SOFREP Radio
- Episodes
- 469
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Jun 29, 2026
About the podcast
Special operations military news and straight talk with the guys in the community. Hosted by former military operators. As seen ranked #1 in Apple Podcasts government category.
Episodes 469
The Communication Edge: How Great Leaders Build Trust, Influence, and Lasting Impact with Chad Eaves
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Chad Eaves built a career helping leaders communicate when the stakes are high. As the founder of Eaves Group, executive coach, and communication strategist, he works with …
Show notes
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Chad Eaves built a career helping leaders communicate when the stakes are high. As the founder of Eaves Group, executive coach, and communication strategist, he works with executives, organizations, and veteran professionals to sharpen one of the most overlooked leadership skills: effective communication. Drawing on decades of experience spanning military service, corporate leadership, and academia, Chad focuses on the practical side of influence—how to lead teams, navigate difficult conversations, and build trust without relying on buzzwords or management fads. His work is rooted in the belief that communication isn't a soft skill—it's a competitive advantage. In this episode, Chad joins SOFREP Radio to discuss leadership after service, the communication mistakes that derail careers, and why the ability to clearly influence people is often the difference between merely getting the job done and earning the opportunity to lead.
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From Ranger to JSOC Physician: The Extraordinary Journey of Dr. Mike Simpson
Dr. Mike Simpson is a former U.S. Army Ranger, Special Forces Green Beret, emergency medicine physician, and combat veteran. After serving with the 1st Battalion, 75th Infantry (Ranger), he went on to become a …
Show notes
Dr. Mike Simpson is a former U.S. Army Ranger, Special Forces Green Beret, emergency medicine physician, and combat veteran. After serving with the 1st Battalion, 75th Infantry (Ranger), he went on to become a Special Forces Engineer and Medical Sergeant with the 7th Special Forces Group, deploying throughout Central and South America. Following his military service, he earned his medical degree and later served as an Army physician assigned to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), deploying in support of the Global War on Terror. Dr. Simpson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for valor and the Combat Medical Badge. Today, he is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, a recognized expert in tactical trauma and combat sports medicine, an MMA fight physician, podcast host, and speaker. He is also known for his work as a member of the investigative team on two seasons of the History Channel series Hunting Hitler.
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Hunter and Hunted: An FBI Agent Sits Down with the Bank Robber He Caught
Shawn Johnson graduated from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, with a degree in Criminal Justice before earning his Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He …
Show notes
Shawn Johnson graduated from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, with a degree in Criminal Justice before earning his Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was immediately accepted into the FBI, trained at the FBI Academy, and assigned to the Seattle Division. There, he worked on the Green River Serial Murder investigation before joining the Violent Crimes Squad, where he investigated bank robberies, fugitives, interstate theft, extortions, and kidnappings. His legal background also led to service as Assistant Chief Division Counsel. Johnson later joined the National Security Squad, working counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations, including joint overseas investigations with the United States Army and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Returning to the Violent Crimes Squad, he played a key role in the Hollywood investigation, helped establish the Puget Sound Violent Crime Task Force, served as Bank Robbery Coordinator, and authored the Division's Bank Robbery Response Plan. After transferring to the Milwaukee Division's Madison Resident Agency, he focused on drug conspiracy investigations, employing sophisticated surveillance techniques that contributed to major takedowns of drug organizations in Chicago and Madison. Following 9/11, he managed the newly established Madison Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), overseeing federal and local efforts to investigate international terrorism. Johnson later returned to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where he instructed new agents in criminal investigations, counterterrorism investigations, and Human Intelligence (HUMINT). His final FBI assignment was with the Directorate of Intelligence, training agents in HUMINT policy and procedures. Upon retiring from the FBI, he founded Wolf & Owl LLC, where he continues to train FBI personnel in support of the Bureau's mission to protect the United States. Steven Meyers was the partner and principal accomplice of Scott Scurlock, better known as "Hollywood," the notorious bank robber responsible for a string of high-profile bank heists in the Seattle area during the 1990s. Over the course of four and a half years, Meyers worked closely with Scurlock and their crew in planning and executing 19 bank robberies that resulted in the theft of more than $2.3 million. Beyond participating in the operation, Meyers helped develop the plans, create disguises, and support the methods that allowed the crew to evade law enforcement for years. Meyers and Scurlock were deeply involved in every aspect of the enterprise, including planning operations, laundering money, and acquiring vehicles and equipment. As Scurlock's closest collaborator, Meyers gained a unique understanding of the man behind the "Hollywood" persona and the motivations that drove one of the Pacific Northwest's most infamous crime sprees. In 2023, Meyers was featured in the Netflix documentary *How to Rob a Bank*, providing firsthand insight into the robberies and the inner workings of the crew. Today, he joins retired FBI Special Agent Shawn Johnson—the lead investigator who helped solve the case—to share the untold stories behind the Hollywood robberies and offer perspectives from both sides of one of the most remarkable bank robbery investigations in modern history.
