Podcasts about Marines

In this episode of In Pursuit, Rich Froning sits down with Trent Ellis, ex-Marine, outdoorsman, and rising social media voice, whose mix of grit, humor, and authenticity has built him a loyal following. Trent opens up about his journey from small-town Mississippi dreams of football, to deployments overseas, to finding peace and purpose back in the woods. He shares how hunting with his brother shaped his early years, why fitness and preparation matter in the backcountry, and how storytelling on social media (and now stand-up comedy) has given him a new platform to inspire others.From lessons learned in the Marines to the joy of making memories with his own kids in the outdoors, Trent reminds us that living authentically isn’t about chasing the spotlight—it’s about keeping your priorities rooted in family, faith, and the wild. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined by two authors whose stories illustrate courage, creativity, and the unpredictable tides of adversity and accomplishment, while also uniting us through humanity's common threads.Greg Cope White is the Marine whose true story inspired Boots on Netflix. His book is called The Pink Marine and Greg takes us behind the scenes on its screen adaptation with the cast going through actual bootcamp to emerge as actors who could realistically portray Marine recruits.In serving as a writer and Executive Producer on the show, Greg had the opportunity to flesh out stories beyond those of himself and his best friend, Dale. Greg's character is called Cam and he joins The Marines before “Don't Ask. Don't Tell,” when it was completely illegal to be gay in The Marine Corps. We quickly learn that every recruit is hiding or trying to prove something. Dale became Ray in the series and he is running from an abusive father, attempting to build pride in himself. We also meet characters who struggle with their weight or have had brushes with the law or have never fit in. Pressure makes diamonds and Marines. Bonds form and Greg reports that the actors in the show are as tight as any fighting unit.Michael Gregg Michaud introduces us to Christopher Jones: Wild in the Streets, his new book chronicling the meteoric rise, and mysterious disappearance, of one of Hollywood's most compelling shooting stars. From 1960s heartthrob to sudden recluse, Chris's story is one of talent, turmoil, mental illness and cultural transformation.We hear about Greg's solidarity buzzcut and we learn about the Christopher Jones - Sharon Tate connection, it's an episode brimming with mystery, tragedy and triumph!And in current media-- Weezy: Season 3 of The Diplomat on Netflix Fritz: Mr. Scorcese - A documentary series on Apple TV+Path Points of Interest:Boots on NetflixGreg Cope WhiteThe Pink Marine by Greg Cope White on AmazonThe Pink Marine on TikTokGreg Cope White on XGreg Cope White on InstagramGreg Cope White on FacebookChristopher Jones: Wild in the Streets by Michael Gregg MichaudMichael Gregg Michaud on AmazonChristopher Jones on WikipediaMichael Gregg Michaud on FacebookMichael Gregg Michaud on InstagramThe Diplomat on NetflixMr. Scorcese on Apple TV+

In honor of Veterans Day, we hosted three for this week's show: Justin Glover, Merle White, and Duane Wright. Justin and Duane were Marines and Merle was in the Army. Hear them discuss their decision to join, what boot camp was like, and the difficulties of getting trained for combat before being sent to occupy a foreign country. Give it a listen, it's a good one. #army #marines #VeteransDay #bootcamp #rulesofengagement 

Today's guest is Billy Birdzell, founder of Horatius Group, an independent investment bank focused on creating exceptional outcomes for founder-led and family-owned businesses, and Horatius Impact, a non-profit dedicated to training and equipping scouts to defend endangered species like rhino and lion from poachers in Africa.  Billy began his career as an infantry and special operations officer in the United States Marine Corps. On September 11, 2001, he was in New York City — an event that would forever shape his path. Soon after, he deployed to Iraq, meeting his platoon in combat and leading Marines through the fight to Baghdad. In this conversation, Billy and Jack discuss what it means to lead in the chaos of war, the relentless push to “just keep moving forward,” and the weapons and gear that defined those early battles.They revisit the Battle of Najaf in August 2004 and the historic January 2005 elections in Iraq, reflecting on the cost and meaning of those moments. Billy shares his journey from conventional infantry operations to Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), his experiences training for special operations, attending French language school, and deploying to Africa.The two also look back on their long friendship and Jack's transition from the Teams to becoming an author, before diving into Billy's post-military mission — building Horatius Group and Horatius Impact, and his ongoing work in Africa protecting wildlife and empowering local defenders on the frontlines of conservation.FOLLOW BILLYLinkedIn: @BillyBirdzellWebsite: https://www.horatiusgroup.com FOLLOW JACKInstagram: @JackCarrUSA X:  @JackCarrUSAFacebook:  @JackCarr YouTube:  @JackCarrUSASPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller Bravo Company Manufacturing - https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr:Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

Synopsis:  The Trump administration's aggressive use of ICE agents and National Guardsmen has sparked outrage among lawmakers like Rep. Pramila Jayapal and veteran activists such as Janessa Goldbeck; they join forces to discuss what can be done now.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donateDescription:  The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that's getting complicated under Donald Trump. The President has deployed National Guard troops to half a dozen U.S. cities against the wishes of local officials and ICE agents are roaming around communities acting under unclear rules. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura's guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it's time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Congresswoman Jayapal is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and represents Washington State's 7th Congressional District. She has been at the forefront of congressional oversight and opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Captain Goldbeck is CEO of Vet Voice, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend the values they swore to protect. What can Congress, veterans and the general public do to stop the militarization of our cities? Join us for this powerful conversation, plus a commentary on the other times that the U.S. government has turned its military inward.“What law enforcement should be doing — of any kind, whether it's ICE, National Guard, whoever — is trying to deescalate. What we clearly see this set of military actors doing is escalate, right? When you crack down brutally, when you shoot a rubber bullet at a faith leader in Chicago, or when you violently push someone down to the ground, who by the way happens to be the father of three U.S. Marines . . . I think that is really an attempt to suppress any kind of dissent.” - Rep. Pramila JayapalGuests:•  Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation•  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional DistrictWatch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio November 6th  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.RESOURCES:Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Another January 6 Insurrection? 'War Game' Film Asks if We're Ready: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation•  Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut•  Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?:  Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation Related Articles and Resources:•  The Resistance Lab, grassroots trainings led by Pramila Jayapal and thought leaders from across the movement. •  Pentagon orders states' national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces' for ‘crowd control' by Aaron Glantz, October 29, 2025, The Guardian•  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal at No Kings protest Seattle:  ‘We are the people's movement that will save our democracy', October 18, 2025 - Watch - King5.com•. We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents.  They've Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. by Nicole Foy & photography by Sarahbeth Maney,  October 16, 2025, ProPublica•  FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders, by JMB, June 18, 2025, Military Law Task ForceFull Episode Notes are located HERE.Music Credit: "Steppin" by Podington Bear, “Of Peace” by Galliano from the album Halfway Somewhere Expanded released on Brownswood Recordings and original sound design by Jeannie HopperSupport Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

THE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL!!

Le 15 septembre 1944, la 1e Division des Marines américains débarque sur Peleliu, petite île de Micronésie dans le sud-ouest du Pacifique. Elle devient jusqu'au 29 novembre le théâtre de l'une des pires batailles qui opposa le Japon aux États-Unis durant la guerre du Pacifique. Aujourd'hui encore relativement inconnue, elle porte encore les stigmates de ce sinistre automne '44. En partant des mémoires d'Eugene B. Sledge, ancien Marine déployé à l'âge de 18 ans sur l'île, l'historien Bruno Cabanes retrace l'enfer de la bataille et, au-delà, les strates historiques d'un lieu habité depuis des siècles puis marqué par les colonisations successives à partir du 18e. Voyage au coeur de la jungle et des récifs de corail, des escarpements, des grottes, des tunnels et des vestiges tenaces d'une destruction encore nimbée de mystère. Sujets traités : Fantômes, île,Peleliu, Marines, américains, Micronésie , bataille Merci pour votre écoute Un Jour dans l'Histoire, c'est également en direct tous les jours de la semaine de 13h15 à 14h30 sur www.rtbf.be/lapremiere Retrouvez tous les épisodes d'Un Jour dans l'Histoire sur notre plateforme Auvio.be :https://auvio.rtbf.be/emission/5936 Intéressés par l'histoire ? Vous pourriez également aimer nos autres podcasts : L'Histoire Continue: https://audmns.com/kSbpELwL'heure H : https://audmns.com/YagLLiKEt sa version à écouter en famille : La Mini Heure H https://audmns.com/YagLLiKAinsi que nos séries historiques :Chili, le Pays de mes Histoires : https://audmns.com/XHbnevhD-Day : https://audmns.com/JWRdPYIJoséphine Baker : https://audmns.com/wCfhoEwLa folle histoire de l'aviation : https://audmns.com/xAWjyWCLes Jeux Olympiques, l'étonnant miroir de notre Histoire : https://audmns.com/ZEIihzZMarguerite, la Voix d'une Résistante : https://audmns.com/zFDehnENapoléon, le crépuscule de l'Aigle : https://audmns.com/DcdnIUnUn Jour dans le Sport : https://audmns.com/xXlkHMHSous le sable des Pyramides : https://audmns.com/rXfVppvN'oubliez pas de vous y abonner pour ne rien manquer.Et si vous avez apprécié ce podcast, n'hésitez pas à nous donner des étoiles ou des commentaires, cela nous aide à le faire connaître plus largement. Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Coming from a military career back into the world of ‘regular' work can be a challenge for many people. But for some, the lessons learned from military service can actually help improve the companies they go on to work for. A fine example of that is the Executive Vice President of Magpul, Duane Liptak. Duane's career in the Marines included infantry, flying F-18 Super Hornets, as well as serving as a forward air controller in special operations – a background he believes helps bring him and his company success today.Duane joins Gun Trade World podcast host David Guest and co-host Brian Aitken from Topple on this action-packed episode. - - -This episode is brought to you by Topple — the world's first digital advertising platform built specifically for brands that face restrictions on mainstream ad networks. Whether you're in firearms, hunting, outdoor gear, or defense, Topple helps you reach your audience across a premium network of content-rich, enthusiast-driven publishers like GunBroker, AR15.com, Gun Digest, RECOIL, Ammoland, Sniper Country, Major League Fishing, and more.Topple is a one-stop solution that lets you reach your target customer, access real-time performance data, build rich retargeting audiences of high-intent site visitors, and track sales, revenue, and ROI with precision.Listeners to today's podcast can receive a free Strategy Session and a Dedicated Account Manager with any Ad Spend Plan — just mention the Gun Trade World Podcast during your intro call or email.

The National Security Hour with Col. Mike and Dr. Mike – The United States edges closer to military intervention in Venezuela as tensions rise under the Trump administration. With thousands of Marines on standby, critics warn of another costly, unconstitutional war that repeats past failures. The piece challenges America's long history of interventionism and calls for defending U.S. interests without invading or reshaping foreign nations...

What do a toy train, two career-driven Marines, and two angry dads with grudges have in common?We're back with another fun recap and review from Hallmark's "Countdown to Christmas". This time, we're gabbing about "Christmas on Duty", starring Janel Parrish and Parker Young. But -- FIRST THINGS FIRST -- we're on the struggle bus with the time change?? Anyone else?!Is it worth the watch?? Check out our 'Gold or Coal' segment for our hot takes, and connect with us online for more fun all season long! We're online at www.DoYouWatchWhatIWatch.com!And, as always, may your days be merry and bright!

The Homie Helpline catches up with Tony, a 27-year-old who admitted to making jokes out of everything, including purposely leaving his shoes out to annoy his now ex-girlfriend, but he plans to join the Marines to prove he's finally a man. Plus, the crew tallies the results of the hilariously divisive Brown Bag Election! [Edited by @iamdyre

The path to progressing as a leader isn't always linear. SUMMARY Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott shows how a childhood dream can evolve into a lifetime of impact—from commanding in uniform to leading innovation in healthcare and national defense. Hear more on Long Blue Leadership. Listen now!   SHARE THIS PODCAST LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK   MIKE'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS A leader worth his or her salt should be comfortable not being the smartest person in the room. Striving for a lack of hubris is essential in leadership. Setting a clear vision is a fundamental leadership skill. Moving people without authority is crucial for effective leadership. Resource management is key to achieving organizational goals. Acknowledging what you don't know is a strength in leadership. Effective leaders focus on guiding their teams rather than asserting dominance. Leadership is about influencing and inspiring others. A successful mission requires collaboration and shared vision. True leadership is about empowering others to succeed.   CHAPTERS 00:00: Early Inspiration 06:32: Academy Years 13:17: Military Career Transition 21:33: Financial Services Journey 31:29: MOBE and Healthcare Innovation 40:12: Defense Innovation Unit 48:42: Philanthropy and Community Impact 58:11: Personal Growth and Leadership Lessons   ABOUT MIKE OTT BIO Mike Ott is the Chief Executive Officer of MOBĒ, a U.S.-based company focused on whole-person health and care-management solutions. He became CEO in April 2022, taking the helm to lead the company through growth and operational excellence following a distinguished career in both the military and corporate sectors.  A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Mike served as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves before shifting into financial services and healthcare leadership roles including private wealth management at U.S. Bank and executive positions with UnitedHealth Group/Optum. His leadership ethos emphasizes alignment, acceleration, and human potential, building cultures where teams can thrive and leveraging data-driven models to improve health outcomes.   CONNECT WITH MIKE LinkedIn MOBE CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org    Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     OUR SPEAKERS Guest, Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott '85  |  Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   FULL TRANSCRIPT Naviere Walkewicz 0:00 A quick programming note before we begin this episode of Long Blue Leadership: This episode will be audio-only, so sit back and enjoy the listen. Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. Today, on Long Blue Leadership, we welcome Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott, Class of 1985, a leader whose vision was sparked at just 9 years old during a family road trip past the Air Force Academy. That childhood dream carried him through a 24-year Air Force career, culminating in retirement as a colonel and into a life of leadership across business, innovation and philanthropy. Mike is the CEO of MOBE, a groundbreaking company that uses data analytics and a revolutionary pay-for-results model to improve health outcomes while reducing costs. He also serves as a senior adviser to the Defense Innovation Unit, supporting the secretary of defense in accelerating commercial innovation for national security. A member of the Forbes Councils, Mike shares his expertise with leaders around the world. A former Falcon Foundation trustee and longtime supporter of the Academy, Mike has given generously his time, talents and resources to strengthen the Long Blue Line. His story is one of innovation and service in uniform, in the marketplace and in his community. Mike, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. We're so glad to have you here.   Mike Ott 1:29 Naviere, thanks a ton. I'm glad to be here. Naviere Walkewicz 1:31 Yes, yes. Well, we're really excited. I mean, you're here for your 40th reunion.   Mike Ott 1:35 Yeah, it's crazy.   Naviere Walkewicz1:37 You came right in, and we're so pleased that you would join us here first for this podcast.   Mike Ott 1:39 Right on. Thanks for the time.   Naviere Walkewicz 1:41 Absolutely. Well, let's jump right in, because not many people can say at 9 years old they know what they want to do when they grew up, but you did. Mike Ott 1:48 Yeah. I guess some people can say it; might not be true, but for me, it's true, good or bad. And goodness gracious, right? Here for my 40th reunion, do the math team, and as a 9-year-old, that was 1972, And a lot was going on in the world in 1972 whether it was political unrest, Vietnam and all of that, and the Academy was in the thick of it. And so we had gone — It was our first significant family vacation. My father was a Chicago policeman. We drove in the 1968 Buick LaSabre, almost straight through. Stopped, stayed at a Holiday Inn, destination Colorado, simply, just because nobody had ever seen the mountains before. That was why. And we my parents, mom, mom and dad took myself. I have two younger sisters, Pikes Peak, Academy, Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge. And I remember noon meal formation, and the bell going off. Guys at the time — we hadn't had women as cadets at that point in time — running out in their flight suits as I recall lining up ready to go. And for me, it was the energy, right, the sense of, “Wow, this is something important.” I didn't know exactly how important it was, but I knew it was important, and I could envision even at that age, there was they were doing good, Naviere Walkewicz 3:21 Wow. Nine years old, your family went on vacation, and it just struck you as this is important and something that I want to do. So what did that conversation look like after that experience that you had as a 9-year-old and kind of manifest this in yourself? How did that go with your parents? Mike Ott 3:36 Well, I didn't say too much about it, as I was in grammar school, but as high school hit, you know, I let my folks know what my plans were, and I had mom and dad — my mother's still alive, my father passed about a year ago. Very, very good, hard-working, ethical people, but hadn't gone to college, and we had been told, “Look, you know, you need to get an education.” They couldn't. I wish they had. They were both very, very, very bright, and so I knew college was a plan. I also knew there wasn't a lot of money to pay for it. So I'm certain that that helped bake in a few things. But as I got into high school, I set my sights. I went to public high school in Chicago, and I remember freshman year walking into my counselor's office, and said, “I want to go to the Air Force Academy,” and he kind of laughed.   Naviere Walkewicz 3:21 Really?   Mike Ott 3:22 Well, we had 700 kids in my class, and maybe 40% went on to college, right? And the bulk of them went to community college or a state school. I can count on one hand the number of folks that went to an academy or an Ivy League school or something of that. So it was it was around exposure. It had nothing to do with intelligence. It was exposure and just what these communities were accustomed to. A lot of folks went into the trades and pieces like that. So my counselor's reaction wasn't one of shock or surprise insofar as that's impossible. It was, “We haven't had a lot of people make that commitment this early on, and I'm glad to help.”   Naviere Walkewicz 5:18 Oh, I love that.   Mike Ott 5:19 Which is wonderful, and what I had known at the time, Mr. Needham...   Naviere Walkewicz 5:23 You Remember his name?   Mike Ott 5:24 Yeah, he was in the Navy Reserves. He was an officer, so he got the joke. He got the joke and helped me work through what classes to take, how to push myself. I didn't need too much guidance there. I determined, “Well, I've got to distinguish myself.” And I like to lean in. I like a headwind, and I don't mind a little bit of an uphill battle, because once you get up there, you feel great. I owe an awful lot to him. And, not the superintendent, but the principal of our school was a gentleman named Sam Ozaki, and Sam was Japanese American interned during World War II as a young man, got to of service age and volunteered and became a lieutenant in the Army and served in World War II in Europe, right, not in Asia. So he saw something in me. He too became an advocate. He too became someone that sought to endorse, support or otherwise guide me. Once I made that claim that I was going to go to the Academy. Naviere Walkewicz 6:30 Wow. So you mentioned something that really stuck with me. You said, you know, you didn't mind kind of putting yourself out there and doing the hard things, because you knew when you got to the top it was going to feel really great. Was that something you saw from your father? Was that something, there are key leaders in your life that emulated that? Or is that just something that you always had in yourself? Mike Ott 6:51 I would say there's certainly an environmental element to it — how I was raised, what I was exposed to, and then juxtaposition as to what I observed with other family members or other parts of the community where things didn't work out very well, right? And, you know, I put two and two together. y father demonstrated, throughout his entire career what it means to have a great work ethic. As did mom and, you know, big, tough Chicago cop for 37 years. But the other thing that I learned was kindness, and you wouldn't expect to learn that from the big, tough Chicago cop, but I think it was environment, observing what didn't occur very often and how hard work, if I apply myself, can create outcomes that are going to be more fulfilling for me. Naviere Walkewicz 7:48 Wow, you talked about kindness. How did you see kindness show up in your journey as a cadet at the Air Force Academy? Or did you? Mike Ott 7:58 Yeah, gosh, so I remember, started in June of 1981, OK, and still connected with many of the guys and women that with whom I went to basic training and all that. The first moment of kindness that I experienced that it was a mutual expression, but one where I recognized, “Wow, every one of us is new here. None of us has a real clue.” We might have some idea because we had somebody had a sibling or a mother that was in the military or father that went to the academy at the time, but none of us really knew, right? We were knuckleheads, right? Eighteen years old. Maybe there were a couple of prior-enlisted folks. I don't recall much of that, but I having gone to a public high school in Chicago, where we had a variety of different ethnicities. I learned how to just understand people for who they are, meet them for who they are, and respect every individual. That's how I was raised, and that's how I exhibited myself, I sought to conduct myself in high school. So I get to the Academy, and you're assigned, you know, the first couple three nights, the first few weeks before you go to Jacks Valley, you're assigned. It was all a alphabetical, and my roommate was an African American fellow named Kevin Nixon. All right, my God, Kevin Nixon, and this guy, he was built. I mean, he was rock solid, right? And he had that 1000-yard stare, right? Very intimidating. And I'm this, like, 6-foot-tall, 148-pound runner, like, holy dork, right? And I'm assigned — we're roommates, and he just had a very stoicism, or a stoic nature about him. And I remember, it was our second night at the Academy, maybe first night, I don't quite recall, and we're in bed, and it's an hour after lights out, and I hear him crying, and like, well, what do you do? Like, we're in this together. It was that moment, like we're both alone, but we're not right. He needs to know that he's not alone. So I walked around and went over his bed, and I said, “Hey, man, I miss my mom and dad too. Let's talk. And we both cried, right? And I'll tell you what, he and I were pals forever. It was really quite beautiful. And what didn't happen is he accepted my outreach, right? And he came from a very difficult environment, one where I'm certain there was far more racial strife than I had experienced in Chicago. He came from Norfolk, Virginia, and he came from — his father worked in the shipyards and really, really tough, tough, tough background. He deserved to be the Academy. He was a great guy, very bright, and so we became friends, and I tried to be kind. He accepted that kindness and reciprocated in ways where he created a pretty beautiful friendship. Naviere Walkewicz 7:48 Oh, my goodness. Thank you for sharing that story. And you got me in the feels a little bit, because I remember those nights, even you know me having family members that went through the Academy. There's just something about when you're in it yourself, and in that moment, it's raw.   Mike Ott 11:13 Raw is a good word. Naviere Walkewicz 11:15 Oh, thank you for that. So you're at the Academy and you end up doing 24 years. I don't mean to, like, mash all that into one sentence, but let's talk… Mike Ott 11:22 I didn't do very much. It was the same year repeated 24 times over. Like, not a very good learner, right? Not a very good learner. Naviere Walkewicz 11:30 Yeah, I was gonna ask, you know, in that journey, because, had you planned to do a career in the Air Force? Mike Ott 11:36 Well, I didn't know, right? I went in, eyes wide open, and my cumulative time in the Air Force is over 24 but it was only it was just shy of seven active duty, and then 22, 23, in the Reserves, right? I hadn't thought about the Reserves, but I had concluded, probably at the, oh, maybe three-year mark that I wanted to do other things. It had nothing to do with disdain, a sense of frustration or any indignation, having gone to the Academy, which I'm very, very proud of, and it meant an awful lot to who I am. But it was, “Wait, this is, this is my shot, and I'm going to go try other things.” I love ambiguity, I'm very curious. Have a growth mindset and have a perhaps paradoxical mix of being self-assured, but perhaps early on, a bit too, a bit too, what's the word I was thinking of? I wrote this down — a bit too measured, OK, in other words, risk taking. And there were a few instances where I realized, “Hey, man, dude, take some risk. What's the downside? And if it isn't you, who else?” So it was that mindset that helped me muscle through and determine that, coupled with the fact that the Air Force paid for me to go to graduate school, they had programs in Boston, and so I got an MBA, and I did that at night. I had a great commander who let me take classes during the day when I wasn't traveling. It was wonderful. It was there that I was exposed to elements of business and in financial services, which ultimately drew me into financial services when I separated from active duty. Naviere Walkewicz 13:17 Well, I love that, because first you talked about a commander that saw, “How can I help you be your best version of yourself?” And I think the other piece of financial service, because I had to dabble in that as well — the second word is service. And so you've never stopped serving in all the things that you've done. So you took that leap, that risk. Is that something that you felt developed while you're at the Academy, or it's just part of your ethos. Mike Ott 13:41 It developed. It matured. I learned how to apply it more meaningfully at the Academy after a couple, three moments, where I realized that I can talk a little bit about mentoring and then I can come back to that, but mentoring — I don't know, I don't recall having heard that term as a mechanism for helping someone develop. I'm sure we used it when I was a cadet at the Academy and out of the Academy, and having been gone through different programs and banking and different graduate programs, the term comes up an awful lot. You realize, wow, there's something there helping the next generation, but also the reciprocity of learning from that generation yourself. I didn't really understand the whole mentoring concept coming out of Chicago and getting here, and just thought things were very hierarchical, very, very command structure, and it was hit the standards or else. And that that's not a bad mindset, right? But it took me a little while to figure out that there's a goodness factor that comes with the values that we have at the Academy, and it's imbued in each one of you know, service excellence, all of those pieces. But for the most part, fellow cadets and airmen and women want to help others. I mean, it's in service. It's in our DNA. Man that blew right past me. I had no idea, and I remember at one point I was entering sophomore year, and I was asked to be a glider instructor. I'd done the soaring and jumping program over the summer, and like, “Hey, you know you're not too bad at glider. You want to be an instructor?” At the time, that was pretty big deal, yeah, glider instructors. Like, “Yeah, no, I'm not going to do that, you know? I've got to study. Like, look at my GPA.” That didn't really matter. “And I'm going to go up to Boulder and go chase women.” Like, I was going to meet women, right? So, like, but I didn't understand that, that that mechanism, that mentoring mechanism, isn't always bestowed upon a moment or a coupling of individuals. There are just good people out there that see goodness in others that want to help them through that. I had no clue, but that was a turning point for me.   Naviere Walkewicz 15:56 Because you said no.   Mike Ott 15:58 I said no, right? And it was like what, you know, a couple months later, I remember talking with somebody like, “Yep, swing and a miss,” right? But after that, it changed how I was going to apply this self-assuredness, not bravado, but willingness to try new things, but with a willingness to be less measured. Why not? Trust the system. Trust the environment that you're in, the environment that we're in, you were in, I was in, that we're representing right now, it is a trusted environment. I didn't know that. And there were a lot of environments when I was being raised, they weren't trusted environments. And so you have a sort of mental callous mindset in many ways, and that that vigilance, that sense of sentinel is a good protection piece, but it prevents, it prevents... It doesn't allow for the membrane to be permeated, right? And so that trust piece is a big deal. I broke through after that, and I figured it out, and it helped me, and it helped me connect a sense of self-assuredness to perhaps being less measured, more willing to take ambiguity. You can be self-assured but not have complete belief in yourself, OK? And it helped me believe in myself more. I still wish I'd have been glider instructor. What a knucklehead. My roommate wound up becoming one. Like, “You, son of a rat, you.”   Naviere Walkewicz 17:29 So tell me, when did the next opportunity come up where you said yes, and what did that look like in your journey? Mike Ott 17:36 I was a lieutenant. I was a lieutenant, and I was looking for a new role. I was stationed at Hanscom Field, and I was working at one program office, and I bumped — I was the athletic officer for the base with some other folks, and one of the colonels was running a different program, and he had gotten to know me and understand how I operated, what I did, and he said, “Hey, Ott, I want you to come over to my program.” And I didn't know what the program was, but I trusted him, and I did it blindly. I remember his name, Col. Holy Cross. And really good guy. And yeah, I got the tap on the shoulder. Didn't blink. Didn't blink. So that was just finishing up second lieutenant. Naviere Walkewicz 18:26 What a lesson. I mean, something that stuck with you as a cadet, and not that it manifested in regret, but you realized that you missed that opportunity to grow and experience and so when it came around again, what a different… So would you say that as you progress, then you know, because at this point you're a lieutenant, you know, you took on this new role, what did you learn about yourself? And then how did that translate to the decision to move from active duty to the Reserve and into… Mike Ott 18:56 You'll note what I didn't do when I left active duty was stay in the defense, acquisition, defense engineering space. I made a hard left turn…   Naviere Walkewicz 19:13 Intentionally.   Mike Ott 19:14 Intentionally. And went into financial services. And that is a hard left turn away from whether it's military DOD, military industrial complex, working for one of the primes, or something like that. And my mindset was, “If I'm not the guy in the military making the decision, setting strategy and policy…” Like I was an O-3. Like, what kind of policy am I setting? Right? But my point was, if I'm not going to, if I may, if I decided to not stay in the military, I wasn't going to do anything that was related to the military, right, like, “Let's go to green pastures. Set myself apart. Find ways to compete…” Not against other people. I don't think I need to beat the hell out of somebody. I just need to make myself better every day. And that's the competition that I just love, and I love it  it's greenfield unknown. And why not apply my skills in an area where they haven't been applied and I can learn? So as an active-duty person — to come back and answer your question — I had worked some great bosses, great bosses, and they would have career counseling discussions with me, and I was asked twice to go to SOS in-residence. I turned it down, you know, as I knew. And then the third time my boss came to me. He's like, “OK, what are you doing? Idiot. Like, what are you doing?” That was at Year 5. And I just said, “Hey, sir, I think I'm going to do something different.” Naviere Walkewicz 20:47 Didn't want to take the slot from somebody else.   Mike Ott 20:49 That's right. Right. And so then it was five months, six months later, where I put in my papers. I had to do a little more time because of the grad school thing, which is great. And his commander, this was a two-star that I knew as well, interviewed me and like, one final, like, “What are you doing?” He's like, “You could have gone so far in the Air Force.” And I looked at the general — he was a super-good dude. I said, “What makes you think I'm not going to do well outside of the Air Force?” And he smiled. He's like, “Go get it.” So we stayed in touch. Great guy. So it had nothing to do with lack of fulfillment or lack of satisfaction. It had more to do with newness, curiosity, a challenge in a different vein. Naviere Walkewicz 21:30 So let's walk into that vein. You entered into this green pasture. What was that experience like? Because you've just been in something so structured. And I mean, would you say it was just structured in a different way? Mike Ott 21:48 No, not structured. The industry… So, I separated, tried an engineering job for about eight months. Hated it. I was, I was development engineer at Ford Motor Company, great firm. Love the organization, bored stiff, right? Just not what I wanted to do, and that's where I just quit. Moved back to Chicago, where I'm from, and started networking and found a role with an investment bank, ABN AMRO, which is a large Dutch investment bank that had begun to establish itself in the United States. So their headquarters in Chicago and I talked fast enough where somebody took a bet on me and was brought into the investment banking arm where I was on the capital markets team and institutional equities. So think of capital markets, and think of taking companies public and distributing those shares to large institutions, pensions funds, mutual funds, family offices.   Naviere Walkewicz 22:48 So a lot of learning and excitement for you.   Mike Ott 22:51 Super fun. And so the industry is very structured. How capital is established, capital flows, very regulated. We've got the SEC, we've got the FDIC, a lot of complex regulations and compliance matters. That's very, very, very structured. But there was a free-wheelingness in the marketplace. And if you've seen Wolf of Wall Street and things like that, some of that stuff happened. Crazy! And I realized that with my attitude, sense of placing trust in people before I really knew them, figuring that, “OK, what's the downside? I get nipped in the fan once, once or twice. But if I can thrust trust on somebody and create a relationship where they're surprised that I've trusted them, it's probably going to build something reciprocal. So learn how to do that.” And as a young fellow on the desk, wound up being given more responsibility because I was able to apply some of the basic tenets of leadership that you learned and I learned at the Academy. And face it, many of the men and women that work on Wall Street or financial services simply haven't gone to the Academy. It's just, it's the nature of numbers — and don't have that experience. They have other experiences. They have great leadership experiences, but they don't have this. And you and I may take it for granted because we were just four years of just living through it. It oozed in every moment, every breath, every interaction, every dialog, it was there.But we didn't know it was being poured in, sprinkled across as being showered. We were being showered in it. But I learned how to apply that in the relationships that I built, knowing that the relationships that I built and the reputation that I built would be lasting and impactful and would be appropriate investments for the future endeavors, because there's always a future, right? So it wasn't… again, lot of compliance, lot of regulations, but just the personalities. You know, I did it for the challenge, right? I did it because I was curious. I did it because I wanted to see if I could succeed at it. There were other folks that did it simply because it was for the money. And many, some of them made it. They might have sold their soul to get there. Some didn't make it. Maybe it wasn't the right pursuit for them in the first place. And if I go back to mentoring, which we talked about a little bit, and I help young men and women, cadets or maybe even recent grads, my guidance to them is, don't chase the money, chase the environment, right? And chase the environment that allows you to find your flow and contribute to that environment. The money will come. But I saw it — I've seen it with grads. I've seen it with many of the folks that didn't make it in these roles in financial services, because I thought, “Hey, this is where the money is.” It might be. But you have to go back to the basis of all this. How are you complected? What are your values? Do they align with the environment that you're in? And can you flow in a way where your strengths are going to allow success to happen and not sell your soul? Naviere Walkewicz 26:26 Yeah, you said two things that really stood out to me in that —the first one was, you know, trusting, just starting from a place of trust and respect, because the opportunity to build a relationship faster, and also there's that potential for future something. And then the second thing is the environment and making sure it aligns with your values. Is that how you got to MOBE? Mike Ott 26:50 Yeah, I would say how I got to MOBE, that certainly was a factor. Good question.   Naviere Walkewicz 26:57 The environment, I feel, is very much aligned Mike Ott 27:00 Very much so and then… But there's an element of reputation and relationship that allowed me to get there. So now I'm lucky to be a part of this firm. We're 250 people. We will do $50 million of revenue. We're growing nicely. I've been in health care for four years. Now, we are we're more than just healthcare. I mean, it's deep data. We can get into some of that later, but I had this financial services background. I was drawn to MOBE, but I had established a set of relationships with people at different investment banks, with other families that had successfully built businesses and just had relationships. And I was asked to come on to the board because MOBE, at the time, great capabilities, but struggled with leadership during COVID. Lot of companies did. It's not an indictment as to the prior CEO, but he and the team struggled to get through COVID. So initially I was approached to come on to the board, and that was through the founders of the firm who had known me for 20 years and knew my reputation, because I'd done different things at the investment bank, I'd run businesses at US Bank, which is a large commercial bank within the country, and they needed someone that… They cared very little about health care experience, which is good for me, and it was more around a sense of leadership. They knew my values. They trusted me. So initially I was asked to come onto the board, and that evolved into, “No, let's just do a whole reset and bring you on as the CEO.” Well, let's go back to like, what makes me tick. I love ambiguity. I love a challenge. And this has been a bit of a turnaround in that great capabilities, but lost its way in COVID, because leadership lost its way. So there's a lot of resetting that needed to occur. Corpus of the firm, great technology, great capabilities, but business model adaptation, go to market mechanisms and, frankly, environment. Environment. But I was drawn to the environment because of the people that had founded the organization. The firm was incubated within a large pharmaceutical firm. This firm called Upsher-Smith, was a Minnesota firm, the largest private and generic pharmaceutical company in the country, and sold for an awful lot of money, had been built by this family, sold in 2017 and the assets that are MOBE, mostly data, claims, analysis capabilities stayed separate, and so they incubated that, had a little bit of a data sandbox, and then it matriculated to, “Hey, we've got a real business here.” But that family has a reputation, and the individuals that founded it, and then ultimately found MOBE have a reputation. So I was very comfortable with the ambiguity of maybe not knowing health care as much as the next guy or gal, but the environment I was going into was one where I knew this family and these investors lived to high ethical standards, and there's many stories as to how I know that, but I knew that, and that gave me a ton of comfort. And then it was, “We trust you make it happen. So I got lucky. Naviere Walkewicz 30:33 Well, you're, I think, just the way that you're wired and the fact that you come from a place of trust, obviously, you know, OK, I don't have the, you know, like the medical background, but there are a lot of experts here that I'm going to trust to bring that expertise to me. And I'm going to help create an environment that they can really thrive in. Mike Ott 30:47 I'm certain many of our fellow alum have been in this experience, had these experiences where a leader worth his or her salt should be comfortable not being the smartest gal or guy in the room. In fact, you should strive for that to be the case and have a sense of lack of hubris and proudly acknowledge what you don't know. But what I do know is how to set vision. What I do know is how to move people without authority. What I do know is how to resource. And that's what you do if you want to move a mission, whether it's in the military, small firm like us that's getting bigger, or, you know, a big organization. You can't know it all. Naviere Walkewicz 31:30 So something you just mentioned that I think a lot of our listeners would really like, would love a little bit to peel us back a little bit. You said, “I know how to set a vision. I know how to…” I think it was move…   Mike Ott 31:45 Move people without authority and prioritize.   Naviere Walkewicz 31:47 But can we talk a little bit about that? Because I think that is really a challenge that some of our you know younger leaders, or those early in their leadership roles struggle with. Maybe, can you talk a little bit about that? Mike Ott 32:01 For sure, I had some — again, I tried to do my best to apply all the moments I had at the Academy and the long list of just like, “What were you thinking?” But the kindness piece comes through and… Think as a civilian outside looking in. They look at the military. It's very, very, very structured, OK, but the best leaders the men and women for whom you and I have served underneath or supported, never once barked an order, OK? They expressed intent, right? And you and I and all the other men and women in uniform, if we were paying attention, right, sought to execute the mission and satisfaction of that intent and make our bosses' bosses' jobs easier. That's really simple. And many outsiders looking in, we get back to just leadership that are civilians. They think, “Oh my gosh, these men and women that are in the military, they just can't assimilate. They can't make it in the civilian world.” And they think, because we come from this very, very hierarchical organization, yes, it is very hierarchical — that's a command structure that's necessary for mission execution — but the human part, right? I think military men and women leaders are among the best leaders, because guess what? We're motivating men and women — maybe they get a pat on the back. You didn't get a ribbon, right? Nobody's getting a year-end bonus, nobody's getting a spot bonus, nobody's getting equity in the Air Force, and it's gonna go public, right? It's just not that. So the best men and women that I for whom I've worked with have been those that have been able to get me to buy in and move and step up, and want to demonstrate my skills in coordination with others, cross functionally in the organization to get stuff done. And I think if there's anything we can remind emerging graduates, you know, out of the Academy, is: Don't rely on rank ever. Don't rely on rank. I had a moment: I was a dorky second lieutenant engineer, and we were launching a new system. It was a joint system for Marines, Navy and Air Force, and I had to go from Boston to Langley quite often because it was a TAC-related system, Tactical Air Force-related system. And the I was the program manager, multi-million dollar program for an interesting radio concept. And we were putting it into F-15s, so in some ground-based situations. And there was this E-8, crusty E-8, smoked, Vietnam, all these things, and he was a comms dude, and one of the systems was glitching. It just wasn't working, right? And we were getting ready to take this thing over somewhere overseas. And he pulls alongside me, and it's rather insubordinate, but it was a test, right? He's looking at me, Academy guy, you know, second lieutenant. He was a master sergeant, and he's like, “Well, son, what are we going to do now?” In other words, like, “We're in a pickle. What are we going to do now?” But calling me son. Yeah, it's not appropriate, right? If I'd have been hierarchical and I'd relied on rank, I probably would have been justified to let him have it. Like, that's playing short ball, right? I just thought for a second, and I just put my arm around him. I said, “Gee, Dad, I was hoping you're gonna help me.” And mother rat, we figured it out, and after that, he was eating out of my hand. So it was a test, right? Don't be afraid to be tested but don't take the bait. Naviere Walkewicz 35:46 So many good just lessons in each of these examples. Can you share a time at MOBE when you've seen someone that has been on your team that has demonstrated that because of the environment you've created? Mike Ott 35:57 For sure. So I've been running the firm now for about three and a half years. Again, have adapted and enhanced our capabilities, changed the business model a bit, yet functioning in our approach to the marketplace remains the same. We help people get better, and we get paid based on the less spend they have in the system. Part of some of our principles at MOBE are pretty simple, like, eat, sleep, move, smile, all right. And then be thoughtful with your medication. We think that medicine is an aid, not a cure. Your body's self-healing and your mind controls your body.   Naviere Walkewicz 36:32 Eat, sleep, move, smile. Love that.   Mike Ott 36:35 So what's happening with MOBE, and what I've seen is the same is true with how I've altered our leadership team. I've got some amazing leaders — very, very, very accomplished. But there are some new leaders because others just didn't fit in. There wasn't the sense of communal trust that I expected. There was too much, know-it-all'ing going on, right? And I just won't have that. So the easiest way to diffuse that isn't about changing head count, but it's around exhibiting vulnerability in front of all these folks and saying, “Look, I don't know that, but my lead pharmacist here, my lead clinician here, helped me get through those things.” But I do have one leader right, who is our head of vice president of HR, a woman who grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota, who has come to myself and our president and shared that she feels liberated at MOBE because, though this firm is larger than one that she served as a director of HR, previously, she's never had to look — check her six, look right, look left and seek alignment to ensure she's harmonizing with people. Naviere Walkewicz 37:49 Can you imagine being in an environment like that? Mike Ott 38:51 It's terrible, it's toxic, and it's wrong. Leaders, within the organization, I think you're judged more by what you don't do and the actions that you don't take. You can establish trust, and you will fortify that trust when you share with the team as best you can, so long as it's nothing inappropriate, where you made a mistake, where we went wrong. What did we learn from that? Where are we going to pivot? How we're going to apply that learning to make it better, as opposed to finding blame, pointing the finger or not even acknowledging? That happens all the time, and that toxicity erodes. And regretfully, my VP of HR in prior roles experienced that, and I don't have time. Good teams shouldn't have time to rehearse the basic values of the firm. We don't have time the speed of business is like this [snaps]. So if I can build the team of men and women that trust one another, can stay in their lanes, but also recognize that they're responsible for helping run the business, and look over at the other lanes and help their fellow leaders make adjustments without the indictful comment or without sort of belittling or shaming. That's what good teams, do. You, and I did that in the Air Force, but it is not as common as you would think. Naviere Walkewicz 39:11 20 we've been talking about MOBE, and you know, the environment you're creating there, and just the way that you're working through innovation. Let's talk a little bit how you're involved with DIU, the Defense Innovation Unit. Mike Ott 39:21 Again, it's reputation in relationships. And it was probably 2010, I get a call from a fellow grad, '87 grad who was living in the Beltway, still in uniform. He was an O-5 I was an O-5. Just doing the Academy liaison work, helping good young men and women that wanted to go to the Academy get in. And that was super satisfying, thought that would be the end of my Reserve career and super fun. And this is right when the first Obama administration came in, and one of his edicts and his admin edicts was, we've got to find ways to embrace industry more, right? We can't rely on the primes, just the primes. So those were just some seeds, and along with a couple other grads, created what is now called Joint Reserve Directorate, which was spawned DIUX, which was DIU Experimental, is spawned from. So I was the owner for JRD, and DIUX as a reserve officer. And that's how we all made colonel is we were working for the chief technology officer of the Defense Department, the Hon. Zach Lemnios, wonderful fellow. Civilian, didn't have much military experience, but boy, the guy knew tech — semiconductors and areas like that. But this was the beginning of the United States recognizing that our R&D output, OK, in the aggregate, as a fund, as a percentage of GDP, whether it's coming out of the commercial marketplace or the military DoD complex, needs to be harnessed against the big fight that we have with China. We can see, you know, we've known about that for 30 years. So this is back 14 years ago. And the idea was, let's bring in men and women — there was a woman in our group too that started this area — and was like, “How do we create essential boundary span, boundary spanners, or dual-literacy people that are experiences in capital markets, finance, how capital is accumulated, innovation occurs, but then also how that applies into supporting the warfighter. So we were given a sandbox. We were given a blank slate.   Naviere Walkewicz 41:37 It's your happy place.   Mike Ott 41:38 Oh, super awesome. And began to build out relationships at Silicon Valley with commercial entities, and developed some concepts that are now being deployed with DIU and many other people came in and brought them all to life. But I was lucky enough after I retired from the Reserves as a colonel to be asked to come back as an adviser, because of that background and that experience, the genesis of the organization. So today I'm an unpaid SGE — special government employee — to help DIU look across a variety of different domains. And so I'm sure many of our listeners know it's key areas that we've got to harness the commercial marketplace. We know that if you go back into the '70s, ‘60s and ‘70s, and creation of the internet, GPS, precision munitions and all of that, the R&D dollars spent in the aggregate for the country, 95% came out of DOD is completely flip flopped today. Completely flipped. We happen to live in an open, free society. We hope to have capital markets and access a lot of that technology isn't burdened like it might be in China. And so that's the good and bad of this open society that we have. We've got to find ways. So we, the team does a lot of great work, and I just help them think about capital markets, money flows, threat finance. How you use financial markets to interdict, listen, see signals, but then also different technologies across cyberspace, autonomy, AI. Goodness gracious, I'm sure there's a few others. There's just so much. So I'm just an interloper that helps them think about that, and it's super fun that they think that I can be helpful. Naviere Walkewicz 43:29 Well, I think I was curious on how, because you love the ambiguity, and that's just something that fills your bucket — so while you're leading MOBE and you're creating something very stable, it sounds like DIU and being that kind of special employee, government employee, helps you to fill that need for your ambiguous side.   Mike Ott 43:48 You're right. You're right.   Naviere Walkewicz 43:49 Yeah, I thought that's really fascinating. Well, I think it's wonderful that you get to create that and you just said, the speed of business is this [snaps]. How do you find time in your life to balance what you also put your values around — your health — when you have such an important job and taking care of so many people? Mike Ott 44:06 I think we're all pretty disciplined at the Academy, right? I remain that way, and I'm very, very — I'm spring loaded to ‘no,' right? “Hey, do you want to go do this?” Yeah, I want to try do, I want to do a lot of things, but I'm spring loaded. So like, “Hey, you want to go out and stay, stay up late and have a drink?” “No,” right? “Do you want to do those things?” So I'm very, very regimented in that I get eight hours of sleep, right? And even somebody, even as a cadet, one of the nicknames my buddies gave me was Rip Van Ott, right? Because I'm like, “This is it.” I was a civil engineer. One of my roommates was an astro guy, and I think he pulled an all-nighter once a week.   Naviere Walkewicz 45:46 Oh, my goodness, yeah.   Mike Ott 45:50 Like, “Dude, what are you doing?” And it wasn't like he was straight As. I was clearly not straight As, but I'm like, “What are you doing? That's not helpful. Do the work ahead of time.” I think I maybe pulled three or four all-nighters my entire four years. Now, it's reflected in my GPA. I get that, but I finished the engineering degree. But sleep matters, right? And some things are just nonnegotiable, and that is, you know, exercise, sleep and be kind to yourself, right? Don't compare. If you're going to compare, compare yourself to yesterday, but don't look at somebody who is an F-15 pilot, and you're not. Like, I'm not. My roommate, my best man at my wedding, F-15 pilot, Test Pilot School, all these things, amazing, amazing, awesome, and super, really, really, happy and proud for him, but that's his mojo; that's his flow, right? If you're gonna do any comparison, compare yourself to the man or woman you were yesterday and “Am I better?”. Naviere Walkewicz 44:48 The power of “no” and having those nonnegotiables is really important. Mike Ott 45:53 Yeah, no, I'm not doing that. Naviere Walkewicz 45:56 I think sometimes we're wired for a “we can take on… we can take it on, we can take it on, we can take it on. We got this.” Mike Ott 46:03 For sure. Oh, my goodness. And I have that discussion with people on my team from time to time as well, and it's most often as it relates to an individual on the team that's struggling in his or her role, or whether it's by you know, if it's by omission and they're in the wrong role, that's one thing. If it's by commission, well, be a leader and execute and get that person out of there, right? That's wrong, but from time to time, it's by omission, and somebody is just not well placed. And I've seen managers, I can repatriate this person. I can get him or her there, and you have to stop for a second and tell that leader, “Yeah, I know you can. I'm certain that the only thing you were responsible for was to help that person fulfill the roles of the job that they're assigned. You could do it.” But guess what? You've got 90% of your team that needs care, nurturing and feeding. They're delivering in their function, neglect, there destroys careers, and it's going to destroy the business. So don't, don't get caught up in that. Yeah. Pack it on. Pack it on. Pack it on. You're right. When someone's in the crosshairs, I want to be in the crosshairs with you, Naviere, and Ted, and all the people that you and I affiliate with, but on the day-to-day, sustained basis, right to live, you know, to execute and be fulfilled, both in the mission, the work and stay fit, to fight and do it again. You can't. You can't. And a lot of a little bit of no goes a long way. Naviere Walkewicz 47:40 That is really good to hear. I think that's something that a lot of leaders really don't share. And I think that's really wonderful that you did. I'd like to take a little time and pivot into another area that you're heavily involved, philanthropy side. You know, you've been with the Falcon Foundation. Where did you find that intent inside of you? I mean, you always said the Academy's been part of you, but you found your way back in that space in other ways. Let's talk about that. Mike Ott 48:05 Sure. Thank you. I don't know. I felt that service is a part of me, right? And it is for all of us, whether you stay in the military or not. Part of my financial services jobs have been in wealth management. I was lucky enough to run that business for US Bank in one of my capacities, and here I am now in health care, health care of service. That aligns with wanting things to be better across any other angle. And the philanthropic, philanthropic side of things — I probably couldn't say that word when I was a cadet, but then, you know, I got out and we did different volunteer efforts. We were at Hanscom Field raising money for different organizations, and stayed with it, and always found ways to have fun with it. But recognized I couldn't… It was inefficient if I was going to be philanthropic around something that I didn't have a personal interest in. And as a senior executive at US Bank, we were all… It was tacit to the role you had roles in local foundations or community efforts. And I remember sitting down with my boss, the CFO of the bank, and then the CEO, and they'd asked me to go on to a board, and it had to do with a museum that I had no interest in, right? And I had a good enough relationship with these, with these guys, to say, “Look, I'm a good dude. I'm going to be helpful in supporting the bank. And if this is a have to, all right, I'll do it, but you got the wrong guy. Like, you want me to represent the bank passionately, you know, philanthropically, let me do this. And they're like, “OK, great.” So we pivoted, and I did other things. And the philanthropic piece of things is it's doing good. It's of service for people, entities, organizations, communities or moments that can use it. And I it's just very, very satisfying to me. So my wife and I are pretty involved that way, whether it's locally, with different organizations, lot of military support. The Academy, we're very fond of. It just kind of became a staple. Naviere Walkewicz 50:35 Did you find yourself also gravitating toward making better your community where you grew up? Mike Ott 50:41 Yeah, yeah, yeah. One of my dear friends that grew up in the same neighborhood, he wound up going to the Naval Academy, and so we're we've been friends for 50 years. Seventh grade.   Naviere Walkewicz 50:53 Same counselor? Mike Ott50:54 Yeah, no. Different counselor, different high school. His parents had a little bit of money, and they, he wound up going to a Catholic school nearby. But great guy, and so he and I, he runs a business that serves the VA in Chicago, and I'm on the board, and we do an awful lot of work. And one of the schools we support is a school on the south side, largely African American students and helping them with different STEM projects. It's not going to hit above the fold of a newspaper, but I could give a rat, doesn't matter to me, seeing a difference, seeing these young men and women. One of them, one of these boys, it's eye watering, but he just found out that he was picked for, he's applying to the Naval Academy, and he just found out that he got a nomination.   Naviere Walkewicz 51:44 Oh my goodness, I just got chills.   Mike Ott 51:46 And so, yeah, yeah, right, right. But it's wonderful. And his parents had no idea anything like that even existed. So that's one that it's not terribly formal, but boy, it looks great when you see the smile on that kid and the impact on that individual, but then the impact it leaves on the community, because it's clear opportunity for people to aspire because they know this young man or this young woman, “I can do that too.” Naviere Walkewicz 52:22 Wow. So he got his nomination, and so he would start technically making class of 2030?   Mike Ott 52:27 That's right. Naviere Walkewicz 52:28 Oh, how exciting. OK Well, that's a wonderful…   Mike Ott 52:27 I hope, I hope, yeah, he's a great kid. Naviere Walkewicz 52:33 Oh, that is wonderful. So you talk about, you know that spirit of giving — how have you seen, I guess, in your journey, because it hasn't been linear. We talked about how you know progression is not linear. How have you grown throughout these different experiences? Because you kind of go into a very ambiguous area, and you bring yourself, and you grow in it and you make it better. But how have you grown? What does that look like for you? Mike Ott 53:02 After having done it several times, right, i.e. entering the fray of an ambiguous environment business situation, I developed a better system and understanding of what do I really need to do out of the gates? And I've grown that way and learn to not be too decisive too soon. Decisiveness is a great gift. It's really, really it's important. It lacks. It lacks because there are too many people, less so in the military, that want to be known for having made… don't want to be known for having made a bad decision, so they don't take that risk. Right, right, right. And so that creates just sort of the static friction, and you've just got to have faith and so, but I've learned how to balance just exactly when to be decisive. And the other thing that I know about me is I am drawn to ambiguity. I am drawn… Very, very curious. Love to learn, try new things, have a range of interests and not very good at any one thing, but that range helps me in critical thinking. So I've learned to, depending on the situation, right, listen, listen, and then go. It isn't a formula. It's a flow, but it's not a formula. And instinct matters when to be decisive. Nature of the people with whom you're working, nature of the mission, evolution, phase of the organization or the unit that you're in. Now is the time, right? So balancing fostering decisiveness is something that that's worth a separate discussion. Naviere Walkewicz 54:59 Right. Wow. So all of these things that you've experienced and the growth that you've had personally — do you think about is this? Is this important to you at all, the idea of, what is your legacy, or is that not? Mike Ott 55:13 We talked a little bit about this beforehand, and I thought I've got to come up with something pithy, right? And I really, I really don't.   Naviere Walkewicz 55:18 Yeah, you don't.   Mike Ott 55:19 I don't think of myself as that. I'm very proud of who I am and what I've done in the reputation that I have built. I don't need my name up in lights. I know the life that I'm living and the life that I hope to live for a lot longer. My legacy is just my family, my children, the mark that I've left in the organizations that I have been a part of.   Naviere Walkewicz 55:58 And the communities that you've touched, like that gentleman going and getting his nomination. I'm sure.   Mike Ott 56:04 Yeah, I don't… having been a senior leader, and even at MOBE, I'm interviewed by different newspapers and all that. Like I do it because I'm in this role, and it's important for MOBE, but I'm not that full of myself, where I got to be up in lights. So I just want to be known as a man that was trustworthy, fun, tried to meet people where they are really had flaws, and sought to overcome them with the few strengths that he had, and moved everything forward. Naviere Walkewicz 56:33 Those are the kind of leaders that people will run through fire for. That's amazing. I think that's a wonderful I mean that in itself, it's like a living legacy you do every day. How can I be better than I was yesterday? And that in itself, is a bit of your living and that's really cool. Well, one of the things we like to ask is, “What is something you're doing every day to be better as a leader?” And you've covered a lot, so I mean, you could probably go back to one of those things, but is there something that you could share with our listeners that you do personally every day, to be better? Mike Ott 57:05 Exercise and read every day, every day, and except Fridays. Fridays I take… that's like, I'll stretch or just kind of go for a walk. But every day I make it a moment, you know, 45 minutes to an hour, something and better for my head, good for my body, right? That's the process in the hierarchy of way I think about it. And then read. Gen. Mattis. And I supported Gen. Mattis as a lieutenant colonel before I wanted to and stuff at the Pentagon. And he I supported him as an innovation guy for JFCOM, where he was the commander. And even back then, he was always talking about reading is leading none of us as military leaders… And I can't hold the candle to the guy, but I learned an awful lot, and I love his mindset, and that none of us can live a life long enough to take In all the leadership lessons necessary to help us drive impact. So you better be reading about it all the time. And so I read probably an hour every night, every day.   Naviere Walkewicz 58:14 What are you reading right now?   Mike Ott 58:15 Oh, man, I left it on the plane! I was so bummed. Naviere Walkewicz 58:17 Oh, that's the worst. You're going to have to get another copy. Mike Ott 58:22 Before I came here, I ordered it from Barnes & Noble so to me at my house when I get home. Love history and reading a book by this wonderful British author named Anne Reid. And it's, I forget the title exactly, but it's how the allies at the end of World War I sought to influence Russia and overcome the Bolsheviks. They were called the interventionalists, and it was an alliance of 15 different countries, including the U.S., Britain, France, U.K., Japan, Australia, India, trying to thwart, you know, the Bolshevik Revolution — trying to thwart its being cemented. Fascinating, fascinating. So that's what I was reading until I left it on the plane today. Naviere Walkewicz 59:07 How do you choose what to read? Mike Ott 59:10 Listen, write, love history. Love to read Air Force stuff too. Just talk to friends, right? You know, they've learned how to read like me. So we get to talk and have fun with that. Naviere Walkewicz 59:22 That's great. Yeah, that's wonderful. Well, the last question I'd like to ask you, before I want to make sure you have an opportunity to cover anything we didn't, is what is something you would share with others that they can do to become better leaders? Maybe they start doing it now, so in the future, they're even stronger as a leader. Mike Ott 59:42 Two things I would say, and try to have these exist in the same breath in the same moment, is have the courage to make it try and make it better every day, all right, and be kind to yourself, be forgiving. Naviere Walkewicz 59:59 That's really powerful. Can you share an example? And I know I that's we could just leave it there, but being courageous and then being kind to yourself, they're almost on two opposite sides. Have you had, can you share an example where I guess you've done that right? You had to be you were courageous and making something better, and maybe it didn't go that way, so you have to be kind to yourself. Mike Ott 1:00:23 Yeah, happy to and I think any cadet will hear this story and go like, “Huh, wow, that's interesting.” And it also plays with the arc of progress isn't linear. I graduated in '85 went to flight school, got halfway through flight school, and there was a RIF, reduction in force. And our class, our flight class, I was flying jets, I was soloing. I was academically — super easy, flying average, right? You know, I like to joke that I've got the fine motor skills of a ham sandwich, right? You know, but, but I didn't finish flight school. And you think about this, here it is. I started in 1981 there were still vestiges of Vietnam. Everyone's going to be a fighter pilot. Kill, kill, kill. Blood makes the grass grow. All of that was there. And I remember when this happened, it was very frustrating for me. It was mostly the major root of frustration wasn't that I wasn't finishing flight school. It was the nature by which the determination that I wasn't finishing was made. And it was, it was a financial decision. We had too many guys and gals, and they were just finding, you know, average folks and then kicking them out. So our class graduated a lower percent than, I think, in that era, it was late '85, '86, maybe '87, but you can look at outflows, and it was interesting, they were making budget cuts. So there was a shaming part there, having gone to the Academy.   Naviere Walkewicz 1:02:02 And knowing since 9 years old. Mike Ott 1:20:04 Right, right, right, and I knew I wanted to go the Academy. I'd like to fly, let's check it out and see if it's for me. I would much rather have been not for me, had I made the decision I don't want to do this or that I was just unsafe and didn't want to do it. The way it turned out is, and this is where I learned a little bit about politics as well. In my class, again, I was very average. Like, nobody's ever going to say, like, yeah, I was going to go fly the Space Shuttle. Like, no way, right? Very, very average, but doing just fine. And a lot of guys and gals wanted to go be navigators, and that's great. I looked in the regs, and I learned this as a cadet, and it's helped me in business, too. If there's a rule, there's a waiver. Like, let me understand the regs, and I asked to go to a board. Instead of just submitting a letter to appeal, I asked to go to a board. And so I went to a board of an O-5 five, couple of threes O-4 four, and ultimately shared the essence of why I shouldn't be terminated in the program. And son of a gun, they agreed, and I still have the letter. The letter says, “Recommend Lt. Ott for reinstatement.” Nobody in my class has that letter, nobody makes the appeal. And I'm like, I'm going downstream. I'm going downstream. And that's the Chicago in me, and that's the piece about… but also move forward, but forgive yourself, and I'll get to that. And so I, I was thrilled, My goodness, and the argument I had is, like, look, you're just not keeping me current. You put me in the sim, and then you're waiting too long to put me in the jet. The regs don't allow for that. And like, you're right. So I'm assigned to go back to the jet. My pals are thrilled. I'm going to stay in the same class. I don't have to wash back. And then I get a call from the DO's office — director of operations — and it was from some civilian person so the DO overrode the board's decision. Heartbreaking. Heartbreaking.   Naviere Walkewicz 1:04:12 You were so high, you did all of your work. And then… Mike Ott 1:04:15 Yeah, and then heartbreaking and frustrating, and I guess the word is indignant: anger aroused through frustration. In that I figured it out. I knew exactly what's happening. I made the appeal and I won. And it wasn't I was expecting to be assigned to fly a fighter. It was like, “Just let me, let me express the merits of my capabilities. It's how the system is designed.” The son of a gun, I jumped in my car and I ran to base and I waited and reported in. He didn't really know who I was. That's because he didn't make a decision. It was just it was that decision, and that's how life comes at you. That's just how it is. It isn't linear. So how do you take that and then say, “Well, I'm going to be kind to myself and make something out of it.” And he went through, you know, a dissertation as to why, and I asked him if I could share my views, and it's pretty candid, and I just said, If my dad were something other than the Chicago policeman, and maybe if he was a senator or general officer, I wouldn't be sitting here. That lit him up, right? That lit him up. But I had to state my views. So I knew I was out of the program. Very, very frustrating. Could have had the mayor of Chicago call. Didn't do that, right? Like, OK, I understand where this is it. That was very frustrating and somewhat shaming. But where the forgiveness comes in and be kind to yourself, is that I ran into ground. I ran into ground and drove an outcome where I still… It's a moment of integrity. I drove an outcome like, there you go. But then what do you do? Forgive yourself, right? Because you didn't do anything wrong, OK? And you pivot. And I turned that into a moment where I started cold calling instructors at the Academy. Because, hey, now I owe the Air Force five years, Air Force is looking for, you know, things that I don't want to do. And thank goodness I had an engineering degree, and I cold called a guy at a base in Hanscom. And this is another tap on the shoulder.   Naviere Walkewicz 1:06:24 That's how you got to Hanscom. Gotcha.   Mike Ott 1:06:27 There was a friend who was Class of '83, a woman who was in my squadron, who was there. Great egg. And she's like, “Hey, I was at the O Club.” Called her. I said, “Hey, help me out. I got this engineering degree. I want to go to one of these bases. Called Lt. Col. Davis, right? I met him at the O Club. I called a guy, and he's like, “Yeah, let's do this.”   Naviere Walkewicz 1:06:44 Wow, I love that..   Mike Ott 1:06:46 It was fantastic So it's a long winded way, but progress isn't linear. And progressing through that and not being a victim, right, recognizing the conditions and the environment that I could control and those that I can't. Anything that I could control, I took advantage of and I sought to influence as best possible. Ran into ground and I feel great about it, and it turns out to be a testament of one of my best successes. Naviere Walkewicz 1:07:17 Wow. Thank you for sharing

The National Security Hour with Col. Mike and Dr. Mike – The United States edges closer to military intervention in Venezuela as tensions rise under the Trump administration. With thousands of Marines on standby, critics warn of another costly, unconstitutional war that repeats past failures. The piece challenges America's long history of interventionism and calls for defending U.S. interests without invading or reshaping foreign nations...

November 10, 2025 marks the U.S. Marines' 250th birthday and to celebrate, we are dedicating the entire month to the Corps, beginning with this discussion featuring Jim "Bullet" Markel.Bullet, who flew the Vought F-8 Crusader, describes flight training, meeting the love of his life, and flying combat operations over Vietnam—including a harrowing mission for which he was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

This is a special 20-minute preview from our 250 Years of the Marine Corps series. In this opening chapter, a handful of men in Philadelphia answer a new call to arms and unknowingly found one of the most storied fighting forces in history. The preview covers the earliest days and how ordinary men began a legacy that still defines Marines today. Support the Series Listen ad-free and a week early on historyofthemarinecorps.supercast.com Donate directly at historyofthemarinecorps.com Try a free 30-day Audible trial at audible.com/marinehistory Social Media Instagram - @historyofthemarines Facebook - @marinehistory Twitter - @marinehistory

Nate Davenport is the Founder & CEO of Nebu Clothing, an outdoor apparel brand built for performance, versatility, and heart. Before launching Nebu, Nate led a finance team at Zappos and served as an infantry squad leader in the U.S. Marines, where he learned the value of gear that works under real pressure.Nebu was born from frustration, products that changed for the sake of change, colors that blended into landscapes but not the spirit of adventure, and fits that never quite fit. Nate set out to fix that by building apparel that feels great, performs hard, and actually looks good.In this episode, Nate shares how he rebuilt his Shopify site from scratch in 36 hours after a crash, how he found the right manufacturing partners through hands-on trial and error, and how he defines success by community and craftsmanship, not scale alone.Whether you're an ecommerce founder navigating supply chain complexity or a brand builder chasing quality over quantity, Nate's story is a masterclass in learning fast, leading with purpose, and finding fulfillment beyond revenue.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:26] Intro[01:09] Building products that solve real use problems[03:16] Turning frustration into a product opportunity[05:46] Building intuition through contrast and visits[10:25] Selling through friends before running paid ads[14:53] Stay updated with new episodes[15:03] Building profitability through paid learning[15:43] Turning events and emails into ad leverage[17:14] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap & Freight Right[21:50] Balancing goodwill with measurable profit[22:28] Moving fulfillment from warehouse to garage[27:01] Choosing product ideas by improving what exists[32:54] Redefining success beyond scale and revenue[36:42] Connecting community through personal supportResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeEveryday active apparel nebuclothing.com/Follow Nate Davenport linkedin.com/in/nathan-davenport-327483186Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Sunday we had an amazing opportunity to be a part of a special event with Marines at Camp Pendleton. Lee Brice came by to perform for a group of Marines in their families to help thank them for their service. Plus, he got a couple digs in on John while here.

For H-Hour perks, join the H-Hour Discord guild: https://discord.com/invite/KCb54MQNxd and follow H-Hour Hugh on X: https://x.com/HughKeir ****** In this H-Hour Icebreaker, Chris Shirley returns as a guest, answering questions submitted by H-Hour patrons. The topics range from the performance of marines in combat compared to other infantry units, to respect for figures like Bear Grylls within the military community. Additional discussions include the UK's digital ID for veterans and its privacy concerns, the impact of reviewing historic special forces actions on mental health, and strategies for maintaining focus during challenging physical endeavors. Shirley shares personal stories from ocean rowing to ultra marathons, highlighting the importance of positive role models and maintaining elements of military life post-service. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and hints at future exclusive content for patrons. Chris Shirley is a former Royal Marines officer and also former Royal Military Police. Chris is also the founder of Hiatus Designs.

Desfile de Día de Muertos rinde homenaje a figuras destacadas de la cultura popularFernando Blumenkron asume despacho de la Fiscalía de MorelosMarines de EU entrenan en Puerto RicoMás información en nuestro Podcast

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we sit down with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to preview the Official 2025 State Veterans Day Celebration in Mankato. Then, hear from the MCL-Dept of Minnesota as they mark 250 years of the USMC and invite you to their November 15 cake-cutting celebration. Guests include: Dave Bellefeuille […] The post 2025 Veterans Day in Mankato & USMC 250th Anniversary appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Rogers for America with Lt. Steve Rogers – The United States intensifies its military campaign against global drug cartels, deploying bombers, Marines, and warships across the Caribbean and near Venezuela. As narco-terrorists threaten stability, a new Counter Narcotics task force leads coordinated air, sea, and land operations. This marks the largest U.S. military mobilization in the region in recent decades...

Synopsis-  US Cities Under Siege: National Guard Deployed Despite Local Opposition: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck join us to discuss the implications of Trump's actions and what Congress, veterans, and the public can do to stop the militarization of American cities.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donateDescription:  The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that's getting complicated under Donald Trump. The President has deployed National Guard troops to half a dozen U.S. cities against the wishes of local officials and ICE agents are roaming around communities acting under unclear rules. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura's guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it's time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Congresswoman Jayapal is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and represents Washington State's 7th Congressional District. She has been at the forefront of congressional oversight and opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Captain Goldbeck is CEO of Vet Voice, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend the values they swore to protect. What can Congress, veterans and the general public do to stop the militarization of our cities? Join us for this powerful conversation, plus a commentary on the other times that the U.S. government has turned its military inward.“What we're seeing now is the president attempting to reshape the U.S. military into a tool of his own domestic political control . . . And then to deploy uniformed service members and the National Guard across the country against the wishes of local elected leaders . . . I feel a lot of sadness and frustration on behalf of those who are serving in uniform today who are being put into this very partisan political position by the United States president.” - Janessa Goldbeck“What law enforcement should be doing — of any kind, whether it's ICE, National Guard, whoever — is trying to deescalate. What we clearly see this set of military actors doing is escalate, right? When you crack down brutally, when you shoot a rubber bullet at a faith leader in Chicago, or when you violently push someone down to the ground, who by the way happens to be the father of three U.S. Marines . . . I think that is really an attempt to suppress any kind of dissent.” - Rep. Pramila JayapalGuests:•  Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation•  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional DistrictFull Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio November 6th  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.RESOURCES:Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Another January 6 Insurrection? 'War Game' Film Asks if We're Ready: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation•  Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut•  Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?:  Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation Related Articles and Resources:•  The Resistance Lab, grassroots trainings led by Pramila Jayapal and thought leaders from across the movement. •  Pentagon orders states' national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces' for ‘crowd control' by Aaron Glantz, October 29, 2025, The Guardian•  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal at No Kings protest Seattle:  ‘We are the people's movement that will save our democracy', October 18, 2025 - Watch - King5.com•  Former Military Leaders Decry National Guard Deployment in Illinois, by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois, October 16, 2025, WTTW-PBS•  Where has Trump suggested sending troops?  In cities run by Democratic mayors, by Juliana Kim, October 16, 2025, NPR•. We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents.  They've Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. by Nicole Foy & photography by Sarahbeth Maney,  October 16, 2025, ProPublica•. Trump open to invoking the Insurrection Act, by Irie Sentner, October 6, 2025, Politico•  FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders, by JMB, June 18, 2025, Military Law Task Force Full Episode Notes are located HERE.Music Credit: original sound design by Jeannie HopperSupport Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

As the routesetting field continues to become more professionalized, so do our standards and expectations. On this episode of The Impact Driver Podcast, host Holly Chen talks with Colorado-based routesetter Daniel Cornella about the state of routesetting education and the elements of good competition sport routes. Dan first discovered climbing thanks to his high school biology teacher, took a detour to serve in the Marines in California, and eventually found his way back to the Colorado climbing scene. In 2013, he was introduced to routesetting at Life Time Fitness by Matt Lloyd. If you've climbed in a Colorado gym in the last decade—from the iconic 90s-era gym Rock'n & Jam'n (now The Spot Thornton) to various Movement locations—chances are you've pulled on something set by Dan, who is now the Assistant Director of Routesetting at Movement's Centennial facility. Dan is also a USAC Level 4 Setter and has set for Youth Nationals, National Cups and Vail Citizens competitions. He has also chiefed half a dozen youth championship events. Outside of climbing, Dan works in high rigging for concerts at major Colorado venues, such as Ball Arena. Above all else, he is a proud husband and father. General Topics Covered A catch-22 of routesetting How gyms can work internally to educate setters through a standardized pipeline Balancing the creative and technical aspects when educating setters Preparing routesetters for their first competition Speed is style The elements of a good skeleton for a rope route Tips and tricks on building pump, from recreational to Olympian-level routes, and why every limb should have a job Systematic forerunning and how to approach skeletons versus near-comp-ready routes Show Notes Find Dan Cornella on Instagram Movement x B-Pump Collaboration Brings Japanese Routesetting and Training to Colorado Rumble in the Rockies Closing Notes If you'd like to nominate someone as a next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we'd love for you to reach out. The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today's episode is sponsored by Essential Climbing and Strati. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and the team at CBJ. Our theme music is by Devin Dabney.

The U.S. crypto scene is finally waking up.After years of regulatory uncertainty and innovation flight, the winds are shifting. Charlie Shrem sits down with Jesse Darnell, former Marine and founder of ADVXNCE Protocol, fresh off Token2049 in Singapore, to talk about why global builders are suddenly turning their eyes back to America.They dive into:What Token2049 reveals about the real direction of crypto in AsiaHow the U.S. is quietly reopening for crypto innovation — from Wyoming to D.C.The rise of “AI + Blockchain” startups and why VCs are finally paying attention againWhat it means to build a company that's both community-driven and battle-testedLessons from the Marines on leadership, pain, and moving fast in chaosWhy meme coins and serious protocols actually depend on each otherIt's a grounded, hopeful conversation about where the next wave of building will happen — and what it'll take to win.Jesse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemappellejesse Thank you for listening to The Charlie Shrem Show. For more free content and access to over 400 episodes, visit www.CharlieShrem.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Filmmaker Michael Pack, President of Manifold Productions and Palladium Pictures, joins Scot Bertram to discuss his award-winning documentary The Last 600 Meters, a gripping and emotional account of Marine heroism during some of the fiercest battles in Iraq. As the U.S. Marine Corps marks its 250th anniversary, Pack reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and brotherhood that defined those final, bloody days in Fallujah and Najaf. The film, celebrated at the G.I. Film Festival and the Hudson Institute Film Festival, captures the bravery of ordinary Marines who accomplished extraordinary things in the face of overwhelming odds.  

This week the Late Crew talks about where Airmen and Guardians can turn for help during the Government shutdown (07:58), the Navy launches reviews of Marines' and sailors' personal social media posts (20:53), gate guards fire on truck at Coast Guard base where federal agents had arrived (32:40), and our Unheralded History featuring the FP-45 Liberator (43:49) and Edgewater Arsenal (51:07). https://lateforchangeover.com/

Allyn Hinton, Marine and Army aviator, joins So There I Was for a wild, first-person tour from low-level Huey recons over Da Nang to Blackhawks in Desert Storm. In this Allyn Hinton interview, he relives a smoke-grenade surprise that flushed eight guys from a bunker, a foot chase through a dry rice paddy, and a med-evac detour that out-prioritized a Korean officers' trip to LZ-3! Then we leap to carrier quals, C-130 world travel, and the only thing harder than hovering: trying not to laugh while catching the “wrong” wire. Along the way, Hinton flies with his son, chauffeurs U.S. senators past oil-well fires, and explains why Marines embraced the “Purple Fox” moniker. It's fast, funny, and shockingly human—aviation history told at rotor-wash speed. Listen now to feel the jet blast, the rotor thump, and the unmistakable Marine grin.

https://www.ikp.meYoutubeSpotifyInstagramBio K.P. (The Infamous King of Positivity) is a first-generation Honduran American of Garifuna descent and a non-binary rapper and producer whose every move is intentional. From their stage name to their sonic palette, I.K.P. creates with layered purpose.Their latest single “FTW” is a high-voltage anthem built to energize your morning, fuel your workout, or soundtrack your world domination. The track's rattling drums and bass, combined with an eerie and dominant melody, drive a sense of urgency that perfectly matches I.K.P.'s electrifying performance.“I want them to feel unstoppable. Whatever you're doing, you're doing it for the win, and you'reundeniable,” they share.I.K.P.'s writing process is as fluid as it is instinctive. Sometimes they write with pen and pad, other times they record voice notes or use their phone's notes app.“Inspiration strikes in fragments or floods. As they say, you don't gotta get ready if you stay ready.”In a landscape where many artists cling to one sound, I.K.P. thrives in versatility. Whether it's boom bap, drill, reggae, or Latin rhythms, they co-produce and collaborate across styles, honoring Hip-Hop's hybrid roots and their own Afro-Caribbean heritage.“I gravitate towards a lot of things and I don't like to be in a box. I do a lot of co-producing with a multifaceted team. I love Hip-Hop so much because you can make all these hybrid styles make sense.”Their sonic range mirrors a life of movement and resilience. Raised in Norfolk, Virginia after their family emigrated from Honduras, I.K.P. also served over five years in the Marines. Growing up near Portsmouth, they drew early inspiration from Missy Elliott's boundary-breaking creativity.The name I.K.P. represents more than music. It embodies advocacy and empowerment. Their stage name was inspired by their mission to combat the stigma surrounding HIV-positive diagnoses and to use art as a tool for visibility and strength among marginalized communities.“I decided I wasn't going to let things that happened to me define how I saw the world. I wanted to show people who looked like me and lived like me that they could gain a sense of power. And if they didn't know how to do it for themselves, I could show them that it could be done.”I.K.P. also explores the intersection of rap, pop culture, and the evolving LGBTQIA+ experience, acknowledging both the progress and the challenges that remain. They reference artists like Kevin Abstract, Tyler The Creator, Lil Nas X, Young M.A, Steve Lacy, and Syd, trailblazers who continue to push the conversation forward.“It's about self-actualization. Whether you're Black, gay, and/or queer, you're often kept out of certain rooms and conversations. I want to show people that you can always take control and be free.”For I.K.P., rap is a ritual, a reflection of joy, pain, and transformation.“I want to continue to speak for those who feel like they don't have a voice or that their voice is being suppressed. Hip-Hop has always been a tool of progression and evolution, and I just want to continue that tradition,” they said.Their fanbase, affectionately known as #PozFriendlies, can expect a wave of new releases following the success of their fourth full-length project 11:11 | eleven eleven released in 2021. I.K.P. is also expanding their BLOCK SPINNINseries on TikTok and Instagram, a Stereogum-inspired chronicle exploring the history of Billboard Hot 100 hits.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/creator-to-creators-with-meosha-bean--4460322/support.

New Ultramarines Datasheets Breakdown — Marneus Calgar, Cato Sicarius, and the new Victrix Honor Guard (are they actually upgrades?)Back from Coventry and Raven Guard testing, and today we're talking ULTRAMARINES.Games Workshop just dropped new datasheets for:- Marneus Calgar (new version),- Cato Sicarius (Terminator armour profile),- Victrix Honor Guard (as a standalone unit).These have been rumoured for a while, and now that we've had time to think instead of just reacting, I'm walking through:- what actually changed,- how they compare to the current/old datasheets,- what combos they unlock in actual lists,- and whether they're real competitive tools or just flavour.This is not hype, this is “would I take this to a tournament?”Topics in this episode:00:00 Intro / why Marines always get new toys 01:05 Ultramarines as a “character chassis” faction 02:05 Marneus Calgar (new profile) - No more 4+++ feel no pain (thank you) - Gains Deep Strike + Terminator keyword - Loses the built-in Victrix “bodyguard package”, becomes more modular - Fall back + shoot/charge AND advance + shoot/charge aura - Why I think he's ~110–120pts and what that means for list design - Which hosts he actually makes scary (Bladeguard, Eradicators, Stern Guard, Terminators) - Why flexibility - raw stat brick now10:50 Cato Sicarius - Terminator armour, 2+/4++, 5W - Reworked melee kit: strike / sweep / coup de grâce - His heroic intervention aura is cleaner (unit, not just himself) - BUT: loses Scout + Assault from the old datasheet (which was huge) - Can basically only join Victrix now - Does that actually beat just running old Sicarius or a different captain?18:40 Victrix Honor Guard (now their own unit) - Now a standalone choice (you can run multiple squads) - 2+ save, 4W, OC2 bodies with “minus 1 to wound” when led by a Captain/Chapter Master - Banner gives +1 Str / +1 AP once per game - Blood Surge exists, but I explain why blood surge is easier to play around at high skill levels - Twin-linked precision beatstick inside the squad - Why they start overlapping with/possibly replacing Terminators and Company Heroes in a lot of shells25:20 Are these TRUE upgrades? - New Marneus vs old Marneus: trades raw durability (no 4+++/FNP brick) for list freedom and CP utility. This is probably a win. - New Sicarius vs old Sicarius: weapon glow-up, but losing Scout + Assault and being basically glued to Victrix might be a net downgrade. - Victrix vs Terminators/Company Heroes: 4W OC2 minus-one-to-wound infantry with decent guns and melee… feels like “better Terminators” in a lot of lists.31:10 List concepts - Cheap Marneus “CP battery + mobility aura” instead of the full Gilman/Calgar/Victrix bus - Victrix + a budget Lieutenant in a Rhino to create a mobile OC brick that can reactive move / blood surge onto points - Eradicators + Marneus for advance-shoot-charge vs Combined Arms style Guard - Terminators + Marneus using 1CP -1 Damage in melee in First Company Task Force for combat mirror work / teams formats34:15 What I'm doing next - I'll be building some prototype Ultramarines lists assuming reasonable points costs (I'm benchmarking Victrix at -40ppm and “lean Marneus” at ~110–120) - I'll show which shells feel like real event lists vs win-more fluffIf you've already theorycrafted something disgusting with the new datasheets (especially Victrix bricks or Rhino-delivery ideas), drop it in the comments. If you've got an archetype you want me to build on video, tell me and I'll include it.Also live right now:- Coventry recap (7-1, Raven Guard in practice, Sisters tech, Guard jail setups)- Grey Knights Warp-Bane Task Force masterclass with Innes (Stormraven abuse, macro, matchups)- Guard Combined Arms masterclass with Naim (3 terrain formats, 3 lists, role-by-role breakdown)

Democrat Maine senatorial candidate Graham Platner claims that he didn't know he got a Nazi tattoo in 2007 while serving as a U.S. Marine, saying on “Pod Save America” that he was “very inebriated” and “chose a terrifying skull and crossbones off the wall because we were Marines and skulls and crossbones are a pretty standard military thing.” “The Democrats are in a quandary. The old guard of Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, are very worried about this young group of more radical, Jacobin, younger people who want to shut down the government … “The problem that these people have is they are not in the mainstream of American politics. And so, they have said things in their past before they were candidates—sometimes during—that are incompatible with the majority of Americans' views on what denotes proper behavior and conduct of a politician or an official. “For example, Mr. Platner in Maine … “It was the exact replica, facsimile of the Totenkopf, death's head, emblem of the 3rd SS-Waffen Division in World War II, a division that was made up of former, at least in its 1939-41 inception, former death camp guards and special Einsatzgruppen group killers of Jews,” argues Victor Davis Hanson on today's edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.”

The second episode of season 2 of BSG brings us a terrifying episode with dark hallways, dead bodies, blood, a boarding party of Cylon Centurions human remains and an underlying feeling of unease. If this episode isn't meant to watch on Halloween, we don't know what is! With Adama in critical condition, Col Tigh must lead the Galactica through one of its scariest moments yet as he sends the Marines and other members of the Colonial fleet to cut off and destroy the Centurions before they reach critical areas of the ship that could lead to the entire crew being vented into space. This episode is sure to keep your heart racing from start to finish!

Film and TV reviewer Tamar Munch with what she's been watching. 

Jamey Johnson has called Nashville home for half his life, but he was raised in Montgomery, Alabama, in a family where pretty much everyone either played an instrument or sang. His grandfather was said to be a great singer, too, with a deep rumbling baritone, and Jamey learned his craft performing with his father's band, the Down Home Boys. From there he eventually joined the Marine Corps Reserves, an experience that delivered lifelong friendships, but it also left him with some emotional scars that have informed his songwriting. Last year, he channeled some of those memories into his first album in 14 years, called Midnight Gasoline, and these days he has plenty to celebrate. In 2025, he got married at a rock quarry in Tennessee—a story you'll want to hear—celebrated his 50th birthday with a show at the Grand Ole Opry, and acted in an upcoming movie with Megan Moroney called A Grand Ole Opry Christmas. Sid talks to Jamey about his tribute to the Greatest Generation, the new song he just recorded with Ronnie Dunn, and the organization he and his wife started called the Give It Away Fund, which supports disaster relief and other important causes. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Biscuits & Jam is produced by: Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer Jeremiah Lee McVay - Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall take a look at the second part of the Battle for Wake Island, the Japanese invasion and American defense. The guys also dig into the details, focusing on the American relief effort planned by Admiral Husband Kimmel, the Japanese plans for a re-do, the Japanese landings and subsequent beat-down that the Marines put on Kajioka's assault troops. All this leads up to the controversial decision to surrender the island by CDR Cunningham. The guys get into a rare "what-if" regarding what would have happened if the Marines had destroyed the second Japanese attempt to take the island. Tune in to this one, this is one of the best ones this season. #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #essex #halsey #taskforce38 #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #mastersoftheair #8thairforce #mightyeighth #100thbombgroup #bloodyhundredth #b17 #boeing #airforce wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #usnavy #usa #usarmy #medalofhonor #enterprise #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #cv6 #midway #wwii #wwiihistory #ww2 #worldwar2 #usnavy #usnavyseals #usmc #usmarines #saipan #usa #usarmy #aircraft #aircraftcarrier #battleship #battleships #ussenterprise #aircraftcarriers #museum #hollywood #movie #movies #books #oldbreed #1stMarineDivision #thepacific #Peleliu #army #marines #marinecorps #worldwar2 #worldwar #worldwarii #leytegulf #battleofleytegulf #rodserling #twilightzone #liberation #blacksheep #power #prisoner #prisonerofwar #typhoon #hurricane #weather #iwojima#bullhalsey #ace #p47 #p38 #fighter #fighterpilot #b29 #strategicstudying #tokyo #boeing #incendiary #usa #franklin #okinawa #yamato #kamikaze #Q&A #questions #questionsandanswers #history #jaws #atomicbomb #nuclear #nationalarchives #nara #johnford #hollywood #fdr #president #roosevelt #doolittle #doolittleraid #pearlharborattack #salvaged

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the impactful journey of Otis Miller, a veteran and former corpsman who shares his experiences transitioning from military service to civilian life. As a member of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Otis discusses the profound influence of camaraderie and brotherhood among veterans, emphasizing how these relationships provide crucial support during challenging times. He elaborates on his current role in promoting physical and mental health within the military community in Hawaii, highlighting innovative programs designed to enhance overall wellness. Otis also reflects on the significance of mental health, particularly for service members facing the isolation of being stationed far from home. Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of maintaining health and well-being, both physically and mentally, as a means of fostering resilience and connection among veterans.The narrative presented in this episode unfolds as a rich tapestry of experiences shared by Otis Miller, a former corpsman with the illustrious 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. The dialogue intricately weaves through the challenges and triumphs of military life, illuminating the inherent difficulties faced during the transition to civilian existence. Otis's reflections on his service provide a compelling insight into the dichotomy of expectation versus reality, particularly in terms of the rigorous training he undertook and the unpredictability of his assignments. He candidly discusses the physical ailments that led to his decision to leave the military, offering a relatable perspective for many veterans who struggle with similar issues. This exploration of personal history is not merely a recounting of past events; it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the complexities of adjusting to life outside of uniform.As the conversation progresses, Otis articulates his ongoing commitment to the health and wellness of his fellow Marines in Hawaii, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive health that encompasses not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional well-being. He details innovative health promotion programs he has implemented, which address the multifaceted nature of wellness, including nutrition and stress management. This holistic approach is vital in recognizing that the challenges veterans face extend beyond the battlefield and into their daily lives, where issues such as isolation and mental health can profoundly impact their quality of life. Through his work, Otis exemplifies the significance of creating supportive environments for service members navigating their post-military journeys.In conclusion, this episode serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the intricacies of life as a veteran, highlighting the necessity of community, support, and open dialogue. Otis's experiences and insights provide a lens through which listeners can appreciate the importance of prioritizing health and well-being, as well as the transformative power of connection within the veteran community. His story is a testament to resilience and the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences, making it an essential listen for both veterans and those looking to understand their journeys.Takeaways: Veterans have a platform to share their experiences, fostering community and understanding. The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging yet fulfilling through support and education. Physical fitness and mental health are integral to overall wellness for veterans in Hawaii. Building camaraderie among veterans is essential for emotional support and resilience. Engaging in meaningful work post-service can help veterans maintain a sense of purpose. Continuous education and self-care are vital for veterans to thrive in civilian life....

durée : 00:30:54 - Les Nuits de France Culture - par : Albane Penaranda - Par Raoul Auclair et Hugues Leblanc - Avec Hugues Leblanc et Dimitri Rebikoff (l'explorateur de ces ruines sous-marines) - Réalisation Marie-Laure Bornq - réalisation : Virginie Mourthé

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a special livestream conversation with Elliot Ackerman, decorated Marine, CIA officer, acclaimed novelist, and co-chair of the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation. Ackerman served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine Raider and special operations officer, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and Purple Heart. His experiences on the front lines, particularly during the Second Battle of Fallujah—profoundly shaped his worldview and continue to inform his writing about war, morality, and memory. Since leaving the Marines, Ackerman has become one of America's most distinguished voices on the human cost and complexity of modern warfare. His novels and memoirs—including Green on Blue, Dark at the Crossing (a National Book Award finalist), Waiting for Eden, Places and Names: On War, Revolution, and Returning, The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan, 2034: A Novel of the Next World War (co-authored with Admiral James Stavridis), and Halcyon—explore what it means to serve, to lose, and to come home changed. In addition to his literary career, Ackerman serves as co-chair of the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation, which is leading the effort to build a national memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring all who served in the post-9/11 wars. He has spoken passionately about ensuring that this memorial reflects not only the valor of service but also the complexity and enduring impact of America's longest conflict. This conversation will trace Ackerman's journey from the Marine Corps to the written page, exploring how combat, conscience, and storytelling intersect in his work. We'll also discuss his vision for the Global War on Terror Memorial and how remembrance can bridge the gap between those who served and those who did not. Learn more about Elliot Ackerman at his Penguin Random House Speakers page and read his reflections on the memorial project at the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation.

