U.S. Army's federal service academy in West Point, New York
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General Stanley McChrystal is a retired four-star general and former commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan and the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he led the nation's most elite counterterrorism efforts. With 34 years of military service, he's recognized for reshaping modern warfare and pioneering team-based leadership approaches in high-stakes environments. Today, he is the founder and CEO of the McChrystal Group, a leadership advisory firm that helps organizations adapt and thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. He is the author of multiple bestselling books, and his most recent work, On Character: The Choices That Define Us, explores how leaders are remembered—not just for what they achieve, but for who they are. Summary In this conversation, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal reflects on the qualities that define meaningful leadership, focusing on character, culture, and personal growth. He shares how he almost got expelled from West Point for disciplinary issues and poor study habits, and how that period of immaturity helped shape his evolution as a leader. He talks about his famously intense morning routine, including waking up at 4 a.m. and working out for 90 minutes, and how these habits are rooted in self-discipline and clarity of purpose. McChrystal defines character as a combination of convictions and the discipline to live by them. He makes the case that it's not enough to believe in the right things if you don't act on them. He also challenges the idea that someone can be one kind of person in private and another in public. To him, character is consistent, and integrity either holds up across all domains or it doesn't hold up at all. He speaks openly about moral ambiguity in leadership, including moments when he disagreed with decisions made by the administration but chose to follow orders because they were legal and within the boundaries of his role. He warns of the dangers of rationalizing small compromises over time, which can slowly erode a person's values. McChrystal also explains why elite military units like the Rangers are not necessarily made up of elite individuals. What sets them apart is a shared commitment to high standards. He believes the same principle applies in business and argues that a strong organizational culture drives performance more than talent or strategy. The conversation touches on charisma, humility, and how leadership style evolves over time. McChrystal admits he wasn't always consistent in his early years and had to learn to lead in a way that built trust and clarity. He also discusses the importance of critical thinking, especially in an era where media narratives often distort reality. Finally, he reflects on the abrupt end to his military career following the Rolling Stone article and how he chose to move forward rather than dwell on the past. He credits his wife and close friends for helping him shift his focus and find new purpose in civilian life, including launching a leadership advisory firm, teaching at Yale, and writing multiple books. His latest, On Character, is a deep exploration of what it means to live by your values and be someone others can count on. Takeaways · Morning routines and physical discipline help create structure and momentum · Character comes from having strong convictions and the discipline to live by them · Integrity in your personal life matters just as much as in your public role · A strong culture built on shared standards can outperform raw talent · Good leadership means knowing how to handle moral complexity, not just following orders · The best leaders combine confidence with humility and know when to show each · Charisma only matters if it's backed by substance, courage, and consistency · It's easy to be misled by the media, which makes critical thinking more important than ever · Leadership styles change with experience, but consistency builds trust · Moving forward after setbacks starts with choosing not to live in the past Notes Books: On Character: Choices That Define a Life Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World My Share of the Task: A Memoir Organizational consulting: McChrystal Group
In 1965 a group of 5 people broke into a secret Naval base to kidnap a key figure as part of a covert operation. That key figure? A goat named Bill. The kidnappers? West Point cadets. For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Inspiring People & Places: Architecture, Engineering, And Construction
What's the point of reading if it doesn't improve your life and work? In the second installment of the Pages to Projects summer series, BJ Kraemer explores why reading alone isn't enough; true leadership development requires learning. Drawing from personal experience, business coaching insights, and frameworks like the West Point leadership development model, BJ offers a practical breakdown of how to convert ideas from books into action, habit, and growth. If you're ready to transform your reading habit into a leadership accelerator, this episode gives you the tools to make every page you read count. Tune in to learn how to build a learning culture for yourself and your team! Key Points From This Episode:• Why "leaders are learners" goes beyond passive reading or listening.• Insight into West Point's leadership development model.• A 4-step learning method: absorb, apply, reflect, reinforce.• The power of teaching what you've learned to others.• Tactical, operational, and strategic ways to embed learning into your life and work. Quotes:“If we don't make the bridge between what we [read] and how we can apply it, we're actually not taking the action to learn or to improve ourselves.” — BJ Kraemer “When you're looking at the world through the lens of who you're trying to become and you're looking at all of the books that you're reading from that lens, the nuggets will start coming to you: – ‘I can change this. I can get better here.'” — BJ Kraemer Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: E214: Leaders are ReadersWho Not How10x is Easier Than 2xThe Science of ScalingLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
During their time at Rice Business, Mike Tatz '14 and Corban Bates '15 saw an opportunity to connect veterans with capital and the network needed to start a business. As veterans themselves, they understood how important it is to have the right connections and platform to pitch an idea. With that, the Veterans Business Battle was born. But Mike and Corban's story starts long before Rice. The two first met as students at West Point and followed similar paths — from Division I athletics to Army service to financial services, and eventually entrepreneurship. After launching the Veterans Business Battle and earning their MBAs at Rice, Mike went on to found a CBD company for athletes, and Corban began overseeing direct investments into private companies — now serving as the chief financial officer for one of those investments. Mike and Corban join co-host Maya Pomroy '22 to chat about how their time at West Point shaped them, what brought them to Rice Business and the impact the Veterans Business Battle has had over the past decade. Episode Guide:00:00 From Battlefield to Boardroom: Meet Mike and Corban03:01 Life at West Point: Challenges and Lessons08:38 Transitioning From Military to Business School12:57 Creating the Veterans Business Battle20:18 The First Prize and Investor Opportunities22:15 The Journey and Impact of the Competition24:01 Career Transitions and Personal Growth25:29 Mike's Venture Into the Sports Industry27:57 Corban's Path to Artisan Bakery33:43 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursOwl Have You Know is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:The conversation that led Corban from Army to business school09:55: [Corban Bates] Mike's been a huge blessing in my life, 'cause business school wasn't really even on my radar. It's just kind of going up and down the aisles of the career conference, and there were probably 20 schools there, but I didn't talk to any of 'em. It wasn't on my radar, and I talked to Mike. I just ran into him and it's like, “Hey, how have you been?” Like, you know, all for Rice. He was there recruiting for Rice — Rice had a booth — and he starts telling me about it. And he was just about to start this internship at Goldman Sachs, and he had this amazing first year at Rice, and it just sets you up…[10:24] Yeah, I just ran towards it and was extremely fortunate to get in, and Mike completely changed the course of my career. If I hadn't run into him, then things would be very different.On unapologetically pursuing what lights you up34:29: [Mike Tatz] I think a lot of people, even at business school, they get very pigeonholed into thinking that they have to be a consultant or an investment banker because they think about the financial support that it is going to give them or the safety net. There is a gazillion ways to make money out there. I think you have got to be happy. You have got to be happy. And you can be, but you have got to take that leap. You have got to have a plan. And then once you figure out what it is, you go, baby. You go as hard as you can, and you make everybody else think that you are crazy for how hard you are working at whatever you are doing. If you do that, I think good things are going to happen.Why veterans and business school are a perfect match17:09: [Corban Bates] Rice came up with this concept of really bringing on more veterans to their business school. I think it's a great match of veterans being very far along in their leadership development and people management development by the time they're in their late twenties, but being behind on the business concepts. And then you pair, you know, the rest of the civilians who are advanced in their business concepts but are probably lacking on the leadership front — probably haven't led that much in their twenties. And so it's this great pairing where both sides can learn from each other.The business network gap veterans face13:35: [Mike Tatz] I don't think veterans need any special treatment, nor should they expect — or do we expect — any special treatment. But what I do think is the case is that, going back to that last example — let's say I do want to start a business. I'm starting a business. There are a lot of steps to it, but one of those steps that is crucial is capital. And so my network, being in the military, is Army sergeants, Army majors, privates — whatever it may be, right? They're not the Goldman Sachs folks. They're not the people looking to make investments into companies. They're not the people with the means to not only provide financial capital, but mentorship capital and experience capital that you would need as somebody being in the military, coming out and trying — and wanting — to start your own business.Show Links: TranscriptGuest Profiles:Mike Tatz | LinkedInCorban Bates | LinkedInVeterans Business Battle
2024 Army football captain Kyle Lewis discusses his athletic career at West Point and competing in an upcoming Ironman for a great cause.