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5 Air Medals & 800 Combat Hours: Nate Amidon Tells All
Nate Amidon is the founder and CEO of Form100 Consulting, a veteran-owned tech consulting firm that applies military leadership principles to modern software organizations. His team has improved technology …
Show notes
Nate Amidon is the founder and CEO of Form100 Consulting, a veteran-owned tech consulting firm that applies military leadership principles to modern software organizations. His team has improved technology practices for Fortune 500 companies across manufacturing, aviation, CPG, and defense sectors. Nate served over 20 years in the Air Force as a C-17 pilot, accumulating 4,000 flight hours, 800 combat hours, and earning 5 Air Medals. His experience leading aircrews and planning large-scale missions’ shapes Form100’s approach to alignment, clarity, and execution in technology programs. He holds a management degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an MBA from the University of Nebraska, and multiple industry certifications. Nate lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife and three children, and spends his free time fly fishing or skiing.
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The SEAL Code That Cost Him 30 Years: Dustin "Dusty" Turner Tells All
Dustin “Dusty” Turner is a former Navy SEAL trainee whose case has become one of the most controversial wrongful-conviction stories connected to the military community. Convicted in 1996 for the murder and …
Show notes
Dustin “Dusty” Turner is a former Navy SEAL trainee whose case has become one of the most controversial wrongful-conviction stories connected to the military community. Convicted in 1996 for the murder and abduction of Jennifer Evans, Turner maintained that his fellow SEAL trainee, Billy Joe Brown, acted alone — a claim Brown later confessed to under oath. Despite a Virginia court initially granting Turner a Writ of Actual Innocence in 2009, the decision was later overturned on appeal. After serving more than 30 years in prison, Turner was released on parole while continuing to fight for full exoneration. During his incarceration, he became known as a model prisoner, mentor, veterans’ support leader, and advocate for rehabilitation and second chances
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Investigating Globemaster Down: Soviet Espionage and a Failed Nuclear Plot
Tod Robberson is the author of Globemaster Down: Soviet Espionage and the Doomed Attempt to Sneak Nukes into Europe, released on March 31, 2026. Tod is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who spent four decades …
Show notes
Tod Robberson is the author of Globemaster Down: Soviet Espionage and the Doomed Attempt to Sneak Nukes into Europe, released on March 31, 2026. Tod is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who spent four decades as a reporter, bureau chief, correspondent and/or editor for various news organizations including The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News, St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Reuters news agency. He currently is a senior editor for investigative news at ESPN. Robberson has lived in London, Panama, Mexico, Cyprus, El Salvador, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and holds a master’s degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He has covered wars throughout Latin America, the Middle East and Afghanistan and has provided guest commentary for CNN, MSNBC, National Public Radio, Sky News and Telemundo. In addition to his 2010 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing, Robberson has received a National Headliners Award, the SAIS-Novartis Award for international reporting, and statewide journalism awards in Texas and Missouri.
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Warrior to Shaman: Mathew Butler’s Journey Beyond the Battlefield
Matthew Butler is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret and the founder of Awake Green Beret. After years of service in high-intensity military environments, he faced the difficult transition out of the …
Show notes
Matthew Butler is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret and the founder of Awake Green Beret. After years of service in high-intensity military environments, he faced the difficult transition out of the military and the internal challenges that came with it.
