Today's episode kicks off by addressing a heartfelt and raw listener question, painting the picture of a 23-year-old man at the crossroads of his military career and personal life. The listener shares his turbulent journey from aspiring SEAL, battling through weight loss, smoking cessation, and the harsh realities of SEAL training, to facing a disheartening setback and feeling lost in a career path he never desired. Should he attempt training again, or should he move on? I close out the episode by doing my best to explain my recent emergency surgery, and what I have learned from that short but extremely painful journey. Be safe and I will see everyone in 2024!

BUD/s duds and Emergency Surgeries

It is safe to say that I have wandered a bit.  I served in the military, flew some jets, jumped out of most, climbed mountains (I jumped off of them too), taught fitness, owned a gym, and have spent the last few years speaking to organizations and leaders.  It has been a journey, and in all honesty, I have no idea where it is going. I seek the things that make me uncomfortable.  I move towards things that scare me.  I think you should too

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Jimmy Watson served 17 years on active duty, splitting time between the Marine Corps, Blackwater, and finally as a Navy SEAL. He completed 2 deployments as a Marine before transitioning to Blackwater and working his way to the role of Team Leader. While in this role the Nisour Square Massacre occurred, an event that would draw FBI attention later, but by that time he was already serving at an SDV command in Hawaii as a SEAL. I don't know the best word to describe Jimm'ys life, it has taken twists and turns that most can likely not fathom. From leaving school at 13 to a suicide attempt in a mental hospital while fighting to stay in the military, to working from John McAfee to being on the run from the FBI, to finding redemption in faith. Strap in for a journey, we talked about it all. Fear the belt sander.... Please check out Jimmy's online community here: https://www.jimmywatson.co Wolf 21- Check out what they have to offer for the best sleep of your life: https://www.thewolf21.com Use Code: "clearedhot" for 30% off of your 1st order The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Jimmy Watson - A Journey to Hell and Back

We are back again with a role reversal, turning the microphone towards the man usually behind the scenes – show producer, Michael Shelton. I never know where these conversations are going to lead, since I am turning the questions over to Michael, a man with an internet search history that has likely landed him on a variety of watchlists. There was absolutely no structure to this episode, where we covered everything from the controversial topic of soaking, flat earth pioneers who die in their own homemade rockets, social uprisings on college campuses, pride in being an American, and people lighting themselves on fire in protest. It is always a wild journey, I hope you enjoy it. The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Andy Vs. Michael - Round 6

Don Edwards is a retired US Army Special Operations veteran with over two decades of service in the 75th Ranger Regiment and 20th Special Forces Group, including a combat jump into Operation Just Cause and combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We discuss the critical lessons learned during his deployments in high-stakes environments like Iraq and Afghanistan, and how these experiences shaped his approach to tactical training and leadership. Don's post-military includes roles as the Use of Force training manager at the ATF National Academy and his ongoing contributions as a tactical advisor to the Department of Defense. Join us for lessons learned from the front lines, the transition from military to civilian tactical education, and how these experiences have shaped his approach at Green Line Tactical. https://www.greenlinetactical.com/ Wolf 21- Check out what they have to offer for the best sleep of your life:  https://www.thewolf21.com Use Code: "clearedhot" for 30% off of your 1st order The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Don Edwards - The Evolution of Modern Warfare and Tactical Training

Today we are diving straight into the heart of current events, focusing on the ongoing protests at Columbia University. We are going to talk about the complexities of patriotism, personal purpose, and crisis response. 1. The emotional challenge of anti-American sentiment, seeking advice on how to engage constructively with divisive issues in a country we love.  2. How to support a partner in search of new beginnings and a meaningful life mission, particularly when life's path leads us through unexpected twists and turns. 3. Personal safety, with a discussion on effective tactics to respond to public threats, such as the recent tragic knife attack in Sydney. The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Death to America???

Brian and Fred were members of the Canadian Armed Forces and both suffered profound impact from the COVID-19 vaccine mandates on their military careers and personal lives. Brian, an Iraq war veteran and former special forces assaulter hopeful, began having physical and medical complications after his second mandatory dosage, ultimately leading to the end of his military service. Fred declined the vaccine, leading to extraordinary and unusual treatment as a result of refusal. Accompanying them is their lawyer, Catherine Christiansen from Valour Law, who provides legal insights into the mass tort lawsuit against the Canadian Forces, addressing claims of abuse of power and the broader ramifications for Canadian civil liberties, from high-stakes intelligence analysis to covert government surveillance during public protests. https://valourlegalactioncentre.org/  https://www.tps.ca/organizational-chart/communities-neighbourhoods-command/field-services/community-partnerships-engagement-unit/military-veterans-wellness-program/  

BUD/s duds and Emergency Surgeries

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