How can you apply the mental training techniques of world-class achievers to maximize your performance? In this episode, Rich sits down with Dr. Nate Zinsser — performance psychologist, long-time director of West Point's Center for Enhanced Performance, and author of The Confident Mind. Dr. Zinsser shares practical tools for building unshakable confidence, how to mentally prepare for high-stakes moments, and why envisioning your wins before they happen is a key to sustained success. He also explains how athletes, warriors, and business leaders can all train their minds to adapt to any situation they face — and why a “first victory” begins before you ever walk into the room. Key Quotes: “I define confidence as a state of certainty that you will have about a particular ability, a particular skill or competence, a sense of certainty that allows you to bypass conscious analysis and thought about what you're doing and basically execute unconsciously.” “You are in that spotlight, your body is going to surge. And you can either choose to say, ‘I'm excited. This is cool. Look at my body turning on.' Or you can go, ‘Geez, I'm getting real nervous. I don't like this.' Choose wisely. It's going to happen.” “And proper envisioning is a skill. It is a skill that, as I've said before, improves with practice. And sometimes you have to start with very simple things.” “Confidence is how you think on the inside. Arrogance is what you put out to the world.” “If success produced confidence, you'd have a ton of it. No, it's not about the success that you've had. It's about your willingness to emotionally invest in your own success, to allow it to build.” --- Practice Makes Profit: Rich shares how leaders can prepare for important events the same way elite athletes prepare for game day — by creating a daily mental workout to train their minds for high performance. League of Strategic Minds: How can leaders train for confidence the same way they train for physical performance? Is it really possible to "practice" in your mind? Winsight: Is your team winning? Are you outperforming the competition in providing superior value to customers? In its most basic form, strategy is how you plan to win. If you're not currently winning, then create a new strategy. ⏱ Time Stamps: (00:00) Deep Dive Interview with Dr. Nate Zinsser (47:34) Practice Makes Profit (50:34) League of Strategic Minds (53:16) Winsights, Ideas for Advantage
Sam Mackey sits down with Tyler Merritt, retired Army Captain and co-founder of Nine Line Apparel. CPT Merritt is a former Apache helicopter pilot who went on to serve as a Special Operations Air Mission Commander. He's completed multiple deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, the Arabian Peninsula, and South America. Before co-founding Nine Line, he also served as a faculty member at West Point. Tune in for a patriotic and motivating discussion! Follow Outsider: https://www.instagram.com/outsiderig/ Shop Outsider: https://www.outsider.com/ Follow Jay: https://www.instagram.com/ifjayhadinstagram/ Follow Sam: https://www.instagram.com/sammackey615/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreOutsider/podcasts Follow Tyler Merritt: https://www.instagram.com/ninelineapparel/ Learn More: https://www.ninelineapparel.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To paraphrase Lynn: Leadership isn't a role—it's a thing you do when the challenge is too big to face alone.What happens when a former ballet dancer, West Point professor, and nonbinary academic challenges the way we think about leadership? In this episode, Lynn Vidler discusses the failures of higher education's leadership pipeline, the transformative power of authenticity, and what it means to lead with empathy in a world shaped by systemic expectations. With humor and insight, Lynn reflects on the harm of abusive leadership, the healing found in self-awareness, and their mission to reshape leadership culture in academia.Notes:Photography website is https://lynnvidler.photography/Lynn is on Instagram handle at @profefotogThey can be reached at lynn@bloomingbranchgroup.com for executive leadership/performance coaching.To schedule a 30-min exploratory coaching session with them: https://scheduler.zoom.us/lynn-vidler/hello-i-am-an-event-card-ifkpb2he
Spec sits down with Sam Ruta, who the Royals signed this past off-season out of Army. They talk about his decision to go to West Point, playing baseball at a service academy plus how he came to sign his first pro contract.
Work with Jimmy & the Vreeland Capital Team to build a 20-Unit Portfolio that will get you the equivalent of a retirement account 3X faster with a third of the capital. Visit https://tinyurl.com/mainstreetpatriot-getstarted - - - - - - - Are you grinding for “financial freedom,” only to feel more trapped than ever? In this special episode, pulled from a mainstage presentation - Jimmy Vreeland flips the script on everything you've been told about passive income, early retirement, and sitting on a beach for the rest of your life. Spoiler alert: That dream might be holding you back. Jimmy shares the raw truth from his journey—from losing $25K in a Ponzi scheme to owning 800+ properties—and reveals why pursuing excellence will build more wealth (and fulfillment) than chasing passive income ever could. You'll learn: Why “freedom” without discipline is a trap The Passive Income Paradox—and how to escape it How to build real momentum through purpose-driven investing The 3 levels of freedom (and how to know which one you're chasing) If you're tired of vague promises and ready for a real path to wealth, this episode will challenge you—in the best way possible.
Richard W. Harrison's The Soviet Army's High Commands in War and Peace, 1941-1992 (Casemate Academic, 2022) is the first full treatment of the unique phenomenon of High Commands in the Soviet Army during World War II and the Cold War. The war on the Eastern Front during 1941–45 was an immense struggle, running from the Barents Sea to the Caucasus Mountains. The vast distances involved forced the Soviet political-military leadership to resort to new organizational expedients in order to control operations along the extended front. These were the high commands of the directions, which were responsible for two or more fronts (army groups) and, along maritime axes, one or more fleets. In all, five high commands were created along the northwestern, western, southwestern, and North Caucasus strategic directions during 1941–42. However, the highly unfavorable strategic situation during the first year of the war, as well as interference in day-to-day operations by Stalin, severely limited the high commands' effectiveness. As a consequence, the high commands were abolished in mid-1942 and replaced by the more flexible system of supreme command representatives at the front. A High Command of Soviet Forces in the Far East was established in 1945 and oversaw the Red Army's highly effective campaign against Japanese forces in Manchuria. The Far Eastern High Command was briefly resurrected in 1947 as a response to the tense situation along the Korean peninsula and the ongoing civil war in China, but was abolished in 1953, soon after Stalin's death. Growing tensions with China brought about the recreation of the Far Eastern High Command in 1979, followed a few years later by the appearance of new high commands in Europe and South Asia. However, these new high commands did not long survive the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and were abolished a year later. The book relies almost exclusively on Soviet and post-communist archival and other sources and is the first unclassified treatment of this subject in any country, East or West.Richard W. Harrison earned his Undergraduate and Master's degrees from Georgetown University, where he specialized in Russian Area Studies. He later earned his doctorate in War Studies from King's College London. He also was an exchange student in the former Soviet Union and spent several years living and working in post-communist Russia. He has taught Russian History and Military History at the US Military Academy at West Point. Dr. Harrison lives with his family near Carlisle, Pennsylvania.Stephen Satkiewicz is an independent scholar with research areas spanning Civilizational Sciences, Social Complexity, Big History, Historical Sociology, Military History, War Studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, and Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Proud Aunt Moment: My nephew Aidan is about to start his third year as a Cadet and rugby player at the West Point Military Academy in NY. He recently spent 3 weeks in Germany on an exchange training with their military and he was excited to share some of his stories from his time there. Being well trained from a young age by his aunt Nikki, he was curious about German wine, beer and spirits and brought home some different things that he wanted to share with us along with the stories of his time in the field. Listen to our 3 generation gathering as Aidan and I are joined my mom, Susan, and my sisters Dana (his mom) and Amanda as we listen, learn and taste all the German things. Takeaways:Aidan shares his insights from his military exchange in Germany, including cultural differences in drinking habits We talk about the generational shift in alcohol consumption, and I get his thoughts on Gen Z's preferences We taste a surprising Wine he brought back from the Baden regionWe do a side by side tasting of German and American Jagermeister He shares about military "patch culture" as we learn about an interesting (ahem) cocktail that was a staple for him during his training in the fieldLinks and resources: Purchase my Sollevato Sangiovese 2022and Sollevato "Fortunato" Red Blend (Use the code PODLISTENER for 10% off Nikki and Michael's Sollevato Wines!Follow me on Instagram to get the scoop on upcoming episodes and behind the scenes looks!Enjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com
In this episode of Startup Anthology, we have a special guest, Joseph Kopser, a retired Lt. Col. in the US Army, West Point alum, startup founder, and serial entrepreneur at the July 2025 Military Connected Monthly Mentorship Meetup (MCM3) in Austin at Capital Factory. Joseph shares his journey from the military to entrepreneurship, including founding RideScout while still serving in the Army. He also talks about his leadership experiences, the importance of mentorship, and the upcoming 'Leading to WIN' event aimed at bridging the gap between military and civilian communities. Connect with Joseph Kopser: LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephkopser/ Company | https://graylinegroup.com/joseph-kopser/ Personal | https://bit.ly/KopserKeynoteEmCeeFlyer Email | joseph@graylinegroup.com Leading to WIN 2025: Bridging the gap between generations of military service, leadership, and innovation in America's military capital. For more information on 'Leading to WIN 2025', visit https://leading2win.org/.
