Unbeatable
The Unbeatable podcast is all about helping you keep going when you want to give up. Get inspiration and encouragement from people who have been there, and avoid getting stuck in defeat and worry. We say, “When life becomes unmerciful...be unbeatable!” Jeff Struecker is a member of the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame. He served most of his military career with the Army Rangers and won the Best Ranger Competition as a Sergeant. In almost 23 years in the Army, Jeff served 17 combat deployments in 5 different US wars including Black Hawk Down. He holds a PhD, as well as many other earned and honorary degrees. He has taught leadership at every level from undergraduate to PhD. He is an award-winning author with six books in print. His military thrillers and life story are in constant demand.Ep. 157: Mark Clookie - When terror hits home, heroes stand tall
Today, on the 23rd anniversary of the day following the 9/11 attacks, we remember one of the most heinous terrorist attacks in our history. In our final episode of the Unbeatable podcast, I'm honored to share Mark Clookie’s powerful story of resilience and bravery. As a former NCIS special agent, Mark was in the Pentagon when the building was attacked, and he lived through the chaos and uncertainty that followed. Mark will also take us through his time with NCIS, including his deployments in Bahrain and Okinawa, and his roles in Washington, D.C.
Don’t miss our final episode of Unbeatable Podcast. Stay connected through our mobile app and on TV, where we'll launch new content soon.
You’ll hear:
- Mark highlights the differences between the TV show NCIS and the real work of NCIS agents.
- The NCIS has a broad mission that includes investigating felony crimes, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and counter-trafficking operations.
- Mark shares his experience of being in the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks and the importance of intelligence gathering and communication during times of crisis.
- How he was involved in combating human trafficking through organizations like the International Justice Mission and Prevention Now.
- What you can do to combat human trafficking in your own way.
Join Jeff Struecker Ministries Community
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Published on: September 13, 2024Ep. 156: Damon Lembi - A Swing of Defeat, A Home Run of Success
Imagine losing your dad to cancer, and watching your family's multi-billion dollar real estate business crumble during the Great Recession. It's a devastating combination that would shake anyone's foundation. But for Damon Lembi, this was just the beginning of his journey. From the diamond to the boardroom, Damon Lembi's journey is one of unlikely twists and turns. A former pro baseball player turned CEO of Learn It, he's learned that success is not just about achieving your dreams, but about persevering through failures and setbacks.
In this conversation, Damon shares his unorthodox path, from battling imposter syndrome to embracing hard work and deliberate practice. He'll also discuss the importance of transferable skills, leadership, and resilience - and how these lessons can be applied to any field or situation.
You’ll hear:
- How to handle challenges with resilience and determination.
- Why failure is a valuable learning opportunity.
- He shares his unorthodox path, from battling imposter syndrome to embracing hard work and deliberate practice.
- Damon discusses the humbling experience of starting at the receptionist level in his family's company and the valuable lessons he learned from it.
- How he started his company- Learn It.
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Published on: September 6, 2024Ep. 155: Jenny Alexander - Forging Strength from A Broken Wedding Band
With a lack of self-confidence and a fear of being alone, Jenny settled into her first marriage, only to discover that her husband was a serial adulterer. For years, she struggled to come to terms with the pain and betrayal she felt, and it wasn't until she found the courage to leave that she began to rebuild her life. Today, Jenny shares her incredible story of transformation, from feeling trapped in an unhappy marriage to finding happiness and self-worth again.
You’ll hear:
- Going through a painful divorce can be worse than death, as it involves the death of a dream and the challenge of self-blame.
- The importance of facing the pain and allowing oneself to grieve.
- Leaving a marriage takes courage and a belief in one's self-worth, even in the face of societal judgment.
- Rebuilding after divorce requires self-reflection, counseling, and support from loved ones.
- Creating a list of desired qualities in a future partner can help individuals make informed decisions and avoid repeating past mistakes.
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Published on: August 30, 2024Ep. 154: Samantha Lou - Dented But Not Defeated
Samantha was living her best life, thriving as a successful author, single mom, and business owner. She was in her prime, with a bright future ahead of her. But everything changed in 2017 when she was involved in a devastating car accident after a truck collided with her vehicle. The injuries she sustained from the accident left her with chronic pain, and further diagnosis revealed that she had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and cranial cervical instability (CCI). In this episode, Samantha shares how she fought for her life and used crowdfunding to raise almost £750,000 for life-saving surgery.
- Learn about Samantha's experience with crowdfunding and raising funds for life-saving surgery
- Hear about her journey with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and cranial cervical instability (CCI)
- Discover the challenges she faced in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment
- Find out how she maintained a positive mindset during her recovery
- Get inspiration from her story of resilience and determination
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Published on: August 23, 2024Ep. 153: Alani Bankhead - Break Free of the Mindsets that Keep You Hostage
In one of the most critical and intense missions of her career, Alani Bankhead was part of a team that neutralized three females wearing suicide vests and plotting an attack. This daring operation required precision, skill, and bravery, and high-stakes espionage. But Alani's work didn't stop there. She has also dedicated herself to fighting human trafficking and exploitation, using her expertise to identify and disrupt trafficking networks around the world. Her work has taken her to the darkest corners of the internet, where she has tracked down and dismantled criminal organizations that prey on the vulnerable.
But what's striking about Alani's story is her admission to struggling with imposter syndrome throughout her career. Despite her impressive accomplishments, she often felt like she didn't truly belong in the male-dominated field of military intelligence. She shares with us how she learned to overcome these doubts and find her confidence, and how she became one of the most respected agents in the business.
- Alani's experience as the daughter of a foreign affairs officer in South America where she witnessed the impact of narco-trafficking.
- The challenges and rewards of working in the field, including the difficulty of developing trust with sources.
- Learn how Alani Bankhead uses her expertise to track down and dismantle criminal organizations that prey on the vulnerable.
- Listen to how you can help possible victims of trafficking by observing and acting.
- Alani's experience with imposter syndrome will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like they don't belong in their own skin.
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Published on: August 16, 2024Ep. 152: Matthew Lemke - Small Steps Make a Big Difference
What would you do if you woke up one day unable to move? That’s the reality Matthew Lemke faced on January 5th, 2016, when a life-changing surgery left him a quadriplegic at just 23 years old. Diagnosed with Arnold Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and an arachnoid cyst in 2015, Matthew made the difficult decision to undergo brain decompression surgery. The procedure, intended to alleviate his condition, instead brought an unimaginable challenge—he had to relearn everything from scratch.
But Matthew is no stranger to perseverance — he refused to give up, turning his greatest challenge into a story of resilience and faith.
- The intense daily struggles that people with Arnold Chiari malformation often face, including significant physical pain and emotional adjustments.
- The toughest challenge of living with paralysis and having to relearn everything from the ground up.
- The impact of Matthew's medical journey on his relationships.
- Matthew highlights the significance of faith and trusting in God during tough times.
- How his resilience is captured in his book, Faith Over Fear, which he successfully placed in Walmart and even caught the attention of actor Chris Pratt.
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Published on: August 9, 2024Ep. 151: Diane Sorensen - The Gift of Being Exposed
When Diane Sorensen's 17-year-old daughter began self-harming, Diane confronted their generational trauma. Growing up constantly scrutinized, Diane sought approval through performance, a pattern she carried into adulthood. Now a certified transformational life coach, she emphasizes self-love and acceptance. Founder of the Beautiful Behavior Coaching Programs and host of the Beautiful Behavior Podcast, Diane helps others break free from destructive patterns and embrace authenticity. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of transformation.
You’ll hear:
- Find out how to break free from inherited behaviors and cycles that have shaped your life.
- See how understanding your actions as a parent can help you build a stronger bond with your children.
- How her lowest point became her catalyst for real change.
- Discover what inspired Diane to start the Beautiful Behavior Coaching Programs.
- Get tips on how to embrace and love yourself unapologetically.
Learn more about Diane Sorensen
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Published on: August 2, 2024Ep. 150: Adam Hill - From Rock Bottom to Boardroom
A DUI accident led Adam Hill to Alcoholics Anonymous, where he began his transformation from addiction to Ironman triathlete. Struggling with anxiety and alcoholism, Adam found strength in community and therapy. He shares insights on overcoming fear, the pressures of leading a multi-generational family business, and the importance of clear communication and structure. Discover how Adam turned his life around, embracing fear to achieve personal and professional success.
You’ll hear:
- How his casual drinking turned into severe alcoholism and took a toll on every part of life.
- Why facing fear and pushing through discomfort is essential for growth.
- How he navigated the pressure of upholding a successful family legacy.
- His secret on how he leads his 100 year old company through economic change, cultural change, and leadership change on the path from 8 to 9 figures.
- How he started his podcast– The Flow Over Fear Podcast.
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Published on: July 26, 2024Ep. 149: Richard Mendelow - A Pilot’s Flight of Faith
Colonel Richard “Bucky” Mendelow opens up about the profound impact of losing his best friend and roommate, George, and how this tragedy taught him about resilience and the importance of relationships. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Colonel Mendelow recalls his family's move to the United States in 1976 and the pivotal moments that led him to join the military. He shares captivating stories from his time as a pilot, especially the intense challenges of landing on an aircraft carrier.
Richard also talks about his personal faith and how it transformed his life. Tune in as we dive into the extraordinary life of Colonel Mendelow, filled with lessons on perseverance, faith, and the power of human connections.
You’ll hear:
- The importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities in Colonel Mendelow's move to the US.
- Colonel Mendelow's dedication to service and leadership as a Marine Corps pilot.
- Reflections on resilience and the impact of relationships in overcoming adversity.
- How Colonel Mendelow's experience with grief led to personal growth and deeper understanding.
- Colonel Mendelow's journey to a personal relationship with God and how he shares his faith in his podcast “Courageous Christianity.”
Learn more about Richard Mendelow
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Published on: July 19, 2024Ep. 148: Daniel Corbett III - Courage rises in the grip of injustice
Daniel Corbett III, a former elite Navy SEAL from SEAL Teams 5, 6, and 17, has transitioned into authorship and entrepreneurship. Enlisting in 2002, Corbett served in Iraq and globally with SEAL Team 6, experiencing the intense demands and rigorous standards of the unit. Post-Navy, he faced an 18-month wrongful imprisonment in Serbia, accused of plotting to assassinate the president. His book, 'American Mercenary,' explores his journey from military service to private contracting, offering a unique insider's perspective.
Daniel shares insights on:
- Life within a SEAL team, highlighting the rigorous training process, the selection criteria, and the notorious Hell Week.
- The harrowing ordeal of his wrongful imprisonment in Belgrade, Serbia.
- The relentless pace and high standards of SEAL Team 6.
- The challenges faced by Private Military Contractors.
- How his book, 'American Mercenary,' sheds light on the transition from military life to private contracting.
Get your copy of American Mercenary
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Published on: July 12, 2024Ep. 147: Jeremy Harrell- From Battlefield to Brotherhood
Jeremy Harrell, an esteemed U.S. Army Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, dedicated nine years of his life to honorable service, rising to the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer. Following his military career, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a steadfast commitment to his fellow veterans, Jeremy established Veteran’s Club Inc. in Kentucky upon retirement. This nonprofit has made a profound impact on countless veterans through pioneering programs designed to enhance their lives. Jeremy's leadership and advocacy remain instrumental in enriching and empowering the veteran community across the nation.
- Jeremy shares his experience of joining the US Army and deployment to Iraq during the early stages of the 2003 Iraq War.
- He discusses his motivation to serve, influenced significantly by the impact of the September 11th attacks, and reflects on the bittersweet feeling of celebrating Independence Day as a veteran.
- Jeremy reflects on his interactions with prisoners of war, emphasizing the importance of treating them as human beings deserving of dignity.
- He recounts his experiences in combat and the challenges he faced upon returning home.
- Jeremy highlights the mission of Veterans Club Inc. in supporting the lives of veterans, and providing essential community and resources to those who have served.
Learn more about Veterans Club Inc.
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Published on: July 5, 2024Ep. 146: Sgt. Justin Dodge- Leaving Courageous Footprints After Losing Limb
Heavy Victory LLC CEO and Denver Police Sgt. Justin Dodge faced a life-changing moment when he was critically injured, pinned beneath an 80-000 pound firetruck during the Nuggets Championship Parade. Despite losing his leg in this harrowing incident, Justin refused to be defeated. In this episode of Unbeatable, he shares his remarkable journey—from his family’s legacy of public service to the demanding path of becoming a SWAT officer. Justin opens up about the immense challenges of recovery, the crucial role of positivity, and his unwavering determination to return to duty. His story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, illustrating the sheer strength it takes to triumph over adversity.
- Explore Justin Dodge's strong commitment to public service, shaped by his family background, guiding his path to the Denver Police Department and the SWAT team.
- Learn about the demanding path to becoming a SWAT officer, emphasizing problem-solving skills and the commitment to saving lives in intense situations.
- Explore the world of SWAT operations through Justin's experience.
- Hear Justin's gripping firsthand account of surviving a life-threatening incident during a parade and his relentless determination to resume active duty, highlighting the crucial role of prehabilitation and goal-setting in his recovery journey.
- How he helps people become heroes in their own stories.
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Published on: June 28, 2024Ep. 145: Sgt. Michael Sugrue- Triumph Through Trials
Meet Sgt. Michael Sugrue, a retired police sergeant with over 14 years of service. His life took a profound turn after a tragic incident pushed him to the edge. Through sheer courage and determination, Michael embarked on a journey of survival, recovery, and healing. Now, he shares his story to offer strength to others facing similar challenges.
In this episode, we dived into the unseen challenges officers encounter in the aftermath of incidents—highlighting the often-overlooked secondary trauma that magnifies their struggles. Beyond the initial shock, they endure unyielding scrutiny, media exposure, and institutional betrayal, leading to severe mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, and thoughts of suicide.
You'll hear:
- The unique challenges and experiences faced by military and law enforcement personnel.
- How a critical incident reshaped Sgt. Sugrue’s life and career, impacting his family.
- The hidden toll on first responders and military members post-incident.
- The importance of mustering courage in seeking help when needed.
- His inspiration for writing his book “Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma"
Get a copy of his book "Relentless Courage"
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey. Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: June 21, 2024Ep. 144: Steven Pivnik- Where Your Comfort Zone Ends, Opportunity Begins
Steven's entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by his immigrant upbringing. "I'm the son of immigrants from the former Soviet Union," he explains. Inspired by his parents' work ethic, he launched his first business to provide services directly to large companies. In this episode, he discusses his experiences with ultra races, mountaineering, and Ironman triathlons, highlighting the challenges and triumphs. Steven also shares insights from building and selling a successful software company, emphasizing perseverance, teamwork, and giving back.
- How his immigrant roots inspired him and the lessons he learned from his parents—work ethic, family values, and resilience—shaped Steven's character and success.
- How his journey shows the importance of embracing failure as a chance to learn and stresses continuous self-improvement and moving forward.
- The importance of perseverance and resilience in pursuing challenging goals.
- Steven highlights the importance of paying it forward and helping others achieve their goals.
- Listen as Steven shares insights from building and selling a successful software company and conquering mountains and Ironman triathlons.
- Discover how Steven shares wisdom through his writing, including a sneak peek into his book "Built to Finish."
Learn more about Steven Pivnik Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey. Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: June 14, 2024Ep. 143: Quintina Sonnie- Escaping Trafficking and Rescuing Others
Growing up, Quintina Sonnie endured a childhood marked by abandonment, sexual assault, abusive relationships, and domestic sexual exploitation. During these times, she often faced “choiceless choices.” Quintina eventually broke free from her life as a victim and is now thriving. She draws on her traumatic experiences to empower women to heal themselves, helping them discover joy and love. Through her work, Quintina provides tools and support to help women avoid similar traumas and assists those who are trapped in abusive situations to break free. In this episode, Quintina shares her powerful story of escaping a life of trafficking and how she turned her trauma into a source of strength.
- Understand why it's crucial to assess if you or someone you know is being trafficked and how to identify the warning signs.
- Learn why getting trapped in human trafficking isn't a choice, but breaking free and staying out is.
- Discover actionable ways you can help others escape the horrors of trafficking and support their journey to freedom.
- Explore the vital work of Survivor Ventures, a nonprofit dedicated to providing holistic care, housing stability, and supportive employment to survivors of trafficking.
- Get insights into Quintina Sonnie's Jedi Mindset Masterclass, where she teaches somatic practices and tools for reconnecting with the body and healing from trauma.
Learn more about Survivor Ventures
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Published on: June 7, 2024Ep. 142: Paul Pape- Failing Forward
Meet Paul Pape, an entertainment dynamo. From his early acting days in high school to his current role behind the scenes, Paul's journey is defined by his fearless approach to challenges. Known for his lightning-fast, high-quality work and his belief in learning and innovation, Paul thrives on tight deadlines and problem-solving. With experiences ranging from The Tonight Show to Harry Potter World, he's the go-to guy for mastering the entertainment industry's secrets.
- Embrace failure like a seasoned champion, turning setbacks into stepping stones for your journey to the top.
- Dive headfirst into a sea of endless learning and seize every opportunity that comes your way.
- Be a career trailblazer, ready to switch gears and adapt on the fly.
- Why failure is the ultimate crash course to success.
- How to take charge of your time like a boss.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: May 31, 2024Ep. 141: Ann Nickell- Beating the odds and defying death
Join Ann C.K. Nickell as she shares her remarkable transformation. Hear how she overcame a toxic marriage, a near-death experience, and the threat of amputation, fueled by the power of prayer and gratitude. Ann didn't just survive—she thrived. She defied the odds, learned to walk again, and became a published author despite industry challenges. Now, as a coach, speaker, and author, Ann empowers others to find their own strength.
- Even in the darkest moments, transformation is possible.
- How faith and gratitude can be powerful tools for navigating difficult situations.
- Hope fuels optimism and allows us to find the upside in every situation.
- Why you should believe you deserve more and there are resources available to help you.
- Importance of breaking down your goals into smaller steps and celebrating each achievement. Importance of breaking down your goals into smaller steps and celebrating each achievement.
Learn more about Ann C.K. Nickell
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: May 24, 2024Ep. 140: Angela Fuller- From Shattered Spine to Finish Line
Angela Fuller is a motivational speaker, athlete, and warrior of Christ who has overcome significant challenges, including chronic back pain, a severe car accident, and postpartum depression. Angela’s journey of faith and resilience culminated in her participation in season 15 of American Ninja Warrior, where she inspired many with her infectious positivity and determination.
You’ll hear:
- Uncover Angela's powerful strategies for conquering adversity and discovering inner strength.
- Learn how Angela's faith and resilience propelled her through life's toughest battles.
- Explore the surprising importance of celebrating small victories and how they fuel Angela's journey to success.
- Get an inside look at Angela's remarkable path to American Ninja Warrior and the invaluable lessons she learned.
- Discover how Angela's approach to challenges can inspire you to transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Learn more about Angela Fuller
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: May 17, 2024Ep. 139: Chris Dreisbach- How he beat the Needle
Listen to Chris Dreisbach as he shares his inspiring journey from addiction to redemption. He opens up about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. From his idyllic upbringing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to the depths of addiction and incarceration, Chris shares his story with raw honesty. Discover how he broke free from heroin’s grip and rebuilt lives through community projects and entrepreneurship.
You’ll hear:
- How addiction can affect anyone
- Why it is important to recognize the signs of addiction and seek help early on to prevent further harm.
- Details on how Blueprint for Addiction Recovery provides quality treatment and housing for substance abuse victims.
- How did Chris Dreisbach transition from battling addiction to becoming the host of "Night of Recovery" and "Repurposed," two influential docu-series about sobriety?
- How he encourages listeners to reach out for support.