In this episode I discuss Burnout and Generational Trauma. I go on to talk about the company you keep and Adrenaline fueled Infidelity. Thank you all for being patient with me while I took a much needed six month break. Enjoy! Grab My Book "Create Your Own Light": https://www.amazon.com/dp/b0892dp6qj/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travishowze/Website: www.travishowze.com

In 1941, as the world plunged deeper into war, a small contingent of U.S. Marines found themselves far from the Pacific jungles, engaging in missions that would not capture headlines but were no less critical. Deployed far from the Pacific, they prepared the groundwork for larger Allied operations. In London, amidst the Blitz, they protected the American Embassy and took on tasks that extended far beyond their original mission. Across the Atlantic, in the rugged terrain of Scotland, Marines were pushed to their physical limits, learning unconventional warfare tactics from British Royal Marines, skills that would later define the elite Marine Raiders. Though often unsung, these Marines quietly helped lay the foundation for major victories to come. Their early, discreet efforts were crucial in shaping the success of later, larger campaigns and establishing the Marine Corps as a force capable of adapting to the ever-changing demands of global conflict. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

The Falklands and the Wreck Eric J. Dolan Left for Dead: Shipwreck, Treachery, and Survival at the Edge of the World The American sealers sought valuable fur seals and elephant seal blubber in the Falkland Islands, a harsh, virtually uninhabited region characterized by constant high winds averaging 18 mph and cold temperatures averaging 49°F in summer. The treeless landscape features tusk grass, which grows up to nine feet tall and yields peat useful for making fires. While the Nanina hunted seals, the Australian transport ship Isabella wrecked on Eagle Island due to Captain George Hickton's ineptitude and drinking. The 54 survivors, including Marines and pardoned convicts, made it ashore, though many were inebriated and convinced they would perish in this desolate location. 1849 FALKLANDS

In this episode 140 of The Afterburn Podcast, Rain sits down with retired US Marine Corps fighter pilot and Echelon Front leadership instructor Dave "Chip" Berke — the only Marine ever to fly the USAF F-22 and the first to operationally fly the F-35B. From deployment on the USS John C. Stennis and TOPGUN instructor duty, to commanding the Marines' first F-35B squadron and now helping build high-performing teams at Echelon Front, "Chip "brings unique stories and hard-earned leadership lessons. Find "The Need to Lead" here: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m “The Need to Lead” by Dave “Chip” Berke, with a contribution by Jocko Willink, explores what it truly means to lead under pressure — in combat, business, and life. Drawing on Berke's rare experience flying the F-18, F-16, F-22, and F-35B, the book distills the lessons learned from two decades of military service and years teaching leadership at Echelon Front. From the cockpits of the world's most advanced fighter jets to the classrooms where he now trains corporate teams, Berke breaks down how humility, accountability, and decisiveness shape effective leaders. His stories reveal how ego can sabotage performance and how embracing failure, listening, and empowering others are the real markers of command.

Send us a textStep into the roar of 1859 as we stage a real-time radio reenactment of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. We don't narrate from a safe distance; we drop you into the town as telegraph wires snap, church bells turn to alarms, and the first shots streak over the Potomac. The result is a tense, immersive experience that reveals how a desperate plan by 21 men pulled a divided nation closer to civil war.We follow Brown's radical vision to seize the federal armory, arm the enslaved, and trigger an uprising, then measure it against the cold reality of Marines assembling under a colonel named Robert E. Lee. You'll hear the clatter of boots outside the engine house, feel the helplessness of hostages, and sense the moral heat that pushed abolition from prayer to powder. By simulating breaking news, we capture uncertainty as it happened—before verdicts, before myth, while choices still splintered by the minute. That immediacy surfaces questions that echo now: when is force justified, what does courage cost, and how do tactics reshape a cause?Beyond the drama, we unpack why a failed raid could still rewrite the nation's timetable. The operation collapses within 48 hours, but its shock travels farther than any telegram. Trials transform into platforms, newspapers harden into trenches, and compromise gives way to confrontation. Through layered sound design and focused storytelling, we show how communication, logistics, and conviction collided at Harper's Ferry—and why the blast wave still ripples through debates on resistance and justice today.Cue up the episode, put on your headphones, and walk into the engine house with us. If this journey moves you, follow the show, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who loves bold history told with cinematic detail.Support the showIf you'd like to buy one or more of our fully illustrated dime novel publications, you can click the link I've included.

Show Featured Sponsor:  The Precision Holsters Vanquish! Learn more: Precision Holsters and use code “seekAWS” for a discount.​​ On today's episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown is joined by Michael “Mac” McNamara, founder of Post-Traumatic Winning and ALL MARINE RADIO. Mac's story spans finance, combat, leadership, and a lifelong mission to help others thrive after trauma. About Michael McNamara: Began his career at Merrill Lynch in Los Angeles, first as a bookkeeper and later as an account executive. Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1983. Served in multiple assignments, including: 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion Marine Detachment, USS Ranger CV-61 The Basic School 3rd Light Armored Infantry Battalion Left active duty in 1994 after more than a decade of service. Post-Service Career & Return to Duty: Became Director of Sports for Special Olympics North Dakota in 1998. Launched his broadcasting career in 2000 as host of MacTalk, earning the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award (2007) for Small Market Personality of the Year. Returned to active duty in 2004, promoted to Major, and deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, with the 1st Marine Division. Mobilized again in 2006 for duty in Fallujah, Iraq, with the 5th Marine Regiment, while simultaneously serving on the Grand Forks City Council. Deployed once more in 2010 with the 1st Marine Regiment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, serving until his retirement in 2015. Post-Traumatic Winning & Advocacy: Founded The Post-Traumatic Winning Company, LLC and launched ALL MARINE RADIO, an online platform promoting mental fitness and reducing veteran suicide. Began presenting Post-Traumatic Winning in 2019, first at Camp Lejeune, NC. The presentation has since reached audiences across the U.S., Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe, impacting organizations of over 10,000 members with measurable results in combating destructive behaviors and suicide. Launched the Post-Traumatic Winning Weekly Seminar series in January 2021, expanding the program's reach and dialogue. Published his first book in March 2025, From Trauma to Joy: Life-Changing Lessons That Fellow U.S. Marines Taught Me After Traumatic Events Occurred in My Life — designed to share these universal lessons with a wider audience. In This Episode: How trauma can become a source of growth, not defeat. The creation and impact of Post-Traumatic Winning. Lessons learned from leading Marines and civilians through crisis. Building mental fitness and resilience in the face of adversity.

Michael dives into today's poll question: Should Maine voters reject Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner over a tattoo resembling a Nazi SS emblem? After Platner claimed he got it “while drunk in the Marines” and only recently covered it, Smerconish asks — is redemption possible, or does this defy logic? Plus, a call for consistency from both parties when confronting extremists in their ranks. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and thank you for rating and reviewing this podcast on your favorite podcast platform! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Branch 101 have stuff to SORT OUT

Send us a textThis episode is a rerun.In this fascinating episode of Being an Engineer, our host Aaron Moncur sits down with Greg Mark, a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized 3D printing with Markforged and is now transforming design workflows with his AI company, Backflip. Greg shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, technological innovations, and the power of persistence.Main Topics:The origin story of Markforged and carbon fiber 3D printingInnovative design principles in manufacturingBackflip's AI-driven approach to converting 3D scans to CAD modelsEntrepreneurship, product development, and market strategyThe importance of reliability and focusing on core product featuresAbout the guest: Greg Mark is a trailblazer in engineering and entrepreneurship, renowned for pioneering innovations that push the boundaries of technology. Currently serving as the Founder and CEO of Backflip, Greg is transforming how we create beautiful, functional objects using AI in a world that is inherently 3D. His latest venture follows a series of impactful contributions to engineering and manufacturing, most notably as the founder of Markforged. There, he invented carbon fiber and mixed metal 3D printing, a technology now deployed globally, including on the International Space Station and by major players like BMW and Tesla.An MIT-trained engineer with both bachelor's and master's degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, Greg's journey started with bold ventures such as Aeromotions, a company that brought high-performance aerodynamics to the fastest cars on the track. His leadership at Genasun redefined off-grid solar power with advanced electronics, and as an advisor to startups like Genesis Therapeutics and Rotor Technologies, Greg continues to mentor innovators tackling the toughest challenges in industries from drug discovery to remote flight.Links:Greg Mark - LInkedInMarkforged WebsiteBackflip.ai Website Click here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

Meech gets brutally honest about five toxic mindsets he carried for years in the Marine Corps—judging Marines by appearance, shaming light/limited duty, putting mission before family, dismissing mental health, and treating MCMAP tabs like power levels. Stories include the moment he finally chose medical over pride, almost leaving the delivery room for a tasker, and a post-injury Marine who redefined what leadership looks like. This isn't Corps-bashing—it's growth: keep the standards, keep the humanity.IG & TIKTOK: meech.speaksLet our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/meechspeaks and enjoy a special discount on your first month.

Today's guest is Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, fighter pilot, ground combat leader, and now a leadership instructor with Echelon Front.As an F/A-18 pilot, Dave deployed twice from the USS John C. Stennis in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before joining the ranks of TOPGUN, where he was dual-qualified in both the F/A-18 and F-16, serving as the Training Officer—the senior pilot responsible for the conduct of the TOPGUN course.He later served on the ground in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006 as an ANGLICO Forward Air Controller with the Army's 1st Armored Division, supporting SEAL Task Unit Bruiser. Dave was the first operational pilot to fly and be qualified in the F-35B Lightning II, commanding the Marines' first F-35 squadron. He also holds a master's degree in International Public Policy and Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University.Now, as Chief Development Officer and leadership instructor with Echelon Front, Dave draws from decades of combat and aviation experience to teach principles of leadership, discipline, and teamwork to organizations around the world.In this episode, Jack talks with Dave about growing up under the flight path of El Toro Marine Base, early influences that led him to Marine aviation, and the journey from the cockpit to the streets of Ramadi. They discuss the power of teamwork under fire, the lessons learned at TOPGUN, and what true leadership looks like—whether in the sky, on the battlefield, or in business.His book, THE NEED TO LEAD: A TOPGUN INSTRUCTOR'S LESSONS ON HOW LEADERSHIP SOLVES EVERY CHALLENGE, is available now.FOLLOW DAVEInstagram:  @davidrberkeX: Dave BerkeFacebook: David BerkeWebsite: daveberke.com FOLLOW JACKInstagram: @JackCarrUSA X:  @JackCarrUSAFacebook:  @JackCarr YouTube:  @JackCarrUSASPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/Bravo Company Manufacturing - https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr:Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

John's monologue discusses Trump's pick to lead a federal watchdog agency - Paul Ingrassia. He withdrew his nomination from consideration after his offensive text messages were made public and GOP senators revolted. Paul was nominated to lead the Office of Special Counsel and had been scheduled to have his confirmation hearing this week. He also talks about Graham Platner. Just one day after apologizing for old unearthed misogynistic and violent Reddit posts, he told reporters he'll remove the death's head tattoo on his chest. The Nazi SS symbol was revealed via photos and videos of Platner - he says he got the tattoo while in the Marines without knowing it was a Nazi logo. Then, John welcomes back John Nichols of The Nation to chat about the historic No Kings march. And finally, he speaks with Andrew Wilson - who is the creator and host of The Crucible debate channel on Youtube. They talk about the GOP, the bible and John's book "The Separation of Church and Hate".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 4861: Remembering The Fallen Marines; The Next Generation Of MAGA