His journey led him beyond conventional paths and into deep personal work, including shamanic practices and spiritual exploration. Through that process, he rebuilt his sense of purpose and identity.
Today, Butler works with veterans and others seeking transformation, helping them navigate trauma, reconnect with themselves, and integrate a more grounded, purposeful way of living—bridging the gap between the warrior mindset and inner healing.
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The Truth About Veteran Suicide No One Talks About: Magnus Johnson of Mission 22
Magnus Johnson is a former Green Beret, Bronze Star recipient, and co-founder of Mission 22, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic. He has spent his life studying what breaks men …
Show notes
Magnus Johnson is a former Green Beret, Bronze Star recipient, and co-founder of Mission 22, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic. He has spent his life studying what breaks men and what builds them, first on the battlefield, then in the long, often invisible struggle of coming home. After leaving the military, Johnson faced what so many veterans face: the disorienting work of rebuilding identity outside the uniform. That journey, through art, mindfulness, community, and faith, became the foundation for everything he has built. This includes Mission 22's Recovery + Resiliency program, designed to help veterans transform trauma into Post Traumatic Growth. Find out more about 'The Men we Make' here : http://www.magnusrjohnson.com
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Operator to Author: Jack MacTavish on the Story Behind Royal Diamonds
Jack MacTavish is a retired United States Army Colonel and author of action-adventure and espionage fiction. Over a military career spanning more than 36 years in both the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, he served …
Show notes
Jack MacTavish is a retired United States Army Colonel and author of action-adventure and espionage fiction. Over a military career spanning more than 36 years in both the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, he served in airborne, special operations, and joint assignments, including roles supporting U.S. Army Special Operations Command and U.S. Special Operations Command.
His operational experience took him across multiple global regions, including Afghanistan, Korea, Haiti, Central and South America, and the Middle East. In addition to his military service, MacTavish has supported missions within the U.S. Intelligence Community as a contractor.
MacTavish is the author of Royal Diamonds (2026), his debut novel, which blends action-adventure, espionage, and historical intrigue. His writing is informed by firsthand experience, emphasizing realism, operational authenticity, and the complexities of modern conflict and global power dynamics.
He currently resides in North Carolina, where he continues to write and remains an advocate for veteran causes, including support for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
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Two Purple Hearts: The Kyle Steiner Story
Kyle Steiner is a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and combat leader who served in the Global War on Terror. He enlisted in the Army in 2005 and deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, serving …
Show notes
Kyle Steiner is a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and combat leader who served in the Global War on Terror. He enlisted in the Army in 2005 and deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, serving in the Korengal Valley during some of the most intense fighting of the war. His experiences there were later captured in the acclaimed documentaries Restrepo and Korengal.
During combat operations, Steiner was wounded in action and awarded two Purple Hearts after surviving multiple enemy attacks, including an RPG blast and a machine-gun round that struck and deflected off his helmet.
He later went on to serve in U.S. Army Special Forces, conducting missions across the Middle East, Central America, and South America. Over the course of his career he became Ranger-qualified, Combat Diver-qualified, HALO-certified, and a graduate of the Special Forces Sniper Course. His assignments included service with SOCOM’s Crisis Response Force.
Steiner’s military decorations include two Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor.
Today, he is the founder of Operator Mindset, a leadership and performance coaching platform focused on discipline, resilience, and purpose. He is also a husband, father, and speaker who shares lessons from combat, leadership, and personal transformation.
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Behind the Uniform: BizSgt Michael Kracyla on Combat, Leadership, and Reality
Michael Kracyla is a retired U.S. Army Green Beret with more than two decades of experience leading teams in environments where trust, judgment, and execution were critical under real pressure. Following his …
Show notes
Michael Kracyla is a retired U.S. Army Green Beret with more than two decades of experience leading teams in environments where trust, judgment, and execution were critical under real pressure. Following his military service, he recognized a gap in the business world: many highly capable veterans and operators were entering the private sector without the systems, networks, or structured development needed to translate their leadership experience effectively.