Learn more about Chris Dreisbach
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: May 10, 2024Ep. 138: Stayton Bonner-Blood, Sweat, and Ink
Last week, I interviewed legendary champion bare-knuckle fighter Bobby Gunn. My guest today is the journalist who wrote the book Bare Knuckle about Bobby's life. Stayton Bonner was at the top of the journalism world, working for GQ and later as a senior editor for Rolling Stone. But he gave it all up when he became fascinated by Bobby’s life and the brutal underground world of bare-knuckle fighting. He spent 12 years researching to tell this story of survival, honor, grit, and the beginning of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
- Why Bobby’s real-life Rocky/Fight Club story is so captivating and inspiring
- Why Stayton was willing to take a leap and give up his career at Rolling Stone to become an author
- How he got unprecedented access to a world that usually does not trust reporters
- Details of underground fights that are a mix of both savagery and honor
- How Bobby has been an integral part of the $400 million Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, the fastest-rising combat sport in the world
Get your copy of Bare Knuckle on Amazon today
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Published on: May 3, 2024Ep. 137 Bobby Gunn: Inside the Underground World of Bare-Knuckle Fighting
Bobby Gunn is a champion bare-knuckle fighter who has never been defeated in 73 fights. His life is like a Rocky story, and he has fought to survive against gang members, bodyguards, and even a Russian mobster. He talks about the corruption and politics in professional boxing compared to the fairness and honor he found in the underground bare-knuckle fighting world. You’ll hear the driving force behind what kept him going through challenges in his career and what he says are the 2 things that can help you overcome any obstacle in life.
You’ll hear:
- About growing up in a nomadic Gypsy community and how he was introduced to this dangerous sport at a very young age
- What the world of a bare-knuckle fighter is really like that might surprise you
- How professional boxing is completely different from the underground bare-knuckle fighting world
- His advice for how to accomplish great things in life
- The most powerful motivators that drive fighters to succeed
Order Bobby’s Book, Bare Knuckle HERE to read about his full story.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: April 26, 2024Ep. 136: Anthony Lee- The Boston Marathon’s Legacy and Life Lessons
Anthony Lee is a marathon runner and founder of Zapp Mortgage. Today we discuss his vast experience running marathons, his military career as an Air Force PJ, and his journey as an entrepreneur. Anthony shares his mindset of perseverance and determination that give him the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. He also emphasizes the importance of always giving back. We talk about our recent experiences running the Boston Marathon and the challenges we faced due to the heat, as well as the significance of the Boston Marathon and the impact of the Boston bombing.
You’ll Hear
- What 2 things are crucial in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
- Why we run marathons, despite the physical and emotional challenges
- Why the Boston Marathon is one of the most iconic marathons in the world
- How the Boston bombing on Patriots Day in 2013 had a profound impact on the marathon and the city of Boston
- What it takes to achieve greatness in anything you do
- About Anthony’s upcoming book and how it provides a blueprint for achieving success in business and life.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: April 19, 2024Ep. 135: Walt Zajkowski- What It Takes to Win the Best Ranger Competition
Command Sergeant Major Walt Zajkowski and I are two of the world’s biggest fans of the Best Ranger Competition. And since the 2024 competition is this weekend, we sat down to talk about what makes this endurance race so great and so unique. We are both past winners, but Walt is one of the very few who has won it more than once, and he has competed an incredible 8 times!
Aside from the competition, Walt has had a highly distinguished military career, where he has served the US Army since 1994 and has won numerous awards.
You’ll hear:
- Why we started competing in the Best Ranger Competition despite initially feeling way out of our league
- Why this event is unlike any other endurance competition on the planet
- What goes through these world-class athletes’ minds in the hours leading up to the starting line
- What it actually takes to win (it’s not always the team with the most strength or speed)
- Lessons we’ve learned from this competition that you can use to get through life’s unknowns and difficulties
Find out more about the Best Ranger Competition and follow along HERE
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Published on: April 12, 2024Ep. 134: Norman Shabel: True Crimes meets Court TV
With more than 55 years in the courtroom, Norman Shabel has heard heartbreaking stories and seen the worst evil people can do to one another. Growing up on the streets of Brooklyn and Brownsville, NY, prepared him for the hard life he would have to live as a criminal prosecutor.
From his decades of legal career as a personal injury plaintiff and class action attorney, Norman gives the one question you must ask before hiring an attorney to represent you in court. Now retired from practicing law, Norman continues to impact people by turning prominent court cases into books and plays.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why law school is similar to a basketball court
- A few of his biggest cases
- How to find the “right” lawyer to represent you
- His thoughts on “blind” justice
- Why he started writing crime novels
- How he tackles injustice today through the written word
Find out more about Norman here
Register to win a free e-copy of Norman’s book, There Ain’t No Justice, here
I created a motivational video with the top lessons I learned in Ranger School. This video is full of practical advice to help motivate you when facing challenges and adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: April 5, 2024Ep. 133: Dennis Allen- The one thing that fuels people and organizations
Dennis was a United States Air Force fighter pilot, doing exactly what he had always dreamed of doing…until a heart condition stopped him in his tracks, forcing him to completely change his career path. He has been the CEO of 6 businesses and is an organizational coach and speaker, helping leaders turn their teams around and vastly improve performance. He has also released a book called The Disciple Dilemma to challenge how leaders view discipleship.
You’ll hear:
- About his career in the military and the day he got the call that he could no longer fly
- His secret sauce for transforming organizations
- Why getting to the top of some mountains/reaching certain goals can leave you feeling empty
- How views on work and business have changed in recent years, especially with younger generations
- What gives life meaning and purpose
- About his book and why he wrote it
Learn more about The Discipleship Dilemma and purchase a copy HERE
Grab a coupon code to download a free e-copy of the book HERE (first come, first served)
OR enter to win a free e-copy HERE (drawing will be April 5th)
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 29, 2024Ep. 132- Allison Rose-Mannall: Autism, ADHD, and Storytelling
Living with disabilities, a serious health condition, abuse, living on the streets, and being a single mom to children with disabilities would break almost anyone. But Allison is tougher than most people, and she has used these experiences to her advantage. She recently published her first book, with more on the way, and she is a certified NLP Life Coach specializing in supporting and giving hope to parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
You’ll hear:
- What her childhood was like, living in and out of hospitals and feeling completely unloved
- How her Autism and ADHD fueled her unique ability to write captivating stories
- What it was like to go through 15 miscarriages and raise 3 successful special needs children largely on her own and in a wheelchair
- Her advice for parents with special needs children
- How she got her first book published and got a deal for more
Order your copy of The Aurora Chronicles here
Enter to win a free e-copy HERE (drawing will be held March 29th)
Connect with Allison on YouTube or Facebook
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 22, 2024Ep. 131: Jack Gregory- From the Edge of Death to Life at its Fullest
Growing up in a mining town in the UK in the 80s was not easy. Jack Gregory always felt different from everyone else, which led to trouble in school and drug addiction at an early age. By age 12, he was being abused and trafficked by adults. His teen years and 20s were full of loss, homelessness, and attempts to take his life. In his 30s, two events happened that completely turned his life around. Today he has consulted on 2 Hollywood films, written books, and hosts a podcast called Live and Undrugged as ‘The Accidental Journalist’ where he interviews other survivors.
What you’ll hear:
- What life was like as a child in a mining town during economic turmoil
- What human trafficking looked like from his experience
- What caused him to suddenly get sober and how he medically died for 4 minutes
- The 3 choices people have when they have a history of being abused
- How he uses his story and experience with pain and trauma to help others
Learn more about Jack on his website HERE
Get Jack’s book, Between the Street Lights and Red Lights
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 15, 2024Ep. 130: Lindy Boone- When tragedy strikes, you’re stronger than you think
Lindy is the daughter of the legendary entertainer Pat Boone and grew up singing constantly with her family. But growing up in a famous household couldn’t shield her from tragedy. In 2001, her son Ryan fell 3 stories onto concrete, suffering some of the most severe brain injuries possible. In a moment, Lindy’s life changed, and she has been a caregiver ever since. Her family has used the strength and experience they’ve gained over the years to start a non-profit called Ryan’s Reach that supports other survivors of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and their families. And today she is releasing a new single that gives hope and shows the impact we can have in the words we say.
You’ll hear:
- What it was like growing up in the Boone family in Beverly Hills with tour buses always driving by to take pictures
- What it felt like to get the call that is every parent’s worst nightmare while on the other side of the world
- How they got through Ryan’s 10 months of treatment in 6 facilities before he could come home
- Her advice for parents who have never gone through something like the tragedy her family has experienced
- About her new single Wordlayer that she wrote and sings with her 3 sisters
Learn more about Ryan’s Reach and how you can support survivors of TBI
Listen to Lindy’s brand new song HERE
Connect with Lindy on Facebook and Instagram
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 8, 2024Ep. 129: Mike Barron- From Section 8 Housing to Running 8-figure Businesses
Mike started off with every disadvantage: born to a 16-year old single mother, living in section 8 housing in San Diego, failing in school, struggling with ADD and ADHD, getting in trouble… But he always dreamed that he was going to ‘make it’. Now he is an award-winning entrepreneur running several multi-million dollar companies and coaching others to do the same. He’s been featured in Forbes and Neur Magazine, and made Inc 5000 1332 fastest growing CEOs in America.
You’ll hear:
- What life was like as a kid living in poverty and being an outcast
- What he discovered about himself as a teen that made him unusually driven
- The 4-step journey of an entrepreneur that shortens the timeline to success
- How to overcome the challenges that will inevitably come your way when pursuing a goal
- His definition of the ultimate entrepreneur
Connect with Mike on Instagram
Get free access to Mike’s 100K sales program
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 1, 2024Ep. 128: Will Hatton-Shattered Dreams to Global Adventures
Will had dreamed of joining the Royal Marines his entire life; it’s all he wanted to do. However, a major leg injury completely shattered that dream, leaving him with no plan, very little money, and in a deep depression. He decided to empty his bank account and spend 2 years backpacking in India. That transformative decision ignited a passion for travel and digital entrepreneurship that has made him millions. He is the founder of The Broke Backpacker, which teaches people ‘how to travel the world on $10/day’.
You’ll hear:
- What happened that killed his dream of joining the Royal Marines and almost cost him his leg.
- Why he chose India to start his journey and the highs and lows of the first 2 years
- How travel has challenged him, grown him, and turned him into an entrepreneur
- What he writes about and teaches on The Broke Backpacker blog
- His advice for anyone who wants to see the world through backpacking: where to go, what you need to know
Read about Will’s adventures and the how-to’s of backpacking at The Broke Backpacker HERE
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: February 23, 2024Ep. 127: Mike Norris- Making it through family, fire, and financial storms
Mike spent 34 years as a firefighter, mostly in Southern California, where fires can quickly get out of control with the dry climate. In June of 1984, when winds suddenly shifted, he and his team almost lost their lives in a major firestorm that devastated the entire area. That event strengthened both him and his faith, which he would need later when a financial storm came that relocated his entire family.
You’ll hear:
- How he first had to overcome a storm at home, growing up with violence and abuse
- About the front row seat he had to the ‘Jesus Movement’ in the 1970’s in California, and how it completely changed his life
- How he survived being in the middle of a massive firestorm with 130 mph winds
- How his family survived a sudden forced retirement and move across the country
- What keeps him going through everything life throws at him
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: February 16, 2024Ep 126: Beau Maier- Fight Oar Die- Rowing 3,000 miles to save veterans’ lives
Beau Maier struggled after serving in the Army. He didn’t realize how much other veterans also struggled until attending the funeral of a buddy who committed suicide. Right then, he and and a friend decided they were going to do something about the veteran suicide epidemic, and to raise awareness, they signed up for the toughest rowing race in the world with almost no rowing experience. That decision gave his life purpose, and his team became the first ever all-American, all-veteran team to row a rowboat 3,000 miles across the Atlantic ocean.
You’ll hear:
- How his past, his combat experience, and an injury were leading him down a dark path of addiction
- Why he felt so strongly about doing something to save veterans’ lives
- What it was like to start a nonprofit from scratch, figure out how to train, be a team, and raise money
- What happened in the middle of the ocean that finally gave him peace and renewed life
- Beau’s advice for anyone who feels like they don't know if they can make it through an ugly past or big mistakes or huge challenges in front of them
Connect with Fight Oar Die on Facebook or Instagram
Learn more about them or get help on their website
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: February 9, 2024Ep. 125: Ken Bevel- A US Marine’s terrifying first moments under the bright lights and big stars
Ken Bevel is a US Marine Corps veteran who, with no acting experience, suddenly found himself with major roles in movies that have reached millions of people. He has starred in both Fireproof and Courageous by Sherwood Pictures, and the impact of those films has transformed marriages and parents everywhere.
Ken joined the US Marine Corps at age 17 to escape life on the streets. He got into trouble early on, and then something happened that dramatically changed his life and military career. Today, after retiring as a Captain in 2011, he uses his skills at Sherwood Baptist Church, giving hope to people in the worst parts of town.
You’ll hear:
- How his early family life started well but then spiraled out of control
- Why he joined the Marines and what finally turned his life around when he got court-martialed
- How he unexpectedly acted in movies and how terrifying it was like to be on a movie set for the first time
- How Fireproof and Courageous transformed his own marriage and fatherhood
- His advice for anyone who says, “I’ve made a mess of my life, and I don’t know what to do next”
Learn more about Fireproof and Courageous
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: February 2, 2024Ep. 124: Dre Baldwin- A pro ball player's mental toughness drills
Dre Baldwin played professional basketball for 9 years, even though he was cut from his high school team 3 times. To get to the pro level, it took incredible resourcefulness, discipline, and a never-give-up focus. Knowing basketball couldn’t last forever, those same characteristics led him to be a pioneer as an online entrepreneur. He has created over 400 products, has over 100,000 YouTube subscribers, and 4.5 Million downloads of his Work On Your Game podcast.
You’ll hear:
- Why everyone thought he was crazy for pursuing pro basketball after having only mediocre success in high school and college
- How he fought through rejection and worked hard to finally make his dream a reality
- Where he says discipline and confidence come from and how you can get them
- How he found success at a time when almost no one was selling online products
- About his Work On Your Game podcast and program to help athletes and entrepreneurs develop mental toughness
Follow Dre on Instagram and YouTube
Learn more about Work On Your Game
Get a FREE copy of his book, The Third Day (you just pay shipping)
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: January 26, 2024Ep. 123: Jose Pereira- CEO held POW
Jose Pereira was months away from retiring as the CEO of Citgo after a 35-year career when he and 5 company vice presidents (The Citgo 6) were suddenly arrested and imprisoned in Venezuela, falsely accused of espionage, corruption, and treason. He spent the next 4 years and 8 months as a pawn in a political dispute, not knowing if he would ever see his family again. After finally being released, he has been completely dedicated to using his experience to spread a message of resilience, hope, faith, and survival.
You’ll hear:
- Why he was in Venezuela and what it felt like to be arrested for no reason
- The incredible things his family did to help him survive
- How the ‘Citgo 6’ worked together to get stronger when they were able to see each other again
- What led to their release and how it felt to finally be free again
- About his book and coaching program, Life Pills for Survival Guide (LPSG)
Connect with Jose and learn more about upcoming book HERE
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: January 19, 2024Ep. 122: Ron Breland-A military firefighter heals warriors’ hidden wounds
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ron Breland (Ret.) served in the United States Army from 1990 to 2005 as a DoD Certified Firefighter and a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Specialist. He and I were in Somalia at the same time, and he also served in Kosovo and Iraq. During his military career, he suffered a traumatic brain injury and consistently struggled with PTS at a time when no one talked about it. When he reached the point of suicide, his life took a dramatic turn, and now he spends every day serving veterans who feel lost and hopeless.
You’ll hear:
- How his highly abusive childhood and being homeless prepared him to be a warrior
- Details of his combat missions to Somalia, Kosovo, and Iraq
- How PTS nearly destroyed his life to the point of almost ending it
- What caused him not to pull the trigger of the pistol in his mouth and his advice to you if you feel hopeless and defeated
- How he personally serves veterans today and what he is building to change veterans’ families and futures
Learn more about his Isaiah 68 Military Outreach Ministry
Learn more about Warfighter Ranch
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: January 12, 2024EP. 121 Thomas 'Tomy' Parker: How This Triple Amputee is Winning the War Within
Today we kick off 2024 with a Marine Corps veteran whose life completely turned upside down when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan in 2010. His massive injuries resulted in him becoming a triple amputee, which led to drug addiction and multiple arrests. But, something happened at a gas station one day, and now he is sober, an endurance athlete, inspiring others, and has even co-founded a company called For Freedom Fundraising.
You’ll hear:
-How growing up on a farm in Montana prepared him for the Marine Corps
-Exactly what happened in Afghanistan and his thoughts immediately after the explosion
-The emotional and psychological effects of his injuries that he was not prepared for
-How his life spiraled out of control because of drug addictions
-What happened at a gas station that totally changed the direction of his life
-The 3 things he says led him from prison and addiction to inspiring people on stages across America
Connect with Tomy on Facebook HERE
Find out more about For Freedom Fundraising HERE
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: January 5, 2024Ep. 120: Top 10 Moments from 2023
Wow, what an amazing year! We’ve heard some incredible stories from amazing people. I end almost every episode honored to be able to share these stories with the Unbeatable Army. In this special year-end episode, we go back over the greatest moments of 2023, as voted on by you.
You heard from musicians, the military, and everyday people. And the #1 most downloaded episode from 2023 will surprise you! I even get a chance to bring you one of my favorite moments from this year. Stay tuned for some equally amazing guests this coming year.
You’ll hear:
- The top replayed episodes of 2023 (#1 will surprise you!)
- Advice about how to prepare for challenges next year
- The greatest acts of courage I’ve ever seen on the battlefield
- Stories that helped me face challenges this year
Enter to win a free Copy of Jeff’s audiobook Certain Jeopardy HERE (drawing on January 10th)
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: December 29, 2023Ep. 119: Matthew Lesser- Bouncing back from a secret that rocked the family and ruined the buisness
Imagine having to unexpectedly take over a failing company in your early 20s and at the same time, learning your father has a completely different life that you knew nothing about. This happened to Matthew Lesser, and the stress of it all sent his whole life into a downward spiral for years. But with divine intervention, he rebuilt and became stronger than ever before. Today, he’s written 2 books, and he’s the founder of Uniquely Normal, which trains leaders on creating teams that are fully engaged and excited in their work.
You’ll hear:
- How spending a year hospitalized as a teen affected the trajectory of his life
- Why he was suddenly left as the head of a business that was deeply in debt
- What it was like to discover his father had another family in another state
- What saved him from crippling depression that almost took his life
- What he learned about leadership in the process that turned him into an expert
- What Uniquely Normal teaches about the difference between success and flourishing
Connect with Matt at UniquelyNormal.com or reach out to him via email at [email protected]
Order his book UnSatisfied: When Less Is More or unEngaged: Building Flourishing Organizations
Enter to win a free E-Copy of UnSatisfied: When Less is More HERE (drawing on December 29th)
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them!
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: December 22, 2023Ep. 118: Bobby Harrington-Leading in a high-stress, highly erratic business
Bobby Harrington says he is not a “born leader” or “natural leader”. However, he has successfully led large teams in sports, the Marine Corps, and in the business sector. He learned leadership skills as a Desert Shield/Desert Storm Gulf War veteran and through leading at Chevron for almost 2 decades. Now he has a passion for using his 34 years of experience to build up the next generation of leaders as CEO of Rubicon COA, and he’s recently published a book called Lead You: The Winning Combination to Achieve Personal and Professional Success.
You’ll hear:
- How he learned to lead people when he's not a "born leader"
- What he learned about leadership from his Serbian mother and World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Veteran father
- How being a combat engineer in the Marine Corps shaped him into the person he is today
- His 3 keys to leading people that have given him the most success
- His top advice for people who are moving into leadership roles now
Learn how to improve your leadership skills at Rubicon COA
Order Bobby’s book, Lead You, HERE
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them!
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: December 15, 2023Ep. 117: Ken Valentine- Cheating Death while serving as the President's Secret Service Agent
Retired Secret Service Agent Ken Valentine worked for a decade on the Presidential Protective Detail spanning 3 presidencies. The Secret Service is not supposed to get a lot of attention, so most people don’t think about what kind of specialized skills they have to have, how much danger they are constantly in, or the toll it can take on their families.
In this episode, Ken gives us an inside view of what it’s like, and talks about the life-saving work he is now doing with The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
You’ll hear:
- Which Presidents he served under and how he got there
- Why every assignment in the Secret Service is so dangerous
- How he kept his family intact and thriving through an intense and often-changing travel schedule
- How he got started with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and what they do
- What he means by ‘cheating death’ in his new book, Cheating Death: Three-Time Presidential Secret Service Agent Lives to Tell You How
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: December 8, 2023Ep. 116- Jeff Tiegs: Striking fear into traffickers and sex predators
I’ve probably been asked 1,000 times, “Do you know Jeff Teigs?” Well, now I’m proud to say I do, and I’m excited to introduce you to him. He is a retired Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency expert with over 25 years of service in US Army Special Operations. He’s received numerous awards, including five bronze stars for distinguished service during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and a silver star awarded for valor during combat in Iraq.
