Derek Leebaert is the author of Unlikely Heroes, an account of Pres. Roosevelt and his 4 closest associates: Harry Hopkins, Harold Ickes, Frances Perkins, and Henry Wallace, and how they would forever change the world. In many ways, history tends to repeat itself, and recognizing patterns of the past gives us the opportunity to shape a better future.
 
FDR was a titan. He was elected president for 4 terms and to this day remains the longest-serving president of the US. He was known for his fairness and desire for equality for all, an essential factor that got him the Republicans' vote every single time.
 
A look into his 4 lieutenants reveals much more about the myths that have plagued FDR’s presidencies since then. Derek talks about FDR's New Deal, the secret military build-up that happened in the 1930s, and how each lieutenant played a critical role in getting America through the mayhem of the time. 
 
Derek Leebaert won the biennial 2020 Truman Book Award for Grand Improvisation. His previous books include Magic and Mayhem and To Dare and to Conquer, both Washington Post Best Books of the Year. He was a founding editor of the Harvard/MIT journal International Security and is a co-founder of the National Museum of the United States Army. He holds a D.Phil from Oxford.
 
Get a copy of Unlikely Heroes: https://amzn.to/3J6NlXz
Find out more about the National Museum of the US Army: https://www.thenmusa.org/
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Derek Leebaert, Author of Unlikely Heroes

Mike Lahiff is a former Seal Team 4 operator and the Co-Founder and CEO of ZeroEyes, the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform with US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation. He shares how he was not the best student as he dropped out to enlist, but that becoming a SEAL was the realization of his childhood dream. 
 
Mike talks about his deployments to Afghanistan and how his FoB was the most attacked FoB in country. He also recounts one time when the NATO forces he was working with ignored intel and ended up getting ambushed. Post-SEALs, Mike started ZeroEyes to monitor guns in the open rather than recognize faces and make the best use of cameras that are already in place to get people to safety.
 
Find out more about Mike and ZeroEyes in the link below:
 
Website: https://zeroeyes.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Lahiff, Former Seal Team 4 Operator and CEO of ZeroEyes

Stephen Hunter is the film critic of the Washington Post, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and the author behind Shooter. He talks about his latest book The Bullet Garden which features Earl Swagger undertaking a top-secret secret mission in the deadly German sniper-controlled hills of Normandy. 
 
From creating a symphony of action, mystery, and intrigue, Stephen takes us through the creative process of his book and how Carlos Hathcock, an American sniper credited with 93 kills in WW2, is the inspiration behind Earl's character. 
 
He gives an inside look into working with publishers and newsrooms and how getting historical details accurately is a constant effort in effective storytelling. Rad and Stephen also talk about their shared passion for airsoft and how these guns provide an accessible experience with otherwise exotic and expensive weapons. 
 
Get a copy of Bullet Garden here: https://amzn.to/3DHBBJf
 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Hunter, Pulitzer Prize Winning Author of 'The Bullet Garden'

Jeff is a former Green Beret who served for 28 years and is the co-author of theBlack Autumn series of books. He talks about his books as a way to get peopleemergency preparedness-minded and how reality and fiction collide in the recentcartel violence seen in Mexico.
Jeff shares how specialized nurse practitioners can be and the effectiveness oftourniquets in saving lives. He discusses one of his registered patents, the RATStourniquet, and how being in emergency services is all about helping your fellowman or woman in need.
Also, with the crackdown on firearms-related content especially on YouTube, Jeffshares one of his projects called Juxxi, a video platform that he launched thatfocuses on guns and shooting clips. He also talks about the latest in Black Autumnand what avid fans can expect next.
Get a copy of Jeff’s book: https://amzn.to/3GZqyMs
Check out Juxxi: https://juxxi.com/
 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Kirkham, Green Beret and Co-Author of Black Autumn

Jeff is an Army special operations veteran, business leader, jiu-jitsu black belter, and author of All the War They Want. He is a highly decorated soldier having received two Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, among many others.
 
He shares a war story during his first deployment about surviving an IED ambush and how sometimes breaking the rules is the only way to make it out alive. He also gives his point of view about eliminating anything unnecessary in an operation, a key lesson that he has carried over even to entrepreneurship, following your passion to really experience living, and being safe with your cyber and social media health.
 
