JC Glick is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who spent over 20 years serving at the highest levels of Special Operations, with multiple combat deployments around the globe. His experience leading elite teams in some of the most challenging environments has shaped his groundbreaking approach to leadership, resilience, and performance.

After retiring from the military, JC transitioned to the private sector where he has continued to lead and inspire. He’s the author of 'A Light in the Darkness: Leadership Development for the Unknown,' and has worked with NFL teams, Fortune 500 companies, and educational institutions to help them unlock the full potential of their people.

Today, JC serves as the CEO of The COMMIT Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and their families navigate career transitions with purpose and success. His work continues to bridge the gap between high-performance leadership in the military and thriving in the civilian world.

JC brings a rare blend of battlefield-tested wisdom, deep emotional intelligence, and forward-thinking leadership principles — and today, he’s here to share some of that insight with us.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with 18 Good Guy — a U.S. Army Green Beret, social media influencer, and unapologetically authentic voice in the veteran space. He opens up about the responsibility of representing the Special Forces community online, building a platform rooted in honesty, and using humor and vulnerability to break down barriers.

This is more than just a conversation — it’s a glimpse into the life of a modern warrior forging connection and impact far beyond the uniform.

Follow 18 Good Guy on social media: 📱 Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @18goodguy

#BeyondTheTrek #FiresideChat #18GoodGuy #GreenBeret #VeteranVoices #ConversationsThatInspire

Tabitha Farmer is a Gold Star Spouse, mother, and resilient voice of remembrance and strength. Her husband, CW2 Jonathan Farmer, a beloved Green Beret, was killed in action in Syria in 2019. Since his passing, Tabitha has shared her journey through grief, healing, and honoring Jon’s legacy—offering a powerful perspective on love, loss, and what it means to carry forward after unimaginable sacrifice. In this episode, she opens up about the day she received the news, the moments that changed her life, and the enduring strength it takes to live with purpose beyond the pain.

Taylor Cavanaugh is the only known individual to have served both as a U.S. Navy SEAL and a French Foreign Legionnaire—a journey that didn’t begin with military accolades, but rather in a place of pain, hardship, and personal reckoning. From incarceration to elite military service, Taylor’s path is a raw, powerful testament to transformation and grit.

In this conversation, we dive into what it really takes to rewrite your story, embrace discipline at the highest level, and walk through darkness in pursuit of the light. Taylor’s experience goes beyond the battlefield—it’s about identity, redemption, and pushing past every self-imposed limit.

If you’re someone training for something big, working through your own trials, or just looking for a reason to keep going—this one’s for you.

In this episode, we explore the mindset that separates those who lead from those who follow. From embracing discomfort as a tool for growth to prioritizing habits over fleeting goals, we dig into the principles that shape resilient, adaptive leaders. We confront fear, reframe change, and challenge the listener with a powerful metaphor: are you living in a coffin—safe, still, and stagnant—or a classroom—open, evolving, and alive? Whether you're in the military, business, or everyday life, this conversation will push you to think harder, lead better, and live with greater intention.

Nicholas Ruggieri is an Active-Duty Army Officer with 18 years of service in both Conventional and Special Operations Formations. Nick joined the Army Reserves while attending Union College in 2005, after graduation in 2008 he enlisted into active service as an X-ray technician at Fort Sam Houston TX. Realizing he was made for more; Nick attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection and was chosen to become a Special Forces Medical Sergeant. After completion of the Q-course Nick and his wife Allie moved to 7th SFG(A) at Eglin AFB. Nick eventually applied to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program and was accepted to attend in 2017. After commissioning in 2019, Nick became the Battalion Physician Assistant at Fort Stewart, GA and will be continuing his career overseas in Germany. Nick is a proud Father of three amazing kids!

John Wayne Troxell is a retired United States Army senior noncommissioned officer who served as the third Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity he served as the principal advisor to the Chairman and the Secretary of Defense on all matters related to the troops of the United States Armed Forces to include the lethality, readiness, fitness, welfare and deployability of the force, as well as joint force development and education. This position made Troxell the most senior enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces. He enlisted in September 1982 as an armored reconnaissance specialist and graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Troxell served in the United States Army for well over 37 years in numerous units throughout his career.

Troxell’s five combat tours of duty include making the combat parachute jump and service in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Troxell is married to the former Sandra Jimenez, his wife of over 37 years from El Paso, Texas. They have three adult sons and four grandchildren.

Since his military retirement, Troxell has opened his own consulting firm, PME Hard Consulting, LLC, and now serves as a strategic advisor and brand ambassador for the US Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes Foundation, as well as brand ambassador for Veterans Lending Group, BeaverFit USA, Muscle Mac, Zyn Drink Products, Skinny Pasta and Eyewear Safety Systems (ESS); he serves as the Vice President for Strategic Planning for DFND USA; executive consultant for 5th Principle, LLC; and he also serves as a military consultant for Alpha Warrior 360 gyms and also consulted for Film 45 movie production company. Troxell is a strategic advisor for FitOps Foundation and serves on the advisory boards for the Tactical Combat League, Allied Forces Foundation, Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, Warrior Suicide Prevention Foundation, Our Community Salutes Foundation and the Patriot Foundation. He continues to focus on supporting service members, veterans, and their families.

Zac Cannon is a husband, father, and a seasoned Army veteran with 18 years of service, including 13 years in Special Operations. With seven combat deployments spanning Iraq, Afghanistan, and East Africa—along with 38 months operating across nine countries in Africa—Zac has lived a life forged in adversity.

Beyond his military career, Zac is a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus and an advocate for discipline, resilience, and self-leadership. He speaks openly about his journey through addiction, emphasizing the power of seeking help, embracing personal accountability, and building a stronger future. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and the relentless pursuit of becoming better every day.

Colonel (Retired) William "Bill" Ostlund, a distinguished leader whose career exemplifies dedication, resilience, and exemplary service.

Colonel Ostlund's journey began in 1983 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, joining the elite 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence, he advanced rapidly, achieving the rank of Jumpmaster as a Specialist. In 1987, he transitioned to the Nebraska National Guard.

Throughout his illustrious 36-year career, Colonel Ostlund held pivotal leadership roles across various esteemed units, including the 101st Airborne Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Notably, during a 15-month deployment to Afghanistan's Kunar Province, he commanded Task Force Rock, leading his battalion through intense combat operations. Under his leadership, the unit was recognized as one of the most decorated in the Global War on Terrorism, earning a Presidential Unit Citation and over 400 individual valor awards, including three Medals of Honor.

Beyond the battlefield, Colonel Ostlund contributed significantly to military education, serving as the Director of Military Instruction at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping the next generation of Army leaders, emphasizing the importance of discipline, resilience, and moral integrity.

Following his retirement in 2019, Colonel Ostlund seamlessly transitioned to the private sector, bringing his extensive experience to corporate security roles at Google and YouTube. His journey from the front lines to the corporate world offers invaluable insights into leadership, adaptability, and the application of military principles in diverse environments.

From the battlefield to the streets, Dario Giomi has dedicated his life to service, facing danger head-on as an Army Cavalry Scout, SWAT officer, and two-time Medal of Valor recipient. In this episode, Dario shares his journey—from combat deployments to law enforcement, the challenges of PTSD and exhaustion syndrome, and his mission to support first responders in their healing. His story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and transformation. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on Beyond The Trek Podcast: Conversations That Inspire.