Today, he uses his incredible combat and leadership experience as president of the non-profit Skull Games, which hunts sex traffickers, brings them to justice, and frees the oppressed.
What you’ll hear:
- How we each became "a man" serving in the Ranger Regiment
- What life was like deploying constantly over a 10-year period
- Why he started Skull Games and how counter-terrorism skills translate into counter-trafficking skills
- How he provides purpose, direction and motivation to veterans
- About his book, Where Have All the Heroes Gone
Enter to win a free e-copy of his book (drawing will be Dec 8) HERE
Access Jeff’s leadership course HERE The first 10 people can use the coupon code ‘unbeatable’ at checkout to sign up for free.
Access Jeff’s Protect Your Family: Counter Sex Trafficking course HERE The first 10 people can use the coupon code ‘unbeatable’ at checkout to sign up for free.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them!
To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: December 1, 2023Ep. 115- Jerry Boykin: Even 3-Star Generals Have to Fight
Lieutenant General (Ret.) William “Jerry” Boykin led warriors at all levels in the US Army through some of the most dangerous and complex missions over 36 years. He was one of the original members of the U.S. Army’s commando unit and led the Army’s Green Berets and the Special Warfare Center and School. Later, he was the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and now is the Executive Vice President of the Family Research Council in Washington.
I personally served with him in the Army and have witnessed his unusual level of courage, both on the battlefield and in the public arena. His faith has been an inspiration to me for decades, and even in the face of threats on his life, he does not back down and is not intimidated.
You’ll hear:
- What it was like to join the Army during one of its most challenging periods in history
- Miracles he witnessed on the battlefield, including 45 commandos walking out of a ball of fire alive
- Our stories about the honor of talking to Soldiers in Mogadishu about their faith
- What it was like to become a terrorist target
- What he’s doing now to help shape the soul of our country being torn apart at the seams
Order Boykin’s books:
Never Surrender: A Soldier's Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom
The Warrior Soul: Five Powerful Principles to Make You a Stronger Man of God
Man to Man: Rediscovering Masculinity in a Challenging World
Strong and Courageous: A Call to Biblical Manhood
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: November 24, 2023Ep. 114: Ricky & Lindsay Lewis- When your dream life becomes a nightmare
When sexual harassment is reported, most of the time the accuser is telling the truth. But what happens when a false accusation derails someone’s life and destroys their reputation? Unfortunately stories like my guests’ happen all the time.
15 years ago, Ricky and Lindsay Lewis were two young, beloved ministry leaders on the rise until a verifiably false accusation against Ricky caused all of their future plans to come crashing down. I have the utmost respect for how they bounced back and rebuilt their life after something no one should ever have to go through.
You’ll hear:
- How they got started in ministry and coaching and what they thought their future would look like
- The events surrounding the accusation and Ricky’s dismissal…and how that accusation proved to be false
- How it has deeply affected their family for 15 years
- Their amazing testimony of faith, strength and resilience through it all
- How its okay to have honest conversations with God when your life is different from what you imagined
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them!
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: November 17, 2023Ep. 113: Saving My Enemy- the incredible new "Band of Brothers"
In honor of Veterans Day, we have a very special episode for you. After any war, including WWII, soldiers are often deeply haunted by what they saw and did during the war. American Don Malarkey and German Fritz Engelbert, both depicted in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers for fighting in one of the biggest military operations of all time, were no different. For 60 years, they held onto guilt and pain from WWII…until something happened that changed the rest of their lives and gave them peace.
Today I’m joined by Don's daughter, Marianne, and Fritz’s sons, Matthias and Volker, to hear about an unlikely close friendship that is almost impossible for veterans who had seen each other as enemies for decades. I was blown away when I first heard their story!
You’ll hear:
- Why Don and Fritz each joined their country’s military in the 1940’s
- What D-Day and The Battle of the Bulge was like for both sides
- What led to an extremely unusual encounter 60 years after the war
- How that encounter totally changed their lives and the lives of their families
- How the book Saving My Enemy by Bob Welch, which details their story, came to be written
Order a copy of Saving My Enemy on Amazon HERE
Enter to win a free e-copy of the book (drawing will be November 17)
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Published on: November 10, 2023Ep. 112: Greg Coker- The most deadly weapon on any battlefield
Night Stalker pilots are some of my greatest heroes, and many times, my life has depended on their insanely accurate shooting abilities. Greg Coker and I fought together in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he was an AH-6 little bird gun pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment for 15 years. VERY few helicopter pilots on the planet make it to that level, and his no-quit attitude, skill, and commitment make him unbeatable.
You’ll hear:
- What it was like to go through the grueling Green Platoon training that only a handful of pilots finish
- What he and I both agree is the most deadly weapon on the battlefield
- His story of surviving being shot down in Iraq and narrowly escaping his helicopter on fire
- What kept him getting back in the cockpit again and again despite 42 surgeries and having 47 pieces of titanium in his body
- Why he started Blades for Brothers, a non-profit for veterans and first responders
Learn more about Blades for Brothers here
Enter HERE for a chance to win an e-copy of Greg’s book, Death Waits in the Dark: Six Guns Don't Miss! (Drawing on Nov 10)
***Click here for details about the special knife raffle mentioned in the episode: https://jeffstruecker.com/raffle/
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: November 3, 2023Ep. 111: John Lovell: The cure for cancel culture
As a Content Creator, Speaker, and Firearms Trainer, John Lovell has created a strong community of millions called the Warrior Poet Society, dedicated to “physical protection, the pursuit of truth, and living for a higher purpose.” In the Bible, Jesus is said to be both a lion and a lamb. John is both a fierce warrior and gentle truth seeker. We met years ago serving in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and I’ve always been impressed by his boldness and commitment to doing what is right.
You’ll hear:
- What he sees in our society that fueled the creation of a community recognized all over the world
- Our views about deciding when to and when NOT to use deadly force in a situation
- Our answers to the #1 question I get: “Is it okay for a Christian to go to war?”
- Why he believes cowardice is contagious…but so is courage
- What’s wrong with young people today having their top goal in life to be a social media influencer
- What you can do about today’s widespread bullying, canceling, and silencing of unpopular opinions
Find out more about the Warrior Poet Society HERE
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: October 27, 2023Ep. 110: Bobby Cox- Jumping into the unknown
Right after 9/11, Representative Bobby Cox joined the US Army with a deep sense of a need to serve. His career took off like a rocket, serving four combat tours in the Middle East with elite units like the 101st Airborne Division, 75th Ranger Regiment, and the 82nd Airborne Division.
He could have gone all the way to the top, but after 13 years of full time military service, he and his wife made the unusual decision to "jump" into the world of business and politics. Now he is both the Vice President of Government Affairs for SIG SAUER and a Congressman in the South Carolina State Legislature.
You’ll hear:
- The 1 piece of advice that guides all of his leadership decisions
- Why he left the world he knew for the unknown world of politics
- The top 4 characteristics he says will help you succeed in any environment
- The surprising way he announced he was running for office
- What we both believe should be the motivation behind everything you do
Learn more about Bobby Cox on Facebook
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: October 20, 2023Ep. 109: Cassie Petrey- The woman behind the biggest names in entertainment
When she was a 12-year-old Backstreet Boys superfan, Cassie Petrey had no idea that her tenacity and relational talent would lead her to working with the biggest names in music, tech, and entertainment, like Steven Tyler, Britney Spears, Camila Cabello, Google, Disney, and Apple. She’s the co-founder and co-CEO of Crowd Surf, a leading marketing and music management firm founded in 2007 alongside best friend, Jade Driver. She’s also a Forbes 30 Under 30 and Billboard 30 Under 30 recipient.
You’ll hear:
- What she did at age 12 that started a career in the ever-changing world of social media
- Why she calls herself a ‘social media dinosaur’
- The courage, skill, and adaptability it took to start a company in a field that didn’t exist in her early 20s
- An inside look at the unique pressures top artists face and why she thinks they have to be really mentally strong
- What you should aim for instead of ‘being famous, having viral videos, and being the next Taylor Swift’
Connect with Cassie on Instagram
Learn more about Crowd Surf HERE
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: October 13, 2023Ep. 108: (Part 5) Starring in Black Hawk Down Changed My Life - Matthew Marsden
In the finale of our 5-part Black Hawk Down series to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Operation Gothic Serpent, I sat down with Actor and Musician Matthew Marsden. You may recognize him from films like Helen of Troy or Shiner, but when he played Army Ranger Dale Sizemore in the film Black Hawk Down, it was the role of a lifetime.
That experience changed the trajectory of his life and bonded him forever with US Army Rangers. I was skeptical at first about the story being turned into a movie (find out why in this episode), but I’m really proud of the work Matthew and the other actors did and how they portrayed us.
What you’ll hear:
How he beat the odds to build a successful Hollywood career, coming from a small community in the UK
What it was like training with Army Rangers to prepare for Black Hawk Down and how it transformed his life
Why he believes the USA is the greatest country in the world
How he became a committed Christian and what drives him to speak up boldly about it in a hostile Hollywood environment
What he has in common with Jim Caviezel and Gary Sinise
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: October 6, 2023Ep. 107:(Part 4) Stories I WISH would have made it into Black Hawk Down- Dan Jollota
For the 4th piece in this mini-series of stories I WISH would have made into the book or movie, Black Hawk Down, I was honored to sit down with Dan Jollota, a highly accomplished Army Aviator who served for 40 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 (something very few Americans have achieved). In his career, he was assigned to several Special Operations aviation units, and his skill, commitment, and courage in Somalia in 1993 was instrumental in saving many lives.
You’ll hear:
- About his incredible career, which includes over 6,000 skydiving jumps and over 10,000 flight hours
- Why I believe Night Stalker pilots are the greatest helicopter pilots on the planet
- Why there’s such a tight bond and dedication between pilots and ground forces, especially in combat
- 2 inspiring stories of ‘staying in the fight’ in Somalia that are the most courageous acts from the air in combat I’ve ever seen
- Regrets and lessons from Operation Gothic Serpent that we carried with us into later operations and our lives
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 29, 2023Ep. 106:(Part 3) Stories I WISH would have made it into Black Hawk Down- Kurt Smith
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the events known as Black Hawk Down, we’re in a series of stories I WISH would have made it into the book and movie. For this episode, I got to sit down with Kurt Smith, who has heavily impacted me not just as a warrior, but as a man. We served together for years in Special Operations, and in Somalia in 1993, he was part of the "main effort" during the fight. His friendship during that time was vital for me and many others.
You’ll hear:
Why we both believe the force put together for the Somalia mission is one of the best ever assembled in history
How we got to know each other when we were neighbors as Sergeants in the Ranger Regiment
A time when his example gave me a punch in the gut and challenged me to be a better man
Why I was so impressed by the speed and efficiency with which his unit operated
An honest discussion of what it’s like to be in some of the heaviest gunfire Americans have ever seen and watching people we admired die right before our eyes
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 22, 2023Ep. 105: (Part 2) Stories I WISH would have made it into Black Hawk Down- Brad Paulsen
This series is true stories of valor and courage that should have been in the book or movie, Black Hawk Down. In this episode, I interview Brad Paulsen, who is without doubt, the bravest man I’ve ever seen in a firefight.
In 1993, he was a young Ranger who hadn’t been in the Army very long. He was a turret gunner in Somalia, and his ability to remain calm multiple times when he was certain he was going to die amazed me. His actions saved many lives (including mine), and I am truly honored to have served with him.
You’ll hear:
- How he ended up in the Ranger Regiment
- What went through his mind when he was being shot at from all directions
- How he maintained composure when doing one of the most gruesome tasks a warrior ever does
- How he successfully operated a 50 cal weapon with a severely injured hand (something VERY few people could do)
- How we could have all been killed if he did not have perfect accuracy with a grenade
- What he did that I believe is the greatest single act of valor I’ve ever seen
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 15, 2023Ep. 104: (Part 1) Stories I WISH would have made it into Black Hawk Down- Matt Eversmann
This is the first in a 5-part series of stories I WISH would have made it into the book and movie Black Hawk Down. Matt Eversmann is a 20-year Army veteran. He and I served together in the streets of Somalia on October 3, 1993 with the Ranger Regiment, and his story is one of courageous leadership when he was suddenly and unexpectedly put in charge.
Today, Matt is a New York Times bestselling co-author and teaches organizations how to adapt to rapid change, highlighting the importance of leadership, resilience, responsibility, and courage.
You’ll hear:
- Why he was suddenly thrust into leadership in Somalia and how the Army prepares warriors for situations like that
- What I observed from him on the battlefield that impressed me so much
- A discussion about the harsh realities of warfare that most people don’t understand
- 2 other parts of Matt’s career that I’ve observed and highly respect
- What his books are about and why he wrote them
**Go HERE for a chance to win a FREE e-copy of Walk in My Combat Boots (Drawing will be held Friday, Sep 15)
Learn more about books by Matt Eversmann and James Patterson:
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 8, 2023Ep. 103 Clint Callahan: A simple way to beat burnout
Clint Callahan has been a social worker and therapist for 23 years, helping thousands of people go from stress, burnout, and feeling stuck… to loving life again. Multiple times in his own life, he needed a radical transformation while working through the scars of being bullied, extreme burnout working in a maximum security prison, a career crisis, and grief surrounding his mother’s suicide.
Over time, he learned a combination of techniques that led to a drastic positive turnaround in his life, and he now shares it with others through his life coaching system, Small Changes, Big Impact.
You’ll hear:
- How early life trauma built up to severe anxiety and depression as a teen
- Warning signs that might indicate your teen needs counseling
- What led him to become a therapist
- How his adult life hit a wall that he describes as being ‘completely fried in all areas’
- The simple techniques he discovered that changed everything in his work, health, and relationships
- The 4 key areas to focus on 1% every day for 100 days if you want to make a change
Learn more about Small Changes, Big Impact HERE
Follow Clint in Facebook or Instagram
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 1, 2023Ep. 102: Charles Gellman: On the Cutting Edge of Health Care
Medical errors are the 3rd leading cause of death in the US. Charles Gellman, CEO and Co-founder of HiDO Health is 100% focused on ensuring more people get top-notch, consistent, care through the use of Ai-assisted robotics.
When a mis-diagnosis almost killed him, he was forced to think about variances in the quality of medical care and how technology can help minimize error. Today, he courageously works at the intersection of 2 hot-button issues (healthcare and artificial intelligence) and is literally saving lives.
You’ll hear:
- About his time in the ICU because of mis-diagnosis that changed the course of his life
- Why he specifically studied ‘clinical informatics’ or data science
- How he has navigated the risks of starting a business that no one has ever done before
- What his robotic device specifically does to transform home health and reduce hospitalizations
- His answer to the question, “Do you think Ai will replace humans in health care?”
Watch the documentary, Ai Robotics…The HiDO Story
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: August 25, 2023Ep. 101: Brad Nelson- How a regular dad saved his family from financial ruin
Ep. 101: Brad Nelson- How a regular dad saved his family from financial ruinBrad is a normal guy who has helped people save and pay off tens of millions of dollars as the host of the Debt Free Dad Podcast and founder of Roots of Personal Finance.
Breaking free from the weight of his own crushing debt is how he learned those skills, and without financial freedom, he wouldn’t be able to get his special needs daughter the intense care she needs or carefully walk his family through the pain and grief of suddenly losing his wife to suicide earlier this year.
You’ll hear:
What it was like to learn that their daughter, Avery, was born with a brain injury and being told by doctors she would never have a normal life
What caused his wife’s later struggle with mental illness that caused her to take her life
Stories of how he and I both got out of debt and how financial freedom has saved our families from devastation and stress
Steps to take to ensure you’re not 1 paycheck away from disaster when life throws you a curveball
What caused him to start Debt Free Dad and Roots of Personal Finance
Find out more about Roots of Personal Finance HERE
Listen to the Debt Free Dad podcast HERE
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: August 18, 2023Ep. 100! Jake Hamilton: The privilege and price of “having a backstage pass to life”
Today, we hit a big Unbeatable milestone! We celebrate 100 episodes of great guests and amazing stories. I invited a man whom I highly respect to help me celebrate this milestone. Jake Hamilton is Unbeatable in his personal life and a documentary maker in the entertainment industry.
Cinematographer and Director Jacob Hamilton has worked with and for some of the biggest names in television, sports, and the movies. Jake has had a “backstage pass to life” filming many seasons with Chip and Joanna Gaines, while telling the story of Basketball Legend Steph Curry or directing the cinematography for one of the biggest documentaries today.
Jake also rode next to me as I re-lived one of the most powerful moments of my life when I “Returned to Mogadishu” in 2013.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How he put his life on the line to get the shot with me in Mogadishu
How losing his mother to cancer as a child has affected the rest of his life
The price and the privileges of life in the entertainment industry
How he brings forgotten stories back to life
His role in the smash hit Facing Nolan
What Chip and Joanna Gaines are like off camera
How he juggles family and time away for work
Find out more about Jacob Hamilton’s films and Television here
Watch Jake work on Return to Mogadishu here
Stay tuned to the end of this podcast when I announce the big winner of the Episode 100 Giveaway to one member of the Unbeatable Army.
Join the Unbeatable Army for free HERE.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: August 11, 2023Ep. 99: Lois Wagner- Overcoming betrayal, rape, and being left for dead
What do you do with the pain when you’ve been hurt or betrayed? Lois Wagner lives in South Africa. One day, while working late, she was attacked, stabbed multiple times, raped, and left for dead. Soon after, her business partner betrayed her, and she lost everything. For a long time, she held onto fear, trauma, and hatred, and it was destroying her from the inside out. –until she learned the secret to finding real peace and freedom from her immense pain. Now she coaches others on how to truly let go, build resilience, and be free.
You’ll hear:
How she escaped and survived the attack that changed her life after a relatively calm upbringing in South Africa
The mental, emotional, and physical effects that plagued her for decades
What happened when she faced her attacker when he came up for parole
Her 3 steps for how to work through the process of forgiveness and healing
What she means by her book title, Walking Without Skin
Learn more about her coaching HERE
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: August 4, 2023Ep. 98: Barry Loudermilk- When bullets land all around you... keep your eye on the mission!
Being a congressman is not for the faint of heart, and US Representative Barry Loudermilk, from Georgia, has faced more than his share of challenges there. After a career in the US Air Force, he ran for office with the belief that, “You can either accept the status quo…or you can do something about it.”
Since 2015, he has survived a baseball game shooting in Washington, DC, a near-fatal car accident, an assassination attempt, and a train crash. No matter what happens, though, he stays focused on his mission, despite the often brutal circumstances.
You’ll hear:
About his father’s distinguished military service in some of the most famous battles in history
The best piece of advice he got when deciding to run for office
Why he ran TOWARD the gunfire, instead of away from it, during the congressional baseball game shooting
What keeps him focused and moving forward when things get tough in life
What it’s like to be heavily involved in the January 6th investigation
Learn more about US Representative Barry Loudermilk HERE
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: July 28, 2023Ep. 97 Jodi Izzo- From widow to warrior
Jodi Izzo is one of the strongest, most incredible women I’ve ever met. She comes from a military family of some of the toughest warriors, but she had no idea she would also have to become a warrior.
Her husband, Roman, had it all. He was a strong, talented, smart, good looking Army officer with a bright future ahead… until it was all taken away in an instant. He was given a 1% chance of survival, and Jodi instantly became a full-time caregiver to him for over 5 years while raising their 4 young children.
She constantly had to fight for him to get the right medical assistance, and now she passionately fights for other military families like hers who are overwhelmed when suddenly thrown into a life of long-term caregiving to a polytrauma patient.
