in rapport-building, elicitation, and truth-seeking under pressure. She later founded The Congruency Group and Sector Intelligence, translating elite HUMINT tradecraft into practical tools for leadership, negotiation, and influence. Lena brings hard-won experience in reading behavior, managing uncertainty, and leading with clarity when the stakes are high. Today, she works with professionals who want to communicate with confidence and authority in moments that matter most.   Connect with Lena Sisco: Website: https://www.lenasisco.com/  Website: https://www.thecongruencygroup.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-sisco-8a31b451  Book: https://www.lenasisco.com/books  TruthScan AI: https://www.thecongruencygroup.com/truthscanai    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps dropped one of the realest suicide-prevention messages we've ever seen — no uniform, no script, no cameras — just a Marine speaking from the heart. And while the entire Corps stopped to share his words… too many leaders stopped right there.In this episode, GySgt Demetrius “Meech” Thigpen digs into the uncomfortable truth:Sharing the message is easy.Living the message is where most leaders fail.Meech breaks down how performative leadership, toxic habits, and emotional neglect continue to push Marines into isolation while leaders hide behind perfect uniforms and motivational catchphrases. He exposes the gap between “check on your Marines” and actually giving a damn. And he shares raw personal stories — alcoholism, emotional collapse, a junior Marine who told him “I'm getting out because of you,” and the parking-lot moment that forced him to change.This episode challenges SNCOs, influencers, and leaders at every level to stop posting for optics and start leading with honesty, humility, and humanity. Because Marines don't need another shareable message. They need leaders who live it.In this episode:The impact of SgtMaj Ruiz's suicide-prevention messageWhy young Marines don't seek helpPerformative leadership vs. real leadershipWeaponizing mental-health resourcesEmotional responsibility as a leaderListening without minimizing someone's painTaking care of your Marines by taking care of yourself firstIf you're a Marine, a leader, or someone who's tired of hollow words and fake online “motivation,” this episode will hit you in the chest.Don't just share the message.Be the message.Follow @MeechSpeaks on Instagram.New episodes every Monday.

Joshua Celis, Marine Corps Combat Veteran, in Episode 236 of the Transition Drill Podcast, shares his 23-year career, combat deployments, and transition, where he explains the emotional and practical challenges of stepping away from the uniform, the importance of early preparation, education, and networking, and the reality that senior rank doesn't automatically translate to civilian success.Josh was raised between Houston and a tiny East Texas town got pulled out of a rough track, found structure through sports, and then chose the Marine Corps when college felt out of reach. From the start, Joshua's story is about momentum, consequences, and learning the hard way that “I don't have time” usually means “it's not my priority.”He talks about early fleet life in communications, including getting shot in the head in while stationed in Hawaii that exposed how differently the military handled injuries back then and what he'd do as a senior leader looking back. From there, his career builds: deployments that came faster after 9/11, a first Iraq deployment in 2005, and then as a sergeant, leading in Afghanistan, advising Afghan Army counterparts while managing the pressure that comes with real responsibility. He also talks about the “yin yang” of recruiting duty in Houston, returning to the operating forces, and how key mentors and leaders shaped the way he led Marines as he moved into senior ranks.The second half of the conversation is all transition. Joshua explains why he started planning earlier than most, how education and certifications changed his options, and why senior leaders often need the most space to detach and reset. He breaks down SkillBridge honestly, including what didn't work, the stress of rejection, and how networking, making friends, and showing up in person is what finally landed him a role in San Diego with Northrop Grumman. He lays out what he'd do differently, what most people underestimate, and what actually carries you through when the uniform comes off.CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulpantani/WEBSITE: https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpantani/SIGN-UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:https://transitiondrillpodcast.com/home#aboutQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:paul@transitiondrillpodcast.comSPONSORS:GRND CollectiveGet 15% off your purchaseLink: https://thegrndcollective.com/Promo Code: TRANSITION15Blue Line RoastingGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://bluelineroasting.comPromocode: Transition10Frontline OpticsGet 10% off your purchaseLink: https://frontlineoptics.comPromocode: Transition10

I'd love to hear your thoughts - send me a text hereIn the chaos following PT 109's collision with IJN Amagiri, Jack Kennedy does everything he can to rescue his shipmates and when it becomes obvious that no one is coming to rescue them, he choses an island deep inside enemy territory and hopes it is small enough to be of no strategic value to the Japanese; but only time will tell if it is garrisoned or not.

In this episode of Better Business, Better Life, host Debra Chantry-Taylor is joined by Keith Gillispie, co-founder of REI Automated, who shares his powerful journey from serving in the Marine Corps to building a multi-state real estate empire. Keith opens up about the discipline and systems mindset he developed in the military, and how that foundation shaped his approach to business. From investing in 34 states to raising over 10 million dollars and helping more than 400 students pursue financial freedom, Keith credits much of his success to one thing: simple, clear, documented systems. The conversation explores the critical role of Standard Operating Procedures in scaling a business, why clarity beats complexity, and how strong systems create both freedom and resilience. He also shares the reality of overcoming significant personal debt, the pressure of entrepreneurship, and how coaching and accountability helped him turn things around. This episode is a practical and inspiring look at how structure, principles, and leadership discipline can transform both business and life. Keith also generously offers his real estate courses free to podcast listeners, making this an episode packed with both insight and opportunity.   CONNECT WITH DEBRA:    ___________________________________________         ►Debra Chantry-Taylor is a Certified EOS Implementer | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Business Owner ►Connect with Debra: ⁠debra@businessaction.com.au ⁠ ►See how she can help you: https://businessaction.co.nz/ ►Claim Your Free E-Book: https://www.businessaction.co.nz/free-e-book/ ___________________________________________        GUEST's DETAILS:  ► LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-gillispie/   ► Website: www.reiautomated.io      Episode 260 Chapters:    00:00 – Keith Gillispie's Journey from Marine Corps to Real Estate Empire   06:24 – Transition to Real Estate and Building Systems   12:17 – The Role of Systems in Personal and Business Life   24:23 – Challenges and Successes in Business Growth   29:32 – Implementing EOS and Principle-Based Decision Making   47:41 – Keith's Free Real Estate Courses for Listeners   

Dale and Christophe discuss the First Barbary War and the 1803 loss of the 44-gun frigate USS Philadelphia, commanded by Captain William Bainbridge, after it struck an uncharted reef while pursuing a Tripolitan corsair into Tripoli Harbor and was captured with more than 300 sailors taken prisoner. With the captured ship refloated and positioned under Tripoli's harbor defenses, 25-year-old Lt. Stephen Decatur volunteers to prevent it from being used against the U.S. Navy. Using the captured ketch renamed USS Intrepid and disguised as a Maltese merchant vessel, Decatur leads 67 volunteers into Tripoli Harbor on February 16, 1804, relying on deception, silence, and hand-to-hand weapons only. After being allowed alongside and then detected, the Americans board, secure the deck in about 20 minutes with no American combat fatalities, and set the Philadelphia ablaze when escape under sail proves impossible. The Intrepid rows out as Tripoli's defenses fire; the burning frigate later explodes, eliminating Tripoli's prize and restoring U.S. naval honor. The episode explains how the raid reshaped perceptions of the young U.S. Navy, influenced naval doctrine on denying assets to the enemy, and became part of Marine Corps tradition (“to the shores of Tripoli”), while noting the war continued until 1805 and prisoners remained captive until later negotiations that included a ransom payment. The hosts also answer questions about the deception, likely multilingual communication at sea, and typical ketch crew sizes, and reflect on scuttling as preferable to enemy capture. In the closing tribute segment, they honor Fireman Third Class John Lammers of Osberg, Wisconsin, who enlisted in June 1918, trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and died of Spanish influenza at the Great Lakes Navy Hospital on September 25, 1918; an American Legion post in his hometown is named in his honor. The episode ends with listener contact information (email, X/Twitter, and Discord) and a request for ratings and reviews.

For this episode we meet former United States Marine Corps Captain and Judge Advocate Ross Goodman. On his way to become a professional tennis player, an injury cut his tennis career short. College friends who were in the process of becoming Marines took him into their fold. Four days after college graduation he found himself in Marine Corps Officer Candidate School where he graduated and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Then he was off to Law School.Our library of shows can be found at www.veteranscornerradio.comJoin us on Facebook at the page Veterans Corner RadioYou can contact our host Joe Muhlberger at joseph.muhlberger@gmail.com

Across every branch of the military, crews depend on their machines for survival — aircraft, ships, and vehicles that become lifelines in combat. But sometimes, certain machines develop reputations that go far beyond normal mechanical trouble. From a Marine Corps helicopter with a deadly past… to a British jump jet plagued by accidents… to a World War I submarine surrounded by tragedy and ghostly sightings, servicemen have long shared stories of war machines that seemed marked by something darker than bad luck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When was the last time you showed up for someone when it cost you something?In this solo episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich explores the art of showing up for people even when it's inconvenient. Not the social media version. Not the easy version. The real version that requires sacrifice, humility, and effort.From sitting in hospital waiting rooms to attending small events when no one else does, Rich shares personal reflections as a Marine Corps veteran, husband, father, and business owner about why relationships are built in uncomfortable moments.If you've ever struggled with choosing comfort over connection, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead differently. Because loyalty, love, and leadership are often found in the inconvenient moments.Who do you need to show up for this week?Send a textVote for us here 10% off All MembershipsRuntime: 2/10/2026 until 2/28/2026Code: CRBPodcast This discount is valid only for memberships purchased February 10, 2026 until February 28, 2026. It cannot be applied retroactively to previous purchases and may not be combined with any other discount or promotion. All memberships purchased are nonrefundable.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCast Subscribe by Email

In Episode 97 of The Okay Podcast, hosts Grant Broggi, Tres Gottlich, and Jeff Buege sit down with Marine Corps veteran Troy Campbell Sr.From boot camp in 1988 to Desert Storm deployments, Okinawa, Somalia evacuations, and life after service as a 30-year lineman, Troy shares raw stories about military culture, fatherhood, discipline, and strength.We also dive into:The Marine Corps in the late 80s and early 90sDesert Storm and overseas deploymentsCoaching college hockey at Ohio StateRaising a son who became a Marine officerStrength training, longevity, and staying powerful at 57USA vs Canada Olympic hockeyOld-school toughness vs modern culturePodcast Hosts:Grant Broggi: Marine Veteran, Owner of The Strength Co. and Starting Strength Coach.Jeff Buege: Marine Veteran, Outdoorsman, Football Fan and LifterTres Gottlich: Marine Veteran, Texan, Fisherman, Crazy College Football Fan and LifterJoin the Slack and Use code OKAY:https://buy.stripe.com/dR6dT4aDcfuBdyw5ksCheck out BW Tax: https://www.bwtaxllc.comBUY A FOOTBALL HELMET:⁠https://www.greengridiron.com/?ref=thestrengthco⁠Timestamps:00:00 - Intro03:14 - Staff Brief13:56 - Troy Campbell Sr. Joins The Show17:59 - Marine Career35:17 - Having A Family While Deployed39:54 - Olympic Hockey50:19 - Lifting, Starting Strength & Squat Fears01:04:17 - What's The Rub With Ohio State?01:10:57 - Getting Out Of The Marine Corps01:14:37 - Troy's BW Tax Read01:17:53 - Favorite Time In The Marine Corps01:28:12 - Sturgill Simpson Album01:29:49 - X Comments01:37:31 - Saved Rounds

