I think we covered it all today, just in time for Thanksgiving. I hand these episodes over to Michael, sometimes he has great questions, and sometimes he does not. We covered a lot of ground today, from Nazi rallies in NYC to Ai bots advocating for suicide, plus quite a bit in between. Enjoy
Chris Piehota, a former FBI Special Agent who served as one of the bureau’s top career executives, discusses the dramatic changes he witnessed in the FBI during his 25-year career. Author of Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew, Chris reveals the internal challenges that have led to the FBI’s current crisis of trust, including leadership failures, cultural erosion, and operational missteps. He provides a firsthand account of how the FBI transformed after September 11, 2001, and how those shifts have led ...
Normally scheduled Q and A for this Friday: 1. A veteran from Tennessee wrestles with the state of American democracy, morality in politics, and societal divisions, drawing unsettling parallels to history while seeking clarity on the future. 2. A newly promoted supervisor in a state natural resources agency faces the classic dilemma of motivating an entrenched, underperforming employee — or finding a way to move forward for the sake of the team. 3. A young police officer grapples with the decisi...
Of all the episodes I have been able to record, these episodes with my father stand out as some of my favorites. I never thought I could record conversations about our family history, values, beliefs, and what makes us who we are. I love that they will live forever, far beyond both of us and can hopefully have great meaning to future generations later in their lives. My dad and I talk about politics often, and what better time to sit down and discuss the current environment than right after the ...
Traditional Friday Q and A for Today: 1. How do you rebuild after a catastrophic accident or failure? 2. Suppressors on pistols? Is it real life, or a thing of the movies 3. Business relationship breakdowns, how do you recover? Enjoy
Jared is a retired Navy SEAL and the co-founder of Covenant Rescue Group (CRG), a 501c3 organization founded in June 2019. Jared and his wife saw a lack of skills and funding to properly rescue victims and arrest criminals involved in Human Trafficking. Sharing a passion for children who fall victim to human trafficking globally, they decided to become active. They organized their passion, training, and expertise, to bring this wicked, organized enterprise to an end. The heart of CRG is to bring...
We are diving into listener-submitted questions for our normally scheduled Friday programming: How do you deal with the self-doubt that often follows tough decisions? Is there a way to reframe feelings of failure and disappointment, or do you simply have to face them head-on? After facing life’s highs and lows, how do you find clarity and alignment with your true self? A listener shares a powerful personal mission statement that he uses as a strategy to cultivate lasting inner calm. Lastly, the ...
Matt Dawson is a former investment banker turned multi-record-holding endurance athlete and founder of Dawson's Peak Foundation. Known simply as "Dawson," Matt’s journey is extraordinary—from dominating corporate finance to conquering some of the world’s most extreme challenges. Dawson dives into his epic year of Project Seven for Soldiers, where he completed a groundbreaking lineup of global expeditions, including summiting the Seven Summits, skiing to the South Pole, and rowing across the Atla...
I have heard a lot of talk about how the United States is either on the brink of a 2nd Civil War or steadily marching toward it. I can't say that I agree, and perhaps the blowhards should just sit down for a bit. https://spartanforge.ai/
Rob Bailey is an entrepreneur powerhouse, creating the lifestyle brand Flag Nor Fail, Run Everything Labs, and a series of ventures from gyms to high-performance automotive shops. Known for his unique path to success, Rob turned a $400 investment and a garage printing press into a global brand. Rob has a unique approach to blending his passions for fitness, music, and business to create an empire while building a community of like-minded, relentless individuals. Flag Nor Fail: https://flagnorfai...
Traditional Friday Q and A for today. Three listener-submitted questions: 1. A 26-year-old Navy veteran grappling with post-service identity and family priorities. 2. A husband seeking advice on saving a struggling marriage. 3. A father confronting the heartbreaking realities of bipolar disorder in his daughter. Enjoy
Nelson Grant is a Sheriff's Deputy and Search and Rescue Team member in the Flathead Valley. In addition to his current duties, he has previous experience on the SWAT Team and Narcotics Task Force. Normally, Nelson and I get the chance to hunt yearly, but this year he decided to turn his foot 180 degrees in the wrong direction while recently riding his dirtbike. When not on duty Nelson enjoys partaking in just about every activity that Northwestern Montana has to offer. Bowhunting, rifle hunting...
What does it mean to be an American in today's world? Are the greatest dangers we face external, or do they stem from internal division? What are the core values that define the nation? Are they freedom, integrity, and unity? while also addressing the real threats that challenge these principles. What role should we seek to play as neighbors, community members, and citizens?
Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart are both distinguished Iraq War veterans that have turned their focus inward, tackling one of the most pressing battles on American soil: political divisiveness. They share the compelling story behind +More Perfect Union, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting unity across communities in a time of unprecedented polarization. Jake, a Marine Force Recon Platoon Commander and recipient of honors like the Unsung Hero of Compassion award from ...
A single listener submitted question for this Friday episode. But first, some reflections on 47 laps around the sun, then: 1. How do you want to live your life? Do you want to avoid all risk, take every opportunity, or something in between? Enjoy
Josh Castell is the founder of DoubleCheck, a software platform setting new standards in risk management and firearms safety. DoubleCheck empowers businesses by providing risk analysis tools that help identify potential threats before transactions are completed. Focusing on privacy and the Second Amendment, Josh shares how DoubleCheck’s innovative solutions support firearm retailers, shooting ranges, and live-fire trainers, helping them safeguard their communities against preventable tragedies. ...
xNormal Friday programming today, some real-world challenges submitted by listeners. 1. A father reflects on losing his cool with his kids in a chaotic Costco moment and seeks advice on managing stress and anger under pressure. 2. A jiu-jitsu practitioner questions his skill level and gym promotion practices—wondering if he's ahead of the curve or just a product of attendance-based promotions. 3. A young federal law enforcement officer opens up about the mental toll of confronting humanity's wor...
Chris Skates is a man whose life journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of storytelling. Starting as a coal plant worker for 30 years, Chris harbored a dream of becoming a writer, keeping a journal of short stories since the 1980s. His persistence paid off when he published a heartfelt story about his grandfather in 2000, leading to over 200 published pieces and a career that took him from the coal mines to the corridors of political power. Chris shares how he wrote his ...
We return to our Andy Vs. Michael series, but first, we open with a discussion on the ginger's first trip outside of the United States, and his unwillingness to hit on any Italian women. We (mostly me) have decided to solicit for help from the audience, please submit any and all suggestions for Michael's companion here: sheltonm204@gmail.com The remainder of our episode was the traditional A V M format, discussing some politics, current events, social commentary, and just general jackassery. Enj...
Bill Thompson served 21 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer Four, specializing in Special Missions and technology development for the Department of Defense. He founded Spartan Forge, an AI-driven hunting tool that applies military intelligence methods to enhance hunting effectiveness. Bill is a lifelong hunter dedicated to conservation and ethical practices, as well as an active supporter of the Boot Campaign, which aids veterans through health and wellness initiatives. h...
Normally scheduled Friday Q and A for today: 1. First, a listener's concern about a controversial statement: "I love killing people." What are the realities of combat, and what does such a declaration truly mean within the context of military service and its psychological impact. 2. Guidance to a young man wrestling with the stigma of quitting. After leaving Army training just weeks before completion, he's now engaged and considering a career in law enforcement. What are some strategies to overc...
Andrew Milburn is a retired Marine Corps Colonel and former Deputy Commander of Special Operations Command Central. With firsthand experience leading infantry and special operations units across every rank—including commanding the Marine Raider Regiment and spearheading a multinational task force to defeat ISIS in Iraq—Milburn offers unparalleled insights into the complexities of modern warfare. His critically acclaimed memoir, When the Tempest Gathers, delves into the challenges of leadership o...
We will have the normal Friday Q and A, but first, a few words on the debate... Did it matter? Do we know any more about the candidates? Does the format serve the intended purpose? Could we make the format better? Switching gears to normal Friday programming: Embracing Life's Big Changes: A 30-year-old listener is on the brink of several life-changing events—marrying the love of his life, becoming a homeowner, and launching his own land surveying business. How do you navigate these milestones su...
Larry Turner is a former Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, current SDPD Community Relations Officer, and independent candidate for mayor of San Diego. Larry shares insights from his 23 years of military service, leading troops through combat and humanitarian missions, to his ongoing work on the streets of downtown San Diego. Frustrated by the lack of leadership at City Hall, Larry is stepping up to deliver real solutions for homelessness, public safety, and affordable living in San Diego. Tune in...
We are diving in on listener-submitted Q&A: 1. A Marine Infantry veteran reflects on his time in Helmand province and grapples with how to balance military service with life and relationships post-service. Can you have a successful relationship without sharing the same desires and hobbies as your significant other? 2. A police officer faces a tough fitness dilemma—should he stick with CrossFit, or dive into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? How do you optimize fitness for law enforcement officers while b...
Lanny Snodgrass, MD, PhD, is a distinguished psychiatrist, and Department of Defense physician, veteran, and respected authority on military mental health. His impressive career spans over four decades of experience treating military personnel, both active duty and veterans. Dr. Snodgrass has established himself as a leading voice in advocating for the psychological well-being of our nation's heroes. As a civilian psychiatrist, Dr. Snodgrass has devoted much of his career to serving veterans at ...
We are diving deep into a wild mix of listener-submitted questions that span the gamut from light-hearted fun to life-altering challenges. 1. The unique psychological makeup that sets public figures like David Goggins, and Jocko apart from their peers in the SEAL community — what drives these men to become not just operators but also life coaches (whether they like the term or not)? 2. A listener's raw and emotional journey as they grapple with their mother’s cancer diagnosis and the complex fee...
After witnessing antisemitism at Portland State University, Richard Stadig, an American Jew moved to Israel to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. Richard served in the infantry and protected all major borders of the country. He later served in the reconnaissance brigade of his reserve unit. While serving in the reserves, Richard traveled to multiple college campuses facilitating conversations based on his and fellow soldiers’ experiences; focusing on the impact of national service and the impo...
We are diving deep into a wild mix of listener-submitted questions that span the gamut from light-hearted fun to life-altering challenges. Kicking things off with a rapid-fire round of quirky questions, including my favorite overseas memory, thoughts on tattooed motorcycle riders, and the million-dollar question: Would I fistfight Jocko for a million dollars, a milkshake and a crisp high five? Shifting gears a bit, what do you do when you find out your wife is a lesbian? Finally, my thoughts on ...
Mike spent 18 years in the US Army and as a government contractor for OGA (Other Government Agency). He served as a SGM (Sergeant Major) in Special Forces and deployed multiple times to combat theaters. Mike is the founder of Fieldcraft Survival, and an expert in Counter-Terrorism, security, and crisis management operations. As promised, this is a follow-up to our previous conversation where Mike explained the legal ordeal he had just survived. After that episode aired, Mike and I received a sub...