You’ll hear:
- About her beautiful marriage before Roman’s multiple brain injuries
- Why her initial experience in the hospital with him was worse than most
- The incredible ways she and her children adapted and learned how to take care of someone who needed the most intense level of care
- The top 2 things she held onto that kept her going day in and day out
- About her upcoming website and the wealth of resources it will provide
*Stay tuned for the August 1, 2023 release of the Operation Chasing Grace website
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: July 21, 2023Ep. 96: Honest answers to tough questions about life and leadership
I've decided to take a risk with this episode of Unbeatable. As any great warrior knows, sometimes the enemy is so overwhelming that you must lock arms with another battle buddy to survive. I have a passion for seeing people thrive in the face of difficulties. That's one reason why I created this podcast in the first place.
From across America, 1,200 emerging leaders recently gathered in Washington, DC, to join in a live discussion at the Student Leadership University conference. In this episode of Unbeatable, I sit down with former guest Brent Crowe, and we have an honest conversation about life and leadership that we recorded while at SLU.
Brent and I lock arms and answer some penetrating questions during the episode. We then turned our raw conversation into a joint episode of the Unbeatable and Chasing Elephants podcasts.
In this episode, you’ll hear us answer questions like:
“How do you focus your life in the middle of overwhelming distractions?”
“What are your honest thoughts about the current condition of the USA?”
“How do I know what God wants me to do with my life?”
“What is your greatest fear, and how do you overcome that fear?”
“What is the source of your passion for serving God and others?”
“How do I get through difficult seasons in life?”
“What is the greatest obstacle to this generation's faithfulness?”
“What is your top piece of advice every leader needs to follow?”
Find out more about Student Leadership University here
Subscribe to the Chasing Elephants podcast here
I created a motivational video with the top lessons I learned in Ranger School. This video is full of practical advice to help motivate you when facing challenges and adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: July 14, 2023Ep. 95: Dexter Pitts: Standing firm when attacked on all sides
Dexter Pitts is a proud Army veteran, police officer, and former US Border Patrol agent. He served with the 10th Mountain Division right after 9/11 and was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering injuries from an explosion in Iraq. Through a long, grueling recovery, he could have given up, but he was determined to fight back and serve the Louisville Metro Police Department, where he was right at the epicenter of racial conflict in 2020.
No one describes better than he does what it was like to be a black, conservative police officer in the middle of the riots following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
You’ll hear:
Why he joined the Army and what it was like to be in combat for the first time
How he was sure he was going to die when his left arm was shattered, his head was injured, and back and hips blown out of socket by an explosion
The physical and mental struggles that accompany a major rehabilitation
Why Louisville, KY in 2020 was one of the toughest places to be a black police officer
His core beliefs that keep him focused and dedicated to protecting America and everyone in his community
Why he wrote his book, I Am Pitts: Memoirs of an American Patriot
**Enter to win a FREE e-copy of his book HERE (Drawing will be held July 14)
Follow Dexter on Instagram or Facebook
Learn more about him and his book on his website
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them!
To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: July 7, 2023Ep 94: Matt Bostic- Beating addiction...and Guinness world records
Matt had an idyllic childhood. But at age 20, his entire life unraveled when his mother tragically passed away from leukemia and his father quickly re-married. Not knowing how to handle the intense pain and fear he had never experienced before, he turned to alcohol, which slowly stole 20 years of his life.
At his lowest point, he came across a Guinness Book of World Records and became fixated on breaking a basketball record. He broke it, but realized that was not enough to fix his life. Then, he found something better, is now sober and has completely turned his life around. He now works with The Life House in Alabama, helping other men get the second chance at life that he needed.
You’ll hear:
About his childhood in Greensburg, Indiana full of basketball and cows
Why he felt like he was completely abandoned at age 20
Why alcohol developed such a grip on his life that was extremely hard to fight
How he became obsessed with beating basketball world records and what it was like to actually achieve it
The #1 thing he says gives you purpose in life and can truly cure the deep pain that addictions can’t
Learn more about The Life House HERE
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: June 30, 2023Ep. 93: Kyle Lamb- You’ve got to have a mission
Sergeant Major (retired) Kyle Lamb’s 21-year military career can only be described as legendary. He and I served together in the Army, both in Somalia and Iraq. He started in the 82nd Airborne Division but spent most of his career in Special Operations. After retiring, he founded Viking Tactics, Inc. specializing in tactical training and equipment and is highly respected today in both military and law enforcement communities for being THE go-to guy for marksmanship, tactical training, and any question about guns or shooting.
You’ll hear:
About his childhood in a small town in South Dakota riding in rodeos
Black Hawk Down from his perspective
What he says is the most important legacy you can leave
The thing that helped him most through the rocky transition out of the military
How he and his wife use the custom knives and tomahawks he makes to change lives
Make a donation to the Stay in the Fight Foundation HERE
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: June 23, 2023Ep. 92: Alton Gansky- The thrills and agonies of writing a book
I’ve been asked about 1,000 times how to write and publish a book. Today’s guest is a brilliant author who has written 52 books, won multiple awards, holds a literary doctorate, and teaches writing at the highest level. None of my fiction books could have been written without him, and there’s no one better to tell you how to go from an idea in your mind to a published book.
You’ll hear:
What it takes to receive a literary doctorate
How he captures someone else’s voice and experiences so well in his writing
The top 3 tips he teaches writers at conferences
The #1 thing to remember throughout the whole process
A reality check on just how tough it can be to get a book published through a publisher
Why you should write, despite the (sometimes grueling) difficulties
Learn more about Alton Gansky HERE
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: June 16, 2023Ep. 91: Vince Hafeli-Bravely speaking the word most only whisper
Every day in the construction industry in America, 5 times as many workers die by suicide than by job-related accidents. Vince Hafeli, President of AJAX Paving Industries in Florida, is doing something about it.
To look at his stellar career, you would think he’s always had his life together. But in 2007, struggling under the weight of personal losses and failures and never talking about it for 20 years, he almost took his life. Now, through his passion and communication skill, he helps industry leaders address mental health and prevent suicides in their companies.
You’ll hear:
How he worked his way up to being the President of Ajax
How he tragically lost his entire family in a very short period of time
Why construction workers are at high risk for suicide
What caused Vince to finally seek help and later become a prevention advocate
The #1 courageous thing he did that can also help you if you’re struggling
Watch his TEDx talk about mental health in construction HERE
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 --Available 24/7
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: June 9, 2023Ep. 90 Chris VanSant – Failure can fuel success: Lessons from 600 combat operations
Chris VanSant has had more combat experience than almost anyone in American history and even took part in the capture of Saddam Hussein. He’s a retired Special Operations veteran with over 20 years of service in divisions like the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta.
But seasoned warriors know that performing at that level comes at a cost. Chris has battled failure, mistakes, addiction, physical injury, and psychological wounds. With each setback, however, he’s been able to come back even stronger.
Since retiring, he’s used his experience as COO of a company that manufactures body armor and tactical equipment, and he constantly helps special operations veterans and their families recover from post-traumatic stress.
You’ll hear
Why he joined the Army and how he and Jeff met
About a few of his 600 combat operations, including the capture of Saddam Hussein
How he came back from multiple devastating career setbacks that would have caused most people to give up
Why he believes failure in life is sometimes more important than success
The 2 key things that were critical to him getting healthy again after his military career
Why he started his new executive consulting business
Follow Chris on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn
Learn more about the All Secure Foundation HERE
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: June 2, 2023Ep. 89: Johnny Elsasser - The extremely arduous transition back home from war
As a warrior in the 2nd Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, Johnny served among the elite of the elite. Then for 5 years he was a contractor protecting the US Ambassador to Iraq. In a military environment, he was at home. But when it was time to move into civilian life, he describes it as an extremely arduous transition. Through a long struggle and a divorce, he eventually learned how to use his strengths in new ways. Now, he mentors other men on true manhood and how to move past shame, guilt, and regret.
You’ll learn:
How events in his early life shaped him at his core
How he and Jeff ended up serving together in the 2nd Ranger Battalion
About his combat experience and how protecting the US Ambassador was so different
Why transitioning to civilian life was so hard for him and is hard for most special operators
What he did to come back from a divorce and drinking to become a strong leader again
His advice to men who feel like their life is a mess and they don’t like the person in the mirror
Order a copy of Johnny’s book, Design the Man Within HERE
Learn more about him, his community, and his podcast HERE
**Enter to win a FREE copy of Johnny's book HERE (drawing will be held June 1, 2023)
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: May 26, 2023Ep. 88: Alex Maddox: Turning Pain into Purpose
Less than five years after losing her husband, Chase Maddox, who was killed on duty as a police officer, Alex Maddox learned that lightning DOES sometimes strike twice, in the same place. In 2018, Alex was left with her 7-year-old son Bradin, and her son Bodie, who was born four days after her husband’s death. In 2022, due to complications stemming from a congenital brain abnormality, Bradin tragically passed away.
Alex’s pain has been intense, but thanks to Band of Blue – an organization helping families of fallen officers, she now encourages other families, helping them work through their grief. She believes you can turn pain into purpose, and she’s proving that every day.
You’ll hear:
The choice that Alex and Chase made, despite the risks Chase faced daily in his work
What Alex means when she says, “Don’t die with the dead”
How she has kept Chase’s memory alive in her family
Her beautiful final words to her son Bradin right before he passed away
Alex’s words of encouragement to survivors of extreme grief
How Band of Blue changed her life and inspired her to turn her pain into purpose
Learn more about Band of Blue HERE.
Follow Band of Blue on Facebook and Instagram.
Connect with Alex on Facebook and Instagram.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: May 19, 2023Ep. 87: Alex Chandler- : Running toward the gunfire after your buddy’s gunned down.
Alex Chandler may be young, but the bravery he’s shown in the face of danger – both as an Army National Guardsman and as a member of Clayton County Police Department’s SWAT team – has already earned him multiple medals and awards. Despite losing 2 close friends on the job and fearing he might not be able to continue working as a police officer after an injury, Alex still serves boldly on Clayton County’s SWAT team and sees it as his mission to protect people.
You’ll hear:
What made him decide to enter the military at a young age
How he became a police officer and joined the SWAT team
About the stress and danger police officers face every day
Exactly what happened on November 30, 2021 that changed his life
The 2 questions his therapist asked him that dramatically sped up his recovery
The #1 message he has for listeners about police officers
Learn more about the shooting that impacted Alex in multiple ways HERE.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: May 12, 2023Ep 86: Robert Baumgartner- Don’t quit halfway through the woods
Robert “Bob” Baumgartner is a normal, regular guy who was a history teacher and track coach in New Jersey, first at the high school level, and now he teaches at the college level. However, he has persevered through health crises in a way that is far from “normal”. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 20 and getting back-to-back cancer diagnoses just a few years later, he has developed an outlook on life that is inspiring to everyone around him facing incredible adversity.
You’ll hear:
Why he decided to teach history to high school students
How his epilepsy diagnosis changed his life
How it felt when he was told at age 24 that he has cancer
How he keeps a positive mindset while currently undergoing cancer treatments
His advice for anyone facing long-term obstacles or suffering
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: May 5, 2023EP. 85 Jamin Heppell: Life transformation through mountains and marathons
As the oldest of 3 boys in a competitive family in Australia, Jamin Heppell developed two passions very early in life: athletic excellence and leadership. After founding several businesses and hitting severe burnout, he completely changed course and co-founded an incredibly successful company called Mountains and Marathons, allowing people from all walks of life to experience transformative adventures in unique locations all over the world. Despite having endured 2 knee reconstructions and 4 arthroscopes, Jamin has run a marathon on 6 continents, climbed Mt. Everest Base Camp, summited Mt Kilimanjaro 8 times, completed 3 ultramarathons, and is in the Guinness Book of World Records.You’ll hear:
- What it was like to grow up in a hyper-competitive home
- Why he spent a lot of his teen years on crutches
- What caused him to pursue leadership and coaching
- How he navigated career burnout and completely changed direction
- What he believes to be more important than winning
- His advice for anyone who wants to pursue a new vision for their life
Ep. 84 Jay Allen: Don’t ever quit. The last man standing wins.
Award-winning Nashville country music singer Jay Allen wrote a song called “Blank Stares” in honor of his mom who passed away from early-onset Alzheimer’s that went viral with over 500 million views. The song has not only raised over $100 million for Alzheimer’s research and support of families dealing with this disease, but it also helped Jay discover the legacy he feels his mom left him as he helps to shed light on Alzheimer’s.
Getting to this point in his career has been filled with hills, dark valleys, and heartbreak. But he’s kept going, because he knows the last man standing wins.
You’ll hear:
How he got into music and what started his singing career
What kept him from moving to Nashville for many years and what helped him survive once he got there
The piece of advice that country music star Billy Currington gave him that changed everything
What it was like to watch his mom deteriorate from Alzheimer’s and the beautiful moment that gave inspiration for his viral song
Why the president of Sony promised Jay that every dime the company received from “Blank Stares” would be used to shine a light on Alzheimer’s
Follow Jay on Instagram , Facebook, and TikTok
Subscribe to his YouTube channel
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them!
To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: April 21, 2023Ep. 83: Byron Morrison: 7 ways you sabotage your own success
Byron Morrison is an in-demand author and speaker in England (not London) and founder of the "Evolved CEO" coaching and consulting program. He’s helped CEOs in 15 different countries upgrade their mindset AND performance so they can become the leaders they need to be to take their businesses to the next level.
Byron learned the hard way that there’s a big difference between leading in business and being the boss, the CEO. But while he speaks mostly to CEOs, he also has advice for everyone who feels stuck in their work and can’t see a way out.
You’ll hear:
What it took for Byron to turn his own life around when he was overweight, burnt out and depressed
The one thing that terrified him far more than failure, rejection, or not getting it right before he learned the principles he shares in his new book
The 7 things that cause ALL of us to sabotage success and get in our own way
What Byron REALLY means when he tells people “maybe they should just give up”
The advice he gives those who are desperate and on the verge of quitting their jobs
Pre-order Byron’s new book Maybe You Should Give Up (with bonuses) HERE
Subscribe to “The Evolved CEO Show” HERE
Connect with him on Facebook HERE or LinkedIn
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: April 14, 2023Ep. 82: Dr. Ed Newton: From CODA to changing his city
When Dr. Ed Newton was growing up, he never dreamed he’d ever have the title “Dr.” In fact, he wasn’t even sure he’d go to college, being told he “wasn’t college material”. As a hearing son of 2 deaf parents, Ed was their mediator to the outside world and defender. He understood what it meant to be an underdog from watching his parents and navigating his own major learning challenges.
As an adult, he spent 13 years with his family on the road traveling to churches around the country as evangelists, and in 2016, he became the lead pastor of the now 15,000-person Community Bible Church in San Antonio, TX.
You’ll hear:
Why even his birth was extremely unlikely
What it was like to be a hearing child of deaf parents with no siblings
What radically changed the course of his rebellious life when he was a teenager
What made him become a pastor after traveling for 13 years
Why he got really mad at God when everything started falling apart as soon as he moved to San Antonio
How his church quickly paid off a $21 million debt and is a shining light in his city
Learn more about Ed at his HERE.
Learn more about Champion Plaza.
Download his free app – Ed Newton Ministries – from Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
Follow Ed on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: April 7, 2023Ep. 81: Travis Thomas- How to ‘embrace the goo’ to get unstuck
“Life is not a GPS; it’s a compass,” says Speaker, Coach, and Author Travis Thomas. Remembering that has helped him navigate scary things like not having a job when his three children were young and discovering his calling of using improv comedy to inspire others to have a “yes, and” mindset in life.
As a leadership coach, he helps individuals and companies live with purpose and authenticity. He’s worked with elite athletes around the world, like the U17 National Soccer Team and NFL and NBA Combine prospects, as well as companies like PepsiCo, Under Armor, Gatorade, Cintas, the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays.
You’ll hear:
Why he ate SO MANY Halo burgers as a child that he’s now a vegetarian
How he got into improv comedy in Boston at the age of 25
What he means when he encourages you to “embrace the goo” in your life to develop strength and courage
How to live with a “yes, and” mindset when facing challenges
Why the advice of a stranger in a café prompted Travis to write his book, 3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live, Yes, And!
Order Travis’s book, 3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And!
Learn more about Travis HERE.
***Enter to win a free e-copy of Travis’ book HERE! The drawing will be held April 7, 2023.***
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 31, 2023Ep. 80: Nelson Tressler- Winning at life even if you’re from the ‘Unlucky Sperm Club’
If anyone’s ever had the deck stacked against them from birth, it’s Nelson Tressler. In fact, his book is even called The Unlucky Sperm Club. But because of his incredibly harsh beginnings, he was determined to make something of his life. As an adult, he moved up from being a window washer in Las Vegas to becoming one of the top real estate agents in the US, closing over $1 billion in transactions and founding over 10 businesses! He has a reputation for being able to monetize anything, and he now helps others succeed in every aspect of life.
You’ll hear:
How he’s a product of rape, murder, extreme poverty, and the biggest trial ever in his small town (His story will leave you speechless!)
What drove him to get an education, despite being behind in ALL areas and dyslexic
His advice to anyone stuck in a dead-end job
How he’s navigated the challenges of staying married and raising successful sons despite having no positive male role models growing up
Why he thinks one of the biggest tragedies is not that you tried something and it failed, but that you never tried it
Enter to win a copy of his book HERE (Drawing will be held March 31, 2023)
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 24, 2023Ep. 79: Dr. Brittany Clayborne: Healing people in places science can’t reach
When Brittany gave birth to her son, she thought she was healthy … until she had a heart attack immediately afterward. The downhill spiral from there – medically dying of heart failure 6 times, being among 1% of women who need a heart transplant, and diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer within a year after finally receiving her long-awaited transplant – turned into a catalyst for Brittany to accomplish more with her life than she ever thought possible. She earned a master’s and PhD during the most stressful periods of her life, aiming to help others cope with being on the edge of death.
You’ll hear:
How the plans Brittany had for starting her family were radically different from reality
What got her through being confined to Cardiac ICU for 9 months
What caused her to keep going after she almost gave up on her battle to “hang in there” after waiting almost 3 years for a heart transplant
What she has learned are the MOST important things in life
How she got her doctorate while undergoing chemo and radiation for Stage 4 cancer … less than a year after her heart transplant.
How both Brittany and her 12-year-old son work to help critical illness patients and their families create environments where they can heal.
Learn about Brittany’s life and mission on her website
Connect with her on Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 17, 2023Ep. 78 Dr. Mary Ritz: Don’t take your opportunities for granted
Growing up in what she describes as Zimbabwe’s lowest rung in society, Dr. Mary Ritz was still encouraged by her parents to be a leader and innovator. The lessons Mary and all six of her siblings received have spurred each of them to make a difference in the world. In addition to starting her own consulting business, which now trains business leaders internationally, Mary mentors a group of “under 40’s” … who still struggle to follow their own dreams.
You’ll hear:
What allowed Mary and her siblings to escape a life of poverty in Zimbabwe
The obstacles she had to overcome to compete and succeed in education and business
How she encourages young people to discover their mission
Her advice to parents to help their children succeed, without putting too much pressure on them
Her model for how to keep businesses profitable and relevant
What she believes makes a great leader
Learn about Mary’s company, Almenta International
Follow and connect with Mary on LinkedIn
Follow her on Twitter
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 10, 2023Ep. 77: Scott and Tiffany Smiley- Why he became the 1st blind soldier in the US Army.
Years before their marriage, Scott and Tiffany were high school sweethearts. In April 2005, Scott was injured by a suicide bombing in Mosul, Iraq, that caused him to lose sight in both eyes. Tiffany’s refusal to sign paperwork that would remove her Army Ranger husband from active duty allowed him to continue his career, and Scott went on to receive the Army’s prestigious MacArthur Leadership Award, among many other accolades. Today, he motivates and inspires leaders everywhere he goes. Tiffany’s faithful dedication to her family and her country are also inspiring. Her unshakable belief that every voice matters even drove her to run for US Senate.
You’ll hear:
● What it means that Scott and Tiffany are members of the “1% Club”
● Why Tiffany refused to sign paperwork a doctor insisted she HAD to sign
● What happened in Iraq and what finally started Scott on the road to recovery
● What led Tiffany to Washington, D.C., where she met with the President
● Scott and Tiffany’s advice to anyone who feels like quitting
Learn more about the Smileys HERE
Order Scott’s book HERE
Connect with Scott on Facebook HERE and on Twitter HERE.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: March 3, 2023Ep. 76 Landri Peden: A champion powerlifter who is stronger on the inside.