Melissa Lavasani & Jay Kopelman join our podcast to discuss how psychedelic policy is actually moving in Washington, DC. Lavasani leads Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, a DC-based advocacy organization focused on educating federal officials and advancing legislation around psychedelic medicine. Kopelman is CEO of Mission Within Foundation, which provides scholarships for veterans and first responders seeking psychedelic-assisted therapy retreats, often outside the United States. The conversation centers on veterans, the VA, and why that system may be the first realistic federal pathway for psychedelic care. Early Themes Lavasani describes PMC's work on Capitol Hill, including hosting events that bring lawmakers, staffers, and advocates into the same room. Her focus is steady engagement. In DC, progress often happens through repeated conversations, not headlines. Kopelman shares his background as a Marine and how his own psychedelic-assisted therapy experience led him to Mission Within. The foundation has funded more than 250 scholarships for veterans and first responders seeking treatment for PTSD, mild traumatic brain injury, depression, and addiction. They connect this work to pending veteran-focused legislation and explain why the VA matters. As a closed health system, the VA can pilot programs, gather data, and refine protocols without the pressures of private healthcare markets. Core Insights A recent Capitol Hill gathering, For Veteran Society, brought together members of Congress and leaders from the psychedelic caucus. Lavasani describes candid feedback from lawmakers. The message was clear: coordinate messaging, avoid fragmentation, and move while bipartisan interest remains. Veteran healthcare is not framed as the final goal. It is a starting point. If psychedelic therapies can demonstrate safety and effectiveness within the VA, broader adoption becomes more plausible. Kopelman raises operational realities that must be addressed: Standardized safety protocols across providers Integration support, not medication alone Clear training pathways for clinicians Real-world data beyond tightly screened clinical trials They also address recent negative headlines involving ibogaine treatment abroad. Kopelman emphasizes the need for shared learning across providers, especially when adverse events occur. Lavasani argues that inconsistency within the ecosystem can slow federal confidence. Later Discussion and Takeaways The discussion widens to federal momentum around addiction and mental health. Lavasani notes that new funding initiatives signal growing openness to innovative treatment models, even if psychedelics are not named explicitly in every announcement. Both guests stress that policy moves slowly by design. Meetings, follow-ups, and relationship building often matter more than public statements. For clinicians, researchers, operators, and advocates, the takeaways are direct: Veterans are likely the first federal pathway Public education remains essential Safety standards must be shared and transparent Integration and workforce development need attention now If psychedelic medicine enters federal systems, infrastructure will determine success. Frequently Asked Questions What do Melissa Lavasani & Jay Kopelman say about VA psychedelic policy? They argue that veteran-focused legislation offers a realistic first federal pathway for psychedelic-assisted care. Is ibogaine currently available through the VA? No. They discuss ibogaine in the context of private retreats and future possibilities, not an existing VA program. Why do Melissa Lavasani & Jay Kopelman emphasize coordination? Lawmakers respond more positively when advocates present aligned messaging and clear priorities. What safety issues are discussed by Melissa Lavasani & Jay Kopelman? They highlight the need for standardized screening, monitoring, integration support, and transparent review of adverse events. Closing Melissa Lavasani & Jay Kopelman provide a grounded look at how psychedelic policy develops inside federal systems. Their message is practical: veterans may be the first lane, but long-term success depends on coordination, safety standards, and sustained engagement. Closing This episode captures a real-time view of how federal policy could shape the next phase of the psychedelic resurgence, especially through veteran-facing legislation and VA infrastructure. Melissa Lavasani & Jay Kopelman argue that coordination, public education, and shared safety standards will shape whether access expands with credibility and care. Transcript Joe Moore: [00:00:00] Hello everybody. Welcome back to Psychedelics Today. Today we have two guests, um, got Melissa Sani from Psychedelic Medicine Coalition. We got Jake Pelman from Mission Within Foundation. We're gonna talk about I bga I became policy on a recent, uh, set of meetings in Washington, DC and, uh, all sorts of other things I'm sure. Joe Moore: But thank you both for joining me. Melissa Lavasani: Thanks for having us. Jay Kopelman: Yeah, it's a pleasure. Thanks. Joe Moore: Yeah. Um, Melissa, I wanna have you, uh, jump in. First. Can you tell us a little bit about, uh, your work and what you do at PMC? Melissa Lavasani: Yeah, so Psychedelic Medicine Coalition is, um, the only DC based Washington DC based advocacy organization dedicated to the advancing the issue of psychedelics, um, and making sure the federal government has the education they need, um, and understands the issue inside out so that they can generate good policy around, around psychedelic medicines. Melissa Lavasani: [00:01:00] Uh, we. Host Hill events. We host other convenings. Our big event every year is the Federal Summit on psychedelic medicine. Um, that's going to be May 14th this year. Um, where we talk about kinda the pressing issues that need to be talked about, uh, with government officials in the room, um, so that we can incrementally move this forward. Melissa Lavasani: Um, our presence here in Washington DC is, is really critical for this issue's success because, um, when we're talking about psychedelic medicines, um, from the federal government pers perspective, you know, they are, they are the ones that are going to initiate the policies that create a healthcare system that can properly facilitate these medicines and make sure, um, patient safety is a priority. Melissa Lavasani: And there's guardrails on this. And, um, you know, there, it's, it's really important that we have. A home base for this issue in Washington DC just [00:02:00] because, uh, this is very complicated as a lot of your viewers probably understand, and, you know, this can get lost in the mix of all the other issues that, um, lawmakers in DC are focused on right now. Melissa Lavasani: And we need to keep that consistent presence here so that this continues to be a priority for members of Congress. Joe Moore: Mm. I love this. And Jay, can you tell us a bit about yourself and mission within Foundation? Jay Kopelman: Yeah, sure. Joe, thanks. Uh, I, I am the CEO of Mission within Foundation. Prior to this, most of my adult life was spent in the military as a Marine. Jay Kopelman: And I came to this. Role after having, uh, a psychedelic assisted therapy experience myself at the mission within down in Mexico, which is where pretty much we all go. Um, we are here to help [00:03:00] provide, uh, access for veterans and first responders to be able to attend psychedelic assisted therapy retreats to treat issues like mild TBI, post-traumatic stress disorder, uh, depression, sometimes addiction at, at a very low level. Jay Kopelman: Um, and, and so we've, we've been doing this for a little more than a year now and have provided 250 plus scholarships to veterans and first responders to be able to access. These retreats and these, these lifesaving medicines. Um, we're also partnered, uh, you may or may not know with Melissa at Psychedelic Medicine Coalition to help advance education and policy, specifically the innovative, uh, therapy Centers of Excellence Act [00:04:00] that Melissa has worked for a number of years on now to bring to both Houses of Congress. Joe Moore: Thank you for that. Um, so let's chat a little bit about what this event was that just, uh, went down, uh, what, what was it two weeks ago at this point? Melissa Lavasani: Yeah. Yeah. It's called For Veteran Society and it's all, um, there's a lot of dialogue on Capitol Hill about veterans healthcare and psychedelics, but where I've been frustrated is that, you know, it was just a lot of. Melissa Lavasani: Talk about what the problems are and not a lot of talk about like how we actually propel things forward. Um, so it, at that event, I thought it was really important and we had three members of Congress there, um, Morgan Latrell, who has been a champion from day one and his time in Congress, um, having gone through the experience himself, um, [00:05:00] at Mission within, um, and then the two chairs of the psychedelic caucus, uh, Lou Correa and Jack Bergman. Melissa Lavasani: And we really got down to the nitty gritty of like w like why this has taken so long and you know, what is actually happening right now? What are the possibilities and what the roadblocks are. And it was, I thought it was a great conversation. Um, we had an interesting kind of dynamic with Latres is like a very passionate about this issue in particular. Melissa Lavasani: Um, I think it was, I think it was really. A great event. And, you know, two days later, Jack Bergman introduced his new bill for the va. Um, so it was kind of like the precursor to that bill getting introduced. And we're just excited for more and more conversations about how the government can gently guide this issue to success. Joe Moore: Hmm. Yeah. [00:06:00] That's fantastic. Um, yeah, I was a little bummed I couldn't make it, but next time, I hope. But I've heard a lot of good things and, um, it's, it sounded like there was some really important messages in, in terms of like feedback from legislators. Yeah. Yeah. Could you speak to that? Melissa Lavasani: Yeah, I mean, I think when, uh, representative Latrell was speaking, he really impressed on us a couple things. Melissa Lavasani: Um, first is that, you know, they really kind of need the advocates to. Coordinate, collaborate and come up with like a, a strategic plan, you know, without public education. Um, talking to members of Congress about this issue is, is really difficult. You know, like PMC is just one organization. We're very little mission within, very little, um, you know, we're all like, kind of new in navigating, um, this not so new issue, but new to Washington DC [00:07:00] issue. Melissa Lavasani: Um, without that public education as a baseline, uh, it's, it's, you have to spend a lot of time educating members of Congress. You know, that's like one of our things is, you know, we have to, we don't wanna tell Congress what direction to go to. We wanna provide them the information so they understand it very intimately and know how to navigate through things. Melissa Lavasani: Um, and secondly. Um, he got pretty frank with us and said, you know, we've got one cha one chance at this issue. And it's like, that's, that's kind of been like my talking point since I started. PMC is like, you have a very limited window, um, when these kind of issues pop up and they're new and they're fresh and you have a lot of the veteran community coming out and talking about it. Melissa Lavasani: And there's a lot of energy there. But now is the time to really move forward, um, with some real legislation that can be impactful. Um, but, you know, we've gotta [00:08:00] be careful. We, we forget, I think sometimes those of us who are in the ecosystem forget that our level of knowledge about these medicines and a lot of us have firsthand experience, um, with these drugs and, and our own healing journeys is, um, we forget that there is a public out there that doesn't have the level of knowledge that we all have. Melissa Lavasani: And, um. We gotta make sure that we're sticking to the right elements of, of, of what needs to happen. We need to be sure that our talking points are on track and we're not getting sideways about anything and going down roads that we don't need to talk about. It's why, um, you know, PMC is very focused on, um, moving forward veteran legislation right now. Melissa Lavasani: Not because we're a veteran organization, but because we're, we see this long-term policy track here. Um, we know where we want to get [00:09:00] to, um. Um, and watching other healthcare issues kind of come up and then go through the VA healthcare system, I think it's a really unique opportunity, um, to utilize the VA as this closed system, the biggest healthcare system in the country to evaluate, uh, how psychedelics operate within systems like that. Melissa Lavasani: And, you know, before they get into, um, other healthcare systems. What do we need to fix? What do we need to pay attention to? What's something that we're paying too much attention to that doesn't necessarily need that much attention? So it's, um, it's a real opportunity to look at psychedelic medicines within a healthcare system and obviously continue to gather the data. Melissa Lavasani: Um, Bergman's Bill emerging, uh, expanding veteran access to emerging treatments. Um, not only mandates the research, it gives the VA authority for this, uh, for running trials and, and creating programs around psychedelic medicines. But also, [00:10:00] one of the great things about it, I think, is it provides an on-ramp for veterans that don't necessarily qualify for clinical trials. Melissa Lavasani: You know, I think that's one of the biggest criticisms of clinical trials is like you're cre you're creating a vacuum for people and people don't live in a vacuum. So we don't necessarily know what psychedelics are gonna look like in real life. Um, but with this expanding veteran access bill that Bergman introduced, it provides the VA an opportunity to provide this access under. Melissa Lavasani: Um, in a, in a safe container with medical supervision while collecting data, um, while ensuring that the veteran that is going through this process has the support systems that it needs. So, um, you know, I think that there's a really unique opportunity here, and like Latrell said, like, we've got one shot at this. Melissa Lavasani: We have people's attention in Congress. Um, now's the time to start acting, and let's be really considerate and thoughtful about what we're doing with it. Joe Moore: Thanks for that, Melissa and Jay, how, [00:11:00] anything to add there on kind of your takeaways from the this, uh, last visit in dc? Jay Kopelman: Yeah, I, I think that Melissa highlighted it really well and there, there were a couple other things that I, I think, you know, you could kind of tie it all together with some other issues that we face in this country, uh, and that. Jay Kopelman: Uh, representative Correa brought up as well, but one of the things I wanted to go back and say is that veterans have kind of led this movement already, right? So, so it's a, it's a good jumping off point, right? That it's something people from both sides of the aisle, from any community in America can get behind. Jay Kopelman: You know, if you think about it, uh, in World War ii, you know, we had a million people serving our population was like, not even 200 million, but now [00:12:00] we have a population of 330 million, and at any given time there might be a million people in uniform, including the Reserve and the National Guard. So it's, it, it's an easy thing to get behind this small part of the population that is willing to sign that contract. Jay Kopelman: Where you are saying, yeah, I'm going to defend my country, possibly at the risk of my l my own life. So that's the first thing. The other thing is that the VA being a closed health system, and they don't have shareholders to answer to, they can take some risks, they can be innovative and be forward thinking in the ways that some other healthcare systems can't. Jay Kopelman: And so they have a perfect opportunity to show that they truly care for their veterans, which don't, I'm not saying they don't, but this would be an [00:13:00] opportunity to show that carrot at a whole different level. Uh, it would allow them to innovate and be a leader in something as, uh, as our friend Jim Hancock will say, you know. Jay Kopelman: When he went to the Naval Academy, they had the world's best shipbuilding program. Why doesn't the VA have the world's best care program for things like TBI and PTSD, which affects, you know, 40 something percent of all veterans, right? So, so there's, there's an opportunity here for the VA to lead from the front. Jay Kopelman: Um, the, these medicines provide, you know, reasonably lasting care where it's kind of a one and done. Whereas with the current systems, the, you know, and, and [00:14:00] again, not to denigrate the VA in any way, they're doing the best job they can with the tools in their toolbox, right? But maybe it's time for a trip to Home Depot. Jay Kopelman: Let's get some new tools. And have some new ways of fixing what's broken, which is really the way of doing things. It's not, veterans aren't broken, we are who we are. Um, but it's a, it's a way to fix what isn't working. So I, I think that, you know, given there's tremendous veteran homelessness still, you know, addiction issues, all these things that do translate to the population at large are things that can be worked on in this one system, the va that can then be shown to have efficacy, have good data, have [00:15:00] good outcomes, and, and take it to the population at large. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. Brilliant. Thanks for that. And so there was another thing I wanted to pivot to, which is some of the recent press. So we've, um, seen a little bit of press around some, um, in one instance, some bad behavior in Mexico that a FI put out Americans thrive again, put out. And then another case there was a, a recent fatality. Joe Moore: And I think, um, both are tragic. Like we shouldn't be having to deal with this at this point. Um, but there's a lot of things that got us here. Um, it's not necessarily the operator's fault entirely, um, or even at all, honestly, like some medical interventions just carry a lot of risk. Like think, think about like, uh, how risky bypass surgery was in the nineties, right? Joe Moore: Like people were dying a lot from medical interventions and um, you know, this is a major intervention, uh, ibogaine [00:16:00] and also a lot of promise. To help people quite a bit. Um, but as of right now, there's, there's risk. And part of that risk, in my opinion, comes from the inability of organizations to necessarily collaborate. Joe Moore: Like there's no kind of convening body, sitting in the middle, allowing, um, for, and facilitating really good data sharing and learnings. Um, and I don't, I don't necessarily see an organization stepping up and being the, um, the convener for that kind of work. I've heard rumors that something's gonna happen there, and I'm, I'm hopeful I'll always wanna share my opinion on that. Joe Moore: But yeah. I don't know. Jay, from your perspective, is there anything you want to kind of speak to about, uh, these two recent incidents that Americans for Iboga kind of publicized recently? Jay Kopelman: Yeah, so I, I'll echo your sentiment, of course, that these are tragic incidents. Um, and I, [00:17:00] I think that at least in the case of the death at Ambio, AMBIO has done a very good job of talking about it, right? Jay Kopelman: They've been very honest with the information that they have. And like you said, there are risks inherent to these medicines, and it's like anything else in medicine, there are going to be risks. You know, when I went through, uh, when I, when I went through chemo, you know, there were, there are risks. You know, you don't feel well, you get sick. Jay Kopelman: Um, and, and it. There are processes in place to counter that when it happens. And there are processes and, and procedures and safety protocols in place when caring for somebody going through an ibogaine [00:18:00] journey. Uh, when I did it, we had EKG echocardiogram. You're on a heart monitor the entire time they push magnesium via iv. Jay Kopelman: You have to provide a urinalysis sample to make sure that there is nothing in your system that is going to potentially harm you. During the ibogaine, they have, uh, a cardiologist who is monitoring the heart monitors throughout the ibogaine experience. So the, the safety protocols are there. I think it's, I think it's just a matter of. Jay Kopelman: Standardizing them across all, all providers, right? Like, that would be a good thing if people would talk to one another. Um, as, as in any system, right? You've gotta have [00:19:00] some collaboration. You've gotta have standardization, you know, so, you know, they're not called standard operating procedures for nothing. Jay Kopelman: That means that in a, you know, in a given environment, everybody does things the same way. It's true in Navy and Marine Corps, air Force, army Aviation, they have standard operating procedures for every single aircraft. So if you fly, let's say the F 35 now, right? Because it's flown by the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Air Force. Jay Kopelman: The, the emergency procedures in that airplane are standardized across all three services, so you should have the same, or, you know, with within a couple of different words, the same procedures and processes [00:20:00] across all the providers, right? Like maybe in one document you're gonna change, happy to glad and small dog to puppy, but it's still pretty much the, the same thing. Jay Kopelman: And as a service that provides scholarships to people to go access these medicines and go to these retreats, you know, my criteria is that the, this provider has to be safe. Number one, safety's paramount. It's always gotta be very safe. It should, it has to be effective. And you know, once you have those two things in place, then I have a comfort level saying, okay, yeah, we'll work with this provider. Jay Kopelman: But until those standardized processes are in place, you'll probably see these one-off things. I mean, some providers have been doing this longer than others and have [00:21:00] really figured out, you know, they've, they've cracked the code and, you know, sharing that across the spectrum would be good. Um, but just when these things happen, having a clearing house, right, where everybody can come together and talk about it, you know, like once the facts are known because. Jay Kopelman: To my knowledge, we still don't know all the facts. Like as, you know, as horrible as this is, you still have to talk about like an, has an autopsy been performed? What was found in the patient's system? You know, there, there are things there that we don't know. So we need to, we need to know that before we can start saying, okay, well this is how we can fix that, because we just don't know. Jay Kopelman: And, you know, to their credit, you know, Amio has always been safe to, to the, to the best of my knowledge. You know, I, [00:22:00] I haven't been to Ambio myself, but people that I have worked with have been there. They have observed, they have seen the process. They believe it's safe, and I trust their opinion because they've seen it elsewhere as well. Jay Kopelman: So yeah, having, having that one place where we can all come together when this happens, it, it's almost like it should be mandatory. In the military when there's a training accident, we, you know, we would have to have what's called a safety standout. And you don't do that again for a little while until you figure out, okay, how are we going to mitigate that happening again? Jay Kopelman: Believe me, you can go overboard and we don't want to do that. Like, we don't wanna just stop all care, but maybe stop detox for a week and then come back to it. [00:23:00] Joe Moore: Yeah. A dream would be, let's get like the, I don't know, 10, 20 most popular, uh, or well-known operators together somewhere and just do like a three day debrief. Joe Moore: Hey, everybody, like, here's what we see. Let's work on this together. You know how normal medicine works. And this is, it's hard because this is not necessarily, um, something people feel safe about in America talking about 'cause it's illicit here. Um, I don't understand necessarily how the operations, uh, relate to each other in Mexico, but I think that's something to like the public should dig into. Joe Moore: Like, what, what is this? And I, I'll start digging into that. Um, I, I asked a question recently of somebody like, is there some sort of like back channel signal everybody's using and there's no clear Yes. You know? Um, I think it would be good. That's just a [00:24:00] start, you know, that's like, okay, we can actually kind of say hi and watch out for this to each other. Jay Kopelman: It's not like we don't all know one another, right? Joe Moore: Yes. Jay Kopelman: Like at least three operators we're represented. At the Aspen Ibogaine meeting. So like that could be, and I think there was a panel kind of loosely related to this during Aspen Ibogaine meeting, but Joe Moore: mm-hmm. Jay Kopelman: It, you know, have a breakout where the operators can go sit down and kind of compare notes. Joe Moore: Right. Yeah. Melissa, do you have any, uh, comments on this thread here? And I, I put you on mute if you didn't see that. Um, Melissa Lavasani: all right, I'm off mute. Um, yeah, I think that Jay's hits the nail on the head with the collaboration thing. Um, I think that it's just a [00:25:00] problem across the entire ecosystem, and I think that's just a product of us being relatively new and upcoming field. Melissa Lavasani: Um, uh, it's a product of, you know. Our fundraising community is really small, so organizations feel like they are competing for the same dollars, even though their, their goals are all the same, they have different functions. Um, I think with time, I mean, let's be honest, like if we don't start collaborating and, and the federal government's moving forward, the federal government's gonna coordinate for us. Melissa Lavasani: And not, that might not necessarily be a bad thing, but, you know, we understand this issue to a whole other level that the federal government doesn't, and they're not required to understand it deeply. They just need to know how to really move forward with it the proper way. Um, but I think that it. It's really essential [00:26:00] that we all have this come together moment here so we can avoid things. Melissa Lavasani: Uh, I mean, no one's gonna die from bad advocacy. So like I've, I have a bit of an easier job. Um, but it can a, a absolutely stall efforts, um, to move things forward in Washington DC when, um, one group is saying one thing, another group is saying another thing, like, we're not quite at a point yet where we can have multiple lines of conversation and multiple things moving forward. Melissa Lavasani: Um, you know, for PMC, it's like, just let's get the first thing across the finish line. And we think that is, um, veteran healthcare. And, um, I know there's plenty of other groups out there that, that want the same thing. So, you know, I always, the reason why I put on the Federal Summit last year was I kind of hit my breaking point with a lack of collaboration and I wanted to just bring everyone in the same room and say like, all right, here are the things that we need to talk about. Melissa Lavasani: And I think the goal for this year is, um. To bring people in the same room and say, we talked about [00:27:00] we scratched the surface last year and this is where we need to really put our efforts into. And this is where the opportunities are. Um, I think that is going to, that's going to show the federal government if we can organize ourselves, that they need to take this issue really seriously. Melissa Lavasani: Um, I don't think we've done a great job at that thus far, but I think there's still plenty of time for us to get it together. Um, and I'm hoping with these two, uh, VA bills that are in the house right now and Senate is, is putting together their version of these two bills, um, so that they can move in tandem with each other. Melissa Lavasani: I think that, you know, there's an opportunity here for. Us to show the federal government as an ecosystem, Hey, we, we are so much further ahead and you know, this is what we've organized and here's how we can help you, um, that would make them buy into this issue a bit more and potentially move things forward faster. Melissa Lavasani: Uh, at this point in time, it's, I think that, [00:28:00] you know, psychedelics aren't necessarily the taboo thing that they, they used to be, but there's certainly places that need attention. Um, there's certainly conversations that need to be had, and like I said, like PMC is just one organization that can do this. Um, we can certainly organize and drive forward collaboration, but I, like we alone, cannot cover all this ground and we need the subject matter experts to collaborate with us so we can, you know, once we get in the door, we wanna bring the experts in to talk to these officials about it. Melissa Lavasani: So I. I, I really want listeners to really think about us as a convener of sorts when it comes to federal policy. Um, and you know, I think when, like for example, in the early eighties, a lot of people have made comparisons to the issue of psychedelics to the issue of AIDS research and how you have in a subject matter that's like extremely taboo and a patient population that the government [00:29:00] quite honestly didn't really care about in the early eighties. Melissa Lavasani: But what they did as an ecosystem is really organized themselves, get very clear on what they wanted the federal government to do. And within a matter of a couple years, uh, AIDS research funding was a thing that was happening. And what that, what that did was that ripple effect turned that into basically finding new therapies for something that we thought was a death, death sentence before. Melissa Lavasani: So I think. We just need to look at things in the past that have been really successful, um, and, and try to take the lessons from all of these issues and, and move forward with psychedelics. Joe Moore: Love that. And yes, we always need to be figuring