Unbeatable - podcast cover

Unbeatable

Jeff Strueckerjeffstruecker.com
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.
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Episodes

Ep. 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...

Dec 23, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 67

Ep. 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 n...

Dec 16, 202257 minSeason 2Ep. 66

Ep. 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 ...

Dec 09, 20221 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 65

Ep. 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 Comman...

Dec 02, 202259 minSeason 2Ep. 64

Ep. 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 infl...

Nov 25, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 63

Ep. 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 ...

Nov 18, 20221 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 62

Ep. 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...

Nov 11, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 61

Ep. 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...

Nov 04, 20221 hrSeason 2Ep. 60

Ep. 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”, play...

Oct 28, 202258 minSeason 2Ep. 59

EP. 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, ...

Oct 21, 20221 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 58

Ep. 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...

Oct 14, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 57

Ep. 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 fo...

Oct 07, 20221 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 56

Ep 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...

Sep 30, 202250 minSeason 2Ep. 55

Ep 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...

Sep 23, 202257 min

Ep. 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 m...

Sep 16, 202246 min

Ep. 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...

Sep 09, 202244 min

Ep. 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 uniq...

Sep 02, 202251 min

Ep. 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...

Aug 26, 202258 min

Ep 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 dis...

Aug 19, 202258 min

Ep. 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 ...

Aug 12, 202253 min

Ep. 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 trans...

Aug 05, 202255 min

Ep. 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...

Jul 29, 20221 hr

Ep. 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 c...

Jul 22, 202250 min

Ep. 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 ju...

Jul 15, 20220

Ep. 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 t...

Jul 08, 202250 min

Ep. 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: ● ...

Jul 01, 202251 min

Ep. 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 st...

Jun 24, 202252 min

Ep. 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 ma...

Jun 17, 20221 hr 11 min

Ep. 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 be...

Jun 10, 202257 min

Ep. 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 o...

Jun 03, 202250 min
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