The level of trauma Landri Peden has experienced most of her life would have crushed most people. But Landri is unusually strong – physically, for sure, but also mentally and emotionally. After surviving many levels of extreme abuse, even to the point of being held at gunpoint, Landri went into hiding for several years with PTSD.
Then she found CrossFit, which literally saved her life. The sport gave her the sense of purpose, camaraderie, and safety she needed, leading to a career in powerlifting. Now she uses that platform to coach and encourage women, helping them survive and thrive.
You’ll hear:
● What helped her escape a childhood full of abuse and bullying
● What she learned (and survived) as one of the only females in her military platoon
● How her husband’s mental breakdown while deployed made him angry and violent, putting her life in danger multiple times
● How hiding out for years and not talking about her trauma affected her in unexpected ways
● How CrossFit saved her life and how she got into powerlifting
● How her story inspires thousands who feel powerless and want to give up
Learn more about Landri HERE
Follow her on Instagram HERE.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: February 24, 2023Ep. 75 Brendan Suhr: A legendary NBA basketball coach’s top leadership advice
In 3 decades of coaching basketball in the NBA, legendary Coach Brendan Suhr worked with top players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman, and Larry Bird. He won back-to-back NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons, and with the 1992 “Dream Team,” he won the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games. Today, Brendan is a world-class speaker, specializing in developing effective leaders. He is known for his ability to teach and care deeply about people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
You’ll hear:
How he became a basketball coach
What it was like to coach the best basketball players in the world
What Brendan believes is the greatest challenge leaders face today
The five most important qualities Brendan says EVERY leader needs… and what he considers to be the “secret sauce” of leadership
The cautionary advice he gives to all coaches
Learn more about Brendan’s educational system for coaches and leaders at CoachingULive.com
Listen and subscribe to his Coaching U Podcast
Follow Brendan on Twitter
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: February 17, 2023Ep. 74 Eddie Penney: A US Navy SEAL’s Secret to Being Unafraid
Eddie Penney spent over 20 years serving his country, first as a US Marine, then as a Navy SEAL. As a SEAL, Eddie was assigned to the highly elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) and was at the forefront of numerous life-threatening missions. His job as a breacher meant he was always the “first guy in the room” in an operation. But despite the incredible odds he overcame as a SEAL, he says his scariest challenge was suddenly having to take on the role of a single dad to his 3 young children.
You’ll hear:
The most important lesson Eddie learned during Phase 1 of SEAL training
What it was like as a hardened warrior to take on the role of a single dad and caretaker
The wake-up call Eddie got after seeing the widows and children of over 30 friends who died in 1 day in Afghanistan
The surprising thing that changed Eddie’s life when he was struggling with guilt, anger, and emotional pain
Why he wrote his book, Unafraid, and what he means by that
Connect with Eddie on social media and on his website HERE
Enter to win a FREE e-copy of Eddie’s book HERE. The drawing will be 2/17/23.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: February 10, 2023Ep. 73: Bryan Martin- Don't Give Up in the Valley
The songs Bryan Martin writes and sings resonate with listeners on a deep level. And over 13 million streams and 2 million views of his viral TikTok video “Beauty In The Struggle” prove it. It’s not just the words that are powerful; it’s the way he sings them. His Cherokee indigenous heritage, combined with influences from cowboy family members, shows up in many of his songs.
But the reason his music resonates with people is because they come from real struggles. Bryan has overcome addiction and survived back-to-back suicide attempts. Now he encourages others and says, “As long as you’re struggling, you’re strengthening.”
You’ll hear:
What it was like to be a roughneck on an oil rig in Louisiana where “everything around you is there to kill you.”
What kept him going after miraculously surviving suicide attempts
What he believes music can do for people and why he writes it
Why he’s thankful for the struggles he’s endured in his life
His encouragement to those in a low spot right now
About his new hit single, “Wolves Cry”
Learn more about Bryan on his website HERE.
Follow Bryan on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: February 3, 2023Ep: 72 - Ty Herndon: God or the Gun
Ty Herndon has been singing his entire life. His grandmother had her own radio show, and his mother and aunts had a singing group. His roots were in gospel music and bluegrass, but country music made him famous. He’s been nominated for a Grammy, won a Dove award, and has charted multiple #1 hit singles.
Despite the fame, though, Ty has struggled with personal demons most of his adult life. The spiritual healing he’s found is something he now tries to pay forward, but his music is just one way he does that. His book God or the Gun will be released in late 2024, accompanied by a documentary. His message to listeners: The “quicksand” in your life can turn into a cocoon that launches you into a healthy new life.
You’ll hear:
What it was like to be at the Grand Ole Opry at age 17 as a guest of Roy Acuff
About the highs and lows of his music career
How COVID almost destroyed Ty in more ways than one… and how he came out stronger on the other side
How Ty found healing from addictions and a damaged self-image
How his song “God or the Gun” has touched hundreds of listeners who have endured the pain of a loved one’s suicide.
Ty’s encouragement to ANYONE struggling right now
**Plus, Ty answers Jeff’s question about how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities at home.
Learn more about Ty on his website
Listen to Ty’s music on Soundboard
Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, or YouTube
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: January 27, 2023Ep. 71 Brian Davidson: How to maximize human performance
In 2015, Dr. Brian Davidson started a company called MindVue that has been revolutionizing the way organizations build leaders. Its mission is to “build hope, grit, and resilience in millions of people across the globe” by teaching mindset skills. Brian has a passion for figuring out what makes people tick and helping them learn how to tear down barriers that block them from reaching their goals. He believes that anyone can succeed when given the right tools.
You’ll hear:
● Why and how he started the company
● What he considers the most important steps for shifting your mindset
● What MindVue does to help people shift their focus when dwelling on failures
● Why it’s so important to cultivate a GROWTH mindset
● How his 4-year-old son’s words inspired him to keep going at a low point in his life
**Plus, Brian answers Jeff’s question about how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities at home
Learn more about MindVue HERE.
Follow and connect with Brian on LinkedIn
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: January 20, 2023Ep 70: Edie Hand- How to have ‘True Grit’
Edie Hand has impacted thousands through her gift of storytelling. She’s a businesswoman, speaker, media personality, filmmaker, and author with a passion for helping women share their stories of triumph through intense life challenges. Inspired by the movie True Grit with John Wayne, she produced a video series called Women of True Grit. She herself has suffered loss and survived cancer 4 times. So, she inspires women with her own grit, as well.
You’ll hear:
What losing so many loved ones early in life taught her
How her famous cousin, Elvis Presley, inspired her
How she found her “refresh” button by sharing people’s stories with the world
Her favorite analogy for how you develop true grit
Her advice to anyone struggling with betrayal or loss
What she’s learned from surviving cancer 4 times
**Plus, Edie answers Jeff’s question about how she would spend a free day if she could go anywhere – with no responsibilities at home.
Check out the Women of True Grit website
Enter to win a FREE e-copy of the book Women of True Grit – HERE. If you win, the e-book will be delivered on March 7th, when it is released.
Watch some of the “Women of True Grit" Vignettes
Some days you just need a pep talk. So, I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: January 13, 2023Ep. 69 Brent Crowe: Boldly leading into the unknown
Brent and his wife knew they wanted to adopt but had to wait over 3 years before seeing that dream fulfilled. Then, just 5 weeks after receiving an email from a child advocacy attorney, they added 3 children to their family, in addition to the 3 they already had!
Brent’s passion to make a difference in the world goes beyond his family, though. As Vice President of Student Leadership University, he helps high school students develop leadership skills that radically change their lives – and the world around them.
You’ll hear:
What led Brent and his wife to both want to adopt children
How they approach parenting multiple children with past trauma
What SLU is and how it builds future leaders
How COVID forced SLU to “re-invent” itself, and it came out better on the other side
Why he didn’t throw in the towel when things got really tough
Why he wrote his new book and what it’s about
**Plus, Brent answers Jeff’s question about how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities at home.
Learn more about Student Leadership University HERE.
Order Brent’s book – 10 Steps to Your Best Life – HERE
Connect with Brent on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: January 6, 2023Ep. 68 Jack Black & Dawid Malan: Lessons learned facing life-or-death in the toughest race on earth
Almost exactly one month ago, I took part in the Munga mountain bike race across a region called the Karoo in South Africa. The support I received before and during the race was amazing, and I want to share the biggest lessons I learned that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
The race didn’t go as planned, and I faced life-or-death challenges, but hopefully what I learned will help you as you tackle bold things in 2023. I also want to introduce you to Jack Black (Jacques Swart) and Dawid, 2 excellent cyclists I met in South Africa who truly inspire me and will definitely inspire you.
You’ll hear:
● About unexpected physical challenges I faced before the race even started
● How Dawid literally saved my life during the race
● How both Jack and Dawid inspire me
● What Shermer’s Neck is and how it could have been deadly
● What Jack and David love most about the Munga
● 2 big lessons I learned that will help you do something bold in 2023
IMPORTANT REQUEST: Shortly after the end of this year’s Munga race, a series of storms blew across part of the Karoo desert – including a tornado that destroyed the home of a family that has been very supportive of The Munga for several years. **If you would like to donate money to support this family in rebuilding their lives, click here and follow the instructions.
Learn more about Jack’s business, Gravel & Tour HERE.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: December 30, 2022Ep. 67 Jill Stephenson: A Gold Star Mom and a Life-Saving Gift to Others
In this special Christmas episode, you’ll hear from a courageous Gold Star Mother. Long before Jill Stephenson’s son, Ben, joined the Army to serve with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, she knew it was his destiny. She never worried about his safety, and seeing how proud he was of his service each time he was home convinced her that Ben was right where he was supposed to be.
But in July of 2009, Jill got the call that changed her life forever. Ben had been injured while saving the lives of 6 fellow Rangers in Afghanistan, and he ultimately did not survive. Jill’s courage and strength through that time are truly inspirational, and today, she continues to use her speaking talents to lead and serve other military families that have lost somebody in combat.
You’ll hear:
Who inspired Ben and influenced many of his choices.
Why Ben seemed to sense his 3rd tour would be different … and not in a good way.
What happened when Jill was 15 which helped prepare her for this extremely difficult moment.
Who and what gave Jill the strength to move forward.
How Ben’s gift of organ donation saved the lives of 4 people and enhanced the lives of 60 others.
The unique honor Ben’s family received at his funeral that is almost unheard of!
**Plus, Jill and Jeff each talk about their favorite Christmas memory.
Learn more about Jill at her website HERE.
Order Jill’s book, Heart of a Ranger: The True Story of Cpl. Ben Kopp, American Hero in Life and Death
Connect with Jill on Facebook or Instagram
Some days you just need a pep talk, so I created a motivational video sharing the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. It’s free. Get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: December 23, 2022Ep. 66 Derek Dahl: Spending his last dollar on an unshakable dream
Derek Dahl went from the brink of bankruptcy to a thriving business “almost” overnight. Okay, it was a 3-year process, but with $126 left in his pocket, he took a leap of faith and placed the future of his company in divine hands. This was the moment that everything turned around for Three Nails Clothing.
If you've ever been financially strapped and unsure how to pay the bills, you must hear this episode. Derek describes weeping in the shower after the sheriff came to his door with an eviction notice. Every bit of financial wisdom said Derek should file for bankruptcy. Instead, he did the hard thing of putting his last remaining dollars into giving the business one more try. He went from living on food stamps in his parent's basement to running a multimillion-dollar company.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
The powerful lesson he learned after 3 concussions and 17 sprained ankles as a collegiate basketball player.
Why clarity always follows action... not the other way around!
How he lost his father, was facing bankruptcy, and faced his wife’s life-threatening illness simultaneously.
How he fought through an identity crisis and came out stronger on the other side.
Derek's favorite Christmas family tradition.
Find out more about Three Nails Clothing here
follow Derek on YouTube and TikTok here
Published on: December 16, 2022Ep. 65 Taylor Ferns: the fight for success- ...
Taylor Ferns comes from a racing family. Her winning streak in highly competitive races started when she was 14… and has been going strong ever since. Earlier this year, she became the first female to achieve a podium finish in USAC’s Silver Crown history. Now, at age 26, Taylor says, “I don’t want to say I’m proud of what I’ve done, because I’m not done yet. I always say that one day I’m going to write a really great autobiography.”
You’ll hear:
The reason she left racing for two years and why it increased her passion for the sport, making her a stronger person.
Her secret to juggling racing + a part-time job as Operations Manager at a law firm + attending law school full-time.
How a college class in gender economics made her realize some of her challenges were because she was competing (and WINNING) in a male-dominated sport.
About her philosophy that life is like accounting – for every credit, there’s a debit; for every opportunity, there’s a sacrifice.
What always helps her refocus her energy and attitude.
Learn more about Taylor HERE
Follow Taylor on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Some days you just need a little pep talk, so I created a motivational video where I share the top lessons I learned when I went through Ranger School. I did it to help motivate you when you’re facing your own challenges and facing adversity. The video is free, and you can get it HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: December 9, 2022Ep. 64 Philip Bray: The Fight of Faith
Phillip Bray survived one of the most dangerous roads in the world while leading his men on combat missions through southern Afghanistan. He spent decades leading warriors from the British Military during the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Long after the average soldier retired from military service, Philip took time out of his schedule in the War College to describe his unbeatable moments while serving in the military.
No stranger to patrolling dangerous roads, as a new Infantry Platoon Commander, he was posted to Northern Ireland to patrol the city streets of Belfast at the end of a bloody era. During the difficult days in this mission, Philip describes how one of the worst days became one of the best days of his life. And he explains where you can find peace during your darkest days.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why everyone should consider a “gap year” of service
Philip’s proven first step when facing difficulties
The deadly battle he survived in southern Afghanistan
How to care for your family and hold a career in the UK military at the same time
Get Philip’s book The Fight of Faith here
Published on: December 2, 2022Ep. 63 Andrew Chalmers: Unbeaten in the battle with addiction
This special Thanksgiving Day episode of Unbeatable features Andrew Chalmers. He describes in powerful detail living on the streets after his parents lost all hope that he would be able to conquer his drug addiction. Although he grew up in a loving home, he was introduced to drugs at a young age. His addiction became serious as a teenager and escalated from one pill to a full-blown heroin addiction.
In this raw and vulnerable interview, Andrew describes years of pain that his drug addiction inflicted on the people closest to him. You’ll be on the edge of your seat when you learn about Andrew's greatest Thanksgiving Day, the moment he “surrendered” his addiction to the only one that could fix his out-of-control life.
You’ll hear:
How he turned his broken past into a moment to change the lives of others suffering with all manner of additions
About the freefall from one pill to a full blown heroin addiction
The pain his decisions inflected on his parents. His mother recounts these memories in her book, No One Visits the Mother of a Drug Addict
His moment of his unconditional surrender
How to respond to a loved one struggling with addiction
Learn more about Andrew’s efforts to clean up the streets by founding “Take the City”
Published on: November 25, 2022Ep. 62 Alex Harris: Creating the toughest race on earth
Alex Harris is a world-renown athlete, known for amazing feats like climbing the tallest mountains in the world, walking across Africa’s Empty Quarter unsupported and on foot, and becoming the first African to walk unsupported to the South Pole. He’s also the founder of a 5-day event called the Munga, dubbed the toughest race on earth. You’ll definitely be inspired by someone who has pretty much done it all in extreme sports.
You’ll hear:
Why he believes that toughness exists in all of us, but very few discover it
What he sees as the ingredients for developing toughness
Why Alex chose to leave a successful career in sales
The greatest lessons he’s learned through pushing himself to the limits
Why he created the 700-mile Munga race in South Africa, said to be ‘genuinely, absolutely, debilitatingly hard’.
**Plus, Alex answers how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities.
Learn more about The Munga HERE.
Follow Alex on Twitter HERE.
I’m competing in The Munga (November 30-December 5) as a fundraiser and to raise awareness for the Three Rangers Foundation, which helps veterans who struggle after leaving the military. You can learn more about it and make a donation HERE.
Published on: November 18, 2022Ep. 61: Brad Thomas: The bravest act I've ever seen- Veterans Day.
Many people have heard of Black Hawk Down, but not many know what happened “behind the scenes”. My guest, Brad Thomas, was there with me in Somalia, and he inspired one of the proudest moments I ever had leading warriors in combat.
On this Veterans Day episode, he shares his experiences that day and how, despite the terror of Black Hawk Down, he served a total of 8 years in the Ranger Regiment, then 12 years in Delta Force. After 20 years of service, Brad has since focused on music, a passion of his since early childhood. He performs and records regularly with his all-veteran rock band, Silence & Light.
You’ll hear:
What got him into music at a young age
What Brad did on the battlefield that I’ll will carry with me for the rest of my life
The thought that comforted Brad during the Humvee ride back out to rescue Black Hawk survivors when he felt certain he wouldn’t make it back
How Brad’s wife inspired him to start a band
Why his band donates royalties to the charity, Warriors Heart.
**Plus, Brad tells us how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities.
Follow Brad Thomas on Instagram
Learn more about Silence & Light HERE.
Learn more about Warriors Heart HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: November 11, 2022Ep. 60: David Hookstead: A rare journalist warriors trust with their stories
Reporter and media personality at Fox News’ Outkick, David Hookstead, also hosts a podcast called American Joyride. For 7 years before that, he was a reporter for The Daily Caller – where he perfected his journalism skills. Over time, he has developed a reputation as a journalist who can be trusted, opening the door to amazing interviews and getting stories that NO ONE else can get. But the journalist’s life is fast paced with high stakes. Also hear how David turned around his unhealthy habits and what keeps him on track now.
You’ll hear:
● Why David had to learn journalism “on the fly” and what makes him unique in a field that often bends the truth
● The #1 tip David gives to aspiring journalists
● What it is about football that makes him obsessed with it
● Why he started the American Joyride podcast and how it gives Americans hope
● About his journey from overeating, stress, and alcohol to being energized and healthy
**Plus, David answers Jeff’s question about how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities.
Check out the American Joyride podcast HERE
Follow David on Instagram
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: November 4, 2022Ep. 59: Candyss Bryant: The ‘Influencer’ Behind the Best Ranger Competition
At age 20, Candyss told a fundraiser for building the National Infantry Museum, “I don’t know anything about the military, and I don’t want to know anything about the military.” Despite her boldness (or maybe because of it), she got the position and eventually became Executive aDirector of the National Infantry Association.
3 years later, Candyss was asked to help revive the Army’s struggling (at the time) Best Ranger Competition. Despite the first 2 years being rough, she “toughed it out”, played a MAJOR role in making the competition the best in the world, and became one of the most highly-respected people in the entire organization…even as a civilian.
You’ll hear:
What “Chairborne Rangers” are and why Candyss sees the timing of her involvement as “divine intervention” and a confirmation of her purpose
Why she agreed to help with the Best Ranger Competition DESPITE being told she wouldn’t be paid
What it was like at first to be the only woman for miles around, as a civilian in a military environment
Her main ideas that turned the competition around
How the Ranger Creed is still part of her daily life
*Plus, hear how she would spend a free day if she could go anywhere and do anything.
Follow Candyss on Instagram or Facebook .
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: October 28, 2022EP. 58: Brandon Young-- From Barely Surviving… to a Life of Significance
Growing up as a fighter and without a father, Brandon Young felt alone and wasn’t sure how he fit into the world. He joined the military, where he spent nearly a decade in the 75th Army Ranger Regiment, and he found a second family full of guys like him.
But spending 70% of most years away from home placed a tremendous strain on his family. When he left the Army, he nearly lost his marriage. and struggled to find his place in the civilian world. His turning point came in March 2012. Since then, he's been impacting the lives of thousands, training leaders with timeless wisdom.
You’ll hear:
How his mother, working 4 jobs as a single parent after his father abandoned them, was his first example of being unbeatable.