Get a copy of All the War They Want:  https://amzn.to/3QDMbpM
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Engle, Special Operations Veteran and Author of "All the War They Want"

Jeremy was a former USMC officer whose platoon served as the tip of the spear during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He recalls the intense training they had leading up to the invasion and the hurdles he had to get past like fighting at night instead of day. Jeremy also shares how his life after 10 years in the Marines was a total wreck.
He decided to dedicate his life to working in ministry full-time. A decade after leaving the Marines, he reconnected with some of the guys he served with. Jeremy saw how lost they were and realized that his time serving with them did not end when he hung up his uniform for the last time. 
He felt it his duty to equip his fellow soldiers with the tools to move forward. This became the catalyst for The Mighty Oaks Foundation, a faith-based nonprofit that works with veterans, active duty service members, and first responders to help them find their true north, deal with PTSD, and adjust to civilian life.   
 
Find out more about Jeremy and the Mighty Oaks Foundation in the links below:
 

https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org
https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/

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Jeremy Stalnecker, Navy Commendation Medal with “V” Recipient and Co-Founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation

On this episode, Rad features JJ Wilson and James Boyd, both former Green Berets who have now transitioned to civilian life as entrepreneurs. After 911, both felt compelled to serve and decided to enlist. JJ Wilson joined the Army because everyone in his hometown ended up in jail or dead. 
He met James Boyd, who gave up his British citizenship to join the Special Forces, at basic training in 2005. Fast forward, they co-founded Adyton, a startup bringing mobile technology to the Department of Defense. Every branch in the military uses their product Mustr which allows service members to use their phones as we all do in our everyday lives. 
Mustr enables all service members or every rank to save countless hours of administrative work to identify service members in distress and make real-time, data-driven decisions to enhance operational readiness. Their app also helps thousands of trainees get coordinated during their Holiday Block Leave. 
Connect with JJ and James and find out how veterans can contribute to their amazing technology in the links below:
 

https://www.adyton.io/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-alexander-boyd/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-wilson/

 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JJ Wilson and James Boyd, Former Green Berets and Co-Founders of Adyton.io

On this week’s episode, Rad features John Winn Miller, award-winning investigative reporter, editor, publisher, screenwriter, indie movie producer, and novelist who wrote The Hunt for the Peggy C. He shares how a dream served as the inspiration for the book and the in-depth research he needed to do to get even the smallest details of U-boat operation correctly. 
 
The book follows the story of Captain Jake Rogers of the tramp steamer Peggy C as he makes his way through U-boat infested waters to transport vital supplies and contraband to the highest bidder. When he witnesses the Jewish oppression in Amsterdam, he decides to take on his most dangerous cargo yet: a Jewish family fleeing Nazi persecution.
 
Get a copy of The Hunt for the Peggy C: https://amzn.to/3hQQi4E
Find out more at: https://www.johnwinnmiller.com/
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Winn Miller, Author of "The Hunt for the Peggy C"

On this week’s special feature for Veteran's Day, Rad features David Bellavia, the sole Medal of Honor recipient for the Iraq war. He is recognized for his legendary heroism in Fallujah. Now living the war for the rest of his life, he felt it his duty to tell the story of brotherhood between him and his comrades in his book Remember the Ramrods.
 
He speaks about supporting veterans and the community's responsibility to exercise empathy. He is passionate about giving the rest of the Ramrods credit for their service and uses his award to raise veteran support awareness. He advocates for the mental health of veterans, including reigniting a sense of purpose in them. 
 
Get your copy of Remember the Ramrods here: https://amzn.to/3UxOhsq
 
 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Bellavia, The Iraq War's Sole Medal of Honor Recipient

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, a former Army Ranger who served 3 combat deployments with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Now in Hollywood, Rocco is known for Range 15, Mayans M.C., the MBest11x YouTube channel, and the Vinny Roc podcast. 
 
He digs into the parallels between the military and acting and shares how he navigates his acting, writing, and producing career today. Rocco gets vulnerable and shares how he overcame his own personal obstacles with the determination to win. 
 
Rocco also talks about the projects he's working on today like Beteran HQ and the nonprofit Heroes Sports which gives veterans another channel to find community and camaraderie. 
 