out efficient approaches and where it has been successful in the past is often, um, an opportunity to mimic and, and potentially improve on that. Melissa Lavasani: Yeah. Jay Kopelman: One, one thing I think it's important to add to this part of the conversation is that, [00:30:00] you know, Melissa pointed out there are a number of organizations that are essentially doing the same thing. Jay Kopelman: Um, you know, I like to think we do things a little bit differently at Mission within Foundation in that we don't target any one specific type of service member. We, we work with all veterans. We work with first responders, but. What that leads to is that there are, as far as I've seen, nothing but good intentioned people in this space. Jay Kopelman: You know, people who really care about their patient population, they care about healing, they are trying to do a good job, and more importantly, they're trying to do good. Right? It, it, I think they all see the benefit down the road that this has, [00:31:00] pardon me, not just for veterans, but for society as a whole. Jay Kopelman: And, and ultimately that's where I would like to see this go. You know, I, I would love to see the VA take this. Take up this mantle and, and run with it and provide great data, great outcomes. You know, we are doing some data collection ourselves at Mission within foundation, albeit anecdotal based on surveys given before and after retreats. Jay Kopelman: But we're also working with, uh, Greg Fonzo down at UT Austin on a brain study he's doing that will have 40 patients in it when it's all said and done. And I think we have two more guys to put through that. Uh, and then we'll hit the 40. So there, there's a lot of good here that's being done by some really, really good people who've been doing this for a long time [00:32:00] and want to want nothing more than to, to see this. Jay Kopelman: Come to, come full circle so that we can take care of many, many, many people. Um, you know, like I say, I, I wanna work myself out of a job here. I, I just, I would love to see this happen and then I, you know, I don't have to send guys to Mexico to do this. They can go to their local VA and get the care that they need. Jay Kopelman: Um, but one thing that I don't think we've touched on yet, or regarding that is that the VA isn't designed for that. So it's gonna be a pretty big lift to get the right types of providers into the va with the knowledge, right, with the institutional knowledge of how this should be done, what is safe, what is effective, um, and then it, it's not just providing these medicines to [00:33:00] people and sending them home. Jay Kopelman: You don't just do that, you've gotta have the right therapists on the backend who can provide the integration coaching to the folks who are receiving these medicines. And I'm not just talking, I bga, even with MDMA and psilocybin, you should have a proper period of integration. It helps you to understand how this is going to affect you, what it, what the experience really meant, you know, because it's very difficult sometimes to just interpret it on your own. Jay Kopelman: And so what the experience was and what it meant to you. And, and so it will take some time to spin all that up. But once it's, once it's in place, you know, the sky's the limit. I think. Joe Moore: Kinda curious Jay, about what's, what's going on with Ibogaine at the federal level. Is there anything at VA right now? [00:34:00] Jay Kopelman: At the va? No, not with ibogaine. And, you know, uh, we, we send people specifically for IBOGAINE and five MEO, right? And, and so that, that doesn't preclude my interest in seeing this legislation passed, right? Jay Kopelman: Because it, it will start with something like MDMA or psilocybin, but ultimately it could grow to iboga, right? It the think about the cost savings at, at the va, even with psilocybin, right? Where you could potentially treat somebody with a very inexpensive dose of psilocybin or, or iboga one time, and then you, you don't have to treat them again. Jay Kopelman: Now, if I were, uh, you know, a VA therapist who's not trained in psychedelic trauma therapy. I might be worried [00:35:00] about job security, but it's like with anything, right? Like ultimately it will open pathways for new people to get that training or the existing people to get that training and, and stay on and do that work. Jay Kopelman: Um, which only adds another arrow to their quiver as far as I'm concerned, because this is coming and we're gonna need the people. It's just like ai, right? Like ai, yeah. Some people are gonna lose some jobs initially, and that's unfortunate. But productivity ultimately across all industries will increase and new jobs will be created as a result of that. Jay Kopelman: I mean, I was watching Squawk Box one morning. They were talking about the AI revolution and how there's gonna be a need for 500,000 electricians to. Build these systems that are going to work with the AI [00:36:00] supercomputers and, and so, Joe Moore: mm-hmm. Jay Kopelman: Where, where an opportunity may be lost. I think several more can be gained going forward. Melissa Lavasani: And just to add on what Jay just said there, there's nothing specific going on with Ibogaine at, at the va, but I think this administration is, is taking a real look at addiction in particular. Uh, they just launched, uh, a new initiative, uh, that's really centered on addiction treatments called the Great American Recovery. Melissa Lavasani: And, um, they're dedicating a hundred million dollars towards treating addiction as like a chronic treatable disease and not necessarily a law enforcement issue. So, um, in that initiative there will be federal grant programs for prevention and treatment and recovery. And, um, while this isn't just for psychedelic medicines, uh, I think it's a really great opportunity for the discussion of psychedelics to get elevated to the White House. Melissa Lavasani: Um, [00:37:00] there's also, previous to this announcement last week from the White House, there's been a hundred million dollars that was dedicated at, um, at ARPA h, which is. The advanced research projects, uh, agency for healthcare, um, and that is kind of an agency that's really focused on forward looking, um, treatments and technologies, uh, for, um, a, a whole slew of. Melissa Lavasani: Of issues, but this a hundred million dollars is dedicated to mental health and addiction. So there's a lot of opportunity there as well. So we, while I think, you know, some people are talking about, oh, we need a executive order on Iboga, it's like, well, you know, the, the president is thinking, um, about, you know, what issues can land with his, uh, voting block. Melissa Lavasani: And I think it's, I don't think we necessarily need a specific executive order on Iboga to call this a success. It's like, let's look at what, [00:38:00] um, what's just been announced from the White House. They're, they're all in on. Thinking creatively and finding, uh, new solutions for this. And this is kind of, this aligns with, um, HHS secretaries, uh, Robert F. Melissa Lavasani: Kennedy Junior's goals when he took on this, this role of Health Secretary. Um, addiction has been a discussion that, you know, he has personal, um, a personal tie to from his own experience. And, um, I think when this administration started, there was so much like fervor around the, the dialogue of like, everyone's talking about psychedelics. Melissa Lavasani: It was Secretary Kennedy, it was, uh, secretary Collins at the va. It was FDA Commissioner Marty Macari. And I think that there's like a lot of undue frustration within folks 'cause um, you don't necessarily snap your fingers and change happens in Washington dc This is not the city for that. And it's intentionally designed to move slow so that we can avoid really big mistakes. Melissa Lavasani: Um. [00:39:00] I think we're a year into this administration and these two announcements are, are pretty huge considering, um, you know, the, we, there are known people within domestic policy council that don't, aren't necessarily supportive of psychedelic medicine. So there's a really amazing progress here, and frustrating as it might be to, um, just be waiting for this administration to make some major move. Melissa Lavasani: I think they are making major moves like for Washington, DC These, these are major moves and we just gotta figure out how we can, um, take these initiatives and apply them to the issue of psychedelic medicines. Joe Moore: Thanks, Melissa. Um, yeah, it is, it is interesting like the amount of fervor there was at the beginning. You know, we had, uh. Kind of one of my old lawyers, Matt Zorn, jumped in with the administration. Right. And, um, you know, it was, uh, really cool to [00:40:00] see and hopeful how much energy was going on. It's been a little quiet, kind of feels like a black box a little bit, but I, you know, there was, Melissa Lavasani: that's on me. Melissa Lavasani: Maybe I, we need to be more out in public about like, what's actually happening, because I feel like, like day in and day out, it's just been, you gotta just mm-hmm. Like have that constant beat with the government. Mm-hmm. And, um, it's, it's, it's not the photo ops on the hill, it's the conversations that you have. Melissa Lavasani: It's the dinner parties you go to, it's the fundraisers you attend, you know? Mm-hmm. That's why I, I kind of have to like toot my own horn with PCs. Like, we need to be present here at, at not only on the Hill, not only at the White House, but kind of in the ecosystem of Washington DC itself. There's, it's, there are like power players here. Melissa Lavasani: There are people that are connected that can get things done, like. I mean, the other last week we had a big snow storm. I walked over to my friend's house, um, to have like a little fire sesh with them and our kids, and his next door neighbor came over. He was a member of Congress. I talked about the VA bills, like [00:41:00] we're reaching out to his office now, um, to get them, um, up to speed and hopefully get their co-sponsorship for, uh, the two VA bills. Melissa Lavasani: So, I mean, it, the little conversations you have here are just as important as the big ones with the photo ops. So, um, it, it's, it's really like, you know, building up that momentum and, and finding that time where you can really strike and make something happen. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Jay, anything to add there? Jay Kopelman: Yeah, I was just gonna say that, you know, I, I, I think the fervor is still there, right? Jay Kopelman: But real life happens. Melissa Lavasani: Yes, Jay Kopelman: yes. And gets in the way, right? So, Melissa Lavasani: yeah, Jay Kopelman: I, I can't imagine how many issues. Secretary Kennedy has every day much less the president. Like there's so many things that they are dealing with on a daily basis, right? It, we, we just have to work to be the squeaky wheel in, in the right way, right. Jay Kopelman: [00:42:00] With the, with the right information at the right time. Like just inundating one of these organizations with noise, it's then it be with Informa, it just becomes noise, right? It it, it doesn't help. So when we have things to say that are meaningful and impactful, we do, and Melissa does an amazing job of that. Jay Kopelman: But, you know, it, it takes time. You know, it's, you know, we're not, this is, this is like turning an aircraft carrier, not a ski boat. Melissa Lavasani: Yeah, Joe Moore: yeah, absolutely. Um, and. It's, it's understandably frustrating, I think for the public and the psychedelic public in particular because we see all this hope, you know, we continue to get frustrated at politics. It's nothing new, right? Um, and we, we wanna see more people get well immediately. [00:43:00] And I, I kind of, Jay from the veteran perspective, I do love the kind of loud voices like, you're making me go to Mexico for this. Joe Moore: I did that and you're making me leave the country for the thing that's gonna fix me. Like, no way. And barely a recognition that this is a valid treatment. You know, like, you know, that is complicated given how medicine is structured here domestically. But it's also, let's face the facts, like the drug war kind of prevented us from being able to do this research in the first place. Joe Moore: You know? Thanks Nixon. And like, how do we actually kind of correct course and say like, we need to spend appropriately on science here so we can heal our own people, including veterans and everybody really. It's a, it's a dire situation out there. Jay Kopelman: Yeah. It, it really is. Um, you know, we were talking briefly about addicts, right? Jay Kopelman: And you know, it's not sexy. People think of addicts as people who are weak-minded, [00:44:00] right? They don't have any self-control. Um, but, but look at, look at the opioid crisis, right? That Brian Hubbard was fighting against in Kentucky for all those years. That that was something that was given to the patient by a doctor that they then became dependent on, and a lot of people died from that. Jay Kopelman: And, and so you, you know, it's, I I don't think it's fair to just put all addicts in a box. Just like it's not fair to put all veterans in a box. Just like it's not fair for doctors, put all their patients in a box. We're individuals. We, we have individual needs. Our, our health is very individual. Like, I, I don't think I should be put in the same box as every other 66-year-old that my doctor sees. Jay Kopelman: It's not fair. [00:45:00] You know, if you, if you took my high school classmates and put us all in a photo, we're all gonna have different needs, right? Like, some look like they're 76, not 66. Some look like they're 56. Not like they're, we, we do things differently. We live our lives differently. And the same is true of addicts. Jay Kopelman: They come to addiction from different places. Not everybody decides they want to just try heroin at a party, and all of a sudden they're addicted. It happens in, in different ways, you know, and the whole fentanyl thing has been so daggum nefarious, right? You know, pushing fentanyl into marijuana. Jay Kopelman: Somebody's smoking a joint and all of a sudden they're addicted to fentanyl or they die. Melissa Lavasani: I think we're having a, Jay Kopelman: it's, it's just not fair to, to say everybody in this pot is the same, or everybody in this one is the same. We have [00:46:00] to look at it differently. Joe Moore: Yeah. I like to zoom one level out and kind of talk about, um, just how hurt we are as a country, as a world really, but as a country specifically, and how many people are out of work for so many. Joe Moore: Difficult reasons and away from their families for so many kind of tragic reasons. And if we can get people back to their families and back to work, a lot of these things start to self-correct, but we have to like have those interventions where we can heal folks and, and get them back. Um, yeah. And you know, everything from trauma, uh, in childhood, you know, adulthood, combat, whatever it is. Joe Moore: Like these things can put people on the sidelines. And Jay, to your point, like you get knee surgery and all of a sudden you're, you know, two years later you're on the hunt for Fentanyl daily. You know, that's tough. It's really tough. Carl Hart does a good job talking about this kind of addiction pipeline and [00:47:00] a few others do as well. Joe Moore: But it's just, you know, kind of putting it in a moral failure bucket. It's not great. I was chatting with somebody about, um, veterans, it's like you come back and you're like, what's gonna make me feel okay right now? And it's not always alcohol. Um, like this is the first thing that made me feel okay, because there's not great treatments and there's, there's a lot of improvements in this kind of like bringing people back from the field that needs to happen. Joe Moore: In my opinion. I, it seems to be shared by a lot of people, but yeah, there's, it's, it's, IGA is gonna be great. It's gonna be really important. I really can't wait for it to be at scale appropriately, but there's a lot of other things we need to fix too, um, so that we can just, you know, not have so many people we need to, you know, spend so much money healing. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. Jay Kopelman: Yeah. You ahead with that. We don't need the president to sign an executive order to automatically legalize Ibogaine. Right. But it would be nice if he would reschedule it so that [00:48:00] then then researchers could do this research on a larger scale. You know, we could, we could now get some real data that would show the efficacy. Jay Kopelman: And it could be done in a safe environment, you know? And, and so that would be, do Joe Moore: you have any kind of figures, like, like, I've been talking about this for a while, Jay. Like, does it drop the cost a lot of doing research when we deschedule things? Jay Kopelman: I, I would imagine so, because it'll drop the cost of accessing the medicines that are being researched. Jay Kopelman: Right? You, you would have buy-in from more organizations. You know, you might even have a pharma company that comes into this, you know, look at j and j with the ketamine, right? They have, they have a nasal spray version of ketamine that's doing very well. I mean, it's probably their, their biggest revenue [00:49:00] provider for them right now. Jay Kopelman: And, and so. You know, you, it would certainly help and I think, I think it would lower costs of research to have something rescheduled rather than being schedule one. You know it, people are afraid to take chances when you're talking about Schedule one Melissa Lavasani: labs or they just don't have the money to research things that are on Schedule one. Melissa Lavasani: 'cause there's so much in an incredible amount of red tape that you have to go through and, and your facility has to be a certain way and how you contain those, uh, medicines. Oh, researching has to be in a specific container and it's just very cumbersome to research schedule one drugs. So absolutely the cost would go down. Melissa Lavasani: Um, but Joe Moore: yeah, absolutely. Less safes. Melissa Lavasani: Yeah. Joe Moore: Yes. Less uh, Melissa Lavasani: right. Joe Moore: Locked. Yeah. Um, it'll be really interesting when that happens. I'm gonna hold out faith. That we can see some [00:50:00] movement here. Um, because yeah, like why make healing more expensive than it needs to be? I think like that's potentially a protectionist move. Joe Moore: Like, I'm not, I'm not here yet, but, um, look at AbbVie's, uh, acquisition of the Gilgamesh ip. Mm-hmm. Like that's a really interesting move. I think it was $1.2 billion. Mm-hmm. So they're gonna wanna protect that investment. Um, and it's likely going to be an approved medication. Like, I don't, I don't see a world in which it's not an approved medication. Joe Moore: Um, you know, I don't know a timeline, I would say Jay Kopelman: yeah. Joe Moore: Less than six years, just given how much cash they've got. But who knows, like, I haven't followed it too closely. So, and that's an I bga derivative to be clear, everybody, um mm-hmm. If you're not, um, in, in the loop on that, which is hopeful, you know? Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. But I don't know what the efficacy is gonna be with that compared to Ibogaine and then we have to talk about the kind of proprietary molecule stuff. Um, there's like a whole bunch of things that are gonna go on here, and this is one of the reasons why I'm excited about. Federal involvement [00:51:00] because we might actually be able to have some sort of centralized manufacturer, um, or at least the VA could license three or four generic manufacturers per for instance, and that way prices aren't gonna be, you know, eight grand a dose or whatever. Joe Moore: You know, it's, Jay Kopelman: well, I think it's a very exciting time in the space. You know, I, I think that there's the opportunity for innovation. There is the opportunity for collaboration. There's the opportunity for, you know, long-term healing at a very low cost. You know, that we, we have the highest healthcare cost per capita in the world right here in the us. Jay Kopelman: And, and yet we are not the number one health system in the world. So to me, that doesn't add up. So we need to figure out a way to start. Bringing costs down for a lot of people and [00:52:00] at the same time increasing, increasing outcomes. Joe Moore: Absolutely. Yeah. There's a lot of possible outcome improvements here and, and you know, everything from relapse rates, like we hear often about people leaving a clinic and they go and overdose when they get home. Tragically, too common. I think there's everything from, you know, I'm Jay, I'm involved in an organization called the Psychedelics and Pain Association. Joe Moore: We look at chronic pain very seriously, and IGA is something we are really interested in. And if. We could have better, you know, research, there better outcome measures there. Um, you know, perhaps we can have less people on opioids to begin with from chronic pain conditions. Um, Jay Kopelman: yeah, I, I might be due for another Ibogaine journey then, because I deal with chronic pain from Jiujitsu, but, Joe Moore: oh gosh, let's Jay Kopelman: talk Joe Moore: later. Jay Kopelman: That's self inflicted. Some people would say take a month off, but Melissa Lavasani: yeah, Jay Kopelman: I'm [00:53:00] not, I'm not that smart. Joe Moore: Yeah. Um, but you know, this, uh, yeah, this whole thing is gonna be really interesting to see how it plays out. I'm endlessly hopeful pull because I'm still here. Right. I, I've been at this for almost 10 years now, very publicly, and I think we are seeing a lot of movement. Joe Moore: It's not always what we actually wanna see, but it is movement nonetheless. You know, how many people are writing on this now than there were before? Right. You know, we, we have people in New York Times writing somewhat regularly about psychedelics and. Even international media is covering it. What do we have legalization in Australia somewhat recently for psilocybin and MDMA, Czech Republic. Joe Moore: I think Germany made some moves recently. Mm-hmm. Um, really interesting to see how this is gonna just keep shifting. Um Jay Kopelman: mm-hmm. Joe Moore: And I think there's no way that we're not gonna have prescription psychedelics in three years in the United States. It pro probably more like a [00:54:00] year and a half. I don't know. Do you, are you all taking odds? Melissa Lavasani: Yeah. I mean, I think Jay Kopelman: I, I gotta check Cal sheet, see what they're saying. Melissa Lavasani: I think it's safe to say, I mean, this could even come potentially the end of this year, I think, but definitely by the end of 2027, there's gonna be at least one psychedelic that's FDA approved. Joe Moore: Yeah. Yeah. Melissa Lavasani: If you're not counting Ketamine. Joe Moore: Right. Jay Kopelman: I, I mean, I mean it mm-hmm. It, it doesn't make sense that it. Shouldn't be or wouldn't be. Right. The, we've seen the benefits. Mm-hmm. We know what they are. It's at a very low cost, but you have to keep in mind that these things, they need to be done with the right set setting and container. Right. And, and gotta be able to provide that environment. Jay Kopelman: So, but I would, I would love, like I said, I'd love to work myself out of a job here and see this happen, not just for our veterans, [00:55:00] but for everybody. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. Um, so Melissa, is there a way people can get involved or follow PMC or how can they support your work at PMC? Melissa Lavasani: Yeah, I mean, follow us in social media. Melissa Lavasani: Um, our two biggest platforms are LinkedIn and Instagram. Um, I'm bringing my newsletter back because I'm realizing, um, you know, there is a big gap in, in kind of like the knowledge of Washington DC just in general. What's happening here, and I think, you know, part of PC's value is that we're, we are plugged into conversations that are being had, um, here in the city. Melissa Lavasani: And, you know, we do get a little insight. Um, and I think that that would really quiet a lot of, you know, the, a lot of noise that, um, exists in the, our ecosystem. If, if people just had some clarity on like, what's actually happening or happening here and what are the opportunities and, [00:56:00] um, where do we need more reinforcement? Melissa Lavasani: Um, and, and also, you know, as we're putting together public education campaign, you know. My, like, if I could get everything I wanted like that, that campaign would be this like multi-stakeholder collaborative effort, right? Where we're covering all the ground that we need to cover. We're talking to the patient groups, we're talking to traditional mental health organizations, we're talking to the medical community, we're talking to the general population. Melissa Lavasani: I think that's like another area that we, we just seem to be, um, lacking some effort in. And, you know, ultimately the veteran story's always super compelling. It pulls on your heartstrings. These are our heroes, um, of our country. Like that, that is, that is meaningful. But a lot of the veteran population is small and we need the, like a, the just.[00:57:00] Melissa Lavasani: Basic American living in middle America, um, understanding what psychedelics are so that in, in, in presenting to them the stories that they can relate to, um, because that's how you activate the public and you activate the public and you get them to see what's happening in these clinical trials, what the data's been saying, what the opportunities are with psychedelics, and then they start calling their members of Congress and saying, Hey, there is this. Melissa Lavasani: Bill sitting in Congress and why haven't you signed onto it? And that political pressure, uh, when used the right way can be really powerful. So, um, I think, you know, now we're at this really amazing moment where we have a good amount of congressional offices that are familiar enough with psychedelics that they're willing to move on it. Melissa Lavasani: Um, there's another larger group, uh, that is familiar with psychedelics and will assist and co-sponsor legislation, but there's still so many offices that we haven't been able to get to just 'cause like we don't have all the time in the world and all the manpower in the world to [00:58:00] do it. But, you know, that is one avenue is like the advocates can speak to the, the lawmakers, the experts speak to the lawmakers, and we not, we want the public engaged in this, you know, ultimately, like that's. Melissa Lavasani: Like the best form of harm reduction is having an informed public. So we are not, they're not seeing these media headlines of like, oh, this miracle cure that, um, saved my family. It's like, yes, that can happen psychedelics. I mean, person speaking personally, psychedelics did save my family. But what you miss out of that story is the incredible amount of work I put into myself and put into my mental health to this day to maintain, um, like myself, my, my own agency and like be the parent that I wanna be and be the spouse that I wanna be. Melissa Lavasani: So, um, we, we need to continue to share these stories and we need to continue to collaborate to get this message out because we're all, we're all in the same boat right now. We all want the same things. We want patients to have safe and [00:59:00] affordable access to psychedelic assisted care. Um, and, uh. We're just in the beginning here, so, um, sign up for our newsletter and we can sign up on our website and then follow us on social media. Melissa Lavasani: And, um, I anticipate more and more events, um, happening with PMC and hopefully we can scale up some of these events to be much more public facing, um, as this issue grows. So, um, I'm really excited about the future and I'm, I've been enjoying this partnership with Mission Within. Jay is such a professional and, and it really shows up when he needs to show up and, um, I look forward to more of that in the future. Joe Moore: Fantastic. And Jay, how can people follow along and support mission within Foundation? Jay Kopelman: Yeah, again, social media is gonna be a good way to do that. So we, we are also pretty heavily engaged on LinkedIn and on Instagram. Um, I do [01:00:00] share, uh, a bit of my own stuff as well. On social media. So we have social media pages for Mission within Foundation, and we have a LinkedIn page for mission within foundation. Jay Kopelman: I have my own profiles on both of those as well where people can follow along. Um, one of the other things you know that would probably help get more attention for this is if the general public was more aware of the numbers of professional athletes who are also now pursuing. I began specifically to help treat their traumatic brain injuries and the chronic traumatic encephalopathy that they've, uh, suffered as a result of their time in professional sports or even college sports. Jay Kopelman: And, you know. I people worship these athletes, and I [01:01:00] think that if more of them, like Robert Gall, were more outspoken about these treatments and the healing properties that they've provided them, that it would get even more attention. Um, I think though what Melissa said, you know, I don't wanna parrot anything she just said because she said it perfectly Right. Jay Kopelman: And I'd just be speaking to hear myself talk. Um, but being collaborative the way that we are with PMC and with Melissa is I think, the way to move the needle on this overall. And like she said, if she could get more groups involved in, in these discussions, it would, it would do wonders for us. Joe Moore: Well, thank you both so much for your hard work out there. I always appreciate it when people are showing up and doing this important, [01:02:00] sometimes boring and tedious, but nevertheless sometimes, sometimes exciting work. And um, so yeah, just thank you both and thank you both for showing up here to psychedelics today to join us and I hope we can continue to support you all in the future. Jay Kopelman: Thank you, Joe. Thank you, Joe. It's a pleasure being with you today and with Melissa, of course, always Melissa Lavasani: appreciate the time and space. Joe Moore: Thanks.  