The difference between perseverance and endurance (and which is greater)
Why transitioning from the military to civilian life was was much tougher than he imagined
Why 2 career path doors suddenly closing turned out to be the best things that ever happened to him…and his marriage
How he now combines leadership skills learned in the Army with principles he learned at Denver Seminary to help businesses reach their goals
**Plus, hear how Brandon would spend a free day if he could go anywhere – with no responsibilities.
Learn more about his company, Applied Leadership Partners, HERE.
https://www.appliedleadershippartners.com/
Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonyoung14/
Follow Brandon on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/brandon.young14/
https://www.instagram.com/appliedleadershippartners/
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey. https://forms.gle/fxo5PiDbCJCSCqrp7
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE. https://jeffstruecker.com/survival-guide/
Published on: October 21, 2022Ep. 57: JB Spisso: When marriage problems are more painful than bombs on the battlefield
JB Spisso entered the military out of high school, never expecting to make a career of it. But after 26 years of service (including 10 years with the 75th Ranger Regiment), he retired as a Sergeant Major, having led some of the most elite teams.
He then entered the private sector coaching leaders on how to successfully climb the corporate ladder and writing the book Warrior Leadership: Steps to Success for Leaders on the Ground. Hear about his life as a warrior and leadership coach, but also how he had to navigate a tougher challenge at home than anything he faced in the Army.
You’ll hear:
How doing push-ups and pull-ups in a recruiter’s office landed him in Ranger School
How he learned to be “motivational loud” instead of “negative loud” as a leader
The key thing that made him better in all areas of his work in the Army
Why divorce is harder than the toughest military challenges
His advice for how to rebuild your life after a crushing divorce
**Plus, JB tells Jeff how he would spend a free day if he could go anywhere.
Learn more about JBs Leadership Consultants HERE.
Order his book, Warrior Leadership: Steps to Success for Leaders on the Ground, on Amazon HERE. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733275800
Follow JB on Instagram or Twitter
https://www.instagram.com/jbspisso/
https://twitter.com/jbsleaders
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey. https://forms.gle/fxo5PiDbCJCSCqrp7
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE. https://jeffstruecker.com/survival-guide/
Published on: October 14, 2022Ep. 56: Gregg Martin: An Army General’s Boldest Move
Gregg Martin was on top of the world as a career warrior in the US Army. Major General Martin had recently completed a Ph.D. at MIT, and he was serving as president of the National Defense University when he was called into the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It was clear to everyone except Gregg that he had a problem.
He was relieved of his duties at the university and ordered him to get mental help. Although he didn't want to admit he had a problem, in-patient treatment for his mental health condition finally revealed to Gregg what others around him could see. But rather than hiding his condition, Gregg made the boldest move of his career and became vocal about his mental health condition.
You’ll hear:
How his success as an athlete prepared him for one of the most challenging careers on earth
What it’s like to lead 10,000 warriors across the “berm” and the tough fight to win Bagdad as a Brigade Commander in the Iraqi War
His unbeatable success as a student, receiving 2 master’s degrees and an earned Ph.D. from MIT while still serving in the US Army
What he learned after being fired by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Some basic signs that you or someone you love might be dealing with mental health issues
**Plus, in a new segment, Gregg Martin shares his favorite time when….
Read General Martin’s article on Mental Recovery HERE.
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: October 7, 2022Ep 55: Jeff Lopes: Jeff knows how to live without regret
As the founder of multiple successful businesses, coach to high-performing leaders, and host of the top-rated podcast, Jeff Knows Inc., Jeff Lopes has a lot to say on how to not just stay afloat, but thrive in life and business as the world around you shifts. He’s had to navigate the ups and downs, successes and failures of being an entrepreneur, and now he mentors leaders at all levels on how to do the same.
You’ll hear:
How his son’s cerebral palsy inspired him to change his business model
The difference between ‘self-employed’ and ‘entrepreneur’
Why mistakes are good for you and right after a failure is the worst time to quit
Jeff’s expert advice on how to pivot during uncertainty
His top tips for work/life balance when it seems impossible
Connect with Jeff in Instagram
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 30, 2022Ep 54: Top Life Principles I Learned in Ranger School
When I signed up for Army Ranger School over 30 years ago, I thought I just wanted a challenge. I didn’t know how much I’d be brought to my absolute limits or that I would learn core principles that STILL guide me to this day.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a short motivational video I made for you on the top principles Army Rangers learn that make them able to face anything and get up when life knocks them down.
Whether you’ve been in the military or not, these principles will help you be unbeatable when life gets unbearable.
GO HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Published on: September 23, 2022Ep. 53: Celebrating with the TOP 10 fan favorites
It’s been 1 WHOLE YEAR since the Unbeatable podcast debuted! We’ve introduced you to over 52 amazing people who have overcome incredible odds and have inspired us to push harder, go further, and grow stronger through adversity.
Not only have they overcome addiction, admitted past failures, pushed through opposition, and kept going after unthinkable tragedies, but ALL of them have found ways to help others who struggle with the same things they did.
In this episode, we’re celebrating the 1-year milestone with a roundup of the top 10 favorite moments from Unbeatable.
You’ll definitely be inspired!
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 16, 2022Ep. 52: Sherry Eifler: Triumph over identity crisis after major transitions in life
Sherry Eifler didn’t realize it at the time, but when she took off her Army uniform to become a full-time military wife and mom, she went through an identity crisis – one that took her 10 years to understand.
But the challenges her military family faced both strengthened her faith and helped her figure out how to help others struggling with their own identity crises. Now she inspires through speaking, coaching, and writing.
You’ll hear:
What led her to join the Army and become a medical service officer
Why the move from an Army captain to full-time wife and mom triggered an identity crisis
How a health scare while living in Germany developed and strengthened her faith
Her expert advice on how to face major life transitions (switching careers, retirement, unexpected events….)
How her new life’s work of helping people transition well is really saving lives
**Plus, Jeff and Sherry talk about how to recognize when your work has taken over and become who you are, not just what you do.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 9, 2022Ep. 51: Mike Abrashoff: The ultimate competitive weapon
When Mike Abrashoff took command of the USS Benfold, it was one of the lowest performing ships in the Pacific Fleet. The retention rate was 8%, and accident rates were extremely high. 12 months later, it was the best ship in the entire Navy…. with the same crew!
Mike is the author of 3 leadership books, including the New York Times Bestseller It’s Your Ship, and his books are used all over the world to transform organizational cultures in all industries. In this episode, he breaks down his unique approach and what matters most in leadership.
You’ll hear:
What he learned about leadership from former Secretary of Defense William Perry
What caused Mike’s approach to leadership to change dramatically soon after meeting the crew of the destroyer he was assigned to command
The pivotal question he asked all 310 of his sailors… which changed everything
What motivated him far more than promotions
What he says puts you in a position to control your own destiny, no matter what position you hold
**Plus, Jeff and Mike talk about their top 5 ways you can make a difference, even if you’re working or living in a toxic environment.
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Don’t let fear win
.Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: September 2, 2022Ep. 50: Lindsey Jacobellis: Never giving up to win Olympic gold
Lindsey is the most decorated female snowboard cross athlete of all time as a 5-time world champion, 10-time Winter X Games champion, and 5-time Olympic competitor. In February 2022, she finally achieved her dream of winning Olympic gold as one of the oldest women in winter sports to ever do so. But in 2012, she suffered a major injury and had to fight to recover, wondering if she’d ever be able to compete again.
You’ll hear:
What caused her to choose snowboarding over skiing
Why she eventually stopped competing in slopestyle and halfpipe events
How hard it was to recover from her devastating ACL injury
What it was like to finally win gold in the 2022 Winter Olympics after so many tries
Lindsey’s encouragement to anyone struggling to keep going and close to giving up
**Plus, Jeff and Lindsey share about some of their biggest wipeouts (snowboarding for Lindsey and jumping out of airplanes for Jeff).
Watch Lindsey’s 2022 “Gold Medal Moment” on YouTube HERE.
Follow Lindsey on Instagram or Facebook.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: August 26, 2022Ep 49: Hilary Thomas: Placing an explosive charge on the "glass ceiling”
Hilary fell in love with construction at an early age while helping her dad in his contractor business. After a life-changing experience on a mission trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Hilary was inspired to help people. She enlisted in the military a few years later and became a combat engineer officer, shattering the glass ceiling as the 3rd woman ever to have completed BOTH the US Army Ranger School and the Sapper Leader Course.
You’ll hear:
● How Hurricane Katrina helped Hilary discover her life’s goal
● Why she thought Ranger School sounded like fun
● The challenges of leading as the only woman in all-male army units.
● Why she likes to approach things “with a little bit of caution”
● 4 pieces of advice Hilary gives anyone who is a trailblazer in their career
Learn about Hilary’s current position as Senior Associate at the executive search firm on LinkedIn HERE.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: August 19, 2022Ep. 48: Dr. Jason Cormier: How a top neurosurgeon stays mentally tough
Dr. Jason Cormier is what you might call a Renaissance man. He is considered one of the top neurosurgeons in the country and has worked with organizations like the NCAA, NFL, the military, and NASCAR on traumatic brain injury.
Before entering medicine, he played college basketball at LSU, and he loves to race cars and make music! But it wasn’t easy to develop the kind of mental toughness required to endure the stress and pressure of being a surgeon. Jason experienced abuse and depression in his early years, which almost led him to suicide. Instead, he used them to get mentally strong and focus on success.
You’ll hear:
● How college basketball helped Jason excel as a neurosurgeon
● The difference between tough and strong, and why mental toughness is what helps you handle stress
● His top advice for those battling severe depression
● Simple things you can do to keep your mind and body strong
● About Jason’s book coming out soon called Driven.
**Plus, since Jason is a surgeon, he and Jeff share their top 5 jobs that require a steady hand.
Learn more about Jason’s medical practice HERE.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: August 12, 2022Ep. 47: Jeremy Freeman: Pain Doesn’t Get the Final Say
Jeremy Freeman: Pain Doesn’t Get the Final Say
Jeremy (a pastor) and his wife, Emily, have seven children, one of whom tragically passed away at age 7. The challenges they faced following that incredible loss, along with the very near-fatal car accident suffered by an older son, Caleb, just 4 years later, have strengthened their faith in ways they couldn’t have imagined, inspiring them to encourage others who are struggling with their own uphill battles.
You’ll hear:
● How their son’s bone transplant triggered a rare form of leukemia
● What Emily told her young son, Trey, when he asked if he was going to die
● About their son Caleb’s car accident that caused a severe traumatic brain injury that less than 10% of people survive
● How Caleb’s miraculous healing started to heal Jeremy’s heart from the trauma of losing Trey
● How pain can turn into hope and peace and be used for good
**Plus, hear Jeff’s and Jeremy’s top 5 craziest questions they’ve gotten from strangers about having a lot of children (Jeremy has 7; Jeff has 5).
Watch “The Caleb Freeman Story” on YouTube HERE.
Follow the Freemans on their “Pray for Caleb” Facebook page.
Pre-order a paperback copy of Jeremy’s book: #butGod: The Power of Hope When Catastrophe Crashes In
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform. It helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: August 5, 2022Ep. 46 Daniel Wise: Bringing Hope to People Facing Prison Time
Daniel Wise was 35 when he accepted a plea deal for conspiracy to distribute drugs at a pain clinic he managed in Georgia. Despite the fact that he had no idea his actions were illegal, he faced the possibility of 20 years in prison without that deal.
Before starting what he thought would be a 3-year sentence, Dan posted a video on YouTube. When he was released sooner than expected, the response to that video started Dan on the path to a new career.
You’ll hear:
● Why he dropped out of school in 9th grade
● Why con artists targeted Dan to run a “doctor’s office” for them
● What caused Dan get honest with himself for the first time in his life
● How a YouTube video Dan posted before he entered prison literally changed his life
● Why criminal defense attorneys began paying him to work with their clients
**Plus, Jeff and Dan share some unexpected similarities between their experiences in the military and in prison.
Learn more about Federal Prison Time Consulting HERE.
Watch Dan’s YouTube videos HERE.
Follow him on Facebook at RDAPDan HERE.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: July 29, 2022Ep. 45: Bill Gasiamis — How 3 life-threatening strokes were the best thing that ever happened
Bill Gasiamis was only 36, in perfect health, when he got the first hint that something might be wrong. He got a massive headache lasting almost three days, and the next year, his body inexplicably started to go numb. He has had 3 strokes, and the extreme challenges he experienced for years in recovery showed him how few resources there are for people struggling with severe problems. Because of that, he started a podcast to encourage people suffering after a stroke.
You’ll hear:
The underlying cause of his strokes
How a traumatic brain injury dramatically changes life for everyone involved
Why he began apologizing to everyone he knew for his past actions
Why he says his adversity has been the best thing that has ever happened to him
How he uses his road to recovery to help others fight to heal from a stroke
**Plus, Jeff and Bill give advice for recovering from a variety of serious injuries, including Bill’s “three-pronged approach” and Jeff’s reminder about the spiritual aspect.
Learn more about Bill’s Recovery After Stroke podcast and community HERE
Follow Bill on Instagram HERE.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: July 22, 2022Ep. 44: Simon Kardynal — Top Lessons From a Leadership Expert
Simon Kardynal started training for leadership from the moment he joined the military at age 19 in the Royal Canadian Regiment. 5 years later, he moved to the Royal Canadian Air Force. During his 26-year career in the military, he learned that leadership principles apply in ALL walks of life, not just the military. Now he teaches those core, proven principles on his top-rated podcast.
You’ll hear:
● What humble servant leadership looks like
● How he learned to lead “with his heart” instead of just his mind
● The mindshift required to move from leading individuals to leading teams
● The key difference between being negligent and just making a mistake
● His #1 piece of advice for emerging leaders dealing with “impostor syndrome”
**Plus, Jeff and Simon each share what they consider to be the 5 most difficult non-military leadership roles in society.
Listen to Simon’s latest podcast episodes at Trench Leadership: A Podcast From the Front HERE.
Visit Simon on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
Published on: July 15, 2022Ep. 43: Dr. Heng Lim — Survivor of Cambodia’s ‘Killing Fields’ Helps Patients ‘Want to Live Again’
3 years after barely escaping Cambodia’s Killing Fields at age 14, Dr. Lim moved to the US. He had only a 1st grade education, but through the encouragement of teachers and inspiration of Scripture, he graduated with top honors and became the first Cambodian-American dentist in the US. Today, he runs a world class dental practice and has an unstoppable passion for bringing life to the sick and poor in Cambodia.
You’ll hear:
● How the Khmer Rouge forced him to work in a commune at age 10
● What the Killing Fields were and how he escaped by running through a jungle filled with landmines, bandits, flying bullets, and wild animals
● What gave him a strong desire to specifically want to move to America
● What happened when Dr. Lim’s wife Rachel (who also survived the Killing Fields) suddenly said she wanted to return to Cambodia
● Why “rebuilding people’s faces” brings him so much joy
**Plus, Jeff and Dr. Lim discuss the doctor-patient relationship in dentists’ offices … including stories about Jeff’s own unpleasant experiences with dentists.
Follow Dr. Heng Lim on Facebook HERE.
Learn more about his and Rachel’s ministry Hope for Cambodia HERE.
Order his books My Journey to Paradise and The Ultimate Life: A Return to the “Killing Fields”
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: July 8, 2022Ep. 42: C.L. King — No matter the adversity, you can still make it
C.L. King spent the first 18 years of his life in some of the worst places. He went from living in extreme abuse and neglect, to being homeless, to living in a series of group homes - some of which were worse than being on the streets. But, at the age of 13, he got a piece of advice that changed his life and has guided him ever since. He now uses his story to train hundreds of thousands of young people and show them that no matter what adversity they face, they can still make it.
You’ll hear:
● How eating a brownie led to him living on the streets at age 11
● How a foster care mom raising 83 kids turned his life around
● Why EVERYONE needs someone who can lovingly point out their blind spots
● Exactly when C.L. realized his true calling
● Why it’s better to be valuable than “go viral”
**Plus, Jeff and C.L. describe the impact of the strong bond of brotherhood each of them experienced while serving in the military.
Follow C.L. King on Facebook HERE and on YouTube HERE.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
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Published on: July 1, 2022Ep. 41: Mark Stone and Mickey Shields — How to build a NAME, not just a business
This episode was recorded before the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, TX, and unfortunately many other recent attacks. Jeff re-recorded the opening to comment on those events and tell you his stance on gun rights and gun control.
Less than 19 years ago, Nighthawk Custom – a company in Berryville, AR, now world-famous for high-quality custom M1911 pistols and other firearms – didn’t even exist! It was just an idea in the minds of a small group of guys. In this episode, you’ll hear how a few men started with nothing and grew a firearms company to having 650 preferred dealers across the USA and 28 different dealers internationally.
You’ll hear:
How Nighthawk Custom overcame major setbacks brought on by intense competitors
The #1 thing they believe has led to their success
Why it’s really important to write down your core values … and abide by them
Their response when people ask: “How can you love God AND love guns?”
Why Nighthawk’s firearms are known as “works of art”
**Plus, Jeff shares his 5 favorite guns of all time.
Follow Nighthawk Custom on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE.
Learn more about their company HERE.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
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Published on: June 24, 2022Ep. 40: Casey Beathard — Marching to the Beat of a Different Drummer… in More Ways Than One
One day, Casey very unexpectedly told his family he was moving to Nashville to chase his dream of becoming a country music songwriter. He still remembers his brothers and his dad saying, “Whoa, you’re doing what?! Are you insane?!” Seven years later, Casey’s gamble finally paid off when he landed a songwriting contract. Then tragedy struck…forcing Casey to come face-to-face with every parent’s worst nightmare.
You’ll hear:
Why Casey and his siblings grew up around famous football players
What made him decide not to follow in his family’s footsteps for his future
The #1 thing that got him through the tragic murder of his son
What happened when he faced the family of the man who took his son’s life
Casey’s advice for anyone who has a dream but is scared to chase after it
**Plus, Jeff and Casey give 5 reasons why you should be willing to “march to the beat of a different drummer” if you feel led to go a different way than what your family expects.
Follow Casey on Facebook HERE.
Listen to Casey’s songs HERE.
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE.
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Published on: June 17, 2022Ep. 39: Jeffrey Deskovic — 16 years in a maximum security prison…for a crime he didn’t commit
At the age of 17, Jeffrey Deskovic was wrongfully convicted of the brutal murder of a 15-year-old classmate. After hours of interrogation and intimidation by police and fearing for his life, Jeffrey finally confessed to the crime. Despite his confidence that he’d be quickly exonerated once all the evidence was in, he ended up serving 16 years in a men’s maximum-security prison. Jeffrey shares how he managed to survive that time and how that experience fuels his mission to free others who have been wrongfully accused.
You’ll hear:
What triggered suspicion that he committed this crime
How he ended up in prison, despite a lack of evidence
How he and another innocent inmate kept each other going
The incredible discovery that finally led to his release
How you can help in the fight for justice for those who shouldn’t be in prison
Watch the documentary about Jeffrey Deskovic’s wrongful imprisonment – “Conviction” – on Amazon Prime.
Learn more about the Deskovic Foundation HERE.
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-Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
-Get your UNBEATABLE Army T-shirt HERE
Published on: June 10, 2022Ep. 38: Larry Moores — A Black Hawk Down Ranger on How to Lead Through The Toughest Adversity
We all have people we admire. But, who are our mentors? –the ones we admire so much, we model our life after them? In this episode, we meet Jeff’s decades-long mentor, hero, and former boss in the 3rd Ranger Battalion, Larry Moores. He was an unshakable leader in the streets of Somalia during Black Hawk Down and has other extensive combat experience in places like Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In 2017, he was inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame.
You’ll hear:
Why he joined the Army
How he courageously put his career on the line to take care of his troops
The 3 reasons he earned Jeff’s highest respect in combat
How to prepare to lead through any extreme adversity
About his role with the Three Rangers Foundation, helping service members transition back to civilian life.
**PLUS, Jeff and Larry give the top 5 things to look for when choosing a mentor.
Learn more about the Three Ranger Foundation HERE.
Help Jeff raise $50,000 HERE to support the Three Rangers Foundation as he participates in the toughest race on earth in South Africa, The Munga.
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Published on: June 3, 2022Ep. 37: Michael Carrasquillo — Healing the Psychological Wounds of Combat
In honor of Memorial Day, we’ve invited back one of our favorite guests, who joined the Army soon after 9/11 and barely survived 5 bullet wounds in Afghanistan. In our first conversation (Episode 17 of Unbeatable), we heard a vivid description of that life-changing day. This time, Veteran Michael (CQ) Carrasquillo is back to dive deep into healing from the emotional and psychological wounds of combat.