To address this challenge, Kracyla founded Business Sergeant, a leadership development and executive search platform designed for organizations that cannot afford leadership failure. The platform serves founders and CEOs seeking trusted leaders, while also preparing veterans and operators to step into high-level roles in business.
At its core, Business Sergeant is built around community. Leaders are developed, observed, and held to high standards long before they are placed in positions of responsibility. Its executive search work flows directly from this network, allowing the organization to place leaders it knows, trusts, and has helped develop into mission-critical roles.
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No Feel-Good Talk: Real-World Readiness from DoD Contractor Rob Kelly
Rob Kelly is the founder of ALWAYS READY™ and a former New Hampshire police officer, Department of Defense contractor, K9 instructor/handler, and lifelong public servant. Built on a foundation of discipline …
Show notes
Rob Kelly is the founder of ALWAYS READY™ and a former New Hampshire police officer, Department of Defense contractor, K9 instructor/handler, and lifelong public servant. Built on a foundation of discipline, mindset, and action, ALWAYS READY™ was born from Rob’s personal transformation and his commitment to helping others take ownership of their lives. In December 2023, Rob hit a breaking point—overweight, burned out, and stuck in self-made excuses. Instead of chasing motivation, he chose discipline. That shift—from “I should” to “I must”—sparked a complete transformation and became the core philosophy behind ALWAYS READY™. Today, Rob’s mission is simple but uncompromising: help people uncover their “why,” eliminate excuses, and show up stronger in body, mind, and purpose. ALWAYS READY™ is more than a brand—it’s a movement for anyone willing to build real readiness for life’s challenges, whether in service, work, family, or personal growth. Being ALWAYS READY™ means cultivating a resilient body, a disciplined mind, and a heart grounded in service—ready to face whatever comes next.
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Why Most Leaders Plateau: Chris Hallberg on Leadership That Lasts
Chris Hallberg is a high-energy, straight-shooting coach who thrives on helping teams pursue something special. His philosophy is simple: go big—if not, go medium—but never settle or walk away. With more than …
Show notes
Chris Hallberg is a high-energy, straight-shooting coach who thrives on helping teams pursue something special. His philosophy is simple: go big—if not, go medium—but never settle or walk away.
With more than 11 years of full-time experience implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Chris has seen firsthand what’s possible when teams commit to clarity, discipline, and execution. He credits the grit, resilience, and passion of the organizations he works with for overcoming real obstacles and achieving meaningful wins in the face of adversity.
EOS works when leaders want it to—and the results speak for themselves. A significant number of Chris’s clients have been recognized as a “Best Place to Work” more than 100 times combined, based on rigorous employee engagement surveys that often require 90+ percentile scores. These organizations consistently build world-class cultures alongside exceptionally profitable outcomes for all stakeholders.
Chris primarily works with privately held, entrepreneurial organizations that aspire to be great—leaders willing to make tough people decisions, have honest conversations, and lead with kindness. His clients typically range from $10M to $1B in annual revenue and include parent companies, family offices, and private equity firms seeking stable, consistent growth.
He is also the Founder and President of GoExpand, an officially licensed EOS software platform.
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Inside the DOJ: Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon Speaks Exclusively to SOFREP Radio
Harmeet K. Dhillon is the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice and a nationally recognized attorney with decades of experience in constitutional, civil …
Show notes
Harmeet K. Dhillon is the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice and a nationally recognized attorney with decades of experience in constitutional, civil rights, and election law. Prior to joining the DOJ, she founded and led Dhillon Law Group, representing clients in high-profile cases involving free speech, religious liberty, and equal protection under the law. A former vice chair of the California Republican Party and longtime Republican National Committeewoman, Dhillon has been a prominent voice on legal accountability and individual liberties. She is known for her sharp legal insight, principled advocacy, and willingness to challenge powerful institutions in defense of constitutional rights.
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From the Jungle to the Boardroom: A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey
Bob Parsons is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran. He earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for his service in Vietnam …
Show notes
Bob Parsons is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran. He earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for his service in Vietnam. After returning home, Parsons used the G.I. Bill to attend the University of Baltimore, graduating magna cum laude, and later received an honorary doctorate from the university.