Richard W. Harrison's The Soviet Army's High Commands in War and Peace, 1941-1992 (Casemate Academic, 2022) is the first full treatment of the unique phenomenon of High Commands in the Soviet Army during World War II and the Cold War. The war on the Eastern Front during 1941–45 was an immense struggle, running from the Barents Sea to the Caucasus Mountains. The vast distances involved forced the Soviet political-military leadership to resort to new organizational expedients in order to control operations along the extended front. These were the high commands of the directions, which were responsible for two or more fronts (army groups) and, along maritime axes, one or more fleets. In all, five high commands were created along the northwestern, western, southwestern, and North Caucasus strategic directions during 1941–42. However, the highly unfavorable strategic situation during the first year of the war, as well as interference in day-to-day operations by Stalin, severely limited the high commands' effectiveness. As a consequence, the high commands were abolished in mid-1942 and replaced by the more flexible system of supreme command representatives at the front. A High Command of Soviet Forces in the Far East was established in 1945 and oversaw the Red Army's highly effective campaign against Japanese forces in Manchuria. The Far Eastern High Command was briefly resurrected in 1947 as a response to the tense situation along the Korean peninsula and the ongoing civil war in China, but was abolished in 1953, soon after Stalin's death. Growing tensions with China brought about the recreation of the Far Eastern High Command in 1979, followed a few years later by the appearance of new high commands in Europe and South Asia. However, these new high commands did not long survive the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and were abolished a year later. The book relies almost exclusively on Soviet and post-communist archival and other sources and is the first unclassified treatment of this subject in any country, East or West.Richard W. Harrison earned his Undergraduate and Master's degrees from Georgetown University, where he specialized in Russian Area Studies. He later earned his doctorate in War Studies from King's College London. He also was an exchange student in the former Soviet Union and spent several years living and working in post-communist Russia. He has taught Russian History and Military History at the US Military Academy at West Point. Dr. Harrison lives with his family near Carlisle, Pennsylvania.Stephen Satkiewicz is an independent scholar with research areas spanning Civilizational Sciences, Social Complexity, Big History, Historical Sociology, Military History, War Studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, and Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/russian-studies
Richard W. Harrison's The Soviet Army's High Commands in War and Peace, 1941-1992 (Casemate Academic, 2022) is the first full treatment of the unique phenomenon of High Commands in the Soviet Army during World War II and the Cold War. The war on the Eastern Front during 1941–45 was an immense struggle, running from the Barents Sea to the Caucasus Mountains. The vast distances involved forced the Soviet political-military leadership to resort to new organizational expedients in order to control operations along the extended front. These were the high commands of the directions, which were responsible for two or more fronts (army groups) and, along maritime axes, one or more fleets. In all, five high commands were created along the northwestern, western, southwestern, and North Caucasus strategic directions during 1941–42. However, the highly unfavorable strategic situation during the first year of the war, as well as interference in day-to-day operations by Stalin, severely limited the high commands' effectiveness. As a consequence, the high commands were abolished in mid-1942 and replaced by the more flexible system of supreme command representatives at the front. A High Command of Soviet Forces in the Far East was established in 1945 and oversaw the Red Army's highly effective campaign against Japanese forces in Manchuria. The Far Eastern High Command was briefly resurrected in 1947 as a response to the tense situation along the Korean peninsula and the ongoing civil war in China, but was abolished in 1953, soon after Stalin's death. Growing tensions with China brought about the recreation of the Far Eastern High Command in 1979, followed a few years later by the appearance of new high commands in Europe and South Asia. However, these new high commands did not long survive the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and were abolished a year later. The book relies almost exclusively on Soviet and post-communist archival and other sources and is the first unclassified treatment of this subject in any country, East or West.Richard W. Harrison earned his Undergraduate and Master's degrees from Georgetown University, where he specialized in Russian Area Studies. He later earned his doctorate in War Studies from King's College London. He also was an exchange student in the former Soviet Union and spent several years living and working in post-communist Russia. He has taught Russian History and Military History at the US Military Academy at West Point. Dr. Harrison lives with his family near Carlisle, Pennsylvania.Stephen Satkiewicz is an independent scholar with research areas spanning Civilizational Sciences, Social Complexity, Big History, Historical Sociology, Military History, War Studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, and Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies
Former Army wide receiver Mike Wright discusses his time as West Point football player, the Miracle at Michie and life after the academy.
This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Congressman Pat Harrigan joins Chuck and Sam to discuss his new bill cracking down on foreign espionage from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, his national security wins in the NDAA, and why young Americans should consider joining the military. He also weighs in on U.S. support for Ukraine and removing Chinese influence from defense infrastructure. Next, Zach Fletcher stops by in studio to highlight the America 250 Tour, a patriotic celebration traveling to all 50 states in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. Then, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley outlines ongoing election integrity efforts across key states like Arizona and Michigan, including lawsuits to clean up voter rolls and defend ballot deadlines. Finally, financial analyst Gary Gygi breaks down the pros and cons of passive versus active investing. And as always, stay tuned for Kiley's Corner, where she gives an update on Bryan Kohberger and the Idaho 4 case and discusses the verdict of the five hockey players accused of sexual assault after winning the 2018 World Junior Championship.www.breakingbattlegrounds.voteTwitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_BattleFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegroundsInstagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegroundsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegroundsTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegroundsShow sponsors:Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.comOld Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.comDot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: dotvote.vote4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.comAbout our guest:Congressman Pat Harrigan brings a lifetime of service, leadership, and innovation to the U.S. House of Representatives. A combat-decorated Green Beret and a successful entrepreneur, Congressman Harrigan has dedicated his career to tackling challenges—on the battlefield, in business, and now in Congress.After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Nuclear Engineering, Congressman Harrigan commissioned as an Infantry officer and was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He deployed to Afghanistan as a young Platoon Leader, commanding a remote combat outpost in the heart of the Arghandab Valley. At just 23 years old, Congressman Harrigan managed over 350 personnel and $100 million in infrastructure and equipment, gaining invaluable experience in high-pressure leadership.Recognizing the need for even greater expertise in unconventional warfare, Congressman Harrigan volunteered for and earned the Green Beret. As a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, he returned to Afghanistan to lead operations in increasingly complex and volatile environments. For his service, he was awarded two Bronze Stars in recognition of his leadership and effectiveness in combat. These experiences shaped his understanding of the critical connection between accountability, mission success, and guiding teams under pressure.While serving in the military, Congressman Harrigan and his wife Rocky launched a small firearms business out of their home. Rooted in North Carolinian values of hard work and ingenuity, the company grew rapidly. What began in their living room quickly scaled into a thriving enterprise, producing American-made defense products that support national security. Today, the company operates out of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Western North Carolina, creating jobs and fostering innovation for the region.The fall of Afghanistan marked a turning point for Congressman Harrigan. Watching the consequences of failed leadership unfold, he knew he had to act. Motivated by his dedication to his country and a desire to restore strength and accountability to Washington, Congressman Harrigan stepped forward to serve in Congress.Now, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Harrigan applies the same principles that guided him in the Army and in business: bold leadership, unshakable integrity, and a commitment to delivering results.Congressman Harrigan and his wife Rocky have been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Reagan and McKinley. As North Carolina's voice in Congress, Pat is dedicated to serving the hardworking families and communities of the Tenth District. In every role—whether leading soldiers, growing a business, or serving his constituents—Congressman Harrigan remains dedicated to building a stronger, more secure America.-Zachary Fletcher's love for America runs deep. With over 12 years of marketing experience – including leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies – he now directs the America 250 Tour, overseeing national marketing and operations for this historic, state-by-state celebration of our nation's founding.Inspired by his mother, Kimberly Fletcher, founder of Moms for America, Zachary joined the movement to uplift mothers and preserve America's core values. He lives in Branson, Missouri, with his wife and two children, and is passionate about faith, freedom, and raising the next generation to love their country.-Michael Whatley has been a Republican activist for 40 years. He has served as the Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party where he has led our Republican Candidates to unprecedented victories in each of the last two election cycles and has been named as General Counsel for the Republican National Committee where he will oversee all national election integrity programs.Since volunteering for Jesse Helms and President Ronald Reagan in 1984 as a sophomore at Watauga High School, Michael has knocked on doors, worked on phone banks, put out yard signs, recruited & trained volunteers and raised money for Republicans in Local, Legislative, Congressional, Senatorial and Presidential races from one end of North Carolina to the other.As a member of the Florida Recount Team, Michael fought to protect George W. Bush's historically close win and then served President Bush as a Senior Official at the Department of Energy.Michael got to see first-hand how important winning elections is for helping the citizens of North Carolina serving as Chief of Staff for Senator Elizabeth Dole.In 2015, Michael answered the call to help Donald J. Trump in North Carolina and helped deliver the Old North State for President Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 election cycles.Michael has earned a Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of North Carolina–Charlotte, a Master's Degree in Religion from Wake Forest University, a Master's Degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and a Law Degree from the Notre Dame Law School. He served as a Federal Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert Potter in Charlotte.Michael lives in Gaston County with his wife and three children and serves as a member of the vestry for his church.-Mr. Gary Gygi was hired by the Investment firm Dean Witter (became Morgan Stanley) after college and worked for the firm for about 15 years. During this time he achieved the position of First Vice President, Investment and branch manager of the Midvale, Utah office. Mr. Gygi won numerous sales awards and held the position of Branch Managed Money Coordinator and Branch Insurance Coordinator. Mr. Gygi left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to join the Investment management firm of Smoot Miller Cheney (later became SMC Capital) as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Gygi holds a dual registration so while affiliating with Smoot Miller Cheney; he also was a registered rep with Independent broker/dealer WBB Securities, LLC. In 2008, Mr. Gygi left SMC Capital to found Gygi Capital Management as President and CEO. Gygi Capital serves the Institutional and individual marketplace with investment management solutions. Gygi Capital is a State regulated Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Cedar Hills, Utah. Gygi affiliates with Union Capital Co. which is an independent broker/dealer firm.Contact Gary at Gygi Capital Management: (801) 649-3879 Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe
Steven Rabalais, litigator and author of General Fox Conner: Pershing's Chief of Operations and Eisenhower's Mentor, joins the show to discuss the extraordinary influence of now-forgotten General Fox Connor on the outcome of WWI and Eisenhower's career. ▪️ Times • 01:51 Introduction • 03:10 Growing up with history • 05:47 A southern story • 07:44 West Point struggles • 12:07 A reader • 14:50 Coastal artillery • 20:46 Rocks and airplanes • 23:51 Mechanism of victory • 27:54 WWI logistics • 32:47 Summer 1918 • 46:03 Eisenhower • 51:24 Panama • 01:01:58 Foreshadowing Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find a transcript of today's episode on our School of War Substack
Have you ever felt like your prayers were just hitting the ceiling and falling flat? Like no matter how much you cry out to God, He feels silent - or worse, absent? This episode is for you, sister. I sat down with my friend Jaime Hampton - author of She Prays Like a Girl and co-host of the Praying Christian Women podcast - for one of the most tender and honest conversations about prayer I've had in a long time. Jaime shares her powerful testimony of walking with the Lord since childhood, drifting in her teen years, and how God reawakened her through prayer. She tells a moving story of crying out for her son at West Point, and how God's “no” was actually part of a bigger, deeper yes. We also unpack: What to do when your prayers seem unanswered Why God might seem silent even when He's not How to handle comparison when “everyone else is getting pregnant” How to take every thought captive (even the ugly ones) and hand them back to Jesus Whether you're in a season of waiting, loss, or just feeling spiritually dry, this conversation will remind you: God hears you. He's still moving. And your prayers still matter. Resources and Links: ✨ If you want to make prayer more of a priority in your life and you need support, visit https://www.prayingchristianwomen.com to learn more from Jamie! You can also pick up a paperback or ebook copy of her book She Prays Like a Girl ✨ Join Fertility Framework: If you're ready for deeper support, personalized cycle guidance, and faith-filled encouragement, come join me inside Fertility Framework! We walk through the science of your cycle while keeping God in the center of your fertility journey. Read the testimonies & enroll here: www.bekahyawn.com/course ✨ Want daily encouragement and support? Join our free online community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/802419477419221 ✨ I've put together a free faith-filled booklet to help guide you through this journey. It's called Faith-Driven Fertility, and it's full of practical steps and encouragement for trusting God while supporting your body for conception.
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in San Francisco, CA on October 7th & 8th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ This week on the SABM Podcast, we're joined by Chase Millsap (USNA '05), Brett Lea, and Alex Sabga-Brady, the producers behind D-Day to Today: The Band of Brothers Legacy, a forthcoming documentary exploring the lasting impact of the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers on modern-day service members and military culture. Chase Millsap is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, former Marine infantry officer, and Army National Guard Special Forces veteran. After over a decade of service, Chase transitioned into storytelling and documentary filmmaking. He helped launch We Are The Mighty and has spent more than 15 years producing authentic military content in Hollywood. This project brings together his dual passions: military service and meaningful storytelling. Brett Lea is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel with 22 years of service. A former West Point history instructor and military public affairs officer, Brett led multiple staff rides in Normandy and served as the Army's official liaison to Hollywood. His personal reverence for Dick Winters and Easy Company fuels his commitment to preserving the legacy of WWII heroes and inspiring today's soldiers. Alex Sabga-Brady portrayed Corporal Frank Mellet in the original Band of Brothers series and has spent the last two decades as a creative director, production designer, and brand strategist. While originally cast as background support due to his prior cadet training, Alex's dedication and performance earned him a named role. Today, he remains closely connected with his fellow castmates and is deeply committed to honoring Easy Company's legacy. Together, they're bringing this story full circle through reenactments, interviews, and original footage—connecting the heroes of WWII with today's soldiers of the 101st Airborne and reigniting conversations about courage, leadership, and service. Show Notes: In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Chase, Brett, and Alex about: The Band of Brothers Legacy Project: How a group of veterans and cast members are preserving the legacy of Easy Company From Training to Jump: Reenacting WWII parachute jumps in Normandy with the original cast Impact on Today's Military: Why Band of Brothers still resonates with the 101st Airborne Military-Civilian Storytelling: Blending authenticity, history, and cinematic power Bringing It Home: The team's goal to premiere the documentary in Normandy in 2026 Timestamps: 01:10 Chase's background and transition into storytelling 04:10 The jump that inspired the documentary 07:22 Alex's perspective on portraying history and maintaining legacy 14:40 Brett's journey from West Point to the Army's Hollywood liaison 19:00 Why Band of Brothers still matters 24:16 Production progress and what's left to do 31:45 How the 101st Airborne is carrying the legacy forward 36:50 The unexpected power of rediscovered footage and interviews 43:00 The impact of Band of Brothers on leadership across generations 49:13 How to support and get involved Connect with Chase: LinkedIn Website If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode—subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Chase, Alex, and Brett for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01
Send us a textFour years ago, we sat down with Ethan Trampush, a remarkable young man who had just graduated high school and earned a full congressional scholarship to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our podcast was in its early days—his story was one of our first, and one we never forgot.Today, he returns as a West Point graduate and a newly commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.In this powerful episode, we catch up on the journey that transformed a determined high school student into a disciplined leader. He shares what it took to navigate the physical, mental, and emotional demands of West Point, the growth he experienced along the way, and the sense of purpose that now drives him as an Army officer.Adding a deeply personal layer to his story, he's joined at his commissioning ceremony by a special guest—his former high school teacher, John Wallace, a U.S. Army veteran who inspired him from the start. In a moment full of tradition and emotion, he honored his mentor with his first salute as an officer, a gesture that speaks volumes about the influence of teachers who lead by example.This is more than a story of achievement—it's a story of commitment, transformation, and the people who shape us along the way.It's a great day to be a Pioneer! Thanks for listening. Find Elyria Schools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!
In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Greg Frigoletto interviews Lindsey Chrismon, a trailblazer in both military and business sectors. Lindsey shares her journey from a young girl with dreams of attending West Point to becoming the first female pilot of the AH-6M Little Bird helicopter. She discusses her leadership experiences at West Point, her transition to Harvard Business School, and the founding of Oply, an innovative app designed to simplify home maintenance through predictive technology. The conversation highlights themes of ambition, resilience, and the importance of leadership in various aspects of life. Key Takeaways: Lindsay had a vision of attending West Point from a young age. She was the first female to fly the AH-6M Little Bird helicopter. Leadership experiences at West Point shaped her future. Transitioning from military to business was a significant change. Oply aims to make home ownership stress-free through technology. The app uses AI to predict home maintenance needs. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ Follow Host, Greg Frigoletto: https://www.instagram.com/gjfrig7/ Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summary:In this episode of Million Dollar Flip Flops, Rodric sits down with retired Army Colonel and leadership expert David Fivecoat. They explore the battlefield as a training ground for corporate leadership, dissect tools like Hogan and Kolbe assessments, and dive into the psychology of decision-making under pressure. David shares stories from Afghanistan, lessons from Normandy, and why he believes most leaders should release their work at 80%. Plus, they dive into the mission behind Send a Student Leader Abroad and why international travel may be the best leadership development tool of all.Timestamps & Highlights:0:22 – David introduces himself and his journey from military to business4:03 – How battlefields became a surprising leadership training tool8:00 – Comparing corporate vs. military decision-making under pressure11:02 – Deep dive into Hogan assessments and executive coaching13:49 – Why teams often fail: low resilience and no process16:52 – David's military story: from West Point to Afghanistan20:59 – Entrepreneurship during COVID and risk tolerance26:21 – Why success often arrives 90–120 days after your actions30:57 – Leadership in the military: more collaborative than you think35:18 – Leadership journeys using Apollo, Gettysburg, and more40:07 – Rodric's SASLA program and the power of travel44:19 – David's question for the next guest: “What are you waiting to get to 100% that you could ship at 80%?”46:18 – What matters most to David: his daughterQuote of the Episode: "You can only give people dumb orders that put their life at risk once. The second time—they'll push back." – David FivecoatGuest Links:
Had he grown up where he was born, chances are Dan Hinote would not have experienced a decade-plus pro hockey career. Afterall, Florida isn't really a hotbed for hockey players. Case in point: Dan became the first Florida born player to score a goal in an NHL game. When Dan was very young, he moved from Florida to Minnesota where ponds are plentiful and eventually everyone laces up some ice skates. He was fast on ice and good at hockey but didn't have a specialty. So, he became proficient in many aspects of the game and did whatever it took to make a team. In 1996, the Avalanche drafted him after being assured he would leave West Point, where he was attending college, playing hockey for fun and aspiring to be an FBI agent. Life went a different direction for sure with several years in the NHL, a Stanley Cup Championship with the Avs, many injuries and a few different teams. After he retired, Dan went straight into coaching for a few years, then found himself out of hockey to focus on his family and trying to find work outside of the rink. After some time with AT&T and as a stock broker, Dan got back into coaching, spending time in the NHL and AHL where he loves helping players find their potential. Listen to Dan's story and conversation with Susie Wargin on the Cut Traded Fired Retired Podcast.
