In this episode we're diving into another round of listener-submitted questions. I always appreciate the honesty and vulnerability of these questions, and this week is no exception.

First up, what does it really take to be The Best? Whether it’s in sports, business, or even sweeping the floor, how much sacrifice and commitment are required to reach the top? Are the sacrifices worth it, what is the cost of greatness, and finding purpose along the way?

Next, a question about being “good enough.” After a year of life upheavals, a listener reflects on his deepest fear—never measuring up, never being enough. It’s a feeling that drives him to improve but also leaves him questioning whether satisfaction and self-acceptance are achievable.

Finally, a question from a listener dealing with night sweats and high blood pressure long after leaving military service. It’s a frustrating struggle, especially when medications don’t seem to help, and it’s now impacting his marriage.

Today's Sponsors:

Spartan Forge:

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Maui Nui Venison:

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Joel Struthers spent six years as a legionnaire (and more specifically as a member of the elite Group Commando Parachutistes). The French Foreign Legion, a branch of the French army, is one of the most famous military organizations in the world.

Joel is the author of Appel, A Canadian in the French Foreign Legion, which details his time with the Legion, his experiences, the selection and recruitment process, and combat deployments to Africa.

Joel is also a helicopter pilot and a partner in a Canadian risk mitigation firm that solves difficult problems in challenging environments

Today's Sponsors:

Black Rifle Coffee-

https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/

BetterHelp- This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/CLEAREDHOT and get on your way to being your best self.

Traditional Q and A to round out the week, answering only the most demanding questions facing our society. I'm not sure they were actually that serious, but it sounds good.

I did actually cover:

Dreams, evolving social circles and desires as you age, and turning your emotions back on after working hard to separate from them.

Enjoy

Today's Sponsors:

AG1:

AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out https://DrinkAG1.com/clearedhot 

Stopbox:

Listeners are getting a crazy deal. Not only do you get 10% Off your entire order when you use code "clearedhot" at stopboxusa.com, but they are also giving you Buy One Get One Free for their StopBox Pro. That’s 10% off AND a Free StopBox Pro when you use code "clearedhot" at https://stopboxusa.com

Jon Fussell is the founder and CEO of Patriot Leadership Development.

John spent his entire 20-year Naval career in the Naval Special Warfare Community. After serving in leadership positions at SEAL Teams Three, Ten, Four, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two he earned an assignment to Joint Special Operations Command's Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Throughout multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, he led our Nation’s most elite special mission units on hundreds of direct-action combat missions. Among other awards, he has earned four Bronze Stars with Valor, and two Presidential Unit Citations.

Patriot Leadership Development:

https://www.patriotld.com/

Today's Sponsors:

Montana Knife Company -

https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/

LMNT -

https://drinklmnt.com/CLEAREDHOT

The new series continues!

Michael and I sat down today and discussed a few topics through the lens of experience in different decades of life. For those of you familiar with the show you know that often on Friday I answer Q and A, today is no different, except that Michael is joining me to give his perspective from a younger generation:

Social Circle Interactions

Mental Discipline and Accountability

Avoiding Becoming Overwhelmed

Today's Sponsors:

TrueWerk:

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Mando:

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Stefano Ritondale is a former Army Armor officer with extensive military intelligence experience. He is also the Chief Intelligence Officer of Artorias, specializing in Cartel violence in Mexico, Latin American affairs, and drug trade/organized crime.

You can follow him on X: https://x.com/All_Source_News

Artorias: https://www.artorias.com

Today's Sponsors:

Black Rifle Coffee:

https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/

Fabric By Gerber Life:

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In this Q&A episode, I dive into three powerful listener questions that hit hard on personal struggles, global issues, and life-or-death moments.

First, I respond to a heartfelt message from a 40-year-old father of six who’s navigating the emotional wreckage of divorce. He’s wondering how to rebuild, find love again, and move forward without being crushed by the weight of his past. I’ve been there—I share my own experiences with heartbreak, healing, and what it really takes to start over with confidence.

Next, I unpack the geopolitical ripple effects of President Trump’s decision to label Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. What does this mean for border security, asylum claims, and the flood of firearms crossing from the U.S. into Mexico?

Lastly, a retired Army vet who survived a heart attack—known as the “widowmaker”—asks how to deal with the fear and anxiety it left behind, not just for him, but for his wife. I’ve faced my own health scares and the mental and emotional aftermath of those “what if” moments that shake you to your core.

Today's Sponsors:

AG1: 

AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out https://DrinkAG1.com/clearedhot

to get this offer! 

Timeline:

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Seth Gehle is a professional speaker committed to empowering others to embrace their warrior spirit and overcome any adversity or trauma in their life.

Enduring 16 years of abuse, Seth transformed his pain into purpose, using his voice as an author and motivational speaker to help others heal and find strength. A devoted husband and father, Seth proves that with determination, anyone can overcome their past and create a brighter future.

Strength Beyond the Shadow: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DMGQZZ1V?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Today's Sponsors:

Montana Knife Company:

https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/

Drink LMNT:

https://drinklmnt.com/Clearedhot

I am unsure of what exactly to call this new segment, we had discussed "Bolt Action Friday," but it just doesn't have the right ring to it.

Michael and I sat down today and discussed a few topics through the lens of experience in different decades of life. For those of you familiar with the show you know that often on Friday I answer Q and A, today is no different, except that Michael is joining me to give his perspective from a younger generation.

Before we began I opened with an explanation of the airspace surrounding the Washington DC area, and how something so horrific like the collision between a civilian airliner and military BlackHawk helicopter can occur. I have no details or specifics of the crash, my commentary is on airspace and the complications that can occur only.

The remainder of the episode contains topics that I have talked about solo, but was curious about a younger generations take:

Military Service

Mental Health

Relationships

Enjoy and let me know what you think of this format.

Today's Sponsors:

Pique Life:

Get 20% off + a FREE rechargeable frother and glass beaker with your first purchase with my link: ⁠

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Maui Nui:

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Kegan Gill was a US Navy Fighter Pilot (F-18 Super Hornet) and was forced to eject into the sound barrier as his plane was going down during a training exercise over the Atlantic Ocean. In the process of ejecting, Kegan sustained catastrophic injuries that literally ripped his limbs apart along with a severe traumatic brain injury.

His body landed in the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic with a protective wet suit that had been ripped to pieces. With his parachute still attached, and unable to move his arms, Kegan was continuously dunked into the freezing water for two hours before his rescue. Luckily, his hypothermic condition kept him from bleeding to death. 

Kegan spent the following months focusing on his recovery, and despite his catastrophic injuries, he was eventually able to score a perfect PFT and was able to return to flight duty.

Kegan recently published the book Phoenix Revival about his experience, and long journey through recovery: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/phoenix-revival/

Today's Sponsors:

Black Rifle Coffee:

https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/energy

BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at:

https://betterhelp.com/CLEAREDHOT

and get on your way to being your best self!