In 1984, he founded Parsons Technology after teaching himself computer programming, growing the company to nearly 1,000 employees before selling it to Intuit in 1994. In 1997, he launched Jomax Technologies, which later became GoDaddy, building it into the world’s largest domain name registrar and a global leader in web services.
Parsons is currently the founder and CEO of YAM Worldwide, overseeing a diverse portfolio of businesses that includes PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf), real estate, marketing, finance, and hospitality. Alongside his wife, Renee, he co-founded The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, supporting causes such as veteran assistance, education, medical care, and homelessness. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of Fire in the Hole!, which chronicles his journey from combat veteran to successful entrepreneur.
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Unbreakable Will: Paralympian & Marine Rob Jones on Resilience After War
Rob Jones is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, Paralympic medalist, endurance athlete, and motivational speaker from Lovettsville, Virginia. After joining the Marines in 2006, he deployed twice to …
Show notes
Rob Jones is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, Paralympic medalist, endurance athlete, and motivational speaker from Lovettsville, Virginia. After joining the Marines in 2006, he deployed twice to Afghanistan, where in 2010 he was critically injured by an IED, resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee. Following an intensive recovery, Rob retired from the Marine Corps in 2011 and found new purpose through adaptive sports, earning a bronze medal in rowing at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. He has since completed extraordinary endurance challenges, including cycling more than 5,100 miles across the United States and running 31 marathons in 31 consecutive days across 31 cities, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for veteran-focused charities while inspiring others through his message of resilience, service, and perseverance.
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From the Gym to Your Living Room: The FightCamp Revolution
Khalil Zahar is the CEO and co-founder of FightCamp, the connected fitness company bringing real boxing and martial arts training into homes around the world. Khalil didn’t grow up in the fight world. He found …
Show notes
Khalil Zahar is the CEO and co-founder of FightCamp, the connected fitness company bringing real boxing and martial arts training into homes around the world. Khalil didn’t grow up in the fight world. He found boxing in college at a moment when he was looking for structure, challenge, and something that demanded more from him than a typical workout. What started as a way to stay in shape quickly became a discipline. One that sharpened his focus, tested his mindset, and reshaped how he approached pressure, consistency, and personal standards. That experience became the foundation for FightCamp. Khalil built the company around the belief that boxing and martial arts training are not just about fitness. They are systems for building mental resilience, accountability, and self-respect. Today, he leads FightCamp with a mission to make that kind of training accessible to people who value hard work, discipline, and earning their progress. Principles that strongly align with the military and veteran community.
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From Navy SEAL to Congress: Why Matt Maasdam Is Taking the Fight to Washington
Matt Maasdam is a Navy SEAL veteran, business leader, and Democratic candidate for Congress from Michigan. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Matt served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy, deploying to …
Show notes
Matt Maasdam is a Navy SEAL veteran, business leader, and Democratic candidate for Congress from Michigan. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Matt served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy, deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Pacific, and working in some of the world’s most challenging environments. His military career included serving as the lead instructor for Hell Week at SEAL training and being selected as a Military Aide to President Barack Obama.
After leaving active duty, Matt transitioned to the private sector, holding leadership roles at Under Armour and founding two e-commerce businesses. He brings hands-on experience in team building, job creation, and supporting working families. Matt lives in mid-Michigan with his wife, Laura, a fellow Navy veteran, their two sons, and their cat, Captain America. Guided by service, integrity, and teamwork, he is running for Congress to deliver practical solutions and unite communities.
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Life After the Trident: Kaj Larsen Talks War, Media, and Meaning
Kaj Larsen is a former U.S. Navy SEAL turned journalist, filmmaker, and podcast host. After serving with Naval Special Warfare, he transitioned into frontline reporting, covering conflict zones and global …
Show notes
Kaj Larsen is a former U.S. Navy SEAL turned journalist, filmmaker, and podcast host. After serving with Naval Special Warfare, he transitioned into frontline reporting, covering conflict zones and global security issues for outlets including VICE News, HBO, and National Geographic. Known for his grounded, no-nonsense storytelling, Larsen brings an operator’s perspective to modern warfare, geopolitics, and leadership. He is the host of the Bravo Two Zero podcast, where he explores war, culture, and the human cost of conflict through candid conversations with veterans, journalists, and subject-matter experts.
