Ephraim Mattos graduated high school in 2010, joined the United States Navy, successfully graduated BUD/s (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training, and became a member of a west coast SEAL Team. After leaving the US Navy SEAL Teams in 2017, at the age of 24, he flew to Iraq and joined a small group of volunteer humanitarians known as the Free Burma Rangers. Until being shot by ISIS on a suicidal rescue mission, Mattos witnessed unexplainable acts of courage and sacrifice by the Free Burma Rangers, who, while under heavy machine gun and mortar fire, assaulted across ISIS minefields, used themselves as human shields, and sprinted down ISIS-infested streets-all to retrieve wounded civilians. Ephraim founded Stronghold Rescue and Relief, a non-profit dedicated to sending highly trained former Special Operations personnel into the heart of violent conflicts around the world in order to find and help the families caught in the crossfire, as well as assist oppressed people in multiple countries facing genocide and human trafficking. Today, Ephraim continues to conduct humanitarian rescue and relief operations around the world. Stronghold Rescue and Relief City of Death by Ephraim Mattos

Episode 128 - Ephraim Mattos

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

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Barry Minkow starting ZZZZ Best Carpet Cleaning in his parent's garage at 16, quickly rising to fame as one of America's youngest self-made millionaires. But, beneath the success was a massive Ponzi scheme with links to the mob, leading to his conviction and first prison sentence. After serving time, he made a pivot to ministry and community service, only to fall from grace once again, this time being convicted on charges of insider trading and tax fraud.  In total, he served 15 years.  After serving his sentence Barry has emerged with a new mission, fraud detection.  He has since helped the government proactively identify 13 cases of financial fraud totalling over 1 billion in victim impact. Tune in as Barry shares insights into his life of highs and lows, the lessons he’s learned, and how he's navigating the path of redemption.  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/  

Barry Minkow - A Journey from Fraud to Fraud Fighter

Clay Garcia is the founder of the Helping Heroes Foundation, an organization that stands as a beacon of support for those who've served, offering vital assistance to disabled veterans as they navigate life after service.  Clay and John have teamed up to create an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference. The Helping Heroes Foundation is hosting an exclusive raffle where the lucky winner will take home a custom Nock On bow crafted by none other than John Dudley himself. If you're a 30 percent disabled veteran, the prize includes more than just a bow – it's an invitation to an unforgettable Iowa whitetail deer hunt. And if you're not a veteran, fear not. You can still be a part of the raffle by nominating a deserving veteran to receive this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you get the bow either way. Tune in to discover how you can contribute to this worthy cause and stand alongside Clay, John, and the Helping Heroes Foundation as they strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who've served our country with honor and courage. Link to the raffle: https://ticketstripe.com/iowaveteranarcheryhunt Link to the Helping Heroes Foundation: https://helpingheroesfoundation.org/  

Clay Garcia and John Dudley - Aim True and Give Back

This should have posted Friday, but did not...Regularly scheduled programming this Friday, listener submitted Q and A:  First, a question from a young Navy corpsman grappling with his identity and future as he transitions to a new duty station, seeking to redefine himself and find purpose. Then, a 26-year-old trucker and soon-to-be-married man shares his fight with obesity and the quest for physical and mental resilience, expressing a desire to protect and a fear of failure. Lastly, something more philosophical with a discussion on the impact of being exposed to the harsh realities of crime from a young age, how does awareness of humanity’s darkest corners affect our psyche and societal responsibilities? The Speed of War Comic Series: https://www.thespeedofwar.com/ Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/  

Inner Battles and Global Shadows

James Arthur Ray, who at his pinnacle was celebrated as a self-help guru with a New York Times bestseller and Oprah's nod of approval. James' world came crashing down following a tragic incident in 2009, sending him to prison, and leaving him 20 million in debt, homelessness, and social exile. It was in this darkest hour that Bersabeh, a survivor of the tumultuous landscapes of Iran, brought a beacon of hope, understanding, and belief in redemption that the world seemed to have withdrawn from James. Together, James and Bersabeh, affectionately known as "Bear," share their incredible tale of resilience, love, and transformation. With over three decades of collective wisdom and insight into human behavior, they are on a mission to revolutionize the personal development industry. They openly discuss their personal stories of adversity, the lessons learned from hitting rock bottom, and how they've used these experiences to forge a new path for others seeking to understand life and themselves better. Whether you're in search of meaning, grappling with life's challenges, or curious about the intricacies of human behavior, James and Bear's journey offers a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of redemption and starting over. 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/  

James Arthur and Bersabeh Ray -  From Rock Bottom to Redemption

Michael Montoya is a veteran with over 15 years of experience in military and security sectors, specializing in EOD/IEDD/CIED/HMA operations. Michael's extensive experience has seen him providing training and operational support across the globe, from the volatile terrains of Iraq and Kurdistan to the challenging environments of Africa and Pakistan. As an independent contractor, his work under the U.S. State Department’s AFRICAP and GPOI initiatives has empowered over 600 trainees. We took a deep dive into Montoya's extensive career, from his days in the United States Marine Corps serving as an EOD team leader in Iraq and Afghanistan to his work as a senior trainer and analyst managing multimillion-dollar budgets for training programs. Michael is now focusing his efforts on Invictus Global Response, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mine action, capacity building, and humanitarian aid in conflict-affected regions. During a recent clearance operation in Ukraine, he tragically lost his foot to a landmine, and is now home rehabbing and preparing for continued operations with IGR. https://www.invictusglobalresponse.org/ 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/  

Episode 128 - Ephraim Mattos

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