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us at the scuttlebutt. This week, we welcome retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Adam Walker back to the show. Adam is on deck to talk with us about the Marine Corps' new E-8 Redesignation pilot program, which gives master sergeants and first sergeants a one-time option to “lat move” between the E-8 designations. Adam helps us understand the career progression for senior enlisted Marines, namely what happens when a gunnery sergeant is promoted, the differences between a first sergeant and master sergeant, how the Marine Corps views its E-8s differently from the other Services, and the significance of this policy change. Talking with Adam is always a lot of fun and super informative. This is a unique opportunity to see behind the curtain on how Marines are promoted and how this program addresses two of the primary things Marines are opposed to: how things are and change. You can also catch more of Adam's wit and insight in his recurring segment, Lessons from the Smoke Pit, in Leatherneck magazine. Shameless plug, but it's definitely worth checking out.   Enjoy! The post #230: Thoughts on the E-8 Redesignation Board Pilot Program with MGySgt Adam Walker (Ret) first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In this episode, Dakota sits down with a Medal of Honor recipient who made an unusual decision at 37: reenlist in the Marine Corps and pursue Recon. They break down the moment that sparked the commitment, what it's like going back through the pipeline, why today's Marines are more capable than people think, and the leadership gaps that need fixing. They also talk legacy, fatherhood, PTSD as an injury that can heal, and why belief and hope still matter.