You’ll hear:
a recap of the events that led to his many injuries requiring 44 surgeries
why it took a while to recognize his own symptoms of PTSD
the thing he wants all veterans and trauma survivors to hear about how to get out of a dark emotional place
how he uses his comedy skills and his Pop Culture Warrior show to help others
**PLUS, Jeff and CQ take a quick critical look at the best and worst superhero movies of all time!
Catch Pop Culture Warrior and connect with CQ here:
https://linktr.ee/popculturewarrior
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Published on: May 27, 2022Ep. 36: Mike Durant — A Black Hawk Down Survivor Runs for US Senate
Imagine being held captive behind enemy lines for 11 days in Somalia. Our guest, Mike Durant, doesn’t have to imagine it, because he lived it. A 22-years Army veteran who served 16 years with the greatest helicopter unit on earth, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers), Mike flew in some of the most dangerous missions. Today, he and Jeff talk about Mike’s military career and why he chose to leave his highly successful business to run for a seat in the US Senate.
You’ll hear:
What exactly the Night Stalkers do and what makes them so elite
Mike vividly describe Black Hawk Down from his perspective
How he was able to survive being a prisoner of war, even with a broken back and leg
What drove him to run for Congress and what he stands for
About his book, In the Company of Heroes
*Plus, Mike and Jeff give their top 5 craziest things they’ve ever done in a helicopter.
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-Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
-Get your UNBEATABLE Army T-shirt HERE
Published on: May 20, 2022Ep 35: Christopher Prieto - Why This Champion Pitmaster Dedicates His Life to Serving Wounded Warriors
Christopher Prieto is truly at the top of the barbecue world. Born and raised in Texas, he learned how to perfect the science and art of barbecue, going on to appear on Food Network’s Chopped, Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters, and the Cooking Channel’s Meat Masters, AND write a cookbook with Southern Living Magazine! But, after 5 years of planning a restaurant, the world shut down right before the grand opening. Hear how he navigated that heartbreak and what has led to his passion for serving wounded warriors.
You’ll hear:
how he fell in love with barbecue at an early age
what it was like to be on the professional bbq circuit and compete on some of the biggest stages
how it felt to open a restaurant at one of the worst times in history for restaurants
the sudden explosion that helped him connect instantly with wounded veterans
his secret sauce for what fuels his passion for barbeque and people
**Plus, since Christopher has a love for both soccer AND food, he and Jeff list their top 5 weird food traditions around that world that go hand-in-hand with soccer.
Learn more about Christopher and Prime Barbecue HERE
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Published on: May 13, 2022Ep. 34: Diana Gremillion — Transforming Life’s Most Rotten Ingredients
Diana Gremillion: Transforming Life’s Most Rotten Ingredients
More than 50% of workers feel burned out right now. As a former NY investment banker, a master chef who cooked a Michelin-star meal for former President Obama, owner of multiple other businesses, and an adviser to Fortune 500 companies, Diana Gremillion faced SEVERE burnout, showing up in chronic pain, disease, and hair loss.
Something had to change. Hear how she picked up, moved to Hawaii, and learned how to transform her no-stop, high-stress pattern into a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
You’ll hear:
about her experience as a 9/11 survivor and how she had to face that trauma years later
how burnout sneaks up on you and the crippling effects
the #1 thing high performs must do to avoid the worst kinds of burnout
how this chef takes the rotten ingredients life throws at her and embraces the good inside them
how she now helps people work smarter, not harder, and have the life they really want instead of the life that society or the business sector tells them they're supposed to live
**PLUS, Diana and Jeff share their top 5 quotes for savoring the simple moments in life.
Learn more about Diana, her journal, and podcast HERE
Connect with her on Instagram HERE
Check out the brand new Unbeatable Army T-Shirt here!
https://jeffstruecker.com/product/unbeatable-t-shirt/
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Published on: May 6, 2022Ep. 33: Colby Smith — From Elite-Level Baseball to Special Forces
Colby Smith: From Elite-Level Baseball to Special Forces
We can’t control what happens to us in life; we can only control how we react. Colby Smith always dreamed of playing pro baseball. He ALMOST got that chance… but God had other plans. Hear how this West Point grad instead found himself fighting for his life in Afghanistan.
You’ll hear
About his childhood with 3 pillars of baseball, academics, and faith
How an opportunity to play with the New York Yankees slipped through his fingers
The mentality that has carried him through life, no matter what happens
The details of a sudden, major firefight in Afghanistan that he barely survived
How he went on to serve in Special Forces and earn an MBA from the prestigious MIT
**PLUS, Jeff and Colby give their TOP 5 things that distinguish Special Forces from the rest of Special Operations.
Connect with Colby on LinkedIn
Learn more about Home Run Dugout
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Published on: April 29, 2022Ep. 32: David Dusek — When a blended family feels like a war zone
David Dusek knows what it’s like to have a volatile relationship with his father AND what it’s like to try to make a blended family work. 40% of families in the United States are blended and face unique challenges. As the founder of Rough Cut Men Ministries, the author of the book The Battle, and a frequent keynote speaker for well-known men’s conferences, David works tirelessly to engage and encourage men in their important roles in family and society.
You’ll hear:
about his rocky relationship with his father
how a terrifying act of humility led to the restoration of that relationship
how his family became blended and his experience with divorce, re-marriage, and stepchildren
his secret sauce for helping blended families thrive or when a parent is gone frequently for work
all about his Who Has Your Six video series for men who have many acquaintances but few real friends
**PLUS, Jeff and David give their top five qualities to look for in a wingman, battle buddy or good friend.
Learn more about David or buy his books HERE
Watch his Who Has Your Six video series HERE
Published on: April 22, 2022Ep. 31: Marla Bautista — How this brave woman beat homelessness without becoming a savage
Many of us have never been homeless and don’t really know what it’s like. Marla Bautista found herself homeless at the age of 18, through no fault of her own. Now, she is a successful writer, TedX speaker, and military wife who uses her incredible talent of painting pictures with words to create awareness on what homelessness actually looks, misconceptions, causes, and tangible ways we can really help someone who is homeless.
You’ll hear:
Her heartbreaking story of losing both of her parents before her 10th birthday
A true description of homelessness
How her military family experiences have shaped and strengthened her
Why she founded the Bautista Project and its unique, individual-focused approach to ending homelessness
Her one, key piece of advice for those facing deep life struggles
**PLUS, Marla and Jeff share the top 5 mistakes people make with money.
Watch Marla’s 14-min TedX Talk HERE
Connect with Marla and purchase her books HERE
Learn about the Bautista Project HERE
Learn more about the Belonging Blanket Program HERE
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: April 15, 2022Ep. 30: Travis Pheanis- The Greatest Endurance Competition in the World- BEST RANGER
Every year, the best of the best in the Army Ranger community descend on Fort Benning, GA to compete in a grueling 2.5-day competition that pushes soldiers to their mental and physical limits. In this episode, the Executive Director for the National Ranger Association, Travis Pheanis, and Jeff, one of the Best Ranger Competition’s past winners, sit down to talk about why they love this incredibly intense event so much.
You’ll hear
about Travis’ distinguished 20-year career in the US Army
why he is completely committed to serving the tight-knit Ranger community
how he and others work hard to make this world’s toughest competition better and better
details of the brutal challenges competitors face during those 2.5 days
Travis’ and Jeff’s TOP FIVE things they absolutely love about the Best Ranger Competition.
For more info, a schedule, videos, photos and more, go HERE.
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Published on: April 8, 2022Ep. 29: Eric Herrera- The Story of a Bomb Hunter During the Height of War in Iraq
There are a lot of dangerous jobs in the Army, but one of the most dangerous is to serve as a combat engineer, finding and disarming roadside bombs.
Eric Herrera risked his life for years as a combat engineer in the US Army, and his unit found and disarmed 126 bombs during his first tour. But, on Christmas Day 2006, his unit also suffered heavy losses, which he vividly writes about in his new book, A Bomb Hunter’s Story: My Life Clearing the Roads of Iraq
You’ll hear:
Why he joined the Army in the first place, particularly working with explosives
Why he had to quickly be combat-ready
What the job of a combat engineer is like and how they identify IEDs
What exactly happened on a Christmas night mission in 2006 that changed his life and has stuck with him for 15 years
What has helped him process emotions and how he helps other veterans do the same
*Plus, Jeff gives the top five things he learned about explosives as a breacher in the Ranger Regiment.
Get a copy of Eric’s book, A Bomb Hunter’s Story, HERE
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Published on: April 1, 2022Ep. 28: Donovan Chapman- Returning from combat, becoming whole, and getting healthy again
Men and women who return from combat may or may not have external, physical scars, but they always carry internal scars. Donovan Chapman served for 11 years in the US Air Force, much of the time as an elite Pararescueman.
PJ’s are the most highly-trained Special Operations Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operators in all environments, and Chapman served in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. When he completed his service, he had healed many others, but then he realized he had his own wounds to recover from.
You’ll hear:
How his Louisiana farm upbringing prepared him for a career in the military
Vivid stories of training and rescue missions
About his professional music career that took off after his military service
When he discovered he was suffering from PTSD and needed help
His “Three S’s” of advice for all servicemen and women struggling to recover
Plus, you’ll hear him sing a song dedicated to brothers who have served in Special Operations.
**AND on a lighter note, Jeff and Donovan share the top five most ridiculous pieces of medical advice they ever heard in the military.
Find out more about Donovan, his story, and his music HERE
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: March 24, 2022Ep. 27: Coach Tom Ryan — You don’t get better by sitting on the bench
Coach Ryan, the champion head wrestling coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes and multi-time NCAA Head Coach of the Year, is no stranger to suffering, both chosen and unchosen. He was an elite-level collegiate wrestler himself under legendary coach Dan Gable, which took the kind of mental and physical endurance few people have. But, his greatest suffering came when he very suddenly lost his 5-year old son from an unknown heart condition.
You’ll hear:
How he initially got into wrestling
What it was like to compete at the highest level under Coach Gable
His take on how to become elite at anything
A description of the unimaginable day his young son suddenly passed away
His advice for coping with extreme grief
How his pain led to questions about ultimate truth and what he found
Plus, in the discussion about the discomfort it takes to become an elite athlete, Jeff also gives his top 5 moments of discomfort it took to become an elite soldier in the Army.
Get Coach Ryan’s book, Chosen Suffering: Becoming Elite In Life And Leadership, HERE
Follow Coach Ryan on Instagram
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Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: March 18, 2022Ep. 26: Adam French — What it means to be a man
What does manhood really mean? When does someone go from being a boy to being a man?
Adam French was forced to explore these questions when, as a teenager, his alcoholic father left and his mother struggled with heavy addiction. His own life spiraled out of control as he tried to find ways to cope with trauma wounds and numb the pain. Then, something happened that radically changed his life and put him on the road to recovery. Today, he speaks nationally to inspire men and counsel them toward healing.
You’ll hear:
a gut-honest description of his tumultuous teenage and early adult years
how his father, who began the cycle of destruction, was the one to trigger the healing process
how Adam works with men of all backgrounds struggling to heal from deep wounds and to find their man identity
what to do if you have things in your past you’re ashamed of and can’t seem to overcome
About Adam’s highly-praised book, MANDENTITY, which offers “experience healing from your pain without years of counseling.”
**Plus, Jeff and Adam give the top 5 responses they’ve heard from men to the question, “When do you really become a man?”
Learn more about Adam or order his book HERE
THIS WEEK, we are giving away a FREE e-copy of Adam’s book, MANDENTITY, to someone on our email list. To be in the drawing, make sure you subscribe to our email list HERE.
Published on: March 11, 2022Ep. 25: David Figueroa — Born with limitations, but not limited
Do you feel like you don't have the same advantages as everybody around you, but you really want to accomplish something great?
Our guest, David, was born with cerebral palsy, and his family was told he would never live a normal life. It would have been easy for him to feel sorry for himself. Instead, he didn’t let it stop him from being an accomplished athlete and being the first in his family to graduate from college.
You’ll hear:
Exactly what cerebral palsy is
About his struggles in early life and the amazing support of his parents
How he got into sports and became a fitness expert
How he has turned his disability into a platform
4 pieces of advice from David on how to thrive even with disadvantages
PLUS, since they are both experienced cyclers, Jeff and David give their top 5 mistakes adults make on bikes.
Connect with David on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and more HERE
Also, click here to listen to David’s Cerebral Palsy and Fitness podcast
Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Don’t let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: March 4, 2022Ep. 24: Robbie Seale - There Are No Throwaway Children
Adopting children is challenging and emotional in every situation. When children have special needs and are affected by substance abuse, the challenges multiply. Robbie Seale would describe herself as a regular person, but something she witnessed at age 19 changed her heart and the trajectory of her life so much that she later adopted 4 children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
You’ll learn:
What she saw that haunted her and gave her a heart drawn to adoption
How she and her husband navigated the foster care and adoption system
Exactly what Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is and how it impacts many children
The tense moment when Robbie introduced her children to their birth mom
Robbie’s expert parenting advice for ANY parent, whether you have adopted children or not
Plus, since Jeff and Robbie both have a LOT experience with non-profits, they give an inside look at the top 5 challenges of being around or working in a non-profit.
Listen to Robbie’s podcast, FASD Family Life, specifically for families raising children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
She also recommends the book, Trying Differently Rather Than Harder by Diane Malbin.
Don’t forget to leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey.
Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE
Published on: February 25, 2022Ep. 23: Pushing Past Doubters with Multi-Sport Paralympic Athlete James Owen Roberts
Who doesn’t love the Olympic and Paralympic Games? The competitions themselves are thrilling, but one of the best parts is the stories of what it took for athletes to get there in the first place. In this episode, you get a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of the life of 2-time, Multi-Sport Paralympic Athlete James Owen Roberts, who was born with a disability called femoral dysplasia. He competed for Great Britain at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing in adaptive rowing and at the 2012 Paralympics in London in sitting volleyball.
You’ll hear:
About his early life in Belgium with both parents in the military
How he developed the grit to compete with able-bodied swimmers and turn his disability into an asset
What it takes to compete at the top level of Paralympic sports and how to navigate doubters, set-backs, and rejection
The emotions that come with watching the Olympics and Paralympics after you’ve retired
James’ advice as a personal trainer on what you need in order to overcome self-doubt and reach your goals.
*Plus, you’ll hear Jeff’s top 5 list of the things he loves most about the Olympic Games
Learn more about James and his coaching business HERE
Listen to James’ podcast, The Mindset Athlete Podcast HERE
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To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, we would love it if you’d fill out this 5-minute survey. Thanks in advance!
Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide
Published on: February 18, 2022Ep. 22: Laura Okmin — It doesn't get any bigger than being on the sidelines at the Super Bowl!
It’s Super Bowl Week! So, we’re excited to have long-time NFL Sideline Reporter Laura Okmin as our guest. Laura has covered more than 10 Super Bowls, hosted Olympic coverage from the London, Sochi and Pyeongchang games, and reported from multiple World Series, NBA and NHL championships. She’s also interviewed Michael Jordan, Cal Ripkin, Tom Brady, and many more. But, one of her proudest accomplishments is a program she founded called GALAVANIZE, which trains and mentors young women entering the sports world.
You’ll hear:
How she got into sports journalism
The many obstacles she has faced as one of the very few women covering high-profile sports events
The terrifying experience that led her to decide to mentor the next generation of women in the sports world
Her advice for girls who have goals, but lack the confidence to pursue them
About her book that helps children who have a parent battling cancer
**Plus, hear Laura’s favorite parts of being at a Super Bowl, as well as Jeff’s top 5 things Americans love about the big game.
Listen to Laura’s LIVE coverage of the 2022 Super Bowl at https://westwoodonesports.com/
Learn more about her amazing career HERE
*Leave a review of the Unbeatable podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these life-changing stories out to more people!
To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey. Thanks in advance!
Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide, a collection of writings and words of wisdom to keep your mental, emotional, and spiritual health in tact. It was written for warriors facing combat, but it applies to anyone facing life’s greatest challenges.
Published on: February 11, 2022Ep 21: Mishka Sibert - Overcoming burnout as a sibling special needs caregiver
Autism can be a mystery to people who haven’t been around it. Most are also unaware of the heavy toll it can take on family members. This week’s guest, Podcaster/Producer/Autism Inclusion Advocate Mishka Sibert, has spent most of her life caring for her brother, Samko, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Mishka knows first-hand how difficult and stressful the life of a sibling caregiver can be. But, she also knows that there is beauty and uniqueness in each person with autism, and she works every day to create awareness and to advocate for those without a voice.
You’ll hear:
About Mishka’s childhood growing up in Slovakia and not having any resources when Samko was diagnosed
What it means to be a “glass child”, while also working through anxiety and trauma
Mishka and Sam’s interesting connection to Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick
How they’ve turned Samko’s art into a thriving business that creates awareness
The story and purpose behind Mishka’s podcast, Happy Autism
Mishka’s advice to those who have family members with special needs.
Plus, Jeff shares the top 5 lessons he’s learned about developing mental agility, which is the ability to not let circumstances hold you back.
Listen to the Happy Autism podcast or connect with Mishka HERE
Instagram:
@mishkasibert
@happyautism
*Leave a review of the Unbeatable podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these life-changing stories out to more people!
To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, fill out this 5-minute survey. Thanks in advance!
Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide, a collection of writings and words of wisdom to keep your mental, emotional, and spiritual health in tact. It was written for warriors facing combat, but it applies to anyone facing life’s greatest challenges.
Published on: February 4, 2022Ep. 20: Danielle Cobo - Take it one step at a time
How can one person juggle a husband being deployed, having toddler twin boys at home, and a demanding job that has her traveling 60% of the year? Award-winning Leadership and Sales Performance Coach Danielle Cobo tells listeners what it was like and gives first-hand insight into the lives of military families.
You’ll hear:
About her shocking childhood
The journey of going from practically homeless as a teenager to leading a team for a Fortune 500 company as a young adult
How she unexpectedly became a military wife
What makes the service and sacrifice of military families so difficult and praiseworthy
Her expert advice for anyone trying to balance the pulls of work and family
About her top-performing podcast, Dream Job with Danielle Cobo
*Plus, you’ll hear why Jeff absolutely loves and respects military families, as well as his take on the top 5 worst jobs in America.
Learn more about Danielle and connect at https://www.daniellecobo.com/
Listen to her Dream Job podcast HERE
-Leave a review of the UNBEATABLE podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people!
To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t. fill out this 5-minute survey. Thanks in advance!
-Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide, a collection of writings and words of wisdom to keep your mental, emotional, and spiritual health in tact. It was written for warriors facing combat, but it applies to anyone facing life’s greatest challenges.
Published on: January 28, 2022Ep. 19: Shannon Labrie- Working through her darkest memories
All of us go through dark periods of loss and grief. Grief strikes us all differently, and we all cope in our own way. Sometimes your heart aches, and you feel like you can barely breathe. Or, sometimes you don’t truly process it until years later. Nashville singer/songwriter Shannon Labrie opens up about the painful losses in her life and the tough decisions she made that eventually helped her beat grief.
You’ll hear:
about her peaceful, musical childhood growing up on a farm, until tragedy struck
how grief is a process and how it has come up throughout her life
what caused her to finally ask for help
her advice for anyone going through grief right now
the story behind her new hit single “Raining Hallelujah”
about her work on The Building Project to revive local businesses after devastation
Plus, you’ll hear Jeff’s top 5 favorite things about farmers and farm communities!
Books mentioned in this episode:
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
A Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card
Connect with Shannon at
https://www.shannonlabrie.com/
*Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people!
To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t. fill out this 5-minute survey.
Published on: January 21, 2022Ep. 18: Kara Holmes: How she finally beat bulimia
If you haven’t struggled with an eating disorder yourself, chances are, someone close to you has or is struggling right now. It can be hard to understand and even harder to know what to do about it. Kara is a registered nurse and holistic eating disorder recovery coach who, after trying and giving up several times, finally found the life-changing freedom from the addiction of her own eating disorder she had desperately wanted for over a decade. She’s even written a new book about it called Freed & Fierce!
In this episode, she walks us through:
her childhood and why she developed a high-achievement mentality
how her eating disorder developed and what can trigger it in people
the thoughts and feelings that plague someone with an eating disorder
what made her seek help (and what didn’t work)
how she finally won the battle with bulimia and body image issues
and her advice to those struggling with a similar addiction
Plus, on a lighter note, Jeff gives 5 personal stories about extreme food deprivation while he was in the Army.
Learn more about Kara or connect with her HERE
**Also, Jeff mentioned in the episode that we’re giving away a FREE e-copy of Kara’s book this week. But, you have to be on our email list to win! Subscribe HERE for a chance to win it!
Please leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people! To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don’t, we would love it if you’d fill out this 5-minute survey. Thanks in advance!
Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide, a collection of writings and words of wisdom to keep your mental, emotional, and spiritual health in tact. It was written for warriors facing combat, but it applies to anyone facing life’s greatest challenges.
Published on: January 14, 2022Ep. 17: Michael Carrasquillo- A wounded warrior helps veterans through physical and mental recovery
9/11 fundamentally changed America. Soon after, wanting to defend his country, New Yorker Michael Carrasquillo (CQ) signed up for the Army as a teenager. During one of his combat deployments, he was severely wounded from the impact of 5 bullets. His life was spared, but the road to recovery was long and difficult. Today, Michael serves as a mentor to veterans, helping them through PTSD.
You’ll hear:
About his early life in Spanish Harlem and what made him choose the Army
How he quickly went from newbie to a skilled leader in the Army
What it was like on September 9, 2005, when he almost died in Afghanistan while helping another injured soldier
The #1 thing that got him out of severe depression, isolation, and dark thoughts during his recovery
How he now helps other wounded veterans find hope
PLUS, Michael has a message specifically for you if you are struggling with PTSD.
Catch CQ’s weekly show, Pop Culture Warrior and connect with him here:
https://linktr.ee/popculturewarrior
Don’t forget to leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform! It helps us get these stories out to more people.
Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide, a collection of writings and words of wisdom to keep your mental, emotional, and spiritual health in tact. It was written for warriors facing combat, but it applies to anyone facing life’s greatest challenges.
Published on: January 7, 2022Ep. 16: Dianne Maroney-A powerful way to overcome childhood trauma
More than half of all children experience trauma before the age of 17. Dianne Maroney is an expert in childhood trauma, not just because of studying it, but she’s lived it in multiple ways. She grew up in a home plagued with abuse and the early death of her mother. Her daughter experienced major trauma as a baby, and she was directly impacted by the Columbine High School tragedy.
But, Dianne has refused to let her past define her. She used what life has taught her to found a successful organization that helps children all over the world overcome their trauma and stress in a powerful way.
You’ll hear:
What she lived through as a child and how it led to difficult teen years (including being in a gang)
How she turned her life around to become to the first in her family to go to college
What it was like to feel helpless through her daughter’s trauma
Her unique approach to helping children heal
The mission of her organization, the Imagine Project, and how it reaches hundreds of thousands of children every year
PLUS, Dianne gives you a challenge to help start 2022 the right way!
Learn more about the Dianne and the Imagine Project here.
Don’t forget to leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform! It helps us get these stories out to more people.
Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide, a collection of writings and words of wisdom to keep your mental, emotional, and spiritual health in tact. It was written for warriors facing combat, but many parts apply to anyone facing life’s greatest challenges. https://jeffstruecker.com/survival-guide/
Published on: December 31, 2021Ep. 15: Zoë Nutt- Making beautiful music despite being almost completely deaf
Imagine being a happy kid, but at 8-years old, you suddenly lose all hearing in one ear. As a young woman, you wake up, and you can’t hear anything out of the other ear, not knowing if it will ever come back. My guest, Zoë Nutt opens up about her life as a musician and songwriter, despite the daily struggles and uncertainty with her hearing.
You’ll hear:
Where her love of music and songwriting began
How she felt when her hearing was suddenly and inexplicably gone
How she confidently moves forward despite daily uncertainty
How she has been able to overcome obstacles and still write, record, and successfully release music
Zoë’s advice to those struggling with self esteem due to being different
And as a bonus, Zoë and I share our favorite Christmas songs of all time.
Follow Zoë and learn more about her music at https://www.zoenutt.com/
Watch her new music video to the hit, Wildflower, HERE.
Instagram - @zoenutt
Facebook - @zoenuttmusic
To listen to Music Box Blues mentioned in this episode, click HERE.
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Published on: December 24, 2021Ep. 14: How singer Jeremy McComb fought his way out of addiction
Life on the road in the entertainment industry might sound glamorous, but often, there are parts of it that are an absolute nightmare. This week’s guest, musician and former tour manager for Larry the Cable Guy, Jeremy McComb, had an unusual childhood and in his 20s, found himself battling depression and various addictions. They nearly destroyed his life, but Jeremy didn’t stay there. He decided to fight it. Now, his career and personal life are better than ever. In this episode, we talk about what changed and how he became unbeatable.
You’ll hear:
About Jeremy’s early life in the mountains of Idaho, the son of professional musicians
How he stumbled into being a tour manager on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour
What addiction was like and how it affected everything around him
What the turning point was that made him wake up and work to beat addiction
The 2 things that have kept him on track and ultimately changed his life
For fun, since we both have experience with grappling (man-to-man fighting), we also give the top lessons we’ve learned from mistakes made on the grappling mat.
Note: Jeff made an intentional decision to leave the language as-is.
Check out more info about Jeremy and his upcoming tour at jeremymccomb.com.
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Published on: December 17, 2021Ep. 13: Kelly Lang- “I'm not going anywhere”
No one wants to hear the dreaded “C” word. Renowned singer-songwriter Kelly Lang was not only diagnosed with cancer, but she was young at the time. She faced all of the ‘what ifs’ and grueling treatment. But, she refused to let cancer define her and has even written a book that gives hope and light to others in the darkest moments in their lives.
You’ll hear:
How she was born into the music industry and the thing that caused her agent to quit on her
What cancer treatment was like and how it changed her outlook on life
About her unique bond and friendship with Olivia Newton-John
The incredible love story that inspired the title of her book
Her one piece of advice to those struggling right now
Also, Jeff and Kelly tell their favorite music duets of all time (a couple of them might surprise you).
Learn more about Kelly and get an autographed copy of her book at https://www.kellylang.net/
Don’t forget to leave a review and share, so more people can hear more amazing stories!
Published on: December 10, 2021Ep. 12: John Berry- From humble beginnings to Grammy award
From humble beginnings to a Grammy award: How country star John Berry beat major health setbacks along the way.
No matter how much fame or success you achieve, no one is immune to the possibility of a career-ending health crisis. John Berry experienced not one, but TWO major setbacks. Yet, he found the strength to keep going, which ultimately has led to amazing achievements in the country music industry.
You’ll hear:
How he got started in country music and just how long it took to have a breakthrough
About his two devastating health crises and what got him through
Some of his proudest moments, including an interview with the legendary Charlie Daniels
All about his upcoming Christmas tour
A word of encouragement for listeners struggling right now
PLUS: Jeff and John both tell their top favorite things about the Christmas season!
Follow John on his website at www.johnberry.com to find out more about his upcoming shows and his Faith, Family & Friends podcast.
Don’t forget to leave a review and share, so more people can hear more amazing stories!
Published on: December 3, 2021Ep. 11: Crystal Harrell | From government housing to Ivy League
She had every reason not to succeed- wrong side of the tracks, wrong color of skin, wrong gender, and plenty of people telling her that she’ll never achieve her dreams.
That’s the childhood of my guest for this special Thanksgiving episode of UNBEATABLE.
Crystal Harrell was 1 of 10 siblings who lived in a single-parent home after her father passed away. She overcame these obstacles to become a #1 best selling author, Les Brown-trained speaker, and certified coach.
She left government housing for the Ivy League as she pursued a PhD at Yale University.As an academic success coach, Crystal helps students successfully navigate through higher education using her virtual coaching business, Crystal Clear Innovation.
In this interview, you’ll hear:
What it takes to break the cycle of poverty
How to handle your critics and raise above your circumstances
How this first-generation college student is following an unbeatable dream
The dangers of looking for validation in the praise of others
Why a love of reading and education can change your future
PLUS, you’ll hear what life is like in a trailer park from both me and Crystal.
Check out her official website: https://crystalclearinnovation.com/Get her #1 best selling book, Crystal Clear: A Journey of Self-Discovery: (From Public Housing to Ivy League)Or, connect with her on social:FacebookYouTube
Published on: November 26, 2021Ep. 10: Jason McKenzie- "The story behind an incredible viral video"
The story behind an incredible viral video
Jason McKenzie is an award-winning adventure biker and bike shop co-owner (awards like the prestigious “40 Under 40” award in Georgia). He serves his community in countless ways, has donated thousands of bikes to charity, and is well-known as being a quintessential “people person”, full of joy and laughter.
But, a little more than 10 years ago, his life took a shocking turn as he experienced the greatest tragedy of his life. Nothing can prepare someone for what happened, and there’s no one-size-fits-all playbook for how to find your footing again.
This year, he published a video about his story that went viral, to try to help others who go through something similar and to hopefully save lives.
In this interview, Jason gives some profound insights into his experiences and some advice.
You’ll hear:
What life was like before this life-altering tragedy and about his passionate for making biking accessible to everyone
What happened the day his life changed and how his heartbreak was compounded
How he was at a fork in the road and chose a healthy option for grieving
What NOT to say to people suffering in a similar way and what to say instead
The greater life lessons he’s learned and how he found joy again
On a lighter note, Jeff and Jason also tell some of their craziest biking and skydiving stories for you to enjoy.
Watch Jason’s video
Connect with Ride On Bikes
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Published on: November 19, 2021Ep. 9: Mark Hollis & J.T. Cooper | Veterans Day Special
Unbeatable Episode 9 — Veterans Day: The compelling story of two of the unsung heroes of Black Hawk Down
"If it wasn't for these two guys, I wouldn't be alive today. But, I didn't have the opportunity to meet them until almost 20 years after the battle."
Episode 9 of Unbeatable features two warriors: Army Veterans Mark Hollis and J.T. Cooper, who served in the 2nd Battalion, 14th (2/14) Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division.
These men fought next to Jeff during the intense battle that became known as Black Hawk Down in 1993. If it wasn't for their courage under fire, Jeff says he wouldn't be here today. Unfortunately, their story is often not told, but their service was truly instrumental in bringing many warriors back home safely.
In this interview, you’ll hear:
How each of them found their way into the Army
What Mogadishu was like for them and how combat changes a person
The struggles warriors face after military service and where to find healing and hope
Their advice for those who want to honor veterans but aren’t sure how
How they serve and support homeless veterans and those suffering with PTSD
Plus, we’ve been told there’s no such thing as a dumb question, but these veterans tell some of the questions they’ve been asked that might qualify.
Learn more about J.T.’s ministry for veterans with PTSD, Warrior Rounds, HERE
Watch Black Hawk Down: The Untold Story HERE
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Published on: November 12, 2021Ep. 8: Dr. Grant Scarborough- "Stories from a doctor who dedicates his life to serving the poor"
Imagine you’d just spent 8 years getting intense academic training and real-world experience in the medical field. You’re about to launch your dream clinic to serve the poor, and the day before launching, you learn that someone has been stealing money from you. -not just a little, but A LOT of money. And the next day, you're supposed to have an open house to introduce this incredible new clinic to a community.
How do you become unbeatable in a circumstance like that? How do you get up, dust yourself off, and not just throw in the towel?
That’s one of the things my guest, Dr. Grant Scarborough, founder of MercyMed in Columbus, GA is going to talk about in this episode. I highly respect Dr. Scarborough, not just because of his accomplishments, but because of his heart for people who are the most vulnerable.
In this interview, you’ll hear:
Why Dr. Scarborough was initially the most reluctant medical school student ever
What caused him to develop a desire to serve the poor and why he considers it a privilege
Why just treating physical ailments is not enough to make a person completely well
How he tackles funding challenges
How he overcame extreme betrayal and his advice to listeners struggling with bitterness
PLUS, you’ll hear some of the craziest injury stories Dr. Scarbrough has seen, as well as stories behind some of my own gnarly scars.
To find out more about his incredible clinic, MercyMed, and/or to donate, click here: https://mercymedcolumbus.com/
Or, connect with them on social:
https://www.facebook.com/mercymedcolumbus/
https://www.instagram.com/mercymedcolumbus/
Don't forget to rate, review, and share our podcast, so more people can hear these amazing stories!
Published on: November 5, 2021Ep. 7: Mark Nygard- "A firefighter’s advice for facing stress head-on"
Imagine that you just got hired for the dream job, but here's the conditions for the first year: Everything you do, I mean every minute of the day, is being evaluated. Can you picture in your mind the stress and anxiety of knowing for an entire year everything you do is being scrutinized?
That’s what it was like for my guest, Mark Nygard. Mark is a fire lieutenant at the Tacoma Fire Department and a former elite special operations soldier.
In this interview, Mark talks about:
His tough transition from military life to civilian life
How demanding it is just to become a firefighter and what skills you need to be successful
The daily physical and mental challenges a firefighter faces and strategies for how to push through
His advice for keeping a family together when you have a job that keeps you away a lot
Why firefighters are able to go INTO a burning building when human instinct is to run OUT
PLUS, you’ll enjoy hearing some examples of the most outrageous 911 calls he’s heard over the years.
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Published on: October 29, 2021Ep. 6: Tom Flick "From NFL to Corporate Leader"
If anyone knows how to overcome obstacles, it’s this week’s guest.
In many circles, he needs no introduction. Tom Flick is a former Rose Bowl champion and played as a quarterback in the NFL for 7 years.
Today he is a corporate leadership expert who has spoken to organizations like NASA, Ford, Starbucks, and Microsoft on leading through change.
Have you ever put your entire life into something, only to have it suddenly fall apart? Maybe it was a business, and the industry collapsed. Maybe it was a divorce and you poured everything you had into the marriage, and your spouse sat down at the dining room table and say, “I found somebody else; it's over.” In Tom’s case, he built his entire adult life for a moment in football, when it all got pulled out from underneath him.
In this interview you’ll hear:
How he developed the discipline to become a top-level NFL player
What it felt like to get have the rug pulled out from under him and how it became a blessing in disguise
His advice for how to operate in any fast-paced environment
One of the highlights of his life that happened during one of the most painful events of his life
The most important strategy for leading during times of change… such as during a global pandemic
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Published on: October 22, 2021Ep. 5: Billy Buck - "Making a Choice"
Billy Buck faced ANY parent’s worst nightmare.
By most people’s measure of success, Dr. Billy Buck had it all.
He had a great family, good friends, and the finances that go along with an oral surgery practice. He was living the life most of us would love to have... when his world suddenly turned completely upside down.
One morning, with no warning at all, he lost his son in a tragic accident.
His story is proof that NO ONE can protect themselves from tragedy or suffering. What makes Billy’s story so compelling is how he took that tragedy and used it to be a powerful influence for others.
In this episode, hear:
- How to handle the unexpected loss of a loved one
- How to work through grief when you didn’t get a chance to say goodbye
- Why difficulties can break you...but they can also MAKE you
- The surprising connection between grief and fear, and how conquering grief can also help you conquer fear
- Where you can find incredible hope in the midst of tragedy
Dr. Billy Buck is an expert oral surgeon in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Also, leave a review, so more people can hear these amazing stories.
For suggestions or comments, send a note to Jeff at jeffstruecker.com
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Published on: October 15, 2021Ep. 4: David Eubank - "Running Toward Danger" [Part 2]
Episode 4 of UNBEATABLE continues the story of Dave Eubank, the man who runs toward danger to help others, rather than running away.
What would it take for you to leave your family, a growing business or non-profit you're leading, and your home for a dangerous country on the edge of a war zone?
In this episode of UNBEATABLE, Dave explains why he left his children and business meeting in Texas to travel to Tajikistan in order to help people trying to escape Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
Sometimes you’re challenged to 'put your money where your mouth is'. It’s the moments when you’re in the crossfire that demonstrate what’s really valuable to you. In order to help the oppressed, Dave and his team decided he wanted to make a difference for people in Afghanistan, rather than just complain about the images in the newspapers.
Dave is currently located in Tajikistan in Central Asia. His team is trying to provide immediate assistance and basic needs to people stranded in communities, following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Last week, Episode 3, introduced us to Dave Eubank’s deep love for people and bold faith. Dave founded Free Burma Rangers as a non-profit that goes into hostile areas around the world to help the needy and protect the vulnerable. This week, we see how Dave’s team attempted to create a safe zone and to rescue victims stranded after the last NATO forces left from Afghanistan. Check this spectacular news footage that became the basis for the documentary entitled Free Burma Rangers: (https://fbrmovie.com/).
You'll hear:
- How he was dragged and survived an ambush while trying to save others..
- Why “radicalization” are two sides of the same coin.
- Why it’s essential make your actions reflect your values
- Dave challenge you to make a difference
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Published on: October 8, 2021Ep. 3: David Eubank- "Running Toward Danger"
Episode 3 of UNBEATABLE introduces you to Dave Eubank, a man who runs toward danger to help others, rather than running away.
This warrior used his military training to start Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian service movement that has helped people in some of the most dangerous conflict zones around the world. His organization operates on the front lines of some of the world's most dangerous battlegrounds.
Dave and Free Burma Rangers were featured on international news as they went to the front lines of battle in Iraq to help civilians that were caught in the crossfire with ISIS and Iraqi military forces. This spectacular news footage became the basis for the documentary, Free Burma Rangers (https://fbrmovie.com/).
Dave joined this interview from Tajikistan in Central Asia while his team attempts to provide immediate assistance to people stranded following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Kabul, Afghanistan.
You'll hear:
how his childhood overseas prepared him for some of the most dangerous and elite units in the US Army
why personal trials are often more painful than physical hardships
what it looks like when faith is put to the test
the fire that motivates him to make a difference every day
Dave inspires people to help others who are struggling in some of the poorest parts of the world. Find out more about why David Eubank started Free Burma Rangers here: https://www.freeburmarangers.org/.
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Published on: October 1, 2021Ep. 2: Nancy & Savannah Weaver
Episode 2 of UNBEATABLE introduces us to 2 strong women, Nancy and Savannah Weaver.
This week Jeff’s special guests, Nancy and Savannah Weaver, are the wife and child of Aaron Weaver, a helicopter pilot who was killed in action in Iraq. They share their story of loss and how they surpassed the period that no spouse has looked forward for and no child has expected to happen too soon.
You'll hear:
-the picture perfect life of a family before it faced a tragic loss
-Nancy Weaver brings us back to the painful hour of knowing that her husband is gone
-how she managed to picked herself up and hold her family together
-inspirational words from 2 women who became UNBEATABLE despite the pain of loss
Nancy and Savannah Weaver are members of an amazing Gold Star family. Find out more about Aaron Weaver at: https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-chief-warrant-officer-2-aaron-a-weaver/256965
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About the Host:
Jeff is a member of the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame. He served most of his military career with the Army Rangers and won the Best Ranger Competition as a Sergeant. In almost 23 years in the Army, Jeff served many tours of duty in combat, including Black Hawk Down. He holds a PhD and has taught leadership at every level from Ranger Fire Team to Fortune 500 companies. He is an award-winning author with six books in print. His military thrillers and life story are in constant demand.
Published on: September 24, 2021Ep. 1: Keni Thomas - "Point Man"
Episode 1 of Unbeatable kicks off with country music icon Keni Thomas.
Jeff first talks about the meaning behind the name Unbeatable and gives his top 5 reasons why the world needs another podcast.
His first guest, Veteran Army Ranger Keni Thomas, describes what it was like to go from combat, serving in Black Hawk Down, to working his way to performing with some of the top country music names in Nashville.
You’ll hear:
--what drew Keni to the stage
--his advice for pursuing your dreams
--some of his career hi-lights
Keni is also a motivational speaker and has been recognized by congress, the White House, and was recently inducted into the VFW for his work on behalf of veterans and military families. Find him at: https://kenithomas.com/
About Host Jeff Struecker:
Jeff is a member of the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame. He served most of his military career with the Army Rangers and won the Best Ranger Competition as a Sergeant. In almost 23 years in the Army, Jeff served 17 combat deployments in 5 different US wars including Black Hawk Down. He holds a PhD, as well as many other earned and honorary degrees. He has taught leadership at every level from undergraduate to PhD. He is an award-winning author with six books in print. His military thrillers and life story are in constant demand.
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Published on: September 16, 2021