Reach out to Rocco and support his initiatives for veterans in the links below:
 

Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/vincent.rocco.vargas/
Instagram (Heroes Sports): https://www.instagram.com/heroes_sports/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, Former Army Ranger and Hollywood Actor

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Darril Fannin, a former US Army medic who left after 9 years to pursue a career in film. He recalls his hyper-conservative roots in the United Pentecostal Church which taught him about love for neighbor, a lesson that he has brought with him throughout the years. 
 
Darril digs into writing, producing, and acting in the Netflix series Green Beret's Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse and working with Matt Damon. He also comments on society's lack of support for veterans and introduces how blockchain technology can be used to protect artists' rights in perpetuity.
 
Find out more about Darril and work with him here https://www.kinoapp.xyz/.
 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daril Fannin, Former Army Medic and Hollywood Actor and Producer

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Jack Goodwin, a 25-year veteran of the British Army where he served as a physical trainer and is now a highly sought-after boxing referee. He shares his journey which started when he joined the Army at 16 years old and his growth in the Army Physical Training Corps.
 
His passion for training carried over well after his time in the Army. Jack worked with the police for 8 years as a civilian trainer before zeroing in on his current career as a boxing referee. 
 
Jack shares some of the exciting if bizarre projects he's refereeing today, such as influencer matches, which really fill up major stadiums. While the nature of boxing events is certainly changing, Jack remains committed to keeping matches professional and safe for the fighters in the ring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Goodwin, Former British Army Trainer and Boxing Referee

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Peter Shinkle, author of Uniting America. The years preceding the attack on Pearl Harbor saw the unification of Democrats and Republicans under the administration of FDR. 
This potentially catastrophic political move was embraced by the general public who felt that now was the time to prepare for inevitable war. The success of this unification was based on the mutual respect for constitutional democracy that both sides shared. 
Rad and Peter then dig into the fundamental differences between WW2 and the Vietnam War to understand why people support or resist conscription. They also comment on the possible lack of democratic values in America today.
Get your copy of Uniting America: https://amzn.to/3VcRbnbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Shinkle, Author of Uniting America

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Jeff Depatie, a former sniper/assaulter with Joint Task Force 2, the tier 1 solution of the Canadian Armed Forces comparable to SEAL Team 6 and Delta Force. JTF2 famously holds the record for the longest confirmed kill at 3,540 meters.
 
Jeff is the founder of The Special Forces Experience (SFE), a collective committed to building communities that facilitate post-traumatic growth (PTG). He shares how they induce stress to jumpstart growth and the physiological and psychological foundations of their therapy that ultimately heal veterans. 
 
Rad and Jeff dig into the psychedelic renaissance happening today and the need to set guidelines on plant-based therapy. Their own experiences with the healing properties of cannabis help inform the kind of groundbreaking work that Jeff and his community are doing.
 
Find out more on The Special Forces Experience in the links below:
 

Website: https://thespecialforcesexperience.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesexperience/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Depatie, JTF2 Sniper and Founder of The Special Forces Experience

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Ethan Chorin, a former diplomat posted to Libya during the 2012 Benghazi attack. This single catastrophe continues to have far-reaching effects on the domestic and foreign policy of the US and Ethan shares his account of the events prior to the attack and its aftermath. 
He gives an insider's perspective on Ambassador Chris Stevens' thoughts leading up to this fateful day and the tremendous amount of risk he volunteered to take on entering Benghazi. 
Ethan also comments on the rather unfair portrayal of Ambassador Stevens in the Hollywood dramatization. He points to the fact that what people want is a scapegoat for why this tragic event even took place and not an understanding of its implications to policy-making, risk aversion, and partisanship.
Grab a copy of Ethan's book Benghazi! : https://amzn.to/3RPSZRhSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethan Chorin, Former Diplomat to Libya and Author

On this week’s podcast, Rad features James Rife and Craig Reed, both military historians and published authors. James discusses the tense geopolitical history between Ukraine and Russia going back a thousand years that laid the foundations for the invasion happening today. 
 
Meanwhile, Craig analyzes the backbreaking mistakes that Russia has made thus far which has dragged on what was supposed to be a 3-day invasion into a protracted war now on its 6th month. 
 
They look at the sweeping changes Ukraine enforced after the ease with which Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. After getting a taste of Western democracy and freedom, Ukraine’s now battle-hardened veterans, armed with cutting-edge weapons and tactics, have put up stiff resistance against their country's greatest existential crisis.
 
