Eagle Nation Podcast

To say that Ben Bunn is interesting would be a massive understatement.  The guy is a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, has served as a Green Beret and Infantry officer, and has a tattoo of Chuck Norris on his left arm.  More importantly, Ben is a smart and thoughtful guy that is in a middle of making what I'm sure will be an excellent transition from active duty.  He and his partner own Cigar City CrossFit in Tampa and are building a really strong community.

In this episode, we dive into some deep stuff, including:

• Taking a proactive approach to transition
• Why starting a business is scary and thrilling
• Quiet moments and why they are so hard
• Reconciling a violent past
• Committing to a life helping others

This is a really honest conversation and we hope that you'll take a lot from it.  

In this episode,we talk with one of the greatest rock climbers to ever live, Tommy Caldwell. We talk about his long-time involvement in Team RWB, rock climbing as a post counter-culture sport, and how being a family man has changed his outlook on life.

We cover a ton a really exciting topics including:

• The Epic Rope Swing
• He and Alex Honold completing The Fitz Traverse
• His ground breaking free climb or the Dawn Wall
• Tommy's biggest fear

Brian Stann is the CEO of Hire Heroes USA, an organization that has helped thousands of Veterans find high-quality careers. He is also one of the toughest and most accomplished people you'll ever meet. Brian played football at the US Naval Academy before being commissioned in the United States Marine Corps, where he would earn the Silver Star during one of his tours in Iraq. Never one to slow down, Brian became a professional fighter, eventually becoming the heavy-middleweight champion of the World Extreme Cage Fighting Championship and a top middleweight contender in the Ultimate Fighter Championship. In addition to all of this, he holds down one of the world's hardest jobs as the father of three young daughters.

We cover a lot of ground in this podcast, including:

• Finding a passion outside of work
• How to promote your abilities without being arrogant
• The importance of a great attitude
• Who he'd like to fight again
• And so much more!

Brian is an incredibly inspiring guy and we guarantee that this episode will leave you ready to run through a brick wall.

In this episode, we talk with best-selling author and leadership expert, Simon Sinek.  We have a great conversation about ideas like: applying the "Circle of Safety" in the virtual world, why digital relationships will never replace actual relationships, and how 3/4 of an answer is better than an answer and a half.

Simon was a pleasure to talk with and he's been a long-time supporter of Team RWB.

We cover a ton of content in this podcast, including:

• Leading in a virtual/distributed environment
• The "Circle of Safety"
• How knowing your personal "why" is critical to effective leadership
• Why in-person meetings are vital, and often overlooked

Theresa Larson is a woman with many titles and one inspiring story.  She's played college and professional softball, served as a US Marine, and is now a doctor of physical therapy in San Diego.  In her recent memoir, Warrior, Theresa bravely shares her story of being platoon commander in Iraq and battling some inner demons.

We have a very raw and honest conversation about:

• The issues that come with being a perfectionist
• The challenges of being a female Marine officer
• How movement and exercise helps us overcome trauma
• The importance of owning and sharing our stories

In this episode, we talk with Nate Boyer - relief worker, Green Beret, Texas Longhorn football player, and all-around great guy.  He is a pleasure to talk to and we are thrilled to have him as both a long-time member of Team RWB and a guest on the show!

We cover a ton of ground of this one, including:

• Lifelong learning and having a growth mindset
• Texas Longhorn football
• Breaking the 10,000 hour rule
• Bringing Veterans to Hollywood

Major General (Retired) Chris Cortez served in the United States Marine Corps for 33 years. As an Infantry officer, he led Marines at every level, from platoon to division. After leaving the military, Chris took on a new mission at Microsoft and has committed himself to supporting Veterans that are interesting in moving into the tech industry. Through the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy, Veterans are getting incredible training and certifications that put them on the path to jobs, not only at Microsoft, but with companies across the tech sector.

In this conversation, we talk with MG (ret) Cortez about:

• His transition from the military and how he found his new mission
• Why Veterans are great employees for the tech sector
• The power of Old Glory Relay and how it brings communities together
• How Veterans can get training that leads to high-paying job
• Why Microsoft is "all-in" on supporting Team RWB

Kelly Starrett is a doctor of physical therapy that has become the authority on human movement.  He's been closely involved with CrossFit since the early days.  His gym San Francisco CrossFit was one of the first 50 affiliates, and he was head judge at the first ever CrossFit Games.  Kelly's book, Becoming a Supple Leopard has helped thousands of people to perform basic maintenance on their bodies and unlock their physical potential.  In his new book, Deskbound he highlights the ways that we can counter a lifestyle that has us sitting far too much.  Along with his wife, Juliet, they have formed a amazing nonprofit organization called Standup Kids whose mission is combat sedentary lifestyle and obesity by providing standup desks to school children.

In this episode, we cover a lot of ground, including:

• The challenges of being a parent in today's world
• How to recover a body that has been abused for years
• Why you should walk a mile barefoot
• How to add one cookie a day to your diet
• And much, much, more

In this podcast we have a hugely interesting discussion with Tim Kennedy.  Tim is a true renaissance man - he's a world-class fighter in the UFC, and Army Green Beret, hosts a TV show on the History Channel, and much, much, more.  We cover a ton of content in this podcast, including:

• The importance of personal accountability, especially for Veterans.
• What it is like to be a public figure while serving on active duty.
• His show on the History Channel - Hunting Hitler
• Range 15 - The movie that is taking the Veteran world by storm.

Joe De Sena understands grit and hard work.  He's been hustling since he was a young boy growing up around organized crime in New York City.  Joe also understands the importance of a healthy, purpose-driven life.  In this wide ranging episode we cover:

• The origins of Spartan Race
• Raising kids to value hard work
• The importance of camaraderie and community
• The value or shared hardship
• Why he moved his family to Singapore, and much, much more...

Team RWB is proud to work with Spartan Race and it has been amazing to see the two communities come together.  Please enjoy this very special episode with a guy that is changing the world for the better.