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Air Combat to Ground Truth: TOPGUN Insights with Dave Berke
Dave Berke is a retired US Marine Corps Officer, TOPGUN Instructor, and now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front, where he serves as Chief Development Officer. As a F/A-18 pilot, he deployed …
Show notes
Dave Berke is a retired US Marine Corps Officer, TOPGUN Instructor, and now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front, where he serves as Chief Development Officer. As a F/A-18 pilot, he deployed twice from the USS John C Stennis in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He spent three years as an Instructor Pilot at TOPGUN where he served as the Training Officer, the senior staff pilot responsible for the conduct of the TOPGUN course.
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Inside the Military Caregiver Fight: Melissa Comeau on Advocacy, Resilience, and Reform
Special thanks to this episodes sponsor BÆRSkin! Get the BÆRSkin Hoodie 4.0 for 60% Off! Click the link: https://baer.skin/rad Melissa Comeau is a Marine Corps spouse, director of the American Red Cross’ …
Show notes
Special thanks to this episodes sponsor BÆRSkin!
Get the BÆRSkin Hoodie 4.0 for 60% Off! Click the link: https://baer.skin/rad
Melissa Comeau is a Marine Corps spouse, director of the American Red Cross’ Military Veteran Caregiver Network, and a writer. She is known for her book “Sleeping with the War,” published in 2015 by the War Writers’ Campaign. The book offers a family and caregiver perspective on life after combat. She served as an Arizona Fellow for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and in that role was honored to help bring to fruition the Hidden Heroes Congressional Caucus for Military and Veteran Caregivers. She is a recognized advocate for the military and veteran community and continues to support caregivers in her current role with the American Red Cross’ Military Veteran Caregiver Network. Before joining the network, Melissa served as the executive director of Lives of Promise, a San Diego-based nonprofit that supports military families facing a PTSD diagnosis. She has also offered peer support to Marines and their families at the Wounded Warrior Battalion – West. Melissa has a background in accounting and IT project management. She lives in Texas and is married to a U.S. Marine who was medically retired after nearly 13 years of service, including four combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Anthony Vinci: AI, Geopolitics, and the Future of National Security
Happy Thanksgiving to all! -The SOFREP Team Thanks again to our sponsor BÆRSkin Get the BÆRSkin Hoodie 4.0 for 60% Off! Click the link: https://baer.skin/rad Anthony Vinci, PhD, is a technology and …
Show notes
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
-The SOFREP Team
Thanks again to our sponsor BÆRSkin Get the BÆRSkin Hoodie 4.0 for 60% Off! Click the link: https://baer.skin/rad
Anthony Vinci, PhD, is a technology and national-security executive, entrepreneur, and former U.S. intelligence official. He earned his doctorate in International Relations from the London School of Economics, after earlier studies in philosophy at Reed College and the University of Oxford. Vinci served as an intelligence officer in multiple global theaters before being appointed the first Chief Technology Officer and Associate Director for Capabilities at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where he led major initiatives in artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence modernization, and public-private technology partnerships. In the private sector, he has founded and led technology companies focused on geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence, and has held senior roles at major firms including Bridgewater Associates. He continues to work at the intersection of emerging technology and national security and serves as an adjunct senior fellow with leading national-security research organizations.
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The Truth Russia Doesn’t Want You to Hear: Ben Goldhagen Breaks It Down
Benjamin “Ben” Goldhagen is a human rights advocate and war documentarian whose work centers on exposing the human cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and countering disinformation surrounding the conflict …
Show notes
Benjamin “Ben” Goldhagen is a human rights advocate and war documentarian whose work centers on exposing the human cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and countering disinformation surrounding the conflict. The son of a Holocaust survivor, he frames his advocacy through a moral and historical lens that emphasizes the dangers of unchecked brutality and “eliminationist” violence. After the full-scale invasion began, Goldhagen embedded himself in Ukraine, documenting frontline realities, displacement, and civilian resilience while supporting Ukrainian communities through strategic guidance and storytelling. His films—To The Zero Line and The Steel Porcupine—spotlight the lived experiences of Ukrainians and argue that meaningful international support, including modern weaponry, is both a humanitarian and moral imperative. Through his fieldwork, writing, and documentary projects, he seeks to preserve truth, confront disinformation, and amplify the voices of those living through the war.