Episode 62 brings the heart, the history, and the humor. Rooster and Joe reflect on the 10 year anniversary of Ainsley's passing, the launch of the “10 Years Later” video series, and the legacy that continues to grow. They welcome special guest Teri Durrin — the beloved “Chair Lady” of Adaptive Star — to talk about her family's Marine Corps roots, the evolution of adaptive equipment, and a huge announcement: Adaptive Star is officially sponsoring the Ainsley's Angels Charity Tent at the Marine Corps Marathon. It's an episode full of emotion, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes magic that keeps our riders rolling.Marine Corps Marathon info, https://ainsleysangels.org/runwiththemarines/

In this episode, we have the privilege of learning from Marine Corps veteran and leadership expert Codey Gandy as he joins us to unpack the core principles of disciplined leadership. We explore the value of humility, ownership, and effective communication, diving into practical strategies for leading teams, managing stress, and building a strong culture at work and home. From actionable interview tips to insights on coaching and parenting, we discover how everyday decisions and self-reflection can shape our leadership impact. Tune in as we unlock valuable lessons that empower us to become better leaders and create healthier, more resilient teams in every area of our lives.Timestamps: (00:00) - Introducing Codey Gandy.(04:27) - Defining leadership entitlement and what leaders owe their teams.(08:32) - Key takeaways from Marine Corps experience.(13:06) - Importance of problem-solving skills over technical expertise in leadership.(21:20) - Training and strategies for communicating effectively under stress.(27:58) - Breaking down clear communication: mission, why, expectations, parameters.(33:41) - The "readback" technique to ensure mutual understanding in conversations.(40:01) - Managing emotional responses and ego during stressful situations.(46:03) - Differentiating coaching, teaching, and mentoring approaches.(56:44) - Handling promotions and leading peers with higher or equal experience.Links and Resources:Codey Gandy | LinkedInEchelon Front | Leadership Development & TrainingSponsor Links:InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - HumintellEnter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

What happens when you take politics out of the conversation… and just talk human to human?In this episode of Let's Not Sugarcoat It, Lee & Bella sit down with Daviana — a transgender woman, Marine Corps veteran, and someone who refuses to hide behind labels.This isn't a shouting match.It's not a performance.It's a real conversation.Daviana shares:• What transitioning from male to female actually required emotionally and psychologically• The therapy and internal work behind the decision• Why she believes tough love in parenting still matters• How parents can support their children without losing themselves• The consequences that come with every identity choice• Why curiosity is more powerful than cancellationWe talk about boundaries.We talk about responsibility.We talk about what happens when society becomes too polarized to listen.Whether you agree or disagree — this episode is about something bigger:Can we have hard conversations without destroying each other?This one is raw. Respectful. And necessary.