Grab a copy of James and Craig's book The Russia Ukraine War Factbook in the link below:
 
https://militaryminiaturepress.com/product/the-russia-ukraine-war-factbook/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Rife and Craig Reed, Military Historians and Authors

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Anthony Stephen Malone, a former Paratrooper in the British Army and former CIA operator in Afghanistan. He is the host of The Patriot Show, as well as the author of 4 books, including the Honour Bound series and his latest release called Hostage/Evacuation which details his capture by the Taliban.
He shares the critical and apolitical role of the veteran community in helping move up to 400 families out of Afghanistan during the chaotic evacuation in 2021. He also sheds light on the brain drain happening there right now where educated young people simply do not want to be in a country governed by extremist Taliban. 
There are many elements within Afghanistan that actually want the country to progress. More of the world needs to realize that leaving Afghanistan to devolve back into civil war and getting Western boots on the ground again is simply not in anyone’s interest.
Connect with Anthony, learn about his advocacy to help fellow veterans by visiting his website: http://www.anthonymalone.me.uk/
Get a copy of Honour Bound Part 1: https://amzn.to/3CVEsi6
Get a copy of Honour Bound Part 2: https://amzn.to/3cHRZiKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Stephen Malone, Paratrooper, CIA Agent, and Author

In this podcast, Rad features Master Sergeant John "Mad Dog" B. Melson, who served 3 years in the USMC and almost 17 years in the Army National Guard. After his service in the Marines and in the wake of 9/11, John tried to enlist again but found out that he had a tumor in his neck which was cutting off his blood flow. 
 
He was in extreme danger and was faced with a difficult decision: undergo surgery that could kill him or do nothing and have less than 5 years to live. He chose to have a fighting chance and went under the knife. Against the odds, he survived and was given the chance to serve again in the National Guard to fight in Afghanistan.
 
He shares crazy stories of his 9 combat deployments, from popping smoke to signal the A-10 not to fire upon them in the middle of a firefight, to being left to fend for themselves during a Taliban assault. He is the recipient of 5 Bronze Star Medals, 2 Purple Hearts, and 4 Army Commendation Medals for Valor.
 
Check out John’s podcast Guts and Grit:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guts-grit-great-business/id1516815054
 
Get a copy of Jessica Ainsworth’s latest book titled At What Cost on Amazon which features John’s foreword and an entire chapter on his story and the personal cost of war: https://amzn.to/3T0FSNQ
 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MSG John "Mad Dog" B. Melson, Marine, National Guard, and Cancer Survivor

On this podcast, Rad features Gary Weaving, Founder and CEO of Forgotten Veterans United Kingdom (FVUK). A former Royal Engineer who served in Afghanistan, he started the charity in 2016 following his medical discharge from the British Army. Failure to get a correct diagnosis of his physical injuries led him to spiral down, abuse substances, and lose the will to live.
He began posting details about his troubles on social media and was amazed by the response from fellow veterans going through similar difficulties. He started FVUK with his own personal funds to provide immediate and much-needed support for fellow veterans. To this day Gary does not take any payment or money from the charity for himself. 
The mantra of their organization is "selfless commitment to others" and their goal is to give back purpose and hope to veterans forgotten by the system.
 
Connect with Gary and FVUK by checking out the links below:
Website: https://www.forgottenveteransuk.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SelflessCommitmentToOthers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alone_Soldiers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Weaving, Former Royal Engineer and Founder of Forgotten Veterans UK

On this week’s podcast, Rad features Paul R. Bruno who has spent twenty years studying and writing about the early history of Jeep. He discusses the genesis of this iconic vehicle and its legendary ability to perform in basically any environment. 
Paul tells the story of a little-known car manufacturer called Bantam and how, in their bid to avoid bankruptcy, aggressively developed the Jeep to the specified needs of the Army. With Bantam’s mechanical genius, they developed the first Jeep in just 49 days and it withstood the toughest tests the Army could throw at it. 
Paul is the author of three award-winning books called Project Management in History: The First Jeep, The Original Jeeps, and The Original Jeeps in Pictures.
Grab a copy of THE ORIGINAL JEEPS here: https://amzn.to/3zZNj0j
Visit Paul's Website: https://originaljeeps.com/
Dispatcher Magazine: https://www.dispatchermagazine.com/books
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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