Thanks again to our sponsor Navy Federal Credit Union! Find out more here: https://navyfederal.org/veterans
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Inside the Red Cross’ Military Mission: Thom Geiser Tells SOFREP What Few Ever Hear
Thom Geiser is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who now serves as an Armed Services Advisor for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Drawing on decades of experience—including flying C-130s …
Show notes
Thom Geiser is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who now serves as an Armed Services Advisor for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Drawing on decades of experience—including flying C-130s, working in special operations, and serving in international advisory roles—he helps connect military practitioners with humanitarian law and principles. In his role at the ICRC, he engages with armed forces around the world to promote the protection of civilians, improve understanding of the laws of armed conflict, and support the integration of humanitarian considerations into military planning and operations.
Thank you to our sponsor NFCU, and a Happy Veterans Day to All!
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What It Really Takes to Lead a SEAL Team: Former SEAL Team 2 CO Mike Hayes Tells All
Mike Hayes is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer who served 20 years in Special Operations. A graduate of one of the toughest SEAL training classes—one of only 19 out of 120 to complete—he deployed throughout …
Show notes
Mike Hayes is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer who served 20 years in Special Operations. A graduate of one of the toughest SEAL training classes—one of only 19 out of 120 to complete—he deployed throughout South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Hayes commanded SEAL Team TWO and led a 2,000-person Special Operations Task Force in southeastern Afghanistan. He also served as Deputy Commander for all Special Operations in Anbar Province, Iraq, and was selected as a White House Fellow (’08–’09). At the National Security Council, he served as Director for Defense Policy and Strategy, where he helped draft a proposed START Treaty and led the White House response to the Maersk Alabama hijacking. His decorations include the Bronze Star for Valor in Iraq, a Bronze Star for Afghanistan, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. After retiring from the Navy, Hayes transitioned to senior leadership roles in technology and investment, and authored Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning, donating all profits to support Gold Star families. He lives with his wife, Anita, and their daughter, Maeson, and most enjoys spending time and laughing with them when not mentoring others or speaking about leadership.
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The Man Who Infiltrated the Crips: Tegan Broadwater’s Unbelievable True Story
Teagan Broadwater is a former law-enforcement officer, author, entrepreneur, and multi-disciplinary creator whose work spans undercover operations, music, podcasting, and philanthropy. He served as an …
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Teagan Broadwater is a former law-enforcement officer, author, entrepreneur, and multi-disciplinary creator whose work spans undercover operations, music, podcasting, and philanthropy. He served as an undercover officer with the Fort Worth Police Department, where his assignments included multiple narcotics units, the gang unit, and an FBI Gang & Violent Crimes Task Force. During his career, he led a deep undercover operation in a six-street neighborhood nicknamed “The Fishbowl,” where he posed as a high-end cocaine trafficker to infiltrate a violent gang. That work resulted in dozens of arrests, major seizures, and recognition by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and his department. After leaving the police department, Broadwater founded a security and investigations firm, authored the memoir Life in the Fish Bowl, and launched creative ventures focused on community healing, systemic justice, and empowerment. Today, he continues to contribute through public speaking, podcasting, and music, while supporting charitable initiatives for youth, veterans, and underserved communities.