Work with Jimmy & the Vreeland Capital Team to build a 20-Unit Portfolio that will get you the equivalent of a retirement account 3X faster with a third of the capital. Visit https://tinyurl.com/mainstreetpatriot-getstarted - - - - - - - Summary In this episode of the Real Estate FastPass podcast, Jimmy Vreeland and Jake discuss the concept of capital, particularly focusing on the importance of title law and how it underpins wealth creation in the Western world. They explore the differences in property ownership and capital access between developed and developing countries, emphasizing the role of trust in legal systems. The conversation highlights how understanding and leveraging capital can lead to wealth generation, especially for passive real estate investors. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to take advantage of the opportunities available in the real estate market. Takeaways Understanding title law is crucial for real estate investors. The Western world benefits from a strong legal system. Home equity is a significant source of wealth for Americans. Capital allows for the trading of assets and wealth creation. Trust in the legal system is essential for economic growth. Investors should leverage their assets to maximize returns. The concept of capital is a blessing in a capitalist society. Title law protects property rights and encourages investment. The ability to trade assets increases their value. Investing in real estate is a viable path to wealth. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Mystery of Capital 09:09 The Importance of Title Law 14:58 Leveraging Capital for Wealth 22:39 The Call to Action for InvestorsAbout Jimmy Vreeland Jimmy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, spent 5 years as an Army Ranger, and deployed three times twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. On his last deployment, he read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki which led him down the path of real estate investing. As his own portfolio grew, eventually he started a real estate investing business. Since 2018 his team at Vreeland Capital has supplied over 100 houses a year to high performing, passive investors who want to work with his team and his team is now managing over 800 houses. Get in touch with Jimmy and his team at www.jimmyvreeland.com/getstartedinrealestate More about Jimmy Website: www.jimmyvreeland.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-vreeland Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimmyvreeland Facebook: www.facebook.com/JimmyVreeland Youtube: www.youtube.com/@JimmyVreelandC >>>>>>Get free access to the private Ranger Real Estate facebook group
General Douglas MacArthur and General Jonathan Wainwright were very different men. Despite their differences, they shared notable similarities: both came from military families, graduated from West Point, and were decorated World War I veterans. They were also deeply devoted to the Army and driven by a strong sense of duty. Their relationship, largely shaped by the desperate defense and fall of the Philippines during World War II, was complex yet remarkably resilient. To delve deeper into their story, the MacArthur Memorial Podcast hosted Jonathan Horn, author of The Fate of the Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright, and the Epic Battle for the Philippines. Have a comment about this episode? Send us a text message! (Note: we can only read the texts, we can't reply) Follow us on:Twitter: @MacArthur1880; @AEWilliamsClarkFacebook: @MacArthurMemorialwww.macarthurmemorial.org
Ryan McDermott, Army veteran of the 2003 invasion of Iraq and author of Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet, joins the show to talk about his combat experiences. ▪️ Times • 01:13 Introduction • 01:55 Seeking purpose • 04:11 West Point • 06:48 9/11 • 08:41 3rd Infantry Division • 10:12 Platoon tactics • 14:51 “Crossing tonight” • 18:08 Preparing for combat • 23:40 Tired • 29:37 Baghdad • 35:51 Thunder Runs Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find a transcript of today's episode on our School of War Substack
Braxton Bragg was a Confederate general known for his role in key Civil War battles like Perryville, Stones River, and Chickamauga. A West Point graduate and Mexican-American War veteran, Bragg's career was marked by early success and later controversy, often clashing with his own officers. This video covers the highs and lows of one of the Civil War's most debated commanders.Subscribe to our YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@bangdangnetwork
In this episode of Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey, your host and fellow moxie Maker, discusses the importance of momentum in tackling life's challenges, inspired by President Trump's speech at West Point. Heather shares her personal experiences with overwhelming projects and emphasizes the significance of small steps and celebrating small wins. She introduces her latest project, a 90-day Wellness and Mindset Journal, co-authored with Dr. Carol Lynn, and the new 'Moxie Makers' group for guided journaling sessions. Heather also offers a special coaching opportunity as part of her birthday month celebration. Join the Midlife Moxie community for support and encouragement. Thanks for listening! Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn: Linkedin Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com Connect with Host Heather Pettey: Email: hpetteyoffice@gmail.com Speaker Request Here Instagram @HeatherPettey_ Facebook: @HeatherPettey1 Linkedin: @HeatherPettey Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller) Facebook Group: @midlifemoxie Website: www.ourmidlifemoxie.com Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice! *Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:32 Understanding Momentum 02:27 Personal Projects and Challenges 04:38 Maintaining Motivation 09:51 The Power of Journaling 12:00 Exciting Announcements 12:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
As a West Point graduate who had completed his required service, Tom Deierlein was well into a successful career in digital advertising when he was called up once again to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, while working to help struggling Iraqi families meet their basic needs, a sniper's bullet would change his life's trajectory. In this Blue Sky conversation, Tom shares his remarkable life story, on that is marked by inspiring grit, resilience, service, and optimism. Chapters: 02:11 Tom Deierlein's Background Tom Deierlein shares insights about his upbringing as the eighth of nine children and his early influences that led him to West Point. He reflects on the values instilled by his parents and his initial motivations for joining the military. 05:24 Military Service and Leadership Development Tom discusses his military training and the leadership development he experienced during his service, emphasizing the structured professional growth within the Army. He explains his transition from active duty to civilian life and the decisions that led him to the reserves. 08:45 Return to Service and Civil Affairs After a 12-year hiatus, Tom is called back to active duty and deployed to Iraq, where he serves in civil affairs. 12:31 Humanitarian Efforts in Iraq Tom recounts his experiences providing aid to local children and families in Iraq, driven by the dire conditions he witnessed. He shares how he mobilized support from friends and colleagues back home to send supplies and assistance. 16:47 Life-Changing Injury Tom shares the harrowing details of being shot by a sniper in Iraq, describing the severity of his injuries and the immediate medical response he received. He highlights the critical moments that followed and his journey to recovery. 22:41 The Birth of the TD Foundation While recovering at Walter Reed, Tom's friends and supporters continue to fundraise for his humanitarian efforts, leading to the establishment of the TD Foundation. He explains the foundation's mission to support children of wounded warriors and families in crisis. 25:51 Resilience and Recovery Tom reflects on his emotional journey during recovery, including moments of doubt and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. He discusses the role he played in supporting other wounded veterans and the lessons learned from his experiences. 30:06 The Growth of the TD Foundation Tom Deierlein shares the evolution of the TD Foundation, highlighting its mission to support families of wounded warriors and fallen heroes. 36:09 Navigating Challenges with Gratitude In this chapter, Tom reflects on the importance of gratitude in overcoming life's challenges, drawing inspiration from his personal journey. He emphasizes how the TD Foundation's quick response to urgent needs helps families regain hope. 37:15 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Thundercat Technology Transitioning to his entrepreneurial journey, Tom introduces Thundercat Technology, a company he founded that focuses on data center technology and government contracts. He discusses the company's growth and its mission to enhance national security. 41:40 The Role of Optimism and Grit in Business Tom elaborates on the significance of optimism and grit in entrepreneurship, sharing his pragmatic approach to goal-setting and resilience. He explains how these qualities have shaped his leadership style and the culture at Thundercat. 49:02 A Journey of Growth and Inspiration Wrapping up the conversation, Tom reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite life's inevitable challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace optimism and resilience as essential tools for personal and professional growth.
Listener suggestions are rated on the Yachtski Scale, with songs by Westpoint, Patti Austin, and Ratt.
Work with Jimmy & the Vreeland Capital Team to build a 20-Unit Portfolio that will get you the equivalent of a retirement account 3X faster with a third of the capital. Visit https://tinyurl.com/mainstreetpatriot-getstarted - - - - - - - Summary In this episode, Jimmy and Jake discuss the concept of 'resulting' in investment decisions, emphasizing that a good outcome does not necessarily indicate a good decision-making process. He shares personal anecdotes from his real estate experiences, highlighting the importance of having a structured buying criteria and a long-term investment plan. The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of chasing short-term results and the necessity of discipline in building wealth over time. takeaways Resulting means judging decisions based on outcomes rather than the decision-making process. Good results can come from poor decisions, and vice versa. Having a structured buying criteria is essential for successful investing. Investors should focus on long-term planning rather than short-term gains. Real estate investments require patience, as time can resolve many issues. Chasing trends can lead to poor investment choices. A solid investment plan helps mitigate risks and improve decision-making. Investors need to learn from their mistakes to refine their strategies. Passive investors must have a clear plan to succeed in the market. Luck is often a result of being prepared for opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Resulting in Investment Decisions 03:29 Lessons from Real Estate Mistakes 06:55 The Role of Passive Investors 10:07 The Importance of a Buying Criteria 14:49 Long-Term Planning vs. Short-Term ResultsAbout Jimmy Vreeland Jimmy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, spent 5 years as an Army Ranger, and deployed three times twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. On his last deployment, he read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki which led him down the path of real estate investing. As his own portfolio grew, eventually he started a real estate investing business. Since 2018 his team at Vreeland Capital has supplied over 100 houses a year to high performing, passive investors who want to work with his team and his team is now managing over 800 houses. Get in touch with Jimmy and his team at www.jimmyvreeland.com/getstartedinrealestate More about Jimmy Website: www.jimmyvreeland.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-vreeland Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimmyvreeland Facebook: www.facebook.com/JimmyVreeland Youtube: www.youtube.com/@JimmyVreelandC >>>>>>Get free access to the private Ranger Real Estate facebook group
Dean Wegner is a former Army Ranger, a West Point graduate, and now the CEO and co-founder of Authentically American, an apparel brand rooted in purpose. But more than that, he's a husband, a dad of four, and someone who truly understands what it means to lead with heart. We started this episode by connecting over something very personal. As many of you are aware, my son is currently attending the U.S. Naval Academy. That journey has opened my eyes to a whole new level of respect and awareness regarding military service, patriotism, and what it means to serve something greater than oneself. So when a listener suggested Dean as a guest, the timing could not have been better. Dean shared how his leadership journey began long before building a business. It started at home, and it was shaped by the values he learned in the military, including putting others first, leading by example, and building character when no one is watching. He discussed what it means to transition from focusing on personal growth to genuinely supporting and developing the people you lead. We also explored his pivot from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. Like many of us, he faced moments of doubt and unexpected challenges, especially during the early days of the pandemic. But Dean's story is an excellent reminder that hard work, faith, and staying true to one's mission can carry you through even the most challenging seasons. If you've ever questioned whether leading with heart is compatible with ambition and business success, this episode will encourage you. Dean is proof that you can grow a brand, serve a cause, and stay grounded in your values.
In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Brigadier General Charles Young — a man born into slavery in Mays Lick, Kentucky, during the Civil War who went on to break barriers across the U.S. military and beyond. Despite facing relentless racism, repeated demotions, and exclusion due to his race, Young became a pioneer and trailblazer, achieving numerous historic firsts as a Black officer in the U.S. Army.You'll learn about Young's journey from his family's escape to freedom in Ripley, Ohio, through his tough years at West Point, his service with the Buffalo Soldiers, and his role as the first Black superintendent of a National Park (Sequoia & General Grant). We also learn about his friendships with figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, and his diplomatic posts in Haiti and Liberia.This episode touches on Young's incredible resilience, the legacy he left through public service, education, and advocacy, and his long-overdue posthumous promotion to Brigadier General in 2021. *The transcript for this show is auto generated using AI. Robots make mistakes too y'all!Connect with the show on social media-Facebook: Kentucky History & HauntsFacebook Group: Kentucky History & Haunts & MoreInstagram @kyhistoryhauntsEmails with comments, corrections, etc. can be sent to kyhistoryhaunts@gmail.comMail can be sent to Jessie Bartholomew9115 Leesgate Rd Suite ALouisville, KY 40222This episode is written, recorded, edited and marketed by Jessie. To buy her a coffee for her work on the show, Venmo @kyhistoryhauntshttps://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=219094BE-2C76-4E63-85B3-8D8B46EFFFB5https://brigadiergeneralcharlesyoungfoundation.org/timeline/
After hearing this episode, you'll have no excuse not to reach financial freedom in under a decade. Today's guest did it in even less time, scaling up to income-replacing cash flow in just a matter of years, even with a very demanding full-time job and constantly moving around the country. Through pure hustle, Taylor Wing is now financially independent in his late twenties with a sizable rental property portfolio that spits out cash flow to pay for his South Florida lifestyle. He's got so many tricks to reach financial freedom faster, but his best piece of advice? The number of rentals you own doesn't matter. Taylor was a full-time military member, serving in the Army for the first five years of his career, bouncing between North Carolina, South Dakota, and beyond. Wherever he was stationed, he began buying houses as soon as possible. That meant Taylor spent almost every hour of the day working, either at his job or on his rental property portfolio, for years straight. Was it a grind? Yes. Was it worth it? 100%. Now, fast forward seven years after graduating from West Point, and his family is financially free. He has his beautiful house on the water in Florida and is spending more time with his new (and growing!) family. Through “rebalancing” his rental portfolio, strategically using “reverse 1031 exchanges,” and other savvy strategies, Taylor is now in complete control of his time. He's teaching you how to do the same today! In This Episode We Cover Why “unit count” doesn't matter for financial freedom, but cash flow does Buying rentals in multiple markets and how to maximize your profit with medium-term rentals Why every real estate investor MUST review and “rebalance” their rental portfolio (or it'll cost them) How to do a “reverse 1031 exchange” and move your headache rentals into better cash-flowing real estate The $140,000 properties Taylor is buying today that make $300-$400/month cash flow! And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1147 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this inspiring episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Retired U.S. Army Major Gerald Gangaram, a decorated combat pilot turned national advocate for civic education. Raised in a low-income neighborhood in Queens, NY, Gerald's journey took him from West Point to the battlefields of Afghanistan, where he led soldiers and flew Apache helicopters during Operation Enduring Freedom. Today, he serves as the Vice President of Civic Leadership Development at the Bill of Rights Institute, where he empowers students and leaders to embrace America's founding principles.
Chapters:00:00 - Intro & Childhood Name Origins 03:00 - The Power of Naming & Identity 06:00 - Growing Up: Family Dynamics & Early Lessons 10:00 - Masculinity, Fatherhood & Emotional Repression 15:00 - Leadership Through Compassion 21:00 - Military Trauma & Post-Service Healing 25:00 - Discovering Cannabis as a Healing Tool 29:00 - Founding Jane Technologies 33:00 - Redefining Freedom: Money vs. Meaning 38:00 - Building Jane & Facing the Unknown 42:00 - Entrepreneurship: Embracing Uncertainty 46:00 - Investors & the Human Side of Leadership 48:00 - Mental Wellness & Surfing for Balance 52:00 - Learning from Nature, Loss & Stillness 56:00 - What's Next for Jane Technologies 58:00 - AI, Cannabis & the Future of Retail 01:00:00 - Final Rapid-Fire: Music, Childhood, Inspiration EndoDNA: Where Genetic Science Meets Actionable Patient CareEndoDNA bridges the gap between complex genomics and patient wellness. Our patented DNA analysis platforms and AI technology provide genetic insights that support and enhance your clinical expertise.Click here to check out to take control over your Personal Health & Wellness Connect with EndoDNA on SOCIAL: IG | X | YOUTUBE | FBConnect with host, Len May, on IG
Steve Gruber talks with Will Thibeau, Director of The American Military Project at the Center for the American Way of Life, about the ongoing influence of DEI at West Point. Despite recent policy shifts, Thibeau warns that DEI ideology still undermines merit, weakens readiness, and threatens the core mission of the U.S. military. He outlines what real reform must look like to restore excellence and focus within America's service academies.
In this week's episode Lizzie and Arden dive into the history of one of America's most revered institutions, West Point! Join them as they discuss the history of West Point, how the United States Military Academy came to be, and some notable graduates from history who went there! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @letsgetcivical, @lizzie_the_rock_stewart, and @ardenjulianna. Or visit us at letsgetcivical.com for all the exciting updates! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Dave Shephard, Director of Portfolio Operations at Rainier Partners. Dave shares how his military experience, consulting background at Bain, and hands-on leadership approach shape his work in private equity today. Key topics include: 1:30 - Dave's journey from West Point to portfolio operations, and how problem-solving shaped his career. 6:14 - Lessons from the military: Developing grit, resilience, and the ability to lead without authority. 13:48 - How Rainier Partners drives value creation through a defined, repeatable process: strategy alignment, tactical execution, and operational improvements. 30:31 - The foundational role of data and systems in applying AI to portfolio companies—and why starting small can make the difference. 40:14 - Dave's advice to his younger self and the value of curiosity, continuous learning, and thinking beyond immediate tasks. For more information on Rainier Partners, go to https://www.rainierpartners.com/ For more information on Dave Shephard, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-shephard-auxga/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts
In this episode, we talk with Stu Gray, associate professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, whose winding journey from West Point to political theory is a story of risk, reflection and relentless curiosity. Gray shares how his fascination with both Western and Eastern traditions reshaped his understanding of identity, meaning and what it truly means to live a good life. We explore the philosophy behind his popular courses, including one inspired by “Black Mirror,” and how he invites students to unplug, look inward and critically examine the role technology plays in shaping modern identity. From the allure of “becoming” over “being” to the quiet power of awe, this conversation delves into questions that linger long after the classroom. Whether you're interested in politics, philosophy or simply navigating a digital world more mindfully, this episode will leave you thinking deeply and seeing differently.
John Spencer is one of the world's foremost authorities on urban warfare, the kind of fighting that's reshaping modern conflict, from Gaza to Ukraine. A retired U.S. Army major, John served more than 25 years in uniform and now leads research as the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point.He's walked the streets of Mariupol, studied the rubble of Gaza, and is now also analyzing India's own Operation Sindoor, offering insights to militaries around the world on how wars are fought — and lost — in cities. What makes John unique is not just his battlefield experience or academic expertise, but his ability to explain the brutal logic of urban warfare in a way that's deeply human, brutally honest, and urgently relevant.
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.
Work with Jimmy & the Vreeland Capital Team to build a 20-Unit Portfolio that will get you the equivalent of a retirement account 3X faster with a third of the capital. Visit https://tinyurl.com/mainstreetpatriot-getstarted - - - - - - - Summary Happy Birthday America! In this episode of the Real Estate FastPass podcast, host Jimmy Vreeland discusses the impact of inflation on savings and wealth building, drawing parallels to the strategies used by the founding fathers. He emphasizes the importance of investing in real estate as a hedge against inflation and explores current economic trends, including the Federal Reserve's policies and the potential for investment opportunities in the real estate market. Takeaways Inflation acts as a silent tax on savings. Investing in real estate can counteract inflation. The founding fathers used inflation to build wealth. Continental dollars lost value, but real estate remained valuable. Understanding economic shifts can lead to wealth building. Current economic policies may create investment opportunities. Bonus depreciation can lead to significant tax savings. Waiting for lower interest rates may not benefit new investors. The Fed's goal is to slow the rate of inflation, not stop it. Now is a good time to invest in real estate.About Jimmy Vreeland Jimmy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, spent 5 years as an Army Ranger, and deployed three times twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. On his last deployment, he read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki which led him down the path of real estate investing. As his own portfolio grew, eventually he started a real estate investing business. Since 2018 his team at Vreeland Capital has supplied over 100 houses a year to high performing, passive investors who want to work with his team and his team is now managing over 800 houses. Get in touch with Jimmy and his team at www.jimmyvreeland.com/getstartedinrealestate More about Jimmy Website: www.jimmyvreeland.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-vreeland Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimmyvreeland Facebook: www.facebook.com/JimmyVreeland Youtube: www.youtube.com/@JimmyVreelandC >>>>>>Get free access to the private Ranger Real Estate facebook group
Retired U.S. Army three-star General Ray Palumbo is co-founder and senior partner of Venturi Solutions, having served 34 years leading conventional and special operations forces during peacetime and combat. A former 160th Squadron pilot and West Point graduate, he now serves on multiple boards and is passionate about supporting injured military veterans and Gold Star families. In this episode, Ray discusses the critical distinction between leadership and generalship, explaining how generals must orchestrate multiple military capabilities while understanding how military power fits into broader national strategy. He reveals how his humble beginnings in a Pennsylvania steel town, raised by educators and coaches, instilled the mental toughness and values that would serve him throughout his military career. Ray explores the transformative experience of joining the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where constant assessment and high standards created a culture of excellence that changed his life. He breaks down his leadership pyramid model, emphasizing how successful organizations must establish unchanging values, cultivate culture that aligns values with behavior, build strategic capabilities, and communicate vision beyond immediate goals. Ray also addresses the complex challenge facing military veterans in today's polarized political environment, offering hope that stronger, more moderate leadership can bring the country back to "competing within the 40-yard lines." For leaders transitioning from military to corporate environments, veterans feeling disillusioned with current discourse, and executives seeking to build values-based organizations, this episode provides powerful insights on authentic leadership, strategic thinking, and the importance of maximizing life's "scraps of time" for continuous growth. You can find episode 469 wherever you get your podcasts! Watch this Episode on YouTube | Ray Palumbo on A Leadership Pyramid Model Key Takeaways [05:02] - Ray explains his grandparents owned Columbus Tavern in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, he grew up in a coal town, came from a family of educators and coaches, his dad was a high school coach who became principal, and all family members had to play sports which taught mental toughness, discipline, and academic excellence. [06:41] - Ray confirms that the mental toughness his dad instilled, being educators who demanded academic excellence, and learning to be a team player, win, and lose with dignity was definitely ingrained growing up. [07:32] - Ray advises to "hang tough" because "the pendulum swings," believes the political discourse is polarized, and thinks stronger moderate leadership will bring the country back to "fighting the game between the 40 yard lines instead of from end zone to end zone." [09:29] - Ray explains there are similarities between military and corporate leadership, it comes down to values, mentions the army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage, and emphasizes that values must be lived, not just carried in your wallet or on dog tags. [14:22] - Ray distinguishes that military leadership focuses on mission above self with potential personal sacrifice, while corporate leadership focuses on company loyalty and profitability. Generalship involves manipulating multiple capabilities and understanding how the military fits into all elements of national power including diplomatic, information, economic, and financial elements. [19:55] - Ray describes running a Combined Joint Special Operations Task force in Afghanistan where night operations sometimes resulted in civilian casualties, creating information challenges at local, national, NATO, and global news cycle levels, noting they "didn't figure it out at first" but "got better at it as time went on." [23:53] - Ray recalls a two star general telling him "we are all benefited and limited by our experiences," explaining he came from special operations with high expectations and had to learn not to "outrun your headlights" when commanding conventional forces doing complex air assault operations in Germany. [26:20] - Ray mentions working for General McChrystal in JSOC and reading "The Speed of Trust" by Stephen Covey, emphasizing that "trust goes a long way on cold, dark nights" when you have no control but must believe someone will get you where you need to go. [29:14] - Ray describes his pyramid model: establish values as the foundation, cultivate culture that reflects those values, build strategy to achieve desired ends, and communicate vision constantly, emphasizing that leaders must establish organizational values while culture aligns those values to actual personal behavior. [33:31] - Ray believes stronger moderate political leadership is needed but has strong opinions against senior officers opining about the commander in chief because it creates dilemmas for current soldiers who must follow orders while also respecting their former commanders who criticize the president. [37:48] - Ray explains that families have "suffered enough" during military service, today's political discourse involves digging into personal history, and many feel they've "given a lot already" and prefer other ways to help rather than dragging families through political campaigns. [39:09] - Ray shares a story from West Point where General Maxwell Taylor spoke about taking advantage of "scraps of time" throughout life, explaining that instead of hanging out drinking beer, using those moments for reading, studying languages, or practicing skills will put you ahead of competitors over a lifetime. [41:15] And remember..."Humility and knowledge and poor clothes excel Pride and ignorance in costly attire." - William Penn Quotable Quotes "We are all benefited and limited by our experiences." "You don't want to outrun your headlights at times." "When it comes to mission focus, military leadership is loyal to the Constitution and puts mission above yourself." "Generalship, in my view, to answer your question, finally, is understanding the nuance between management of military capabilities and how military, how the military fits into all the other elements of power at the national level." "We need stronger leadership that's more moderate." "I believe that organizations have to be successful organizations and successful leaders have to establish values of the corporation." "Culture is so important in my mind because what is culture? It's. It's aligning the corporate values, the base, to actual personal behavior, how they behave." "If you take advantage of your scraps of time throughout a lifetime, and all things being equal to your competitors, you're going to be ahead." "There's stuff you want to do because you have a bunch of tools on your tool belt. And then there's stuff you should do because the community, country, society, whatever, needs you to do those things, which is going to require sacrifice." These are the books mentioned in this episode Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Ray Palumbo LinkedIn |
He was Washington's ride-or-die… until he ghosted the Revolution for 20K and a pension." Benedict Arnold didn't just switch sides—he planned to sell out West Point while hosting George Washington for dinner. Oh, and his wife? Was probably texting her British ex the whole time. This week on Killer Queens we're trying something new! Welcome to Founding Felons: the messy, petty, totally iconic downfall of America's most famous traitor. Want access to our first 45 episodes? Grab em here! We've made them available for free to anyone who signs up! Remember, these episodes were recorded when we had no idea what we were doing, so just keep that in mind. The audio isn't the quality we would want to put out now, but the cases are on point! Visit killerqueens.link/og to download and binge all the archived episodes today! Hang with us: Follow Us on Instagram Like Us on Facebook Join our Case Discussion Group on Facebook Get Killer Queens Merch Bonus Episodes Support Our AMAZING Sponsors: Goodr: Go to goodr.com/QUEENS and use code QUEENS for free shipping! TUSHY: Over 2 Million Butts Love TUSHY. Get 10% off TUSHY with the code KILLER at https://hellotushy.com/KILLER Hungryroot: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to https://hungryroot.com/queens and use code QUEENS. goPure: Get 25% Off @goPure with code QUEENS at https://www.gopurebeauty.comQUEENS #goPurepod © 2025 Killer Queens Podcast. All Rights ReservedAudio Production by Wayfare Recording Music provided by Steven Tobi Logo designed by Sloane Williams of The Sophisticated Crayon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this Live Greatly podcast episode, Kristel Bauer sits down with Bernie Banks, co-author of THE NEW SCIENCE OF MOMENTUM: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark. Bernie is a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General who is currently serving as Professor and Institute leader at Rice University. Tune in now! Key Takeaways From This Episode: A look into the book THE NEW SCIENCE OF MOMENTUM: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark Tips to be ready to seize the moment when opportunity arises A look at how this comes into play with real life examples from sports and the workplace ABOUT BERNIE BANKS Bernie Banks is the Director of Rice University's Doerr Institute for New Leaders and a Professor in the Practice of Leadership within the university's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. Bernie retired from the United States Army in 2016 as a Brigadier General after having successfully led West Point's Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership in his final assignment. He has led multiple military units ranging in size from 10 to 3000+ people. Additionally, Bernie has engaged with organizations around the globe regarding their leader development efforts. Connect with Bernie: Order: THE NEW SCIENCE OF MOMENTUM: How the Best Coaches and Leaders Build a Fire from a Single Spark (HarperCollins Leadership; May 20, 2025) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernard-bernie-b-4458003/ About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer: Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work (John Murray Business November 19, 2024). With Kristel's healthcare background, she provides data driven actionable strategies to leverage happiness and high-power habits to drive growth mindsets, peak performance, profitability, well-being and a culture of excellence. Kristel's keynotes provide insights to “Live Greatly” while promoting leadership development and team building. Kristel is the creator and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. She is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, and she is an influencer in the business and wellness space having been recognized as a Top 10 Social Media Influencer of 2021 in Forbes. As an Integrative Medicine Fellow & Physician Assistant having practiced clinically in Integrative Psychiatry, Kristel has a unique perspective into attaining a mindset for more happiness and success. Kristel has presented to groups from the American Gas Association, Bank of America, bp, Commercial Metals Company, General Mills, Northwestern University, Santander Bank and many more. Kristel has been featured in Forbes, Forest & Bluff Magazine, Authority Magazine & Podcast Magazine and she has appeared on ABC 7 Chicago, WGN Daytime Chicago, Fox 4's WDAF-TV's Great Day KC, and Ticker News. Kristel lives in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area and she can be booked for speaking engagements worldwide. To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here. Website: www.livegreatly.co Follow Kristel Bauer on: Instagram: @livegreatly_co LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer Twitter: @livegreatly_co Facebook: @livegreatly.co Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here. Click HERE to check out Kristel's corporate wellness and leadership blog Click HERE to check out Kristel's Travel and Wellness Blog Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions. Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations. They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests. Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content. Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.
How does a busy congressman maintain peak physical condition while juggling DC politics and constant travel? In this Fitness Friday episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, I am joined by Congressman Wesley Hunt as he breaks down his unconventional approach to fitness and nutrition that keeps him razor-sharp. We dive into his extreme intermittent fasting protocol, his massive one-meal-a-day strategy, and why he never schedules breakfast meetings. Hunt also shares his strategic workout split, 10,000-steps-a-day commitment, and how he stays disciplined with his three-days-on, one-day-off lifting routine even during hectic congressional schedules. Wesley Hunt represents Congressional District 38 in Houston, Texas. A West Point graduate and former Apache helicopter pilot, Hunt served eight years in the Army before entering politics. He currently serves on the House Judiciary and Natural Resources committees. What we discuss: 20-hour intermittent fasting and one-meal-a-day protocol Eating 33-ounce steaks and whole chickens in single sittings 10,000 steps daily through strategic treadmill and walking Three-day workout split: legs, chest/triceps, back/biceps Why he avoids breakfast meetings and alcohol Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off. David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more about Wesley Hunt: Website: https://hunt.house.gov/ Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements
Duty, Sacrifice, and Character: The Unshakable Resolve of LTC Daniel Gade This week's Team Never Quit guest, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Gade, brings us a story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience that will leave you deeply inspired. A two-time Purple Heart recipient, LTC Gade served with distinction in Iraq, where he led soldiers in some of the most hostile environments and endured life-altering injuries in the line of duty. But as you'll hear, his story didn't end in combat—it began a new chapter of leadership, healing, and purpose. Born on a North Dakota farm and raised with a strong sense of patriotism, Daniel always knew he was destined to serve. After graduating from West Point, he rose through the ranks as an armored officer, company commander, and eventually a wounded warrior whose leg injury nearly claimed his life. Through a long and painful recovery, his faith, family, and unrelenting grit propelled him to become a policy expert, White House veteran, Ph.D. holder, and educator at the very academy that shaped him. This conversation goes beyond the battlefield to explore themes of honor, duty, and the character that defines true greatness. Whether you're in the military or not, Daniel's story will challenge you to reflect on your own purpose and what you're willing to sacrifice for it. In This Episode You Will Hear: • I worry about whether the wars that we fought in – were they the right thing to do? I wonder if our national leadership is courageous enough to understand that these young men and women - their blood should not be sacrificed in vain. (9:53) • I hope our generation will do a better job of deciding when and where to go to war. (10:59) • I graduated West Point in '97 (13:47) • [Marcus – On 9/11] They sat us down. They hey had all the TVs on the wall. As we were watching it, the second one [plane] hit. (18:46) • My tank was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade on November 10th, and it killed the soldier next to me and wounded me mildly. (23:35) • I remember looking at him and the next day was veteran's day. And I remember thinking: “I know he's dead, but his parents don't know he's dead yet. And they're gonna find out on Veteran's Day.” (25:53) • At 26:25 Daniel recalls the experience of being hit by an IED. • It's a miracle that I'm alive, honestly. (28:41) • I end up spending a year in the hospital. (28:57) • People ask me if I have PTSD and I don't, but when I was unconscious, I had horrible, horrible dreams. (30:55) • I went from user-level wounded warrior, just a guy in a hospital bed, to being the guy whose office is overlooking the west wing from across the street. (38:05) • The book is called “Wounding Warriors”. It's on Amazon. (43:4) • The generosity that we do have for veterans is actually too much and in the wrong direction because it incentivizes all the wrong behaviors. (44:18) • The system itself disincentivizes wellness and positivity. It causes people to quit and to disengage from society. (48:08) • The whole system is basically welfare. (50:24) • What we need to do is re-orient the system towards employment and thriving, and towards changing goals from seeing how much money people can get to seeing how good an outcome they can get. (55:06) • We ought not label someone disabled until they've gone through the full rehabilitation process. (55:28) • If you want more of something, incentivize it. If you want less of something, tax it. (56:15) There's 6million people getting disability compensation, and 3.2 million of them are getting it for Tinnitus – ringing of the ears. (58:40) • We should take care of veterans the right way. Not turn them into welfare queens. (64:41) Support Dainel - Buy his book here ---> https://a.co/d/5XJ9UAM Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors: - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - partnersinbuilding.com - Navyfederal.org - - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s - - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Selectquote.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com - shipsticks.com/TNQ - Robinhood.com/gold - strawberry.me/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ - PDSDebt.com/TNQ - drinkAG1.com/TNQ - Shadyrays.com [TNQ] - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ] - Hims.com/TNQ - Shopify.com/TNQ - Aura.com/TNQ - Policygenius.com - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ] - usejoymode.com [TNQ]
What's the secret to building discipline that actually sticks? In this Fitness Friday episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, Congressman Wesley Hunt shares his no-nonsense approach to developing mental toughness through daily physical challenges. We discuss why sweating every single day is non-negotiable - even if it means walking five miles on a treadmill after a steak dinner. We also explore his "just do it consistently" philosophy, the power of accomplishment psychology, and why he chooses intermittent fasting and strategic workout timing over perfection. Wesley Hunt represents Congressional District 38 in Houston, Texas. A West Point graduate and former Apache helicopter pilot with three master's degrees from Cornell, Hunt served eight years in the Army before entering politics. He recently interviewed for Secretary of Defense and continues to serve on the House Judiciary and Natural Resources committees. What we discuss: The "sweat every day" rule for building discipline Why consistency beats perfection in fitness routines Using superficial goals (beach body) as legitimate motivation Michael Jordan's self-motivation mind tricks One meal a day strategy for busy travel schedules Working out between noon and 4 PM vs. morning routines Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off. David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more about Wesley Hunt: Website: https://hunt.house.gov/ Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements