Podcasts about modern war institute

In this episode of GREAT POWER PODCAST, host Ilan Berman talks with Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace about the current state of the war between Russia and Ukraine, and its implications for the U.S. campaign against Iran and Great Power rivalry more broadly.BIO:Michael Kofman is a senior fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he focuses on the Russian military, Ukrainian armed forces, and Eurasian security issues. Prior to joining Carnegie in 2023, he served as director of the Russia Studies Program at the Center for Naval Analyses, where he led a team conducting research on the capabilities, strategy, and military thought of the Russian Armed Forces. Kofman is a contributing editor at War on the Rocks, where he hosts the Russia Contingency, a bi-weekly podcast on the Russian military and the Russia-Ukraine war. He previously served as a research fellow and program manager at the National Defense University. Past fellowships have included the Modern War Institute at West Point, Center for New American Security, and the Woodrow Wilson Center.

John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast, joins the show to break down how the U.S. and Israel are executing a 'neurological' campaign—using precision, targeted strikes on the Iranian Regime and its center of gravity. A strategy that's as old as Clausewitz but more relevant than ever. How are the U.S. and Israel balancing the psychological impact of their precision strikes in tandem with the more traditional threat of brute force? What might this approach reveal about today's conflicts, and how might it influence the next global showdown?  ▪️ Times 03:25 Targeting as strategy   10:40 Neurological strike      20:16 An evolution in military affairs 26:30 Adaptation  30:48 Center of gravity 39:37 The missile program Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack

Ryan Spadafore grew up surrounded by chaos.His father, a former LAPD officer, was eventually caught running a drug manufacturing operation that exploded and triggered a federal investigation. Soon the DEA, FBI, and federal prosecutors were involved, and Ryan found himself caught in the fallout of a criminal case that shattered his family.At the same time, his older brother was battling addiction during the height of the OxyContin epidemic, creating a violent and unpredictable environment inside their home. Ryan describes growing up in constant fear, dealing with threats, family breakdown, and the psychological toll of living in a house filled with instability and danger.Trying to escape the chaos, Ryan eventually turned to the military. He enlisted on an Army 18X contract, entering the pipeline designed for candidates pursuing the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets).Although his military path didn't unfold exactly how he planned, the experience gave him the discipline and direction he needed to rebuild his life.Today Ryan is working in the firearms industry, developing new technology and products that have sparked lawsuits, controversy, and intense debate among some of the largest companies in the industry.In this episode of Urban Valor, Ryan shares the full story of growing up in a violent household, the moment his father's drug lab brought federal agents to his door, the death threats that followed, and how joining the Army became his way out!

Former Marine Raider Prime Hall shares his unbelievable journey from growing up in South Texas, surviving childhood trauma, and getting involved in the drug world, to eventually becoming a U.S. Marine Corps Infantryman and Marine Raider (MARSOC).On today's episode of the Urban Valor Podcast, Prime breaks down the reality of Marine Corps boot camp, the mindset required to survive Marine Raider selection, and the leadership differences between traditional Marine infantry units and special operations teams. If you've ever wondered what it takes to become a Marine Raider, how elite operators prepare mentally and physically, or what life is like inside the U.S. Marine Corps during the Iraq War era, this episode gives you a close look.Prime also talks about the discipline, mistakes, and personal transformation that shaped his career — including losing rank twice in the Marines, struggling with alcohol, and rebuilding himself through extreme physical training before earning his place in the Raider community.This is one of the most honest conversations you'll hear about Marine Corps culture, special operations leadership, and the mindset required to survive!

President Trump says the war with Iran could end 'very soon,' adding the operation timeline is “way beyond expectation in terms of result this early.” Both, the United States and Israel continue to pound targets across Iran, and PM Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not stop. President Trump has also told FOX News that he is "not happy" about Mojtaba Khamenei being named as the next Supreme Leader, saying he doesn't believe the new leader can live in peace. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, and Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, who says all enemies of the United States should see the speed in which Iran's military has been decapitated as a warning to them. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says the war with Iran could end 'very soon,' adding the operation timeline is “way beyond expectation in terms of result this early.” Both, the United States and Israel continue to pound targets across Iran, and PM Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not stop. President Trump has also told FOX News that he is "not happy" about Mojtaba Khamenei being named as the next Supreme Leader, saying he doesn't believe the new leader can live in peace. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, and Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, who says all enemies of the United States should see the speed in which Iran's military has been decapitated as a warning to them. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says the war with Iran could end 'very soon,' adding the operation timeline is “way beyond expectation in terms of result this early.” Both, the United States and Israel continue to pound targets across Iran, and PM Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not stop. President Trump has also told FOX News that he is "not happy" about Mojtaba Khamenei being named as the next Supreme Leader, saying he doesn't believe the new leader can live in peace. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with John Spencer, serves as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute, and Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, who says all enemies of the United States should see the speed in which Iran's military has been decapitated as a warning to them. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Urban Valor Podcast, we sit down with a World War II Army veteran who survived one of the deadliest moments of the European campaign...the Rhine River crossing! And later walked through a liberated Nazi death camp! At just 19 years old, Paul A. Groves was drafted into the U.S. Army and assigned as an infantry messenger with E Company, 89th Infantry Division under General Patton. In January 1945, he landed in France before pushing toward the Rhine River — one of the final and most dangerous barriers into Nazi Germany.At 2:00 AM, his unit loaded into boats under darkness.Halfway across, German machine guns opened fire.His company commander was killed.His first sergeant was killed.Then the boat exploded.Thrown into the freezing river under direct fire, Paul became the only Soldier from his boat to survive.As American forces advanced into Germany, he helped liberate a Nazi concentration camp — describing the smell of death before they ever saw it.After surviving the Rhine and witnessing the camps, Paul was told he would likely be sent to invade Japan. Then the atomic bomb was dropped.Now over 100 years old, he reflects on combat, fear, survival, and what General Patton meant when he said a Soldier must learn to hate the enemy.This is a firsthand WWII testimony from one of the last living soldiers of that generation.

55 months in combat. Three Iraq deployments. Countless missions in Mosul. And when it was over… he didn't want to come home.In this Urban Valor Podcast interview, JayR McIntyre opens up about surviving 55 months in combat, losing over 20 soldiers, being issued a body bag, and battling severe PTSD after returning home. This is a powerful United States Army combat story about survival, mental health, and the reality of war.JayR grew up in gang culture in Long Beach before joining the U.S. Army after time in jail. He deployed to Iraq three times, served during some of the deadliest years in Mosul, and ran hundreds of combat missions. But what nearly killed him wasn't the enemy...it was survivor's guilt and the mental weight of coming home.In this episode, he discusses:• 55 months in combat• Iraq War missions in Mosul• Losing brothers in battle• Being issued a body bag before deployment• Contemplating suicide four times• PTSD in the military• Survivor's guilt• Life after deployment• Becoming “The Hood Motivator”This is the truth about combat trauma, military mental health, and rebuilding your life after the battlefield.If you're a veteran struggling with PTSD, you are not alone.

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

Before he ever wore the uniform, Rolan Smith lived a life of chaos, brotherhood, and near-death experiences that most people wouldn't survive. In this Urban Valor episode, Rolan shares what really led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps — and how an 85 MPH crash in the middle of the desert nearly ended that path before it began.Raised in Amarillo, Texas, Rolan was the definition of a wild kid. Sports, trouble, loyalty — and a brotherhood with his best friend Price that would take them from Friday night lights to fire teams. This is the story of what happens before the war… when life itself is already throwing punches.

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

In today's Urban Valor Podcast, Raphael Valentino Williams Jr. shares his journey from Afghanistan to policing the streets to battling PTSD, trauma, and identity loss after service. This is the reality many veterans and law enforcement officers face when the uniform comes off, but the mission mindset never does.Raphael opens up about military service, security forces training, and the mental shift required to survive in combat — and how that same conditioning nearly destroyed him back home. From critical incident police shootings, to family court battles, to standing at the edge of suicide, this story exposes the unseen cost of service and why life after the military can be harder than deployment itself.This conversation discusses PTSD in veterans, police mental health, and what happens when trauma goes untreated. If you've ever struggled with transitioning out of the military, questioned your identity after service, or felt lost after dedicating your life to something bigger than yourself — this story will hit home.There is life after the uniform.But no one tells you how hard it is to find it.

This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with Herb Thompson — the only U.S. Army Soldier to ever earn both the Green Beret and Drill Sergeant of the Year honors.Herb shares war stories from his time in Afghanistan, what it takes to survive Special Forces selection, and how the very Army that built him later tried to tear his career apart from within.For 21 years, Herb led from the front...on the battlefield and in the barracks. But it wasn't combat that almost broke him. It was the fight to defend his name when false accusations and internal politics put everything on the line.This is the story of a Green Beret who gave everything… and then had to fight harder than ever to protect what he built.

Is four months too short a turnaround for a guest on Midrats? Not if the topic at hand keeps running to the top of your read board.From the unending diplomacy responding to the Trump Administration's unending drive to get Greenland's geography—and the resulting security—more firmly under American control, to the sitcom-worthy deployment of a couple of dozen “Coalition of the Freezing”—Greenland can't-stop-won't-stop from gathering eyeballs and attention.So, we're bringing back Elizabeth Buchanan for another visit. We'll use her recent article in The Spectator as starting off point, A buyer's guide to Greenland.Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan is a senior fellow with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and an expert associate of the French Ministry of Armed Forces' Institute for Strategic Research.Most recently she was Head of Research for the Royal Australian Navy (Department of Defence). Dr Buchanan is co-founder of the polar warfare program (Project 6633) at the Modern War Institute of the West Point Military Academy. Before joining Australia's Defence Department, Dr. Buchanan was Lecturer of Strategic Studies for the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian War College.Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. in Russian Arctic Strategy and completed her post-doctoral studies as a Maritime Fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome. She has published widely on geopolitics, most recently with Australian Foreign Affairs, International Affairs, War on the Rocks, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Australian, and The American Conservative.Dr. Buchanan has been a Visiting Scholar with the Brookings Institution and was an analyst with Royal Dutch Shell. Elizabeth has three published books:: Russian Energy Strategy in Asia and Red Arctic: Russian Arctic Strategy under Putin. In addition to, So you want to own Greenland, she also has an upcoming book, Competitive Cooperation at the Ends of the Earth.Show links:So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump.Liz's SEP 2024 visit to Midrats.The Unfortunate Greenland Kerfuffle.Denmark's strategic concerns about China and Russia around Greenland, via Nick Solheim.Liz on X.SummaryIn this episode of Midrats, the hosts welcome back Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, a senior fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Center for the National Interest, to discuss the ongoing geopolitical significance of Greenland. The conversation delves into the historical context of U.S.-Greenland relations, particularly in light of recent tensions and discussions surrounding Greenland's potential independence. Dr. Buchanan emphasizes the importance of understanding Greenland's strategic position in the Arctic, especially regarding U.S. national security interests and the implications of a changing global landscape, including China's growing influence. The dialogue also touches on the complexities of Greenland's relationship with Denmark and the potential for a direct U.S.-Greenland partnership.Chapters00:00: Introduction and Overview of Greenland's Importance02:38: Historical Context of U.S.-Greenland Relations05:52: The 2004 Defense Treaty and Its Implications12:23: Greenland's Independence Movement and Future Prospects31:50: Best Case Scenarios for U.S.-Greenland Relations32:17: Understanding the Scrappy Spirit of Greenland39:12: The Geopolitical Landscape: Europe and the U.S.54:31: Greenland's Future: Independence or Status Quo?

The war didn't end overseas. It followed them home.Justin Governale joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 17, driven by the aftermath of 9/11 and a chaotic upbringing in Laredo, Texas. What he found wasn't just military structure—it was trauma, hazing, chaos, and survival. This raw episode pulls no punches as Justin exposes what it was like to deploy to Iraq in 2005 and 2007 with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines—one of the units hardest hit in Fallujah, losing 33 men.From becoming a Scout Sniper, surviving an IED, and earning a Purple Heart, to battling the mental scars that followed, Justin shares the brutal honesty most veterans never say out loud.In this episode or Urban Valor, you'll hear:- How childhood trauma primed him for chaos- The insanity of Marine boot camp under “Don't Ask, Don't Tell”- Why pretending to be gay was a strategy to escape service- The twisted coping mechanisms Marines used post-combat- How war turned a battalion into walking time bombs- His journey through combat, loss, and eventually—comedyIf you want real Marine stories, raw Iraq War truths, or insight into the long-term cost of combat—you found it.

Marine Seth Allen never saw it coming. Straight out of boot camp, he was dropped into 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines — a unit already under investigation for violence, drugs, and misconduct. What was supposed to be a proud chapter of service quickly spiraled into chaos.In this interview with Urban Valor, Seth pulls back the curtain on the gritty reality of life in the Marine Corps. From near-death firefights in Iraq to the dysfunction and violence he experienced even among his fellow Marines, this isn't the polished, glorified version of military service.⚠️ This is the story the recruiters never tell you.Seth shares how his troubled youth led him to the military, the brutal boot camp experiences that shaped him, and the terrifying realization that his unit was broken before he ever arrived. From intense combat stories to internal fights and the emotional weight of surviving while others didn't — this is a brutally honest testimony of what some Marines face behind closed doors.This is a story worth hearing. If you want the truth about what it's like to serve in a unit where violence, drugs, and loss were the norm... click play now.

Meet Billey Dooley — Army veteran, former foster kid, survivor of toxic leadership, fire missions labeled “danger close,” and a system that failed those who needed it most.In this episode of Urban Valor, Billey opens up about nearly being killed by incoming fire, surviving chaos both at war and at home, and the pain of losing a soldier to suicide just hours after a life-altering conversation. From a chaotic childhood in Riverside to jumping out of planes and calling fire missions in Afghanistan, Billey's story is as gritty as it gets.But this episode isn't about just survival. It's about truth. Leadership. And the weight we carry when we make it out, but others don't.We get into:- A near-death moment during a morning run.- His experience with abusive training environments.- Fire missions that almost killed friendly forces.- How leadership missteps led to a tragic suicide.And what he believes MUST change in military culture.

His friend took his spot. The convoy was hit. Only one came home.In this Urban Valor episode, Marine Veteran Travis Pinn shares a devastating Iraq War story that changed his life forever. As an 0311 Infantry Rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Travis endured some of the war's most brutal moments—multiple IED attacks, deadly ambushes, and the psychological trauma that followed him home.But the moment that haunts him most? The day a fellow Marine took his place in a convoy... and didn't make it back.From surviving deadly routes in Iraq to battling PTSD and rebuilding after the war, Travis lays bare the truth of what it means to carry survivor's guilt and live with invisible wounds.This episode is more than just a war story—it's an honest look at what thousands of veterans face once the shooting stops.

He quit during Hell Week. Most don't come back. Jovon Quarles did — and became a Navy SEAL Honor Graduate.Born into chaos in Washington D.C., Jovon grew up with a mom addicted to crack, no father, and violence all around. He became a dad before he graduated high school. Then he joined the Navy — not because he wanted to, but because he had no choice.He found the SEAL Teams by accident. But what followed wasn't luck — it was pain, failure, and redemption.In this Urban Valor interview, Jovon walks us through:- Quitting his first Hell Week and what it did to his soul- Fighting to go back and earn the Trident- The mindset it takes to finish BUD/S- Real SEAL Team deployments in combat zones- Why he says pain is the path- And how he turned his lowest moment into a missionThis isn't just a Navy SEAL story. This is what it looks like to lose everything… and choose to fight anyway. If you're struggling, stuck, or feel like it's too late — this one's for you.

This episode took the air out of the room.Jessica sits down with Urban Valor and walks us through the life most people never see behind the uniform. From a childhood surrounded by chaos and addiction… to stepping into a Marine Corps environment that felt more like danger than brotherhood… to losing herself inside a bottle just trying to cope with the weight of everything she'd carried since childhood.She gets real about the DUI that nearly ended her career, the harassment she endured, the blackmail that pushed her to the edge, and the moment she realized the system that was supposed to protect her was ready to burn her instead.And then — she takes us into the deep end.Her ibogaine journey.The pain.The hallucinations.The emotional rebirth.The moment she met the child version of herself and finally understood why she drank, why she ran, and why she hurt.This might be one of the most important conversations we've had with a veteran. Not because it's dramatic — but because it's honest.

This is the stuff they don't put in documentaries.Seth Ryan's first combat mission as an Army Ranger wasn't just historic — it was horrifying. We're talking chemical suits, pitch-black raids, gunships in the sky, and digging up decomposed soldiers with their bare hands. This is the real story behind the rescue of POW Jessica Lynch — told by the guy who lived it.And trust me... you've never heard it like this like you will on today's Urban Valor Episode!In this episode, Seth walks us through:- Growing up surrounded by drugs, prison-bound relatives, and trauma most kids never see.- The fire that burned down his home — and the weird, defining aftermath.- Getting mentally obliterated in Marine Corps boot camp... and reshaped into something tougher.- Switching to the Army Rangers and becoming a punching bag for hazing because of it.- Living in barracks filled with black mold, spitting blood from pneumonia — and not backing down.- Watching new guys break bones falling off rappel towers, or worse.- His first mission ever — a rescue op no one expected to survive.- Digging into a soccer field by hand to recover the rotting remains of American soldiers.The unspoken toll that moments like that leave behind… and why Rangers carry it alone.If you're here for real special operations history, raw emotional storytelling, and a side of war that doesn't make it into the headlines… you're exactly where you need to be.

They said he'd fail. His best friend was shot and killed. Now he's a White House officer.Lieutenant Commander Alvaro Ramos didn't take the easy path. He grew up with a tin roof over his head, sleeping on floors in Guam. He joined the Navy to escape poverty — and then watched his best friend, a fellow corpsman, get killed by a negligent Marine on deployment.That moment could have broken him. Instead, it built him.Alvaro went on to serve 23 years in the United States Navy, earned his commission, became a Physician Assistant, and rose to serve inside the White House Medical Unit under Presidents Trump and Biden.In this episode of Urban Valor, Alvaro opens up about:- The fatal moment that changed his life forever- Getting told “I hope you fail” by a senior chief- Why he almost quit the Navy- The identity crisis of becoming an officer- And how Special Boat Team 22 finally made him feel like he matteredIf you've ever been underestimated, doubted, or knocked down — this is your reminder to get back up.

Decorated Army officer turned warrior‑advocate Rudy De La Rosa opens up like never before: marked for death by the Mexican Mafia as a teenager, pulled into gang violence, homeless, and staring down his own destruction—before trading bullets for a uniform and fighting for something bigger than himself. In this Urban Valor Podcast episode, we dig into generational trauma, gang warfare in East LA & the 605 freeway corridor, the “green‑light” hit list, then military service in the U.S. Army, combat in Afghanistan, lifting the weight off his family's legacy, and rewriting his story.

This might be one of the wildest Marine Corps stories we've ever had on the show. Retired Marine First Sergeant Randall Parkes sat down with Urban Valor to share some of the funniest, most unbelievable, and downright fcked up* moments from his 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. From barracks inspections gone wrong, to combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a real-life rescue that helped spark the Abraham Accords — this episode has everything.Randall gets brutally honest about what it's like to lead Marines, deal with chaos as a First Sergeant, and balance discipline with dark military humor. He shares raw, hilarious, and emotional moments from his time in recon, MARSOC, boot camp, and even his post-military life — from real estate success to landing a job at Anduril.

What drives a decorated Special Operations pilot to unload his weapon - not in fear of the enemy, but of himself?In this Urban Valor Podcast interview, Army veteran and Night Stalker pilot Nick O'Kelly reveals the mental battle he faced during deployment in Afghanistan. A former Green Beret turned elite helicopter pilot, Nick opens up about the hidden war inside his head — a war with depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts that nearly claimed his life.While flying missions in an active combat zone, Nick reached a breaking point. Fearing he might harm himself, he made the chilling decision to empty his pistol and carry it unloaded for the remainder of the deployment. This episode dives deep into the culture of military mental health, the silent suffering many combat veterans endure, and what it means to survive not just physically, but emotionally!

This is one of the wildest military redemption stories I've ever heard.Shawn Vance was a former college athlete who spiraled hard—stealing for the thrill, smoking weed daily, and eventually overdosing on meth he found while picking up trash on the freeway. The overdose wrecked his heart. He could've died. Should've, honestly.But instead… he enlisted in the Army through the 18X program and clawed his way into Special Forces.In this Urban Valor episode, Shawn walks us through the full ride—from near-death overdose and felony arrest, to surviving Green Beret selection, passing the Q-Course, and becoming a Special Forces Medic (18D).We break down:– How Special Forces Selection (SFAS) really works– Why so many 18X candidates fail out– What actually happens during the Q-Course and SERE– How the Army gave him the structure to turn it all aroundIf you're into real stories about resilience, transformation, and the ugly truth behind “elite” military training—this one's gonna hit.

Show recorded on October 20, 2025. Retired U.S. Army Colonel John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare at West Point's Modern War Institute, joins the show after returning from Gaza City. He discusses Hamas's recruitment tactics, inflated casualty reports and the vast tunnel networks hidden beneath hospitals and schools. Bill Maher calls for educating young Americans on the Middle East, reaffirming Israel as the Jewish homeland. Meanwhile, Mike and Laureen share the emotional stories of returning Israeli hostages and expose Hamas's ceasefire violations and brutal use of human leverage. Thank you for listening, sharing, and subscribing to the Third Opinion Podcast!

She came to America at five. She became a Marine. What happened next will stay with you.This week on Urban Valor, we dive into the story of Gunnery Sergeant Kimmy Lamano, a Filipino-American immigrant who rose through the ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps while carrying the weight of trauma, silence, and survival.From growing up in Manila and Hawaii, to surviving a convoy explosion in Afghanistan while teaching Afghan children, Kimmy's journey is one of grit, honor, and post-service healing. For 18 years, she served her country in combat zones, humanitarian crises, and as a trailblazing female Drill Instructor.But it wasn't just the battlefield she had to fight on. It was the return home, the invisible wounds, and the struggle to find purpose beyond the uniform.

Blown up by a 25lb IED. Hunted by a sniper. Lost six Marines in one of the deadliest provinces in Afghanistan.This is Marine Lt. Col. Mike Manocchio's story — and it's unlike anything you've ever heard, and it's right here on today's Urban Valor Episode! Mike led troops through nonstop combat in Marjah, Helmand Province — an area packed with IEDs, ambushes, and Taliban fighters tracking their every move. He survived a massive explosion, had sniper rounds miss his head by inches, and still went back out to lead his men.But the hardest part wasn't the firefights. It was what came after. The survivor's guilt. The PTSD. The faces of the Marines who didn't come home.He opens up about the chaos of war, the day Kyle Carpenter threw himself on a grenade, and what it's like trying to put the pieces back together when the war ends — but the battle doesn't.If you're looking for Afghanistan war stories, Marine IED survival, or veteran interviews — this one's going to stay with you.

In 2003, just days before the U.S. invaded Iraq, a US Army base in Kuwait—Camp Pennsylvania - was hit with a deadly insider attack. In this weeks Urban Valor episode, Army Sergeant Major Bart Womack recounts the terrifying night a fellow soldier threw grenades into tents full of sleeping American troops. It was the first insider attack of the Iraq War, and it came from within their own ranks.But that wasn't the only time Bart faced death. He also survived a tense firefight in the Korean DMZ, where North Korean forces opened fire on his patrol during one of the most dangerous standoffs of the Cold War era.From a DMZ shootout in Korea to a fatal betrayal in Kuwait, this is the true story of an American soldier who witnessed war before it even officially began.

Marine Corps boot camp, combat in Haditha, Iraq, and the chaos, comedy, and cost of it all.Austin Hancock's story is wild, hilarious, and at times heavy — this episode dives into all of it.We start today's episode of Urban Valor with boot camp madness: grown men in whitey-tighties doing squats, drill instructors weaponizing humor like it's their MOS, and the kind of military hazing that only makes sense once you've been there.But underneath the laughs? IED-ridden convoys, combat stress, and the mental weight that doesn't go away once the uniform does. Austin gets real about what it's like to go from the gunner's seat in Iraq to trying to figure out life back home — and how brotherhood, dark humor, and a lot of inner work helped him through.

Army Infantryman Will Jones didn't get a slow start to his military career.He got thrown into the fire—checking into his first unit mid-deployment… in Baghdad.No stateside prep. No easing in.Just boots on ground, rifle in hand, and mortar fire exploding around him.In this Urban Valor interview, Will shares what it's like to be a brand new 11B Infantry soldier landing in a war zone without any time to train. His story is one of chaos, trauma, brotherhood, and survival. From Baghdad to Hurricane Katrina relief to a second 15-month deployment in Iraq, this episode is stacked with combat stories, dark military humor, and brutally honest truths about PTSD, reintegration, and what it takes to keep going.If you're looking for real veteran stories, Iraq war combat footage-style details, and first-hand experience from an infantry soldier in the kill zone, you're in the right place.

Air Force veteran Travis MossBarger was tasked with something most of us can't even imagine — sending over 300 fallen soldiers home. In this  Urban Valor episode, Travis opens up for the first time about the silent, invisible duty that haunted him every single day of his six years in service.He didn't pull a trigger — he processed the aftermath.He didn't storm a battlefield — he read the death certificates of those who did.And he didn't run from RPG fire — he lit a cigarette and walked calmly to the bunker, knowing if it hit, there was nowhere to go.This is the side of war few talk about.The trauma of handling flag-draped caskets.The emotional cost of staying silent.The guilt of sending soldiers out, and the pain of bringing them home… not the way he hoped to.Travis shares the breaking point, the buried emotions, the PTSD, and how he eventually found healing through service again — not in uniform, but in community.

In this episode, Garrison is joined by Dr. Emma Ashford, a Senior Fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program at the Stimson Center. The two discuss Dr. Ashford's new book, “First Among Equals: U.S. Foreign Policy In A Multipolar World.”  The discussion touches upon the end of the Unipolar Moment, the emerging schools of thought on the future of American power, “unbalanced multipolarity,” the argument for free trade, and what a realist internationalism approach means for American involvement in Europe and the Middle East, as well as great power relations with China, India, and Russia. You can purchase First Among Equals from Yale University Press, or wherever books are sold.-Emma Ashford is a Senior Fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program at the Stimson Center. She works on a variety of issues related to the future of U.S foreign policy, international security, and the politics of global energy markets. She has expertise in the politics of Russia, Europe, and the Middle East. Ashford is also a nonresident fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point, and an adjunct assistant professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. Her first book, Oil, the State, and War: The Foreign Policies of Petrostates, was published by Georgetown University Press in 2022, and explored the international security ramifications of oil production and export in states such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela.  Prior to joining the Stimson Center, Ashford was a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's New American Engagement Initiative, which focused on challenging the prevailing assumptions governing US foreign policy. She was also a research fellow in defense and foreign policy at the Cato Institute, where she worked on a variety of issues including the US-Saudi relationship, sanctions policy, and US policy towards Russia, and US foreign policy and grand strategy more broadly. Ashford writes a bi-weekly column, “It's Debatable,” for Foreign Policy, and her long-form writing has been featured in publications such as Foreign Affairs, the Texas National Security Review, Strategic Studies Quarterly, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the National Interest, and War on the Rocks, among others. She is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and holds a PhD in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. -Garrison Moratto is the founder and host of The New Diplomatist Podcast; he earned a M.S. of International Relations as well as a B.S. in Government: Public Administration (Summa Cum Laude) at Liberty University in the United States. He has been published in RealClearDefense, and Pacific Forum International's "Issues & Insights", among other publications.  He is the author of Distant Shores on Substack.Guest opinions are their own. All music licensed via UppBeat.

What do you do when your Humvee gets rocked by an IED blast… and a suspicious car creeps toward you through the dust? Most people freeze. Navy Corpsman Noi Dumpit didn't. He confronted the driver — thinking it could be his last moment — and somehow chose not to pull the trigger.In this episode of Urban Valor, Noi relives the chaos of Fallujah, where life and death blurred by the second. He breaks down the day his Humvee was launched into the air by a vehicle-borne IED, and the surreal moment that followed when he faced a possible suicide bomber.But the IED blast was only one chapter. Noi also opens up about his post-deployment struggles, the moral confusion of letting terrorists through checkpoints, and how martial arts eventually became his path to healing. From battlefield trauma to rebuilding a business back home, this story is raw, real, and unforgettable.

Waves of different groups seeking new homes from east and west have arrived and disappeared on Greenland's hostile shores for thousands of years. In the modern era of nation states, it is Greenland's unique location and potential resources that are drawing attention once again as her strategic position once again brings her to the front.Today's Midrats Podcast is going to start there with our guest, Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan.We will kick off with her latest book as a touchstone to our conversation, So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump.Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan is a senior fellow with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and an expert associate of the French Ministry of Armed Forces' Institute for Strategic Research. Most recently she was Head of Research for the Royal Australian Navy (Department of Defence). Dr Buchanan is co-founder of the polar warfare program (Project 6633) at the Modern War Institute of the West Point Military Academy. Before joining Australia's Defence Department, Dr. Buchanan was Lecturer of Strategic Studies for the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian War College. Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. in Russian Arctic Strategy and completed her post-doctoral studies as a Maritime Fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome. She has published widely on geopolitics, most recently with Australian Foreign Affairs, International Affairs, War on the Rocks, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Australian, and The American Conservative. Dr. Buchanan has been a Visiting Scholar with the Brookings Institution and was an analyst with Royal Dutch Shell. Elizabeth has three published books:: Russian Energy Strategy in Asia and Red Arctic: Russian Arctic Strategy under Putin. In addition to, So you want to own Greenland, she also has an upcoming book, Competitive Cooperation at the Ends of the Earth.Show LinksSo You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump, by Elizabeth BuchananAustralia must pivot to ‘pit-stop power' for AUKUS to work, by Elizabeth BuchananChina's parade of military might raises big questions about the AUKUS muddle, by Laura TingleEpisode 708: The Icebreaker Imperative, with Peter RybskiBering Strait TunnelSummaryIn this episode of Midrats, Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan discusses her book on Greenland's strategic importance, the historical context of U.S.-Greenland relations, and the implications of China's growing influence in the Arctic and Antarctic. The conversation explores Denmark's role in Greenland's future, the challenges of independence, and the significance of AUKUS in the context of U.S.-Australia relations. The discussion emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to the polar regions amidst great power competition.TakeawaysThe U.S. has a long-standing interest in Greenland, dating back to WWII.Denmark's control over Greenland is complicated by post-colonial dynamics.China's presence in the Arctic is growing and poses a challenge to U.S. interests.Australia's role in AUKUS is as a 'pit stop power' for U.S. submarines.The future of Greenland may hinge on its independence from Denmark.Public perception of Greenland's relationship with the U.S. is often disingenuous.The Arctic is becoming a global commons, complicating international relations.Australia faces challenges in defending its vast territory against Chinese encroachment.The U.S. needs to adapt its strategy to the changing dynamics in the Arctic and Antarctic.Chapters00:00: Introduction01:41: Exploring Greenland's Strategic Importance05:44: Historical Context of Greenland and U.S. Relations12:14: Greenland's Future and Independence16:42: Denmark's Role and Challenges21:30: China's Influence in the Arctic and Antarctic29:13: Great Power Competition in the Polar Regions34:44: AUKUS and Australia's Strategic Position41:15: Future of U.S.-Australia Relations

Colonel John Spencer is adamant that Israel's victories over the past two years are unprecedented and that they are far from finished. Israel innovation envoy Fleur Hassan-Nahoum sits down with Colonel John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point and one of the world's leading experts on urban warfare. As media pundits, academics and critics question Israel's Gaza strategy, Colonel Spencer brings the hard truths: Israel is winning and doing so at historic speed, despite facing military, political and psychological obstacles unlike any other democracy in modern warfare.

On August 26, 2021, during the chaotic evacuation of Afghanistan, Marine veteran Christian Sanchez stood at Abbey Gate when a suicide bomber detonated his device—killing 13 U.S. service members and hundreds of Afghan civilians.Thrown to the ground, barely conscious, Christian opened his eyes to pure chaos. Then came the gunfire—a Taliban fighter firing from a rooftop. Despite being injured, Christian engaged in the firefight, neutralized the shooter, and was later shot himself.In this Urban Valor interview, Christian details the blast, the adrenaline-fueled battle, and the scars that never fade. You'll hear the raw details: catching babies thrown over barbed wire, standing face-to-face with Taliban fighters, and the agonizing aftermath that changed his life forever.This is one of the most gripping episodes of Urban Valor has ever aired.

Marine veteran Ralph Sarabia takes you inside the chaos of Iraq...convoys hit by IEDs, RPGs ripping overhead, close-quarters ambushes, and the split-second choices that decide who makes it home. In todays Urban Valor Podcast episode, he opens up about survivor's guilt, hypervigilance, and rebuilding life after deployment with faith, family, and boxing. This is a raw, unfiltered account of Marine combat and the fight to heal.

Marine Corps Veteran Roger Michael Hall pulls no punches in this episode of Urban Valor. From 2017–2022, Roger served as an infantry mortarman (0341) — but this isn't the recruiting poster version of the Corps. This is the truth about months living on a Navy ship, crammed into tight berthing spaces, working long hours, and finding ways to stay sane in a floating steel city.Roger shares it all: wild overseas port calls, boot camp fights, grueling Mountain Warfare training, and the mental grind of deployment life at sea with hundreds of Marines shoulder-to-shoulder. He opens up about the moments that made him question why he joined — and the experiences that shaped who he is today.If you've ever wondered what Marine Corps life aboard a Navy ship is really like, this is the story no one tells!

From a young immigrant kid running barefoot in Mexico to serving as a U.S. Air Force veteran in Iraq — this is the incredible untold story of Hector Cabrera.In this Urban Valor episode, Hector opens up about growing up with a single mother, losing his father, facing cultural identity struggles, and ultimately finding his calling in the U.S. military. His journey takes us through childhood adversity, immigrant resilience, boot camp discipline, and combat deployments in Iraq — where survival was never guaranteed.This is more than just a veteran story. It's about family, grit, sacrifice, and finding purpose after trauma. Hector shares raw, unfiltered moments — from his first days in America learning English with a Roberto Clemente book, to working the register at his uncle's taco shop when armed robbers walked in, to the night mortars rained down on his base in Kirkuk, Iraq.For veterans, immigrants, or anyone searching for meaning through hardship — Hector's story is proof that how you do anything is how you do everything.YouTube Chapters:00:00 – Life-changing moment in the field01:28 – Hector's childhood in Mexico03:08 – Growing up as an immigrant in America06:25 – Losing his father & family struggles07:17 – Learning English and adapting10:20 – Hard lessons from his mother11:18 – Working at Roberto's Taco Shop (and being robbed at 14)13:08 – First exposure to the military16:30 – September 11th and the call to serve19:04 – Enlisting in the U.S. Air Force22:01 – Boot camp experiences24:42 – Culture shock & military discipline29:04 – Defending missions downrange31:03 – Deployments in Iraq & FOB life36:35 – Mortar attacks and survival routines38:10 – Reflections on resilience and mindset#military #warstories #urbanvalor #marines #warstories #immigrantstruggles #immigrants

Army Chaplain Nimrod Alcala opens up about the hidden war that no one talks about—what it's like carrying the emotional trauma of soldiers... until it breaks you.In this Urban Valor episode, Nimrod reveals the unbearable emotional toll of his service—not on the battlefield, but behind closed doors. As a U.S. Army Chaplain, he became the safe place for soldiers fighting silent battles—suicidal thoughts, trauma, PTSD, and moral injury. But what happens when the helper needs help?From getting fired at Walmart to facing false embezzlement charges, Nimrod's journey to the Army was anything but typical. But a deeper calling led him to chaplaincy, where he became the last line of emotional defense for soldiers on the brink.This is a story of loss, burnout, purpose, and redemption.If you've ever wondered what truly happens inside the mind of a military chaplain—or what it's like to lead a memorial service for someone you couldn't save—this is the video you need to watch.

PTSD. Whistleblowing. Betrayal by your own agency.Robert Ledogar lived it.A 32-year career — Navy vet turned U.S. Marshal — shattered when he chose integrity over silence. From chasing fugitives in New York to working the El Chapo and MS-13 cases, Lugar served at the highest levels… until the U.S. Marshals turned on him for protecting a fellow Deputy.In episode of the Urban Valor podcast, Robert breaks his silence on:- Corruption inside the U.S. Marshal Service- The cost of loyalty in federal law enforcement- PTSD after 3 decades in uniform- What really happened during his whistleblower battle- How storytelling helped him begin to healWe go deep — from his wild CID cases in the Navy to the emotional weight of being cast aside by the agency he bled for. This isn't polished. It's real. And it's one of the most powerful episodes we've ever released.If you care about true crime, government accountability, or raw stories of resilience and justice, don't skip this one.

This week on Urban Valor, we sat down with Marine veteran Ernesto Menjivar. A man who watched his brother lose both legs to an IED right in front of him. Ernesto was 19 years old when he first hit the ground in Afghanistan, assigned to one of the most IED-infested regions in Helmand Province. The firefights came fast. The first one he was ever in, RPGs were flying over his head, and the next minute they were sweeping for pressure plates in the dirt, praying one of them wouldn't go off.But then it did.His brother, Langston White, stepped on an IED while on patrol, and Ernesto was just feet away. The way he describes that moment — the sound, the dust, the blood, the moment they locked eyes — it'll sit with you. Langston survived but lost both legs. And that was just one chapter of what became a brutal deployment. Ernesto talks about the emotional toll of trying to stay mission-ready after something like that, the Marines he lost during Operation Deuces Wild, and how that experience changed him forever.Now years removed from combat, he opens up about the PTSD, the dreams, the random moments where he sees civilians missing limbs and flashes back to war. But he also shares what's helped him — therapy, music, painting, his faith — and how he's still working through it. This isn't a sanitized version of war. It's the real cost. The kind of story that shows what combat veterans carry with them long after the fighting stops.

Green Beret Terry Wilson faced daily ambushes, IEDs, RPG attacks, and brutal firefights while deployed in Afghanistan's deadly Helmand Province. But even after surviving the horrors of war, nothing could prepare him for the tragedy that struck back home—the heartbreaking loss of his son.This week on Urban Valor, we sit down with retired U.S. Army Green Beret Terry Wilson for one of the most emotional episodes yet. From clearing Sangin in chaotic "Wild West" gunfights to surviving recoilless rifle strikes and relentless combat, Terry shares what it truly means to be in a “troops in contact” situation—and how seconds can mean life or death.But beyond the battlefield, Terry opens up about grief, resilience, and the pain of losing a child while carrying the mental scars of war. This story is not just about combat—it's about surviving when the war ends, the uniform comes off, and the real battles begin.

He survived hell—and now he inspires millions.Tom “Quitproof” Jones, a former U.S. Marine and world-class endurance athlete, endured one of the most traumatic childhoods imaginable: being beaten, terrorized, and even woken with a gun to his forehead. In this episode of Urban Valor, Tom opens up about how his abusive father hunted his mom—with Tom as a forced witness—and how that trauma shaped him into the resilient man he is today.From PTSD and addiction to running 121 marathons in 121 days and paddleboarding 1,250 miles to raise awareness for veterans and abused kids. Tom proves that the human spirit is unbreakable.This isn't just another military story. This is about transformation. About becoming “Quitproof.” About finding meaning in pain and lighting a path for others.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, we're joined by John Spencer, the chief of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, a research center dedicated to the study of war and warfare. Spencer is a retired Major in the US Army and is a leading expert in military operations in dense and subterranean urban areas. Spencer reached out to us after we released a Friday Focus podcast, "10 truths about the Gaza war, 20 months in," based on Berman's in-depth analysis, "For now, victory is still within reach: 10 truths about the Gaza war, 20 months in." Today's conversation is a meeting of the minds in which Berman and Spencer delve into the nuts and bolts of the war in Gaza so far. Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: IDF forces operate in the Gaza Strip in this July 3, 2025, handout photo. (IDF)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back with Part 2 of our deep dive into the most overrated golf swing concepts—and this time we're tackling two of the BIGGEST myths we see destroying amateur swings: bowing the wrist at the top and shaft lean obsession at impact.If you've ever tried to "fix" your slice by bowing the wrist like DJ, or you're chasing perfect shaft lean because you saw it in a slow-mo Tour pro video, this episode is for you. We unpack the real mechanics behind these moves and explain why they often do more harm than good for regular golfers.You'll learn:Why bowing the wrist reduces lag and adds injury riskHow the best players don't actually use extreme wrist anglesThe dangers of overdoing shaft lean and the myths of “perfect impact”Why recreating Tour visuals often leads to Shank CityWhat to do instead: trail wrist mechanics, grip, and natural motionThis isn't theory—it's data-backed, lesson-tested, and brutally honest. Drop the “Instagram drills” and find out what really works.

Accidental urban warfare expert, John Spencer, joins Bridget for a discussion about navigating the concrete jungle of modern combat. He shares his evolution from a 25-year active duty service member, to analyzing hypothetical US military operations in mega-cities, teaching strategy and tactics at West Point, to finally setting up a research center called the Modern War Institute, and becoming an unofficial analyst of the war in Ukraine. Spencer offers a fascinating tour through the evolution of urban warfare, the rules of war, the technological chess match between drones and buildings, the moral gymnastics of minimizing civilian casualties, balancing military necessity with humanitarian concern, debunking the idea that if you bomb less there will be less destruction, and explaining why your Google Maps addiction is making your brain smaller. Whether he's discussing Mumbai's feral neighborhoods, Hamas's exploitation of war laws, or why soldiers reject fancy tech when bullets are flying, Spencer delivers insights that will make you see cities less as cultural hotspots and more as potential tactical nightmares. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget Phetasy - Podcast Bridget Phetasy admires grit and authenticity. On Walk-Ins Welcome, she talks about the beautiful failures and frightening successes of her own life and the lives of her guests. She doesn't conduct interviews—she has conversations. Conversations with real people about the real struggle and will remind you that we can laugh in pain and cry in joy but there's no greater mistake than hiding from it all. By embracing it all, and celebrating it with the stories she'll bring listeners, she believes that our lowest moments can be the building blocks for our eventual fulfillment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PHETASY IS a movement disguised as a company. We just want to make you laugh while the world burns. https://www.phetasy.com/ Buy PHETASY MERCH here: https://www.bridgetphetasy.com/ For more content, including the unedited version of Dumpster Fire, BTS content, writing, photos, livestreams and a kick-ass community, subscribe at https://phetasy.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/BridgetPhetasy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bridgetphetasy/ Podcast - Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget Phetasy https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/walk-ins-welcome/id1437447846 https://open.spotify.com/show/7jbRU0qOjbxZJf9d49AHEh https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I3gqggwe23u6mnsdgqynu447wvaSupport the show