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Authors Uncovered: Jessica Behne & Samuel Zasadny’s Path to Unseen Warrior
Unseen Warrior offers mental health professionals a comprehensive guide to providing clinical services for military personnel and veterans. Drawing on the authors’ more than 50 years of cumulative military …
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Unseen Warrior offers mental health professionals a comprehensive guide to providing clinical services for military personnel and veterans. Drawing on the authors’ more than 50 years of cumulative military service and 35 years of clinical expertise, this book bridges the cultural divide that often exists between military and civilian life. Key insights into values, experiences, and challenges that are important in applying effective therapeutic strategies are presented. With practical tools and a step-by-step field manual, Unseen Warrior empowers you to deliver culturally competent, impactful mental health care to the men and women who have served. Jessica Behne Jessica Behne (Major, USMCR) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Marine Corps veteran with over thirteen years of service. She holds degrees in Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy and is pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Jessica teaches graduate-level counseling courses, supervises clinicians working with military populations, and operates a telehealth practice serving veterans and their families. Her research and clinical work focus on the cognitive effects of military training and trauma. Sam Zasadny Sam Zasadny is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and psychologist-in-training. A former helicopter pilot and aviation instructor, he served in multiple deployments before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps to become a Navy psychologist. Sam holds advanced degrees in international policy and psychology and is completing his Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) at Wheaton College. His professional interests center on mental health, resilience, and the intersection of military service and psychological well-being.
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Special Forces to the UN: Robert Adolph’s Unbelievable Journey
Robert Bruce Adolph - a former Infantry Staff Sergeant - is a retired US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and UN Chief Security Advisor, as well as once a university lecturer on American History, US …
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Robert Bruce Adolph - a former Infantry Staff Sergeant - is a retired US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and UN Chief Security Advisor, as well as once a university lecturer on American History, US Government and World Politics. He is the author of the well-reviewed book “Surviving the United Nations: A true story of violence, corruption, betrayal, and redemption.” Robert holds graduate degrees in both International Affairs and National Security Studies and Strategy. His commentaries, articles and book reviews have appeared in over fifty newspapers, magazines, professional journals and academic publications for over four decades. He has additionally lived and worked in seventeen different countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today he is an international speaker, commentator, and security consultant. Discover more at www.robertbruceadolph.com.
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Back in the Fight: Wylie McGraw on Reenlisting at 45
Wylie McGraw is a 3-tour combat veteran, former star athlete, and competitive bull rider. At 45, Wylie McGraw is the oldest combat veteran in decades to re-enlist for active duty—but for him, this isn’t just …
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Wylie McGraw is a 3-tour combat veteran, former star athlete, and competitive bull rider. At 45, Wylie McGraw is the oldest combat veteran in decades to re-enlist for active duty—but for him, this isn’t just about helping to fix a broken military. A devout Catholic, he felt a spiritual calling to serve again, believing God and patriotism left him no choice. After a 16-year career advising/optimizing the lives of Fortune 500 CEOs, pro athletes, and billionaires, Wylie answered the call of duty once again — returning to service as one of the rare few accepted into Special Operations Psychological Warfare. Despite a ruptured ACL he regrew without surgery and 21 years out of uniform, he’s gearing up for his third round of bootcamp, because he believes the US needs a stronger military now. He believes the military is at its weakest point in modern history — plagued by “wokeism,” a leadership vacuum, and a recruitment crisis where 77% of young Americans are unfit to serve. Integrity is gone, lethality has declined, and legacy military families are telling their kids to stay out. Wylie’s mission? Restore core values, mentor future-ready soldiers, and help America face near-peer threats like China and Russia. His views align with veterans like Pete Hegseth, now leading the Pentagon — he sees this as the moment to help course-correct. Having helped over 100 combat vets rebuild their lives, Wylie understands what it takes to face and overcome personal battles. He believes much of today’s cultural decline stems from people avoiding those inner struggles, creating a void now filled by ideologies that prize comfort over strength that are weakening the nation from within.
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Ballots, Battles, and Beyond: Angelica Kapsis with VotRite
Angelica Kapsis, President and Co-Founder of VotRite, leads efforts to revolutionize U.S. elections with secure, accessible, and transparent voting technology. A Navy Veteran with degrees in forensic science …
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Angelica Kapsis, President and Co-Founder of VotRite, leads efforts to revolutionize U.S. elections with secure, accessible, and transparent voting technology. A Navy Veteran with degrees in forensic science and psychology, she champions ADA compliance and inclusivity. Angelica also founded Scorpion Fitness Centers, promoting wellness for all abilities. Her community service includes firefighting and mentoring. Under her leadership, VotRite has earned multiple innovation awards. With a skilled team, she drives advancements in electoral tech and shares insights through media appearances, advocating for fair, hack-proof elections where every vote counts.
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