Send a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and this one's got everything: an Army Futures and Concepts Command elevation, a retired colonel sentenced for sharing classified war plans with a honeypot, and a battalion leader getting four years for secretly recording guests. The Navy manages to collide two ships in the Caribbean, debates doubling ship procurement, and asks for historic funding levels—while the Pentagon eyes a $1.6 trillion defense budget increase. A Marine is declared lost at sea, the Marine Corps passes another clean audit, and an Afghan adoption case survives court. The Air Force wrestles with healthcare access and collaborative combat aircraft software, Space Force pushes quality-of-life fixes, the Coast Guard uses an anti-drone laser near El Paso, and SECDEF skips a NATO meeting while POTUS leans on military leaders for diplomacy. No conspiracy. Just context.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor plug 01:10 Army Futures & Concepts Command elevation 02:45 Retired colonel sentenced in honeypot case 04:10 Battalion leader sentenced for secret recordings 05:15 Two Navy ships collide in Caribbean 06:30 Potential increase in ship procurement 07:00 Historic funding push and budget debate 09:30 Marine declared lost at sea 10:10 Marine Corps clean financial audit 11:00 Afghan adoption ruling upheld 12:00 OTS Alabama plug 13:00 Air Force healthcare access complaints 14:20 Collaborative Combat Aircraft advancement 15:20 Coast Guard anti-drone laser use 16:00 SECDEF skips NATO meeting 16:45 POTUS using military leaders in diplomacy 17:30 Syria base handover 18:00 Ongoing counter-narcotics strikes 18:30 Wrap-up

Fr. Michael Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Front Royal, Virginia. In Today's Show: Is everyone predestined for either Heaven or Hell? Why is the Hail Mary prayer sometimes referred to as the Angelic Salutation? Is it okay to keep decorative lights up during Lent? Did the saints agree that we have to pray the Rosary every day to be eligible for the 15 promises? Why did Jesus specifically choose bread and wine as the matter in the sacrament of holy communion?  Questions about Lenten fasting and abstinence. What happens to a priest's chalice when they die? How often does Fr. Duesterhaus wear his collar outside of Mass? What is the best way to lead those we know through the conversion process? Does the Holy Spirit lead you, no matter which denominational church you attend? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

AI is at the center of the Marine Corps' digital transformation efforts, from edge communication to cybersecurity. Marine Corps AI Lead Maj. Christopher Clark said AI it must be adapted to the physical and technical constraints of vehicles and equipment used on the front lines. To tackle these constraints, the Marine Corps is organizing an AI workshop this March to bring together fleet-level problem solvers and industry innovators to identify and experiment with high-value solutions. Using Corps-wide talent, Clark said, USMC can find the best solutions to pressing problems. He added that recent research from a Marine Corps AI fellowship demonstrated that generative AI can perform this task with a 50% increase in speed, allowing networks to be established much faster than through traditional methods.   Clark also discussed the ways USMC is using AI to augment Marines talent, enhance data readiness for mission and reduce the fatigue associated administrative and intelligence work.

Show SummaryOn this episode, we have a conversation Today we're having a conversation with Michael Witt, Community & State Outreach Manager for the DirectEmployers Association. DirectEmployers is a non-profit member association built by employers, for employers, and we talked about how they support their member employers to better serve the military and veteran population as well as how DirectEmployers has worked to become a PsychArmor Veteran Ready OrganizationProvide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestMichael Witt is the Community & State Outreach Manager for DirectEmployers Association (DE). DE is a non-profit member association built by employers, for employers. After 21 years of service with Iowa Workforce Development, including Division Administrator of Field Operations, oversight of WIOA federal programs and state workforce programs, he works closely with DE's 1k+ Member companies to implement strategies for improved recruitment and retention of skilled talent across the country.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeDirectEmployers Association WebsiteDirectEmployers VetCentral Webpage PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the Behind the Mission Podcast episode with Lori Adams, in episode 122. During this conversation, Lori and I talk about the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C. and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, business and wage and hour services, in addition to administering the unemployment insurance, veteran reemployment and labor market information programs. You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/lori-adams  Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

In this episode of Ask a CISSP, Ryan Williams Sr. interviews Wilson Bautista Jr., founder and CEO of Jun Cyber. They discuss Wilson's unique journey from being a pianist in the Marine Corps to transitioning into cybersecurity. Wilson shares insights on building his company, June Cyber, and the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also talks about the creation of BSides St. Pete, a community-focused cybersecurity conference, and his commitment to mentorship and giving back to the community. The conversation highlights Wilson's innovative spirit, including his development of a pickleball training app and his plans for future initiatives in AI and cybersecurity education. Wilson's Socials: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bautistawilson/ Company - https://juncyber.com/ Nonprofit - https://cyberohanaproject.org/about-us/ Please LISTEN

What does it really take to lead through constant disruption? Jim Stallings, Founder and CEO of PS27 Ventures, shares lessons from a career spanning the U.S. Marine Corps, senior leadership roles at IBM, and now early-stage investing. Jim breaks down how IBM turned Linux from free software into a multibillion-dollar business, why internal resistance is often the biggest blocker to innovation, and how leaders can use customers to force change. He also explains what he looks for in founders, why leadership matters more than a perfect plan, and how AI is collapsing product cycles from years to months.Topics & Timestamps

Former Under Secretary of the Navy Vic Minella shares his remarkable 38-year journey from enlisted sailor in rural Mississippi to the Department of the Navy's second-highest civilian position. We discuss how 9/11 rewired his approach to leadership and personal responsibility just three months into his naval intelligence career, what it was like managing dual Pentagon roles during a presidential transition, and the moment he found out about his promotion while sick in bed. Vic offers hard-earned lessons on self-care, delegation, staying in your lane, and why showing up every day with energy and a willingness to contribute is the real recipe for advancement. He closes with a powerful message: take the oath seriously, don't be afraid to make that first step, and find a way to contribute no matter what your job is. As always, thank you to the supporters on Supercast who help keep Moments in Leadership ad-free and sustainable. GUEST BIO LINKSVic Minella on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-minella/ FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SUPPORTJoin the Moments in Leadership Supercast communityhttps://mil.supercast.com/ Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moments-in-leadership/id1547856712 Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1hQl53NzCiJwlWS9xQZFw9 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@MomentsinLeadership Official Websitehttps://www.momentsinleadership.com 

The crew kicks things off in classic “kitchen table” fashion (yes… with an unfortunate shart confession) before shifting into a respectful, meaningful conversation about Honor Guard in the fire service—why it matters, what professionalism looks like, and how departments can build/strengthen their own teams. Along the way: sponsor shoutouts, a moment of silence for two fallen firefighters, and a trick-question flag trivia that gets Matt good.In This EpisodeCold Open: The “Literal Sh*t ShowUnkie admits to a wet fart situation (aka: shart), sparking a round of “we've all been there” stories.Brian loses his appetite mid-conversation.Doug officially welcomes everyone to the literal “shit show” that is the podcast.”Housekeeping & UpdatesPatreon ShoutoutsNew Patreon members welcomed:Ricky BirdBig Bob Penrod (Doug's new nickname for him)B. Stapleton (the crew debates what the “B” stands for—Brandon? Bradley? Bryce? Broseph? Bart?)Merch UpdateMerch is moving: shirts, hoodies, hats, and now embroidered hats are rolling out.Big thanks to everyone who's ordered.Sponsor ShoutoutsUnkie's SeasoningsUnkie will be at Virginia Fire & Expo in Virginia Beach (Feb 19–21)Hanging around heavy hitters like Taylor's Tins, National Fire Radio, and more.Burn BoxThe crew highlights recent box items (hoodie, stickers, mask bag).“If you're on the fence, jump off and get one.”Potential New Sponsor IdeaThe crew makes a strong case for Dude Wipes becoming a sponsor… for obvious reasons.Moment of SilenceThe team honors two recent losses in the fire service:Firefighter Michael Mejia (National City FD) — passed from complications of a severe illness.Firefighter Howard Bennett (60) — fell into the icy Delaware River while inspecting a fireboat at Wiggins Park Marina.Main Topic: Honor Guard in the Fire ServiceThe crew emphasizes Honor Guard as a prestigious, humbling, high-respect role.Doug shares that Honor Guard may be the most important work he does in his career.Doug lays down a core philosophy:Honor Guard should be professional, tactful, and executed quietly.Cadence screaming or making it “about you” defeats the point.Unkie shares frustration with “Marine Corps cadence” style pageantry in civilian settings.Doug's pet peeve: ascots (“Victorian era nonsense”

“Marine Corps bootcamp is the funniest place that you are not allowed to laugh.”Marine Corps veteran, Mr. JP Sircy II, sits down with us in the Tracer Burnout studio to tell us about his impulsivity leading him to follow a family tradition of service. From monthly training as a Reservist to full-time chaos in Fallujah, Iraq, to a surprising exit from the Corps - Mr. Sircy's time in uniform was full of memorable and painful experiences. He wouldn't have it any other way.In the Free Fire Area, we discuss the one thing we couldn't live without if we were stranded on a desert island. Swiss Family Robinson, anyone?Theme song by The Mountain via Pixabay.Support the showhttps://tracerburnout.com/

David Hyman, Brigadier General and Commanding General of MCRD and the Western Recruiting Region, shares how the Marine Corps builds resilient, purpose‑driven leaders and strengthens the local workforce. Listen to insights on supporting military‑connected families, veteran transition, and community partnerships that return quality citizens to our region. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Rick Huenefeld, President of the MCRD San Diego Museum Foundation, and Jim Gruny, Community Liaison for MCRD, discuss how a “hidden jewel” Marine Corps museum connects shared history, leadership, and citizenship. Discover how San Diego executives can partner with this living textbook to support veterans, education, and community impact. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

In this episode of Finding Freedom, host John Odermatt sits down with Jeremy Stalnecker, former US Marine Corps infantry officer, combat veteran, and executive director of Mighty Oaks Foundation. Jeremy shares his journey from leading Marines during the 2003 invasion of Iraq to struggling with identity loss after leaving the military, and ultimately finding purpose through faith-based veteran support work. The conversation explores how military service creates a deeply ingrained identity that can leave veterans lost when they transition to civilian life, often leading to anger, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts. Jeremy explains how Mighty Oaks Foundation addresses the root cause—identity crisis—rather than just treating symptoms, helping over 7,000 veterans, first responders, and their spouses rebuild their lives on a foundation of faith and purpose. The discussion covers leadership principles from Jeremy's book "Leadership by Design," emphasizing that true leadership is about serving others and helping them reach their potential, not about rank or authority. Jeremy advocates for a holistic approach to veteran care that combines clinical therapies with spiritual foundation, arguing that without clarity on identity and purpose, other interventions fall short. The episode concludes with information on how Mighty Oaks provides free five-day programs and ongoing aftercare to help those struggling with post-traumatic stress and transition challenges. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction: Real Leadership in Crisis 0:47 - Welcome & Episode Preview 1:07 - Sponsor: Fox and Sons Coffee 2:03 - Introducing Jeremy Stalnecker 2:20 - Jeremy's Path to the Marine Corps 3:04 - Commissioning & First Battalion Fifth Marines 5:31 - 9/11 and Deployment to Iraq 5:52 - Battle of Baghdad Experience 6:17 - Transition Struggles After Leaving the Marines 6:47 - Identity Crisis and Anger Issues 9:25 - Finding Help Through Community 11:12 - Universal Struggle with Identity Loss 12:00 - Mighty Oaks Foundation's Approach 12:07 - Identity, Purpose, and Hope Connection 13:30 - Suicide Prevention and Root Causes 14:38 - Military vs. Civilian Identity 17:18 - Faith-Based Identity vs. Job-Based Identity 20:32 - Offensive Faith and Leadership by Design 22:12 - Redefining Leadership 24:03 - Leadership Definition: Serving Others 27:55 - Creating Environments for Growth 31:31 - The Challenge of Comfort Culture 34:29 - Opportunity for Young People 36:18 - When to Let People Go vs. Perseverance 37:24 - Mighty Oaks Five-Day Program Overview 40:00 - Stories of Transformation 45:11 - The Foundation of Faith 46:10 - Funding and Government Support 50:24 - How to Support Mighty Oaks Foundation 51:57 - Final Thoughts & Closing LINKS: Jeremy Stalnecker & Mighty Oaks Foundation: https://mightyoaksprograms.org March or Die Podcast: https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/ John Odermatt on Twitter: https://x.com/JohnOdermatt John Odermatt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnodermatt/ Email: John@LionsofLiberty.com Newsletter: https://john-odermatt-finding-freedom.kit.com/105b53c794 SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by Fox and Sons Coffee – fresh, high-quality coffee shipped directly to your door, available as whole bean or ground to your preference. Get 15% off orders of $40 or more with promo code JOHN at checkout. Visit: FoxNSons.com SUPPORT LIONS OF LIBERTY: Help keep this podcast going! We rely on listener support to continue bringing you content on health, freedom, and personal empowerment. Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/lionsofliberty Support us on Locals: https://lionsofliberty.locals.com/ Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen – it makes a huge difference! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

For 2 decades, a CIA project ran secret mind control experiments on unsuspecting Americans. Many believe their quest for human behavior modification never truly ended — it only changed its name and went underground. Project MKUltra, active from 1953 to 1973, utilized LSD, electroshock therapy, hypnosis, and total isolation in tests tied to more than 80 institutions. While the program was officially designed to counter Soviet brainwashing, it resulted in the testing of dangerous tactics on prisoners, soldiers, and civilians—often without their knowledge or consent. But we may never know the true depravity of its medical abuses: before the program was exposed, CIA Director Richard Helms ordered the destruction of most records from MKUltra. Mark Groubert is a writer, editor, producer, publisher, and screenwriter. He has written for LA Weekly, edited National Lampoon magazine, produced for HBO, published MTV Magazine, and worked as a screenwriter with the WGA. He co-hosts America's Untold Stories on YouTube. More at https://americasuntoldstories.com and https://x.com/lordbuckly Shane Cashman is a writer and host of Inverted World Live. He is the author of Tales From the Inverted World: Ghosts of the Civil War and reports on technology, land use, and culture. Follow at https://x.com/ShaneCashman Christina Bobb is a Washington, DC-based attorney specializing in national security law. She served as a Marine Corps defense counsel, held DHS leadership roles, and joined President Trump's legal team for election integrity. Author of Stealing Your Vote and Defiant, she now works with Judicial Watch to expose government corruption. Follow at https://x.com/christina_bobb 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 • STRONG CELL – If you want to feel more like your younger self, go to https://strongcell.com/ and use code DREW for 20% off. • AUGUSTA PRECIOUS METALS – Thousands of Americans are moving portions of their retirement into physical gold & silver. Learn more in this 3-minute report from our friends at Augusta Precious Metals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/gold⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or text DREW to 35052 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• FATTY15 – The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against age-related breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/fatty15⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. "I am a huge fan of this brand and know you'll love it too!” Get 15% off your first order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/paleovalley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • VSHREDMD – Formulated by Dr. Drew: The Science of Cellular Health + World-Class Training Programs, Premium Content, and 1-1 Training with Certified V Shred Coaches! More at https://drdrew.com/vshredmd • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twc.health/drew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Executive Producers • Kaleb Nation - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kalebnation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Susan Pinsky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/firstladyoflove⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Content Producer • Emily Barsh - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/emilytvproducer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted By • Dr. Drew Pinsky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/drdrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Progress Texas board has begun announcing their endorsements in the 2026 election, and if you don't live in North Texas, one you might be less familiar with is Kevin Burge - a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and cybersecurity specialist currently running for the U.S. House in Texas' 24th Congressional District, which has significant overlap with Texas State Senate District 9- the site of that massive blue flip with Taylor Rehmet's win, and a race featuring a particularly distasteful incumbent in Republican Congresswoman and MAGA darling Beth Van Duyne. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Kevin Burge's background includes combat service in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and cybersecurity service in the White House - we find him an exemplary candidate with a great story and terrific potential to win and serve with distinction.Learn more about Kevin and his campaign at https://www.burgeforcongress.com/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.

Send a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and this one's got everything: an Army Futures and Concepts Command elevation, a retired colonel sentenced for sharing classified war plans with a honeypot, and a battalion leader getting four years for secretly recording guests. The Navy manages to collide two ships in the Caribbean, debates doubling ship procurement, and asks for historic funding levels—while the Pentagon eyes a $1.6 trillion defense budget increase. A Marine is declared lost at sea, the Marine Corps passes another clean audit, and an Afghan adoption case survives court. The Air Force wrestles with healthcare access and collaborative combat aircraft software, Space Force pushes quality-of-life fixes, the Coast Guard uses an anti-drone laser near El Paso, and SECDEF skips a NATO meeting while POTUS leans on military leaders for diplomacy. No conspiracy. Just context.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and sponsor plug 01:10 Army Futures & Concepts Command elevation 02:45 Retired colonel sentenced in honeypot case 04:10 Battalion leader sentenced for secret recordings 05:15 Two Navy ships collide in Caribbean 06:30 Potential increase in ship procurement 07:00 Historic funding push and budget debate 09:30 Marine declared lost at sea 10:10 Marine Corps clean financial audit 11:00 Afghan adoption ruling upheld 12:00 OTS Alabama plug 13:00 Air Force healthcare access complaints 14:20 Collaborative Combat Aircraft advancement 15:20 Coast Guard anti-drone laser use 16:00 SECDEF skips NATO meeting 16:45 POTUS using military leaders in diplomacy 17:30 Syria base handover 18:00 Ongoing counter-narcotics strikes 18:30 Wrap-up

As artificial intelligence reshapes military operations at breakneck speed, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is launching an accelerated master's degree aimed at pushing AI-literate officers into the fleet as early as 2027. Speaking at AFCEA/USNI West in San Diego, Capt. Mike Owen, co-chair of the NPS AI Task Force, said the new program is designed to close a widening gap between the pace of technological change and the Department of the Navy's ability to train personnel to use emerging tools. Owen said NPS teams are also traveling to major Navy and Marine Corps hubs to deliver AI 101 and prompt-engineering workshops. He added that the rollout of GenAI.mil and increased access to AI models are enabling NPS students to explore the technology more deeply and deliver new capabilities to the Navy.

If you prefer to watch the video you can find it at the bottom of this webpage. Episode Sponsors: HK-USA KSG Armory Holsters About This Episode: In this episode, I chat with Bill Dermody and James Williamson from Heckler & Koch at SHOT Show 2026 about the company’s rich history and commitment to quality. James, a Marine Corps veteran, discusses the importance of teamwork and rigorous testing processes, while Bill highlights HK’s supportive culture that drives collaboration. We delve into the passion of HK enthusiasts and reveal plans for expanding their product line, all while maintaining high standards. I also encourage listeners to explore armorers courses to enhance their appreciation of HK firearms and share exciting podcast milestones ahead. As always, any questions or suggestions for future episodes can be submitted to podcast@concealedcarry.com! Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us this week. Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed the podcast the biggest compliment you could give us would be to subscribe to future episodes via a podcast app on your phone or via iTunes. You can find past podcast episodes by clicking here. Video Recording: Press PLAY on the video below to watch the video recording! {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https://www.concealedcarry.com#/schema/video/4244917","name":"S13E7: I Want to Learn More About HK w/ Bill Dermody & James Williamson","description":"Youu2019ll hear why HK refuses to rush products, why some guns take longer to hit shelves, and why that deliberate approach pays off in long-term performance and durability.","thumbnailUrl":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rq60WPGIcC4/maxresdefault.jpg","uploadDate":"2026-02-12T16:34:49-07:00","embedUrl":"https://www.concealedcarry.com/player-embed/id/4244917/?autoplay=0","duration":"PT55M34S"}

What does AI really mean in simple terms? What are the biggest security and privacy risks for companies—especially in healthcare? How can organizations manage these risks effectively and stay compliant with fast-changing AI regulations? And why should businesses and professionals consider getting certified in ISO 42001, the new international standard for AI management systems? In this episode, Punit Bhatia talks with Walter Haydock, an expert in AI security and compliance, about how companies can use ISO 42001 to manage AI responsibly. They discuss the real-world risks of AI, practical steps to reduce them, and why certification can help build trust, credibility, and resilience in an AI-powered world.

Send a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief and moves fast through a heavy slate. The Army looks to lease installation land for commercial AI data centers, trains leaders on drones and robots at Fort Benning, and deals with a soldier receiving life for murder. There's speculation swirling around restricted airspace in El Paso, a $5.2M “Bumblebee” drone-bashing system, and Hawaii storm shutdowns. The Navy pushes unmanned swarms and AI-enabled fleet concepts while recognizing top surface warfare officers. The Marines quietly notch their third clean financial audit and debate staying on Okinawa. The Air Force expands border supervision, moves F-35As toward CENTCOM, and hosts a Special Air Warfare Symposium. SECDEF warns EOD techs about uploading sensitive data to generative AI. POTUS approves 200 troops to Nigeria. Meanwhile, China fields long-range anti-ship missiles, Algeria receives Su-57s, South Korea loses Cobra pilots, and seized cartel ammo traces back to a U.S. Army plant. Context. Not conspiracy.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and Daily Drop kickoff 01:00 Army leasing land for AI data centers 03:00 Soldier sentenced for murder 04:45 Drone training at Fort Benning 05:30 El Paso restricted airspace speculation 06:50 Bumblebee drone-bashing system 07:20 Hawaii storm cancellations 08:00 Navy surface warfare awards 08:40 AI vision for Golden Fleet 09:30 Unmanned swarms management 10:30 Marine Corps clean audit 11:30 Okinawa presence debate 12:30 OTS Alabama plug 13:20 Air Force border supervision expansion 14:00 F-35A movement toward CENTCOM 14:40 Special Air Warfare Symposium 15:20 SECDEF AI data warning 16:10 200 troops approved to Nigeria 17:00 Chinese carrier-based anti-ship missile 18:00 Russian Su-57s delivered to Algeria 18:40 South Korean Cobra crash 19:20 Cartel ammo traced to Missouri plant 20:00 Wrap-up

In Episode 99 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Dave Berke of Echelon Front to discuss leadership rooted in accountability, humility, and real-world experience.Dave shares insights shaped by his career as a U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot and his work today developing leaders through Echelon Front. The conversation also highlights the release of his new book, The Need to Lead, where Dave challenges leaders at every level to step up, take ownership, and embrace the responsibility that leadership demands.This episode dives deep into what it means to lead when the pressure is on, owning outcomes, building trust within teams, and developing the next generation of leaders. Dave's perspective reinforces a powerful message: leadership isn't about position or title, but about action, discipline, and the willingness to serve others.This episode was recorded live at the Top Gun Leadership Summit. Thank you, Dave Berke and the Echelon Front Team.echelonfront.com @davidrberkeThis episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez@d.s.s._beats | @DSSbeatsFollow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorksMay we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother's Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988#podcast #leadership #service #humanitarian #construction #disciplineequalsfreedom

Send a textOur heart on the LifeTalk podcast is to share stories and content to encourage your faith - hear from Delaware FCA Director Rico Dasilva and his journey!Some stories slip past defenses and shine a flashlight into the hidden places. Rico's does exactly that. From a prayer-soaked childhood in Costa Rica and a fatherless search for identity to Marine Corps grit, a near-fatal IED, and a late-night TV altar call, this conversation walks straight through pride, addiction, and drift—then shows what alignment with God actually looks like in real life.We open with the power of a mother's intercession and the limits of borrowed faith. Rico's move to the United States brings high school setbacks turned to honors, but also a secret battle with pornography he justified as “not hurting anyone.” The military hones discipline while inner compromise grows. In Afghanistan, a bomb lands close enough to expose eternal reality. Back home, grace breaks in, yet discipleship is missing, and isolation tests sincerity. Marriage adds a blended family and a rare friendship with his wife's ex, then a holy plot twist: on the Sunday he didn't want to go, his wife walks forward to meet Jesus.The middle chapters trace a subtle slide—medical retirement, education and seminary, depression and PTSD, and the lure of prosperity teaching. We draw a sharp line between biblical prosperity for God's purposes and money preaching that flatters ego. Rico confronts the “dash” of his legacy and chooses repentance over resume-building. A move to Delaware, a Revelation series, and the simple faith of his kids nudge him back into community, accountability, and a childlike posture before God.Finally, calling comes into focus. God asks him to lay down work and step into ministry with Fellowship of Christian Athletes—equipping coaches and students to find identity, purpose, and truth in Christ, then carry that light from huddles back into the local church. Along the way we press on practical themes: taking responsibility over blaming the enemy, choosing mentors over isolation, making your home your first ministry, and trading platform for people. If you've ever felt “saved but misaligned,” this one offers concrete steps to realign your heart and legacy.Listen, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find these stories. Then tell us: what brought you back into alignment?New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.com Join us Sundays at 9 & 11 AM Intro music by Joey Blair

Alignment is paramount. Mind. Body. Soul. Nutrition. This is Triathlon Zen.   In this episode of the Tri Beginner's Luck Podcast, Stuart Shine, a Marine Corps veteran, endurance coach, and founder of Shine Collaborative Sports and Nutrition LLC, shares what it truly means to build a sustainable relationship with triathlon. His journey into the sport began during a military deployment in Australia, sparked by a long-held fascination with Ironman and guided by curiosity rather than perfection. From his first sprint triathlon to ultra marathons and coaching athletes across backgrounds and experience levels, Stuart reflects on how mindfulness, trust, and patience became central to both his leadership style and coaching philosophy.   Throughout the conversation, Stuart explores what beginner athletes often overlook, including the importance of proper fueling, learning to train by feel through rate of perceived exertion, and developing essential analog skills like bike handling before relying on technology. He explains why under-fueling early morning workouts can quietly undermine performance and long-term health, and how simple strategies, such as preparing fuel the night before, can lead to measurable improvements. He also speaks candidly about navigating hard training moments, honoring rest, and reframing dark patches in training as teachers rather than failures.   The conversation expands beyond training plans into identity, service, and representation in endurance sports, reminding listeners that joy and humanity belong alongside discipline and goals. Whether you are brand new to triathlon or returning to the start line with a fresh perspective, this episode is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and trust the process.   Let's tri this !    Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com. 

Send a textLong-time legislative staffer Buddy Whitt spent his childhood moving frequently thanks to his Air Force father. After high school he joined the Marines. Eight years later he left the military, went to college at Texas A&M, and then landed a job in the hotel industry which ultimately brought him to Anchorage over 20 years ago. He began working in the capitol in 2017 as Chief of Staff for Senator Shelley Hughes of Palmer. He later worked for Representatives Kevin McCabe of Big Lake and Laddie Shaw of South Anchorage. He is currently Chief of Staff for Representative Jubilee Underwood of Wasilla.

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

"Life is for the living." — G. Michael Hoff In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, reconnect with the talented G. Michael Hoff, a bestselling author and master communicator. G. Michael shares his journey through the ups and downs of the creative process, revealing the importance of resilience and adaptation in both life and storytelling. Facing Challenges G. Michael opens up about the hurdles he faced while trying to adapt his novella into a film, including the impact of the Screen Actors Guild strike. He candidly discusses the emotional rollercoaster of raising funds and the lessons learned from setbacks, emphasizing the need to keep moving forward despite adversity. The Power of Storytelling As a two-time guest on the show, G. Michael dives into his passion for storytelling and how he leverages AI to enhance communication without sacrificing creativity. He shares insights on the evolving landscape of content creation and the importance of embracing new technologies to stay relevant in a fast-paced world. Life Lessons and Legacy Throughout the conversation, G. Michael Hopf reflects on the profound impact of personal loss and how it has shaped his perspective as a father. He offers wisdom on mourning, resilience, and the significance of being present for loved ones, encouraging listeners to focus on the beauty and opportunities life has to offer. Key Themes - Navigating challenges in the creative industry - The transformative power of storytelling - Embracing technology and AI in content creation - The importance of resilience and adaptation - Finding fulfillment and purpose in life after loss Episode Highlights (00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show (01:20) Catching Up with G. Michael Hoff (10:30) The Journey of Adapting a Novella into Film (20:00) Leveraging AI for Enhanced Communication (30:15) Life Lessons from Personal Loss (40:45) Wisdom from Wayne: Life is for the Living Episode Keywords Better Call Daddy, Podcast, Storytelling, Resilience, AI in Writing, Creative Process, Personal Growth, Life Lessons, Fulfillment, Fatherhood, Overcoming Adversity, Emotional Healing, Technology in Content Creation G. Michael Hopf is a multifaceted individual whose life experiences have significantly contributed to his career as a USA Today bestselling author. He describes himself modestly as "just a guy stringing words together," but his background tells a story of adventure and dedication. Hopf is not only a writer but also a devoted father, husband, and a veteran, underscoring his diverse life experiences and perspectives.   Before venturing into the world of writing, Hopf served in the U.S. Marine Corps, which provided him with a rich tapestry of experiences that would later influence his writing. His service as a combat veteran has imbued his works with a sense of realism and depth, particularly in themes related to survival, resilience, and the complexities of human nature in challenging circumstances.   Following his military service, Hopf worked as a bodyguard and commercial diver, further diversifying his life experiences. This role likely exposed him to a variety of situations and individuals, broadening his understanding of human interactions and the many facets of society.   Now residing in San Diego with his family, Hopf has fully embraced his passion for writing and publishing. He is best known for his New World series, which delves into post-apocalyptic scenarios, exploring how humanity might respond to cataclysmic events. His works often intertwine elements of action, adventure, and political intrigue, capturing the imaginations of readers who are drawn to speculative and survivalist narratives.   Hopf's commitment to his craft and his ability to draw from his life experiences have made him a prominent figure in the genres of post-apocalyptic fiction and westerns. His works not only entertain but also provoke thought about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Connect with G. Michael Hoff Website Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy where stories of growth, resilience, and understanding come together!   If you enjoyed this episode, check out the previous one with Scott Ferguson for more insights on creativity and storytelling. Leveling Up Your Life

Pryce Seymour opens up about growing up in chaos, being conceived in jail, surviving a violent and unstable childhood, and finding purpose in the United States Marine Corps. From prison visits as a kid… to boot camp prank wars… to brutal infantry training… to nearly dying in a high‑speed rollover accident… this story doesn't let up.Pryce was later selected to be followed by Netflix for a Marine Corps documentary — but what you didn't see on screen is even crazier. The drinking, the injuries, the culture shock, the fights, the deployments, and the mental toll of living life at full throttle.This Urban Valor episode goes deep into Marine infantry life, the reality of training and deployment, the brotherhood, and the mindset that forms when you're pushed past what most people ever experience.

Join Nick Lamagna on this episode of The A Game Podcast: Real Estate Investing for Entrepreneurs, as he welcomes back David Pere, a Marine Corps veteran, real estate investor, entrepreneur, founder of From Military to Millionaire, for his third appearance. This episode dives deep into the raw realities of entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and personal transformation - from combat zones to cash flow, from divorce to discipline, and from building passive income to leading a nationwide mastermind for veterans. David shares how he scaled his business to millions in revenue, grew a thriving community of 700+ service members and vets, and continues to invest in real estate projects ranging from office spaces to a $14M assisted living development. Beyond business, he opens up about resilience, leadership, and reinventing life after the Marine Corps. Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor or athlete, you'll find powerful lessons on mindset and growth. Expect stories of grit, authenticity, and the playbook for winning in wealth building.

Nathan Tierney joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a retired Army Warrant Officer and former Navy rescue swimmer. After transitioning from a career as a helicopter pilot to the civilian sector, Nathan ascended to senior executive roles at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer. Throughout his career, he has relied on the discipline and drive learned in the military, paired with the guidance of key mentors, to navigate large-scale organizational transformations. The conversation also covers Nathan's book, Rebel Leaders GSD, which he wrote to provide leaders with the practical education needed to handle high-pressure environments. He outlines the three core sections of the book and emphasizes the fundamental importance of mastering the basics to ensure success. Today, Nathan focuses on helping leaders make clear, decisive calls in the face of uncertainty and high-stakes consequences. Episode Resources: Nathan Tierney - Gartner | LinkedIn Rebel Leaders GSD on Amazon   About Our Guest Nathan Tierney is a special operations veteran, former senior federal executive, and author of Rebel Leaders GSD. Over a 25-year career, he has led teams in combat, crisis response, and large-scale federal transformation, including serving as Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Today, he helps leaders make clear, decisive calls when pressure, uncertainty, and consequences are real.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of cheer and joy that is just around the corner? With Navy Federal Credit Union's cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards, you could earn a $250 cash bonus when you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days. Offer ends 1/1/26. You could earn up to 2% unlimited cash back with the cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards. With Navy Federal, members have access to financial advice and money management and 24/7 access to award-winning service. Whether you're a Veteran of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard, you and your family can become members. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today. Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you purchase via the link provided.

Send us a textPeaches runs a solo Daily Drop Ops Brief covering multiple days of military news after a short recording gap. The episode opens with a posthumous Medal of Honor awarded to Staff Sgt. Michael Alice for shielding a Polish soldier during a 2013 Taliban attack—followed by a blunt reminder of why people actually serve. From a 10th Mountain Division deployment to CENTCOM, Golden Knights season prep, and the rising age of Army recruits, the brief moves into jungle medicine training in Hawaii, artillery and demolitions live fire at Schofield Barracks, and Arctic testing of small unmanned aerial systems where batteries and cold collide. Peaches also breaks down Navy deployments, changes to naval aviation training pipelines, Russian women detained at Camp Pendleton and why honeypots are real, a $700 3D-printed Marine Corps drone, AH-1Z missile upgrades, Air Force no-notice ORIs returning, micro-nuclear reactors at Eielson, cheaper cruise missile tests, housing overhauls in the UK, and why USAFA Superintendent Gen. Tony Bauerfeind's departure matters. The episode closes with Space Force warfighting expansion, drone-pilot mental health studies, and renewed Iran nuclear talks. Context, experience, and zero sugarcoating.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Ones Ready intro and Daily Drop setup 01:00 Medal of Honor for SSG Michael Alice 02:40 Why people actually serve 03:40 10th Mountain Division deployment to CENTCOM 04:30 Golden Knights 2026 season prep 05:10 Rising average age of Army recruits 06:10 Jungle medicine training in Hawaii 07:30 Artillery and demolitions at Schofield Barracks 08:30 Arctic sUAS testing and battery reality 10:10 USS Truxtun deploys to Middle East 11:00 T-45 replacement training concerns 12:30 Russian women detained at Camp Pendleton 14:00 Honeypots explained 15:40 $700 Marine Corps 3D-printed drone 17:00 AH-1Z long-range missile upgrade 18:00 Operator Training Summit Alabama plug 19:40 Air Force no-notice ORIs return 21:00 Micro-reactor program at Eielson AFB 23:00 Rapid cruise missile live-fire test 24:00 UK Air Force housing refurbishment 25:30 USAFA Superintendent departure preview 28:00 Space Force warfighting role expanSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERE Register for our Operator Training Summit: OperatorTrainingSummit.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY...

Michael T. Lester, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Marine Corps combat pilot who served in Asia and the Middle East, initially believed deeply in American ideals. Over time, he experienced growing disillusionment as U.S. actions abroad often contradicted official narratives and failed to align with stated goals of promoting democracy and freedom. His book provides a non-partisan analysis, arguing that repeated harmful outcomes across administrations are systemic features driven by incentives, not mere mistakes. It outlines an imperial playbook involving regime change, sanctions, proxy wars, and economic control, while linking foreign policy to domestic narrative management that manufactures consent. Lester applies this framework to current events like Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela, noting increasing global skepticism toward U.S. explanations. The provocative title refers to outcomes; from a global viewpoint, the U.S. often appears as the antagonist, emphasizing that denial hinders self-correction. Motivated by the view that silence enables complicity, Lester wrote this book to encourage honest reckoning in a multipolar world. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Try Rho Nutrition today and experience the difference of Liposomal Technology. Use code SRS for 20% OFF everything at https://www.rhonutrition.com/discount/SRS Sign up at https://BetterHelp.com/srs to get 10% off. #ad Our listeners get the Harry's Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/SRS #Harryspod Go to https://DRINKAG1.com/SRS for a free AG1 Flavor Sampler, AGZ Sampler, free Vitamin D3+K2, and AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order, plus a 90-day money-back guarantee (limited time, while supplies last). Michael Lester Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtlester Books - https://michaeltlester.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices